An individualized rehabilitation program in patients with systemic sclerosis may improve quality of life and hand mobility.

Few data are available to assess the efficacy of rehabilitative interventions in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We refer here the results of an individualized rehabilitation program in 16 patients with SSc. In particular, when possible, the number of patients who achieved a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was determined.

[Long-term effects of cyclic therapy with iloprost in systemic sclerosis].

Objective: To assess the long-term effects of cyclic infusion of iloprost, a derivative of prostacyclin, on Raynaud's phenomenon-related symptoms and ischemic ulcers in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc).

Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected parameters in 59 consecutive SSc patients, followed at one institution, who were treated for a median time of 52 months with iloprost for severe Raynaud's phenomenon and ischemic ulcers.

Results: Among the 50 patients with ischemic ulcers at the start of therapy, 35 (70%) did not show lesions at the last observation.