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Lui JK, Gillmeyer KR, Sangani RA, Smyth RJ, Gopal DM, Trojanowski MA, Bujor AM, Soylemez Wiener R, LaValley MP, Klings ES. A Clinical Decision Tool for Risk Stratifying Patients with Systemic Sclerosis-Related Pulmonary Hypertension. Lung 2023; 201:565-569. [PMID: 37957388 PMCID: PMC11037922 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-023-00646-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
We devised a scoring system to identify patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) at risk for pulmonary hypertension (PH) and predict all-cause mortality. Using 7 variables obtained via pulmonary function testing, echocardiography, and computed tomographic chest imaging, we applied the score to a retrospective cohort of 117 patients with SSc. There were 60 (51.3%) who were diagnosed with PH by right heart catheterization. Using a scoring threshold ≥ 0, our decision tool predicted PH with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 0.87 (95% CI 0.75, 0.94), 0.74 (95% CI 0.60, 0.84), and 0.80 (95% CI 0.72, 0.87), respectively. When adjusted for age at PH diagnosis, sex, and receipt of pulmonary arterial vasodilators, each one-point score increase was associated with an adjusted HR of 1.19 (95% CI 1.05, 1.34) for all-cause mortality. With further validation in external cohorts, our simplified clinical decision tool may better streamline earlier detection of PH in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin K Lui
- The Pulmonary Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, R‑304, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Kari R Gillmeyer
- The Pulmonary Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, R‑304, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Ruchika A Sangani
- The Pulmonary Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, R‑304, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Robert J Smyth
- The Pulmonary Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, R‑304, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Deepa M Gopal
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marcin A Trojanowski
- Section of Rheumatology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andreea M Bujor
- Section of Rheumatology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Renda Soylemez Wiener
- The Pulmonary Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, R‑304, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization & Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael P LaValley
- Section of Rheumatology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Klings
- The Pulmonary Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, R‑304, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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Nihtyanova SI, Schreiber BE, Ong VH, Wells AU, Coghlan JG, Denton CP. Dynamic Prediction of Pulmonary Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis Using Landmark Analysis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2023; 75:449-458. [PMID: 36122180 DOI: 10.1002/art.42349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this study, we explored the prediction of short-term risk for PH using serial pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and other disease features. METHODS SSc patients in whom disease onset occurred ≥10 years prior to data retrieval and for whom autoantibody specificity and PFT data were available were included in this study. Mixed-effects modeling was used to describe changes in PFTs over time. Landmarking was utilized to include serial assessments and stratified Cox proportional hazards regression analysis with landmarks as strata was used to develop the PH prediction models. RESULTS We analyzed data from 1,247 SSc patients, 16.3% of whom were male and 35.8% of whom had diffuse cutaneous SSc. Anticentromere, antitopoisomerase, and anti-RNA polymerase antibodies were observed in 29.8%, 22.0%, and 11.4% of patients, respectively, and PH developed in 13.6% of patients. Over time, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) and carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (Kco) declined in all SSc patients (up to 1.5% per year) but demonstrated much greater annual decline (up to 4.5% and 4.8%, respectively) in the 5-7 years preceding PH diagnosis. Comparisons between multivariable models including either DLco, Kco, or forced vital capacity (FVC)/DLco ratio, demonstrated that both absolute values and change over the preceding year in those measurements were strongly associated with the risk of PH (hazard ratio [HR] 0.93 and 0.76 for Kco and its change; HR 0.90 and 0.96 for DLco and its change; and HR 1.08 and 2.01 for FVC/DLco ratio and its change; P < 0.001 for all). The Kco-based model had the greatest discriminating ability (Harrell's C-statistic 0.903). CONCLUSION Our findings strongly support the importance of PFT trends over time in identifying patients at risk of developing PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana I Nihtyanova
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK, and GSK, London, UK
| | | | - Voon H Ong
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Athol U Wells
- Interstitial Lung Disease Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - John G Coghlan
- Pulmonary Hypertension Service, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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Ruaro B, Salton F, Baratella E, Confalonieri P, Geri P, Pozzan R, Torregiani C, Bulla R, Confalonieri M, Matucci-Cerinic M, Hughes M. An Overview of Different Techniques for Improving the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary in Systemic Sclerosis Patients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12030616. [PMID: 35328169 PMCID: PMC8947575 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12030616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In systemic sclerosis (SSc) mortality is mainly linked to lung involvement which is characterized by interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH). In SSc, PH may be due to different etiologies, including ILD, chronic thromboembolic disease, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The main tool to screen PAH is transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), which has a sensitivity of 90%, even if definitive diagnosis should be confirmed by right heart catheterization (RHC). The radiological evaluation (i.e., HRTC) plays an important role in defining the possible causes and in monitoring the evolution of lung damage. For PAH, identifying individuals who have borderline elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure needs to be appropriately managed and followed. In the past few years, the strategy for the management of PAH has significantly evolved and new trials are underway to test other therapies. This review provides an overview of the tools to evaluate PAH in SSc patients and on treatment options for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ruaro
- Department of Pulmonology, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.S.); (P.C.); (P.G.); (R.P.); (C.T.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3470502394
| | - Francesco Salton
- Department of Pulmonology, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.S.); (P.C.); (P.G.); (R.P.); (C.T.); (M.C.)
| | - Elisa Baratella
- Department of Radiology, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Paola Confalonieri
- Department of Pulmonology, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.S.); (P.C.); (P.G.); (R.P.); (C.T.); (M.C.)
| | - Pietro Geri
- Department of Pulmonology, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.S.); (P.C.); (P.G.); (R.P.); (C.T.); (M.C.)
| | - Riccardo Pozzan
- Department of Pulmonology, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.S.); (P.C.); (P.G.); (R.P.); (C.T.); (M.C.)
| | - Chiara Torregiani
- Department of Pulmonology, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.S.); (P.C.); (P.G.); (R.P.); (C.T.); (M.C.)
| | - Roberta Bulla
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Marco Confalonieri
- Department of Pulmonology, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.S.); (P.C.); (P.G.); (R.P.); (C.T.); (M.C.)
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Firenze, 50139 Florence, Italy;
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Michael Hughes
- Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, Ashton-Under-Lyne OL6 9RW, UK;
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M1 1AA, UK
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Bermudez CA, Crespo MM, Shlobin OA, Cantu E, Mazurek JA, Levine D, Gutsche J, Kanwar M, Dellgren G, Bush EL, Heresi GA, Cypel M, Hadler R, Kolatis N, Franco V, Benvenuto L, Mooney J, Pipeling M, King C, Mannem H, Raman S, Knoop C, Douglas A, Mercier O. ISHLT consensus document on lung transplantation in patients with connective tissue disease: Part II: Cardiac, surgical, perioperative, operative, and post-operative challenges and management statements. J Heart Lung Transplant 2021; 40:1267-1278. [PMID: 34404570 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2021.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with connective tissue disease (CTD) present unique surgical, perioperative, operative, and postoperative challenges related to the often underlying severe pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction. The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation-supported consensus document on lung transplantation in patients with CTD standardization addresses the surgical challenges and relevant cardiac involvement in the perioperative, operative, and postoperative management in patients with CTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A Bermudez
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Maria M Crespo
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Oksana A Shlobin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Edward Cantu
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeremy A Mazurek
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Deborah Levine
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, Texas
| | - Jacob Gutsche
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Manreet Kanwar
- Cardiovascular Institute, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Göran Dellgren
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Transplant Institute, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Errol L Bush
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Marcello Cypel
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital UHN, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel Hadler
- Division of Critical Care, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Nicholas Kolatis
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Veronica Franco
- Department of Cardiology, The Ohio State university Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Luke Benvenuto
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Columbia University Medical center, New York, New York
| | - Joshua Mooney
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto, California
| | - Matthew Pipeling
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Christopher King
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Hannah Mannem
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Sanjeev Raman
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | - Aaron Douglas
- Division of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Olaf Mercier
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Université Paris-Saclay, Marie Lannelongue Hospital, Le Plessis Robinson, France
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Yang S, Wu J, Lei S, Song R, Cai YY, Wu SJ. Abnormal pulmonary artery systolic pressure response after exercise in systemic sclerosis patients: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e14342. [PMID: 30732161 PMCID: PMC6380788 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000014342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) is an important parameter for detecting pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The difference between rest PASP and post-exercise PASP (ΔPASP) may play a role in predicting and screening resting PAH. The aim of this study is to analyze ΔPASP in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with PAH or non-PAH and suggest a cutoff value of ΔPASP for detection of PAH. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for relevant publications up to July 7, 2018. Characteristics of control, no PAH, exercise-induced PAH (EIPH) and PAH subgroups in SSc patients were extracted. R 3.5.0 with the "meta" package was used to conduct this meta-analysis. RESULTS Twelve articles involving 1279 patients were included in this study. The subgroups meta-analysis showed pooled mean ΔPASP in different subgroups: control group (8.6 mmHg, 95% CI: 6.9-10.5), no PAH group (12.2 mmHg, 95% CI: 11.2-13.2), EIPH group (26.0 mmHg, 95% CI: 24.2-27.7) and PAH group (36.2 mmHg, 95% CI: 29.7-42.7). CONCLUSION Combining the results of our study with the previous studies, an abnormal increase in PASP after exercise could indicate the development of PAH in SSc patients. In addition, if ΔPASP>29 mmHg, a high suspicion of PAH should be raised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Yang
- Department of Radiology, The Second XiangYa hospital, Central South University
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, No. 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Radiology, The Second XiangYa hospital, Central South University
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, No. 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Si Lei
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second XiangYa hospital, Central South University
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, No. 139 Middle Renmin Road
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, No. 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Rong Song
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second XiangYa hospital, Central South University
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, No. 139 Middle Renmin Road
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, No. 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Ye-yu Cai
- Department of Radiology, The Second XiangYa hospital, Central South University
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, No. 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Shang-jie Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second XiangYa hospital, Central South University
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, No. 139 Middle Renmin Road
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, No. 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
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Denton CP, Wells AU, Coghlan JG. Major lung complications of systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2018; 14:511-527. [DOI: 10.1038/s41584-018-0062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Soumagne T, Guillien A, Chambellan A, Hua-Huy T, Dinh-Xuan AT, Degano B. Global Lung Initiative equations for pulmonary hypertension screening in systemic sclerosis. Eur Respir J 2018; 52:13993003.00528-2018. [DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00528-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Degano B, Soumagne T, Delaye T, Berger P, Perez T, Guillien A, Pellegrin JL, Launay D, Magy-Bertrand N, Agard C, Tiev KP, Hua-Huy T, Tardiff C, Diaz V, Chambellan A, Dinh-Xuan AT. Combined measurement of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide lung transfer does not improve the identification of pulmonary hypertension in systemic sclerosis. Eur Respir J 2017; 50:50/4/1701008. [DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01008-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Screening is important to determine whether patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have pulmonary hypertension because earlier pulmonary hypertension treatment can improve survival in these patients. Although decreased transfer factor of the lung for carbon monoxide (TLCO) is currently considered the best pulmonary function test for screening for pulmonary hypertension in SSc, small series have suggested that partitioning TLCO into membrane conductance (diffusing capacity) for carbon monoxide (DMCO) and alveolar capillary blood volume (VC) through combined measurement of TLCO and transfer factor of the lung for nitric oxide (TLNO) is more effective to identify pulmonary hypertension in SSc patients compared with TLCO alone. Here, the objective was to determine whether combined TLCO–TLNO partitioned with recently refined equations could more accurately detect pulmonary hypertension than TLCO alone in SSc.For that purpose, 572 unselected consecutive SSc patients were retrospectively recruited in seven French centres.Pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed with right heart catheterisation in 58 patients. TLCO, TLNO and VC were all lower in SSc patients with pulmonary hypertension than in SSc patients without pulmonary hypertension. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the presence of pulmonary hypertension was equivalent for TLCO (0.82, 95% CI 0.79–0.85) and TLNO (0.80, 95% CI 0.76–0.83), but lower for VC (0.75, 95% CI 0.71–0.78) and DMCO (0.66, 95% CI 0.62–0.70).Compared with TLCO alone, combined TLCO–TLNO does not add capability to detect pulmonary hypertension in unselected SSc patients.
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Bourji KI, Kelemen BW, Mathai SC, Damico RL, Kolb TM, Mercurio V, Cozzi F, Tedford RJ, Hassoun PM. Poor survival in patients with scleroderma and pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Pulm Circ 2017; 7:409-420. [PMID: 28597765 PMCID: PMC5467929 DOI: 10.1177/2045893217700438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (PH-HFpEF) has been poorly studied in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We sought to compare clinical characteristics and survival of SSc patients with PH-HFpEF (SSc-PH-HFpEF) versus pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH). We hypothesized that patients with SSc-PH-HFpEF have a similar poor overall prognosis compared with patients with SSc-PAH when matched for total right ventricular load. The analysis included 117 patients with SSc-PH (93 with SSc-PAH versus 24 with SSc-PH-HFpEF) enrolled prospectively in the Johns Hopkins PH Registry. We examined baseline demographics and hemodynamics at diagnostic right heart catheterization (RHC), two-dimensional echocardiographic characteristics, six-minute walking distance (6MWD), treatment modalities, and laboratory values (serum NT-proBNP, creatinine, uric acid, and sodium), and assessed survival. Demographics and clinical features were similar between the two groups. Baseline RHC showed significantly higher pulmonary and right heart pressures in the SSc-PH-HFpEF compared with the SSc-PAH group. Trans-pulmonary gradient (TPG), however, was equally elevated without significant difference between the groups. SSc-PH-HFpEF patients had left atrial enlargement on echocardiography compared with SSc-PAH patients. No significant differences were found between groups for 6MWD, NT-proBNP, and other laboratory values. Although overall median survival time was 4.6 years with no difference in mortality rate between the two groups (SSc-PH-HFpEF versus SSc-PAH: 75% versus 59%; P = 0.26), patients with SSc-PH-HFpEF had a twofold increased risk of death compared with SSc-PAH patients after adjusting for hemodynamics. Concomitant intrinsic pulmonary vascular disease and HFpEF likely contribute to very poor survival in patients with SSc-PH-HFpEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil I Bourji
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,2 Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Benjamin W Kelemen
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen C Mathai
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rachel L Damico
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Todd M Kolb
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Valentina Mercurio
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Franco Cozzi
- 2 Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ryan J Tedford
- 3 Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Paul M Hassoun
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Romanowska-Próchnicka K, Walczyk M, Olesińska M. Recognizing systemic sclerosis: comparative analysis of various sets of classification criteria. Reumatologia 2016; 54:296-305. [PMID: 28115780 PMCID: PMC5241366 DOI: 10.5114/reum.2016.64906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a complex disease characterized by autoimmunity, vasculopathy and tissue fibrosis. Although most patients present with some degree of skin sclerosis, which is a distinguishing hallmark, the clinical presentation vary greatly complicating the diagnosis. In this regard, new classification criteria were jointly published in 2013 by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). A recent major development in the classification criteria is improved sensitivity, particularly for detecting early disease. The new criteria allow more cases to be classified as having systemic sclerosis (SSc), which leads to earlier treatment. Moreover it is clinically beneficial in preventing the disease progression with its irreversible fibrosis and organ damage. The aim of this review is to give insight into new classification criteria and current trends in the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Romanowska-Próchnicka
- Department of General and Experimental Pathology, 2 Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Systemic Connective Tissue Diseases, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcela Walczyk
- Department of Systemic Connective Tissue Diseases, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marzena Olesińska
- Department of Systemic Connective Tissue Diseases, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
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Kim KJ, Baek IW, Yoon CH, Kim WU, Cho CS. Association of Anemic Hypoxia and Increased Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2016; 67:1702-11. [PMID: 26018410 DOI: 10.1002/acr.22630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2014] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Chronic hypoxia is known to cause PAH resulting from pulmonary vascular remodeling. We investigated the association between anemic hypoxia and PAH in SLE patients. METHODS Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was measured in 132 SLE patients by echocardiography. Increased PAP was defined as resting PAP > 40 mm Hg. Oxygen delivery (DO2) was estimated as the product of cardiac output and arterial oxygen content. RESULTS Of 132 patients, 17 (12.9%) had increased PAP, and these patients had significantly lower DO2 values than patients with normal PAP (P = 0.002). The DO2 values inversely correlated with PAP values (γ = -0.308, P < 0.001) and plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels (γ = -0.323, P = 0.001), but positively correlated with hemoglobin levels (γ = 0.402, P < 0.001). Compared to those with normal PAP, patients with increased PAP had significantly longer durations of anemia over the preceding 6-24 months. Patients with anemia of longer durations (≥3 months) in the preceding 6 months had a higher risk of increased PAP compared to those with shorter durations (P < 0.001). When SLE patients were divided into 3 groups according to hemoglobin and PAP, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels increased across groups with higher PAP (P = 0.001 for trend), but decreased across tertiles of hemoglobin levels (P = 0.008 for trend). CONCLUSION Our data indicate an association between chronic anemic hypoxia and increased PAP in SLE patients and suggest that increased IL-6 might participate in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Jo Kim
- St. Vincent Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Woon Baek
- Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chong-Hyeon Yoon
- Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan-Uk Kim
- Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Soo Cho
- Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Becker MO, Riemekasten G. Risk factors for severity and manifestations in systemic sclerosis and prediction of disease course. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2015; 12:115-35. [PMID: 26558747 DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2016.1115717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, or scleroderma) is a rheumatic disease with distinct features that encompass autoimmunity, vascular lesions (vasculopathy) and tissue fibrosis. The disease has a high morbidity and mortality compared with other rheumatic diseases. This review discusses risk factors and markers that predict the disease course and the occurrence of disease manifestations, with an emphasis on major organ involvement. In addition, risk factors will be described that are associated with mortality in SSc patients. The review addresses the impact of recent developments on screening, diagnosis and risk stratification as well as the need for further research where data are lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike O Becker
- a Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology , University Hospital Charité Berlin , Berlin , Germany
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13
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Low AT, Medford ARL, Millar AB, Tulloh RMR. Lung function in pulmonary hypertension. Respir Med 2015; 109:1244-9. [PMID: 26033642 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2015.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 04/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Breathlessness is a common symptom in pulmonary hypertension (PH) and an important cause of morbidity. Though this has been attributed to the well described pulmonary vascular abnormalities and subsequent cardiac remodelling, changes in the airways of these patients have also been reported and may contribute to symptoms. Our understanding of these airway abnormalities is poor with conflicting findings in many studies. The present review evaluates these studies for the major PH groups. In addition we describe the role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in the assessment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by evaluating cardiopulmonary interaction during exercise. As yet, the reasons for the abnormalities in lung function are unclear, but potential causes and the possible role of inflammation are discussed. Future research is required to provide a better understanding of this to help improve the management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Low
- University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, United Kingdom.
| | - A R L Medford
- North Bristol Lung Centre, Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Bristol, United Kingdom.
| | - A B Millar
- Academic Respiratory Unit, Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Bristol, United Kingdom.
| | - R M R Tulloh
- University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, United Kingdom.
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14
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Hao Y, Thakkar V, Stevens W, Morrisroe K, Prior D, Rabusa C, Youssef P, Gabbay E, Roddy J, Walker J, Zochling J, Sahhar J, Nash P, Lester S, Rischmueller M, Proudman SM, Nikpour M. A comparison of the predictive accuracy of three screening models for pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:7. [PMID: 25596924 PMCID: PMC4332896 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-015-0517-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is evidence that early screening for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) improves outcomes. We compared the predictive accuracy of two recently published screening algorithms (DETECT 2013 and Australian Scleroderma Interest Group (ASIG) 2012) for SSc-associated PAH (SSc-PAH) with the commonly used European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society (ESC/ERS 2009) guidelines. METHODS We included 73 consecutive SSc patients with suspected PAH undergoing right heart catheterization (RHC). The three screening models were applied to each patient. For each model, contingency table analysis was used to determine sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values for PAH. These properties were also evaluated in an 'alternate scenario analysis' in which the prevalence of PAH was set at 10%. RESULTS RHC revealed PAH in 27 (36.9%) patients. DETECT and ASIG algorithms performed equally in predicting PAH with sensitivity and NPV of 100%. The ESC/ERS guidelines had sensitivity of 96.3% and NPV of only 91%, missing one case of PAH; these guidelines could not be applied to three patients who had absent tricuspid regurgitant (TR) jet. The ASIG algorithm had the highest specificity (54.5%). With PAH prevalence set at 10%, the NPV of the models was unchanged, but the PPV dropped to less than 20%. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort, the DETECT and ASIG algorithms out-perform the ESC/ERS guidelines, detecting all patients with PAH. The ESC/ERS guidelines have limitations in the absence of a TR jet. Ultimately, the choice of SSc-PAH screening algorithm will also depend on cost and ease of application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Hao
- Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia. .,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, 8 Xishiku Street, Beijing, China.
| | - Vivek Thakkar
- Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia. .,Department of Rheumatology, Liverpool Hospital, Elizabeth Street, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia. .,School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, Locked bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
| | - Wendy Stevens
- Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.
| | - Kathleen Morrisroe
- Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.
| | - David Prior
- Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.
| | - Candice Rabusa
- Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.
| | - Peter Youssef
- Institute of Rheumatology and Orthopaedics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Queen Elizabeth II building, Missendon Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
| | - Eli Gabbay
- The University of Notre Dame, 19 Mouat Street, Fremantle, WA, 6959, Australia.
| | - Janet Roddy
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Perth Hospital, Wellington Street, GPO Box X2213, Perth, WA, 6001, Australia.
| | - Jennifer Walker
- Department of Rheumatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders Drive, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia.
| | - Jane Zochling
- Department of Rheumatology, The Menzies Institute Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia.
| | - Joanne Sahhar
- Department of Rheumatology, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
| | - Peter Nash
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Queensland, PO Box 368, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia.
| | - Susan Lester
- Rheumatology Department, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 28 Woodville Road, Woodville South, SA, 5011, Australia.
| | - Maureen Rischmueller
- Rheumatology Department, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 28 Woodville Road, Woodville South, SA, 5011, Australia. .,Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Susanna M Proudman
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, SA, 5000, Australia. .,Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Mandana Nikpour
- Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia. .,Department of Medicine at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.
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15
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Denton CP, Ong VH. Pulmonary management of systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-09138-1.00145-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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16
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Chaisson NF, Hassoun PM. Systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. Chest 2014; 144:1346-1356. [PMID: 24081346 DOI: 10.1378/chest.12-2396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is the leading cause of death in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and affects up to 12% of all patients with SSc, with a 50% mortality rate within 3 years of PAH diagnosis. Compared with the idiopathic form of PAH (IPAH), patients with SSc-associated PAH (SSc-PAH) have a threefold increased risk of death and may receive a diagnosis late in the course of disease because of insidious onset and the high prevalence of cardiac, musculoskeletal, and pulmonary parenchymal comorbidities. Treatment with conventional forms of PAH therapy often yield poor results compared with IPAH cohorts; unfortunately, the exact reasons behind this remain poorly understood but likely include variations in the pathologic mechanisms, differences in cardiovascular response to increasing afterload, and inadequate strategies to detect and treat SSc-PAH early in its course. Current methods for screening and longitudinal evaluation of SSc-PAH, such as the 6-min walk test, transthoracic echocardiography, and MRI, each have notable advantages and disadvantages. We provide an up-to-date, focused review of SSc-PAH and how it differs from IPAH, including pathogenesis, appropriate screening for disease onset, and new approaches to treatment and longitudinal assessment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal F Chaisson
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Paul M Hassoun
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
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17
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Chen Z, Shentu TP, Wen L, Johnson DA, Shyy JYJ. Regulation of SIRT1 by oxidative stress-responsive miRNAs and a systematic approach to identify its role in the endothelium. Antioxid Redox Signal 2013; 19:1522-38. [PMID: 23477488 PMCID: PMC3797452 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2012.4803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Oxidative stress is a common denominator of various risk factors contributing to endothelial dysfunction and vascular diseases. Accumulated evidence suggests that sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression and/or activity is impaired by supraphysiological levels of oxidative stress, which in turn disrupts endothelial homeostasis. RECENT ADVANCES Several microRNAs (miRNAs) are induced by oxidative stress and termed as oxidative stress-responsive miRNAs. They may play a role linking the imbalanced redox state with dysregulated SIRT1. CRITICAL ISSUES This review summarizes recent findings on oxidative stress-responsive miRNAs and their involvement in SIRT1 regulation. Because of the unique characteristics of miRNAs, research in this new area requires an integrative approach that combines bioinformatics and experimental validation. Thus, a research strategy is discussed to identify the SIRT1-regulating miRNAs under oxidative stress and their functional outcomes in relation to endothelial dysfunction. Additionally, the miRNAs implicated in vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms are discussed along with the translational potential and challenges of using miRNAs and its analogs as therapeutic agents. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Although at its infancy, research on oxidative stress-responsive miRNAs and their regulation of SIRT1 may provide new insights in understanding vascular disorders. Moreover, systematic approaches integrating in silico, in vitro, and in vivo observations can be useful tools in revealing the pathways modulating endothelial biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Chen
- 1 Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California , Riverside, California
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18
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Coghlan JG, Denton CP, Grünig E, Bonderman D, Distler O, Khanna D, Müller-Ladner U, Pope JE, Vonk MC, Doelberg M, Chadha-Boreham H, Heinzl H, Rosenberg DM, McLaughlin VV, Seibold JR. Evidence-based detection of pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic sclerosis: the DETECT study. Ann Rheum Dis 2013; 73:1340-9. [PMID: 23687283 PMCID: PMC4078756 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-203301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 507] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Earlier detection of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a leading cause of death in systemic sclerosis (SSc), facilitates earlier treatment. The objective of this study was to develop the first evidence-based detection algorithm for PAH in SSc. METHODS In this cross-sectional, international study conducted in 62 experienced centres from North America, Europe and Asia, adults with SSc at increased risk of PAH (SSc for >3 years and predicted pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide <60%) underwent a broad panel of non-invasive assessments followed by diagnostic right heart catheterisation (RHC). Univariable and multivariable analyses selected the best discriminatory variables for identifying PAH. After assessment for clinical plausibility and feasibility, these were incorporated into a two-step, internally validated detection algorithm. Nomograms for clinical practice use were developed. RESULTS Of 466 SSc patients at increased risk of PAH, 87 (19%) had RHC-confirmed PAH. PAH was mild (64% in WHO functional class I/II). Six simple assessments in Step 1 of the algorithm determined referral to echocardiography. In Step 2, the Step 1 prediction score and two echocardiographic variables determined referral to RHC. The DETECT algorithm recommended RHC in 62% of patients (referral rate) and missed 4% of PAH patients (false negatives). By comparison, applying European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society guidelines to these patients, 29% of diagnoses were missed while requiring an RHC referral rate of 40%. CONCLUSIONS The novel, evidence-based DETECT algorithm for PAH detection in SSc is a sensitive, non-invasive tool which minimises missed diagnoses, identifies milder disease and addresses resource usage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ekkehard Grünig
- Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Diana Bonderman
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ulf Müller-Ladner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Kerckhoff Clinic Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Janet E Pope
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Western University of Canada, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Madelon C Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Doelberg
- Global Medical Affairs, Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | | | - Harald Heinzl
- Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel M Rosenberg
- Clinical Development, Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | | | - James R Seibold
- Scleroderma Research Consultants LLC, Avon, Connecticut, USA
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Shah AA, Wigley FM. My approach to the treatment of scleroderma. Mayo Clin Proc 2013; 88:377-93. [PMID: 23541012 PMCID: PMC3666163 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Revised: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is unique among the rheumatic diseases because it presents the challenge of managing a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease with a widespread obliterative vasculopathy of small arteries that is associated with varying degrees of tissue fibrosis. The hallmark of scleroderma is clinical heterogeneity with subsets that vary in the degree of disease expression, organ involvement, and ultimate prognosis. Thus, the term scleroderma is used to describe patients who have common manifestations that link them together, whereas a highly variable clinical course exists that spans from mild and subtle findings to aggressive, life-threatening multisystem disease. The physician needs to carefully characterize each patient to understand the specific manifestations and level of disease activity to decide appropriate treatment. This is particularly important in treating a patient with scleroderma because there is no treatment that has been proven to modify the overall disease course, although therapy that targets specific organ involvement early before irreversible damage occurs improves both quality of life and survival. This review describes our approach as defined by evidence, expert opinion, and our experience treating patients. Scleroderma is a multisystem disease with variable expression; thus, any treatment plan must be holistic, yet at the same time focus on the dominant organ disease. The goal of therapy is to improve quality of life by minimizing specific organ involvement and subsequent life-threatening disease. At the same time the many factors that alter daily function need to be addressed, including nutrition, pain, deconditioning, musculoskeletal disuse, comorbid conditions, and the emotional aspects of the disease, such as fear, depression, and the social withdrawal caused by disfigurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami A Shah
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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20
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Valerio CJ, Schreiber BE, Handler CE, Denton CP, Coghlan JG. Borderline Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis: Transpulmonary Gradient Predicts Risk of Developing Pulmonary Hypertension. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 65:1074-84. [DOI: 10.1002/art.37838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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21
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Tamura Y, Ono T, Kuwana M, Inoue K, Takei M, Yamamoto T, Kawakami T, Fujita J, Kataoka M, Kimura K, Sano M, Daida H, Satoh T, Fukuda K. Human pentraxin 3 (PTX3) as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45834. [PMID: 23029266 PMCID: PMC3448700 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although inflammation is an important feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the usefulness of local inflammatory markers as biomarkers for PAH is unknown. In this study, we tested whether plasma concentrations of human pentraxin 3 (PTX3), a local inflammatory marker, would be a useful biomarker for detecting PAH. Methods Plasma PTX3 concentrations were evaluated in 50 PAH patients (27 with idiopathic PAH, 17 with PAH associated with connective tissue disease (CTD-PAH), and six with congenital heart disease), 100 age and sex-matched healthy controls, and 34 disease-matched CTD patients without PAH. Plasma concentrations of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also determined. Results Mean PTX3 levels were significantly higher in all PAH patients than in the healthy controls (4.40±0.37 vs. 1.94±0.09 ng/mL, respectively; P<0.001). Using a threshold level of 2.84 ng/mL, PTX3 yielded a sensitivity of 74.0% and a specificity of 84.0% for the detection of PAH. In CTD-PAH patients, mean PTX3 concentrations were significantly higher than in CTD patients without PAH (5.02±0.69 vs. 2.40±0.14 ng/mL, respectively; P<0.001). There was no significant correlation between plasma levels of PTX3 and BNP or CRP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for screening PAH in patients with CTD revealed that PTX3 (area under the ROC curve 0.866) is superior to BNP. Using a PTX3 threshold of 2.85 ng/mL maximized true-positive and false-negative results (sensitivity 94.1%, specificity 73.5%). Conclusion Plasma concentrations of PTX3 may be a better biomarker of PAH than BNP, especially in patients with CTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Tamura
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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Circulating biomarkers of interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis. Int J Rheumatol 2012; 2012:121439. [PMID: 22988462 PMCID: PMC3439977 DOI: 10.1155/2012/121439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Revised: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Although a large proportion of SSc patients have only limited interstitial involvement with an indolent course, in a significant minority ILD is progressive, requiring prompt treatment and careful monitoring. One of the main challenges for the clinician treating this highly variable disease is the early identification of patients at risk of progressive ILD, while avoiding potentially toxic treatments in those whose disease is inherently stable. Easily available and repeatable biomarkers that allow estimation of the risk of ILD progression and early response to treatment are highly desirable. In this paper, we review the evidence for circulating biomarkers with potential roles in diagnosis, monitoring of disease activity, or determining prognosis. Peripheral blood biomarkers offer the advantages of being readily obtained, non-invasive, and serially monitored. Several possible candidates have emerged from studies performed so far, including SP-D, KL-6, and CCL18. Presently however, there are few prospective studies evaluating the predictive ability of prospective biomarkers after adjustment for disease severity. Future carefully designed, prospective studies of well characterised patients with ILD, with optimal definition of disease severity and outcome measures are needed.
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Shah AA, Chung SE, Wigley FM, Wise RA, Hummers LK. Changes in estimated right ventricular systolic pressure predict mortality and pulmonary hypertension in a cohort of scleroderma patients. Ann Rheum Dis 2012; 72:1136-40. [PMID: 22887850 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-201861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Annual echocardiography screening is widely used in scleroderma, but the utility of longitudinal assessment is unknown. We evaluated whether change in right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was a risk factor for mortality and development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in a cohort of scleroderma patients. METHODS The study population consisted of scleroderma patients who had at least three echocardiograms and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) over ≥1 year as part of routine care. The annual rate of change in RVSP was determined for each subject. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to assess the association between PAH and mortality and change in RVSP/year, adjusted for relevant covariates. RESULTS 613 scleroderma patients with 3244 echocardiograms were studied. The adjusted relative hazards of PAH and mortality were 1.08 (95% CI 1.05-1.11) and 1.12 (95% CI 1.08-1.15) per 1 mm Hg increase in RVSP/year, respectively. Compared with patients with a stable RVSP, the relative hazards for the development of PAH were 1.90 (95% CI 0.91-3.96), 5.09 (95% CI 2.53-10.26) and 6.15 (95% CI 3.58-10.56) for subjects whose RVSP increased at rates of 1-1.99, 2-2.99 and 3+ mm Hg/year. Compared with the same reference group, the relative hazards for death were 0.92 (95% CI 0.48-1.73), 2.16 (95% CI 1.16-4.01) and 5.05 (95% CI 3.47-7.34) for subjects whose RVSP increased at rates of 1-1.99, 2-2.99 and 3+ mm Hg/year. CONCLUSIONS In a population of scleroderma patients, the rate of increase in RVSP is a risk factor for mortality and PAH even after adjustment for clinical characteristics and longitudinal PFT data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami A Shah
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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An update on the evaluation and management of pulmonary hypertension in scleroderma. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2012; 14:1-10. [PMID: 22215445 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-011-0226-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with scleroderma (SScPAH) is a debilitating, highly lethal condition that responds to an array of therapies. Quality of life and prognosis are substantially improved by treatment, and early diagnosis and treatment are associated with improved outcomes. There are serious limitations to current screening programs. Many more questions need to be addressed. Why is PAH so common in SSc? Why is the tolerance of pulmonary hypertension so poor in scleroderma? What are the best measures of response to therapy in SSc patients with PAH? Should we use different parameters in prognostic scores in SScPAH? Why is postcapillary pulmonary hypertension so common in SSc? How do we reliably differentiate lung disease-associated pulmonary hypertension from PAH? The aim of this review is to summarize the main areas of progress over the past decade and to look to the challenges for the next decade.
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