SSc-ILD & Vasodilators: Severity Matters
- The effectiveness of vasoactive vasodilating drugs (VVDs) varies in treating systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), a new analysis reveals.
- Adela-Cristina Sarbu from University Hospital zurich and Bern University Hospital in Switzerland, examined data from the European Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR) database. The study included 2,156...
- Progression was assessed at 9- to 15-month intervals, using multiple definitions based on lung function decline and heart association class.
Vasoactive vasodilating drugs (VVDs) show varying effectiveness in treating SSc-ILD,new research reveals. Prostanoids offer protection for patients with milder vasculopathy, while endothelin-receptor antagonists (ERAs) may reduce risk in severe cases. This extensive analysis, drawing data from the EUSTAR database, underscores that the health benefits of these drugs hinge on the severity of the vasculopathy.With over 2,156 patients analyzed, the study pinpoints key differences in how VVDs impact systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease patients. The findings presented at EULAR 2025 emphasize the need for further study. Get the latest insights and analysis from News Directory 3. The protective association between VVD usage and SSc-ILD progression highlights the nuances of treatment. Discover what’s next in the ongoing research of SSc-ILD and vasoactive vasodilators.
Vasoactive Drugs’ Role in Scleroderma-Associated Lung disease
Updated June 15, 2025
The effectiveness of vasoactive vasodilating drugs (VVDs) varies in treating systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), a new analysis reveals. The research, presented at the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) 2025 annual Meeting, suggests prostanoids offer protection for patients with milder vasculopathy. Meanwhile, endothelin-receptor antagonists (eras) appear to reduce the risk of worsening symptoms in those with more severe disease.
The analysis, led by Dr. Adela-Cristina Sarbu from University Hospital zurich and Bern University Hospital in Switzerland, examined data from the European Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR) database. The study included 2,156 patients with SSc-ILD, confirmed via high-resolution CT scans, encompassing nearly 6,000 yearly visits. Researchers evaluated the impact of VVD treatments, including ERAs, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, and prostanoids, administered for at least three months.
Progression was assessed at 9- to 15-month intervals, using multiple definitions based on lung function decline and heart association class. Of the patients, 80% were women, 51% had diffuse skin involvement, and over half tested positive for Scl-70.
The study found prostanoids showed a protective association against disease progression in patients without digital ulcers. ERAs, on the othre hand, were linked to a protective effect against worsening New York Heart Association class, regardless of digital ulcer presence. However, VVD exposure showed no impact on mortality over the median 5.6-year follow-up.
“The beneficial effects of VVDs appear to depend on the severity of the vasculopathy, but further studies are needed to confirm the long-term benefits of VVDs in SSc-ILD,” said Sarbu.
What’s next
Sarbu emphasized the need for further research to solidify these findings and understand the long-term benefits of VVDs in treating ssc-ILD. the study’s limitations include its observational nature,changes in clinical practice during the long follow-up,and data heterogeneity.