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Ciaffi J, Liem SIE, Cannegieter S, Ahmed S, Hoekstra EM, Wiland P, Atsumi T, Szücs G, Balbir Gurman A, Czirják L, Zanatta E, Koetter I, Henes JC, Matucci-Cerinic M, Airò P, Ursini F, Huizinga TWJ, De Vries-Bouwstra J, Collaborators E. Untangling the relationship between smoking and systemic sclerosis: an analysis of the EUSTAR cohort. RMD Open 2024; 10:e004101. [PMID: 38772679 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2024-004101] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To untangle the association between smoking and systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS In the European Scleroderma Trials and Research cohort, the autoantibody status was compared between ever-smokers and never-smokers. Time until disease progression was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Cox models were built to investigate the influence of smoking over 15 years of follow-up. All analyses were performed for the total cohort and stratified for sex and for positivity of anti-centromere (ACA) and anti-topoisomerase antibodies (ATA). RESULTS Overall, 12 314 patients were included in the study. Of these, 10 393 were women (84%), 4637 were ACA-positive (38%), 3919 were ATA-positive (32%) and 4271 (35%) were ever-smokers. In men, but not in women, smoking was associated with mortality (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.16, p=0.001). Ever-smoking women were at higher risk for skin progression (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.22, p=0.046) and for 'any organ progression' (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.13, p=0.036). In women, 34% of never-smokers were ATA-positive compared with 21% of ever-smokers (p<0.001). In the group of ever-smokers, higher exposure rates, reflected by the number of pack-years (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97 to 0.99, p<0.001) and by smoking duration (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.97, p<0.001), were associated with lower frequency of ATA. In ACA-positive patients, the risk of mortality (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.63, p=0.033), cardiac involvement (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.43, p=0.001), skin progression (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.42, p=0.018) and 'any organ progression' (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.24, p=0.002) was increased among smokers. In ATA-positive smoking patients, mortality (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.78, p=0.006), skin progression (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.37, p=0.020) digital ulcers (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.34, p=0.029) and 'any organ progression' (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.22, p=0.048) occurred more frequently. CONCLUSIONS Our stratified analysis demonstrates that smoking is associated with an increased risk for mortality in male SSc patients but not in women. Strikingly, smoking is associated with lower prevalence of ATA positivity, in particular in women. In both ATA-positive and ACA-positive patients, smoking is a risk factor for mortality, skin progression and 'any organ progression'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Ciaffi
- Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sophie I E Liem
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Cannegieter
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Saad Ahmed
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eva M Hoekstra
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Piotr Wiland
- Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Tatsuya Atsumi
- Department of Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Gabriella Szücs
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Balbir Gurman
- Rheumatology Department, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - László Czirják
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Elisabetta Zanatta
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Unit of Rheumatology, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Ina Koetter
- Medical Department 4, Rheumatology, Immunology, Nephrology, Asklepios Klinik Altona, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joerg C Henes
- Internal Medicine II - Oncology, haematology, clinical immunology and rheumatology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Airò
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Service, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Ursini
- Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tom W J Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeska De Vries-Bouwstra
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
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Parodis I, Girard-Guyonvarc'h C, Arnaud L, Distler O, Domján A, Van den Ende CHM, Fligelstone K, Kocher A, Larosa M, Lau M, Mitropoulos A, Ndosi M, Poole JL, Redmond A, Ritschl V, Alexanderson H, Sjöberg Y, von Perner G, Uhlig T, Varju C, Vriezekolk JE, Welin E, Westhovens R, Stamm TA, Boström C. EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological management of systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:720-729. [PMID: 37433575 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop evidence-based recommendations for the non-pharmacological management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS A task force comprising 7 rheumatologists, 15 other healthcare professionals and 3 patients was established. Following a systematic literature review performed to inform the recommendations, statements were formulated, discussed during online meetings and graded based on risk of bias assessment, level of evidence (LoE) and strength of recommendation (SoR; scale A-D, A comprising consistent LoE 1 studies, D comprising LoE 4 or inconsistent studies), following the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology standard operating procedure. Level of agreement (LoA; scale 0-10, 0 denoting complete disagreement, 10 denoting complete agreement) was determined for each statement through online voting. RESULTS Four overarching principles and 12 recommendations were developed. These concerned common and disease-specific aspects of non-pharmacological management. SoR ranged from A to D. The mean LoA with the overarching principles and recommendations ranged from 8.4 to 9.7. Briefly, non-pharmacological management of SLE and SSc should be tailored, person-centred and participatory. It is not intended to preclude but rather complement pharmacotherapy. Patients should be offered education and support for physical exercise, smoking cessation and avoidance of cold exposure. Photoprotection and psychosocial interventions are important for SLE patients, while mouth and hand exercises are important in SSc. CONCLUSIONS The recommendations will guide healthcare professionals and patients towards a holistic and personalised management of SLE and SSc. Research and educational agendas were developed to address needs towards a higher evidence level, enhancement of clinician-patient communication and improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Girard-Guyonvarc'h
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneve, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Arnaud
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Centre National de Référence (RESO), INSERM UMR-S 1109, Strasbourg, France
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Domján
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Cornelia H M Van den Ende
- Department of Research, Sint Maartenskliniek, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kim Fligelstone
- Federation of European Scleroderma Associations (FESCA), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Agnes Kocher
- Institute of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maddalena Larosa
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Specialties, ASL3, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Alexandros Mitropoulos
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Wellbeing and Life Science, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mwidimi Ndosi
- School of Health and Social Wellbeing, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Janet L Poole
- Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Anthony Redmond
- Leeds Institute for Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Valentin Ritschl
- Section for Outcomes Research, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helene Alexanderson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Till Uhlig
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cecilia Varju
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School of University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Elisabet Welin
- School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - René Westhovens
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tanja A Stamm
- Section for Outcomes Research, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Boström
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Antonacci A, Praino E, Abbinante A, Favia G, Rotondo C, Bartolomeo N, Giotta M, Iannone F, Orrù G, Agneta MT, Capodiferro S, Barile G, Corsalini M. Orofacial Manifestation of Systemic Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study and Future Prospects of Oral Capillaroscopy. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:437. [PMID: 38396477 PMCID: PMC10888273 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14040437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES oral alterations in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients are widespread and include microstomia, periodontitis, telangiectasias, mandibular resorption, bone lesions, and xerostomia. This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the differences between SSc patients (cases) and healthy subjects (controls) regarding oral manifestations, quality of life (QoL), and microcirculation alterations. METHODS plaque index (PCR), periodontal index (PSR), DMFT, salivary flow rate, and buccal opening were measured by expert clinicians. S-HAQ test, the Self-Rating Anxiety State (SAS), the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the WHOQOL-BREF test were administered to patients to evaluate their QoL. Microvascular alterations were assessed by oral videocapillaroscopy, performed on gingival and labial mucosa. A statistical analysis was conducted to find significant differences between healthy people and SSc patients. RESULTS 59 patients were enrolled in this study. Standard salivary flow is significantly more frequent in controls, while xerostomia, reduced flow, microstomia, lip retraction, and periodontitis are significantly more frequent in the cases. Gingival capillaroscopy showed differences concerning loop visibility, thickening of the gum, tortuosity of gingival loops, and reduced gingival density. Labial capillaroscopy demonstrates that visibility of the labial loops, the labial ectasias, and the tortuosity of the loops are significantly associated with the presence of scleroderma. Hand and facial deformities, hypomobility of the tongue, cheeks, lips, microstomia, and xerostomia significantly compromised the quality of life of SSc patients, which was significantly worse among them. Moreover, oral videocapillaroscopy could be a proper diagnostic method to detect oral microcirculation alterations. SSc patients often present ectasias, rarefaction of the reticulum, microhemorrhages, and megacapillaries, which negatively impact their oral health. CONCLUSIONS periodontitis, reduced salivary flow, and microstomia could be considered SSc oral manifestations. Joint deformities, facial appearance, and comorbidities significantly reduce the QoL of SSc patients compared to healthy subjects. Oral videocapillaroscopy could be an innovative and reliable technique to detect oral microcirculation anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Antonacci
- Complex Operative Unit of Odontostomatology, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (G.F.); (M.T.A.); (S.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Emanuela Praino
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePReJ), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Antonia Abbinante
- Complex Operative Unit of Odontostomatology, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (G.F.); (M.T.A.); (S.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Gianfranco Favia
- Complex Operative Unit of Odontostomatology, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (G.F.); (M.T.A.); (S.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Cinzia Rotondo
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Nicola Bartolomeo
- School of Medical Statistics and Biometry, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (N.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Massimo Giotta
- School of Medical Statistics and Biometry, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (N.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Florenzo Iannone
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePReJ), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Maria Teresa Agneta
- Complex Operative Unit of Odontostomatology, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (G.F.); (M.T.A.); (S.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Saverio Capodiferro
- Complex Operative Unit of Odontostomatology, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (G.F.); (M.T.A.); (S.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Barile
- Complex Operative Unit of Odontostomatology, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (G.F.); (M.T.A.); (S.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Massimo Corsalini
- Complex Operative Unit of Odontostomatology, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (G.F.); (M.T.A.); (S.C.); (M.C.)
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Ross L, Maltez N, Hughes M, Schoones JW, Baron M, Chung L, Giuggioli D, Moinzadeh P, Suliman YA, Campochiaro C, Allanore Y, Denton CP, Distler O, Frech T, Furst DE, Khanna D, Krieg T, Kuwana M, Matucci-Cerinic M, Pope J, Alunno A. Systemic pharmacological treatment of digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis: a systematic literature review. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:3785-3800. [PMID: 37335850 PMCID: PMC10691932 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the evidence concerning systemic pharmacological treatments for SSc digital ulcers (DUs) to inform the development of evidence-based treatment guidelines. METHODS A systematic literature review of seven databases was performed to identify all original research studies of adult patients with SSc DUs. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective longitudinal observational studies (OBSs) were eligible for inclusion. Data were extracted, applying the patient, intervention, comparison, outcome framework, and risk of bias (RoB) was assessed. Due to study heterogeneity, narrative summaries were used to present data. RESULTS Forty-seven studies that evaluated the treatment efficacy or safety of pharmacological therapies were identified among 4250 references. Data from 18 RCTs of 1927 patients and 29 OBSs of 661 patients, at various RoB (total 2588 patients) showed that i.v. iloprost, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and atorvastatin are effective for the treatment of active DUs. Bosentan reduced the rate of future DUs in two RCTs (moderate RoB) and eight OBSs at low to high RoB. Two small studies (moderate RoB) indicate that Janus kinase inhibitors may be effective for the treatment of active DUs, otherwise there are no data to support the use of immunosuppression or anti-platelet agents in the management of DUs. CONCLUSION There are several systemic treatments, across four medication classes, that are effective therapies for the management of SSc DUs. However, a lack of robust data means it is not possible to define the optimal treatment regimen for SSc DUs. The relatively low quality of evidence available has highlighted further areas of research need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ross
- Department of Medicine and Rheumatology, University of Melbourne at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nancy Maltez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Hughes
- Department of Rheumatology, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford Care Organisation, Salford, UK
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jan W Schoones
- Directorate of Research Policy (formerly Walaeus Library), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Murray Baron
- Division of Rheumatology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lorinda Chung
- Department of Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine and Palo Alto VA Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Dilia Giuggioli
- Department of Rheumatology, Division of Rheumatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Pia Moinzadeh
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yossra A Suliman
- Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Corrado Campochiaro
- Department of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele Università, Milan, Italy
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Department of Rheumatology, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- UCL Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tracy Frech
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Daniel E Furst
- Department of Rheumatology and Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Thomas Krieg
- Department of Rheumatology, Division of Rheumatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Masataka Kuwana
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Janet Pope
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alessia Alunno
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Internal Medicine and Nephrology Division, ASL1 Avezzano-Sulmona-L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Enghelmayer JI, López Meiller MJ, Vallejos A, Felder F, Pertuz MM, Arias T, Legarreta CG, Acuña S, Leiva S, Barrios V, Dubinsky D. Description of a single centre cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis from the University Hospital of Buenos Aires and factors associated with lung function deterioration. A retrospective study. REUMATOLOGIA CLINICA 2023; 19:351-357. [PMID: 37661112 DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Given the paucity of data in Latin America and especially in Argentina regarding the epidemiology of SSc, the prevalence of ILD, its course, and particularly the response to treatment, our objective was to evaluate a cohort of SSc patients evaluated in a single University Hospital in Buenos Aires. PATIENTS/METHODS We included 152 patients with SSc, followed from disease onset to last pulmonary function test and with at least two PFT and up to 30 months between each. RESULTS Sixty-one percent had diffuse SSc (DSSc) and 32% limited SSc (LSSc). The only significant clinical differences between these groups were a higher initial mRodnan score and prevalence of ILD in the DSSc. These also had significantly more anti Scl-70 (Topoisomerase 1) antibodies compared to the LSSC group who had significantly more anti centromere antibodies. The DSSc group also had significantly more extensive damage on HRCT with no differences in terms of imaging patterns. Comparing patients with and without ILD by HRCT, those with ILD had significantly more extensive damage, significantly more anti Scl-70 antibodies, and significantly fewer anti centromere antibodies than those without ILD. Patients whose ILD progressed had a smoking history (OR 4.97) and prior immunosuppressive treatment (OR 15.6) (multivariate analysis). Overall disease duration was significantly shorter in those who progressed. CONCLUSIONS Our SSc population had similar characteristics to those described elsewhere as well as prevalence of ILD and its progression. We found a shorter disease duration, smoking, and prior immunosuppressive treatment to be associated with ILD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan I Enghelmayer
- División Neumonología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | - Ailín Vallejos
- División Neumonología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Felder
- División Diagnóstico por imágenes, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Milena Pertuz
- División Reumatología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tamara Arias
- División Reumatología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cora G Legarreta
- División Neumonología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvana Acuña
- División Neumonología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Leiva
- División Neumonología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanesa Barrios
- División Reumatología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diana Dubinsky
- División Reumatología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Yan Q, Liu B, Wang J, Yin H, Li Q, Lu L. Iguratimod as an alternative therapy for systemic sclerosis and prevention of the occurrence of ischemic digital ulcer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1113408. [PMID: 37215710 PMCID: PMC10196471 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1113408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of iguratimod (IGU) as an alternative treatment for systemic sclerosis (SSc), especially in the prevention of ischemic digital ulcers (DUs). Methods We constructed two cohorts from the Renji SSc registry. In the first cohort, SSc patients receiving IGU were observed prospectively with effectiveness and safety. In the second cohort, we picked up all the DU patients with at least a 3-month follow-up to investigate the prevention of IGU on ischemic DU. Results From 2017 to 2021, 182 SSc patients were enrolled in our SSc registry. A total of 23 patients received IGU. With a median follow-up of 61 weeks (IQR: 15-82 weeks), the drug persistence was 13/23. In total, 91.3% of the patients (21/23) became free of deterioration in the last visit with IGU. Of note, 10 patients withdrew from the study due to the following reasons: two patients withdrew due to deterioration, three due to incompliance, and five due to mild-to-moderate side effects. All the patients with side effects recovered fully after stopping IGU. Of note, 11 patients had ischemic DU, and 8 out of 11 (72.7%) patients had no new occurrence of DU during the follow-up. In the second cohort of 31 DU patients receiving a combination of vasoactive agents with a median follow-up of 47 weeks (IQR, 16-107 weeks), IGU treatment was protective of new DU occurrence (adjusted risk ratio = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.05-0.94; adjusted odds ratio = 0.07; and 95% CI, 0.01-0.49). Conclusion Our study for the first time describes the potential of IGU possibly as an alternative treatment for SSc. To our surprise, this study provides a hint that IGU treatment can be used for the prevention of the occurrence of ischemic DU and merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingran Yan
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieying Wang
- Clinical Center for Investigation, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanlin Yin
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangjing Lu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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7
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Chernis J, Buni M, Kazzaz S, Ying J, Lyons M, Assassi S, Mayes M. Predictors of Perceived Functional Status in Early Systemic Sclerosis: A Prospective Longitudinal Study of an Early Disease Cohort. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2023; 75:1066-1070. [PMID: 34738736 PMCID: PMC9068830 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (M-HAQ) is a well-established patient-reported outcome measure in systemic sclerosis (SSc) studies that reflects how a patient functions in several categories of activities of daily living. This study analyzed clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic factors that predict M-HAQ scores over time. METHODS This study included 388 patients with baseline M-HAQ scores from the Genetics versus Environment in Scleroderma Outcome Study (GENISOS) early disease cohort with a mean disease duration of 2.5 years, mean follow-up time of 3.9 years, and median follow-up of 7.2 years. A total of 1,950 M-HAQ measurements were analyzed. Baseline disease characteristics were recorded, and the association of these characteristics with the M-HAQ score was analyzed at baseline and longitudinally. RESULTS Lower income and education levels, older age, and more severe skin involvement at enrollment were independent predictors of worse perceived functional disability over time (i.e., higher longitudinal M-HAQ levels). Higher longitudinal modified Rodnan skin scores correlated with higher M-HAQ scores, whereas higher longitudinal forced vital capacity percentage predicted values correlated with lower M-HAQ scores over time (P < 0.001 for both univariable and multivariable analyses). Moreover, higher baseline M-HAQ scores predicted higher mortality (hazard ratio 1.29, 95% confidence interval 1.09-1.52, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION This large, longitudinal study of early disease SSc demonstrates that severity of skin disease and socioeconomic factors such as educational level and income are important predictors of perceived functional disability in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Chernis
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Maryam Buni
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | | | | | - Marka Lyons
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Shervin Assassi
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Maureen Mayes
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
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8
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Varjú C, Pauling JD, Saketkoo LA. Multi-Organ System Screening, Care, and Patient Support in Systemic Sclerosis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2023; 49:211-248. [PMID: 37028832 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogenous systemic autoimmune disease of complex multi-organ manifestations with a disease-specific mortality of >50%. The patient journey is fraught with severe, diverse, and diffuse physical impairment, psychological burden, and diminishing health-related quality of life. SSc remains unfamiliar to many clinicians. Delayed/misdiagnosis, inadequate screening, and attention for common complications with potentially preventable disability/death contribute to patients feeling isolated and unsupported. We present actionable standards including screening, anticipatory guidance, and counseling in patient-centered SSc-care emphasizing psycho-social health as the central goal, whereas robust vigilance and efforts to improve biophysical health and survival are imperatives that support this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecília Varjú
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - John D Pauling
- Department of Rheumatology, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK; Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lesley Ann Saketkoo
- New Orleans Scleroderma and Sarcoidosis Patient Care and Research Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; University Medical Center - Comprehensive Pulmonary Hypertension Center and Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic Programs, New Orleans, LA, USA; Section of Pulmonary Medicine, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA; Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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9
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Bruni C, Occhipinti M, Pienn M, Camiciottoli G, Bartolucci M, Bosello SL, Payer C, Bálint Z, Larici AR, Tottoli A, Tofani L, De Lorenzis E, Lepri G, Bellando-Randone S, Spinella A, Giuggioli D, Masini F, Cuomo G, Lavorini F, Colagrande S, Olschewski H, Matucci-Cerinic M. Lung vascular changes as biomarkers of severity in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:696-706. [PMID: 35708639 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES It has recently become possible to assess lung vascular and parenchymal changes quantitatively in thoracic CT images using automated software tools. We investigated the vessel parameters of patients with SSc, quantified by CT imaging, and correlated them with interstitial lung disease (ILD) features. METHODS SSc patients undergoing standard of care pulmonary function testing and CT evaluation were retrospectively evaluated. CT images were analysed for ILD patterns and total pulmonary vascular volume (PVV) extents with Imbio lung texture analysis. Vascular analysis (volumes, numbers and densities of vessels, separating arteries and veins) was performed with an in-house developed software. A threshold of 5% ILD extent was chosen to define the presence of ILD, and commonly used cut-offs of lung function were adopted. RESULTS A total of 79 patients [52 women, 40 ILD, mean age 56.2 (s.d. 14.2) years, total ILD extent 9.5 (10.7)%, PVV/lung volume % 2.8%] were enrolled. Vascular parameters for total and separated PVV significantly correlated with functional parameters and ILD pattern extents. SSc-associated ILD (SSc-ILD) patients presented with an increased number and volume of arterial vessels, in particular those between 2 and 4 mm of diameter, and with a higher density of arteries and veins of <6 mm in diameter. Considering radiological and functional criteria concomitantly, as well as the descriptive trends from the longitudinal evaluations, the normalized PVVs, vessel numbers and densities increased progressively with the increase/worsening of ILD extent and functional impairment. CONCLUSION In SSc patients CT vessel parameters increase in parallel with ILD extent and functional impairment, and may represent a biomarker of SSc-ILD severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Bruni
- Division of Rheumatology, Deptartment of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy.,Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Michael Pienn
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Gianna Camiciottoli
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence.,Department of CardioThoracoVascular, Careggi University Hospital, Florence
| | | | - Silvia Laura Bosello
- Department of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Christian Payer
- Institute of Computer Graphics and Vision, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Zoltán Bálint
- Faculty of Physics, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anna Rita Larici
- Department of Radiological and Hematological Sciences, Section of Radiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.,Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy and Hematology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome
| | - Alessandra Tottoli
- Division of Rheumatology, Deptartment of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tofani
- Division of Rheumatology, Deptartment of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy.,Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications, University of Florence, Florence
| | - Enrico De Lorenzis
- Department of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Gemma Lepri
- Division of Rheumatology, Deptartment of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellando-Randone
- Division of Rheumatology, Deptartment of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy
| | - Amelia Spinella
- Scleroderma Unit, Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena
| | - Dilia Giuggioli
- Scleroderma Unit, Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena
| | - Francesco Masini
- Department of Medicine of Precision, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples
| | - Giovanna Cuomo
- Department of Medicine of Precision, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples
| | - Federico Lavorini
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence.,Department of CardioThoracoVascular, Careggi University Hospital, Florence
| | - Stefano Colagrande
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Radiodiagnostic Unit n. 2, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Horst Olschewski
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria.,Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Division of Rheumatology, Deptartment of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy.,Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
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10
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Khanna D, Lescoat A, Roofeh D, Bernstein EJ, Kazerooni EA, Roth MD, Martinez F, Flaherty KR, Denton CP. Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: How to Incorporate Two Food and Drug Administration-Approved Therapies in Clinical Practice. Arthritis Rheumatol 2022; 74:13-27. [PMID: 34313399 PMCID: PMC8730677 DOI: 10.1002/art.41933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) has the highest individual mortality of all rheumatic diseases, and interstitial lung disease (ILD) is among the leading causes of SSc-related death. Two drugs are now approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and indicated for slowing the rate of decline in pulmonary function in patients with SSc-associated ILD (SSc-ILD): nintedanib (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor) and tocilizumab (the first biologic agent targeting the interleukin-6 pathway in SSc). In addition, 2 generic drugs with cytotoxic and immunoregulatory activity, mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide, have shown comparable efficacy in a phase II trial but are not FDA-approved for SSc-ILD. In light of the heterogeneity of the disease, the optimal therapeutic strategy for the management of SSc-ILD is still to be determined. The objectives of this review are 2-fold: 1) review the body of research focused on the diagnosis and treatment of SSc-ILD; and 2) propose a practical approach for diagnosis, stratification, management, and therapeutic decision-making in this clinical context. This review presents a practical classification of SSc patients in terms of disease severity (subclinical versus clinical ILD) and associated risk of progression (low versus high risk). The pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options for first- and second-line therapy, as well as potential combination approaches, are discussed in light of the recent approval of tocilizumab for SSc-ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Khanna
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alain Lescoat
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program,Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, CHU Rennes, Univ Rennes, France,,University of Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail), Rennes, France
| | - David Roofeh
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Elana J Bernstein
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ella A Kazerooni
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael D Roth
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles USA
| | - Fernando Martinez
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, NYU/ Cornell University, NY, USA
| | - Kevin R Flaherty
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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11
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Vonk MC, Walker UA, Volkmann ER, Kreuter M, Johnson SR, Allanore Y. Natural variability in the disease course of SSc-ILD: implications for treatment. Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/159/200340. [PMID: 33762426 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0340-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) affects approximately 50% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is the leading cause of death in SSc. Our objective was to gain insight into the progression of SSc-associated ILD (SSc-ILD). Using data from longitudinal clinical trials and observational studies, we assessed definitions and patterns of progression, risk factors for progression, and implications for treatment. SSc-ILD progression was commonly defined as exceeding specific thresholds of lung function worsening and/or increasing radiographic involvement. One definition used in several studies is decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) of ≥10%, or ≥5-10% plus a decline in diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide ≥15%. Based on these criteria, 20-30% of patients in observational cohorts develop progressive ILD, starting early in the disease course and progressing at a highly variable rate.Risk factors such as age, FVC, extent of fibrosis and presence of anti-topoisomerase I antibodies can help predict progression of SSc-ILD, though composite risk scores may offer greater predictive power. Whilst the variability of the disease course in SSc-ILD makes risk stratification of patients challenging, the decision to initiate, change or stop treatment should be based on a combination of the current disease state and the speed of progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelon C Vonk
- Dept of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich A Walker
- Dept of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth R Volkmann
- Dept of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael Kreuter
- Center for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases, Pneumology and Respiratory Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik, University of Heidelberg and German Center for Lung Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sindhu R Johnson
- University Health Network, Mount Sinai Hospital, Institute for Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Dept of Rheumatology A, Descartes University, APHP, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
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12
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Raynaud phenomenon and digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2020; 16:208-221. [PMID: 32099191 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-020-0386-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Raynaud phenomenon is a symptom complex caused by impaired digital perfusion and can occur as a primary phenomenon or secondary to a wide range of underlying causes. Raynaud phenomenon occurs in virtually all patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is often the earliest clinical manifestation to occur. Careful assessment is required in patients with Raynaud phenomenon to avoid missing secondary causes such as SSc. Digital ulcers are a painful and disabling visible manifestation of digital vascular injury in patients with SSc. Progress has been made in the classification and assessment of digital ulcers and in understanding ulcer pathogenesis, and there are a wide range of treatments available to both prevent and heal digital ulcers, some of which are also used in Raynaud phenomenon management. In this Review, the assessment of patients with Raynaud phenomenon is discussed, including 'red flags' that are suggestive of SSc. The pathogenesis, classification and assessment of SSc-associated digital ulcers are also covered, alongside an overview of management approaches for SSc-associated Raynaud phenomenon and digital ulcers. Finally, unmet needs are discussed and the concept of a unified vascular phenotype in which therapies that affect the vasculature to support disease modification strategies is introduced.
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13
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Use of vasoactive/vasodilating drugs for systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related digital ulcers (DUs) in expert tertiary centres: results from the analysis of the observational real-life DeSScipher study. Clin Rheumatol 2019; 39:27-36. [PMID: 31111363 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-019-04564-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION DeSScipher is the first European multicentre study on management of systemic sclerosis (SSc), and its observational trial 1 (OT1) evaluated the efficacy of different drugs for digital ulcer (DU) prevention and healing. The aim of this study was to assess current use of vasoactive/vasodilating agents for SSc-related DU in the expert centres by analysing the baseline data of the DeSScipher OT1. METHOD Baseline characteristics of patients enrolled in the OT1 and data regarding DU were analysed. RESULTS The most commonly used drugs, in both patients with and without DU, were calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (71.6%), followed by intravenous iloprost (20.8%), endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) (20.4%) and phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors (16.5%). Of patients, 32.6% with DU and 12.8% without DU received two drugs (p < 0.001), while 11.5% with DU and 1.9% without DU were treated with a combination of three or more agents (p < 0.001). Sixty-five percent of the patients with recurrent DU were treated with bosentan and/or sildenafil. However, 64 out of 277 patients with current DU (23.1%) and 101 (23.6%) patients with recurrent DU were on CCBs alone. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that CCBs are still the most commonly used agents for DU management in SSc. The proportion of patients on combination therapy was low, even in patients with recurrent DU: almost one out of four patients with current and recurrent DU was on CCBs alone. Prospective analysis is planned to investigate the efficacy of different drugs/drug combinations on DU healing and prevention. Key Points • The analysis of DeSScipher, the first European multicentre study on management of SSc, has shown that the most commonly used vasoactive/vasodilating drugs for DU were CCBs, followed by intravenous Iloprost, ERAs and PDE-5 inhibitors. • More than half of the patients with recurrent DU received bosentan and/or sildenafil. • However, the proportion of patients on combination therapy of more than one vasoactive/vasodilating drug was low and almost one out of four patients with current and recurrent DU was on CCBs alone.
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