Factors influencing early referral, early diagnosis and management in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To gain insight into clinical practice regarding referral, early diagnosis and other aspects of the management of patients with dcSSc in Europe and the USA.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 84 rheumatologists (or internal medicine physicians) and 40 dermatologists in different countries (the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the USA). Physicians were asked to identify key steps in the patient pathway relating to patient presentation, diagnosis and referral, in addition to other treatment and follow-up processes.

Results

The interviewed physicians reported that late presentation with dcSSc was common, with some patients presenting to primary care physicians after symptoms had persisted for up to 1 year. Awareness of dcSSc is reported

SUBMITTER: Distler O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5913641 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature