Systemic Sclerosis Interstitial Lung Disease: Early Diagnosis and Comprehensive Management

Systemic Sclerosis Interstitial Lung Disease: Early Diagnosis and Comprehensive Management is organized by Medical Communications Media (MCM), Inc. and will be held From Sep 30, 2019 - Sep 30, 2020.

Release Date: Sep 30, 2019
Credit Expiration Date: Sep 30, 2020.

Accreditation:
• Credit Hours - 1.0
• Purdue University designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.™

Description:
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent complication of the autoimmune disorder systemic sclerosis (SSc). SSc-ILD remains a challenging condition to identify, treat, and manage. Early identification of ILD in patients with SSc is critical so that treatment can be initiated as soon as possible. However, utilization of optimal screening and diagnosis strategies is low among healthcare providers. Treatment decisions also represent a significant clinical challenge; a lack of guidance and effective treatments results in suboptimal practice and gaps in knowledge among providers. While new agents are on the horizon, dissemination of clinical trial data and uptake of new agents may be delayed. Monitoring of SSc-ILD patients is equally difficult, and research suggests suboptimal practice related to this aspect of care. Finally, poor patient-provider communication amplifies these challenges and contributes to patient anxiety.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this educational activity, the participant should be able to:
• Discuss the epidemiology of ILD in patients with systemic sclerosis.
• Describe the screening and diagnostic evaluation of patients with SSc for ILD.
• Examine management options for ILD in patients with SSc.
• Review how to monitor progression of ILD and treatment response in SSc-ILD.
• Develop strategies to improve clinician communication with patients with SSc-ILD about their disease.