Preventative Care in Scleroderma What Is the Best Approach to Bone Health and Cancer Screening?

A preventative care approach can help to ameliorate the effect of SSc-related compli-cations, such as OP and malignancies. Clinicians are encouraged to ensure vitamin D levels are in the normal range, as some patients with SSc are at increased risk of defi-ciency despite supplementation. Furthermore, patients should be screened for malnu-trition, and patients identified at risk should undergo appropriate dietary interventions. Bone densities should be ordered using OP guidelines, and treatment may be indi-cated in moderate-to high-risk patients. Last, given the increased risk of malignancies in SSc, patients should be regularly screened in accordance with their specific risk factors.

Automated summary

A preventative care approach is crucial to reduce the impact of SSc-related complications, such as OP and malignancies. Clinicians should ensure vitamin D levels are normal in SSc patients, as some may still be deficient despite supplementation. Nutritional screening should be conducted, with appropriate interventions for at-risk patients. OP guidelines should be followed for bone density testing and treatment for moderate to high-risk patients. Regular screening for malignancies based on individual risk factors is also recommended.