About this Research Topic

Background

The spectrum of pulmonary complications in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) ranges from airways and extrapulmonary processes to vascular and interstitial involvement. Among these complications, interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) and pulmonary hypertension constitute a major burden in SARD patients. It is now known that in a subset of patients, ILD will progress despite an appropriate immunosuppressive therapy based on the particular SARD. Progressive pulmonary fibrosis is a new concept characterized by a progressive decline in lung function, worsening symptoms, and/or progression of fibrotic lesions on chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans. The most recent guidelines highlighted the role of antifibrotic drugs in this subgroup of patients. Therefore, there is a crucial unmet need to: i) investigate novel predictive tools for progression, ii) examine pathogenetic mechanisms that could lead to new treatment strategies. Awareness of early detection of respiratory symptoms combined with appropriate diagnostic tools and detailed physical examination can lead to early recognition of respiratory involvement in patients with SARDs. The complex nature of such diseases makes the multidisciplinary approach crucial, especially when a critical therapeutic decision has to be made.

This Research Topic aims to highlight the importance of collaborations among basic researchers, pulmonologists, rheumatologists, radiologists, and others in translational research and clinical management of patients with SARDs and lung involvement. Studies involving rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, inflammatory myopathies, Sjogren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and mixed connective tissue disease can be included. The ultimate goal is to create an article collection that will increase our knowledge about pathogenetic pathways, screening and diagnostic tools, disease course evaluation, and prognostic markers.

Researchers are encouraged to submit original research articles, pharmacological intervention studies, reviews, mini-reviews, perspectives, short communications, as well as theoretical papers, opinions, and methods relevant to this article collection that will cover topics such as:

- genetic and molecular mechanisms associated with lung involvement in patients with SARDs

- screening and diagnostic tools, including clinical markers, biomarkers, and radiological features for each respiratory manifestation

- prognostic markers for disease course, progressive fibrosis, and mortality

- novel treatment options in each respiratory involvement

Keywords: connective tissue diseases (CTDs), interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, inflammatory myositis, systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs)

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