title: Consensus best practice pathway of the UK Scleroderma Study Group: digital vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Digital vasculopathy (comprising RP, digital ulceration and critical digital ischaemia) is responsible for much of the pain and disability experienced by patients with SSc. However, there is a limited evidence base to guide clinicians in the management of SSc-related digital vasculopathy. Our aim was to produce recommendations that would be helpful for clinicians, especially for those managing patients outside specialist centres.
  
  
  METHODS
  The UK Scleroderma Study Group set up several working groups to develop a number of consensus best practice pathways for the management of SSc-specific complications, including digital vasculopathy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This overview presents the background and best practice consensus pathways for SSc-related RP, digital ulceration and critical ischaemia. Examples of drug therapies, including doses, are suggested in order to inform prescribing practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A number of treatment algorithms are provided that are intended to provide the clinician with accessible reference tools for use in daily management.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, michael.hughes-6@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.affiliation: Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, London.
authors.forename: Voon H
authors.initials: VH
authors.lastname: Ong
authors.affiliation: Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of Liverpool.
authors.forename: Marina E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.affiliation: Department for Dermatology and Venereology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: Pia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Moinzadeh
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne and.
authors.forename: Bridget
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Griffiths
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Alder Hey Children's Foundation NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK.
authors.forename: Eileen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Baildam
authors.affiliation: Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, London.
authors.forename: Christopher P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Denton
authors.affiliation: Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester.
authors.forename: Ariane L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Herrick
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D019468:Disease Management; D005385:Fingers / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D014456:Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006113:United Kingdom; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: Raynaud’s phenomenon; critical digital ischaemia; digital ulcer; digital vasculopathy; scleroderma; systemic sclerosis