Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune disease in which lung fibrosis is the most severe complication. Lung fibrosis is the leading cause of death and contributes significantly to disease burden. This thesis focuses on the early detection and treatment of lung fibrosis. The degree of damage to capillaries in the nailfold, measured by nailfold capillaroscopy, as well as the activity of specific proteins in the blood, can help predict the risk of progression of lung fibrosis. Furthermore, home-based lung function measurements appear suitable for detecting decline. Most patients appreciate this possibility and report that it contributes to patient empowerment and better understanding of their disease. Fatigue can also be reliably monitored at home, and notably, fatigue levels fluctuate considerably in some patients. Finally, early treatment does not seem to prevent the development of lung fibrosis.
Arthiha Velauthapillai (born 1992) obtained her Master’s degree in Medicine and a Research Master’s degree in Neuroscience in 2018 from Erasmus University Rotterdam. She subsequently worked as a resident in the Department of Internal Medicine. In October 2020, she began her PhD project in Rheumatology. Currently she started with her traineeship to become a rheumatologist.