This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Present evidence suggests that pulmonary fibrosis is 40-45% within 10 years of SSc onset. Present evidence suggests that pulmonary fibrosis, which occurs early in the course of SSc, is usually preceded by inflammation which can be detected by examination of cells obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Uncontrolled series suggest that cyclophosphamide (CYC) may stabilize or improve lung function in SSc patients with active alveolitis. We propose to conduct a five-year, 13-center, parallel-group, double-blind, randomized controlled study of oral CYC (1-2 mg/kg/day) versus placebo to assess the efficacy of CYC in stabilizing or improving the course of FVC (as % predicted) in 163 patients with early SSc (within 5 years of clinical disease onset) who are already dyspneic, have a GVC <85% of predicted and exhibit active alveolitis defined as 3% neutrophils or 2% eosinophils in BAL fluid. Secondarily, we will assess the impact of CYC on quality of life (SF36), functional activity (SSc Health Assessment Questionnaire), dyspnea (Mahler Transition Dyspnea Index) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) in these patients. Proven methods for analyzing time-oriented data employed by the investigators in previous controlled studies of scleroderma will be used to evaluate whether oral CYC (1-2mg/kg/day) is better than placebo in improving or preventing worsening of FVC and in improving or preventing worsening of quality of life, functional ability, breathlessness and DLCO.
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