Disability, fatigue, pain and their associates in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: the European Scleroderma Observational Study

Predictors of clinical features in early-onset severe systemic sclerosis: An analysis from a multicenter prospective observational Japanese cohort

As the clinical course of systemic sclerosis (SSc) varies widely, prognostic indicators have been sought to predict the outcomes of individual patients. Racial differences in SSc render it necessary to validate prognostic indicators in different patient cohorts. In this study, we aimed to assess clinical and laboratory parameters in Japanese patients with early-stage SSc with diffuse cutaneous involvement and/or interstitial lung disease, and identify predictive factors for disease progression. We performed multivariate analyses of baseline clinical information to estimate symptoms 4 years later in Japanese patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc and/or SSc with interstitial lung disease. Patients were enrolled in the study within 5 years of disease onset at 10 Japanese SSc centers. Over 12 years, 115 patients followed up for 4 years were included in this study. The modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) at 4 years correlated with the baseline mRSS and finger-to-palm distance, defined as the average length from the distal tip of the fourth finger to the distal palmar crease. The percentage predicted vital capacity (%VC) in year 4 positively and negatively correlated with initial %VC and the presence of anti-topoisomerase I antibodies, respectively. The Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) at 4 years was positively and negatively associated with baseline HAQ-DI and %VC, respectively. The occurrence of digital ulcers within 4 years was associated with the initial presence of digital ulcers, finger-to-palm distance, and the presence of digital pitting scars and anti-topoisomerase I antibodies. This study identified several factors that may predict the progression of early-stage SSc in Japanese patients. Finger-to-palm distance may be a useful tool for predicting the progression of skin thickening and the development of digital ulcers in the early stages of severe SSc, but larger, long-term prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Peer-Led Symptom Management Intervention to Enhance Resilience in People With Systemic Sclerosis: Mediation Analysis From a Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

Facilitated self-management interventions have the potential to enhance resilience and well-being. We examined whether resilience is a mediator of improving physical and psychological symptoms for people with systemic sclerosis (SSc) who participated in a 12-week online peer-led symptom management intervention.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary data analysis from a randomized control trial comparing a peer health-coached intervention to a waitlist control. Participants completed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale, and the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures of pain interference and depressive symptoms at the baseline and at weeks 6 and 12. Linear mixed effect regression models were used to assess the effect of intervention on changes in resilience. Causal mediation analyses were conducted to examine whether changes in resilience at week 12 mediated intervention effects on changes in fatigue, pain interference, and depressive symptoms at week 12.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-three eligible participants were enrolled. Participants in the intervention group reported improvements in resilience (P < 0.001). These changes in resilience mediated the intervention effects on fatigue with indirect effect of -1.41 (95% confidence interval [CI] -2.41 to -0.41), pain interference of -0.86 (95% CI -1.65 to -0.08), and depressive symptoms of -1.99 (95% CI -3.16 to -0.81).

CONCLUSION

For participants in the intervention who had positive improvements in their physical and psychological symptoms, increased resilience was a mechanism for these improvements. These findings support the importance of addressing resilience to improve symptoms in similar SSc interventions.

Quantifying the Need for Specialist Palliative Care Management in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

The importance of early integration of palliative care in the management of complex multisystem diseases has been recognized. In this study, we aimed to quantify the need for specialist palliative care in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

Using data from 875 patients enrolled in the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study, we defined the need for palliative care as a high symptom burden at two or more consecutive study visits, at ≥50% of overall study visits, or at the study visit immediately before death. Symptoms of interest included breathlessness, fatigue, pain, depression, anxiety, constipation, and diarrhea. Logistic regression analyses evaluated the association between individual symptoms and SSc manifestations. Linear regression analysis evaluated the relationship between palliative care needs and quality of life (QoL) and function.

RESULTS

Almost three-quarters of patients (72.69%) met the threshold for specialist palliative care needs. Severe fatigue (54.17%) was most common, followed by breathlessness (23.66%) and severe constipation (21.14%). Concurrent severe symptoms were frequently observed. Severe breathlessness (coefficient [coef] -7.95, P < 0.01) and pain (coef -7.70, P < 0.01) were associated with the largest reductions in physical QoL. Severe mood symptoms were associated with the greatest reduction in mental QoL (coef -12.91, P < 0.01). Severe pain (coef 0.56, P < 0.01), breathlessness (coef 0.49, P < 0.01), and mood symptoms (coef 0.40, P < 0.01) had a significant impact on function.

CONCLUSION

SSc is frequently associated with multiple severe symptoms that may be amenable to palliative care intervention. Given the strong association between symptom burden and impaired QoL targeted, effective symptom management in parallel with standard-of-care treatments may improve overall patient outcomes.

Minimal Detectable Changes of the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29 Profile Version 2.0 Domains, and Patient Health Questionnaire-8 in People With Systemic Sclerosis: A Scleroderma Patient-Centered Intervention Network Cohort Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, chronic autoimmune disorder associated with disability, diminished physical function, fatigue, pain, and mental health concerns. We assessed minimal detectable changes (MDCs) of the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29 Profile version 2.0 (PROMIS-29v2.0) domains, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-8 in people with SSc.

METHODS

Scleroderma Patient-Centered Intervention Network Cohort participants completed the HAQ-DI, PROMIS-29v2.0 domains, and PHQ-8 at baseline assessments from April 2014 until August 2023. We estimated MDC95 (smallest change that can be detected with 95% certainty) and MDC90 (smallest change that can be detected with 90% certainty) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) generated via the percentile bootstrapping method resampling 1,000 times. We compared MDC estimates by age, sex, and SSc subtype.

RESULTS

A total of 2,571 participants were included. Most were female (n = 2,241; 87%), and 38% (n = 976) had diffuse SSc. Mean (±SD) age was 54.9 (±12.7) years and duration since onset of first non-Raynaud phenomenon symptom was 10.8 (±8.7) years. MDC95 estimate was 0.41 points (95% CI 0.40-0.42) for the HAQ-DI, between 4.88 points (95% CI 4.72-5.05) and 9.02 points (95% CI 8.80-9.23) for the seven PROMIS-29v2.0 domains, and 5.16 points (95% CI 5.06-5.26) for the PHQ-8. MDC95 estimates were not materially different across subgroups.

CONCLUSION

MDC95 and MDC90 estimates were precise and similar across age, sex, and SSc subtype groups. HAQ-DI MDC95 and MDC90 were substantially larger than previous estimates of HAQ-DI minimal important difference from several small studies. Minimally important differences of all measures should be evaluated in large studies using anchor-based methods.

Protocol for the development of a tool to map systemic sclerosis pain sources, patterns, and management experiences: a Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network patient-researcher partnership

INTRODUCTION

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, complex autoimmune rheumatic disease with multiple factors that contribute to pain. People with SSc emphasize the effect pain has on their quality of life, but no studies have systematically examined the frequency and relative importance of different SSc pain sources, patterns of pain from different sources, and pain management experiences. Our objectives are to (1) develop a tool, jointly with researchers, health care providers, and patients, to map sources of pain in SSc, determine patterns of pain from different sources, and understand pain management experiences; and (2) administer the final tool version to participants in the large multinational Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) Cohort.

METHODS

First, we will use validated pain assessment tools as templates to develop an initial version of our pain assessment tool, and we will obtain input from patient advisors to adapt it for SSc. The tool will include questions on pain sources, pain patterns, pain intensity, pain management techniques, and barriers to pain management in SSc. Second, we will conduct nominal group technique sessions with people living with SSc and health care providers who care for people with SSc to further refine the tool. Third, we will conduct individual usability testing sessions with SPIN Cohort participants. Once the tool has been finalized, we will administer it to individuals in the multinational SPIN Cohort, which currently includes over 1,300 active participants from 54 sites in 7 countries. We will perform unsupervised clustering using the KAy-Means for MIxed LArge data (KAMILA) method to identify participant subgroups with similar profiles of pain sources (present or absent) and to evaluate predictors of subgroup membership. We will use latent profile analysis to identify subgroups of participants with similar profiles based on pain intensity scores for each pain source and evaluate predictors.

DISCUSSION

Once completed, our pain assessment tool will allow our team and other researchers to map sources of pain in SSc and to understand pain management experiences of people living with SSc. This knowledge will provide avenues for studies on the pathophysiology of pain in SSc and studies of interventions to improve pain management.

The association of resilience and positive mental health in systemic sclerosis: A Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) cohort cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

A previous study using Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) Cohort data identified five classes of people with systemic sclerosis (also known as scleroderma) based on patient-reported somatic (fatigue, pain, sleep) and mental health (anxiety, depression) symptoms and compared indicators of disease severity between classes. Across four classes ("low", "normal", "high", "very high"), there were progressively worse somatic and mental health outcomes and greater disease severity. The fifth ("high/low") class, however, was characterized by high disease severity, fatigue, pain, and sleep but low mental health symptoms. We evaluated resilience across classes and compared resilience between classes.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study. SPIN Cohort participants completed the 10-item Connor-Davidson-Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and PROMIS v2.0 domains between August 2022 and January 2023. We used latent profile modeling to identify five classes as in the previous study and multiple linear regression to compare resilience levels across classes, controlling for sociodemographic and disease variables.

RESULTS

Mean CD-RISC score (N = 1054 participants) was 27.7 (standard deviation = 7.3). Resilience decreased progressively across "low" to "normal" to "high" to "very high" classes (mean 4.7 points per step). Based on multiple regression, the "high/low" class exhibited higher resilience scores than the "high" class (6.0 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.9 to 7.1 points; standardized mean difference = 0.83, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

People with worse disease severity and patient-reported outcomes reported substantially lower resilience, except a class of people with high disease severity, fatigue, pain, and sleep disturbance but positive mental health and high resilience.

Impact of a resilience-building energy management intervention for people with systemic sclerosis: a mixed methods study

Objectives

People with SSc often experience fatigue, which significantly affects daily life functioning and quality of life. We aimed to explore participants' experiences of a peer health-coached resilience-building energy management to enhance well-being (RENEW) intervention on symptoms and well-being and to use mixed methods to compare how SSc duration influenced the experiences of participants who had clinically significant fatigue improvement vs those who did not.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 participants from the parent clinical trial randomized to the RENEW intervention. Data were analysed using the rigorous and accelerated data reduction technique combined with thematic content analysis. A mixed methods approach used a joint display to identify themes related to the impact of SSc duration on fatigue improvement status. Participants were categorized into short/improvement, short/limited improvement, long/improvement, and long/limited improvement.

Results

Our team generated four themes: participant and peer health-coach relationship, physical and psychological well-being improvement, need for a tailored approach and easy program access through technology. Mixed methods analysis revealed that, regardless of SSc duration, participants with improved fatigue reported increasing self-awareness of SSc-related symptoms and learning coping strategies to manage fatigue. Participants in the short/improvement group reported preferences for slower pacing of the program and pairing with a coach with similar symptom severity. Participants in the long/limited improvement group sought SSc-specific symptom management information.

Conclusion

Incorporating peer health coaches and technology is beneficial for self-management interventions for people with SSc. Future tailoring of RENEW based on SSc duration and symptom severity is needed.

Clinical trial registration number

clinicatrials.gov, NCT04908943.

Effects of a Resilience-Building Energy Management Program on Fatigue and Other Symptoms in Systemic Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Supported self-management interventions for individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are needed. We examined the effects of a 12-week resilience-building energy management program (called RENEW) for fatigue and other patient-reported outcomes.

METHODS

Participants, who had physician-diagnosed SSc, moderate to severe fatigue, and were ≥18 years old, were randomly assigned to RENEW or waitlist control in a 2:1 ratio. The RENEW intervention included an educational website/application plus nine virtual peer-led health coaching sessions. The primary outcome was change in the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale. Secondary outcomes were change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures of pain interference and depressive symptoms and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Multiple imputation was conducted; linear mixed models were used to assess group differences. A three-way interaction with group, time, and SSc duration was examined in each model.

RESULTS

Among 173 participants (mean ± SD age 54.5 ± 11.7 years; 93% female, 85% White), 47% had diffuse cutaneous SSc; 57% were ≤5 years from diagnosis. At 12 weeks, compared to controls, RENEW participants had a clinically meaningful fatigue improvement (β = -4.7; 95% confidence interval -6.7 to -2.7; P < 0.001) and improvement in all secondary outcomes. Among RENEW participants, individuals with shorter disease duration had greater improvements in fatigue at 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

An mHealth supported self-management intervention improved fatigue and other outcomes, particularly in newly diagnosed patients. This program may be broadly scalable for SSc symptom management.

Clinical Features Associated With Rate of Fractures in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis: A US Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with several specific risk factors for fracture due to the complications of the disease and related medications. The present study was undertaken to examine the relationship between SSc-associated clinical features and fracture rate in a large US cohort.

METHODS

Participants with SSc in FORWARD, The National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases, were included (1998-2019). Age- and sex-matched individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) from the same database were included as comparators. The primary end point was self-reported major osteoporotic fracture. Cox proportional hazards models were used to study the associations between risk factors and fractures.

RESULTS

The study included 922 individuals (SSc patients, n = 154; OA patients, n = 768). Eighty-seven percent were female, with a mean age of 57.8 years. Fifty-one patients developed at least 1 fracture during a median of 4.2 years (0.5-22.0 years) of follow-up. Patients with SSc had more frequent fractures compared to OA comparators (hazard ratio [HR] 2.38 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.47-3.83]). Among patients with SSc, a higher Rheumatic Disease Comorbidity Index score (HR 1.45 [95% CI 1.20-1.75]) and a higher Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index score (HR 3.83 [95% CI 2.12-6.93]) were associated with more fractures. Diabetes mellitus (HR 5.89 [95% CI 2.51-13.82]) and renal disease (HR 2.43 [95% CI 1.10-5.37]) were independently associated with fracture among SSc patients relative to SSc patients without these comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight factors associated with fracture among patients with SSc. Disability as measured by the HAQ DI is a particularly strong indicator of fracture rate in SSc. Improving SSc patients' functional status, where possible, may lead to better long-term outcomes.

Enrichment strategies for clinical trials targeting skin fibrosis and interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review gives an update on enrichment strategies for clinical trials in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) in two contexts - skin fibrosis in early diffuse cutaneous disease, and SSc-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) - focusing on reports from the last 18 months. Lessons have been learnt from recent studies, making this review timely.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent trials have highlighted how patients included into trials must be carefully selected to include 'progressors', that is, those most likely to benefit from treatment, and how drug mechanism action of action will influence trial design. For skin fibrosis, current enrichment strategies are mainly on clinical grounds (including disease duration, extent of skin thickening, tendon friction rubs and anti-RNA polymerase III positivity). Gene expression signatures may play a role in the future. For ILD, current enrichment strategies (degree of lung involvement as assessed by pulmonary function and high-resolution computed tomography) may help to recruit the most informative patients, but should avoid being too stringent to be feasible or for findings to be generalizable.

SUMMARY

Both skin fibrosis and ILD trials are challenging in SSc. Ongoing work on enrichment strategies should help to differentiate effective new treatments from placebo with smaller sample sizes than have been included in recent studies.

A Phase II randomized controlled trial of oral prednisolone in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (PRedSS)

OBJECTIVES

Although the painful and disabling features of early diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) have an inflammatory basis and could respond to corticosteroids, corticosteroids are a risk factor for scleroderma renal crisis. Whether or not they should be prescribed is therefore highly contentious. Our aim was to examine safety and efficacy of moderate-dose prednisolone in early dcSSc.

METHODS

PRedSS set out as a Phase II, multicentre, double-blind randomized controlled trial, converted to open-label during the Covid-19 pandemic. Patients were randomized to receive either prednisolone (∼0.3 mg/kg) or matching placebo (or no treatment during open-label) for 6 months. Co-primary endpoints were the HAQ Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) at 3 months. Over 20 secondary endpoints included patient reported outcome measures reflecting pain, itch, fatigue, anxiety and depression, and helplessness. Target recruitment was 72 patients.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients were randomized (17 prednisolone, 18 placebo/control). The adjusted mean difference between treatment groups at 3 months in HAQ-DI score was -0.10 (97.5% CI: -0.29, 0.10), P = 0.254, and in mRSS -3.90 (97.5% CI: -8.83, 1.03), P = 0.070, both favouring prednisolone but not significantly. Patients in the prednisolone group experienced significantly less pain (P = 0.027), anxiety (P = 0.018) and helplessness (P = 0.040) than control patients at 3 months. There were no renal crises, but sample size was small.

CONCLUSION

PRedSS was terminated early primarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and so was underpowered. Therefore, interpretation must be cautious and results considered inconclusive, indicating the need for a further randomized trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03708718.

Results from a living systematic review of the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders and factors associated with symptoms in systemic sclerosis

We aimed to synthesize evidence on (1) the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders and (2) factors associated with symptoms in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and PsycINFO via an ongoing living systematic review with automated monthly searches. We identified 6 eligible studies through March 1, 2023. Based on 3 studies (N = 93 to 345), current or 30-day major depressive disorder prevalence was 4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2%, 6%) in a sample of Canadian outpatients (N = 345), 18% (95% CI 12%, 27%) in a study of Indian outpatients (N = 93), 10% (95% CI 4%, 21%) for French patient conference attendees (N = 51), and 29% (95% CI 18%, 42%) for French inpatients (N = 49). Current or 30-day prevalence of any anxiety disorder was 49% (95% CI 36%, 62%) for French conference attendees and 51% (95% CI 38%, 64%) for French inpatients; current or 30-day prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder was 3% for Indian outpatients (95% CI 1%, 9%; N = 93). In 3 studies (N = 114 to 376) that examined factors associated with depressive symptoms, higher education and being married or living as married were associated with lower symptoms and pulmonary involvement, breathing problems, and tender joint counts with higher symptoms; age and disease severity markers were not associated. Only 1 study (N = 114) assessed factors associated with anxiety symptoms and found no statistically significant associations. Limitations included heterogeneous populations and assessment methods, small samples, and substantial risk of bias concerns. Mood and anxiety disorder prevalence appear high in SSc, but estimates vary, and existing studies have important limitations. Future research should assess mood and anxiety prevalence and factors associated with symptoms using large representative samples and validated classification and assessment methods.Review registration: PROSPERO (CRD 42021251339).

Association of pain and clinical factors on disability and quality of life in systemic sclerosis: A cross-sectional study from Turkish League Against Rheumatism Network

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the factors associated with disability and quality of life (QoL) in Turkish patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Patients and methods

Between January 2018 and January 2019, a total of 256 SSc patients (20 males, 236 females; mean age: 50.9±12.4 years; range, 19 to 87 years) who were diagnosed with SSc were included in the study. Disability and health-related QoL (HRQoL) were evaluated by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), scleroderma HAQ (SHAQ), Duruöz Hand Index (DHI), and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Linear regression analysis methods were used to describe factors associated with disability and QoL of the patients.

Results

All disability scores were higher and HRQoL scores were lower in diffuse cutaneous SSc patients compared limited cutaneous SSc, and differentiations were significant (p=0.001 and p=0.007). In multiple regression, pain (VAS) was the strongest predictor for high disability and low QoL scores (p<0.001) as HAQ (β=0.397, 0.386, 0.452), SHAQ (β=0.397, 0.448, 0.372), DHI (β=0.446, 0.536, 0.389), PCS (β=-0.417,-0.499, -0.408) and MCS (β=-0.478, -0.441, -0.370) in combined, lcSSc and dcSSc patients respectively. The factors associated with high disability and low QoL scores were forced vital capacity for HAQ (β=-0.172, p=0.002) and SF-36 PCS (β=0.187, p=0.001); disease duration for HAQ (β=0.208, p<0.001), DHI (β=0.147, p=0.006), and SF-36 PCS (β=-0.134, p=0.014); 6-minute walk test for HAQ (β=-0.161, p=0.005) and SF-36 PCS (β=0.153, p=0.009); and modified Rodnan skin score for SHAQ (β=0.250, p<0.001) and DHI (β=0.233, p<0.001) in SSc patients. Diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide for HAQ (β=-0.189, p=0.010) and SHAQ (β=-0.247, p=0.002); erythrocyte sedimentation rate for DHI (β=0.322, p<0.001); age for SF-36 PCS (β=-0.221, p=0.003) and body mass index for SF-36 PCS (β=-0.200, p=0.008) and MCS (β=-0.175, p=0.034) were the other variables associated with high disability or low QoL scores in SSc subsets.

Conclusion

Clinicians should consider the management of the pain and its sources as a key to improve better functional state and quality of daily life in SSc.

Importance and difficulty with valued life activities for people with systemic sclerosis

PURPOSE

To identify the importance of and difficulty with valued activities in persons with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to examine relationships between disease symptoms and difficulty with valued activities using the Valued Activities Scale (VLA). A secondary purpose was to examine the internal consistency of the Short-VLA Scale (S-VLA).

METHODS

A cross-sectional convenience sample of 99 people with SSc completed questionnaires regarding demographics, symptom severity, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the VLA.

RESULTS

Obligatory activities were rated as most important; committed activities were significantly more difficult than obligatory and discretionary. Less fatigue (p < 0.01) and lower HAQ (p < 0.001) and CES-D (p < 0.01) scores were associated with higher total VLA scores. Internal consistency of the S-VLA was excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92; p < 0.0001). The correlation between the S-VLA and the VLA was excellent (r = 0.96; p < 0.001). There were moderate correlations between the S-VLA and the HAQ (r = 0.73; p < 0.0001); the correlation with the CES-D was only fair (r = 0.35; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Committed and discretionary activities were more difficult for people with SSc to perform. Results are similar to findings with people with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONHome management/caregiving (committed) and leisure and social participation (discretionary) activities are more difficult to perform by people with SSc compared to self-care (obligatory) activities.Our findings that difficulty scores on the VLA were associated with more fatigue and depression suggest the need for rehabilitation to reduce disability in people with SSc.The S-VLA may be a useful screening and monitoring tool for SSc and other chronic conditions.

Minimal Clinically Important Differences (MCID) for the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

(1) Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by significant fatigue, causing diminished quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to examine fatigue levels and their associations with clinical factors and determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) value for the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale (FACIT-FS). (2) Methods: A total of 160 SSc patients and 62 individuals without SSc were followed-up over a 12-month period by measuring the FACIT-FS and the Visual Analogue Scale and the Short Form 36 Vitality Score analyzing changes in exhaustion. (3) Results: Fatigue was strongly correlated with HRQoL, level of pain, emotional disorders, physical capability and functionality. The MCID values for FACIT-FS were calculated as -3 for deterioration and +4 for improvement after a 12-month follow-up. The predictors of improvement of fatigue from baseline parameters were the significant disease activity, the patients' poorer functionality and the short disease duration. Patients with scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease at baseline had approximately tripled risks for worsening fatigue. The independent influential factors regarding the changing of FACIT-FS were improving or worsening in the same direction in reference to physical condition, gastrointestinal and emotional factors. (4) Conclusions: Fatigue is a multi-dimensional symptom, which is strongly correlated to HRQoL. MCID values of FACIT-FS can be useful tools in monitoring the changes of HRQoL in clinical trials and in daily practice among patients with SSc.

Oncostatin M: Risks and Benefits of a Novel Therapeutic Target for Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. It is predicted that approximately 23.6 million people will die from CVDs annually by 2030. Therefore, there is a great need for an effective therapeutic approach to combat this disease. The European Cardiovascular Target Discovery (CarTarDis) consortium identified Oncostatin M (OSM) as a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis. The benefits of modulating OSM - an interleukin (IL)-6 family cytokine - have since been studied for multiple indications. However, as decades of high attrition rates have stressed, the success of a drug target is determined by the fine balance between benefits and the risk of adverse events. Safety issues should therefore not be overlooked.

OBJECTIVE

In this review, a risk/benefit analysis is performed on OSM inhibition in the context of atherosclerosis treatment. First, OSM signaling characteristics and its role in atherosclerosis are described. Next, an overview of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical findings relating to both the benefits and risks of modulating OSM in major organ systems is provided. Based on OSM's biological function and expression profile as well as drug intervention studies, safety concerns of inhibiting this target have been identified, assessed, and ranked for the target population.

CONCLUSION

While OSM may be of therapeutic value in atherosclerosis, drug development should also focus on de-risking the herein identified major safety concerns: tissue remodeling, angiogenesis, bleeding, anemia, and NMDA- and glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Close monitoring and/or exclusion of patients with various comorbidities may be required for optimal therapeutic benefit.

The association between hand disease severity and fatigue in individuals with systemic sclerosis: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Hand disease severity in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc) arises from connective tissue and vascular changes causing functional limitations, pain, and disability. Fatigue is not well-understood in SSc and reported to be highly distressing. It is not known how fatigue relates to these disease changes. The objective of this study was to identify which elements of hand disease severity contribute to fatigue in individuals with SSc.

METHODS

Five online databases and Google Scholar were searched to identify publications through 2021 presenting data related to hand disease severity and fatigue.

RESULTS

Five articles met the inclusion criteria. The samples were 72-91% female, and 35-100% with diffuse SSc. Measures of disease severity included skin thickening (modified Rodnan score), joint involvement (mobility, tenderness, swelling), and digital ulcers. Fatigue was measured by various self-report. Joint involvement was strongly associated with fatigue. Skin thickening weakly associated with fatigue. The perceived interference of digital ulcers in daily activities was related to fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

Few studies have examined how fatigue relates to hand disease severity. While joint involvement was associated with fatigue over time and in cross-sectional studies, digital ulcers may be associated with fatigue indirectly. A conceptual model is proposed with implications for future research.Implications for RehabilitationStructural disease changes that manifest in the hands, is often associated with pain, disability, and fatigue in SSc.Fatigue is one of the most distressing symptoms of SSc and reported by 61-90% of individuals with SSc, but is not well characterized.Of measures of hand disease severity, joint involvement (contractures, swollen and tender joints) is most associated with fatigue in individuals with SSc and more so if pain is involved.A better understanding of the physiological features of disease and fatigue could provide insight into development of fatigue management interventions and help rheumatology providers work with patients to manage their fatigue.Rehabilitation assessments and interventions for hand disability need to be considered as important elements in improving all elements of quality of life for individuals with systemic sclerosis.

The relationship of nailfold capillaroscopy patterns with clinical features, functional status, pain and fatigue in patients with systemic sclerosis

Aim: To identify the frequency of scleroderma-type capillaroscopic patterns and evaluate the association of capillaroscopic patterns with clinical parameters, functional status, fatigue, and pain in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Material and Method: This cross-sectional study included SSc patients consecutively between January 2017 and January 2019. Cutaneous involvement was evaluated with the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). The presence of digital ulcers, Raynaud phenomenon, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, cardiac, gastrointestinal system (GIS), renal, joint and muscle involvement were recorded. The severity of the Raynaud phenomenon, fatigue, pain, and patient global assessment (PGA) was assessed on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the Duruoz Hand Index (DHI) were used to assess physical disability and hand function, respectively. Nailfold videocapillaroscopic examinations of the patients were performed, and they were classified into four groups, including normal/non-specific, early, active, and late scleroderma patterns. Results: The mean age of 32 patients with SSc (31 female, one male) was 48.93±12.77. Anormal capillaroscopic examination findings were detected in 93.7% of the patients, and the most common capillaroscopic pattern was the active pattern. The comparison of scleroderma pattern groups revealed no difference in age (p=0.224), but disease duration was shorter in the early pattern group (p=0.005). The duration and severity of the Raynaud phenomenon, and mean mRSS were lower in the early pattern group (p=0.004, p=0.009, and p=0.001, respectively). The digital ulcer (p=0.011) and diffuse cutaneous SSc (p=0.016) were more common in the late pattern group. The percentage of pulmonary hypertension (p=0.011), GIS involvement (p

Fatigue in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and systemic sclerosis (SSc): similarities with Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). A critical review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Persistent debilitating fatigue is a frequent complaint in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs). Fatigue is, however, frequently overlooked in the clinic, and patients who successfully achieve remission of their disease, often still have a lowered quality of life due to its persistence. How similar is this fatigue to Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), what is this fatigue associated with, and what tools/approaches (if any), have resulted in the improvement of fatigue in these patients is poorly defined.

AREAS COVERED

Similarities between the pathophysiology of ME/CFS, systemic sclerosis (SSc) and primary systemic vasculitides (PSV) are discussed, followed by an in-depth review of the prevalence and correlates of fatigue in these diseases. The authors reviewed literature from MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, Embase, and CINAHL.

EXPERT OPINION

Persistent fatigue is a prominent feature in SARDs and may not be associated with components commonly associated with disease activity and/or progression. Immune and metabolic commonalities exist between ME/CFS, SSc, and PSVs - suggesting that common pathways inherent to the diseases and fatigue may be present. We suggest that patients with features of ME/CFS need to be identified by treating physicians, as they may require alternative approaches to therapy to improve their quality of life.

Reliability, validity, and responsiveness to change of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System self-efficacy for managing chronic conditions measure in systemic sclerosis

Objective

The aim of this study is to examine validity, reliability, and responsiveness to change of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Conditions in persons with systemic sclerosis.

Methods

We conducted a post hoc analysis of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Self-Efficacy measure and other quality-of-life measures from systemic sclerosis participants from a 16-week randomized control trial. The trial compared an Internet-based self-management program to a control condition where participants were provided an educational book. All participants completed outcome measures at baseline and following the 16-week trial period.

Results

The mean age of participants was 53.7 years, 91% were female and systemic sclerosis subtype included 44.9% limited/sine and 43.1% diffuse; mean disease duration was 9.0 years. All self-efficacy subscales (Managing Emotions, Symptoms, Daily Activities, Social Interactions, and Medications/Treatment) demonstrated good internal consistency (.92-.96). All subscales showed statistically significant correlations with other validated measures of depressive symptoms and quality of life (.20-.86) but were not associated with satisfaction nor with appearance. The subscales appropriately discriminated between those with and without depressive symptoms and demonstrated responsiveness to change over the 16-week period for those who had a corresponding increase in reported quality of life.

Conclusion

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Self-Efficacy measure is valid, reliable, and responsive to change for persons with systemic sclerosis.

Perceived levels of stress, emotions and physical activity in outpatients with diffuse connective tissue diseases

BACKGROUND

Diffuse Connective Tissue Diseases (DCTD) are autoimmune diseases that can cause comorbidities, influencing physical and psychological aspects and increase stress. The latter may also be related to the practice of physical activity (PPA). Although evidence shows that it can contribute to patients' health, the level of PPA can decrease after the diagnosis.

AIMS

to evaluate the basic emotions, perceived stress (PS) and PPA levels of patients with DCTD.

METHODS

This is a field study.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

random approach of 55 participants. We used a clinical and sociodemographic profile form, for the verification of emotions, a picture with emojis of the basic emotions, the PSS-14 and the IPAQ-Brief.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

dada were analysed with Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests; with 5% of significance.

RESULTS

The average age was 49.1 ± 12.9, mostly female (58.7%). High PS was reported by 54.5%; emotions such as joy (38.2%) and anxiety/fear (25.5%], as well as sadness (7.3%), were reported. About 87.3% were classified as having insufficient levels of PPA. Female patients (U=137.0; p<0.05) and insufficient PPA levels (U=86.5%; p<0.05) had higher PS scores, as well as those feeling sadness (X2 =19.0; p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results point to the need for care with the emotional domain of these patients and suggest studies that analyze the impact of implementing PPA for this population.

Skin involvement in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: an unmet clinical need

Diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) is associated with high mortality resulting from early internal-organ involvement. Clinicians therefore tend to focus on early diagnosis and treatment of potentially life-threatening cardiorespiratory and renal disease. However, the rapidly progressive painful, itchy skin tightening that characterizes dcSSc is the symptom that has the greatest effect on patients' quality of life, and there is currently no effective disease-modifying treatment for it. Considerable advances have been made in predicting the extent and rate of skin-disease progression (which vary between patients), including the development of techniques such as molecular analysis of skin biopsy samples. Risk stratification for progressive skin disease is especially relevant now that haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation is a treatment option, because stratification will inform the balance of risk versus benefit for each patient. Measurement of skin disease is a major challenge. Results from clinical trials have highlighted limitations of the modified Rodnan skin score (the current gold standard). Alternative patient-reported and other potential outcome measures have been and are being developed. Patients with early dcSSc should be referred to specialist centres to ensure best-practice management, including the management of their skin disease, and to maximize opportunities for inclusion in clinical trials.

Advances in the Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis

Although systemic sclerosis (SSc) is currently incurable, there have been recent advances in treatment. This review article begins by providing a brief background to SSc in terms of disease subtyping and autoantibodies, because both predict disease trajectory and help clinicians to select appropriate monitoring and treatment protocols. Broad principles of management are then described: ‘disease-modifying’ therapies and therapies directed at reducing disease burden and/or progression of SSc-related digital vascular disease and of internal organ involvement. Next, advances in the management of digital vasculopathy, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), interstitial lung disease (ILD) and early diffuse cutaneous SSc are discussed in turn, for example: (a) increased use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors and endothelin receptor antagonists for digital vasculopathy; (b) early recognition and treatment of PAH, including with combination therapies; (c) increased use of mycophenolate mofetil and of nintedanib in ILD; and (d) immunosuppression now as standard practice in early diffuse cutaneous SSc, and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for highly selected patients with progressive diffuse disease. Finally, future challenges are discussed, including ensuring that all patients with SSc are monitored and treated according to best practice guidelines, and whenever possible giving patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials.

Pain levels and associated factors in the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) cohort: a multicentre cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Pain is an important and detrimental feature of systemic sclerosis but is often overlooked or deprioritised in research and clinical care. Raynaud's phenomenon, arthritis, and cutaneous ulcers are among the commonly reported disease manifestations of systemic sclerosis that could be associated with pain. We aimed to assess levels of pain intensity and interference and to evaluate disease factors associated with pain intensity and interference.

METHODS

In this multicentre cross-sectional study, participants from the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network cohort who completed pain intensity and interference measures (Patient Reported Outcomes Information System-29 profile, version 2·0) as part of baseline assessments were included. Patients were recruited from 46 centres in Australia, Canada, France, Mexico, Spain, the UK, and the USA between April 15, 2014, and Jan 7, 2020. Eligible patients included those aged 18 years or older who met the criteria for systemic sclerosis devised by the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism. Associations of pain intensity and pain interference with systemic sclerosis-related variables and overlap syndromes, controlling for sociodemographic variables, were assessed with multiple linear regression. Continuous independent variables were standardised.

FINDINGS

Among 2157 participants with systemic sclerosis (268 [12%] males and 1889 [88%] females), 1870 (87%) reported mild, moderate, or severe pain (defined as ≥1 on a 0 to 10 scale), and 815 (38%) reported moderate or severe pain (defined as ≥5). Moreover, 757 (35%) participants reported moderate or severe pain interference. Greater pain intensity was independently associated with female sex (0·58 points [95% CI 0·26-0·90]), non-White race or ethnicity (0·50 points [0·21-0·79]), fewer years in formal education (0·30 points per SD [0·19-0·41]), country (reference: USA; Canada: 0·29 points [0·01-0·57] and UK: 0·58 points [0·21-0·95]), greater body-mass index (0·35 points per SD [0·24-0·45]); joint contractures (0·67 points [0·39-0·94]), digital ulcers (0·33 points [0·10-0·55]), gastrointestinal involvement (0·66 points [0·33-0·98]), skin involvement (measured using modified Rodnan skin score; 0·22 points per SD [0·10-0·35]), rheumatoid arthritis (0·96 points [0·50-1·43]), and Sjögren's syndrome (0·42 points [0·01-0·83]). Pain interference results were similar.

INTERPRETATION

Pain is common among people with systemic sclerosis. Controlling for sociodemographic variables, greater pain was associated with multiple systemic sclerosis-related manifestations, including joint contractures, digital ulcers, gastrointestinal involvement, skin involvement, and the presence of overlap syndromes. Health-care providers should work with patients to address pain, including identifying and addressing systemic sclerosis manifestations associated with their pain, and supporting behavioural approaches to minimise impact on function and quality of life.

FUNDING

Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Arthritis Society, The Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Jewish General Hospital, Jewish General Hospital Foundation, McGill University, Scleroderma Society of Ontario, Scleroderma Canada, Sclérodermie Québec, Scleroderma Manitoba, Scleroderma Atlantic, Scleroderma Association of BC, Scleroderma SASK, Scleroderma Australia, Scleroderma New South Wales, Scleroderma Victoria, and Scleroderma Queensland.

Treatment of systemic sclerosis

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.

Fatigue Predicts Future Reduced Social Participation, not Reduced Physical Function or Quality of Life in People with Systemic Sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Although fatigue is one of the most problematic symptoms for people with systemic sclerosis, little is known about how fatigue impacts daily life over time. Such information is important when developing fatigue management interventions. This study was conducted to examine 1) if fatigue severity predicted outcomes of worse functioning (social participation, physical function), and quality of life and 2) if level of self-efficacy moderated significant relationships between fatigue and these outcomes.

METHODS

Data were utilized from a clinical trial in which an online self-management intervention was tested (N = 267). Fatigue, social participation, and physical function were assessed by PROMIS measures. Quality of life was assessed by the EuroQol 5-domain instrument (EQ-5D-5L). Linear regressions were performed to examine how baseline fatigue related to functioning and quality of life outcomes 16 weeks later controlling for relevant covariates. PROMIS measures were used to measure self-efficacy in managing symptoms, daily activities, medications and treatments, emotions, and social interactions.

RESULTS

Fatigue at baseline significantly predicted social participation 16 weeks later; but did not predict physical functioning or quality of life. Self-efficacy variables did not moderate the association between fatigue and social participation.

CONCLUSION

Fatigue severity predicted decreased social participation in people with systemic sclerosis. Interventions targeting fatigue should include support to maintain participation of social roles and activities. The level of reported self-efficacy did not vary the strength of the association between fatigue and decline in social participation indicating that there may be other targets to treat fatigue intervention beyond self-management.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02494401.

Development of the optimal touchscreen interface for patients with scleroderma

Impaired hand function is a major contributor to overall disability and reduced health-related quality of life in scleroderma patients. A relevant issue concerns interaction of scleroderma subjects with touchscreen interfaces. This study aims at investigating this problem assessing scleroderma patients' performance with a novel, aptly designed, touchscreen application in order to identify critical items of touchscreen technology which may impair or facilitate the use by scleroderma subjects. Eighty scleroderma patients performed this novel application including three games, each of which tested a different gesture: tapping, dragging/dropping, and pinching-to-zoom. Eighty healthy subjects without hand impairments were recruited as controls. Scleroderma patients performed worse than healthy users in each game, and statistically significant negatively impacting items were identified. In the second phase of the study, the 10 worst touchscreen performers within the scleroderma cohort were recruited for a physio-rehabilitation trial based on the daily use at home of a modified version of the software application downloaded into the personal devices of patients. The results of this study allow introduction of guidelines to design accessible touchscreen interfaces for subjects with scleroderma and suggest that touchscreen technology may be included in self-administered physio-rehabilitation programs for scleroderma hand.

Reliability, Validity, and Sensitivity to Change of the Cochin Hand Functional Disability Scale and Testing the New 6-Item Cochin Hand Functional Disability Scale in Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease causing complex hand disability. A reliable tool for hand function assessment in SSc is the Cochin Hand Functional Disability Scale (CHFS). More recently, a short-form CHFS of 6 items (CHFS-6) has been developed.

OBJECTIVES

To validate the CHFS and the new CHFS-6 in Romanian patients with SSc.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with SSc who completed the CHFS were included. All patients were assessed according to the recommendations of the European Scleroderma and Research Trials and also completed the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Hand Mobility in Scleroderma questionnaire. Finger range-of-motion distances were measured.

RESULTS

Seventy patients, 63 female and 7 male patients (age median, 53.0 years; interquartile range [IQR], 21.0 years), were included. Twenty seven had diffuse cutaneous involvement (dcSSc). Median CHFS and CHFS-6 at baseline were 25.0 (IQR, 37.0) and 8.0 (IQR, 13.0), respectively.The internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.96, respectively, 0.90, in all 70 patients) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.98 for both, in 38 patients) of both CHFS and CHFS-6 were excellent. The CHFS-6 had a very high correlation with the CHFS. There were moderate to good correlations with Hand Mobility in Scleroderma, Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire, and the anthropometric measurements (construct validity). In patients with early dcSSc with a second evaluation, we found good to moderate sensitivity to change (standardized response mean of 0.8 and effect size of 0.4 for CHFS, and standardized response mean of 1.1 and effect size of 0.6 for CHFS-6).

CONCLUSIONS

The CHFS and CHFS-6 are valid and easy-to-use tools for hand involvement in SSc, which can be used in clinical or research setting.

Fatigue and Its Association With Social Participation, Functioning, and Quality of Life in Systemic Sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Fatigue is consistently ranked as one of the most problematic symptoms of systemic sclerosis (SSc), but the impact of fatigue on daily life is not well characterized. The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of fatigue to deficits in social participation, functioning, and quality of life.

METHODS

Baseline data from a sample undertaking a clinical trial were utilized (n = 267). Fatigue, pain interference, depressive symptoms, physical function, and social participation were assessed by measures from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System. Hierarchical linear regressions were performed to determine the unique contribution of fatigue to social participation, physical function, and quality of life above and beyond the effects of demographic and clinical variables, pain interference, and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

The sample was predominantly female (91%), with an average age of 53.7 years, average disease duration of 9 years, and a mean fatigue T score of 58.7. Of all outcomes, fatigue was most strongly associated with deficits in social participation, explaining 48% of the variance beyond demographic and clinical factors, which is similar to the amount of variance contributed by pain interference and depressive symptoms combined (49%). Fatigue also accounted for significant amounts of variance in physical function and quality of life (R² = 0.27 and 0.33, respectively) above and beyond the effects of demographic and clinical factors.

CONCLUSION

Fatigue is an important clinical problem in SSc and is strongly associated with decreased participation in social roles and activities. Rehabilitation interventions that focus on fatigue management may be necessary to maximize participation.

Neurological and electroneurography findings in patients with systemic sclerosis and symptoms of neuropathic pain in extremities

OBJECTIVE

To analyze neurological and electroneurography (ENG) findings in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and symptoms of neuropathic pain in upper and lower extremities.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using the PainDetect questionnaire, 42 consecutive patients with SSc (38 women and 4 men) were screened for the presence of neuropathic pain in upper and/or lower extremities. Patients with previously diagnosed diabetes or other metabolic diseases, malignancy, other autoimmune disorders, or any neurological or psychiatric disease, were not included. Neurological examination, ENG, and laboratory analyses (glycated hemoglobin-HbA₁C, and vitamin B12) were performed in SSc patients with neuropathic pain in extremities. Methods of descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.

RESULTS

Eleven patients (26.2%) had significant symptoms of neuropathic pain in extremities. Neurological examination indicated polyneuropathy in 10/11 (90.9%) of patients. Symmetrical hyperesthesia in the lower and/or upper extremities was found in ten patients. Symmetrical hyporeflexia was found in 7/11 (63.6%) of patients in the arms, and 6/11 (54.4%) of patients in the legs. Proprioception was diminished in 3/11 (27.3%), whilst pallhypesthesia was present in all patients. However, polyneuropathy could be confirmed by ENG only in four out of ten SSc patients, who had typical neurological findings for polyneuropathy. Hypoesthesia in a specific lumbar root dermatome, suggesting radiculopathy, was found in 6/11 (54.5%) of patients. Asymmetrical hyporeflexia was noticed in 2/11 (18.1%) of patients in the lower limbs. Seven patients (63.6%) had signs of radiculopathy in at least one root dermatome on ENG.

CONCLUSION

A significant number of SSc patients with neuropathic pain in the upper and/or lower extremities have symptoms and signs of polyneuropathy undetectable by ENG, which indirectly suggests the presence of small-fiber polyneuropathy in these patients. In some patients, radiculopathy cannot be excluded as possible co-morbid non-scleroderma condition associated with neuropathic pain.

Opening the black box of non-pharmacological care in systemic sclerosis: a cross-sectional online survey of Dutch health professionals

The objective is to describe the spectrum of the health professional (HP) treatment approach for systemic sclerosis (SSc) from the perspective of Dutch HPs, including alignment of treatment goals set by HPs with self-reported referral reasons, coverage of patient-reported unmet care needs, and quality of communication between HPs and rheumatologists. Dutch HPs were invited through their patients with SSc to complete an anonymous online survey. The survey covered referral reasons, treatment goals, and interventions of the last patient treated, as well as the perceived quality of communication between HPs and rheumatologists. Referral reasons and treatment targets were linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health following the refined ICF Linking Rules. Seventy-nine HPs from 8 professions (including 58 physiotherapists, 73%) completed the survey. One hundred and thirty-three different referral reasons were reported, yielding 58 different ICF codes, with 41 (70.7%) being linked to the ICF domain “body structures and functions.” The reported interventions focused on body functions/structures (27.9%), training of daily activities (25.6%), education and advice (26.3%), and psychosocial interventions (20.2%). The quality of communication between HPs and rheumatologists was perceived as low. Our findings revealed numerous treatment options offered by Dutch HPs addressing the unmet care needs of patients with SSc. There is an overlap in the content of the various HP disciplines, and HP treatment goals are not sufficiently aligned with referrals of rheumatologists. HP treatment offer seemed inefficiently organized, possibly precluding rheumatologists from making targeted referrals. Communication between rheumatologists and HPs should be improved.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 24-week, phase II, proof-of-concept study of romilkimab (SAR156597) in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis

Objectives

Recent advances in systemic sclerosis (SSc) show that it involves a T-helper type-2-oriented immune response with interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13. Romilkimab is an engineered, humanised, bispecific immunoglobulin-G4 antibody that binds and neutralises IL-4/IL-13 making it ideal for exploration in fibrosis.

Methods

Patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), and with or without immunosuppressive background therapy, were randomised (1:1) to subcutaneous romilkimab 200 mg or placebo one time per week for 24 weeks in this double-blind, proof-of-concept, phase II study. The primary endpoint was change in modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) from baseline to week 24.

Results

Ninety-seven patients were randomised to romilkimab (n=48) or placebo (n=49) for 24 weeks. Least-squares mean (SE) change in mRSS was –4.76 (0.86) for romilkimab versus –2.45 (0.85) for placebo yielding a mean (SE) (90% CI) difference of –2.31 (1.21) (–4.32 to –0.31; p=0.0291, one-sided). Treatment-emergent AEs were balanced between placebo (n=41; 84%) and romilkimab (n=40; 80%). Most were mild-to-moderate and discontinuations were low (three overall). There were two deaths (one scleroderma renal crisis (romilkimab) and one cardiomyopathy (placebo)), neither were considered treatment related. Two patients in the placebo group had a cardiovascular treatment-emergent SAE (one cardiac failure, one cardiomyopathy), but there were no cardiac safety signals with romilkimab.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated significant effects on skin changes with romilkimab in early dcSSc that require confirmation with a longer and more comprehensive phase III study to determine clinical relevance.

Trial registration number

NCT02921971.

Clinical trial protocol: PRednisolone in early diffuse cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (PRedSS)

Background:

Many of the painful, disabling features of early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis have an inflammatory component and are potentially treatable with corticosteroid therapy. These features include painful and itchy skin, fatigue and musculoskeletal involvement. Yet many clinicians are understandably reluctant to prescribe corticosteroids because of the concern that these are a risk factor for scleroderma renal crisis. The aim of PRedSS (PRednisolone in early diffuse cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis) is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moderate dose prednisolone in patients with early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, specifically whether moderate dose prednisolone is (a) effective in terms of reducing pain and disability, and improving skin score and (b) safe, with particular reference to renal function.

Methods:

PRedSS is a Phase II, multicentre, double-blind randomised controlled trial which aims to recruit 72 patients with early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Patients are randomised to receive either prednisolone (dosage approximately 0.3 mg/kg) or placebo therapy for 6 months. The two co-primary outcome measures are the difference in mean Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index at 3 months and the difference in modified Rodnan skin score at 3 months. Secondary outcome measures include patient reported outcome measures of itch, hand function, anxiety and depression, and helplessness.

Results:

Recruitment commenced in December 2017 and after a slow start (due to delays in opening centres) 25 patients have now been recruited.

Conclusion:

PRedSS should help to answer the question as to whether clinicians should or should not prescribe prednisolone in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis.

Health-related quality of life in systemic sclerosis before and after autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant-a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

In severe rapidly progressive SSc, autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) allows significant improvements in overall and event-free survival. We undertook this study to identify, appraise and synthesize the evidence on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) before and after AHSCT for SSc.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of the literature, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, in PubMed and ScienceDirect from database inception to 1 February 2019. All articles with original HRQoL data were selected.

RESULTS

The search identified 1080 articles, of which 8 were selected: 3 unblinded randomized controlled trials [American Scleroderma Stem Cell versus Immune Suppression Trial (ASSIST), Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation International Scleroderma, Scleroderma: Cyclophosphamide or Transplantation), 3 uncontrolled phase I or II trials and 2 cohort studies. HRQoL data from 289 SSc patients treated with AHSCT and 125 treated with intravenous CYC as a comparator with median 1.25-4.5 years follow-up were included. HRQoL was evaluated with the HAQ Disability Index (HAQ-DI; 275 patients), the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36; 249 patients) and the European Quality of Life 5-Dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D; 138 patients). The quality of the studies was moderate to low. AHSCT was associated with significant improvement in the HAQ-DI (P = 0.02-<0.001), SF-36 Physical Component Summary score (P = 0.02-<0.0001) and EQ-5D index-based utility score (P < 0.001). The SF-36 Mental Component Summary score improved in the ASSIST (n = 19) and one small retrospective cohort (n = 30 patients, P = 0.005) but did not improve significantly in 2 randomized controlled trials (n = 200 patients, P = 0.1-0.91).

CONCLUSION

AHSCT in severe SSc patients is associated with significant and durable improvement in physical HRQoL.

The need for a holistic approach for SSc-ILD - achievements and ambiguity in a devastating disease

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multi-organ autoimmune disease with complex interactions between immune-mediated inflammatory processes and vascular pathology leading to small vessel obliteration, promoting uncontrolled fibrosis of skin and internal organs. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common but highly variable manifestation of SSc and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Treatment approaches have focused on immunosuppressive therapies, which have shown some efficacy on lung function. Recently, a large phase 3 trial showed that treatment with nintedanib was associated with a reduction in lung function decline. None of the conducted randomized clinical trials have so far shown convincing efficacy on other outcome measures including quality of life determined by patient reported outcomes. Little evidence is available for non-pharmacological treatment and supportive care specifically for SSc-ILD patients, including pulmonary rehabilitation, supplemental oxygen, symptom relief and adequate information. Improved management of SSc-ILD patients based on a holistic approach is necessary to support patients in maintaining as much quality of life as possible throughout the disease course and to improve long-term outcomes.

Changes in skin score in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis are associated with changes in global disease severity

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether skin score changes are associated with changes in overall disease severity, function and quality of life in early dcSSc patients.

METHODS

A total of 154 and 128 dcSSc patients from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group database with 1 and 2 year follow-up and a disease duration ⩽5 years without end-stage organ damage and/or significant comorbidity at the initial visit were included. Skin was assessed using the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) and disease severity by the summed Medsger disease severity score (DSS) (without skin domain), physician and patient global assessments, function [HAQ disability index (HAQ-DI)] and quality of life [36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS)]. Analyses were repeated in patients with a disease duration ⩽3 years.

RESULTS

At 2 years, 64 (50%) patients had improved skin (mRSS decrease of ⩾5 points and/or ⩾25%). Skin improvers had improved summed DSS (P = 0.002); better physician global assessments of disease activity, severity and damage (all P ⩽ 0.003); better HAQ-DI (P = 0.001) and SF-36 PCS (P = 0.005). Changes in the mRSS were positively correlated with changes in summed DSS (P = 0.006) and other disease outcomes. In the 26 (20.3%) patients with worsened skin (mRSS increase of ⩾5 points and/or ⩾25%), the summed DSS and physician global assessments were worse (P = 0.01 and P ⩽ 0.009, respectively). In the subgroup with a disease duration ⩽3 years, similar associations were found.

CONCLUSION

At 1 and 2 years, overall disease improvement parallels skin improvement in early dcSSc. This is important for prognosis and reflects the value of mRSS as an outcome measure in trials with these patients.

A patient-centered approach to the burden of symptoms in patients with scleroderma treated with Bosentan: A prospective single-center observational study

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare and complex autoimmune disease associated with poor vital and functional outcomes. The functional hindrance in patients derives from various disease-specific manifestations, including Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers (DUs). Bosentan is an endothelin receptor antagonist capable of preventing the appearance of new DUs in patients with scleroderma. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Bosentan on the severity of Raynaud's phenomenon, DU-related symptoms and functional impairment during the first year of treatment. A prospective study that included adult patients with SSc admitted to the Rheumatology Department between January 2016 and January 2017 that were candidates for Bosentan therapy, was performed. All patients were asked to evaluate the burden of symptoms secondary to Raynaud's and DUs using a visual analogue scale (VAS), whereas functional hindrance was assessed via Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). The outcomes were assessed at baseline and every 3 months during 1 year of therapy. Among the 41 patients included initially, 2 participants discontinued the treatment after 1 month due to adverse events (elevation of liver enzymes). The study cohort exhibited a significant improvement in HAQ-DI, VAS-R and VAS-DU scores in response to Bosentan therapy over the 1-year follow-up period. Higher scores at baseline predicted a weaker treatment-related improvement, with the risk of a poor outcome being increased by 220% for VAS-R, 116% for VAS-DU, whereas no increase was observed for HAQ-DI. The post-treatment improvement in VAS-DU levels was associated with a better outcome for HAQ-DI (R=0.44; P=0.005). This association was not identified for VAS-R (R=0.24; P=0.137). Throughout the follow-up period, patients with dyspnea presented with significantly higher HAQ-DI scores compared with non-dyspneic patients. Bosentan therapy may indirectly influence functionality and quality of life in patients with scleroderma by reducing the burden of Raynaud's and DU-related symptoms. Nonetheless, patients with SSc with a decreased symptom burden at baseline exhibited improved outcomes.

The Glittre Activities of Daily Living Test in women with scleroderma and its relation to hand function and physical capacity

BACKGROUND

The hands are the primary site of involvement in scleroderma, and impaired hand function is primarily responsible for difficulty in performing activities of daily living. This study aimed to evaluate exercise functional capacity in women with scleroderma through the Glittre Activities of Daily Living Test, which incorporates both lower and upper limb activities, and to correlate the findings with physical capacity and hand function.

METHODS

Thirty-three women with scleroderma and 30 matched control women were assessed with the Glittre Activities of Daily Living Test, the Cochin Hand Functional Scale for hand function, the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index for physical capacity, handgrip strength tests, and pulmonary function tests.

FINDINGS

In the Glittre Activities of Daily Living Test, the median values for total time, manual time, and the manual time/total time ratio were higher among individuals with scleroderma than among controls (P ˂ 0.001 for all tests). Manual time was significantly correlated with the Cochin Hand Functional Scale, the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, and handgrip strength. Additionally, peripheral oxygen saturation during the Glittre Activities of Daily Living Test was significantly correlated with pulmonary function parameters.

INTERPRETATION

Our results indicate that women with scleroderma need more time to complete the activities in the Glittre Activities of Daily Living Test, largely due to greater difficulty performing the shelves manual task. Thus, the Glittre Activities of Daily Living Test may be used in clinical practice to evaluate the performance of activities of daily living by people with scleroderma.

Health-related quality of life in systemic sclerosis compared with other rheumatic diseases: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and the involvement of multiple internal organs. Previous studies reported poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with SSc compared with the general population. However, very little is known about how HRQoL in SSc patients compares with that in patients with other systemic autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and Sjogren's syndrome (SjS). Thus, the main aim of this study was to compare HRQoL in SSc patients, patients with other rheumatic diseases, and the general population.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, patients from the rheumatology clinics of Seoul National University Hospital with SSc, RA, SLE, and SjS were enrolled via a random sampling technique. HRQoL was captured by the Short Form (36) health survey (SF-36), the Short Form Six-Dimensional health index (SF-6D), and the EuroQol Five-Dimensional descriptive system (EQ-5D). Demographic characteristics and standardized disease activity for each disease were also obtained. Previously reported data from 600 healthy Koreans were used for the healthy controls. An ANCOVA test was used to compare the SF-36, SF-6D, and EQ-5D values between study subjects with adjustments for age, sex, disease duration, comorbidities, and disease activity status.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty patients were included in each of the SSc, RA, SLE, and SjS cohorts. Patients with rheumatic diseases had significantly lower SF-36, SF-6D, and EQ-5D scores than healthy controls (all P < 0.001). After statistical adjustments, SSc patients reported significantly lower mental component summary (MCS) scores than patients with RA (P < 0.001) or SLE (P = 0.001). Specifically, the mental health and general health domains were significantly lower in SSc patients than reported in RA or SLE patients (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively, in both domains). In SSc patients, higher modified Rodnan skin scores (mRSS) correlated with lower MCS scores.

CONCLUSIONS

SSc patients report poorer HRQoL than patients with RA or SLE. The extent of skin involvement is associated with poorer HRQoL in SSc patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03257878 . Registered 22 August 2017.

Changes in disability and their relationship with skin thickening, in diffuse and limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The burden of disability associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc) is being increasingly recognized. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that changes in functional ability over time differ between patients with limited (lcSSc) and diffuse cutaneous (dcSSc) subtypes, and that in dcSSc (but not lcSSc) these changes correlate with skin thickening.

METHOD

This was a retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively between 2005 and 2016 at a single centre. Data recorded at annual review visits included modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Yearly rates of mRSS and HAQ-DI change were assessed by individual linear regressions, and those gradients were compared between disease groups (lcSSc/dcSSc) for each of early/late disease (less/greater than 5 years' duration).

RESULTS

The study included 402 patients (110 dcSSc, 292 lcSSc), with mean length of follow-up of 5.5 years (sd 3.5). Mean baseline HAQ-DI was 1.4 in dcSSc and 1.2 in lcSSc. In dcSSc, increased mRSS was associated with worsening disability (ρ = 0.36, p = 0.004) during early but not late disease (ρ = 0.12, p = 0.331). In lcSSc, changes in mRSS were not associated with changes in disability for early (ρ = -0.15, p = 0.173) or late disease (ρ = 0.10, p = 0.137).

CONCLUSION

These findings confirm high disability in patients with SSc. A relationship between HAQ-DI and mRSS (worsening mRSS associated with increasing disability) was found only in patients with early dcSSc, suggesting that in other patient subgroups other factors play the major role.

Impact of EUSTAR standardized training on accuracy of modified Rodnan skin score in patients with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the impact of European Scleroderma Trials and Research (EUSTAR) standardized training on the accuracy of modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

Eight SSc patients (four diffuse, four limited) and 10 physicians (4 fellows, 6 professors) were included. Gold-standard mRSS was performed by a senior instructor. Training comprised a video presentation and a live demonstration. Each physician performed mRSS with no clinical information in all patients: (a) before training; (b) after video session; and (c) after live demonstration. Primary outcome was the change in scoring accuracy, which was defined as the difference from the gold-standard skin score, as analyzed using a linear mixed model.

RESULTS

Mean (standard deviation) difference from the gold-standard score in all measurements by participants before the training was 7.7 (9.5). Completion of training significantly enhanced mRSS accuracy (adjusted β = -7.61; 95% CI: -11.91 to -3.32). This was largely attributable to the video presentation (adjusted β = -5.47; -9.16 to -1.78), although the live demonstration was associated with numerical reduction in the difference from the gold-standard score (adjusted β = -2.15; -5.84 to 1.55). Effect of training was prominent in fellows whereas professors showed an increase in the difference from gold-standard score after training (P value for interaction <0.001). The intraclass correlation coefficient for physician skin scores was acceptable. However, no significant change was observed after training.

CONCLUSION

New EUSTAR standardized mRSS training significantly enhanced mRSS accuracy, especially in participant with less previous experience in skin scoring.