Examining the Case for Palliative Care in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex, multiorgan disease that causes substantial and progressive symptoms and impairs quality of life. International guidelines recommend early, integrated palliative care for patients with advanced cardiopulmonary disease, such as heart failure and interstitial lung disease, as this care can improve patient, caregiver, and healthcare outcomes. In this article, we examine the potential need and role for palliative care in SSc. We propose that early, integrated palliative care could improve symptom control and quality of life and recommend a research agenda for palliative care in SSc to address the lack of evidence in this area.

Keywords: caregivers; palliative care; patient-centered care; quality of life; symptom burden; systemic sclerosis (systemic scleroderma).