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Aggarwal B, Gandhi V, Singal A, Aggarwal A, Saha S. Nail fold capillaroscopy in leprosy: Unveiling the microvascular changes. Microvasc Res 2024; 155:104712. [PMID: 38909952 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104712] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease, is associated with various nail changes. Its etiopathogenesis is multifaceted, with microvascular damage being crucial. Nail fold capillaroscopy (NFC) emerges as a novel tool for detecting early vascular deficits in leprosy. The study aimed to assess and provide a complete clinical characterization of NFC changes in leprosy patients. METHODS It is an observational cross-sectional study, done over a period of 1.5 year (January 2021 to august 2022) in a tertiary care hospital, encompassing 60 patients diagnosed with leprosy (18-60 years). After obtaining informed consent; detailed history, complete cutaneous and neurological examinations were conducted. All fingernails and toenails were examined for clinical changes. Subsequently, onychoscopy was performed using USB type of video-dermatoscope (Model AM7115MZT Dino-lite), a non-invasive tool. This was followed by NFC which was done for all fingernails and images were recorded by single operator, which were then assessed for quantitative and qualitive changes and statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS v20, with mean capillary density compared using Student's t-test, morphological change frequencies assessed by proportions, and group comparisons made using Chi-square or Fischer exact tests, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. RESULTS Among the 60 patients, 39 were in the lepromatous group, which included both borderline lepromatous (BL) and lepromatous leprosy (LL) patients, and 17 were in the tuberculoid group, which included borderline tuberculoid (BT) leprosy patients; 23.3 % had Type 1 reactions, and 18.3 % had Type 2 reactions. Nail fold capillaroscopy (NFC) showed microvasculature changes in 93.3 % of patients. The average capillary density was 6.8 ± 1.5 capillaries per mm, with the lepromatous group having a lower density (6.5 ± 1.09) compared to the tuberculoid group (7.0 ± 0.86). The most common NFC changes in the tuberculoid group were tortuous capillaries (70 %), capillary dropouts, and dilated capillaries (both 64.7 %). In the lepromatous group, capillary dropouts (82 %) were most frequent, followed by tortuous (69 %), receding (69 %), and dilated capillaries (66 %). A dilated and prominent subpapillary plexus was more common in the lepromatous group (35 %, p = 0.04). Patients with trophic changes in the lepromatous group had more capillary dropouts and bizarre capillaries. Capillary dropouts, dilated capillaries, and visible subpapillary venous plexus were more prevalent in patients with Type 2 reactions. CONCLUSION NFC changes are prevalent in both tuberculoid and lepromatous leprosy, which may be an indicator of peripheral vascular compromise and trophic changes, especially in lepromatous leprosy. NFC can be an auxiliary tool for detecting microvascular abnormalities in leprosy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharti Aggarwal
- Department of Dermatology & STD, University College of Medical Sciences & GTB, Hospital, Delhi, India.
| | - Vijay Gandhi
- Department of Dermatology & STD, University College of Medical Sciences & GTB, Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Archana Singal
- Department of Dermatology & STD, University College of Medical Sciences & GTB, Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Amitesh Aggarwal
- Department of Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences & GTB, Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Sushobhan Saha
- Department of Dermatology & STD, University College of Medical Sciences & GTB, Hospital, Delhi, India
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Screm G, Mondini L, Salton F, Confalonieri P, Trotta L, Barbieri M, Romallo A, Galantino A, Hughes M, Lerda S, Confalonieri M, Ruaro B. Vascular Endothelial Damage in COPD: Where Are We Now, Where Will We Go? Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:950. [PMID: 38732364 PMCID: PMC11083092 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14090950] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has higher rates among the general population, so early identification and prevention is the goal. The mechanisms of COPD development have not been completely established, although it has been demonstrated that endothelial dysfunction plays an important role. However, to date, the measurement of endothelial dysfunction is still invasive or not fully established. Nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC) is a safe, non-invasive diagnostic tool that can be used to easily evaluate the microcirculation and can show any possible endothelial dysfunctions early on. The aim of this review is to evaluate if nailfold microcirculation abnormalities can reflect altered pulmonary vasculature and can predict the risk of cardiovascular comorbidities in COPD patients. METHODS A systematic literature search concerning COPD was performed in electronic databases (PUBMED, UpToDate, Google Scholar, ResearchGate), supplemented with manual research. We searched in these databases for articles published until March 2024. The following search words were searched in the databases in all possible combinations: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), endothelial damage, vascular impairment, functional evaluation, capillaroscopy, video capillaroscopy, nailfold video capillaroscopy. Only manuscripts written in English were considered for this review. Papers were included only if they were able to define a relationship between COPD and endothelium dysfunction. RESULTS The search selected 10 articles, and among these, only three previous reviews were available. Retinal vessel imaging, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and skin autofluorescence (AF) are reported as the most valuable methods for assessing endothelial dysfunction in COPD patients. CONCLUSIONS It has been assumed that decreased nitric oxide (NO) levels leads to microvascular damage in COPD patients. This finding allows us to assume NVC's potential effectiveness in COPD patients. However, this potential link is based on assumption; further investigations are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Screm
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Hospital of Cattinara, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Mondini
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Hospital of Cattinara, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Salton
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Hospital of Cattinara, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Paola Confalonieri
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Hospital of Cattinara, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Liliana Trotta
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Hospital of Cattinara, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Mariangela Barbieri
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Hospital of Cattinara, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Antonio Romallo
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Hospital of Cattinara, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Galantino
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Hospital of Cattinara, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Michael Hughes
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester & Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M6 8HD, UK
| | - Selene Lerda
- Graduate School, University of Milan, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Confalonieri
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Hospital of Cattinara, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Ruaro
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Hospital of Cattinara, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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The role of asymmetric dimethylarginine in endothelial dysfunction and abnormal nitric oxide metabolism in systemic sclerosis: results from a pilot study. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:1077-1085. [PMID: 36534350 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06472-w] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by generalized vasculopathy affecting mainly small vessels while macrovascular involvement is less investigated. The aim of this study was to examine associations between asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) - a biomarker of atherosclerosis - and assessments of macrovascular endothelial function in patients with SSc. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study including consecutive SSc patients attending the Scleroderma Outpatient Clinic. ADMA measurement in serum samples was based on an enzyme immunoassay technique. Participants underwent blood pressure measurement according to 2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines, applanation tonometry for the evaluation of arterial stiffness, and carotid ultrasound for the measurement of the intima-media thickness (cIMT). RESULTS Eighty-one Caucasians (82.3% female) SSc individuals with mean age 55.44 ± 13.4 years were included in this analysis. The correlation analysis of ADMA levels (unadjusted and adjusted values) with functional and morphological parameters of atherosclerosis revealed no statistically significant associations. Subgroup analysis based on disease duration (≤ 4 years), immunologic profile (SCL-70 and ACA antibodies), disease type (limited, diffuse), and inflammatory status (erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] > 25 mm/h and C-reactive protein [CRP] > 5 mg/L) showed no associations, except from a significant positive correlation between ADMA levels and cΙΜΤmean (r = 0.370, p = 0.044) in individuals with early SSc. CONCLUSIONS The results of the study suggest that ADMA may be related with accelerated atherosclerosis in early stages of the disease. However, the lack of association between other morphological and functional parameters of endothelial dysfunction may suggest that other regulators of nitric oxide metabolism may contribute to macrovascular injury in SSc in various phases of the disease. Key Points • ADMA is a biomarker of atherosclerosis and has been linked with microvascular complications of SSc. •ADMA was not correlated with morphological and functional parameters of atherosclerosis in the population of the study. •The demonstrated association between ADMA and cIMT in patients with early SSc may suggest a role of NO/ADMA pathway in the initiation of macrovascular injury in SSc.
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Smith V, Ickinger C, Hysa E, Snow M, Frech T, Sulli A, Cutolo M. Nailfold capillaroscopy. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2023; 37:101849. [PMID: 37419757 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2023.101849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Nailfold capillaroscopy is a safe and well-established method for the assessment of structural alterations of the microcirculation. It is a crucial tool in the investigation and monitoring of patients presenting with Raynaud's phenomenon. Detection of the characteristic "scleroderma pattern" on capillaroscopy may indicate an underlying rheumatic disease, particularly systemic sclerosis (SSc). Herein, we highlight the practical aspects of videocapillaroscopy, including image acquisition and analysis, with mention of dermoscopy. Special emphasis is placed on standardized use of terminology to describe capillary characteristics. Systematic evaluation of images in discerning the normal from the abnormal using the validated European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) Study Group consensus reporting framework is paramount. In addition to the relevance of capillaroscopy in the (very) early diagnosis of SSc, its emerging predictive value (especially capillary loss) for new organ involvement and disease progression is underscored. We further provide capillaroscopic findings in selected other rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Smith
- 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.
| | - Claudia Ickinger
- Division of Rheumatology, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Elvis Hysa
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marcus Snow
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Tracy Frech
- Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
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Pagkopoulou E, Soulaidopoulos S, Triantafyllidou E, Loutradis C, Malliari A, Kitas GD, Garyfallos A, Dimitroulas T. Asymmetric dimethylarginine correlates with worsening peripheral microangiopathy in systemic sclerosis. Microvasc Res 2023; 145:104448. [PMID: 36374797 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2022.104448] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized primarily by micro-angiopathy and endothelial dysfunction which stimulate a fibrotic process. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous nitric oxide (NO) inhibitor and represents a novel biomarker for vascular dysfunction. Nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC) represents a non-invasive and reliable technique for the evaluation of microvasculopathy in SSc. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine the possible association between ADMA and microvascular involvement in patients with SSc. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study including consecutive SSc patients attending the Scleroderma Outpatient Clinic. ADMA was measured in serum samples using a commercial enzyme immunoassay. Participants underwent NVC with qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment and all NVC parameters were measured in the distal row of each finger. The findings were classified in one of the three qualitative NVC patterns: early, active, and late. RESULTS Eighty-one (92,6 % women) SSc individuals with mean age 55.44 ± 13.4 years were included in this analysis. Within-groups comparisons revealed a trend between higher ADMA levels and progressive micro-vasculopathy (1,29 [2,1] vs 1,57 [1,95] vs 2,41 [3,87]; for early, active and late patterns respectively, p = 0.039). Furthermore, ADMA concentration was significantly associated with the number of capillaries/mm (r = -0.235; p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS Serum ADMA levels were significantly associated with advancing stages of microcirculatory abnormalities suggesting that ADMA may have a role in promoting microvascular endothelial dysfunction in SSc individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Pagkopoulou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stergios Soulaidopoulos
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eva Triantafyllidou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Charalampos Loutradis
- Evangelismos Private Hospital and Hemodialysis Unit, 59132 Veroia, Greece; Second Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, G. Gennimatas Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - George D Kitas
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals, NS Foundation Trust, Dudley, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandros Garyfallos
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Vascular assessment in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is included in classification criteria for this disease, thus routinely used in the evaluation of patients in which this diagnosis is being considered. In this review, imaging techniques for assessment of vascular involvement in SSc hands and skin are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Longitudinal use of imaging techniques has important implications for understanding the progressive vasculopathy and fibrotic transition in SSc. Nailfold and oral capillaroscopy as well as laser speckle contrast analysis are established techniques for vascular functional assessment, but longitudinal use is challenged by equipment costs and clinical time constraints. Ultrasound techniques are well described but require technical training. Advances in mobile infrared thermography and optical coherence tomography could potentially provide a point-of-care, quantitative outcome measure in clinical trials and practice. SUMMARY The equipment cost, technical training, data standardization, and invasiveness of vascular assessment techniques that quantify morphological (microangiopathy) and functional (blood flow reduction) are critical for implementation into SSc clinical trials and practice to understand progressive vasculopathy, such as wound development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy M. Frech
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Veterans Affair Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Bellocchi C, Chung A, Volkmann ER. Predicting the Progression of Very Early Systemic Sclerosis: Current Insights. Open Access Rheumatol 2022; 14:171-186. [PMID: 36133926 PMCID: PMC9484572 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s285409] [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: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune connective tissue disease with distinct pathological hallmarks (ie, inflammation, vasculopathy, fibrosis) that may predominate at different stages in the disease course with varying severity. Initial efforts to classify patients with SSc identified a subset of patients with very early SSc. These patients possessed signs of SSc (eg, Raynaud phenomenon, SSc specific autoantibodies and/or nailfold capillary abnormalities) without fulfilling complete SSc classification criteria. Recognizing the inherent value in early diagnosis and intervention in SSc, researchers have endeavored to identify risk factors for progression from very early SSc to definite SSc. The present review summarizes the clinical phenotype of patients with very early and early SSc. Through a scoping review of recent literature, this review also describes risk factors for progression to definite SSc with a focus on the specific clinical features that arise early in the SSc disease course (eg, diffuse cutaneous sclerosis, interstitial lung disease, esophageal dysfunction, renal crisis, cardiac involvement). In addition to clinical risk factors, this review provides evidence for how biological data (ie, serological, genomic, proteomic profiles, skin bioengineering methods) can be integrated into risk assessment models in the future. Furthering our understanding of biological features of very early SSc will undoubtedly provide novel insights into SSc pathogenesis and may illuminate new therapeutic targets to prevent progression of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bellocchi
- Scleroderma Unit, Referral Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Augustine Chung
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Volkmann
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Grignaschi S, Sbalchiero A, Spinozzi G, Palermo BL, Cantarini C, Nardiello C, Cavagna L, Olivieri C. Endoglin and Systemic Sclerosis: A PRISMA-driven systematic review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:964526. [PMID: 36059817 PMCID: PMC9434008 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.964526] [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: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease whose pathogenesis is still poorly understood. The Transforming Growth Factor β superfamily is considered pivotal and a crucial role has been suggested for the type III receptor, Endoglin (ENG). The aim of this systematic review is to investigate and combine the current clinical and molecular available data, to suggest novel hints for further studies. Methods We followed PRISMA guidelines; the search was performed on three databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase) in date November 2nd, 2021. Subsequent to the exclusion of duplicates, we applied as inclusion criteria: 1. focus on the relationship between ENG and SSc; 2. English language. As exclusion criteria: 1. ENG exclusively as a cellular biomarker; 2. no focus on ENG-SSc relationship; 3. review articles and 4. abstracts that did not add novel data. Eligibility was assessed independently by each author to reduce biases. We divided records into clinical and molecular works and subgrouped them by their study features and aim. Results We selected 25 original papers and 10 conference abstracts. Molecular studies included 6 articles and 4 abstracts, whereas clinical studies included 17 articles and 6 abstracts; 2 articles presented both characteristics. Molecular studies were focussed on ENG expression in different cell types, showing an altered ENG expression in SSc-affected cells. Clinical studies mainly suggested that different disease phenotypes can be related to peculiar disregulations in soluble ENG concentrations. Discussion Concerning the possible limits of our search, boolean operators in our strings might have been uneffective. However, the use of different strings in different databases should have reduced this issue at a minimum. Another bias can be represented by the selection step, in which we excluded many articles based on the role of Endoglin as a histological vascular marker rather than a signaling receptor. We tried to reduce this risk by performing the selection independently by each author and discussing disagreements. Our systematic review pointed out that ENG has a pivotal role in activating different TGFβ-stimulated pathways that can be crucial in SSc pathogenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Grignaschi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Rheumatology Division, Fondazione Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Sbalchiero
- General Biology and Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spinozzi
- Otorhinolaryngology Division, Fondazione Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Bianca Lucia Palermo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Rheumatology Division, Fondazione Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Cantarini
- General Biology and Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chantal Nardiello
- General Biology and Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cavagna
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Rheumatology Division, Fondazione Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carla Olivieri
- General Biology and Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Jud P, Gressenberger P, Muster V, Avian A, Meinitzer A, Strohmaier H, Sourij H, Raggam RB, Stradner MH, Demel U, Kessler HH, Eller K, Brodmann M. Evaluation of Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammatory Vasculopathy After SARS-CoV-2 Infection-A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:750887. [PMID: 34722682 PMCID: PMC8549830 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.750887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Rising data suggest that COVID-19 affects vascular endothelium while the underlying mechanisms promoting COVID-19-associated endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory vasculopathy are largely unknown. The aim was to evaluate the contribution of COVID-19 to persisting vascular injury and to identify parameters linked to COVID-19-associated endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory vasculopathy. Methods: In a cross-sectional design, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), nitroglycerine-related dilation (NMD), pulse-wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index, intima-media thickness (IMT), compounds of the arginine and kynurenine metabolism, homocysteine, von Willebrand factor (vWF), endothelial microparticles (EMP), antiendothelial cell antibodies, inflammatory, and immunological parameters, as well as nailfold capillary morphology were measured in post-COVID-19 patients, patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) and healthy controls without prior or recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results: Post-COVID-19 patients had higher values of PWV, augmentation index, IMT, asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine, vWF, homocysteine, CD31+/CD42b- EMP, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, interleukin-6, and β-2-glycoprotein antibodies as well as lower levels of homoarginine and tryptophan compared to healthy controls (all with p < 0.05). A higher total number of pathologically altered inflammatory conditions and higher rates of capillary ramifications, loss, caliber variability, elongations and bushy capillaries with an overall higher microangiopathy evolution score were also observed in post-COVID-19 patients (all with p < 0.05). Most parameters of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation were comparably altered in post-COVID-19 patients and patients with ASCVD, including FMD and NMD. Conclusion: COVID-19 may affect arterial stiffness, capillary morphology, EMP and selected parameters of arginine, kynurenine and homocysteine metabolism as well as of inflammation contributing to COVID-19-associated endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Jud
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Paul Gressenberger
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Viktoria Muster
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Alexander Avian
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Meinitzer
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Heimo Strohmaier
- Department Center of Medical Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Harald Sourij
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Reinhard B Raggam
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Helmut Stradner
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ulrike Demel
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Harald H Kessler
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Kathrin Eller
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Marianne Brodmann
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Jiang Z, Chen C, Yang S, He H, Zhu X, Liang M. Contribution to the peripheral vasculopathy and endothelial cell dysfunction by CXCL4 in Systemic Sclerosis. J Dermatol Sci 2021; 104:63-73. [PMID: 34556381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CXCL4, a chemokine with anti-angiogenic property, is involved in systemic sclerosis (SSc) related pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). OBJECTIVE To investigated the contribution of CXCL4 to SSc development by focusing on the correlation of circulatory CXCL4 levels with their peripheral vasculopathy, and the effect of CXCL4 on endothelial cell dysfunction and the potential signaling. METHODS We measured the plasma CXCL4 levels in 58 patients with SSc, 10 patients with the very early diagnosis of SSc (VEDOSS), and 80 healthy controls (HCs). Then, CXCL4 concentrations were correlated with clinical features, especially the peripheral vasculopathy. These observations were further validated in an additional cohort. Moreover, we studied the anti-angiogenic effects of CXCL4 and the underlying downstream signaling in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. RESULTS Circulating CXCL4 levels were 103.62 % higher in patients with SSc and 201.51 % higher in patients with VEDOSS than matched HCs, which were confirmed in two independent cohorts. CXCL4 levels were associated with digital ulcers (DU) and nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) abnormalities in SSc. The proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs were inhibited by CXCL4 or SSc derived plasma, which reversed by CXCL4 neutralizing antibody, but failed by CXCR3 inhibitor. CXCL4 downregulated the transcription factor Friend leukaemia integration factor-1 (Fli-1) via c-Abl signaling. Furthermore, CXCL4 blocked the transforming growth factor (TGF) -β or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced cell proliferation of HUVECs. CONCLUSIONS CXCL4 may contribute to peripheral vasculopathy in SSc by downregulating Fli-1 via c-Abl signaling in endothelial cells and interfering angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixing Jiang
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sen Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hang He
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Minrui Liang
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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11
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Abignano G, Green L, Eng S, Emery P, Del Galdo F. Nailfold Microvascular Imaging by Dynamic Optical Coherence Tomography in Systemic Sclerosis: A Case-Controlled Pilot Study. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 142:1050-1057. [PMID: 34571001 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.08.436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In systemic sclerosis, outcome measures of skin microvasculopathy are needed for both clinical trials and practice. The aim of this study was to determine whether dynamic-optical coherence tomography (D-OCT) is able to provide information on microvasculopathy compared with the current gold standard, nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC), in patients with systemic sclerosis. This case-controlled study included (i) 40 patients with systemic sclerosis, classified by NVC pattern in four age- and sex-matched groups (normal/nonspecific, early, active, late); (ii) a fifth group of 10 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent NVC and D-OCT. D-OCT images were compared with the corresponding NVC images. Reliability was assessed. D-OCT images visualized the corresponding NVC patterns. D-OCT microvascular flow density was different across the five NVC pattern groups (P = 0.0114) with a significant trend test (P = 0.0006). Microvascular flow density correlated with the NVC semiquantitative score (r = -0.7, P < 0.0001), number of abnormal shapes/mm (r = ‒0.3, P = 0.0264), and number of capillaries/mm (r = 0.6, P < 0.0001). Reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9). In conclusion, in patients with systemic sclerosis, D-OCT provided qualitative and quantitative information on nailfold microvasculopathy, showing a correlation between microvascular flow density and NVC scores. The development of D-OCT as a standardized imaging technique could provide a quantitative outcome measure in clinical trials and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Abignano
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom; Rheumatology Institute of Lucania (IReL) and Rheumatology Department of Lucania, San Carlo Regional Hospital, Potenza, Italy.
| | - Lorraine Green
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Sookhoe Eng
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Emery
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
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12
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Romano M, Piskin D, Berard RA, Jackson BC, Acikel C, Carrero JJ, Lachmann HJ, Yilmaz MI, Demirkaya E. Cardiovascular disease risk assessment in patients with familial Mediterranean fever related renal amyloidosis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18374. [PMID: 33110219 PMCID: PMC7591897 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75433-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation and proteinuria is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with chronic kidney diseases and rheumatologic disorders. Our aim was to investigate the CVD events (CVDEs) and survival between the patients with FMF-related AA amyloidosis and glomerulonephropathies (GN) to define possible predictors for CVDEs. A prospective follow-up study with FMF-amyloidosis and glomerulonephropathy (GN) was performed and patients were followed for CVDEs. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), FGF-23, serum lipid, hsCRP levels, BMI and HOMA were assessed. A Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors for CVDEs. There were 107 patients in the FMF-amyloidosis group and 126 patients with GN group. Forty-seven CVDEs were observed during the 4.2-years follow up; all 28 patients in the FMF-amyloidosis group and 14/19 patients with GN developed CVDEs before the age of 40 (p = 0.002). CVD mortality was 2.8 times higher (95% CI 1.02–7.76) in patients with FMF-amyloidosis. Across both groups, FMD and FGF23 (p < 0.001) levels were independently associated with the risk of CVDEs. Patients with FMF-amyloidosis are at increased risk of early CVDEs with premature mortality age. FGF 23, FMD and hsCRP can stratify the risk of early CVD in patients with FMF-related AA amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micol Romano
- Division of Paediatric Rheumatology, Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, 800 Commissioners Rd E. B1-146, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.,Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, ASST G Pini, Milano, Italy
| | - David Piskin
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Center, London, ON, Canada
| | - Roberta A Berard
- Division of Paediatric Rheumatology, Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, 800 Commissioners Rd E. B1-146, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Bradley C Jackson
- Division of Paediatric Rheumatology, Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, 800 Commissioners Rd E. B1-146, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | | | - Juan J Carrero
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (MEB), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helen J Lachmann
- Division of Medicine (Royal Free Campus), Centre for Amyloidosis & Acute Phase Proteins, London, UK
| | - Mahmut I Yilmaz
- Unit of Nephrology, Epigenetic Health Solutions, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Erkan Demirkaya
- Division of Paediatric Rheumatology, Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, 800 Commissioners Rd E. B1-146, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada. .,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
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13
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Gheorghiu AM, Oneata R, Ancuta I, Enuica A, Linte O, Macovei L, Bojinca M, Stoica V, Mihai C. Capillary loss reflects disease activity and prognosis in patients with systemic sclerosis. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:3438-3443. [PMID: 32905140 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Capillary density on nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is considered a promising instrument for assessing disease characteristics in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), however, there is no agreement yet over how to analyze and interpret the results. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible associations of the mean number of capillaries with disease characteristics, disease activity [measured by the European Scleroderma Study Group (EScSG) disease activity score] and survival in a single-center cohort of patients with SSc. Sixty-eight patients were included; 54 had follow-up at 6 months. Thirty-two images per patient were assessed independently by two raters, scoring the mean number of capillaries in all fingers (N), in the 3rd finger of the dominant hand (dN3) and in the 4th finger of the non-dominant hand (ndN4) for each patient. NFC 'early', 'active' and 'late' patterns were also assessed. Two thousand and seventy-six images were scored at baseline, 1,728 at follow-up. Baseline N was median (IQR) 5.1 (2.7) for rater 1, and 4.9 (1.7) for rater 2, respectively. N was significantly lower in patients with a history of digital ulcers (DUs), vs. those who never had DUs 4.8 (1.4) vs. 6.4 (3.1), P=0.016. A lower N was associated with higher disease activity at baseline and follow-up (linear regression adjusted for age, sex and history of DUs). A lower ndN4 was associated with increased mortality (logistic regression adjusted for age and sex). In conclusion, in patients with SSc, a lower mean number of capillaries assessed by NFC was associated with higher disease activity after 6 months of follow-up and with shorter survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Gheorghiu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020475 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raida Oneata
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020475 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioan Ancuta
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020475 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | - Liviu Macovei
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020475 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Bojinca
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020475 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Victor Stoica
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020475 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carina Mihai
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020475 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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14
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Taher R, Sara JD, Toya T, Shepherd R, Moder K, Lerman LO, Lerman A. Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon is associated with microvascular peripheral endothelial dysfunction. Microvasc Res 2020; 132:104040. [PMID: 32768463 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2020.104040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) have found an association between microvascular abnormalities assessed by nail fold capillaroscopy and macrovascular peripheral endothelial dysfunction (PED), but the association between RP and nitric oxide related (NO) microvascular PED is not yet established. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients who were referred to Mayo Clinic between 2006 and 2014 for routine cardiovascular evaluation and who underwent evaluation of Reactive Hyperemia Peripheral Arterial Tonometry (index <2 consistent with PED). Identification of the presence of RP was determined by retrospective chart review. Six hundred sixty six individuals were included in this study (mean age 51.9 ± 13.5 years, 411 (61.3%) women), 637 (95.1%) individuals did not have RP (control group), and 29 (4.3%) had secondary RP. Only 4 patients had primary RP and were thus excluded from the final analyses. In a multivariate analysis adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, and use of statins we found a significant association between secondary RP and microvascular PED in all patients (Odds ratio: 2.45; 95% confidence interval 1.13-5.34; P = 0.0236) that remained significant in women after stratifying by sex. Secondary RP is associated with microvascular PED, detected using a non-invasive NO-dependent method. Early detection of microvascular PED could help in identifying individuals with secondary RP who are at risk for developing connective tissue disease as well as CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riad Taher
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jaskanwal D Sara
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Takumi Toya
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Roger Shepherd
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kevin Moder
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Lilach O Lerman
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Amir Lerman
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA.
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15
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Horimoto AMC, de Jesus LG, de Souza AS, Rodrigues SH, Kayser C. Anti-annexin V autoantibodies and vascular abnormalities in systemic sclerosis: a longitudinal study. Adv Rheumatol 2020; 60:38. [PMID: 32736594 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-020-00140-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Annexins are a group of conserved proteins which exert several regulatory functions on various cellular activities. Increased frequency and levels of antibodies against annexin V have already been observed in several autoimmune diseases including systemic sclerosis (SSc), but their role as a vascular biomarker is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels and the dynamical behavior of anti-annexin V antibodies over a 24 months follow-up in patients with SSc. METHODS In this bicentric cross-sectional study, 70 patients with SSc were consecutively selected from March 2016 to April 2017. Demographic and clinical features, including the presence of active DUs, were collected. Serum anti-annexin V IgG and IgM antibodies were measured at baseline and after 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up. Videocapillaroscopy was performed in all patients. RESULTS Among the 70 SSc patients included anti-annexin V IgG was found in 11 patients (15.7%) (range of 15.88-39.48 U/mL) and anti-annexin V IgM in 10 patients (14.3%) (range of 14.16-22.69 U/mL) at baseline. During follow-up, the number of patients who were positive for anti-annexin V IgG and IgM remained stable over 24 months. Among the patients with positive anti-annexin V IgG at baseline the frequency of patients with necrosis or amputation of extremities, forced vital capacity less than 70% and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was significantly higher than in patients with negative anti-annexin V IgG antibodies. Patients with anti-annexin V IgG had also a higher Raynaud's Condition Score and a higher Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) than patients without these antibodies at baseline. Patients with positive anti-annexin V IgM at baseline presented a higher frequency of PAH, compared to those with negative anti-annexin V IgM at baseline. CONCLUSIONS Anti-annexin V antibodies are stable and do not change their positivity during a 24 month follow-up in SSc patients. Anti-annexin V IgG was associated with more severe interstitial lung involvement and digital microangiopathy, and patients with anti-annexin V IgG or IgM had a higher occurrence of PAH indicating an association of these biomarker with more severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Magno Coelho Horimoto
- Rheumatology Division, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Senador Filinto Muller s/n°, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, 79080-190, Brazil.
| | - Laize Guerreiro de Jesus
- Rheumatology Division, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Senador Filinto Muller s/n°, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, 79080-190, Brazil
| | - Albert Schiaveto de Souza
- Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Silvia Helena Rodrigues
- Rheumatology Division, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Kayser
- Rheumatology Division, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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16
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Aozasa N, Hatano M, Saigusa R, Nakamura K, Takahashi T, Toyama T, Sumida H, Tamaki Z, Maki H, Minatsuki S, Komuro I, Sato S, Asano Y. Clinical significance of endothelial vasodilatory function evaluated by EndoPAT in patients with systemic sclerosis. J Dermatol 2020; 47:609-614. [PMID: 32232898 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.15334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of vasculopathy associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry is a rapid and non-invasive technique to assess peripheral microvascular endothelial function by measuring changes in digital pulse volume during reactive hyperemia. Low scores of the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) imply an impaired vasodilatory response and, accordingly, impaired endothelial and vascular health. To investigate the clinical significance of the RHI in SSc patients, RHI values were measured in 43 SSc patients and 10 healthy controls. In diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) patients, RHI values were significantly decreased compared with healthy controls, and inversely correlated with disease duration. In total SSc patients, there was a significant inverse correlation between RHI values and skin score, and interstitial lung disease was associated with the decrease in RHI values. Among vascular symptoms, the current and past history of digital ulcers was seen more frequently in patients with decreased RHI values than in those with normal RHI values. Although no SSc patients had pulmonary arterial hypertension, an inverse correlation was evident between RHI values and mean pulmonary arterial pressure measured by right heart catheterization. These results indicate that the decrease in RHI values is associated with skin fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, digital ulcers and pulmonary vascular involvement leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension, supporting the canonical idea that endothelial dysfunction is a critical event underlying the development of tissue fibrosis and vascular complications in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naohiko Aozasa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaru Hatano
- Department of Therapeutic Strategy for Heart Failure, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kouki Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Toyama
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hayakazu Sumida
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zenshiro Tamaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisataka Maki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun Minatsuki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Issei Komuro
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Marrapodi R, Pellicano C, Radicchio G, Leodori G, Colantuono S, Iacolare A, Gigante A, Visentini M, Rosato E. CD21 low B cells in systemic sclerosis: A possible marker of vascular complications. Clin Immunol 2020; 213:108364. [PMID: 32087329 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2020.108364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate expansion of CD21low B cells and their role in B cell homeostasis, apoptosis, clinical manifestations and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). MATERIALS AND METHODS B-cells subpopulations and apoptosis have been assessed in 74 SSc patients and 20 healthy donors. Renal Doppler ultrasound, echocardiography, pulmonary function test and VEGF were performed. RESULTS SSc patients with expanded CD21low B cells (SSc-CD21low) show a distinct B cell profile with increased memory B cells compared to patients without CD21low B cells (SSc-CD21+). Renal resistive index, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure and FVC/DLCO ratio were significantly higher in SSc-CD21low group than SSc-CD21+, DLCO was lower in SSc-CD21low group than SSc-CD21+. We found a positive linear correlation between CD21low and sPAP, RI and FVC/DLCO ratio whereas a negative correlation was observed between CD21low and DLCO and VEGF levels. CONCLUSIONS CD21low B cells are increased in SSc patients with visceral vascular manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Marrapodi
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Pellicano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine-Scleroderma Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Radicchio
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Leodori
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine-Scleroderma Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Colantuono
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Iacolare
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine-Scleroderma Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Gigante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine-Scleroderma Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcella Visentini
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine-Scleroderma Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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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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Kayser C, Bredemeier M, Caleiro MT, Capobianco K, Fernandes TM, de Araújo Fontenele SM, Freire E, Lonzetti L, Miossi R, Sekiyama J, de Souza Müller C. Position article and guidelines 2018 recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology for the indication, interpretation and performance of nailfold capillaroscopy. Adv Rheumatol 2019; 59:5. [PMID: 30670098 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-018-0046-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is a reproducible, simple, low-cost, and safe imaging technique used for morphological analysis of nail bed capillaries. It is considered to be extremely useful for the investigation of Raynaud's phenomenon and for the early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The capillaroscopic pattern typically associated with SSc, scleroderma ("SD") pattern, is characterized by dilated capillaries, microhemorrhages, avascular areas and/or capillary loss, and distortion of the capillary architecture. The aim of these recommendations is to provide orientation regarding the relevance of NFC, and to establish a consensus on the indications, nomenclature, the interpretation of NFC findings and the technical equipments that should be used. These recommendations were formulated based on a systematic literature review of studies included in the database MEDLINE (PubMed) without any time restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Kayser
- Rheumatology Division, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Botucatu 740, 3° andar, São Paulo, SP, 04023-062, Brazil.
| | - Markus Bredemeier
- Rheumatology Service, Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Grupo Hospitalar Conceição, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Teresa Caleiro
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karina Capobianco
- Rheumatology Service, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Eutilia Freire
- Rheumatology Service, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Lilian Lonzetti
- Rheumatology Service, Complexo Hospitalar da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Renata Miossi
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Sekiyama
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Carolina de Souza Müller
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
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Colaci M, Giuggioli D, Spinella A, Vacchi C, Lumetti F, Mattioli AV, Coppi F, Aiello V, Perticone M, Malatino L, Ferri C. Established coronary artery disease in systemic sclerosis compared to type 2 diabetic female patients: a cross-sectional study. Clin Rheumatol 2019; 38:1637-1642. [DOI: 10.1007/s10067-019-04427-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Guillén-Del-Castillo A, Simeón-Aznar CP, Callejas-Moraga EL, Tolosa-Vilella C, Alonso-Vila S, Fonollosa-Pla V, Selva-O'Callaghan A. Quantitative videocapillaroscopy correlates with functional respiratory parameters: a clue for vasculopathy as a pathogenic mechanism for lung injury in systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:281. [PMID: 30567570 PMCID: PMC6299957 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1775-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To determine whether lung involvement is related to microvascular perturbations, nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) was performed in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods A cross-sectional study was consecutively accomplished in 152 SSc patients. NVC, a pulmonary function test and echocardiography were undergone within a 3-month period. Finally, 134 patients with at least eight NVC (200× magnification) images were selected for quantitative and qualitative examinations. Results Patients with interstitial lung disease presented lower median capillary density (4.86/mm vs 5.88/mm, p = 0.005) and higher median of neoangiogenesis (0.56/mm vs 0.31/mm, p = 0.005). A higher quantity of neoangiogenesis capillaries was found in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (0.70/mm vs 0.33/mm, p = 0.008). Multivariate linear regression analysis established a correlation between neoangiogenesis and decreased forced vital capacity (FVC) (p < 0.001): for each capillary with neoangiogenesis visualized on average per 1 mm, FVC was 7.3% reduced. In qualitative NVC, a late pattern as defined by Cutolo was also associated with lower FVC (p = 0.018). The number of giant capillaries was associated with reduced diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (p = 0.016); for each giant capillary per 1 mm, DLCO was 11.8% diminished. Conclusions A good correlation was observed between distinctive quantitative and qualitative NVC features with lung functional parameters such as FVC and DLCO. It is suggested that vasculopathy could play a role in SSc lung involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Guillén-Del-Castillo
- Department of Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Pilar Simeón-Aznar
- Department of Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Eduardo L Callejas-Moraga
- Department of Internal Medicine, Corporació Sanitària Universitària Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Tolosa-Vilella
- Department of Internal Medicine, Corporació Sanitària Universitària Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Serafín Alonso-Vila
- Department of Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Fonollosa-Pla
- Department of Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Selva-O'Callaghan
- Department of Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
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Paxton D, Pauling JD. Does nailfold capillaroscopy help predict future outcomes in systemic sclerosis? A systematic literature review. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2018; 48:482-494. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Ruaro B, Sulli A, Smith V, Pizzorni C, Paolino S, Alessandri E, Trombetta AC, Cutolo M. Advances in nailfold capillaroscopic analysis in systemic sclerosis. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2018; 3:122-131. [PMID: 35382238 PMCID: PMC8892861 DOI: 10.1177/2397198318757699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by early and persistent microvascular impairment which leads to functional and organic manifestations, with progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Morphological and functional assessment of the peripheral microvasculature is a must, not only for diagnosis but also for the prognosis and therapeutical follow-up of systemic sclerosis patients, as reported in recent studies. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy is the validated technique for the study of scleroderma microangiopathy as it is able to detect peripheral microvascular morphology and both classify and score the capillary abnormalities into different microangiopathy patterns ('Early', 'Active' and 'Late'). Indeed, the possibility to early diagnose and follow the microvascular changes and the safety of the technique have made nailfold videocapillaroscopy a mandatory tool for patient evaluation and included its assessment in the new systemic sclerosis classification criteria. Important links between nailfold videocapillaroscopy patterns and systemic sclerosis clinical manifestations have been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ruaro
- Research Laboratory and Academic
Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of
Genova, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Research Laboratory and Academic
Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of
Genova, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent
University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent,
Belgium
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Research Laboratory and Academic
Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of
Genova, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Research Laboratory and Academic
Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of
Genova, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Elisa Alessandri
- Research Laboratory and Academic
Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of
Genova, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Amelia Chiara Trombetta
- Research Laboratory and Academic
Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of
Genova, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Research Laboratory and Academic
Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of
Genova, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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Mecoli CA, Shah AA, Boin F, Wigley FM, Hummers LK. Vascular complications in systemic sclerosis: a prospective cohort study. Clin Rheumatol 2018; 37:2429-2437. [PMID: 29804150 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-018-4148-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Two major complications in scleroderma patients that cause substantial morbidity and mortality are ischemic digital lesions (DL) and pulmonary hypertension (PH). The clinician's ability to predict which patients will develop these complications is imperfect. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of 300 patients with scleroderma who were followed for at least a 5-year period. At baseline, patients lacked evidence of PH and were without a current DL. At each 6-month visit, the patient was examined for signs/symptoms of PH and/or a DL. The primary outcomes were (1) PH defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 25 mmHg by right heart catheterization and (2) ≥ 1 DL defined as new onset of severe vascular compromise. Thirty patients (10%) developed PH (11 group 1/PAH, 4 group II, 15 group III) and 69 developed DL. The average time from enrollment until diagnosis of PH was 3.2 ± 2 years. In multivariable analyses, patients who developed PH were more likely to have diffuse disease (HR 3.2, p = 0.004), a forced vital capacity (FVC)/diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) ratio > 1.6 (HR 1.7, p = 0.008), and elevated RVSP (HR = 1.07, p = 0.007). Patients who developed PAH were more likely to have a FVC/DLCO ratio > 1.6 (HR = 5.8, p = 0.014), and patients who developed group III PH were less likely to have an elevated FVC (HR = 0.92, p = 0.001). Patients were more likely to develop a DL if they had a history of prior DL (HR = 7.0, p < 0.001), or were men (HR = 2.3, p = 0.007). In a prevalent cohort of scleroderma patients, individuals who develop PH or DL have simple to measure clinical features that can predict these complications years before they occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Mecoli
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Ave, MFL Bldg, Center Tower, Suite 4100, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Ami A Shah
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Ave, MFL Bldg, Center Tower, Suite 4100, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Francesco Boin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fredrick M Wigley
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Ave, MFL Bldg, Center Tower, Suite 4100, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Laura K Hummers
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Ave, MFL Bldg, Center Tower, Suite 4100, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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Mihai C, Smith V, Dobrota R, Gheorghiu AM, Cutolo M, Distler O. The emerging application of semi-quantitative and quantitative capillaroscopy in systemic sclerosis. Microvasc Res 2018; 118:113-120. [PMID: 29544760 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease with high morbidity and mortality, characterized by autoimmunity, obliterative vasculopathy involving mainly the microvasculature, and fibrosis. SSc-specific nailfold capillaroscopic changes have been defined, and nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is now unequivocally accepted to be a cornerstone for the early diagnosis of SSc. However, the use of NFC in patients already diagnosed with SSc is still not standardized. Several studies have shown that NFC abnormalities correlate with disease activity and severity and are predictive for disease worsening, such as occurrence of new digital ulcers. More importantly, successful treatment has been shown to diminish NFC abnormalities in severe SSc cases. These findings support the importance of NFC in monitoring patients with SSc and even its role as an outcome measure in SSc clinical trials. It is a matter of debate if Semi-quantitative and Quantitative NFC would be a more sensitive tool than qualitative NFC for meeting these objectives. This review is presenting the emerging application of Semi-quantitative and Quantitative NFC in SSc and its potential benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Mihai
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Cantacuzino Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rucsandra Dobrota
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Cantacuzino Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana Maria Gheorghiu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Cantacuzino Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Research Laboratory and Academic Unit of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Review of local wound management for scleroderma-associated digital ulcers. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2017; 3:66-70. [PMID: 32099902 DOI: 10.5301/jsrd.5000268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Digital ulcers (DU) are a common clinical problem in systemic sclerosis (SSc); however, there is no standardization of local wound care protocols for management of these lesions. There is a well-recognized need to develop and standardize non-pharmacological management of DU in patients with SSc, and to adopt these protocols in future clinical trials that focus on DU healing. The purpose of this review is to outline the types of DU that occur in SSc, and provide an update on the principles of wound management for these lesions based on the current literature and expert opinion.
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Cutolo M, Herrick AL, Distler O, Becker MO, Beltran E, Carpentier P, Ferri C, Inanç M, Vlachoyiannopoulos P, Chadha-Boreham H, Cottreel E, Pfister T, Rosenberg D, Torres JV, Smith V. Nailfold Videocapillaroscopic Features and Other Clinical Risk Factors for Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis: A Multicenter, Prospective Cohort Study. Arthritis Rheumatol 2017; 68:2527-39. [PMID: 27111549 PMCID: PMC5129545 DOI: 10.1002/art.39718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective To identify nailfold videocapillaroscopic features and other clinical risk factors for new digital ulcers (DUs) during a 6‐month period in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods In this multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study, the videoCAPillaroscopy (CAP) study, we evaluated 623 patients with SSc from 59 centers (14 countries). Patients were stratified into 2 groups: a DU history group and a no DU history group. At enrollment, patients underwent detailed nailfold videocapillaroscopic evaluation and assessment of demographic characteristics, DU status, and clinical and SSc characteristics. Risk factors for developing new DUs were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analyses. Results Of the 468 patients in the DU history group (mean ± SD age 54.0 ± 13.7 years), 79.5% were female, 59.8% had limited cutaneous SSc, and 22% developed a new DU during follow‐up. The strongest risk factors for new DUs identified by MLR in the DU history group included the mean number of capillaries per millimeter in the middle finger of the dominant hand, the number of DUs (categorized as 0, 1, 2, or ≥3), and the presence of critical digital ischemia. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of the area under the curve (AUC) of the final MLR model was 0.738 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.681–0.795). Internal validation through bootstrap generated a ROC AUC of 0.633 (95% CI 0.510–0.756). Conclusion This international prospective study, which included detailed nailfold videocapillaroscopic evaluation and extensive clinical characterization of patients with SSc, identified the mean number of capillaries per millimeter in the middle finger of the dominant hand, the number of DUs at enrollment, and the presence of critical digital ischemia at enrollment as risk factors for the development of new DUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cutolo
- University of Genoa and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Ariane L Herrick
- University of Manchester, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Mike O Becker
- University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland, and Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Emma Beltran
- Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Vanessa Smith
- Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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Friedrich S, Lüders S, Werner SG, Glimm AM, Burmester GR, Riemekasten G, Backhaus M, Ohrndorf S. Disturbed microcirculation in the hands of patients with systemic sclerosis detected by fluorescence optical imaging: a pilot study. Arthritis Res Ther 2017; 19:87. [PMID: 28482872 PMCID: PMC5422953 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-017-1300-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Utilising fluorescence optical imaging (FOI), the distribution of an intravenously applied colouring agent indocyanine green (ICG) can be analysed with the potential to identify malperfusion by little to no tissue enhancement. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterised by the presence of digital ulcers reflecting progressive vasculopathy. The objective was to investigate the potential of FOI in the detection of disturbed microcirculation in the hands and fingers of patients with SSc and to link FOI findings to clinical signs of ischemia such as digital ulcers and pitting scars. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 63 patients with SSc and 26 healthy subjects were examined. FOI was performed in all 89 individuals and compared to clinical data and capillaroscopic findings assembled for the SSc cohort. RESULTS Healthy subjects showed initial ICG signals in their fingertips in 93.6%, SSc patients in 78.5% (limited SSc) and 43.2% (diffuse SSc). Moreover, in SSc patients, FOI findings were significantly associated with a late capillaroscopic pattern, disseminated SSc features, a diffuse SSc subtype, and the presence of digital ulcers or pitting scars. Intra- and inter-reader reliability for FOI amounted to κ = 0.786 and κ = 0.834, respectively. CONCLUSIONS FOI is able to detect areas of reduced microcirculation in patients with SSc with high association to capillaroscopic findings. The results pave the way for future FOI investigations into its role in the prediction of complications due to an impaired acral perfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Friedrich
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Lüders
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Gabriele Werner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
- Rheumatologie, Immunologie und Osteologie mit, Schwerpunkt für Rheumatologie, Klinische Immunologie und Osteologie am Ev. Krankenhaus Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anne-Marie Glimm
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerd-Rüdiger Burmester
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Marina Backhaus
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine - Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Park-Klinik, Weißensee, Berlin Germany
| | - Sarah Ohrndorf
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
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Moroni L, Selmi C, Angelini C, Meroni PL. Evaluation of Endothelial Function by Flow-Mediated Dilation: a Comprehensive Review in Rheumatic Disease. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2017; 65:463-475. [DOI: 10.1007/s00005-017-0465-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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30
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Lüders S, Friedrich S, Ohrndorf S, Glimm AM, Burmester GR, Riemekasten G, Backhaus M. Detection of severe digital vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis by colour Doppler sonography is associated with digital ulcers. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2017; 56:1865-1873. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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Recent advances in the pathogenesis and management of Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2016; 28:577-85. [DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Emrani Z, Karbalaie A, Fatemi A, Etehadtavakol M, Erlandsson BE. Capillary density: An important parameter in nailfold capillaroscopy. Microvasc Res 2016; 109:7-18. [PMID: 27614146 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Nailfold capillaroscopy is one of the various noninvasive bioengineering methods used to investigate skin microcirculation. It is an effective examination for assessing microvascular changes in the peripheral circulation; hence it has a significant role for the diagnosis of Systemic sclerosis with the classic changes of giant capillaries as well as the decline in capillary density with capillary dropout. The decline in capillary density is one of microangiopathic features existing in connective tissue disease. It is detectable with nailfold capillaroscopy. This parameter is assessed by applying quantitative measurement. In this article, we reviewed a common method for calculating the capillary density and the relation between the number of capillaries as well as the existence of digital ulcers, pulmonary arterial hypertension, autoantibodies, scleroderma patterns and different scoring system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Emrani
- Medical Image and Signal Processing Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Abdolamir Karbalaie
- Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), School of Technology and Health, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Alimohammad Fatemi
- Department of Rheumatology, Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mahnaz Etehadtavakol
- Medical Image and Signal Processing Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Björn-Erik Erlandsson
- Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), School of Technology and Health, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Sanges S, Desauw C, de Groote P, Fertin M, Lamblin N, Bervar JF, Hatron PY, Hachulla E, Launay D. [Tolerance of bevacizumab therapy in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: A case report]. Rev Med Interne 2016; 38:274-277. [PMID: 27370897 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2016.05.020] [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: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION No data is available regarding the safety of bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) antibody, in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition in which VEGF seems to play a significant and probably protective role. CASE REPORT We report a patient with a history of systemic sclerosis-associated PAH, stable under bosentan therapy. She was diagnosed with metastatic cervical epidermoid carcinoma and treated by two successive cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens. As these treatments failed to control disease progression, she was started on anti-angiogenic therapy: 3 infusions of bevacizumab 15 mg/kg were administered. Over the course of this treatment, no change in the clinical status or echocardiography parameters was noted. CONCLUSION This observation suggests that, under careful clinical and echocardiographic follow-up, bevacizumab therapy can be well tolerated in case of stable and moderate PAH. Decision of treatment should be taken cautiously, as the possibility of PAH worsening is not excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sanges
- Université de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; Inserm, U995, 59000 Lille, France; Département de médecine interne et immunologie clinique, hôpital Claude-Huriez, CHRU de Lille, rue Michel-Polonovski, 59037 Lille cedex, France; Centre national de référence maladies systémiques et auto-immunes rares (sclérodermie systémique), 59000 Lille, France; Fédératif hospitalo-universitaire immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and targeted therapies (FHU IMMINeNT), 59000 Lille, France.
| | - C Desauw
- Université de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; Département d'oncologie médicale, CHRU de Lille, 59000 Lille cedex, France
| | - P de Groote
- Université de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; Département de cardiologie, CHRU de Lille, 59000 Lille cedex, France
| | - M Fertin
- Université de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; Département de cardiologie, CHRU de Lille, 59000 Lille cedex, France
| | - N Lamblin
- Université de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; Département de cardiologie, CHRU de Lille, 59000 Lille cedex, France
| | - J-F Bervar
- Université de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; Département de pneumologie, CHRU de Lille, 59000 Lille cedex, France
| | - P-Y Hatron
- Université de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; Département de médecine interne et immunologie clinique, hôpital Claude-Huriez, CHRU de Lille, rue Michel-Polonovski, 59037 Lille cedex, France; Centre national de référence maladies systémiques et auto-immunes rares (sclérodermie systémique), 59000 Lille, France; Fédératif hospitalo-universitaire immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and targeted therapies (FHU IMMINeNT), 59000 Lille, France
| | - E Hachulla
- Université de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; Inserm, U995, 59000 Lille, France; Département de médecine interne et immunologie clinique, hôpital Claude-Huriez, CHRU de Lille, rue Michel-Polonovski, 59037 Lille cedex, France; Centre national de référence maladies systémiques et auto-immunes rares (sclérodermie systémique), 59000 Lille, France; Fédératif hospitalo-universitaire immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and targeted therapies (FHU IMMINeNT), 59000 Lille, France
| | - D Launay
- Université de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; Inserm, U995, 59000 Lille, France; Département de médecine interne et immunologie clinique, hôpital Claude-Huriez, CHRU de Lille, rue Michel-Polonovski, 59037 Lille cedex, France; Centre national de référence maladies systémiques et auto-immunes rares (sclérodermie systémique), 59000 Lille, France; Fédératif hospitalo-universitaire immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and targeted therapies (FHU IMMINeNT), 59000 Lille, France
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Ligon C, Hummers LK. Biomarkers in Scleroderma: Progressing from Association to Clinical Utility. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2016; 18:17. [DOI: 10.1007/s11926-016-0565-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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