1
|
Szűcs G, Szekanecz Z, Szamosi S. Can we define difficult-to-treat systemic sclerosis? Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:1065-1081. [PMID: 38711393 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2352450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by microvascular alterations, immunopathology, and widespread fibrosis involving various organs. It is considered difficult to treat due to several reasons: complex pathogenesis, heterogeneity, late diagnosis, limited treatment options for certain organ manifestations, lack of personalized medicine. AREAS COVERED This review presents the heterogeneity, survival and organ manifestations with their risk factors of systemic sclerosis and their current treatment options, while drawing attention to difficult-to-treat forms of the disease, based on literature indexed in PubMed. EXPERT OPINION Despite recent advances in the management of SSc over the last decades, the disease presents significant morbidity and mortality. Although available treatment protocols brought significant advancements in terms of survival in SSc-associated interstitial lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension, less success has been achieved in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers and the results are modest in case of heart, gastrointestinal, and renal manifestations. There are patients who do not respond to treatment and deteriorate even with adequate therapy. They can be considered difficult-to treat (D2T) cases. We have created a possible score system based on the individual organ manifestations and highlighted treatment options for the D2T SSc category.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Szűcs
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szekanecz
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Szamosi
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Knobler R, Geroldinger-Simić M, Kreuter A, Hunzelmann N, Moinzadeh P, Rongioletti F, Denton CP, Mouthon L, Cutolo M, Smith V, Gabrielli A, Bagot M, Olesen AB, Foeldvari I, Jalili A, Kähäri V, Kárpáti S, Kofoed K, Olszewska M, Panelius J, Quaglino P, Seneschal J, Sticherling M, Sunderkötter C, Tanew A, Wolf P, Worm M, Skrok A, Rudnicka L, Krieg T. Consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of sclerosing diseases of the skin, Part 1: Localized scleroderma, systemic sclerosis and overlap syndromes. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024; 38:1251-1280. [PMID: 38456584 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The term 'sclerosing diseases of the skin' comprises specific dermatological entities, which have fibrotic changes of the skin in common. These diseases mostly manifest in different clinical subtypes according to cutaneous and extracutaneous involvement and can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from each other. The present consensus provides an update to the 2017 European Dermatology Forum Guidelines, focusing on characteristic clinical and histopathological features, diagnostic scores and the serum autoantibodies most useful for differential diagnosis. In addition, updated strategies for the first- and advanced-line therapy of sclerosing skin diseases are addressed in detail. Part 1 of this consensus provides clinicians with an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of localized scleroderma (morphea), and systemic sclerosis including overlap syndromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Knobler
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Geroldinger-Simić
- Department of Dermatology, Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
- Faculty of Medicine, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | - A Kreuter
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, HELIOS St. Elisabeth Klinik Oberhausen, University Witten-Herdecke, Oberhausen, Germany
| | - N Hunzelmann
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - P Moinzadeh
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - F Rongioletti
- Vita Salute University IRCSS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - C P Denton
- Center for Rheumatology, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK
| | - L Mouthon
- Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Auto-Immunes et Systémiques Rares d'Ile de France, APHP-CUP, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - M Cutolo
- Laboratories for Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine DiMI, University Medical School of Genoa, IRCCS San Martino Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - V 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
| | - A Gabrielli
- Fondazione di Medicina Molecolare e Terapia Cellulare, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - M Bagot
- Department of Dermatology, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - A B Olesen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - I Foeldvari
- Hamburg Centre for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology, Schön Klinik Hamburg Eilbek, Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Jalili
- Dermatology & Skin Care Clinic, Buochs, Switzerland
| | - V Kähäri
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - S Kárpáti
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatooncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - K Kofoed
- The Skin Clinic, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Olszewska
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - J Panelius
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - P Quaglino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - J Seneschal
- Department of Dermatology and Pediatric Dermatology, National Centre for Rare Skin Disorders, Hôpital Saint-Andre, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Immuno CencEpT, UMR 5164, Bordeaux, France
| | - M Sticherling
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - C Sunderkötter
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Halle, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - A Tanew
- Private Practice, Vienna, Austria
| | - P Wolf
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - M Worm
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - A Skrok
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - L Rudnicka
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - T Krieg
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, and Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Binda M, Moccaldi B, Civieri G, Cuberli A, Doria A, Tona F, Zanatta E. Autoantibodies Targeting G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: Pathogenetic, Clinical and Therapeutic Implications in Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2299. [PMID: 38396976 PMCID: PMC10889602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multifaceted connective tissue disease whose aetiology remains largely unknown. Autoimmunity is thought to play a pivotal role in the development of the disease, but the direct pathogenic role of SSc-specific autoantibodies remains to be established. The recent discovery of functional antibodies targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), whose presence has been demonstrated in different autoimmune conditions, has shed some light on SSc pathogenesis. These antibodies bind to GPCRs expressed on immune and non-immune cells as their endogenous ligands, exerting either a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on corresponding intracellular pathways. Growing evidence suggests that, in SSc, the presence of anti-GPCRs antibodies correlates with specific clinical manifestations. Autoantibodies targeting endothelin receptor type A (ETAR) and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) are associated with severe vasculopathic SSc-related manifestations, while anti-C-X-C motif chemokine receptors (CXCR) antibodies seem to be predictive of interstitial lung involvement; anti-muscarinic-3 acetylcholine receptor (M3R) antibodies have been found in patients with severe gastrointestinal involvement and anti-protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) antibodies have been detected in patients experiencing scleroderma renal crisis. This review aims to clarify the potential pathogenetic significance of GPCR-targeting autoantibodies in SSc, focusing on their associations with the different clinical manifestations of scleroderma. An extensive examination of functional autoimmunity targeting GPCRs might provide valuable insights into the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of SSc, thus enabling the development of novel therapeutic strategies tailored to target GPCR-mediated pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Binda
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.B.)
| | - Beatrice Moccaldi
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.B.)
| | - Giovanni Civieri
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Cuberli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.B.)
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.B.)
| | - Francesco Tona
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zanatta
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tandaipan J, Guillén-Del-Castillo A, Simeón-Aznar CP, Carreira PE, De la Puente C, Narváez J, Lluch J, Rubio-Rivas M, Alegre-Sancho JJ, Bonilla G, Moriano C, Casafont-Sole I, García-Vicuña R, Ortiz-Santamaría V, Riera E, Atienza-Mateo B, Blanco R, Galisteo C, Gonzalez-Martin JJ, Pego-Reigosa JM, Pros A, Heredia S, Castellví I. Immunoglobulins in systemic sclerosis management. A large multicenter experience. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103441. [PMID: 37708984 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the effectiveness and safety of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) given in routine care to patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS A retrospective multicenter observational study was conducted in SSc patients treated with IVIG. We collected data on epidemiological parameters and clinical outcomes. Firstly, we assessed changes in organ manifestations during IVIG treatment. Secondly, we analyzed the frequency of adverse effects. The following parameters were collected from baseline to the last follow-up: the patient's weight, modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS), modified manual muscle strength scale (MRC), laboratory test(creatine kinase(CK), hemoglobin and protein levels), The University of California Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium gastrointestinal tract 2.0 (UCLA GIT 2.0) questionnaire, pulmonary function tests, and echocardiography. RESULTS Data were collected on 78 patients (82% females; 59% with diffuse SSc). Inflammatory idiopathic myopathy was the most frequent concomitant overlap disease (41%). The time since Raynaud's phenomenon and SSc onset were 8.8 ± 18 and 6.2 ± 6.7 years respectively. The most frequent IVIG indication was myositis (38/78), followed by gastrointestinal (27/78) and cutaneous (17/78) involvement. The median number of cycles given were 5. 54, 53 and 9 patients have been treated previously with glucocorticoids, synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologic therapies respectively. After IVIG use we found significant improvements in muscular involvement (MRC ≥ 3/5 92% IVIG, p = 0.001 and CK levels from 1149 ± 2026 UI to 217 ± 224 UI, p = 0.02), mRSS (15 ± 12.4 to 13 ± 12.5, p = 0.015) and improvement in total score of UCLA GIT 2.0 (p = 0.05). None Anti-RNA polymerase III patients showed an adequate response in gastrointestinal involvement (0/7) in comparison with other antibodies (0 vs. 25, p = 0,039). Cardiorespiratory involvement remained stable. A total of 12 adverse events were reported with only one withdrawn due to serious adverse effect. CONCLUSIONS this study suggest that IVIG may improve myositis, gastrointestinal and skin involvement in SSc patients treated in routine care and seems to have a good safety profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Tandaipan
- Department of Rheumatology and Systemic Autoinmune Diseases, Hospital Universitari de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Guillén-Del-Castillo
- Unit of Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebrón, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C P Simeón-Aznar
- Unit of Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebrón, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P E Carreira
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - C De la Puente
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Narváez
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - J Lluch
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - M Rubio-Rivas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - J J Alegre-Sancho
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - G Bonilla
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Moriano
- Department of Rheumatology, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, León, Spain
| | - I Casafont-Sole
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - R García-Vicuña
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - V Ortiz-Santamaría
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General de Granollers, Granollers, Spain
| | - E Riera
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
| | - B Atienza-Mateo
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - R Blanco
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - C Galisteo
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Spain
| | - J J Gonzalez-Martin
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario HM San Chinarro, Madrid, Spain
| | - J M Pego-Reigosa
- Department of Rheumatology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, IRIDIS (Investigation in Rheumatology and Immune-Mediated Diseases)-VIGO Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IISGS), Vigo, Spain
| | - A Pros
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Heredia
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Sant Joan Despí Moisès Broggi, Sant Joan Despí, Spain
| | - I Castellví
- Department of Rheumatology and Systemic Autoinmune Diseases, Hospital Universitari de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Speca S, Farhat MM, Jendoubi M, Guerrier T, Sanges S, Staumont-Sallé D, Hachulla E, Dubucquoi S, Sobanski V, Collet A, Launay D. Intravenous immunoglobulins improve skin fibrosis in experimental models of systemic sclerosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15102. [PMID: 37700078 PMCID: PMC10497569 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42464-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is the most severe systemic autoimmune disease with currently no cure. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) are an attractive candidate in this disease to counteract inflammation and fibrosis but data are scarce and conflicting. This study, assessed the effects of IVIg in a murine HOCl-induced model of SSc. We showed that IVIg prevented skin inflammation and fibrosis, by mitigating the immune cell infiltration (p = 0.04), proinflammatory cytokines gene overexpression (IL1β, p = 0.04; TNFα, p = 0.04; IL6, p = 0.05), skin and dermal thickening (p = 0.003 at d21 and p = 0.0003 at d42), the expression markers of fibrosis, such as αSMA (p = 0.031 for mRNA and p = 0.05 for protein), collagen (p = 0.05 for mRNA and p = 0.04 for protein, p = 0.05 for the hydroxyproline content) and fibronectin (p = 0.033 for mRNA). Moreover, IVIg prevented HOCl-induced alterations in splenic cell homeostasis. When administered in curative mode, despite their ability to reduce skin and dermal thickness (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0002), IVIg showed partial or more mixed effects on skin inflammation and established fibrosis. These data favor further clinical trials in SSc patients on the potential efficiency of early and/or repeated IVIg administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Speca
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Meryem-Maud Farhat
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- Département de Médecine Interne Et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence Des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord Et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Manel Jendoubi
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Thomas Guerrier
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Sébastien Sanges
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- Département de Médecine Interne Et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence Des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord Et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Delphine Staumont-Sallé
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- Service de Dermatologie, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Eric Hachulla
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- Département de Médecine Interne Et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence Des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord Et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Sylvain Dubucquoi
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- Institut d'Immunologie, Centre de Biologie Pathologie, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Vincent Sobanski
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- Département de Médecine Interne Et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence Des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord Et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Aurore Collet
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- Institut d'Immunologie, Centre de Biologie Pathologie, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - David Launay
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France.
- Département de Médecine Interne Et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence Des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord Et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), CHU Lille, Lille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Spałek MM, Bowszyc-Dmochowska M, Dmochowski M. Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Autoimmune Bullous Diseases: A Case Series from a Central European Referral Center. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1265. [PMID: 37512078 PMCID: PMC10385677 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59071265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) may be treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusions. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits and safety profiles of high-dose IVIG therapy in AIBD patients, as determined by clinical remission, the glucocorticosteroid-sparing effect, and adverse events at 12 months follow-up in a Central European university dermatology department setting. Materials and Methods: Our case series included 10 patients: five patients with pemphigus vulgaris, one with pemphigus herpetiformis, one with pemphigus foliaceus, one with bullous pemphigoid, two with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. They underwent 4-12 monthly cycles of IVIG therapy at a dose of 2 g/kg per cycle. Results: The prednisone dosage reduction after 2, 6, and 12 months following the final IVIG course was 65.45%, 70.91%, and 76.37%, respectively. During the 12-month observation period, disease relapse was observed in 20% of patients, while others achieved complete or partial remission without or with minimal therapy. Side effects were seen in 80% of patients; they were transient and did not necessitate discontinuation of IVIG. Conclusions: IVIG demonstrates effectiveness as a treatment with a favorable safety profile. Nevertheless, its high cost remains a significant drawback, particularly in low-income countries. IVIG should be considered, especially in patients opposed to standard therapies or with contraindications to their use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Marek Spałek
- Autoimmune Blistering Dermatoses Section, Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Monika Bowszyc-Dmochowska
- Cutaneous Histopathology and Immunopathology Section, Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marian Dmochowski
- Autoimmune Blistering Dermatoses Section, Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shaik MR, Shaik NA, Mikdashi J. Autoimmune Dysphagia Related to Rheumatologic Disorders: A Focused Review on Diagnosis and Treatment. Cureus 2023; 15:e41883. [PMID: 37581141 PMCID: PMC10423619 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune dysphagia is defined as dysphagia caused by autoimmune processes affecting various components of the swallowing process such as muscle, neuromuscular junction, nerves, roots, brainstem, or cortex. These autoimmune causes can be classified into gastroenterological, dermatological, rheumatologic, and neurologic. Rheumatological disorders, such as scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, Behcet's disease, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, or granulomatosis with polyangiitis, have been associated with dysphagia. Autoimmune dysphagia in the context of rheumatological disorders is particularly significant because it can occur as a sole manifestation or as part of a symptom complex associated with the underlying disorder and often responds to immunosuppressive therapies. However, diagnosing autoimmune dysphagia can be challenging as it requires the exclusion of structural and primary motility disorders through procedures such as endoscopy and manometry. Early diagnosis is important to improve the quality of life and prevent significant mortality and morbidity. Management focuses on treating the underlying disease activity, and a multidisciplinary approach involving various medical specialties may be necessary to achieve success. This article aims to review the autoimmune rheumatological conditions that can lead to dysphagia and discuss the associated pathophysiological mechanisms. We also outline the clinical clues and laboratory testing methods that facilitate early diagnosis, with the goal of improving patient outcomes through timely intervention and appropriate management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Rifat Shaik
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Baltimore, USA
| | - Nishat Anjum Shaik
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Baltimore, USA
| | - Jamal Mikdashi
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lescoat A, Roofeh D, Kuwana M, Lafyatis R, Allanore Y, Khanna D. Therapeutic Approaches to Systemic Sclerosis: Recent Approvals and Future Candidate Therapies. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2023; 64:239-261. [PMID: 34468946 PMCID: PMC9034469 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-021-08891-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is the rheumatic disease with the highest individual mortality. The severity of the disease is determined by the extent of fibrotic changes to cutaneous and internal organ tissues, the most life-threatening visceral manifestations being interstitial lung disease, SSc-associated-pulmonary arterial hypertension and myocardial involvement. The heterogeneity of the disease has initially hindered the design of successful clinical trials, but considerations on classification criteria have improved patient selection in trials, allowing the identification of more homogeneous groups of patients based on progressive visceral manifestations or the extent of skin involvement with a focus of patients with early disease. Two major subsets of systemic sclerosis are classically described: limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis characterized by distal skin fibrosis and the diffuse subset with distal and proximal skin thickening. Beyond this dichotomic subgrouping of systemic sclerosis, new phenotypic considerations based on antibody subtypes have provided a better understanding of the heterogeneity of the disease, anti-Scl70 antibodies being associated with progressive interstitial lung disease regardless of cutaneous involvement. Two targeted therapies, tocilizumab (a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-6 receptors (IL-6R)) and nintedanib (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor), have recently been approved by the American Food & Drug Administration to limit the decline of lung function in patients with SSc-associated interstitial lung disease, demonstrating that such better understanding of the disease pathogenesis with the identification of key targets can lead to therapeutic advances in the management of some visceral manifestations of the disease. This review will provide a brief overview of the pathogenesis of SSc and will present a selection of therapies recently approved or evaluated in this context. Therapies evaluated and approved in SSc-ILD will be emphasized and a review of recent phase II trials in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis will be proposed. We will also discuss selected therapeutic pathways currently under investigation in systemic sclerosis that still lack clinical data in this context but that may show promising results in the future based on preclinical data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alain Lescoat
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David Roofeh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Masataka Kuwana
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yannick Allanore
- INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP.CUP, Paris, France
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chaigne B, Léonard-Louis S, Mouthon L. Systemic sclerosis associated myopathy. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2023; 22:103261. [PMID: 36549354 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Scleroderma associated myopathy (SScAM) is a common but heterogeneous musculoskeletal manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc) for which there is still no clear definition. Still, SScAM is associated with disability, poor quality of life and mortality. This review discusses the most updated literature of SScAM including clinical and antibody associations, recent updates on histopathological findings, prognosis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Chaigne
- Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile de France, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), France; APHP-CUP, Hôpital Cochin, Université de Paris, F-75014 Paris, France.
| | | | - Luc Mouthon
- Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile de France, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), France; APHP-CUP, Hôpital Cochin, Université de Paris, F-75014 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Giannini M, Ellezam B, Leclair V, Lefebvre F, Troyanov Y, Hudson M, Senécal JL, Geny B, Landon-Cardinal O, Meyer A. Scleromyositis: A distinct novel entity within the systemic sclerosis and autoimmune myositis spectrum. Implications for care and pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2023; 13:974078. [PMID: 36776390 PMCID: PMC9910219 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.974078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis and autoimmune myositis are both associated with decreased quality of life and increased mortality. Their prognosis and management largely depend on the disease subgroups. Indeed, systemic sclerosis is a heterogeneous disease, the two predominant forms of the disease being limited and diffuse scleroderma. Autoimmune myositis is also a heterogeneous group of myopathies that classically encompass necrotizing myopathy, antisynthetase syndrome, dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis. Recent data revealed that an additional disease subset, denominated "scleromyositis", should be recognized within both the systemic sclerosis and the autoimmune myositis spectrum. We performed an in-depth review of the literature with the aim of better delineating scleromyositis. Our review highlights that this concept is supported by recent clinical, serological and histopathological findings that have important implications for patient management and understanding of the disease pathophysiology. As compared with other subsets of systemic sclerosis and autoimmune myositis, scleromyositis patients can present with a characteristic pattern of muscle involvement (i.e. distribution of muscle weakness) along with multisystemic involvement, and some of these extra-muscular complications are associated with poor prognosis. Several autoantibodies have been specifically associated with scleromyositis, but they are not currently integrated in diagnostic and classification criteria for systemic sclerosis and autoimmune myositis. Finally, striking vasculopathic lesions at muscle biopsy have been shown to be hallmarks of scleromyositis, providing a strong anatomopathological substratum for the concept of scleromyositis. These findings bring new insights into the pathogenesis of scleromyositis and help to diagnose this condition, in patients with subtle SSc features and/or no autoantibodies (i.e. "seronegative" scleromyositis). No guidelines are available for the management of these patients, but recent data are showing the way towards a new therapeutic approach dedicated to these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Giannini
- Service de Physiologie et explorations fonctionnelles, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France,Centre de Référence des Maladies Autoimmunes Rares, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France,Unité de Recherche 3072 (UR3072), Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Benjamin Ellezam
- Division of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Valérie Leclair
- Division of Rheumatology, Jewish General Hospital, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Frédéric Lefebvre
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Autoimmunity Research Laboratory, CHUM Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada,Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Yves Troyanov
- Division of Rheumatology, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur, Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Hudson
- Division of Rheumatology, Jewish General Hospital, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Luc Senécal
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Autoimmunity Research Laboratory, CHUM Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada,Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Bernard Geny
- Service de Physiologie et explorations fonctionnelles, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France,Unité de Recherche 3072 (UR3072), Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Océane Landon-Cardinal
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Autoimmunity Research Laboratory, CHUM Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada,Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alain Meyer
- Service de Physiologie et explorations fonctionnelles, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France,Unité de Recherche 3072 (UR3072), Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France,Service de rhumatologie, Centre de Référence des Maladies Autoimmunes Rares, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France,*Correspondence: Alain Meyer,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Riemekasten G, Distler JH. A broad look into the future of systemic sclerosis. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2022; 14:1759720X221109404. [PMID: 35966183 PMCID: PMC9373175 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x221109404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease with the key features of inflammation, vasculopathy and fibrosis. This article focussed on emerging fields based on the authors' current work and expertise. The authors provide a hierarchical structure into the studies of the pathogenesis of SSc starting with the contribution of environmental factors. Regulatory autoantibodies (abs) are discussed, which are parts of the human physiology and are specifically dysregulated in SSc. Abs against the angiotensin II receptor subtype 1 (AT1R) and the endothelin receptor type A (ETAR) are discussed in more detail. Extracellular vesicles are another novel player to possess disease processes. Fibroblasts are a key effector cell in SSc. Therefore, the current review will provide an overview about their plasticity in the phenotype and function. Promising nuclear receptors as key regulators of transcriptional programmes will be introduced as well as epigenetic modifications, which are pivotal to maintain the profibrotic fibroblast phenotype independent of external stimuli. Fibroblasts from SSc patients exhibit a specific signalling and reactivate developmental pathways and stem cell maintenance such as by employing hedgehog and WNT, which promote fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and extracellular matrix generation. Pharmacological interventions, although for other indications, are already in clinical use to address pathologic signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Riemekasten
- Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical
Immunology, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein and University
of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jörg H.W. Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3,
Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University
(FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chepy A, Bourel L, Koether V, Launay D, Dubucquoi S, Sobanski V. Can Antinuclear Antibodies Have a Pathogenic Role in Systemic Sclerosis? Front Immunol 2022; 13:930970. [PMID: 35837382 PMCID: PMC9274282 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.930970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by extensive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, associated with vasculopathy and autoimmune features. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are found in almost all SSc patients and constitute strong diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers. However, it remains unclear whether ANA are simple bystanders or if they can have a role in the pathophysiology of the disease. One might think that the nuclear nature of their targets prevents any accessibility to autoantibodies. Nevertheless, recent data suggest that ANA could be pathogenic or at least contribute to the perennation of the disease. We review here first the indirect clues of the contribution of ANA to SSc: they are associated to the disease subtypes, they may precede disease onset, their titer correlates with disease activity and severity, there is an association between molecular subsets, and some patients can respond to B-cell targeting therapy. Then, we describe in a second part the mechanisms of ANA production in SSc from individual genetic background to post-transcriptional modifications of neoantigens. Finally, we elaborate on the potential mechanisms of pathogenicity: ANA could be pathogenic through immune-complex-mediated mechanisms; other processes potentially involve molecular mimicry and ANA penetration into the target cell, with a focus on anti-topoisomerase-I antibodies, which are the most probable candidate to play a role in the pathophysiology of SSc. Finally, we outline some technical and conceptual ways to improve our understanding in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Chepy
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), Lille, France
| | - Louisa Bourel
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Vincent Koether
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), Lille, France
| | - David Launay
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), Lille, France
| | - Sylvain Dubucquoi
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Institut d’Immunologie, Lille, France
| | - Vincent Sobanski
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), Lille, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Thoreau B, Chaigne B, Renaud A, Mouthon L. Treatment of systemic sclerosis. Presse Med 2021; 50:104088. [PMID: 34718109 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2021.104088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by skin and visceral fibrosis, vascular hyperreactivity and obliterative vasculopathy. Some of its complications such as interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and heart involvement can be life-threatening and are associated with a high mortality and a poor prognosis. Many clinical trials were carried out in order to improve the survival and prognosis of SSc patients. The management of SSc is based on the frequent and regular assessment of the potential organ damage, and if present, the establishment of graduated pharmacological therapeutic strategies, associated with non-pharmacological procedures. Several randomized clinical trials have showed significant positive outcomes regarding some specific involvements. Many advances have been made, especially in the field of targeted therapies and personalized medicine, based on specific characteristics of the patient and the SSc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Thoreau
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université de Paris; Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Systémiques Autoimmunes Rares d'Ile de France, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Chaigne
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université de Paris; Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Systémiques Autoimmunes Rares d'Ile de France, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Arthur Renaud
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université de Paris; Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Compétence Maladies Systémiques Autoimmunes Rares, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Luc Mouthon
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université de Paris; Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Systémiques Autoimmunes Rares d'Ile de France, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Based on the PubMed data, we have been performing a yearly evaluation of the publications related to autoimmune diseases and immunology to ascertain the relative weight of the former in the scientific literature. It is particularly intriguing to observe that despite the numerous new avenues of immune-related mechanisms, such as cancer immunotherapy, the proportion of immunology manuscripts related to autoimmunity continues to increase and has been approaching 20% in 2019. As in the previous 13 years, we performed an arbitrary selection of the peer-reviewed articles published by the major dedicated Journals and discussed the common themes which continue to outnumber peculiarites in autoimmune diseases. The investigated areas included systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), autoantibodies (autoAbs), and common therapeutic avenues and novel pathogenic mechanisms for autoimmune conditions. Some examples include new pathogenetic evidence which is well represented by IL21 or P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) in SLE or the application of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), mass cytometry, bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and flow cytometry for the analysis of different cellular populations in RA. Cumulatively and of interest to the clinicians, a large number of findings continue to underline the importance of a strict relationship between basic and clinical science to define new pathogenetic and therapeutic developments. The therapeutic pipeline in autoimmunity continues to grow and maintain a constant flow of new molecules, as well illustrated in RA and PsA, and this is most certainly derived from the new basic evidence and the high-throughput tools applied to autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
|
15
|
Araujo CSR, Miossi R, De Souza FHC, Costa MD, Da Silva AMS, Campos ED, Zanoteli E, Shinjo SK. Brachio-cervical inflammatory myopathy associated with systemic sclerosis. Case series and review of literature. Reumatismo 2021; 73:122-130. [PMID: 34342214 DOI: 10.4081/reumatismo.2021.1397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed at describing a case series of brachio-cervical inflammatory myopathy (BCIM) associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc), due to its rarity and limited coverage in published data. Another aim was to provide a literature review. We reported four cases of BCIM-SSc from our tertiary center. In addition, we researched the literature and found six articles featuring 17 patients who fit this phenotype. We pooled all cases and reported their features. Most patients were female and had limited SSc, and the median time of BCIM presentation was three years after SSc diagnosis. Asymmetric muscle involvement, scapular winging, dropped head, axial weakness, camptocormia, dysphagia, and dermatomyositis stigmas were common features. All patients had esophageal involvement. Most had positive antinuclear antibody results, a scleroderma pattern in their capillaroscopy images, elevated serum creatine phosphokinase, myopathic electrophysiology, and muscle involvement in magnetic resonance imaging. Muscle histopathological findings varied widely, but in general all showed the presence of lymphoid infiltrates, muscle atrophy, increased MHC-I expression, MAC deposits, vasculopathy, and muscle fiber necrosis. The response to immunosuppressive therapy was highly irregular. BCIM-SSc is a rare disorder that shares many similar phenotypes among the described cases, but has a highly heterogeneous response to treatment. At present, more data on the physiopathology, clinical features, and treatment is still needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C S R Araujo
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP.
| | - R Miossi
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP.
| | - F H C De Souza
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP.
| | | | - A M S Da Silva
- Department of Neurology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP.
| | - E D Campos
- Department of Neurology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP.
| | - E Zanoteli
- Department of Neurology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP.
| | - S K Shinjo
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Landon-Cardinal O, Baril-Dionne A, Hoa S, Meyer A, Leclair V, Bourré-Tessier J, Mansour AM, Zarka F, Makhzoum JP, Nehme J, Rich E, Goulet JR, Grodzicky T, Koenig M, Joyal F, Richard I, Hudson M, Targoff I, Satoh M, Fritzler MJ, Troyanov Y, Senécal JL. Recognising the spectrum of scleromyositis: HEp-2 ANA patterns allow identification of a novel clinical subset with anti-SMN autoantibodies. RMD Open 2021; 6:rmdopen-2020-001357. [PMID: 32892170 PMCID: PMC7509989 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2020-001357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To describe systemic sclerosis (SSc) with myopathy in patients without classic SSc-specific and SSc-overlap autoantibodies (aAbs), referred to as seronegative scleromyositis. Methods Twenty patients with seronegative scleromyositis diagnosed by expert opinion were analysed retrospectively for SSc features at myositis diagnosis and follow-up, and stratified based on HEp-2 nuclear patterns by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) according to International Consensus of Autoantibody Patterns. Specificities were analysed by protein A−assisted immunoprecipitation. Myopathy was considered an organ involvement of SSc. Results SSc sine scleroderma was a frequent presentation (45%) at myositis diagnosis. Myositis was the most common first non-Raynaud manifestation of SSc (55%). Lower oesophagal dysmotility was present in 10 of 11 (91%) investigated patients. At follow-up, 80% of the patients met the American College of Rheumatology/EULAR SSc classification criteria. Two-thirds of patients had a positive HEp-2 IIF nuclear pattern (all with titers ≥1/320), defining three novel scleromyositis subsets. First, antinuclear antibody (ANA)-negative scleromyositis was associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and renal crisis. Second, a speckled pattern uncovered multiple rare SSc-specific aAbs. Third, the nuclear dots pattern was associated with aAbs to survival of motor neuron (SMN) complex and a novel scleromyositis subset characteriszed by calcinosis but infrequent ILD and renal crisis. Conclusions SSc skin involvement is often absent in early seronegative scleromyositis. ANA positivity, Raynaud phenomenon, SSc-type capillaroscopy and/or lower oesophagal dysmotility may be clues for scleromyositis. Using HEp-2 IIF patterns, three novel clinicoserological subsets of scleromyositis emerged, notably (1) ANA-negative, (2) ANA-positive with a speckled pattern and (3) ANA-positive with nuclear dots and anti-SMN aAbs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Océane Landon-Cardinal
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM); Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandra Baril-Dionne
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM); Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sabrina Hoa
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM); Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alain Meyer
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Autoimmunes Rares, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valérie Leclair
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Jewish General Hospital; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Josiane Bourré-Tessier
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM); Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Mansour
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Farah Zarka
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Paul Makhzoum
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jessica Nehme
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Eric Rich
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM); Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Richard Goulet
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM); Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tamara Grodzicky
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM); Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martial Koenig
- Division of Internal Medicine, CHUM; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - France Joyal
- Division of Internal Medicine, CHUM; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Richard
- Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux Abitibi Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Hudson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Jewish General Hospital; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ira Targoff
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Minoru Satoh
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Marvin J Fritzler
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Yves Troyanov
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM); Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Luc Senécal
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM); Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Autoimmunity Research Laboratory, CHUM Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lescoat A, Varga J, Matucci-Cerinic M, Khanna D. New promising drugs for the treatment of systemic sclerosis: pathogenic considerations, enhanced classifications, and personalized medicine. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:635-652. [PMID: 33909517 PMCID: PMC8292968 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1923693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also known as scleroderma, is a complex orphan disease characterized by early inflammatory features, vascular hyper-reactivity, and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Although substantial progress has been made in the understanding of the pathogenesis of SSc, there is still no disease-modifying drug that could significantly impact the natural history of the disease.Areas covered: This review discusses the rationale, preclinical evidence, first clinical eevidence,and pending issues concerning new promising therapeutic options that are under investigation in SSc. The search strategy was based on PubMed database and clinical trial.gov, highlighting recent key pathogenic aspects and phase I or II trials of investigational drugs in SSc.Expert opinion: The identification of new molecular entities that potentially impact inflammation and fibrosis may constitute promising options for a disease modifying-agent in SSc. The early combinations of antifibrotic drugs (such as pirfenidone) with immunomodulatory agents (such as mycophenolate mofetil) may also participate to achieve such a goal. A more refined stratification of patients, based on clinical features, molecular signatures, and identification of subpopulations with distinct clinical trajectories, may also improve management strategies in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alain Lescoat
- Department of internal medicine, Division of rheumatology and Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of internal medicine, Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut De Recherche En Santé, Environnement Et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - John Varga
- Department of internal medicine, Division of rheumatology and Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Department of internal medicine, Division of rheumatology and Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Boolean analysis of the transcriptomic data to identify novel biomarkers of IVIG response. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102850. [PMID: 33971345 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102850] [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] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is used to treat several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, but some patients are refractory to IVIG and require alternative treatments. Identifying a biomarker that could segregate IVIG responders from non-responders has been a subject of intense research. Unfortunately, previous transcriptomic studies aimed at addressing IVIG resistance have failed to predict a biomarker that could identify IVIG-non-responders. Therefore, we used a novel data mining technique on the publicly available transcriptomic data of Kawasaki disease (KD) patients treated with IVIG to identify potential biomarkers of IVIG response. By studying the boolean patterns hidden in the expression profiles of KD patients undergoing IVIG therapy, we have identified new metabolic pathways implicated in IVIG resistance in KD. These pathways could be used as biomarkers to segregate IVIG non-responders from responders prior to IVIG infusion. Also, boolean analysis of the transcriptomic data could be further extended to identify a universal biomarker that might predict IVIG response in other autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
|
19
|
Kikuchi S, Sawada J, Saito T, Katayama T, Fujishiro D, Nishino I, Hasebe N. [A case of anti-Th/To antibody-positive systemic sclerosis with muscle symptoms and interstitial pneumonia]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2021; 61:228-233. [PMID: 33762492 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.cn-001509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
A 62-year-old Japanese man with swollen fingers and walking difficulty due to myalgia and muscle weakness in proximal limb muscles was admitted to our hospital. Serum creatine kinase was remarkably increased (7,380 U/l) and rapidly progressing interstitial pneumonia developed. Muscle biopsy showed necrotic and regenerating fibers without mononuclear infiltration and fibrosis. Anti-Th/To antibodies were detected in the serum, and anti-Th/To antibody-positive systemic sclerosis was diagnosed. Anti-Th/To antibody-positive sclerosis-associated myopathy has not yet been reported in the literature. The present case suggests that anti-Th/To antibody-positive systemic sclerosis can be accompanied by immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy and be effectively treated with immunotherapy comprising corticosteroids, tacrolimus and immunoglobulin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Kikuchi
- Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Neurology Division, Asahikawa Medical University
| | - Jun Sawada
- Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Neurology Division, Asahikawa Medical University
| | - Tsukasa Saito
- Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Neurology Division, Asahikawa Medical University
| | - Takayuki Katayama
- Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Neurology Division, Asahikawa Medical University
| | - Daisuke Fujishiro
- Division of Metabolism and Biosystemic Science, Department of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University
| | - Ichizo Nishino
- Department of Neuromuscular Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP)
| | - Naoyuki Hasebe
- Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Neurology Division, Asahikawa Medical University
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ruaro B, Confalonieri M, Matucci-Cerinic M, Salton F, Confalonieri P, Santagiuliana M, Citton GM, Baratella E, Bruni C. The Treatment of Lung Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:154. [PMID: 33668530 PMCID: PMC7918752 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients are often affected by interstitial lung disease (ILD) and, although there have been recent treatment advances, it remains the leading cause of death among SSc, with a 10-year mortality up to 40%. African Americans and subjects with diffuse cutaneous SSc or anti-topoisomerase 1 antibodies are most commonly affected. Currently, early ILD diagnosis can be made, and it is pivotal to improve the prognosis. The diagnostic mainstay test for SSc-ILD is high-resolution computed tomography for the morphology and pulmonary function tests for the functional aspects. Treatment planning and intensity are guided by the disease severity and risk of progression. Traditionally, therapy has depended on combinations of immunosuppressants, particularly cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil, which can be supplemented by targeted biological and antifibrotic therapies. Benefits have been observed in trials on hematopoietic autologous stem cell transplantation for patients with progressive SSc, whilst lung transplantation is reserved for refractory SSc-ILD cases. Herein, recent advances in SSc-ILD treatment will be explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ruaro
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Cattinara, 34149 Trieste TS, Italy; (M.C.); (F.S.); (P.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.C.)
| | - Marco Confalonieri
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Cattinara, 34149 Trieste TS, Italy; (M.C.); (F.S.); (P.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.C.)
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Firenze, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy; (M.M.-C.); (C.B.)
| | - Francesco Salton
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Cattinara, 34149 Trieste TS, Italy; (M.C.); (F.S.); (P.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.C.)
| | - Paola Confalonieri
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Cattinara, 34149 Trieste TS, Italy; (M.C.); (F.S.); (P.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.C.)
| | - Mario Santagiuliana
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Cattinara, 34149 Trieste TS, Italy; (M.C.); (F.S.); (P.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.C.)
| | - Gloria Maria Citton
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Cattinara, 34149 Trieste TS, Italy; (M.C.); (F.S.); (P.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.C.)
| | - Elisa Baratella
- Department of Radiology, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste TS, Italy;
| | - Cosimo Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Firenze, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy; (M.M.-C.); (C.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Varrica C, Dias HS, Reis C, Carvalheiro M, Simões S. Targeted delivery in scleroderma fibrosis. Autoimmun Rev 2020; 20:102730. [PMID: 33338593 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is considered one of the most challenging and difficult to treat among rheumatic disorders, due to its severity, multiorgan manifestation and different outcomes. It manifests fibrosis in different organs, mostly in skin and lungs. The skin fibrosis expression is considered the first sign of the disease and usually it is followed by internal organ fibrosis. An aberrant immune system activation seems to relate to the expression of the disease, but even environmental influences and dysregulation of many molecules signalling pathways are involved in the development of the disease. Current therapies are limited and characterized by multiple side effects: systemic route is the elective administration route, which decreases patient adherence to the therapy, as they are often already bothered by pain and disfigurement. Treatments available are organ-based, originally indicated for other conditions and there is no therapy available to reduce the fibroblast population size within existing fibrotic lesions. Disease-modifying therapies or immunomodulatory agents that are highly effective in other rheumatic diseases have shown disappointing results in SSc. There are thus no standardized and effective treatments for this disease, and there are even unanswered questions related to the insurgence of the pathology and all the mechanisms involved. An ideal approach could be considered "targeted therapy" that will be an increasingly attainable objective insofar as our understanding of the disease improves. The advantages in identifying the molecule and the signalling pathways involved in the pathology have helped to find some novel compounds for the therapy of scleroderma fibrosis or following innovative uses for already-approved drugs, corroborated by many clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Varrica
- University of Pavia, Corso Strada Nuova, 65, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Helena Sofia Dias
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; IBEB, Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Carvalheiro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra Simões
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fallet B, Walker UA. Current immunosuppressive and antifibrotic therapies of systemic sclerosis and emerging therapeutic strategies. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2020; 13:1203-1218. [PMID: 33008265 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1832466] [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] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, difficult to treat disease with profound effects on quality of life and high mortality. Complex and incompletely understood pathophysiologic processes and greatly heterogeneous clinical presentations and outcomes have hampered drug development. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the currently available immunosuppressive and antifibrotic therapies and discusses novel approaches for the treatment of SSc. We reviewed the literature using the MEDLINE and ClinicalTrial.gov databases between May and September 2020. EXPERT OPINION Available immunosuppressive and antifibrotic drugs only modestly impact the course of the disease. Most drugs are currently only investigated in the subset of patients with early diffuse cutaneous SSc. In this patient population, hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation is currently the only treatment that has demonstrated reversal of lung involvement, enhanced quality of life and reduced long-term mortality, but carries the risk of short-term treatment-related mortality. A great need to provide better therapeutic options to patients exists also for those patients who have limited cutaneous skin involvement. A better understanding of SSc pathophysiology has enabled the identification of numerous new therapeutic targets. The progress made in the design of clinical trials and outcome parameters will likely result in the improvement of effective management options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bénédict Fallet
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel , Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich A Walker
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel , Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Valentini G, Pope JE. Undifferentiated connective tissue disease at risk for systemic sclerosis: Which patients might be labeled prescleroderma? Autoimmun Rev 2020; 19:102659. [PMID: 32942034 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease at risk for Systemic Sclerosis (UCTD-risk-SSc), otherwise referred to as very early-early SSc (very early-early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis VEDOSS), is a condition characterized by Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and either SSc serum marker autoantibodies or a capillaroscopic scleroderma pattern or both, but without satisfying classification criteria for SSc neither features consistent with SSc sine scleroderma. Approximately half the UCTD-risk-SSc patients develop definite SSc over 5-10 years of follow-up. Identifying patients who will undergo such evolution is an unmet need. Predicting at onset which patients with RP are going to develop SSc over time has long been a research objective and still is an unaccomplished task. The present review is devoted to the critical analysis of the nosographic boundaries of the condition and of items predictive of evolution including serological, capillaroscopic and circulating markers. A weighted score, based on serum antinuclear antibody titre, serum marker antibodies positivity and avascular areas has been developed and may identify in the meanwhile patients to be labeled prescleroderma i.e. those probably developing SSc over time. Future research should be directed to investigate unexplored features, validate and improve the performance of the score and highlight the involved pathways to be contrasted in order to identify a targeted therapy hampering the development of overt SSc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Valentini
- Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Precision Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Italy.
| | - Janet E Pope
- Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Precision Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Italy; Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Division of Rheumatology, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|