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Foeldvari I, Torok KS, Antón J, Blakley M, Constantin T, Cutolo M, Denton CP, Fligelstone K, Hinrichs B, Li SC, Maillard S, Marrani E, Moinzadeh P, Orteu CH, Pain CE, Pauling JD, Pilkington C, Rosser F, Smith V, Furst DF. Best clinical practice in the treatment of juvenile systemic sclerosis: expert panel guidance - the result of the International Hamburg Consensus Meeting December 2022. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:387-404. [PMID: 38149621 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2298354] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Juvenile systemic sclerosis (jSSc) is an orphan disease with a prevalence of 3 in 1,000,000 children. Currently there is only one consensus treatment guideline concerning skin, pulmonary and vascular involvement for jSSc, the jSSc SHARE (Single Hub and Access point for pediatric Rheumatology in Europe) initiative, which was based on data procured up to 2014. Therefore, an update of these guidelines, with a more recent literature and expert experience, and extension of the guidance to more aspects of the disease is needed. AREAS COVERED Treatment options were reviewed, and opinions were provided for most facets of jSSc including general management, some of which differs from adult systemic sclerosis, such as the use of corticosteroids, and specific organ involvement, such as skin, musculoskeletal, pulmonary, and gastroenterology. EXPERT OPINION We are suggesting the treat to target strategy to treat early to prevent cumulative disease damage in jSSc. Conclusions are derived from both expert opinion and available literature, which is mostly based on adult systemic sclerosis (aSSc), given shared pathophysiology, extrapolation of results from aSSc studies was judged reasonable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Foeldvari
- Hamburg Centre for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology, Schön Klinik Hamburg Eilbek, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kathryn S Torok
- University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jordi Antón
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology. Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael Blakley
- Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Tamás Constantin
- Unit of Pediatric Rheumatology, Tűzoltó Street Department, Pediatric Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology-Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genoa and IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Kim Fligelstone
- Scleroderma & Raynaud's United Kindgom (SRUK) (Research Subcommittee, Patient Research Partner), FESCA, London, UK
| | - Bernd Hinrichs
- Children's pulmonology, Asklepios Klinik Nord - Heidberg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Suzanne C Li
- Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | | | - Edoardo Marrani
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
| | - Pia Moinzadeh
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Catherine H Orteu
- UCL Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Clare E Pain
- Alder Hey Children's Foundation NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - John D Pauling
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Ghent, Belgium and ERN ReCONNET
| | | | - Franziska Rosser
- University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vanessa Smith
- University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniel F Furst
- Division of Rheumatology Fellow, Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Bandini G, Alunno A, Alcacer-Pitarch B, Ruaro B, Galetti I, El-Aoufy K, Pinheiro F, Campanaro G, Jade J, Di Donato S, Muir L, Moggi Pignone A, Bellando Randone S, Del Galdo F, McMahan ZH, Matucci-Cerinic M, Hughes M. Patients' unmet needs and treatment preferences concerning digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024:keae130. [PMID: 38430476 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keae130] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Digital ulcers (DUs) significantly impact on quality of life and function in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of our survey was to explore patients' perspectives and their unmet needs concerning SSc-DUs. MATERIALS SSc patients were invited through international patient associations and social media to participate in an online survey. RESULTS 358 responses were obtained from 34 countries: US (65.6%), UK (11.5%) and Canada (4.5%). Recurrent DUs are common: >10 DUs (46.1%), 5-10 DUs (21.5%), 1-5 DUs (28.5%), 1 DU (3.9%). Fingertip DUs were most frequent (84.9%), followed by those overlying the interphalangeal joints (50.8%). The impact of DUs in patients is broad, from broad-ranging emotional impacts to impact on activities of daily living, and personal relationships. Half (51.7%) of respondents reported that they received wound/ulcer care, most often provided by non-specialist wound care clinics (63.8%). There was significant variation in local (wound) DU care, in particular the use of debridement and pain management. DU-related education was only provided to one-third of patients. One-quarter (24.6%) were 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' that the provided DU treatment(s) relieved their DU symptoms. Pain, limited hand function, and ulcer duration/chronicity were the main reasons for patients to consider changing DU treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that there is a large variation in DU treatment between countries. Patient access to specialist wound-care services is limited and only a small proportion of patients had their DU needs met. Moreover, patient education is often neglected. Evidence-based treatment pathways are urgently needed for DU management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bandini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia Alunno
- University of L'Aquila, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life Health and Environmental Sciences, Internal Medicine and Nephrology Division, ASL1 Avezzano-Sulmona-L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Ruaro
- Pulmonology Unit, University of Trieste, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, Hospital of Cattinara, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ilaria Galetti
- FESCA (Federation of European Scleroderma Associations) Belgium, & GILS (Gruppo Italiano, Lotta alla Sclerodermia), Italy
| | - Khadija El-Aoufy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Filipe Pinheiro
- Department of Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Giulia Campanaro
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Judith Jade
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stefano Di Donato
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Lindsay Muir
- Department of Hand Surgery, Salford Royal, Salford, UK
| | - Alberto Moggi Pignone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellando Randone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Zsuzsanna H McMahan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases (UnIRAR), Milan, Italy
| | - Michael Hughes
- Department of Rheumatology, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford Care Organisation, Salford, UK
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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Campochiaro C, Suliman YA, Hughes M, Schoones JW, Giuggioli D, Moinzadeh P, Baron M, Chung L, Ross L, Maltez N, Allanore Y, Denton CP, Distler O, Frech T, Furst DE, Khanna D, Krieg T, Kuwana M, Matucci-Cerinic M, Pope J, Alunno A. Non-surgical local treatments of digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis: a systematic literature review. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2023; 63:152267. [PMID: 37778090 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2023.152267] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Digital ulcers (DUs) are difficult to treat in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic (i.e., pharmacological) therapy is currently considered the 'standard of care'. Our aim was to examine the safety and efficacy of local, non-surgical treatment for SSc-DUs. METHODS A systematic literature review (SLR) of original research articles up to August, 29 2022 was performed according to the PICO framework. References were independently screened by two reviewers and risk of bias was assed using validated tools. Due to study heterogeneity narrative summaries are used to present data. RESULTS Among 899 retrieved references, 14 articles were included (2 randomised trials (RTs), and 12 observational (OBS) studies). The most frequently studied procedure (5 studies) was botulin A toxin (hand or single finger) injection with a reported healing rate (HR) of 71%-100%. Amniotic and hydrocolloid membranes were examined in one study each and associated with a good HR. Tadalafil 2% cream was studied in a single study with a reduction in the number of DUs. Vitamin E gel was associated with a reduction in ulcer healing time. Low-level light therapy, hydrodissection and corticosteroid injection, extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) and photobiomodulation were evaluated in a single study each and showed a positive trend. Dimethyl sulfoxide was associated with significant local toxicity. CONCLUSIONS A range of non-surgical, local treatments for SSc-DUs have been explored and showed efficacy to some extent. We have identified methodological flaws that should be avoided in the design of future studies to explore locally-acting treatments for SSc-DUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University.
| | | | - Michael Hughes
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester
| | - Jan W Schoones
- Directorate of Research Policy (formerly Walaeus Library), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Murray Baron
- Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lorinda Chung
- Stanford University School of Medicine and Palo Alto VA Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Laura Ross
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Tracy Frech
- University of Utah, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | | | - Thomas Krieg
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Janet Pope
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Alessia Alunno
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila and Internal Medicine and Nephrology Unit and Department of Medicine, ASL Avezzano-Sulmona-L'Aquila, San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
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Hughes M, Herrick AL, Hudson M. Treatment of Vascular Complications in Systemic Sclerosis: What Is the Best Approach to Diagnosis and Management of Renal Crisis and Digital Ulcers? Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2023; 49:263-277. [PMID: 37028834 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2023.01.004] [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
Vasculopathy as exemplified by scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) and digital ulcers (DUs) is a cardinal feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is associated with significant morbidity, including in patients with early disease. Prompt recognition and management is required to alleviate potentially irreversible damage from SSc-associated vasculopathy. Both SRC and DUs share many etiopathogenic drivers which inform the therapeutic strategy. The aim of our review was to describe the diagnosis and management of SRC and DUs in SSc, and to discuss unmet needs for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hughes
- Department of Rheumatology, Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, Ashton-under-Lyne, UK; Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Ariane L Herrick
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Marie Hudson
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Canada; Division of Rheumatology, Jewish General Hospital, Canada; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Scaturro D, Guggino G, Terrana P, Vitagliani F, Falco V, Cuntrera D, Benedetti MG, Moretti A, Iolascon G, Letizia Mauro G. Rehabilitative interventions for ischaemic digital ulcers, pain, and hand functioning in systemic sclerosis: a prospective before-after study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:193. [PMID: 35236311 PMCID: PMC8889643 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05145-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease characterised by immune dysfunction, vasculopathy, cellular inflammation, fibrosis of the skin associated with multiple internal organs involvement. Ischaemic digital ulcers (IDU) of the hands commonly occur in patients with SSc adversely affecting functional independence. PURPOSE Aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of a rehabilitation protocol based on the combined use of ultrasound (US) therapy and therapeutic exercise in terms of ulcers healing, pain relief, and hand functioning in patients affected by SSc with IDUs. Moreover, we also investigated the safety of the proposed intervention. STUDY DESIGN Prospective before-after study. METHODS We included 20 patients with IDUs secondary to SSc. All patients were treated with US combined with manual therapy, including McMennel joint manipulation, pompage mobilization technique and connective tissue massage, for 10 sessions. We evaluated softness, dyschromia, pain, and hand mobility using the Pressure Sore Status Tool (PSST), the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and the Duruoz Hand Index (DHI) at T0 and at the end of the treatment (T1). RESULTS Treatment with US combined with manual therapy significantly reduced ulcers depth, improved ulcers margins, and reduced periwound skin damage (median PSST score 16 at T1, p<0.0001). Moreover, significant benefits were reported in terms of pain relief (NRS 3 at T1; p<0.0005), and hand function (DHI score 19 at T1; p<0.0005). Finally, this approach seems to be safe, without side effects reported at the end of treatment, along with an optimal compliance. CONCLUSION Therapeutic US combined with manual therapy should be used as additional intervention to manage IDUs in SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Scaturro
- grid.10776.370000 0004 1762 5517Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Disciplines, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuliana Guggino
- grid.412510.30000 0004 1756 3088Rheumatology section, Biomedical department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital “P.Giaccone”, Palermo, Italy
| | - Pietro Terrana
- grid.10776.370000 0004 1762 5517University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Vitagliani
- grid.8158.40000 0004 1757 1969University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Falco
- grid.10776.370000 0004 1762 5517Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniele Cuntrera
- grid.10776.370000 0004 1762 5517Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Benedetti
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758IRCCS-Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli- University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antimo Moretti
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties and Dentistry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Iolascon
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties and Dentistry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Letizia Mauro
- grid.10776.370000 0004 1762 5517Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Disciplines, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Herrick AL. Advances in the Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022. [DOI: 10.17925/rmd.2022.1.2.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although systemic sclerosis (SSc) is currently incurable, there have been recent advances in treatment. This review article begins by providing a brief background to SSc in terms of disease subtyping and autoantibodies, because both predict disease trajectory and help clinicians to select appropriate monitoring and treatment protocols. Broad principles of management are then described: ‘disease-modifying’ therapies and therapies directed at reducing disease burden and/or progression of SSc-related digital vascular disease and of internal organ involvement. Next, advances in the management of digital vasculopathy, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), interstitial lung disease (ILD) and early diffuse cutaneous SSc are discussed in turn, for example: (a) increased use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors and endothelin receptor antagonists for digital vasculopathy; (b) early recognition and treatment of PAH, including with combination therapies; (c) increased use of mycophenolate mofetil and of nintedanib in ILD; and (d) immunosuppression now as standard practice in early diffuse cutaneous SSc, and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for highly selected patients with progressive diffuse disease. Finally, future challenges are discussed, including ensuring that all patients with SSc are monitored and treated according to best practice guidelines, and whenever possible giving patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials.
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Haque A, Wyman M, Dargan D, Hughes M, Musson R, Caddick J, Giblin V. Hand Osteomyelitis in Patients With Secondary Raynaud Phenomenon. J Clin Rheumatol 2021; 27:S342-S345. [PMID: 33337814 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000001621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Hughes M, Allanore Y, El Aoufy K, Denton CP, Khanna D, Krieg T, Matucci-Cerinic M. A Practical Approach to the Management of Digital Ulcers in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis: A Narrative Review. JAMA Dermatol 2021; 157:851-858. [PMID: 34037677 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.1463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Importance Digital ulcers (DUs) occurring on the fingers in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are associated with substantial pain and disability and are often challenging to treat. However, careful clinical assessment and prompt intervention (wound bed management and systemic pharmacologic treatment) may modify the clinical course. Objectives To provide a practical approach to the assessment and management of SSc-DUs and highlight unmet needs and research priorities. Evidence Review A narrative review of the extant literature was undertaken to provide a broad overview of current knowledge and augmented by expert opinion. Findings Half of the patients with SSc have a history of DUs, and there is a point of prevalence of approximately 10%. Digital ulcers are often very painful and affect all aspects of physical, social, and family life as well as occupation. Digital ulcers are associated with a severe disease course. Systemic sclerosis DUs, particularly those occurring on the fingertips, represent a vascular ischemic complication, although other etiopathogenic factors play an important role. To guide management, a structured clinical approach is required, including DU definition, classification, and categorization. Digital ulcers require a multidisciplinary approach with close cooperation between physicians and specialist nursing and other allied health professionals to guarantee the appropriate treatment and provide patient education. Local wound bed management is necessary for all DUs and is combined with systemic (pharmacologic) treatments. When treating a DU, the clinician should actively review the therapeutic strategy to prevent further DUs, including the level of systemic disease control, and monitor closely for the development of DU complications, including infection and progression to gangrene. Despite a wide available therapeutic armory, a number of unmet needs and challenges remain that that require resolution to optimize DU management. Conclusions and Relevance A practical approach to DU management, including local wound bed management and systemic treatments, is useful. Digital ulcers are of interest to a broad range of dermatologists, rheumatologists, and other physicians providing care for patients with SSc. Careful clinical assessment and prompt intervention can substantially modify the clinical course of DUs in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hughes
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Department of Rheumatology, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Khadija El Aoufy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, Italy
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Centre of Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Thomas Krieg
- Translational Matrix Biology and Department for Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, Italy
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Zhao M, Wu J, Wu H, Sawalha AH, Lu Q. Clinical Treatment Options in Scleroderma: Recommendations and Comprehensive Review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2021; 62:273-291. [PMID: 33449302 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-020-08831-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There are two major clinical subsets of scleroderma: (i) systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation, vasculopathy, and excessive fibrosis of the skin and multiple internal organs and (ii) localized scleroderma (LoS), also known as morphea, is confined to the skin and/or subcutaneous tissues resulting in collagen deposition and subsequent fibrosis. SSc is rare but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality compared with other rheumatic diseases. Fatal outcomes in SSc often originate from organ complications of the disease, such as lung fibrosis, pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH), and scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). Current treatment modalities in SSc have focused on targeting vascular damage, fibrosis, and regulation of inflammation as well as autoimmune responses. Some drugs previously used in an attempt to suppress fibrosis, like D-penicillamine (D-Pen) or colchicine, have been disappointing in clinical practice despite anecdotal evidence of their advantages. Some canonical medications, including glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and vasodilators, have had some success in treating various manifestations in SSc patients. Increasing evidence suggests that some biologic agents targeting collagen, cytokines, and cell surface molecules might have promising therapeutic effects in SSc. In recent years, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), mostly autologous, has made great progress as a promising treatment option in severe and refractory SSc. Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of SSc, there are currently no optimal treatments for all aspects of the disease. As for LoS, local skin-targeted therapy is generally used, including topical application of glucocorticoids or other immunomodulatory ointments and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. In addition, systemic immunosuppressants are also utilized in several forms of LoS. Here, we comprehensively discuss current treatment options for scleroderma, encompassing old, new, and future potential treatment options. In addition, we summarize data from new clinical trials that have the potential to modify the disease process and improve long-term outcomes in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-Related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Jiali Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-Related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Haijing Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-Related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Amr H Sawalha
- Departments of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Immunology, and Lupus Center of Excellence, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China. .,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-Related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China. .,Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
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Barsotti S, Venturini V, Di Battista M, Janowska A, Dini V, Della Rossa A, Mosca M. The impact of skin calcinosis on digital ulcers in patients with SSc: clinical and prognostic stratification using the "wound bed score". Int Wound J 2020; 17:1783-1790. [PMID: 32926570 PMCID: PMC7948997 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital ulcers (DUs) represent one of the major burdens for patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), especially when associated with skin calcinosis (SC). The aim of this work is to evaluate the impact of SC in DUs of patients with SSc for clinical characteristics and prognosis assessed by the wound bed score (WBS). We prospectively enrolled 55 patients with DUs and SSc followed in our dedicated wound care clinic. For all the patients we collected clinical and anthropometric data and characteristics of the DU, and we calculated the WBS for each DU. Ninety-nine DUs were evaluated (24 with SC). SC was prevalent in limited cutaneous SSc (75%) and in patients with longer disease duration (P = 0.02). SC-DUs were prevalent at the fingertip (P = 0.04). The healing time was significantly higher in patients with SC (10.4 ± 7.9 weeks) compared with non-SC (7.0 ± 5.7 weeks) P = 0.03. The WBS negatively correlated with the time to achieve complete healing (r = -0.237 P = 0.023) and the correlation was maintained in the non-SC (r = -0.46, P = 0.033). DUs in SSc patients with SC are common and difficult to heal. When DUs are treated in dedicated centres, the prognosis is good. The WBS is fast and easy and maybe commonly applied in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Barsotti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | | | - Marco Di Battista
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | | | | | | | - Marta Mosca
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
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Ruaro B, Nallino MG, Casabella A, Salton F, Confalonieri P, De Tanti A, Bruni C. Monitoring the microcirculation in the diagnosis and follow-up of systemic sclerosis patients: Focus on pulmonary and peripheral vascular manifestations. Microcirculation 2020; 27:e12647. [PMID: 32603500 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease, characterized by vascular damage and progressive fibrosis, affecting the skin and internal organs. The vascular changes include functional and structural abnormalities in the microcirculation, which play a central role not only in diagnosis but also in the prognosis and follow-up of systemic sclerosis patients. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is a safe, validated, noninvasive, inexpensive, reliable, and reproducible method that allows for the evaluation of structural changes in scleroderma microangiopathy. However, capillary blood flow/perfusion cannot be measured by NVC under standard conditions and, consequently, must rely on various laser techniques and thermography for the assessment and quantification of cutaneous blood perfusion. Other emerging technologies, such as optical Doppler tomography and spectroscopy, may be used to evaluate the skin flow. This review updates current knowledge on the use of microvascular evaluation techniques in SSc, including complications such as digital ulcers and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Casabella
- Department of Internal Medicine (Di.M.I.), Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonio De Tanti
- Cardinal Ferrari Center, S. Stefano Rehabilitation, Fontanellato (Parma), Italy
| | - Cosimo Bruni
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
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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: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [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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