Treatment in Juvenile Scleroderma

AbstractPurpose of ReviewTreatment of scleroderma in children is challenging since little is known about its pathogenesis. Herein, we review the most recent evidence regarding the treatment of juvenile scleroderma.Recent FindingsAccording to the recent recommendations for Pediatric Rheumatology in Europe (SHARE), systemic treatment in localized scleroderma is needed when there is a risk for disability, such as in generalized or pansclerotic morphea and progressive linear scleroderma. In juvenile systemic sclerosis, the introduction of the severity score, J4S, has standardized the assessment of the patients in the daily practice and allowed a more tailored therapeutic approach. Since, to date, no clinical trial is available in JSSc, due to its rarity, the treatment is based on adults ’ experience.SummaryThe recent recommendations for juvenile scleroderma represent an important instrument to standardize the treatment approach, confirm the role of methotrexate, and open new windows for effective experimental treatments, such as mycophenolate mofetil and biological agents, for severe or refractory cases.
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research