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Balaji D, Mohanasundaram K, Gopalakrishnan KV. Calcinosis Cutis in Juvenile Systemic Sclerosis. Cureus 2024; 16:e59729. [PMID: 38841009 PMCID: PMC11151205 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Juvenile systemic sclerosis (JSSc) is a rare autoimmune disorder that primarily affects children and adolescents. It is thought to be caused by a confluence of immunological, environmental, and genetic variables. The disease is characterized by excessive collagen production. It can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, high blood pressure, and kidney problems. Although calcinosis cutis is common in systemic sclerosis, it is very rare in JSSc. We report the case of a 14-year-old female who presented with complaints of breathlessness for four days and multiple lesions in the sacral region for two months. She underwent surgical excision for calcinosis cutis in dependent regions. Early diagnosis and treatment of the condition are of immense importance in preventing mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanush Balaji
- Internal Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Kanchipuram, IND
| | - Kavitha Mohanasundaram
- Internal Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Kanchipuram, IND
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2
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Faber AM, Krieg T, Hunzelmann N. [Systemic sclerosis]. DERMATOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 75:181-196. [PMID: 38366245 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-024-05298-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a very heterogeneous, chronic, rare, but socioeconomically important disease with a severe disease course and severe impairment of the quality of life of affected patients. OBJECTIVES Overview of the current state of research on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy of SSc. METHODS A literature search was performed. RESULTS The pathogenesis of SSc is not fully understood. ACR/EULAR criteria allow the diagnosis of early forms of SSc. Classification into limited cutaneous SSc and diffuse cutaneous SSc is of prognostic and therapeutic relevance. New organ-specific treatment options for SSc have led to improved quality of life and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-M Faber
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Köln, Deutschland.
| | - T Krieg
- Translational Matrix Biology, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität zu Köln, Köln, Deutschland
| | - N Hunzelmann
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Köln, Deutschland
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3
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Monfort JB, Klejtman T, Lazareth I, Kottler D, Blaise S, Imbert B, Chaby G, Lok C, Maillard H, Beneton N, Journet-Tollhupp J, Goujon E, Jacquin A, Tella E, Mboup B, Vicaut E, Senet P. Nailfold dermoscopy predicts the absence of a capillaroscopy sclerodermic pattern: The multicentre, prospective VASCUL-R trial. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024. [PMID: 38251814 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nailfold capillaroscopy is recommended to diagnose primary or secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). Capillaroscopy is normal in primary RP, which is the most frequent. Screening for RP capillary anomalies with nailfold dermoscopy has been promising. OBJECTIVE To determine whether normal nailfold dermoscopy-based on the absence of five criteria that define a sclerodermic pattern-is able to predict normal capillaroscopy with good positive-predictive value (PPV). METHODS Prospective, 2-phase (monocentre and multicentre) study on patients at first consultation for RP undergoing nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC) and nailfold dermoscopy by two different 'blinded' trained observers, respectively, a vascular specialist and a dermatologist, not familiar with capillaroscopy. The five criteria noted were as follows: disorganization, megacapillaries, low capillary density, avascular areas and haemorrhages. RESULTS Based on 105 patients, the dermoscopy PPV for a normal NVC was 100% (p = 0.015), with 37.9% sensitivity, when no criterion was observed. Excluding haemorrhages, the PPV remained 100% (p < 0.0001), with sensitivity rising to 73.7% and 100% specificity. CONCLUSION Normal nailfold dermoscopy with the absence of four easy-to-observe criteria predicts normal NVC with an excellent PPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Benoît Monfort
- Service de Dermatologie et Médecine Vasculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Tiffany Klejtman
- Service de Médecine Vasculaire, Institut de la Cicatrisation Jean-Paul-Belmondo, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Lazareth
- Service de Médecine Vasculaire, Institut de la Cicatrisation Jean-Paul-Belmondo, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, Paris, France
| | - Diane Kottler
- Service de Dermatologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Caen, Caen, France
| | - Sophie Blaise
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Bernard Imbert
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Guillaume Chaby
- Service de Dermatologie, Centre Hospitalier Amiens, Amiens, France
| | - Catherine Lok
- Service de Dermatologie, Centre Hospitalier Amiens, Amiens, France
| | - Hervé Maillard
- Service de Dermatologie, Centre Hospitalier Le Mans, Le Mans, France
| | - Nathalie Beneton
- Service de Dermatologie, Centre Hospitalier Le Mans, Le Mans, France
| | | | - Elisa Goujon
- Service de Dermatologie, Centre Hospitalier Chalon-sur-Saône, Chalon-sur-Saône, France
| | - Aurélien Jacquin
- Service de Dermatologie et Médecine Vasculaire, Centre Hospitalier Victor-Dupouy, Argenteuil, France
| | - Emilie Tella
- Service de Dermatologie et Médecine Vasculaire, Centre Hospitalier Victor-Dupouy, Argenteuil, France
| | - Bassirou Mboup
- Unité de Recherche Clinique, Hôpital Fernand-Widal, Paris, France
| | - Eric Vicaut
- Unité de Recherche Clinique, Hôpital Fernand-Widal, Paris, France
| | - Patricia Senet
- Service de Dermatologie et Médecine Vasculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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4
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Desai R, Chawla H, Larin K, Assassi S. Methods for objective assessment of skin involvement in systemic sclerosis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2023; 35:301-308. [PMID: 37605869 PMCID: PMC11015902 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000968] [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] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Skin fibrosis is the most prominent disease manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Although the treatment for other SSc manifestations has expanded over the years, there is limited progress in identifying effective treatment options for SSc skin involvement. This is in part due to limitations in the utilized outcome measures for assessment of skin fibrosis. This review focuses on different emerging assessment tools for SSc skin involvement and their potential use for clinical care and multicenter trials. RECENT FINDINGS Durometer and other device-based methodologies requiring application of direct pressure to the affected skin have been studied in SSc. However, there are concerns that the required application of pressure might be a source of variability. Ultrasound-based methods have been compared with modified Rodnan Skin Score in several studies, indicating acceptable construct validity. However, few studies have examined their criterion validity by providing comparisons to skin histology. Optical coherence-based methods show promising preliminary results for simultaneous assessment of skin fibrosis and vasculopathy. Further standardization and validation (including comparison to skin histology) of these promising novel assessment tools in large, longitudinal SSc cohort studies are needed to establish them as clinically useful outcome measures with acceptable sensitivity to change. SUMMARY Recent advances in imaging techniques provide a promising opportunity for development of a valid and reliable assessment tool for quantification of SSc skin fibrosis, which can pave the way for approval of effective treatment options for this high burden disease manifestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhani Desai
- Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, USA
| | - Harshdeep Chawla
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kirill Larin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shervin Assassi
- Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, USA
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Leask A, Naik A, Stratton RJ. Back to the future: targeting the extracellular matrix to treat systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:713-723. [PMID: 37789119 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01032-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the excessive deposition of a stable extracellular matrix (ECM); fibrotic tissue is composed principally of highly crosslinked type I collagen and highly contractile myofibroblasts. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by skin and organ fibrosis. The fibrotic process has been recognized in SSc for >40 years, but drugs with demonstrable efficacy against SSc fibrosis in ameliorating the lung involvement have only recently been identified. Unfortunately, these treatments are ineffective at improving the skin score in patients with SSc. Previous clinical trials in SSc have largely focused on the cross-purposing of anti-inflammatory drugs and the use of immunosuppressive drugs from the transplantation field, which address inflammatory and/or autoimmune processes. Limited examination has taken place of specific anti-fibrotic agents developed through their ability to directly target the ECM in SSc by, for example, alleviating the persistent matrix stiffness and mechanotransduction that might be required for both the initiation and maintenance of fibrosis, including in SSc. However, because of the importance of the ECM in the SSc phenotype, attempts have now been made to identify drugs that specifically target the ECM, including some drugs that are currently under consideration for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Angha Naik
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Richard J Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Division of Medicine, London, UK
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Erturk A, Erogul O, Kasikci M. Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Is a Useful Tool for Distinguishing Primary Raynaud's Phenomenon from Systemic Sclerosis and/or Very Early Disease of Systemic Sclerosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2607. [PMID: 37568970 PMCID: PMC10417700 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13152607] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to compare optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) findings in patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP; n = 22), very early disease of systemic sclerosis (VEDOSS; n = 19), and systemic sclerosis (SSc; 25 patients with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) and 13 patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc)). Whole, parafoveal, and perifoveal superficial capillary plexus (SCP) vessel densities (VDs), deep capillary plexus VDs, and whole, inside, and peripapillary VDs were significantly higher in the PRP group (p < 0.001). In the lcSSc group, the FAZ perimeter was significantly higher than that in the VEDOSS group (p = 0.017). Retinal nerve fiber layer VDs were significantly lower in the lcSSc group than in the PRP and VEDOSS groups (p < 0.001). The whole and peripapillary optic disc VDs of the VEDOSS group were significantly higher than in the lcSSc group (p < 0.001). Whole SCP VDs (94.74% sensitivity, 100.00% specificity) and parafoveal SCP VDs (89.47% sensitivity, 100.00% specificity) showed the best performance in distinguishing patients with SSc from those with PRP. OCT-A seems to have potential diagnostic value in differentiating patients with PRP from patients with SSc and VEDOSS, and there is potential value in assessing prognostic roles, since findings from OCT-A images could be early indicators of retinal vascular injury long before overt SSc symptoms develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adem Erturk
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar 03030, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Erogul
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar 03030, Turkey;
| | - Murat Kasikci
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mugla Training and Research Hospital, Mugla 48000, Turkey;
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Ouchene L, Muntyanu A, Assayag D, Veilleux È, Abril A, Ferrara G, Yacyshyn E, Pineau CA, O'Brien E, Baron M, Osman M, Gniadecki R, Netchiporouk E. Skin disorders and interstitial lung disease: Part II-The spectrum of cutaneous diseases with lung disease association. J Am Acad Dermatol 2023; 88:767-782. [PMID: 36228940 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.09.051] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Part 2 of this 2-part CME introduces dermatologists to noninfectious inflammatory skin diseases associated with pulmonary involvement. In many cases, dermatologists may be the first physicians recognizing respiratory complications associated with these diagnoses. Because pulmonary involvement is often the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, dermatologists should be comfortable screening and monitoring for lung disease in high-risk patients, recognizing cutaneous stigmata of lung disease in these patients and referring to pulmonary specialists, when appropriate, for prompt treatment initiation. Some treatments used for skin disease may not be appropriate in the context of lung disease and hence, choosing a holistic approach is important. Interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension are the most common pulmonary complications and a significant cause of mortality in autoimmune connective tissue diseases, especially systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, and mixed connective tissue disease. Pulmonary complications, notably interstitial lung disease, are also common and life-threatening in sarcoidosis and vasculitis, while they are variable in neutrophilic and autoimmune blistering diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Ouchene
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Anastasiya Muntyanu
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Deborah Assayag
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Èvicka Veilleux
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Andy Abril
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Giovanni Ferrara
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elaine Yacyshyn
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Christian A Pineau
- Division of Rheumatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Elizabeth O'Brien
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Murray Baron
- Division of Rheumatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mohammed Osman
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robert Gniadecki
- Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elena Netchiporouk
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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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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9
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Dyball S, Rodziewicz M, Mendoza-Pinto C, Bruce IN, Parker B. Predicting progression from undifferentiated connective tissue disease to definite connective tissue disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103184. [PMID: 36031048 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103184] [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: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) encapsulates a broad range of conditions including incomplete forms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc), some of whom progress to a formal clinical diagnosis over time. This systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis aimed to identify clinical and laboratory features and biomarkers that can predict progression of UCTD. METHODS A systematic literature search was carried out on MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Randomized Controlled Trials. Abstracts and full-text manuscripts were screened by two reviewers. Publications were included if they included at least 20 UCTD patients, a minimum of six months of follow up, and provided data on at least one risk factor for developing a defined CTD. The QUIPS tool was used to assess risk of bias (RoB) and GRADE for grading the quality of the evidence. The study is registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021237725). RESULTS Fifty-nine studies were included in the SR, and forty-one in the meta-analysis. The predictors for progression to SLE with the highest certainty of evidence included those with younger age (MD -5.96 [-11.05-0.87 years]), serositis (RR 2.69 [1.61-4.51]), or the presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies (RR 4.27 [1.92-9.51]). For SSc, the highest certainty of evidence included puffy fingers (RR [3.09 [1.48-6.43]), abnormal nailfold changes (NFC) (avascular areas [RR 5.71 (3.03-10.8)] or active or late SSc pattern [RR 2.24 (1.25-4.01)] and anti-topoisomerase-I (RR 1.83 [1.45-2.30]). No novel biomarkers were included in the meta-analysis; however HLA molecules, regulatory T cell shift, pro-inflammatory cytokines and complement activation products were identified as potential predictors for evolution of disease. CONCLUSIONS Clinical and immunological parameters may predict which patients with UCTD progress to definitive disease; however, the heterogeneous nature and RoB in most studies limits the ability to apply these results in routine clinical practice. Limited data suggest that some novel biomarkers may provide additional predictive value but these will need larger well designed studies to fully delineate their clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dyball
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Mia Rodziewicz
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Claudia Mendoza-Pinto
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit Specialties Hospital UMAE-CIBIOR, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Ian N Bruce
- National Institute for Health Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ben Parker
- National Institute for Health Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Altered ocular microvasculature in patients with systemic sclerosis and very early disease of systemic sclerosis using optical coherence tomography angiography. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10990. [PMID: 35768479 PMCID: PMC9243093 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14377-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular hypothesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) would predict microvascular alterations should also affect anatomical regions like ocular microvasculature. The objective of this study was to evaluate retinal and choriocapillary vessel density (VD) in patients with definite SSc and very early disease of systemic sclerosis (VEDOSS) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). 22 eyes of 22 patients and 22 eyes of 22 healthy subjects were included in this study. Patients were classified into patients with definite SSc and patients with VEDOSS. VD data of the superficial OCT angiogram (OCTA-SCP), deep OCT angiogram (OCTA-DCP) and choriocapillaris (OCTA-CC) were analysed. VD in the OCTA-SCP and OCTA-CC was lower in patients with SSc (p < 0.05). In VEDOSS patients, VD in the OCTA-CC was still reduced compared to controls (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between nailfold capillaroscopy and VD of OCTA-CC (Spearman correlation coefficient (rSp) 0.456, p < 0.05) and a negative correlation between skin score and VD of OCTA-SCP (p < 0.05). Ocular perfusion seems to be impaired in patients with SSc and even VEDOSS. VD correlated with disease severity. OCTA could be a new useful diagnostic and predictive parameter for monitoring patients with different stages of the disease.
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11
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Kobayashi S, Nagafuchi Y, Shoda H, Fujio K. The Pathophysiological Roles of Regulatory T Cells in the Early Phase of Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:900638. [PMID: 35686127 PMCID: PMC9172592 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.900638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by vascular damage and fibrosis. Both clinical manifestations and immunological disturbances are diverse according to the disease duration. Particularly, changes in immunological processes are prominent in the early phase of SSc. The orchestration of several subsets of immune cells promotes autoimmune responses and inflammation, and eventually stimulates pro-fibrotic processes. Many reports have indicated that CD4+ T cells play pivotal roles in pathogenesis in the early phase of SSc. In particular, the pathogenic roles of regulatory T (Treg) cells have been investigated. Although the results were controversial, recent reports suggested an increase of Treg cells in the early phase of SSc patients. Treg cells secrete transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which promotes myofibroblast activation and fibrosis. In addition, the dysfunction of Treg cells in the early phase of SSc was reported, which results in the development of autoimmunity and inflammation. Notably, Treg cells have the plasticity to convert to T-helper17 (Th17) cells under pro-inflammatory conditions. Th17 cells secrete IL-17A, which could also promote myofibroblast transformation and fibrosis and contributes to vasculopathy, although the issue is still controversial. Our recent transcriptomic comparison between the early and late phases of SSc revealed a clear difference of gene expression patterns only in Treg cells. The gene signature of an activated Treg cell subpopulation was expanded in the early phase of SSc and the oxidative phosphorylation pathway was enhanced, which can promote Th17 differentiation. And this result was accompanied by the increase in Th17 cells frequency. Therefore, an imbalance between Treg and Th17 cells could also have an important role in the pathogenesis of the early phase of SSc. In this review, we outlined the roles of Treg cells in the early phase of SSc, summarizing the data of both human and mouse models. The contributions of Treg cells to autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis were revealed, based on the dysfunction and imbalance of Treg cells. We also referred to the potential development in treatment strategies in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Kobayashi
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
- Department of Medicine and Rheumatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Itabashi-ku, Japan
| | - Yasuo Nagafuchi
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
- Department of Functional Genomics and Immunological Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Shoda
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Keishi Fujio
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
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12
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Kowalska-Kępczyńska A. Systemic Scleroderma-Definition, Clinical Picture and Laboratory Diagnostics. J Clin Med 2022; 11:2299. [PMID: 35566425 PMCID: PMC9100749 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Scleroderma (Sc) is a rare connective tissue disease classified as an autoimmune disorder. The pathogenesis of this disease is not fully understood. (2) Methods: This article reviews the literature on systemic scleroderma (SSc). A review of available scientific articles was conducted using the PubMed database with a time range of January 1985 to December 2021. (3) Results and Conclusions: The article is a review of information on epidemiology, criteria for diagnosis, pathogenesis, a variety of clinical pictures and the possibility of laboratory diagnostic in the diagnosis and monitoring of systemic scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kowalska-Kępczyńska
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Chair of Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
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