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Szűcs G, Szekanecz Z, Szamosi S. Can we define difficult-to-treat systemic sclerosis? Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:1065-1081. [PMID: 38711393 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2352450] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by microvascular alterations, immunopathology, and widespread fibrosis involving various organs. It is considered difficult to treat due to several reasons: complex pathogenesis, heterogeneity, late diagnosis, limited treatment options for certain organ manifestations, lack of personalized medicine. AREAS COVERED This review presents the heterogeneity, survival and organ manifestations with their risk factors of systemic sclerosis and their current treatment options, while drawing attention to difficult-to-treat forms of the disease, based on literature indexed in PubMed. EXPERT OPINION Despite recent advances in the management of SSc over the last decades, the disease presents significant morbidity and mortality. Although available treatment protocols brought significant advancements in terms of survival in SSc-associated interstitial lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension, less success has been achieved in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers and the results are modest in case of heart, gastrointestinal, and renal manifestations. There are patients who do not respond to treatment and deteriorate even with adequate therapy. They can be considered difficult-to treat (D2T) cases. We have created a possible score system based on the individual organ manifestations and highlighted treatment options for the D2T SSc category.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Szűcs
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szekanecz
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Szamosi
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Pătrîntașu DE, Sárközi HK, Lupușor E, Vlangăr IE, Rotariu GM, Rența IA, Nan AN, Budin CE. A Multidisciplinary Approach as a Goal for the Management of Complications in Systemic Scleroderma: A Literature Review and Case Scenario. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3332. [PMID: 37958228 PMCID: PMC10648338 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13213332] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (also known as scleroderma) is a chronic fibrosing autoimmune disease with both skin and multisystem organ involvement. Scleroderma has the highest mortality among all rheumatic diseases. The pathophysiology mechanism of systemic sclerosis is a progressive self-amplifying process, which involves widespread microvascular damage, followed by a dysregulation of innate and adaptive immunity and inflammation and diffuse fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs. Fibrosis of internal organs is a hint for systemic sclerosis, moreover associated with interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is a complex process. In order to correlate scientific data from the literature with clinical experience, we present the case of a 56-year-old woman who was diagnosed with systemic sclerosis 16 years ago. The association of numerous comorbidities characterized by a considerable level of seriousness characterizes this case: the highly extensive systemic damage, the cardiovascular impact of the illness, and the existence of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. The systemic and clinical manifestations, respiratory functional tests, radiological features, and specific therapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariana-Elena Pătrîntașu
- Pneumology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania; (D.-E.P.); (H.K.S.); (E.L.); (I.-A.R.); (C.E.B.)
| | - Hédi Katalin Sárközi
- Pneumology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania; (D.-E.P.); (H.K.S.); (E.L.); (I.-A.R.); (C.E.B.)
- Pneumology Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Eugeniu Lupușor
- Pneumology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania; (D.-E.P.); (H.K.S.); (E.L.); (I.-A.R.); (C.E.B.)
| | - Irina Elena Vlangăr
- Cardiology Department, Elias University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Gheorghe-Marian Rotariu
- Faculty of Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania;
| | - Ionuț-Alexandru Rența
- Pneumology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania; (D.-E.P.); (H.K.S.); (E.L.); (I.-A.R.); (C.E.B.)
| | - Anda-Nicoleta Nan
- Pneumology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania; (D.-E.P.); (H.K.S.); (E.L.); (I.-A.R.); (C.E.B.)
| | - Corina Eugenia Budin
- Pneumology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania; (D.-E.P.); (H.K.S.); (E.L.); (I.-A.R.); (C.E.B.)
- Pathophysiology Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
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Foocharoen C, Kingkaew P, Teerawattananon Y, Mahakkanukrauh A, Suwannaroj S, Manasirisuk W, Chaiyarit J, Sangchan A. Cost-effectiveness of alginic acid in combination with proton pump inhibitor for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in systemic sclerosis patients. Int J Rheum Dis 2023; 26:2037-2046. [PMID: 37665078 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14868] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients often become refractory to proton pump inhibitors (PPI)-a standard treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-and intolerant to PPI in combination with domperidone. PPI with alginic acid is an alternative treatment option, but alginic acid is costly. OBJECTIVES We compared the costs and effectiveness of alginic acid plus PPI versus standard treatments (PPI with/without antacids as needed and lifestyle modifications) for GERD in SSc patients unsuitable for, or intolerant to, domperidone. METHODS An economic evaluation using the Markov model was conducted among SSc patients aged between 40 and 65 years with GERD, having a partial or non-response to 4 weeks of standard-dose omeprazole (40 mg/day) and being unsuitable for or intolerant to domperidone. Using a societal perspective, we computed the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) in terms of Thai baht (THB) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) between a combination of alginic acid plus PPI and standard treatment for GERD. The lifetime time horizon was used. RESULTS The ICER for alginic acid plus PPI versus standard treatments was 377 101 THB/QALY. According to the one-way sensitivity analysis, the cost of alginic acid was the most impactful parameter. If the market prices of alginic acid plus PPI were reduced by 61%, this treatment option would become cost-effective at the willingness-to-pay threshold of 160 000 THB/QALY (34.68 THB/USD data on 25 May 2023). Furthermore, if alginic acid were included in the public health insurance program, the national budget would be increased by 66 313 THB per patient, resulting in an overall budget increase of 5 106 101 to 8 885 942 THB compared with the standard treatment. CONCLUSIONS Alginic acid plus PPI does not represent good value for money compared with the standard treatment among such SSc patients in Thailand unless its price is reduced significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chingching Foocharoen
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Pritaporn Kingkaew
- The Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Yot Teerawattananon
- The Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Ajanee Mahakkanukrauh
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Siraphop Suwannaroj
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Witsarut Manasirisuk
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Jitjira Chaiyarit
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Apichat Sangchan
- Special Medical Center, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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Nazemiyeh M, Hajalilou M, Rajabnia M, Sharifi A, Hasani S. Diagnostic value of Endothelin 1 as a marker for diagnosis of pulmonary parenchyma involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis. AIMS MEDICAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.3934/medsci.2020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Lin YT, Chuang YS, Wang JW, Wu PH. High risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2019; 21:301. [PMID: 31878956 PMCID: PMC6933921 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-019-2078-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc), a life-threatening autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy. Numerous SSc patients demonstrate gastrointestinal (GI) involvement but the delicate GI bleeding risk remains sparse. We aimed to explore the role of SSc in determining the long-term risk of GI bleeding, including bleedings of upper (peptic and non-peptic ulcers) and lower GI tracts. METHODS Patients with SSc diagnosis were identified from the Catastrophic Illness Patient Database and the National Health Insurance Research Database from 1998 to 2007. Each SSc patient was matched with five SSc-free individuals by age, sex, and index date. All individuals (case = 3665, control = 18,325) were followed until the appearance of a GI bleeding event, death, or end of 2008. A subdistribution hazards model was assessed to evaluate the GI bleeding risk with adjustments for age, sex, and time-dependent covariates, comorbidity, and medications. RESULTS The incidence rate ratios of GI bleeding were 2.38 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.02-2.79), 2.06 (95% CI, 1.68-2.53), and 3.16 (95% CI, 2.53-3.96) for over-all, upper, and lower GI bleeding events in SSc patients. In the competing death risk in the subdistribution hazards model with time-covariate adjustment, SSc was an independent risk factor for over-all GI bleeding events (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] 2.98, 95% CI, 2.21-4.02), upper GI bleeding events (sHR 2.80, 95% CI, 1.92-4.08), and lower GI bleeding events (sHR 3.93, 95% CI, 2.52-6.13). CONCLUSION SSc patients exhibited a significantly higher risk of over-all and different subtype GI bleeding events compared with the SSc-free population. The prevention strategy is needed for these high GI bleeding risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Lin
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Shiuan Chuang
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jiunn-Wei Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Hsun Wu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
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Petcu A, Ghib LJ, Grad SM, Popovici C, Rogojan L, Rednic NV, Rednic S. Upper gastrointestinal involvement in systemic sclerosis: Findings in a real-life setting. Exp Ther Med 2019; 18:5095-5100. [PMID: 31798729 PMCID: PMC6880395 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.8125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal tract involvement is the most common visceral affectation in systemic sclerosis (SSc), but the manifestations may vary in extension and severity. Endoscopic and histopathological gastroesophageal findings were investigated in patients with SSc. A total of 79 consecutive patients with definite SSc were enrolled in a cross sectional study. Clinical data were collected, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsies from gastric mucosa were performed in all cases. Fifty-seven (72.1%) out of 79 SSc patients had gastroesophageal symptoms. The most frequent were dysphagia, present in 33 (41.7%) and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in 23 (29.1%) patients. Out of the 79 patients, 22 were asymptomatic, but in 16 esophageal and gastric mucosa changes were endoscopically detected. Reflux esophagitis was found in 39 (49.3%) patients. The presence of esophageal manifestations was not related to the disease duration or with its other variables. Signs of gastritis were endoscopically described in 47 (59.4%) and confirmed on histopathologic examinations in 45 patients. In 31 patients without any endoscopic changes, 18 (22.7%) showed signs of gastritis on histopathologic examination. No significant statistical differences were found between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients or between those with limited cutaneous SSc and those with diffuse cutaneous SSc in terms of clinical, endoscopic or histopathological findings, except the higher proportion of hiatal hernia in symptomatic patients. The results of this study might suggest that upper gastrointestinal endoscopy should be performed during the early stage of the disease and then periodically in patients diagnosed with SSc, even in the absence of typical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Petcu
- Rheumatology Department, ‘Iuliu Haţieganu’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Linda Jessica Ghib
- Rheumatology Department, ‘Iuliu Haţieganu’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simona Mihaela Grad
- 2nd Medical Clinic, ‘Iuliu Haţieganu’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cornelia Popovici
- 1st Medical Clinic, Gastroenterology Department, Emergency Clinical County Hospital, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Liliana Rogojan
- Department of Pathology, Emergency Clinical County Hospital, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Nicolae Voicu Rednic
- 3rd Medical Clinic, Gastroenterology Department, ‘Iuliu Haţieganu’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simona Rednic
- Rheumatology Department, ‘Iuliu Haţieganu’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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8
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Bütikofer S, Jordan S, Sauter M, Hollenstein M, Heinrich H, Freitas-Queiroz N, Kuntzen T, Ang D, Oberacher M, Maurer B, Schwizer W, Fox M, Distler O, Misselwitz B. Abnormal esophageal motility during a solid test meal in systemic sclerosis-detection even in very early disease and association with disease progression. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2019; 31:e13480. [PMID: 30276930 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed whether high-resolution manometry (HRM) with a test meal can detect clinically relevant, abnormal motility already in very early systemic sclerosis (SSc) and whether this finding is associated with subsequent disease progression. METHODS This prospective, longitudinal cohort study recruited 68 consecutive SSc patients (group #1: 32 established disease (ACR, American College of Rheumatology /EULAR, The European League against Rheumatism 2013 and ACR 1980 criteria fulfilled); group #2: 24 early disease (only ACR/EULAR 2013 fulfilled); group #3: 12 very early disease (clinical expert diagnosis of SSc) and 72 healthy controls. HRM evaluated esophageal motility for water swallows and a solid test meal. RESULTS Systemic sclerosis patients had less frequent effective esophageal contractions during the test meal compared to healthy controls even in very early disease (0.15, 1.0, 2.1 per minute for groups #1, #2, and #3, vs 2.5 per minute in health; P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.0085, respectively). Ineffective motility at HRM was associated with a higher modified Rodnan skin score at baseline. Moreover, at mean 18 (10-31) months of follow-up, the presence of ineffective motility at baseline was associated with progression of skin disease (P = 0.01). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis identified hypotensive peristalsis in the test meal (<15% effective solid swallows) and low distal contractile integral (DCI; <400 mm Hg·cm·s) as predictors for skin aggravation, but not for new organ involvement. CONCLUSION Ineffective motility during a test meal is present already in patients with very early SSc. Findings on HRM studies are associated with disease severity at baseline, and low percentage of effective swallows in test meal and low mean DCI are both predictors of skin progression during follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Bütikofer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich and Zurich University Switzerland, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Suzana Jordan
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and Zurich University, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Sauter
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich and Zurich University Switzerland, Zurich, Switzerland.,Abdominal Center Gastroenterology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hollenstein
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich and Zurich University Switzerland, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Henriette Heinrich
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich and Zurich University Switzerland, Zurich, Switzerland.,Abdominal Center Gastroenterology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Natália Freitas-Queiroz
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thomas Kuntzen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich and Zurich University Switzerland, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daphne Ang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Marcos Oberacher
- Department of Medicine, Spital Limmattal, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Britta Maurer
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and Zurich University, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Werner Schwizer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich and Zurich University Switzerland, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark Fox
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich and Zurich University Switzerland, Zurich, Switzerland.,Abdominal Center Gastroenterology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and Zurich University, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Misselwitz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich and Zurich University Switzerland, Zurich, Switzerland
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Akiyama J, Kuribayashi S, Baeg MK, Bortoli N, Valitova E, Savarino EV, Kusano M, Triadafilopoulos G. Current and future perspectives in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018; 1434:70-83. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Akiyama
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNational Center for Global Health and Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Shiko Kuribayashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Integrative Center of Internal MedicineGunma University Hospital Maebashi Japan
| | - Myong Ki Baeg
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal MedicineCatholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital Incheon South Korea
| | - Nicola Bortoli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Pisa Pisa Italy
| | - Elen Valitova
- Department of Upper Gastrointestinal Tract DisordersClinical Scientific Centre Moscow Russia
| | - Edoardo V. Savarino
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and GastroenterologyUniversity of Padua Padua Italy
| | - Motoyasu Kusano
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Integrative Center of Internal MedicineGunma University Hospital Maebashi Japan
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Furst DE, Braun-Moscovic Y, Khanna D. Points to consider for clinical trials of the gastrointestinal tract in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2017; 56:v4-v11. [PMID: 28992166 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of gastrointestinal tract involvement in SSc is not fully understood. However, gastrointestinal signs and symptoms are very common. Trials to test therapies, with rare exceptions, should be double-blind, randomized trials with either active therapy or placebo as comparators. Trial duration will vary dependent on the anticipated therapy and should usually be 6-24 weeks long, although some motility trials may need to be 52 weeks. As in any well-controlled trial, inclusion and exclusion criteria should encourage relatively uniform patients with sufficiently active disease to discern response, importantly considering disease duration. Previous therapy, co-morbid conditions, potentially confounding and/or concomitant therapy should be considered. Outcome measures should include both objective/semi-objective and subjective measures, although validated measures are not frequent and design needs to consider using only validated measures. Unvalidated measures can be included to validate them for future use. A full analysis plan should be completed before study commencement, including the method to account for missing data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Furst
- Department of Rheumatology, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yolanda Braun-Moscovic
- B.Shine Rheumatology Unit, Rambam Medical Health Care Campus, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israeli Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Saigusa S, Inoue Y, Ohi M, Imaoka H, Uratani R, Kobayashi M, Kusunoki M. Distinguishing between limited systemic scleroderma-associated pseudo-obstruction and peritoneal dissemination. Surg Case Rep 2016; 1:21. [PMID: 26943389 PMCID: PMC4747929 DOI: 10.1186/s40792-014-0010-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A 78-year-old woman receiving treatment for limited systemic scleroderma (SSc) underwent high anterior resection and partial liver resections for rectosigmoid colon cancer with multiple liver metastases. A year after surgery, an abdominal computed tomography (CT) demonstrated suspicion for peritoneal dissemination with an increase in ascites, and (18)F-fluorodeoxy glucose-positron emission tomography-CT was suggestive of carcinomatosis. We began to decompress the small intestine and administer octreotide. However, the intestinal obstruction did not improve. Although intestinal pseudo-obstruction caused by limited SSc was considered as a differential diagnosis, we performed an exploratory laparotomy because the possibility of peritoneal dissemination-associated obstruction could not be excluded. We observed a moderate amount of serous ascites and dilatation of the small intestine that was white in color, hard, and with limited contractility. There was no evidence of peritoneal dissemination nor of mechanical obstruction. Our experience thus shows the difficulty of distinguishing SSc-associated intestinal pseudo-obstruction from peritoneal dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Saigusa
- Department of Surgery, Wakaba Hospital, 28-13 Minami-Chuo, Tsu, Mie, 514-0832, Japan. .,Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiro Inoue
- Department of Surgery, Wakaba Hospital, 28-13 Minami-Chuo, Tsu, Mie, 514-0832, Japan. .,Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan.
| | - Masaki Ohi
- Department of Surgery, Wakaba Hospital, 28-13 Minami-Chuo, Tsu, Mie, 514-0832, Japan. .,Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Imaoka
- Department of Surgery, Wakaba Hospital, 28-13 Minami-Chuo, Tsu, Mie, 514-0832, Japan. .,Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan.
| | - Ryo Uratani
- Department of Surgery, Wakaba Hospital, 28-13 Minami-Chuo, Tsu, Mie, 514-0832, Japan. .,Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan.
| | - Minako Kobayashi
- Department of Surgery, Wakaba Hospital, 28-13 Minami-Chuo, Tsu, Mie, 514-0832, Japan. .,Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan.
| | - Masato Kusunoki
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan.
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Savarino E, Furnari M, de Bortoli N, Martinucci I, Bodini G, Ghio M, Savarino V. Gastrointestinal involvement in systemic sclerosis. Presse Med 2014; 43:e279-91. [PMID: 25179275 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2014.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune chronic disease characterised by microvascular, muscular and immunologic abnormalities that lead to progressive and systemic deposition of connective tissue in the skin and internal organs. The gastrointestinal tract is often overlooked by physicians but it is the most affected organ after the skin, from the mouth to the anus. Indeed, 80% of SSc patients may present with gastrointestinal involvement. Gastrointestinal manifestations range from bloating and heartburn to dysphagia and anorectal dysfunction to severe weight loss and malabsorption. However, the gastrointestinal involvement is rarely the direct cause of death, but has great impact on quality of life and leads to several comorbidities that subsequently affect patients' survival. Treatments, including nutritional support and prokinetics provide limited benefits and do not arrest the progressive course of the disease, but earlier detection of gastrointestinal involvement may reduce the risk of complications such as malnutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Savarino
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Manuele Furnari
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicola de Bortoli
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Irene Martinucci
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgia Bodini
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Ghio
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Savarino
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Muangchan C, Baron M, Pope J. The 15% rule in scleroderma: the frequency of severe organ complications in systemic sclerosis. A systematic review. J Rheumatol 2013; 40:1545-56. [PMID: 23858045 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.121380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prevalence of organ complications in scleroderma (systemic sclerosis; SSc) varies by definition used. This study was done to determine the frequency of several features of SSc. METHODS A search of Medline-Ovid/Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases from 1980 to November 30, 2011, was conducted to identify relevant articles with at least 50 patients with SSc extracting prevalence of each organ complication. Study quality was assessed using the STROBE (Strengthening The Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology) checklist. Pooled prevalence was calculated using the random effects method. Heterogeneity was quantified using I(2). RESULTS A total of 5916 articles were identified (913 from Medline-Ovid/Embase, 1009 from PubMed, and 3994 from Scopus); 5665 were excluded, leaving 251 articles for full-text review, with 69 included. Where available, frequencies were also included from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group. Many severe complications in SSc occur about 15% of the time, including cardiac involvement (15%, 95% CI 6-24), diastolic dysfunction (16%, 95% CI 14-17), estimated pulmonary artery pressure > 40 mm Hg (18%, 95% CI 14-21), pulmonary arterial hypertension by right heart catheterization (15%, 95% CI 12-17), forced vital capacity (FVC) < 70% predicted (15%, 95% CI 12-17), FVC < 80% predicted (17%, 95% CI 12-21), myositis (13%, 95% CI 10-17), inflammatory arthritis (12%, 95% CI 9-16), Sjögren overlap (13%, 95% CI 10-16), and digital ulcers (DU; 15%, 95% CI 10-20); and 15% of DU have complications (amputations 12%, 95% CI 8-16, and hospitalizations 13%, 95% CI 6-21). Scleroderma renal crisis is uncommon but occurs in almost 15% (12%, 95% CI 5-19) of cases of disseminated cutaneous SSc. There is no 15% rule within skin and gastrointestinal tract for SSc. CONCLUSION The "15%" rule for frequency of significant organ involvement in SSc is helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayawee Muangchan
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Schmeiser T, Saar P, Jin D, Noethe M, Müller A, Soydan N, Hardt PD, Jaeger C, Distler O, Roeb E, Bretzel RG, Müller-Ladner U. Profile of gastrointestinal involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis. Rheumatol Int 2011; 32:2471-8. [PMID: 21769490 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-011-1988-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/03/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease. Of the numerous organ manifestations, involvement of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract (GIT) appears to be the most frequent with regard to the clinical symptoms. However, as the frequency and clinical relevance of GI involvement in patients with SSc are not known in detail, the German network of the systemic sclerosis (DNSS) has developed a detailed questionnaire to evaluate the extent and profile of gastrointestinal involvement in SSc patients. The multi-symptom questionnaire was used at baseline and after 1 year in registered patients of the DNSS. In addition, the results were compared with gastrointestinal disorders in patients with SSc and other rheumatic diseases, as well as with the medical history of the patients. In total, 90 patients were included in the study. The results of the study show that in reality, a much higher (nearly all) percentage of (98,9%) patients than expected suffer from GI-symptoms, regardless of the stage of their disease. Of these, meteorism (87,8%) was the most common followed by coughing/sore voice (77,8%), heartburn (daytime 68,9%, nighttime 53,3%), diarrhea (67,8%), stomach ache (68,9%) and nausea (61,1%). Although SSc patients were treated according to the respective recommendations, only limited improvements with regard to GI-symptoms could be achieved after 1 year of follow-up. In addition, the study revealed that the multi-symptom questionnaire is a useful tool to contribute to identify the gastrointestinal sequelae in systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Schmeiser
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Kerckhoff-Clinic Bad Nauheim, Benekestr. 2- 8, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany.
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Early endoscopy in systemic sclerosis without gastrointestinal symptoms. Rheumatol Int 2010; 32:165-8. [PMID: 20711592 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-010-1595-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2009] [Accepted: 07/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Investigation into the upper GI-tract of patients suffering from systemic sclerosis [SSc] and mixed connective tissue disease [MCTD] without symptoms of GI-tract involvement early in the course of the disease to diagnose inflammatory and motility disorders. We retrospectively analysed patients with SSc and MCTD who underwent oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy [OGD] within a year of the first diagnosis. Patients with a Rodnan skin score above 5, proton pump inhibitors and treatment regimes potentially harmful to the mucosa of the upper GI-tract were excluded. Mucosal damage of the oesophagus was classified according to the Los Angeles Classification. Oesophageal dysmotility was assessed during OGD and confirmed by video cineradiography. A total of thirteen patients with SSc and six with MCTD fulfilled the inclusion criteria. OGD revealed reflux-oesophagitis in 77%, dysmotility of the distal oesophagus in 85%, gastritis in 92% [31% erosive gastritis] and Helicobacter pylori positivity in 38% of our patients suffering from SSc. Patients with MCTD showed features of reflux-oesophagitis, dysmotility of the distal oesophagus, gastritis and dysmotility of the stomach in 0.6%. In all thirteen patients with SSc, significant pathology of the upper GI-tract was found. The results of this study might indicate that OGD should be performed early in patients diagnosed with SSc, even if they do not report typical symptoms. An early diagnose of GI involvement might be followed by an effective therapy and therefore subsequently may improve the prognosis.
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Zuber-Jerger I, Müller A, Kullmann F, Gelbmann CM, Endlicher E, Müller-Ladner U, Fleck M. Gastrointestinal manifestation of systemic sclerosis--thickening of the upper gastrointestinal wall detected by endoscopic ultrasound is a valid sign. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2009; 49:368-72. [PMID: 20008473 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kep381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gastrointestinal (GI) tract involvement has been observed in the majority of patients with SSc. This has been attributed to an accumulation of extracellular matrix within the GI walls. We visualized the walls of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum with its layers and measured the thickness in SSc patients and control patients utilizing endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). METHODS Twenty-five SSc patients and 25 controls were evaluated. In addition to analysis of clinical symptoms, endoscopy and EUS (20-MHz miniprobe) were performed. The thickness of the complete wall was measured, and the mucosa, submucosa and muscularis were evaluated separately. RESULTS Clinical symptoms of SSc patients were dysphagia (14/25) and heartburn (19/25). Endoscopic findings were hiatal hernia (16/25), oesophagitis (6/25), amotility (19/25) and a dehiscent pylorus (15/25). In comparison with controls, SSc patients had significantly thicker oesophageal [SSc 1.619 (0.454) mm, control 1.392 (0.333) mm; P = 0.025], antral [SSc 1.876 (0.635) mm, control 1.599 (0.291) mm; P = 0.029] and duodenal [SSc 1.730 (0.522) mm, control 1.525 (0.222) mm; P = 0.039] walls. Predominantly, submucosa and muscularis were significantly thicker in SSc patients. The presence of dysphagia or amotility was significantly associated with the thickening of the GI walls. CONCLUSIONS The EUS revealed a significant thickening of the walls of the upper GI tract in SSc patients. Predominantly, the submucosa and muscularis are enlarged. These results strengthen the hypothesis that increased matrix deposition is an important aspect in the pathogenesis of GI involvement in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Zuber-Jerger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93042 Regensburg, Germany.
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Calderaro DC, de Carvalho MAP, Moretzsohn LD. Esophageal manometry in 28 systemic sclerosis Brazilian patients: findings and correlations. Dis Esophagus 2009; 22:700-4. [PMID: 19664079 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2050.2009.01000.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disease of unknown etiology. Esophageal involvement affects 50-90% of patients and is characterized by abnormal motility and hypotonic lower esophageal sphincter. Data on the association of esophageal abnormalities and age, gender, SSc subset or duration, autoantibody profile, esophageal symptoms, and medication are lacking or conflicting. The aim of this study was the evaluation of these associations in Brazilian sclerodermic patients from the Rheumatology Division, Clinics Hospital, Federal University, Minas Gerais. They underwent medical records review, clinical interview, and esophageal manometry. The normal cutoff level for lower esophageal sphincter pressure was 14 mmHg. Abnormal peristalsis occurred when less than 80% of peristaltic waves were propagated. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Twenty-eight patients were included: 71% were women. The population presented medium age and disease duration of 46 years and 12 years, respectively. Cutaneous diffuse SSc occurred in 39% and its limited form in 61%. Dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation occurred, respectively, in 71%, 43%, and 61% of patients. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure and number of peristaltic waves-propagated medias were, respectively, 17.2 mmHg and 2.3. SSc-related manometric abnormalities were present in 86% of patients. Manometry revealed distal esophageal body hypomotility, hypotonic lower esophageal sphincter, or both, respectively, in 82%, 39%, and 36% of patients. One patient presented the manometric pattern of esophageal achalasia. Male patients more frequently presented hypotonic inferior esophageal sphincter. Manometric findings have had no relationship with the other variables. Nifedipine use did not influence manometric findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Calderaro
- Rheumatology Division of the Department of Musculoskeletal System, Clinics Hospital, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Wilkens R, Frojk J, Olesen AB, Kannerup AS, Laurberg S, Krogh K. Slow progression of colorectal symptoms in patients with systemic sclerosis: an 8‐year follow‐up. Scand J Rheumatol 2009; 37:486-8. [DOI: 10.1080/03009740802192050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Ishikawa H, Takeda K, Okamoto A, Matsuo SI, Isobe KI. Induction of Autoimmunity in a Bleomycin-Induced Murine Model of Experimental Systemic Sclerosis: An Important Role for CD4+ T Cells. J Invest Dermatol 2009; 129:1688-95. [DOI: 10.1038/jid.2008.431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Domsic R, Fasanella K, Bielefeldt K. Gastrointestinal manifestations of systemic sclerosis. Dig Dis Sci 2008; 53:1163-74. [PMID: 17934861 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-007-0018-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2007] [Accepted: 09/07/2007] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a chronic disorder of connective tissue that affects the gastrointestinal tract in more than 80% of patients. Changes in neuromuscular function with progressive fibrosis of smooth muscle within the muscularis propria impair normal motor function, which may secondarily alter transit and nutrient absorption. Esophageal manifestations with gastroesophageal reflux and dysphagia are the most common visceral manifestation of the disease, often requiring more intense acid-suppressive medication. Gastric involvement may lead to gastroparesis, which can be found in up to 50% of patients. Severe small bowel disease can present as chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction with distended loops of small intestine, bacterial overgrowth, impaired absorption and progressive development of nutritional deficiencies. While not studied as extensively, systemic sclerosis often also affects colorectal function resulting in constipation, diarrhea or fecal incontinence. Nutritional support and prokinetics have been used with some success to manage gastric and small or large bowel involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis. Despite advances in management, significant gastrointestinal manifestations of systemic sclerosis still carry a poor prognosis with a five-year mortality exceeding 50%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Domsic
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Bibliography. Current world literature. Myositis and myopathies. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2007; 19:651-3. [PMID: 17917548 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0b013e3282f20347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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