Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared any drug against any drug or placebo in patients with SSc-ILD were eligible for inclusion. Primary outcomes were forced vital capacity and quality of life. Secondary outcomes were total lung capacity, diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), dyspnoea, skin thickness and adverse events. Trials had to have scleroderma lung function as a primary outcome measure. Trials of systemic sclerosis were included if a subgroup of more than 20 patients of SSc-ILD could be identified in the trials.
The included trials studied cyclophosphamide or bosentan with placebo in patients with limited or diffuse systemic sclerosis. All studies reported forced vital capacity and DLCO. Other outcomes, such as total lung capacity and adverse events, were reported.
Two reviewers performed study selection. Disagreements were resolved by discussion.