Multi-Organ System Screening, Care, and Patient Support in Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogenous systemic autoimmune disease of complex multi-organ manifestations with a disease-specific mortality of >50%. The patient journey is fraught with severe, diverse, and diffuse physical impairment, psychological burden, and diminishing health-related quality of life. SSc remains unfamiliar to many clinicians. Delayed/misdiagnosis, inadequate screening, and attention for common complications with potentially preventable disability/death contribute to patients feeling isolated and unsupported. We present actionable standards including screening, anticipatory guidance, and counseling in patient-centered SSc-care emphasizing psycho-social health as the central goal, whereas robust vigilance and efforts to improve biophysical health and survival are imperatives that support this goal.