Work

Palliative care in systemic sclerosis: incorporating advance care planning into longitudinal care

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Despite advances in rheumatological treatments, patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) suffer with myriad symptoms and experience associated quality of life decrements. Although SSc-related mortality is reported around 53%, there is a paucity of existing literature describing advance care planning and palliative care in SSc. Here we review symptom management burden and strategies by organ manifestation: interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, gastrointestinal involvement, cutaneous and musculoskeletal manifestations and digital ischaemia. Then we review domains of palliative care in the context of SSc including psychosocial support, sharing prognostic information, discussing goals of care, advance care planning and comfort-focused care. Finally we suggest unmet research needs in palliative care and SSc.

Source: Journal of Scleroderma and Related Disorders

DOI: 10.1136/jsrd-2026-000020

Authors: Marissa B Savoie, Jessica L Logeman, Flavia V Castelino

Institutions: Hospital for Special Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,150