Intravenous prostanoids in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: a single centre experience

Prognostic Value of Serial Risk Stratification in Adult and Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

In pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is recommended to base therapeutic decisions on risk stratification. This systematic review aims to report the prognostic value of serial risk stratification in adult and pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension and to explore the usability of serial risk stratification as treatment target.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched up to January 30, 2023, using terms associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension, pediatric pulmonary hypertension, and risk stratification. Observational studies and clinical trials describing risk stratification at both baseline and follow-up were included. Sixty five studies were eligible for inclusion, including only 2 studies in a pediatric population. C-statistic range at baseline was 0.31 to 0.77 and improved to 0.30 to 0.91 at follow-up. In 53% of patients, risk status changed (42% improved, 12% worsened) over 168 days (interquartile range, 137-327 days; n=22 studies). The average proportion of low-risk patients increased from 18% at baseline to 36% at a median follow-up of 244 days (interquartile range, 140-365 days; n=40 studies). In placebo-controlled drug studies, risk statuses of the intervention groups improved more and worsened less compared with the placebo groups. Furthermore, a low-risk status, but also an improved risk status, at follow-up was associated with a better outcome. Similar results were found in the 2 pediatric studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Follow-up risk stratification has improved prognostic value compared with baseline risk stratification, and change in risk status between baseline and follow-up corresponded to a change in survival. These data support the use of serial risk stratification as treatment target in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Scleroderma pulmonary arterial hypertension: the same as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a common complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc), which confers significant morbidity and mortality. The current therapies and treatment strategies for SSc-associated PAH (SSc-PAH) are informed by those used to treat patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH). There are, however, important differences between these two diseases that impact diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Both SSc-PAH and IPAH are incompletely understood with ongoing research into the underlying cellular biology that characterize and differentiate the two diseases. Additional research seeks to improve identification among SSc patients in order to diagnose patients earlier in the course of their disease. Novel therapies specifically for SSc-PAH such as rituximab and dimethyl fumarate are under investigation.

SUMMARY

Although patients with SSc-PAH and IPAH present with similar symptoms, there are significant differences between these two forms of PAH that warrant further investigation and characterization of optimal detection strategies, treatment algorithms, and outcomes assessment.

Systemic mesalazine treatment prevents spontaneous skin fibrosis in PLK2-deficient mice

Skin fibrosis is a complex biological remodeling process occurring in disease like systemic sclerosis, morphea, or eosinophilic fasciitis. Since the knowledge about the underlying pathomechanisms is still incomplete, there is currently no therapy, which prevents or reverses skin fibrosis sufficiently. The present study investigates the role of polo-like kinase 2 (PLK2) and the pro-fibrotic cytokine osteopontin (OPN) in the pathogenesis of cutaneous fibrosis and demonstrates the antifibrotic effects of systemic mesalazine treatment in vivo. Isolated primary dermal fibroblasts of PLK2 wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice were characterized in vitro. Skin thickness and histoarchitecture were studied in paraffin-embedded skin sections. The effects of mesalazine treatment were examined in isolated fibroblasts and PLK2 KO mice, which were fed 100 µg/g mesalazine for 6 months via the drinking water. Compared to WT, PLK2 KO fibroblasts displayed higher spontaneous myofibroblast differentiation, reduced proliferation rates, and overexpression of the fibrotic cytokine OPN. In vitro, 72 h of treatment with 10 mmol/L mesalazine induced phenotype conversion in PLK2 KO fibroblasts and attenuated OPN expression by inhibiting ERK1/2. In vivo, dermal myofibroblast differentiation, collagen accumulation, and skin thickening were prevented by mesalazine in PLK2 KO. Plasma creatinine levels indicated good tolerability of systemic long-term mesalazine treatment. The current study reveals a spontaneous fibrotic skin phenotype and ERK1/2-dependent OPN overexpression in PLK2 KO mice. We provide experimental evidence for the antifibrotic effectiveness of systemic mesalazine treatment to prevent fibrosis of the skin, suggesting further investigation in experimental and clinical settings.