Modified-release sildenafil reduces Raynaud's phenomenon attack frequency in limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis

2023 Brazilian Society of Rheumatology guidelines for the treatment of systemic sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic autoimmune disease with heterogeneous manifestations. In the last decade, several clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate new treatment options for SSc. The purpose of this work is to update the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology in light of the new evidence available for the pharmacological management of SSc.

METHODS

A systematic review including randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for predefined questions that were elaborated according to the Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) strategy was conducted. The rating of the available evidence was performed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. To become a recommendation, at least 75% agreement of the voting panel was needed.

RESULTS

Six recommendations were elaborated regarding the pharmacological treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon, the treatment (healing) and prevention of digital ulcers, skin involvement, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and gastrointestinal involvement in SSc patients based on results available from RCTs. New drugs, such as rituximab, were included as therapeutic options for skin involvement, and rituximab, tocilizumab and nintedanib were included as therapeutic options for ILD. Recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of scleroderma renal crisis and musculoskeletal involvement were elaborated based on the expert opinion of the voting panel, as no placebo-controlled RCTs were found.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines updated and incorporated new treatment options for the management of SSc based on evidence from the literature and expert opinion regarding SSc, providing support for decision-making in clinical practice.

Systematic literature review to inform the Portuguese recommendations for the management of Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis and other connective tissue diseases

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic literature review (SLR) aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and digital ulcers (DU) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and other connective tissue diseases (CTD), in order to inform the Portuguese recommendations for managing RP and DU in these patients.

METHODS

A SLR was conducted until May 2022 to identify studies assessing the efficacy and safety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for RP and DU in SSc and other CTD. Eligible study designs included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials, and their extensions for assessing efficacy and safety of interventions. Observational studies with a comparator were included for evaluating the efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological interventions and safety of pharmacological interventions. The risk of bias of each study was assessed using standard tools.

RESULTS

Out of 71 publications meeting the inclusion criteria, 59 evaluated pharmacological and 12 non-pharmacological interventions. We found moderate quality evidence supporting the efficacy of calcium channel blockers, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, and intravenous prostacyclin analogues in reducing RP frequency, severity, and duration. Intravenous iloprost had a small to moderate effect size in improving DU healing. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors were effective in reducing total DU count, new DU occurrence, and enhancing DU healing. Bosentan effectively prevented new DU in SSc patients. No new safety concerns were associated with these treatments. The studies on non-pharmacological interventions were, in general, of low quality, and had a small sample size. Warming measures decreased frequency and duration of RP attacks; laser therapy improved RP-related outcomes; local oxygen-ozone therapy improved RP outcomes as an add-on therapy; bone marrow mononuclear cell implantation improved DU-associated pain; periarterial sympathectomy and vascular bypass reduced DU number and finger amputation risk.

CONCLUSION

The available evidence supports the efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions, namely nifedipine, sildenafil, iloprost, and bosentan in treating RP and DU in patients with SSc and other CTD. Scarce and low-quality evidence does support the use of some non-pharmacological interventions but with only a modest effect size. This SLR underscores the limited availability of high-quality evidence for determining the optimal treatment.

The 'whole landscape' of research on systemic sclerosis over the past 73 years

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyse existing research on systemic sclerosis (SSc) conducted over the past 73 years to develop an essential reference for a comprehensive and objective understanding of this field of inquiry.

METHODS

Using the Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, and Scopus databases as data sources for the bibliometric analysis, we searched for published literature related to SSc over the past 73 years. The Bibliometrix package was used to analyse key bibliometric indicators, such as annual publication volume, countries, journals, author contributions, and research hotspots.

RESULTS

From 1970 to 2022, the number of SSc articles steadily increased, reaching its peak in 2020-2022, with approximately 1200 papers published in each of these three years. Matucci-Cerinic et al.'s team published the most articles (425). The United States (11,282), Italy (7027), and France (5226) were the most predominant contexts. The most influential scholars in the field were Denton, Leroy, Steen, and Khanna, with H-indices of 86, 84, and 83, respectively. Arthritis and Rheumatism was the most influential journal in this field (H-index 142). High-frequency keywords in the SSc field included fibrosis (738), inflammation (242), vasculopathy (145), fibroblasts (120), and autoantibodies (118) with respect to pathogenesis, and interstitial lung disease (ILD, 708), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, 696), and Raynaud's phenomenon (326) with regards to clinical manifestations.

CONCLUSION

In the past three years, SSc research has entered a period of rapid development, mainly driven by research institutions in Europe and the United States. The most influential journal has been Arthritis and Rheumatism, and autoimmune aspects, vasculopathy, fibrogenesis, PAH, and ILD remain the focus of current research and indicate trends in future research.

Part II: The treatment of primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon

Raynaud phenomenon (RP) presents with either primary or secondary disease, and both have the potential to negatively impact patient quality of life. First-line management of RP should include lifestyle modifications in all patients. Some patients with primary RP and most with secondary RP require pharmacologic therapies, which may include calcium channel blockers, topical nitrates, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, or endothelin antagonists. Additional approaches to treatment for those with signs of critical ischemia or those who fail pharmacologic therapy include botulinum toxin injection and digital sympathectomy. Herein, we describe in detail the treatment options for patients with RP as well as provide treatment algorithms for each RP subtype.

Exploring the Multifaceted Potential of Sildenafil in Medicine

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) is pivotal in cellular signalling, regulating cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels crucial for smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. By targeting cGMP for degradation, PDE5 inhibits sustained vasodilation. PDE5 operates in diverse anatomical regions, with its upregulation linked to various pathologies, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Sildenafil, a selective PDE5 inhibitor, is prescribed for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, considering the extensive roles of PDE5, sildenafil might be useful in other pathologies. This review aims to comprehensively explore sildenafil's therapeutic potential across medicine, addressing a gap in the current literature. Recognising sildenafil's broader potential may unveil new treatment avenues, optimising existing approaches and broadening its clinical application.

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) for the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon

BACKGROUND

Raynaud's phenomenon is a vasodilatory phenomenon characterised by digital pallor, cyanosis, and pain of the extremities. Primary Raynaud's phenomenon has no underlying disease associated with it, while secondary Raynaud's phenomenon is associated with connective tissue disorders such as systemic sclerosis. Systemic sclerosis causes fibrosis and commonly affects the skin and internal organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, kidney, and heart. Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) are a class of drugs that increases blood flow to the extremities and may be beneficial in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of PDE5i compared to placebo for the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, and clinical trial registries up to June 2022. We did not apply any language restrictions. We searched the bibliographies of retrieved articles and contacted key experts in the field for additional and unpublished data.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PDE5i to placebo in people with primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

This review included nine RCTs which ranged in duration from four to eight weeks and included a total of 411 participants. The majority had Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to systemic sclerosis. Tadalafil was assessed in four studies, sildenafil in three studies, vardenafil in one study, and a new PDE5 inhibitor known as "PF-00489791" in one study. Three studies were parallel design and six studies were cross-over. The frequency of attacks per week was 24 with placebo and PDE5i reduced the frequency of attacks by an average of three attacks per week (mean difference (MD) -3.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) -5.15 to -1.00; 8 studies; low-certainty evidence). The duration of attacks per day was 55 minutes with placebo and PDE5i reduced the duration of attacks by an average of five minutes (MD -5.31, 95% CI -8.90 to -1.71; 8 studies; low-certainty evidence). Very low-certainty evidence from one study with eight participants showed severity of Raynaud's attacks (assessed on a 10 cm visual analogue scale with lower scores indicating less severity) was 20% lower with a PDE5i (3.7 with placebo compared to 1.6 with treatment; MD -2.1, 95% CI -2.7 to 1.4; very low-certainty evidence). Pain and patient global assessment were assessed on a 10 cm visual analogue scale with lower scores indicating improvement. Low-certainty evidence showed that the use of PDE5i may result in little to no difference compared to placebo in reducing the average pain of Raynaud's attacks (3 to 2.9; MD -0.10, 95% CI -0.78 to 0.57; 4 studies). Global scores were 36% lower with the use of a PDE5i compared to placebo (9.2 to 5.6; MD -3.59, 95% CI -4.45 to -2.73; 1 study, 24 participants; low-certainty evidence). The rate of withdrawals during treatment with PDE5i ranged from 4% to 20% compared with 2% in the placebo group in five studies. Four studies reported no withdrawals due to adverse events. Seven studies reported no serious adverse events. The rate of serious adverse events reported in two studies ranged from 2% during treatment to 4% with placebo. The majority of the studies were judged as low or unclear risk of bias for selection, performance, and detection bias. Almost half were judged at high risk of attrition bias and unclear risk for selective reporting bias. We downgraded frequency of attacks, duration of attacks, pain intensity, and patient global assessment for small sample sizes and concerns about inconsistency and graded each as low certainty of evidence. We downgraded severity of attacks to very low certainty due to serious concerns about imprecision and publication bias. We downgraded withdrawals due to adverse events and serious adverse events to moderate certainty of evidence due to a low number of reported events.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on low-certainty evidence, PDE5i may reduce the frequency of attacks of Raynaud's phenomenon by a small amount per week, result in a small reduction in the duration of attack, improve patients' global assessment of their disease, and result in little to no difference in pain. PDE5i probably result in little or no difference in serious adverse events but slightly increase the likelihood of withdrawing from treatment due to an adverse event.

Domain reporting in systemic sclerosis-related Raynaud's phenomenon: An OMERACT scoping review

BACKGROUND

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a cardinal feature of SSc and is associated with significant disease-related morbidity that impacts on quality of life. The assessment of SSc-RP is challenging. The aim of this scoping review was to evaluate the outcome domains studied and outcome measures used in clinical studies of SSc-RP.

METHODS

Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were used to identify randomized control trials (RCTs), quasi-randomized studies, case-control studies, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case series, and cross-sectional studies of adult participants with SSc-associated RP, written in English. A minimum of 25 participants for studies of imaging modalities and 40 participants for questionnaire-based studies was required for inclusion. Basic laboratory and genetic studies were excluded. No limitations were imposed based on intervention, comparator, or study setting. Study characteristics and primary and secondary target domains in each study were recorded.

RESULTS

58 studies (24 randomized clinical trials) were included in the final analysis. The commonest domains captured were severity of attacks (n=35), frequency of attacks (n=28), and duration of attacks (n=19). Objective assessments of digital perfusion were also commonly used in studies of SSc-RP.

CONCLUSION

The outcome domains and the associated outcomes used to assess the impact of SSc-RP in research studies are broad and have varied across studies. The results of this study will inform the OMERACT Vascular Disease in Systemic Sclerosis Working Group to establish a core set of disease domains encompassing the impact of RP in SSc.

Practical management of Raynaud's phenomenon - a primer for practicing physicians

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a common vasospastic condition that results in digital hypoperfusion in response to cold and/or emotional stress and is associated with significant pain and disability. The aim of our review is to provide a practical approach for clinicians to inform assessment and management of patients with RP.

RECENT FINDINGS

Autoantibodies and nailfold capillaroscopy are key investigations to stratify the risk of progression to systemic sclerosis (SSc) in patients RP, which was recently confirmed in the multicenter, very early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (VEDOSS) project. Research has explored the complex lived-patient experience of RP including digital vasculopathy in SSc and has highlighted the need for outcome measure development to facilitate research in the field. Pharmacological treatment strategies vary significantly internationally and there is continued interest in developing surgical approaches.

SUMMARY

We provide a practical and up-to-date approach to inform the assessment and management of patients with RP including guidance on drug initiation and escalation. Calcium channel blockers are first-line treatment and can be initiated by primary care physicians. We also highlight second-line drug therapies used for refractory RP and the potential role for surgical intervention.

Management of Endothelial Dysfunction in Systemic Sclerosis: Current and Developing Strategies

Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease marked by dysregulation of the immune system, tissue fibrosis and dysfunction of the vasculature. Vascular damage, remodeling and inadequate endothelial repair are hallmarks of the disease. Since early stages of SSc, damage and apoptosis of endothelial cells (ECs) can lead to perivascular inflammation, oxidative stress and tissue hypoxia, resulting in multiple clinical manifestations. Raynaud's phenomenon, edematous puffy hands, digital ulcers, pulmonary artery hypertension, erectile dysfunction, scleroderma renal crisis and heart involvement severely affect quality of life and survival. Understanding pathogenic aspects and biomarkers that reflect endothelial damage in SSc is essential to guide therapeutic interventions. Treatment approaches described for SSc-associated vasculopathy include pharmacological options to improve blood flow and tissue perfusion and, more recently, cellular therapy to enhance endothelial repair, promote angiogenesis and heal injuries. This mini-review examines the current knowledge on cellular and molecular aspects of SSc vasculopathy, as well as established and developing therapeutic approaches for improving the vascular compartment.

Systemic sclerosis: Update for oral health care providers

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disease of unknown origin characterized by an uncontrolled inflammatory process resulting in fibrosis of the skin, internal organs and vasculopathy. Manifestations of SSc are heterogenous and can include pulmonary, cardiac, neural, renal, muscular, cutaneous and orofacial complications. Recent scientific advances have led to a better understanding of disease etiopathogenesis and the development of a new classification system. Therapeutic management is often multidisciplinary and targeted toward the affected organs. Oral health care providers (OHCPs) should be familiar with SSc, particularly as it relates to its impact on the orofacial region and modifications to delivery of oral health care for patients with this condition.

The Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor Sildenafil Improves DNA Stability and Redox Homeostasis in Systemic Sclerosis Fibroblasts Exposed to Reactive Oxygen Species

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multi-system connective tissue disease characterized by the increased deposition of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen and fibronectin. Although the pathogenesis is not completely understood, a number of studies suggest that free radicals could be the major contributors to the disease. Indeed, different studies demonstrated how oxidative stress could contribute to the fibrotic process activation at the level of the skin and visceral organs. Emerging evidences highlight the beneficial effects of sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i), which protects different cell lines from the cell damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). These data make sildenafil a good candidate for therapeutic treatment aimed to protect biological macromolecules against oxidative damage, thus preserving cell viability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of SSc dermal fibroblasts to an oxidative insult and the ability for sildenafil to prevent/reduce the DNA damage due to ROS action. Additionally, we evaluated the capacity for sildenafil to influence redox homeostasis and cytotoxicity, as well as cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. We demonstrated that SSc fibroblasts have an increased sensitivity to a pro-oxidant environment in comparison to healthy controls. The sildenafil treatment reduced ROS-induced DNA damage, counteracted the negative effects of ROS on cell viability and proliferation, and promoted the activity of specific enzymes involved in redox homeostasis maintenance. To our knowledge, in this report, we demonstrate, for the first time, that sildenafil administration prevents ROS-induced instability in human dermal fibroblasts isolated by SSc patients. These results expand the use of PDE5i as therapeutic agents in SSc by indicating a protective role in tissue damage induced by oxidative insult.

Current and Future Outlook on Disease Modification and Defining Low Disease Activity in Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune rheumatic disease with heterogeneous clinical manifestations and a variable course in which the severity of the pathology dictates the disease prognosis and course. Among autoimmune rheumatic diseases, SSc has the highest mortality rate among all rheumatic diseases, though there are exciting new therapeutic targets that appear to halt the progression of SSc manifestations such as skin or lung fibrosis. In selected patients, high-intensity regimens with autologous stem cell transplantation can favorably modify the course. In what was once thought to be an untreatable disease, targeted therapies have now changed the outlook of SSc to a treatable disorder. Herein, we discuss the targeted therapies modifying the outlook on selected organ involvement and creating opportunities for future treatment. We also present a framework for defining low disease activity in SSc.

Wound, pressure ulcer and burn guidelines - 4: Guidelines for the management of connective tissue disease/vasculitis-associated skin ulcers

The Japanese Dermatological Association prepared guidelines focused on the treatment of skin ulcers associated with connective tissue disease/vasculitis practical in clinical settings of dermatological care. Skin ulcers associated with connective tissue diseases or vasculitis occur on the background of a wide variety of diseases including, typically, systemic sclerosis but also systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), various vasculitides and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS). Therefore, in preparing the present guidelines, we considered diagnostic/therapeutic approaches appropriate for each of these disorders to be necessary and developed algorithms and clinical questions for systemic sclerosis, SLE, dermatomyositis, RA, vasculitis and APS.

Comparative efficacy and safety of treatments for secondary Raynaud's phenomenon: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised trials

BACKGROUND

Several pharmacological treatments are available for secondary Raynaud's phenomenon, but there is uncertainty regarding the best options. We aimed to assess and compare the benefits and harms of treatments available for secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.

METHOD

We did a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of pharmacological treatments. We searched for systematic reviews published in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews up to Jan 31, 2017, and for RCTs published from inception to Sept 24, 2019 in MEDLINE, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We included double-blind RCTs (parallel or crossover) that compared two or more pharmacological treatments or placebo in patients with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Individual patient data were obtained for one unpublished RCT. Three researchers independently screened the texts and extracted the data. Efficacy outcomes included severity (on a ten-point scale), daily frequency, and mean duration of Raynaud's phenomenon attacks. We also examined tolerability and acceptability. Pairwise meta-analyses and Bayesian random-effects network meta-analyses were used to synthesise data. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017057518).

FINDINGS

We included 58 RCTs in the analysis, comprising 3867 patients (3540 [91·5%] with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon) and 15 classes of drugs. Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors were more effective than placebo for frequency (mean difference -0·36 [95% credibility interval -0·69 to -0·04]), severity (-0·34 [-0·66 to -0·03]), and duration (-3·42 [-6·62 to -0·29]) of attacks (low to moderate level of evidence). Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) were superior to placebo for frequency (-0·35 [-0·67 to -0·02]) and severity (-0·84 [-1·25 to -0·45]) of attacks (low level of evidence). For severity of attacks, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (-1·54 [-2·68 to -0·41]; very low level of evidence) and oral prostacyclin receptor agonists (-0·48 [-0·80 to -0·16]; low level of evidence) were superior to placebo. No other drug classes were significantly superior to placebo with regard to efficacy outcomes. Compared with placebo, tolerability was lower for PDE5 inhibitors (incidence rate ratio for serious adverse events or early study exit due to adverse events 3·30 [95% CrI 1·49 to 7·55]) and CCBs (3·13 [1·33 to 7·04]). For all outcomes, global heterogeneity and between-study variance ranged from low (I2=0% and τ2=0·0 for attack severity and duration) to moderate (I2=41% and τ2=0·2 for tolerability). The overall risk of bias was judged to be low in 22 (38%), high in ten (17%), and unclear in 26 (45%) RCTs.

INTERPRETATION

PDE5 inhibitors and CCBs are the most effective pharmacological options, albeit with moderate efficacy and a low level of evidence. Current evidence does not support the use of any other drug in secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.

FUNDING

None.

The patient experience of Raynaud's phenomenon in systemic sclerosis

RP is the most common manifestation of SSc and a major cause of disease-related morbidity. This review provides a detailed appraisal of the patient experience of SSc-RP and potential implications for disease classification, patient-reported outcome instrument development and SSc-RP clinical trial design. The review explores the clinical features of SSc-RP, the severity and burden of SSc-RP symptoms and the impact of SSc-RP on function, work and social participation, body image dissatisfaction and health-related quality of life in SSc. Where management of SSc-RP is concerned, the review focuses on the 'patient experience' of interventions for SSc-RP, examining geographic variation in clinical practice and potential barriers to the adoption of treatment recommendations concerning best-practice management of SSc-RP. Knowledge gaps are highlighted that could form the focus of future research. A more thorough understanding of the patient experience could support the development of novel reported outcome instruments for assessing SSc-RP.

Evolving Symptom Characteristics of Raynaud's Phenomenon in Systemic Sclerosis and Their Association With Physician and Patient-Reported Assessments of Disease Severity

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is reliant on self-report. The Raynaud's Condition Score (RCS) diary assumes discrete episodic RP attacks, although not all SSc patients identify with this paradigm. We investigated the clinical associations of SSc-RP symptom characteristics and the evolution of SSc-RP symptoms with disease progression.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study at UK and US sites captured digital color changes of SSc-RP and patients' ability to identify with diagrammatic representations (and descriptive stems) of 4 distinct theoretical SSc-RP patterns (progressing severity A through D) reflecting progressively severe SSc-RP experiences. SSc-RP self-management and symptom evolution were explored. Patient demographics, the clinical phenotype, the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ), the 2-week RCS diary, and patient and physician global assessments were collected.

RESULTS

We enrolled 107 patients with SSc (with questionnaires returned by 94). A higher number of self-reported digital color changes of SSc-RP were associated with increased SSc-RP symptom severity but not with the SSc clinical phenotype. Patients could identify with distinct patterns of SSc-RP. These patterns were associated with disease duration, global disease severity, and conceptually linked physician and patient assessments of peripheral vascular severity (e.g., SHAQ RP subscale and RCS diary parameters), but not with conceptually unrelated outcomes (e.g., SHAQ breathing subscale). SSc-RP characteristics and symptom severity evolve during the disease course.

CONCLUSION

Patients identify with distinct patterns of SSc-RP that may relate to progression of the obliterative microangiopathy of SSc. Difficulty distinguishing discrete SSc-RP attacks from persistent digital ischemia in patients with advanced SSc could influence diary-based approaches to assessing SSc-RP, with implications for future clinical trials.

Raynaud's phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon can be either primary (idiopathic) or secondary to underlying disease including systemic sclerosis. Primary Raynaud's phenomenon is very common, affecting approximately 3%-5% of the general population. Although much rarer, systemic sclerosis-related Raynaud's phenomenon can be particularly severe, progressing to digital ulceration in approximately 50% of patients. Raynaud's phenomenon can have a major impact on quality of life. This review has a focus on the systemic sclerosis-related Raynaud's phenomenon (which is the most researched form of Raynaud's phenomenon and probably the most challenging to treat) and on recent advances. Epidemiology (including transition from 'isolated' to systemic sclerosis-related Raynaud's phenomenon), pathogenesis, diagnosis and assessment are discussed, followed by the treatment of both 'uncomplicated' and 'complicated' Raynaud's phenomena (i.e. Raynaud's phenomenon which has progressed to digital ulceration and/or critical ischaemia). Finally, some of the major challenges for the next 5-10 years are highlighted.

Factors Influencing Raynaud Condition Score Diary Outcomes in Systemic Sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Raynaud phenomenon (RP) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) could be influenced by clinical phenotype, environmental factors (e.g., season), and personal factors (e.g., coping strategies and ill-health perceptions). We studied the relative influence of a range of putative factors affecting patient-reported assessment of SSc-RP severity.

METHODS

SSc patients were enrolled at UK and US sites. Participants completed the 2-week Raynaud Condition Score (RCS) diary alongside collection of patient demographics, clinical phenotype, the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ), and both patient/physician visual analog scale (VAS) assessments for RP, digital ulcer disease, and global disease. Environmental temperature data were obtained at each site. A second RCS diary was completed 6 months after enrollment.

RESULTS

We enrolled 107 patients (baseline questionnaires returned by 94). There were significant associations between RCS diary variables and both catastrophizing and coping strategies. There were significant associations between RCS diary outcomes and both environmental temperature and season of enrollment. Age, disease duration, sex, disease subtype, smoking, and vasodilator use were not associated with RCS diary outcomes. The best-fitting multivariate model identified the patient RP VAS, SHAQ pain VAS, and SHAQ gastrointestinal VAS subscales as the strongest independent predictors of the RCS.

CONCLUSION

Patient-reported assessment of SSc-RP severity is associated with a number of factors including pain, catastrophizing, and coping strategies. The effects of seasonal variation in environmental temperature on SSc-RP burden has implications for clinical trial design. Treatments targeting SSc-RP pain and the development of behavioral interventions enhancing coping strategies may reduce the burden of SSc-RP.

Effect of prolonged treatment with phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors on endothelial dysfunction in vascular diseases and vascular risk conditions: A systematic review analysis and meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To challenge the argument that continuous use of phosphodiesterase-5-selective inhibitors may reduce endothelial cell dysfunction in patients with vascular diseases or vascular risk conditions.

DESIGN

This study included systematic reviews and meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials dealing with the prolonged use of phosphodiesterase-5-selective inhibitors. The risk of bias and quality of trials were assessed by the Cochrane algorithm. Fixed or random effect models, standardised mean differences and heterogeneity were estimated in the study.

DATA SOURCES

Systematic search for randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials was done in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Science direct and the Cochrane Library.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials reporting measures of endothelial cell dysfunction and/or endothelial cell activation were included.

RESULTS

On the whole, 469 subjects were allocated to the phosphodiesterase-5-selective inhibitor group, while 463 were assigned to the placebo group in 13 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials. Flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery was found to improve after the administration of phosphodiesterase-5-selective inhibitors (P < 0.0001). The results were questioned by the elevated and uncorrectable heterogeneity (I²  = 92%) and the asymmetry of the funnel plot suggested a publication bias. Phosphodiesterase-5-selective inhibitors have no effect on endothelial cell dysfunction, as assessed in the resistance vessels by digital arterial tonometry. The blood level of endothelin-1 was observed to be decreased in phosphodiesterase-5-selective inhibitors arm (P = 0.03), although the effect disappeared once the publication bias and heterogeneity were corrected. The effect of phosphodiesterase-5-selective inhibitors on biomarkers of endothelial cell activation was found to be inconsistent.

CONCLUSIONS

The results on the benefits of a prolonged use of phosphodiesterase-5-selective inhibitors, with the objective of lowering endothelial cell dysfunction in patients with vascular diseases or vascular risk conditions are not convincing. This is because of the overall low quality of evidence, giving an unclear scientific support to this treatment. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO registration: CRD42017055399.

An Interim Report of the Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Working Groups

The Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium (SCTC) represents many of the clinical researchers in the world who are interested in improving the efficiency of clinical trials in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). The SCTC has established 11 working groups (WGs) to develop and validate better ways of measuring and recording multiple aspects of this heterogeneous disease. These include groups working on arthritis, disease damage, disease activity, cardiac disease, juvenile SSc, the gastrointestinal tract, vascular component, calcinosis, scleroderma renal crisis, interstitial lung disease, and skin measurement. Members of the SCTC may join any one or more of these groups. Some of the WGs have only recently started their work, some are nearing completion of their mandated tasks and others are in the midst of their projects. All these projects, which are described in this paper, will help to improve clinical trials and observational studies by improving or developing better, more sensitive ways of measuring various aspects of the disease. As Lord Kelvin stated, "To measure is to know. If you cannot measure it you cannot improve it." The SCTC is dedicated to improving the lives of patients with SSc and it is our hope that the contributions of the WGs will be one important step in this process.

Pharmacotherapy Options in the Management of Raynaud's Phenomenon

Purpose of review

Multiple classes of medications have been studied for the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) with or without digital ischemia. The goal of this review is to discuss the outcomes of recent studies and to report on our approach to the management of RP in light of the available evidence.

Recent findings

Comparing treatments for RP remains a challenge as efficacy endpoint vary widely among trials. While calcium channel blockers are used first-line in the pharmacologic management of RP, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors have also been shown to be beneficial in reducing symptoms. In the setting of digital ischemia, administration of intravenous prostanoids is the standard of care. Bosentan has shown benefit in the prevention of future ulcers in patients with scleroderma. Botulinum toxin therapy was ineffective in a clinical trial involving scleroderma patients; more controlled studies are needed in other subsets of patients. Digital sympathectomy may be beneficial in cases of critical digital ischemia, though recurrence of symptoms is common.

Summary

Comparative effectiveness studies are needed to determine which therapeutic interventions are most beneficial in patients with RP. Based on the available evidence, we start with CCBs and add a phosphodiesterase inhibitor if symptoms are not controlled, or intravenous prostacyclin in the setting of severe critical digital ischemia. We may additionally add an endothelial receptor antagonist in cases of recurrent digital ulcers. A surgical sympathectomy may be used in refractory cases of digital ischemia. A digital block may also be a less invasive, but temporary, intervention allowing for titration of medical therapy.

The contemporary management of systemic sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by vascular dysfunction, fibrosis, inflammation and autoantibodies. The pathophysiology of SSc is not completely understood, and many patients acquire organ or tissue damage despite advances in treatment. Current treatments target affected organs with modest improvements. Areas covered: This review evaluates several treatment strategies for SSc based on involved organs including skin, pulmonary, cardiac, renal, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal. Currently, pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease are the primary causes of increased mortality. We will outline an approach to treatment of SSc based on disease manifestations and current evidence. Expert commentary: This complex disease is currently treated with therapies developed for similar indications such as for vascular manifestations of SSc using idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension treatments. Future directions in this field may include combination and maintenance therapy that is currently used in other autoimmune diseases, and tailoring these treatments according to the patients' phenotype. This will hopefully increase the efficacy of available treatments and decrease mortality from SSc.

Diagnostic criteria, severity classification and guidelines of systemic sclerosis

Several effective drugs have been identified for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, in advanced cases, not only their effectiveness is reduced but they may be also harmful due to their side-effects. Therefore, early diagnosis and early treatment is most important for the treatment of SSc. We established diagnostic criteria for SSc in 2003 and early diagnostic criteria for SSc in 2011, for the purpose of developing evaluation of each organ in SSc. Moreover, in November 2013, the American College of Rheumatology and the European Rheumatology Association jointly developed new diagnostic criteria for increasing their sensitivity and specificity, so we revised our diagnostic criteria and severity classification of SSc. Furthermore, we have revised the clinical guideline based on the newest evidence. In particular, the clinical guideline was established by clinical questions based on evidence-based medicine according to the New Minds Clinical Practice Guideline Creation Manual (version 1.0). We aimed to make the guideline easy to use and reliable based on the newest evidence, and to present guidance as specific as possible for various clinical problems in treatment of SSc.

The challenge of establishing treatment efficacy for cutaneous vascular manifestations of systemic sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

The cutaneous vascular manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc) comprise Raynaud's phenomenon, cutaneous ulceration, telangiectasia formation and critical digital ischaemia; each of which are associated with significant disease-related morbidity. Despite the availability of multiple classes of vasodilator therapy, many of which have been the subject of RCTs, a limited number of pharmacological interventions are currently approved for the management of cutaneous vascular manifestations of SSc. Areas covered: A major challenge has been demonstrating treatment efficacy with examples of promising therapies yielding contrasting results in controlled trial settings. Differences between consensus best-practice guidelines, evidence-based recommendations and marketing approvals in different jurisdictions has resulted in geographic variation in clinical practice concerning the management of cutaneous vascular manifestations of SSc. Difficulty demonstrating treatment efficacy risks waning industry engagement for drug development programmes in this field. This article highlights the key challenges in establishing treatment efficacy and barriers that must be overcome to support successful clinical trial programmes across the spectrum of cutaneous vascular manifestations of SSc. Expert commentary: The paucity of approved treatments for cutaneous vascular manifestations of SSc relates as much to challenges in clinical trial design and the need for reliable clinical trial endpoints, as to lack of therapeutic options.

Systemic sclerosis: Current concepts of skin and systemic manifestations

Systemic sclerosis is an uncommon autoimmune connective tissue disease with multiorgan system involvement and significant associated morbidity and mortality. Cutaneous signs and clinical manifestations are of particular importance, as they may be recognized before systemic manifestations, allowing earlier risk stratification into the limited and diffuse cutaneous subtypes, as well as earlier initiation of treatment. Important cutaneous manifestations include Raynaud's phenomenon, digital ulcers, cutaneous sclerosis, calcinosis cutis, telangiectasias, pruritus, and dyspigmentation. Despite investigation of a wide variety of treatments, no FDA-approved pharmacologic therapies exist for systemic sclerosis, and data from high-quality studies are limited. In the following review, we will discuss skin-directed therapies. Although there is evidence to support specific treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon, digital ulcers, and cutaneous sclerosis, there are limited rigorous studies evaluating the treatment of other cutaneous signs and clinical manifestations. Additional randomized-controlled trials and large observational studies are necessary to develop future evidence-based treatment options.

Efficacy and Safety of Selexipag in Adults With Raynaud's Phenomenon Secondary to Systemic Sclerosis: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase II Study

Objective

To determine the effect of selexipag, an oral, selective IP prostacyclin receptor agonist, on the frequency of attacks of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Patients with SSc‐related RP were randomized 1:1 to placebo (n = 38) or selexipag (n = 36) in individualized doses (maximum of 1,600 μg twice daily) during a 3‐week titration period. The primary end point was the weekly average number of RP attacks during the study maintenance period, analyzed using a Bayesian approach with a negative binomial model adjusted for baseline number of RP attacks. Other outcome measures included Raynaud's Condition Score (RCS), RP attack duration, and treatment‐emergent adverse events (AEs).

Results

Baseline characteristics were comparable between treatment groups. For 83.3% of patients, the individualized maintenance dosage of selexipag was ≤800 μg twice daily. No significant difference was observed between placebo and selexipag in weekly average number of electronic diary (eDiary)–recorded RP attacks during the maintenance period (14.2 attacks during the maintenance period and 21.5 attacks during the baseline week in the placebo group [n = 32] versus 18.0 attacks during the maintenance period and 22.4 attacks during the baseline week in the selexipag group [n = 27]; adjusted mean treatment difference of 3.4 in favor of placebo). No significant treatment effect was observed on RCS or RP attack duration. In the double‐blind period, 86.8% of placebo‐treated patients and 100% of selexipag‐treated patients reported ≥1 AE; 55.3% and 91.7%, respectively, reported ≥1 prostacyclin‐associated AE.

Conclusion

Treatment with selexipag did not reduce the number of RP attacks compared with placebo. The safety profile of selexipag was similar to that previously reported. This study provides important information about the feasibility of eDiary reporting of RP attacks in clinical trials.

Evidence-based management of Raynaud's phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is relevant to the rheumatologist because it may signify an underlying connective tissue disease and also because it can be very challenging to treat, especially when it has progressed to digital ulceration or critical ischaemia. This review article discusses diagnosis (does this patient have an underlying connective tissue disease?), including the role for nailfold capillaroscopy, and treatment. Management of 'uncomplicated' RP is first described and then treatment of RP complicated by progression to digital ulceration or critical ischaemia, highlighting recent advances (including phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibition, and endothelin 1 receptor antagonism) and the evidence base underpinning these. Possible future therapies are briefly discussed.

Points to consider-Raynaud's phenomenon in systemic sclerosis

RP is an exaggerated vasospastic response to cold or emotion. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with either parallel group or cross-over trials should be mainly considered. Cross-over design, which is good for early phase trials of immediate or very short-term outcomes, is important in a condition as heterogeneous as RP: a wash-out period between treatment arms should always be included to minimize the possibility of a period (carry-over) effect. Duration of RP trials is usually constrained by the need to complete these over a single season, usually winter when the weather is colder. For cross-over trials, each treatment arm tends to be 4 weeks or less. Frequency and duration of attacks, and the Raynaud's Condition Score are widely used outcome measures. There is increasing interest in physiological laboratory endpoints, for example laser Doppler imaging at least for early phase trials.

Systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis, also called scleroderma, is an immune-mediated rheumatic disease that is characterised by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs and vasculopathy. Although systemic sclerosis is uncommon, it has a high morbidity and mortality. Improved understanding of systemic sclerosis has allowed better management of the disease, including improved classification and more systematic assessment and follow-up. Additionally, treatments for specific complications have emerged and a growing evidence base supports the use of immune suppression for the treatment of skin and lung fibrosis. Some manifestations of the disease, such as scleroderma renal crisis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, digital ulceration, and gastro-oesophageal reflux, are now treatable. However, the burden of non-lethal complications associated with systemic sclerosis is substantial and is likely to become more of a challenge. Here, we review the clinical features of systemic sclerosis and describe the best practice approaches for its management. Furthermore, we identify future areas for development.

Therapeutic implications from the pathogenesis of Raynaud's phenomenon

INTRODUCTION

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) can be either primary (idiopathic) or secondary to a number of different diseases/conditions, when vasopasm can be superimposed upon structural vascular abnormality or a hyperviscosity state and may then lead to severe ischaemia with tissue damage. Treatment must be tailored to the individual. Areas covered: This review discusses how increased understanding of the pathogenesis of RP has driven and is driving new approaches to therapy, and how we are now better able to predict which patients presenting with RP are likely to have an underlying disease requiring specific intervention. Medline searches (1946 to August 2016) were conducted for 'Raynaud's' in combination with relevant terms including different drugs. All papers identified were English language, with abstracts. Expert commentary: Randomised controlled trials of RP present particular challenges. The major aim must continue to be development of safe, effective treatments for patients across the spectrum of RP.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Acupressure for the Treatment of Raynaud's Phenomenon: The difficulty of conducting a trial in Raynaud's phenomenon

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of acupressure on Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) in a randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) and to evaluate the difficulties of conducting a RP RCT.

METHODS

A pilot single center RCT of acupressure vs. targeted patient education was conducted for the treatment of RP. Patients with either primary (N = 15) or secondary (N = 8) RP were randomized in an 8-week study. The primary endpoints included a decrease in the frequency and duration of RP. Secondary endpoints included several serum biomarkers including endothelial dysfunction, Raynaud's attack symptoms, Raynaud's Condition Score, and patient and physician global assessments of RP. Primary data analysis was conducted using the last observation carried forward and t-tests or a Wilcoxon rank test was used to compare the two groups.

RESULTS

23 patients were randomized and 7 discontinued prematurely. 78% of patients were female, 96% were Caucasian, and the mean age was 49.8 (SD=16) years. No statistically significant differences were detected between the acupressure vs. education groups in primary and secondary outcomes (p> 0.05). Frequency of attacks decreased by 6.7 attacks (SD=8.8) in the acupressure group vs. 7.2 (SD=12.8) in the education group (p=0.96), and the duration of attacks decreased by 11.4 (SD=19.9) minutes in the acupressure group vs. an increase of 0.8 minutes (SD=11.2) in the education group (p=0.14). There were no adverse events noted in the RCT.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study does not support efficacy of acupressure for RP.

Update of EULAR recommendations for the treatment of systemic sclerosis

The aim was to update the 2009 European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc), with attention to new therapeutic questions. Update of the previous treatment recommendations was performed according to EULAR standard operating procedures. The task force consisted of 32 SSc clinical experts from Europe and the USA, 2 patients nominated by the pan-European patient association for SSc (Federation of European Scleroderma Associations (FESCA)), a clinical epidemiologist and 2 research fellows. All centres from the EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research group were invited to submit and select clinical questions concerning SSc treatment using a Delphi approach. Accordingly, 46 clinical questions addressing 26 different interventions were selected for systematic literature review. The new recommendations were based on the available evidence and developed in a consensus meeting with clinical experts and patients. The procedure resulted in 16 recommendations being developed (instead of 14 in 2009) that address treatment of several SSc-related organ complications: Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), digital ulcers (DUs), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), skin and lung disease, scleroderma renal crisis and gastrointestinal involvement. Compared with the 2009 recommendations, the 2016 recommendations include phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors for the treatment of SSc-related RP and DUs, riociguat, new aspects for endothelin receptor antagonists, prostacyclin analogues and PDE-5 inhibitors for SSc-related PAH. New recommendations regarding the use of fluoxetine for SSc-related RP and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for selected patients with rapidly progressive SSc were also added. In addition, several comments regarding other treatments addressed in clinical questions and suggestions for the SSc research agenda were formulated. These updated data-derived and consensus-derived recommendations will help rheumatologists to manage patients with SSc in an evidence-based way. These recommendations also give directions for future clinical research in SSc.

The skin in autoimmune diseases-Unmet needs

Treatment of skin manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and dermatomyositis (DM) is based on the results of only few randomized controlled trials. The first-line treatment for disfiguring and widespread cutaneous involvement in SLE is antimalarials, but some patients are therapy resistant. Recently, the monoclonal antibody belimumab was approved for SLE as an adjunct therapy for patients with autoantibody-positive disease who despite standard therapy show high disease activity, intolerance of other treatments, or an unacceptably high need for corticosteroids. However, a validated skin score has not been used to confirm the efficacy of belimumab on mucocutaneous manifestations. In SSc, another multi-systemic progressive disease, involvement of the lung, kidney, and the heart is frequently treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressives, but therapeutic modalities for cutaneous lesions, such as skin sclerosis and digital ulcers, are limited. In the past years, treatment with the endothelin-receptor antagonist bosentan has been proven to reduce the occurrence of new digital ulcers in SSc patients but has no or limited effect on healing of digital ulcers. DM is an idiopathic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the muscles and skin, which is treated with immunosuppressives. Corticosteroids are the first-line treatment for muscle involvement in DM, but skin lesions often flare by reduction or discontinuation. In summary, there is a high unmet need for new therapeutic strategies focusing on skin involvement in systemic autoimmune diseases. Therefore, innovative designs of randomized controlled trials with validated skin scores are warranted to develop new therapeutic strategies for patients with cutaneous manifestations.

Raynaud's phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a major cause of pain and disability in patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases (CTDs), particularly systemic sclerosis (SSc). The clinician must perform a comprehensive clinical assessment in patients with RP to differentiate between primary (idiopathic) and secondary RP, in particular (for rheumatologists), secondary to an autoimmune CTD, as both the prognosis and treatment may differ significantly. Key investigations are nailfold capillaroscopy and testing for autoantibodies (in particular, those associated with SSc). Patients with RP and either abnormal nailfold capillaroscopy or an SSc-specific antibody (and especially with both) have a high risk of transitioning to an autoimmune CTD. Both nailfold capillaroscopy and autoantibody specificity may help the clinician in predicting organ-based complications. The management of CTD-associated RP requires a multifaceted approach to treatment, including patient education and conservative ('non-drug') measures. Patients with CTD-associated RP often require pharmacological treatment, which in the first instance is usually a calcium channel blocker, although other agents can be used. There is an increasing tendency to use phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors early in the treatment of CTD-associated RP. Oral therapies are commonly associated with side effects (often due to systemic vasodilation) that may result in failure of dose escalation and/or permanent discontinuation. Intravenous prostanoid therapy and surgery (e.g., botulinum toxin injection and digital sympathectomy) can be considered in severe RP. Patients with CTD-associated RP can develop a number of ischaemic digital complications (primarily ulcers and critical ischaemia), which may be associated with significant tissue loss. Future research is required to increase the understanding of the pathogenesis and natural history of RP (to drive therapeutic advances), and to explore/develop drug therapies, including those that target the mechanisms mediating cold-induced vasoconstriction, and locally acting therapies free of systemic side effects.

Current and future direction in the management of scleroderma

Scleroderma is a heterogeneous disease with a complex etiology. As more information is gained about the underlying mechanisms and the improved classifications of scleroderma subtypes, treatments can be better personalized. Improving scleroderma patients' early diagnosis before end organ manifestations occur should improve clinical trial design and outcomes. Two recently FDA-approved antifibrotics for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may be effective treatments in patients with pulmonary fibrosis secondary to scleroderma after further investigation. The potential impact of Nanobiotechnology in improving the efficacy and safety of existing antifibrotics and immunomodulators might present an exciting new approach in the management of scleroderma.

Systemic sclerosis: a systematic review on therapeutic management from 2011 to 2014

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies in the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc) from 2011 to 2014 through a systematic review.

RECENT FINDINGS

Our systematic review identifies randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, case series, and observational studies which support organ-based therapy with known immunosuppressive agents, novel agents, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and also includes nonpharmacologic therapies improving visceral and physical function.

SUMMARY

SSc is an orphan autoimmune disorder with significant morbidity and mortality. Although there has been significant progress over the years in therapeutic options for SSc, the mainstays of treatment are organ-based and primarily symptom management. Our systematic review of the last 4 years of treatment emphasizes known treatment strategies already in practice, but also identifies new therapeutic approaches with additional biologic agents and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Update on systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibody production, small-vessel vasculopathy, and skin and other organ fibrosis. The disease is clinically heterogeneous with most patients having some degree of skin sclerosis with varying organ system involvement. Early disease can be difficult to diagnose, especially with minimal skin sclerosis and absence of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) positivity; however, studies have demonstrated early diagnosis is important as early treatment could potentially lead to better outcomes. New classification criteria have recently been published that have higher sensitivity for detecting early disease thus allowing for a broader spectrum of patients to be represented in clinical trials. Treatment guidelines have been published based on a limited number of randomized-controlled clinical trials; however, there are ongoing phase II and III clinical trials with novel agents that are promising and will change the treatment landscape over the next decade.

Efficacy of sildenafil on ischaemic digital ulcer healing in systemic sclerosis: the placebo-controlled SEDUCE study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, on digital ulcer (DU) healing in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

Randomised, placebo-controlled study in patients with SSc to assess the effect of sildenafil 20 mg or placebo, three times daily for 12 weeks, on ischaemic DU healing. The primary end point was the time to healing for each DU. Time to healing was compared between groups using Cox models for clustered data (two-sided tests, p=0.05).

RESULTS

Intention-to-treat analysis involved 83 patients with a total of 192 DUs (89 in the sildenafil group and 103 in the placebo group). The HR for DU healing was 1.33 (0.88 to 2.00) (p=0.18) and 1.27 (0.85 to 1.89) (p=0.25) when adjusted for the number of DUs at entry, in favour of sildenafil. In the per protocol population, the HRs were 1.49 (0.98 to 2.28) (p=0.06) and 1.43 (0.93 to 2.19) p=0.10. The mean number of DUs per patient was lower in the sildenafil group compared with the placebo group at week (W) 8 (1.23±1.61 vs 1.79±2.40 p=0.04) and W12 (0.86±1.62 vs 1.51±2.68, p=0.01) resulting from a greater healing rate (p=0.01 at W8 and p=0.03 at W12).

CONCLUSIONS

The primary end point was not reached in intention-to-treat, partly because of an unexpectedly high healing rate in the placebo group. We found a significant decrease in the number of DUs in favour of sildenafil compared with placebo at W8 and W12, confirming a sildenafil benefit.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01295736.

Management of Systemic Sclerosis-Related Skin Disease: A Review of Existing and Experimental Therapeutic Approaches

The skin is the most common organ system involved in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Nearly all patients experience cutaneous symptoms, including sclerosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, digital ulcers, telangiectasias, and calcinosis. In addition to posing functional challenges, cutaneous symptoms are often a major cause of pain, psychological distress, and body image dissatisfaction. The present article reviews the main features of SSc-related cutaneous manifestations and highlights an evidence-based treatment approach for treating each manifestation. This article also describes novel treatment approaches and opportunities for further research in managing this important clinical dimension of SSc.

Raynaud syndrome

Raynaud syndrome (RS) was first described by the French physician Maurice Raynaud in 1862 with the characteristic tricolor change featuring pallor (ischemic phase), cyanosis (deoxygenation phase), and erythema (reperfusion phase) induced by cold or stress. Although the underlying pathophysiological mechanism is unclear, alterations in activity of the peripheral adrenoceptor have been implicated, specifically an enhanced smooth muscle contraction due to overexpression or hyperactivity of postsynaptic alpha 2 receptors. There are 2 ways that RS can appear clinically; isolated, formerly referred as Raynaud disease or now primary RS and in association with other conditions, usually connective tissue disorders (eg, Sjögren syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis), frequently called Raynaud phenomenon or secondary RS. The estimated prevalence in the general population is 3%-5%, with a higher prevalence in women than in men. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on patient descriptions of skin changes. Upper extremity pulse-volume recording is used to rule out proximal arterial obstruction. The differentiation between a vasospastic vs and obstructive mechanism is made using digital pressures and photoplethysmography, where an obstructive mechanism has decreased pressures and blunted waveforms. Cold challenge testing, such as ice water immersion with temperature recovery, is highly sensitive but lack specificity. Serologic screening (antinuclear antibody and rheumatoid factor) is advocated to rule out associated connective tissue disorders. Most patients with RS can be managed conservatively, with avoidance of cold exposure or hand warming. For those in whom conservative management is inadequate, a number of pharmacologic and surgical therapies have been used. Owing to lack of complete understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, targeted therapy has not been possible; rather, therapy has been focused on the use of general vasodilation strategies. In this review, the diagnosis, natural history, and current medical and invasive therapy are summarized.

Old medications and new targeted therapies in systemic sclerosis

SSc is a multiorgan disease with significant morbidity that is associated with poor health-related quality of life. Treatment of this condition is often organ based and non-curative. However, there are newer, potentially disease-modifying therapies available to treat certain aspects of the disease. This review focuses on old and new therapies in the management of SSc in clinical practice.