Hand surgical and injectable treatments in systemic sclerosis: A systematic review of published cases.

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Introduction Systemic sclerosis is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect the hands leading to a deterioration in function. Unfortunately, current medical treatments are considered insufficient to improve patients' quality of life. However, innovative surgical and injectable treatments are available. Patients and methods A systematic review of the literature on surgical and injectable treatments available to hand surgeons was carried out according to the PRISMA criteria. All the articles selected were analysed qualitatively and descriptively, and where possible the extracted data were summarised quantitatively. Results and discussion Twenty-nine articles were therefore included, comprising 704 patients and 546 procedures. Nine different treatments were identified. Botulinum toxin injections have shown promising clinical results in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon, digital ulcers and pain, but have not been confirmed in randomised placebo-controlled trials. Injections of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction showed positive results in Raynaud's phenomenon, digital ulcer, pain and function, but not in randomised placebo-controlled trials. Autologous fat grafting has shown significant results in Raynaud Phenomenon (RP) and digital ulcers (DUs) healing and prevention. Peripheral sympathectomy has shown moderate beneficial effects with frequent adverse events, and sh

Evidence level

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

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