In summary, the majority of SSc patients briefly discontinued iloprost therapy during COVID-19 epidemic. The regular contact with them allowed tailored management, optimizing the timing of iloprost therapy restart. In fact, patients who discontinued the therapy did not experience an increase in the number of new DUs, but a slight increase in their severity. While this observation reflects the importance of therapeutic continuity, it should be noted that the optimal regimen (dosage, duration, and frequency) of iloprost infusions is not yet fully defined.3 DUCAS proved to be a useful tool for the rheumatologist in evaluating DUs. COVID-19 had serious consequences in the two SSc patients of this cohort who suffered it. The impact of COVID-19 on SSc patients is still not defined, and strategies to improve their management have been suggested.4–6
Impact of COVID-19 on outpatient therapy with iloprost for systemic sclerosis digital ulcers
Francesca Crisafulli;Maria-Grazia Lazzaroni;Stefania Zingarelli;Angela Tincani;Franco Franceschini;Paolo Airò
2021-01-01
Abstract
In summary, the majority of SSc patients briefly discontinued iloprost therapy during COVID-19 epidemic. The regular contact with them allowed tailored management, optimizing the timing of iloprost therapy restart. In fact, patients who discontinued the therapy did not experience an increase in the number of new DUs, but a slight increase in their severity. While this observation reflects the importance of therapeutic continuity, it should be noted that the optimal regimen (dosage, duration, and frequency) of iloprost infusions is not yet fully defined.3 DUCAS proved to be a useful tool for the rheumatologist in evaluating DUs. COVID-19 had serious consequences in the two SSc patients of this cohort who suffered it. The impact of COVID-19 on SSc patients is still not defined, and strategies to improve their management have been suggested.4–6I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
