Mortality in systemic sclerosis: lessons learned from population-based and observational cohort studies. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2014;26:131-137. [PMID: 24441644 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000027]

High-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for progressive systemic sclerosis: a retrospective study of outcome and prognostic factors

PURPOSE

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. SSc treatment is still challenging, and evidence is scarce. In the last decades high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HD-ASCT) has proven to be effective. However, treatment related morbidity and mortality (TRM) are high. We conducted a retrospective, single-center analysis of SSc patients following HD-ASCT focusing on TRM and risk factors.

METHODS

32 patients who underwent HD-ASCT at our hospital between June 2000 and September 2020 were included. Clinical characteristics were evaluated based on chart review before and after HD-ASCT. Analyses focused on overall survival (OS), TRM, and response to HD-ASCT.

RESULTS

Median OS was 81 months (range 0-243). Within one year, 20 of 32 (76.9%) patients responded to HD-ASCT. Overall, 6 patients (18.8%) died in the context of HD-ASCT. Patients with subjective response to HD-ASCT (p = 0.024) and those with shorter time to platelet engraftment (p = 0.047) had significantly longer OS. Impaired renal function, age at HD-ASCT ≥ 55, disease duration < 12 months, high Hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index (HCT-CI) and Charlton Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores were associated with higher TRM. Patients receiving conditioning chemotherapy with thiotepa needed longer time for neutrophil (p = 0.035) and platelet engraftment (p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the efficacy of HD-ASCT for patients with SSc in a single center real-world setting. High TRM is still a challenge. However, TRM could be reduced by exclusion of high-risk patients and attention to prognostic parameters and scores as suggested in this study.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies - The burden of disease: Cohort analysis focusing on damage and comorbidities

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (IIM) continue to be a major clinical challenge worldwide. The exact aetiopathogenesis of this chronic and disabling disease remains elusive, preventing the development of novel and effective therapeutic strategies and leading to a high incidence of damage. The complexity of treating these diseases is even greater due to the numerous comorbidities that affect these patients.

METHODS

Retrospective review of the cohort of patients diagnosed with IIM and followed in a dedicated unit of a tertiary hospital between 1971 and December 2022, with particular attention to damage and comorbidities. Damage was assessed using the Myositis Damage Index. Comorbidities were recorded and analysed as a whole and also assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) Disability Index (DI) was performed by phone call in December 2022, to all patients actively followed-up in the Unit.

RESULTS

Analysis of 149 patients with a mean follow-up of 9 years (range 0-51) revealed >90% with damage and comorbidities. Most comorbidities were a consequence of the damage and were particularly related to prolonged steroid therapy. Cardiovascular damage, which occurred either as cardiovascular risk factors or as end-organ sequelae (cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease), was the main cause and a major contributor to death. Depression was also high on the list of associated comorbidities. Median HAQ was 2.09 representing high negative impact in quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Although survival rates have increased in recent decades, patients with IIM carry a high burden of disease with poor quality of life, mainly caused by damage and comorbidities. While comorbidities accumulation is the major factor for poor quality of life, damage severity is the main predictor for mortality. Improved therapeutic strategies are needed to reduce the need for steroids and to introduce routine screening and management of comorbidities as an essential partner of immunosuppressive therapy, leading to comprehensive care of myositis patients and effective improvement of their quality of life.

An interleukin 6 responsive plasma cell signature is associated with disease progression in systemic sclerosis interstitial lung disease

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) interstitial lung disease (ILD) is among the leading causes of SSc-related morbidity and mortality. Tocilizumab (TCZ, anti-IL6RA) has demonstrated a reduced rate of pulmonary function decline in two phase 2/3 trials (faSScinate and focuSSced) in SSc-ILD patients. We performed transcriptome analysis of skin biopsy samples collected in the studies to decipher gene networks that were potentially associated with clinical responses to TCZ treatment. One module correlated with disease progression showed pharmacodynamic changes with TCZ treatment, and was characterized by plasma cell (PC) genes. PC signature gene expression levels were also significantly increased in both fibrotic SSc and IPF lungs compared to controls. scRNAseq analyses confirmed that PC signature genes were co-expressed in CD38 and CD138 expressing PC subsets in SSc lungs. These data provide insights into the potential role of PC in disease progression and mechanisms of action of TCZ in fibrotic interstitial lung diseases.

Probable role of exosomes in the extension of fibrotic alterations from affected to normal cells in systemic sclerosis

SSc is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology characterized by frequently progressive cutaneous and internal organ fibrosis causing severe disability, organ failure and high mortality. A remarkable feature of SSc is the extension of the fibrotic alterations to nonaffected tissues. The mechanisms involved in the extension of fibrosis have remained elusive. We propose that this process is mediated by exosome microvesicles released from SSc-affected cells that induce an activated profibrotic phenotype in normal or nonaffected cells. Exosomes are secreted microvesicles involved in an intercellular communication system. Exosomes can transfer their macromolecular content to distant target cells and induce paracrine effects in the recipient cells, changing their molecular pathways and gene expression. Confirmation of this hypothesis may identify the molecular mechanisms responsible for extension of the SSc fibrotic process from affected cells to nonaffected cells and may allow the development of novel therapeutic approaches for the disease.

Survival in Swedish patients with systemic sclerosis: a nationwide population-based matched cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To conduct the first-ever nationwide, population-based cohort study investigating survival patterns of all patients with incident SSc in Sweden compared with matched individuals from the Swedish general population.

METHODS

We used the National Patient Register to identify patients with incident SSc diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 and the Total Population Register to identify comparators (1:5), matched on sex, birth year and residential area. We followed them until death, emigration or the end of 2016. Follow-up of the general population comparators started the same date as their matched patients were included. We estimated all-cause survival using the Kaplan-Meier method, crude mortality rates and hazard ratios (HRs) using flexible parametric models.

RESULTS

We identified 1139 incident patients with SSc and 5613 matched comparators. The median follow-up was 5.0 years in patients with SSc and 6.0 years for their comparators. During follow-up, 268 deaths occurred in patients with SSc and 554 in their comparators. The 5-year survival was 79.8% and the 10-year survival was 67.7% among patients with SSc vs 92.9% and 84.8%, respectively, for the comparators (P < 0.0001). The mortality rate in patients with SSc was 42.1 per 1000 person-years and 15.8 per 1000 person-years in their comparators, corresponding to an HR of 3.7 (95% CI 2.9, 4.7) at the end of the first year of follow-up and 2.0 (95% CI 1.4, 2.8) at the end of the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Despite advances in understanding the disease and in diagnostic methods over the past decades, survival is still severely impacted in Swedish patients diagnosed with SSc between 2004 and 2015.

Damage Trajectories in Systemic Sclerosis Using Group-Based Trajectory Modeling

OBJECTIVE

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by progressive organ damage, which can be measured using the Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Damage Index (SCTC-DI). We aimed to identify whether distinct trajectories of damage accrual exist and to determine which variables are associated with different trajectory groups.

METHODS

Incident cases of SSc (<2 years) were identified in the Australian Scleroderma Interest Group and Canadian Scleroderma Research Group prospective registries. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify SCTC-DI trajectories over the cohort's first 5 annual visits. Baseline variables associated with trajectory membership in a univariate analysis were examined in multivariable models.

RESULTS

A total of 410 patients were included. Three trajectory groups were identified: low (54.6%), medium (36.2%), and high (10.3%) damage. Patients with faster damage accrual had higher baseline SCTC-DI scores. Older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.57 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.18-2.10]), male sex (OR 2.55 [95% CI 1.10-5.88]), diffuse disease (OR 6.7 [95% CI 2.57-17.48]), tendon friction rubs (OR 5.4 [95% CI 1.86-15.66]), and elevated C-reactive protein level (OR 1.98 [95% CI 1.49-2.63]) increased the odds of being in the high-damage group versus the reference (low damage), whereas White ethnicity (OR 0.31 [95% CI 0.12-0.75]) and anticentromere antibodies (OR 0.24 [95% CI 0.07-0.77]) decreased the odds.

CONCLUSION

We identified 3 trajectories of damage accrual in a combined incident SSc cohort. Several characteristics increased the odds of belonging to worse trajectories. These findings may be helpful in recognizing patients in whom early aggressive treatment is necessary.

Serum metabolite differences detected by HILIC UHPLC-Q-TOF MS in systemic sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by extensive fibrosis and vascular damage. Vasculopathy, activation of the immune system, and diffuse fibrosis are all involved in the fatal pathogenesis of SSc. However, little metabolomic research has been conducted in SSc.

METHODS

This study included 30 SSc patients and 30 healthy individuals. The metabolite differences in serum samples were analyzed using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography and quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Meanwhile, serum metabolites were analyzed in patients with systemic involvement (lung or skin fibrosis).

RESULTS

A total of 2360 ion peaks were detected, all of which were attributable to 38 metabolites. These metabolites primarily consisted of fatty acids, amino acids, and glycerophospholipids, which were the major metabolic pathways altered in SSc patients. Glutamine metabolism was the main pathway altered in SSc patients with lung involvement, whereas amino acid metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis were the main pathways altered in SSc patients with skin involvement.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that metabolic profiles and pathways differed between SSc patients and healthy people, potentially providing new targets for SSc-directed therapeutics and diagnostics. Key Points • Metabolic profiles and pathways differed between SSc patients and healthy people. • The levels of trans-dehydroandrosterone are substantially lower in lcSSc than in dcSSc, potentially providing new targets for SSc patients with skin involvement. • L-glutamine could be used as a serum metabolic marker and a therapeutic target for SSc patients with lung involvement.

Systemic sclerosis and vaccinations: a three-year register-based cohort study about vaccination rate and uptake from Liguria referral center, northwest Italy

Patients with diffused Systemic Sclerosis (dSSc) are more subject to severe respiratory complications with higher rates of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Vaccination represents the most effective means of prevention and care for frail patients, such as SSc patients, preventing infections, reducing mortality and morbidity, and granting a better quality of life. Both vaccinations against seasonal influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae are currently recommended by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) guidelines on vaccination. The aim of this study is to give an updated analysis on S. pneumoniae and seasonal influenza vaccination coverage in a cohort of 91 patients with SSc and to investigate demographic and clinical variables significantly related to vaccine acceptance. The correlation between vaccine administration and other factors was investigated using a binomial logistic regression to evaluate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR). The patients followed up in this study reached higher percentages than the general population, passing the 75% target for both influenza and anti-pneumococcal vaccinations and reaching for influenza vaccine coverage rates of 83.8% for subjects undergoing immunosuppressive therapies and 88.9% for elderly subjects. For the latter group, it is important to emphasize the strong correlation between older age groups and vaccination acceptance.

Secular Trends in Systemic Sclerosis Mortality in the United States from 1981 to 2020

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) has the highest mortality rate among autoimmune disorders. Individuals with SSc frequently die from complications or infections related to SSc. Nonetheless, the sex-age-period interaction of SSc is complex and remains unclear. The study aims to analyze the secular trend of SSc mortality based on data regarding underlying cause of death (UCD) and multiple causes of death (MCD) and clarify the sex-age interaction with time.

METHODS

The multiple-cause mortality statistics provided by the National Center for Health Statistics were used to identify all deaths in the United States from 1981 to 2020 in which SSc was indicated anywhere on the death certificates. The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) was determined for both sexes, as well as the variations in these rates. Joinpoint regression analysis was utilized to determine the annual percentage change (APC) of ASMR.

RESULTS

A total of 44,672 and 66,259 individuals who died between 1981 and 2020 were identified based on the UCD and MCD data, respectively. According to the UCD data, SSc-related AMSR (SSc-ASMR) of the male and female decedents, respectively, declined from 5.01 and 1.94 in 1981-1990 to 4.77 and 1.32 in 2011-2020, respectively (mortality rate ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.92-0.98). From 1986 to 1999, the APC of SSc-ASMR in female decedents decreased except for those aged 45-64 years (APC 2.1%, p = 0.002). For MCD analysis, in trend 1, only APC of SSc-ASMR in male decedents aged 45-64 years decreased. The SSc-ASMR of both male and female decedents fell on trend 2 arm. In 2011-2020, the ratio of UCD to MCD increased across all age groups for both sexes compared to 1981-1990. Overall, compared to the male decedents, the SSc-ASMR in female decedents increased significantly before 1999, peaked in 1999, followed by continuous decrease until 2020 according to UCD and MCD statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the past four decades, the SSc deaths based on the MCD data were 1.48 times more than the UCD data, and the proportion of UCD over MCD increased over time. The SSc-ASMRs in all the sex-age groups significantly decreased over the past two decades. Notably, the mortality rate ratio of women to men with SSc increased in the past four decades.

Systemic sclerosis in adults. Part I: Clinical features and pathogenesis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also referred to as systemic scleroderma or scleroderma, is a rare, complex immune-mediated connective tissue disease characterized by progressive skin fibrosis and other clinically heterogenous features. The etiopathogenesis of SSc involves vasculopathy and immune system dysregulation occurring on a permissive genetic and epigenetic background, ultimately leading to fibrosis. Recent developments in our understanding of disease-specific autoantibodies and bioinformatic analyses has led to a reconsideration of the purely clinical classification of diffuse and limited cutaneous SSc subgroups. Autoantibody profiles are predictive of skin and internal organ involvement and disease course. Early diagnosis of SSc, with commencement of disease-modifying treatment, has the potential to improve patient outcomes. In SSc, many of the clinical manifestations that present early signs of disease progression and activity are cutaneous, meaning dermatologists can and should play a key role in the diagnosis and management of this significant condition. The first article in this continuing medical education series discusses the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and pathogenesis of SSc in adults, with an emphasis on skin manifestations, the important role of dermatologists in recognizing these, and their correlation with systemic features and disease course.

Cognitive difficulties in people with systemic sclerosis: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

This study used a qualitative approach to explore how people with SSc experience cognitive changes and how cognitive difficulties impact their functioning.

METHODS

Four 90-min focus groups of adults with SSc and self-reported changes in cognition were recruited from a SSc research registry and targeted social media. A focus group guide elicited information from participants via open-ended questions. Content analysis was conducted using grounded theory methodology.

RESULTS

There were 20 participants (mean age = 55.5 (11.4) years) comprising 16 (80%) females, 14 (70%) Caucasians, and 11 (55%) people with diffuse cutaneous SSc. Study themes included cognitive difficulties as part of daily life experience, impact of cognitive difficulties on daily life functioning, coping strategies and information seeking. Participants used different terms to describe their experience of cognitive difficulties, and most encountered deficits in short-term memory, language difficulties, decreased executive function, difficulties with concentration and focus, and slow processing speed. Participants expressed frustration with their cognitive difficulties and used coping strategies to lessen their impact. Participants were uncertain about the causes and wanted to understand factors contributing to cognitive difficulties as well as how to manage them.

CONCLUSION

Participants with SSc reported cognitive difficulties that had a substantial negative impact on their lives. Improved understanding of cognitive changes could subsequently facilitate development of relevant therapeutic interventions or educational programmes for symptom self-management to reduce impact of cognitive difficulties in people with SSc.

Work Productivity and Economic Burden of Systemic Sclerosis in a Multiethnic Asian Population

OBJECTIVE

To assess work productivity, identify associated factors and evaluate the economic burden of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in a multiethnic Asian population.

METHODS

Data on employment status and work productivity loss were collected. Associations between demographic and disease characteristics and unemployment status, work productivity loss, and activity impairment were examined using logistic and linear regression analyses, as appropriate. Costs of unemployment and work productivity loss were estimated using the human capital approach.

RESULTS

Of 111 patients with a mean disease duration of 9.1 years, 33 (29.7%) were unemployed. Their mean age at unemployment was 44.2 years, equating to 22.8 years of lost employment. No demographic and disease characteristics were significantly associated with unemployment status in multivariable analysis. Of 73 employed patients, 39 (53.4%) reported work productivity loss, accounting for 45.9% of the working week. The presence of hyperlipidemia (coefficient -19.01, P = 0.03) was associated with work productivity loss in multivariable analysis. In total, 37 of 78 employed patients (47.4%) and 19 of 33 unemployed patients (57.6%) reported activity impairment, accounting for 42.2% and 50.0%, respectively, of the preceding week. The presence of hyperlipidemia (coefficient -18.56, P < 0.01) was associated with activity impairment in multivariable analysis. Annual cost of unemployment and work productivity loss were estimated to be $53,244 and $13,045 (Singapore dollar) per patient, respectively.

CONCLUSION

SSc imposes significant unemployment and work productivity loss and causes a substantial economic burden to both affected individuals and society. Modifying the identified factors associated with unemployment and work productivity loss may reduce the burden of SSc.

Involvement of the Nervous System in Systemic Sclerosis

Introduction:

Scleroderma is a rare heterogeneous multisystem autoimmune disease. The disease is characterized by structural abnormalities of the small blood vessels. Scleroderma affects all organs of the body. Skin manifestations are commonly reported, but peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) involvement has been less frequently reported. Neurological manifestations are broad, and it is challenging for clinicians to confirm a diagnosis of scleroderma.

Case Presentation:

In our case, a 53-year-old white woman had extensive clinical presentations: skin rashes and symptoms from internal organs, CNS, and PNS during the previous 11 years. She had not undergone any specific treatment because diagnosis has not been made in the early stages.

Conclusion:

It is important to make the diagnosis as early as possible and start treatment with immunomodulatory and immunosuppressant medication, as it affects the patient's disease progression, quality of life, and mortality. A detailed medical history, physical examination, and laboratory and radiology findings help us to identify and diagnose scleroderma. But unfortunately, it was late, and the patient died. This case guides us to be more careful and make the diagnosis of scleroderma earlier in the future.

Involvement of the Nervous System in Systemic Sclerosis

Introduction:

Scleroderma is a rare heterogeneous multisystem autoimmune disease. The disease is characterized by structural abnormalities of the small blood vessels. Scleroderma affects all organs of the body. Skin manifestations are commonly reported, but peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) involvement has been less frequently reported. Neurological manifestations are broad, and it is challenging for clinicians to confirm a diagnosis of scleroderma.

Case Presentation:

In our case, a 53-year-old white woman had extensive clinical presentations: skin rashes and symptoms from internal organs, CNS, and PNS during the previous 11 years. She had not undergone any specific treatment because diagnosis has not been made in the early stages.

Conclusion:

It is important to make the diagnosis as early as possible and start treatment with immunomodulatory and immunosuppressant medication, as it affects the patient's disease progression, quality of life, and mortality. A detailed medical history, physical examination, and laboratory and radiology findings help us to identify and diagnose scleroderma. But unfortunately, it was late, and the patient died. This case guides us to be more careful and make the diagnosis of scleroderma earlier in the future.

Current Take on Systemic Sclerosis Patients' Vaccination Recommendations

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease. The prevalence of SSc ranges from 7 to 700 cases per million worldwide. Due to multiple organ involvement and constant inflammatory state, this group of patients presents an increased risk of infectious diseases. This paper aimed to gather the up-to-date evidence on vaccination strategies for patients with SSc and to be a useful tool for the prevention and management of infectious diseases. The authors conducted a scoping review in which each paragraph presents data on a specific vaccine’s safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy. The work deals with the following topics: SARS-CoV-2, seasonal influenza, S. pneumoniae, HAV, HBV, HZV, N. meningitidis, H. influenzae, HPV, and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis.

Outcome measurement instrument selection for lung physiology in systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease: A systematic review using the OMERACT filter 2.1 process

OBJECTIVE

The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) is a research organization focused on improving health care outcomes for patients with autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases. The Connective Tissue Disease-Interstitial Lung Disease (CTD-ILD) Working Group on Lung Physiology is a group within OMERACT charged with identifying outcome measures that should be implemented in studies of patients with CTD-ILD. The OMERACT Filter 2.1 is an evidence-based algorithm used to identify outcome measures that are truthful, feasible, and able to discriminate between groups of interest. Our objective was to summate evidence (published literature, key opinion leader input, patient perspectives) that would influence the CTD-ILD Working Group's vote to accept or reject the use of two measures of lung physiology, the forced vital capacity (FVC) and the diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLco) for use in randomized controlled trials (RTCs) and longitudinal observational studies (LOSs) involving patients with systemic sclerosis associated ILD (SSc-ILD).

METHODS

Patient Research Partners (those afflicted with SSc-ILD) and the CTD-ILD Working Group on Lung Physiology were polled to assess their opinion on the FVC and DLco in terms of feasibility; the CTD-ILD Working Group was also queried on these instruments' face and content validity. We then conducted a systematic literature review to identify articles in the SSc-ILD population that assessed the following measurement properties of FVC and DLco: (1) construct validity, (2) test-retest reliability, (3) longitudinal construct validity, (4) clinical trial discrimination/sensitivity to detect change in clinical trials, and (5) thresholds of meaning. Results were summarized in a Summary of Measurement Properties (SOMP) table for each instrument. OMERACT CTD-ILD Working Group members discussed and voted on the strength of evidence supporting these two instruments and voted to endorse, provisionally endorse, or not endorse either instrument.

RESULTS

Forty Patient Research Partners reported these two measures are feasible (are not an unnecessary burden or represent an infeasible longitudinal assessment of their disease). A majority of the 18 CTD-ILD Working Group members voted that both the FVC and DLco are feasible and have face and content validity. The systematic literature review returned 1,447 non-duplicated articles, of which 177 met eligibility for full text review. Forty-eight studies (13 RCTs, 35 LOSs) were included in the qualitative analysis. The FVC SOMP table revealed high quality, consistent data with evidence of good performance for all five measurement properties, suggesting requisite published evidence to proceed with endorsement. The DLco SOMP table showed a lack of data to support test-retest reliability and inadequate evidence to support clinical trial discrimination. There was unanimous agreement (15 [100%]) among voting CTD-ILD Working Group members to endorse the FVC as an instrument for lung physiology in RCTs and LOSs in SSc-ILD. Based on currently available evidence, DLco did not meet the OMERACT criteria and is not recommended for use in RCTs to represent lung physiology of SSc-ILD. The OMERACT Technical Advisory Group agreed with these decisions.

CONCLUSION

The OMERACT Filter 2.1 was successfully applied to the domain of lung physiology in patients with SSc-ILD. The FVC was endorsed for use in RCTs and LOSs based on the Working Group's vote; DLco was not endorsed.

New Insights into Profibrotic Myofibroblast Formation in Systemic Sclerosis: When the Vascular Wall Becomes the Enemy

In systemic sclerosis (SSc), abnormalities in microvessel morphology occur early and evolve into a distinctive vasculopathy that relentlessly advances in parallel with the development of tissue fibrosis orchestrated by myofibroblasts in nearly all affected organs. Our knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying such a unique relationship between SSc-related vasculopathy and fibrosis has profoundly changed over the last few years. Indeed, increasing evidence has suggested that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), a process in which profibrotic myofibroblasts originate from endothelial cells, may take center stage in SSc pathogenesis. While in arterioles and small arteries EndoMT may lead to the accumulation of myofibroblasts within the vessel wall and development of fibroproliferative vascular lesions, in capillary vessels it may instead result in vascular destruction and formation of myofibroblasts that migrate into the perivascular space with consequent tissue fibrosis and microvessel rarefaction, which are hallmarks of SSc. Besides endothelial cells, other vascular wall-resident cells, such as pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells, may acquire a myofibroblast-like synthetic phenotype contributing to both SSc-related vascular dysfunction and fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the differentiation of myofibroblasts inside the vessel wall provides the rationale for novel targeted therapeutic strategies for the treatment of SSc.

Genetic variants in LGALS3 are related to lower galectin-3 serum levels and clinical outcomes in systemic sclerosis patients: A case-control study

INTRODUCTION

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare complex disease characterized by vascular damage, autoimmunity, and extensive skin and internal organs fibrosis. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is encoded by gene LGALS3 (Lectin, Galactoside-Binding, Soluble, 3; 14q22.3) and it has been reported to play a central role in self-tolerance, inflammation, and fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate associations among LGALS3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and serum levels Gal-3 and SSc susceptibility and their clinical features.

METHODS

A case-control study with 88 patients and 151 matched controls was performed. LGALS3 variants were analyzed by the TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system whereas Gal-3 serum levels were measured by sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Associations among genotypes, clinical features, and Gal-3 levels were performed by univariable and multivariable analysis through statistical packages.

RESULTS

The LGALS3 rs4652 A/C genotype was more frequent in SSc patients than controls according to overdominant model [OR 1.89 (CI 95% 1.01 - 3.52); p = .046]. Also, LGALS3 rs4652 C/C polymorphic genotype was associated with lower patient Gal-3 levels (p = .03) and control group (p = 0.005), as noted by generalized linear model (GLM). The LGALS3 rs1009977 G/T controls showed higher Gal-3 levels than wild-type and polymorphic genotypes (p = .03); however, in SSc patients, no difference was found. None of the LGALS3 SNPs or Gal-3 levels was associated with clinical manifestations in SSc patients. Considering only the SSc group, GLM analysis pointed LGALS3 rs4652 and rs2075601, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), myopathy, and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) and scleroderma health assessment questionnaire (SHAQ) as important predictors for Gal-3 levels.

CONCLUSION

The LGALS3 rs4652 A/C was more frequent in SSc patients and related to lower Gal-3 levels. These findings were corroborated through a GLM to estimate Gal-3 values. Also, by model equations, Gal-3 levels may be predicted by HAQ, SHAQ, PAH, myopathy, and LGALS3 rs4652 and rs2075601 factors. In these ways, we suggest that galectins may be promising biomarkers to identify susceptibility to SSc as well as to identify HAQ, SHAQ, PAH, and myopathy outcomes.

X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) inhibition in systemic sclerosis (SSc)

OBJECTIVE

X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) is a multifunctional protein with important functions in apoptosis, cellular differentiation and cytoskeletal organisation and is emerging as potential target for the treatment of various cancers. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of XIAP in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

The expression of XIAP in human skin samples of patients with SSc and chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD) and healthy individuals was analysed by quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence (IF) and western blot. XIAP was inactivated by siRNA-mediated knockdown and pharmacological inhibition. The effects of XIAP inactivation were analysed in cultured fibroblasts and in the fibrosis models bleomycin-induced and topoisomerase-I-(topoI)-induced fibrosis and in Wnt10b-transgenic mice.

RESULTS

The expression of XIAP, but not of other inhibitor of apoptosis protein family members, was increased in fibroblasts in SSc and sclerodermatous cGvHD. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) induced the expression of XIAP in a SMAD3-dependent manner. Inactivation of XIAP reduced WNT-induced fibroblast activation and collagen release. Inhibition of XIAP also ameliorated fibrosis induced by bleomycin, topoI and overexpression of Wnt10b in well-tolerated doses. The profibrotic effects of XIAP were mediated via WNT/β-catenin signalling. Inactivation of XIAP reduces binding of β-catenin to TCF to in a TLE-dependent manner to block WNT/β-catenin-dependent transcription.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data characterise XIAP as a novel link between two core pathways of fibrosis. XIAP is overexpressed in SSc and cGvHD in a TGF-β/SMAD3-dependent manner and in turn amplifies the profibrotic effects of WNT/β-catenin signalling on fibroblasts via transducin-like enhancer of split 3. Targeted inactivation of XIAP inhibits the aberrant activation of fibroblasts in murine models of SSc.

Lung involvement in systemic sclerosis is associated with adverse hospital outcomes: insights from the National Inpatient Sample

This study aimed to compare outcomes of systemic sclerosis (SSc) hospitalizations with and without lung involvement. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality while secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay (LOS) and total hospital charge. Data were abstracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2016 and 2017 database. This database is the largest collection of inpatient hospitalization data in the USA. The NIS was searched for SSc hospitalizations with and without lung involvement as principal or secondary diagnosis using International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes. SSc hospitalizations for patients aged ≥18 years from the above groups were identified. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis was used to adjust for possible confounders for the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. There were over 71 million discharges included in the combined 2016 and 2017 NIS database. 62,930 hospitalizations were for adult patients who had either a principal or secondary ICD-10 code for SSc. 5095 (8.10%) of these hospitalizations had lung involvement. Lung involvement group had greater inpatient mortality (9.04% vs 4.36%, adjusted OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.61 to 2.73, p<0.0001), increase in mean adjusted LOS of 1.81 days (95% CI 0.98 to 2.64, p<0.0001), and increase in mean adjusted total hospital charge of $31,807 (95% CI 14,779 to 48,834, p<0.0001), compared with those without lung involvement. Hospitalizations for SSc with lung involvement have increased inpatient mortality, LOS and total hospital charge compared with those without lung involvement. Collaboration between the pulmonologist and the rheumatologist is important in optimizing outcomes of SSc hospitalizations with lung involvement.

Long noncoding RNA H19X is a key mediator of TGF-β-driven fibrosis

TGF-β is a master regulator of fibrosis, driving the differentiation of fibroblasts into apoptosis-resistant myofibroblasts and sustaining the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Here, we identified the nuclear long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19X as a master regulator of TGF-β-driven tissue fibrosis. H19X was consistently upregulated in a wide variety of human fibrotic tissues and diseases and was strongly induced by TGF-β, particularly in fibroblasts and fibroblast-related cells. Functional experiments following H19X silencing revealed that H19X was an obligatory factor for TGF-β-induced ECM synthesis as well as differentiation and survival of ECM-producing myofibroblasts. We showed that H19X regulates DDIT4L gene expression, specifically interacting with a region upstream of the DDIT4L gene and changing the chromatin accessibility of a DDIT4L enhancer. These events resulted in transcriptional repression of DDIT4L and, in turn, in increased collagen expression and fibrosis. Our results shed light on key effectors of TGF-β-induced ECM remodeling and fibrosis.

Mortality and morbidity in scleroderma renal crisis: A systematic literature review

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to systematically review the mortality and morbidity associated with scleroderma renal crisis and to determine temporal trends.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from database inception to 10 February 2020. Bibliographies of selected articles were hand-searched for additional references. Data were extracted using a standardized extraction form. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results were analysed qualitatively.

RESULTS

Twenty studies with 14,059 systemic sclerosis subjects, of which 854 had scleroderma renal crisis and 4095 had systemic sclerosis-associated end-stage renal disease, met inclusion criteria. Study quality was generally moderate. Cumulative mortality in the post-angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor era was approximately 20% at 6 months, 30%-36% at 1 year, 19%-40% at 3 years and almost 50% at 10 years from scleroderma renal crisis onset. Although the introduction of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in the early 1970s resulted in a 50% improvement in scleroderma renal crisis mortality, there was no further improvement thereafter. Scleroderma renal crisis mortality rates were proportionally higher than mortality rates associated with other systemic sclerosis organ involvement. The rate of permanent dialysis after scleroderma renal crisis in the post-angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor era ranged from 19%-40%. Three to 17% of systemic sclerosis patients underwent renal transplant. Survival was better in patients post-renal transplant (54%-91%) compared to those on dialysis (31%-56%). Graft survival improved over time and appeared similar to that of patients with other types of end-stage renal disease.

CONCLUSION

While there has been considerable improvement in scleroderma renal crisis-related outcomes since the introduction of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, morbidity and mortality remain high for affected patients without convincing evidence of further improvement in the post-angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor era. Novel treatments are required to improve outcomes of scleroderma renal crisis.

Management of systemic sclerosis: the first five years

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides a risk-stratified and evidence-based management for subsets of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients in the first five years from disease onset.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cardiopulmonary disease remains the primary cause of mortality in SSc patients. Morbidity and mortality in SSc-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension have improved with combination treatment, in either an upfront or sequential treatment pattern. Traditional therapies for interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) have targeted those with clinically significant and progressive ILD with immunosuppression. New data suggest a possible paradigm shift, introducing immunosuppressive therapy to patients before they develop clinically significant or progressive ILD. The year 2019 saw the approval of the first FDA-approved therapy for SSc-associated interstitial lung disease, using an antifibrotic agent previously approved for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. To date, only autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant has demonstrated a mortality benefit for SSc-ILD, albeit in a narrow spectrum of SSc-ILD patients.

SUMMARY

SSc is a highly heterogeneous autoimmune disease typified by varying clinical trajectories. Its management may be stratified within the first five years by subclassifying patients based on factors that have important prognostic significance: skin distribution and autoantibody status.

Systemic Sclerosis and Vaccinations: A Register-Based Cohort Study about Seasonal Influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae Vaccination Rate and Uptake from Liguria Regional Center, Northwest Italy

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is the connective tissue disease with the highest mortality and patients with chronic inflammatory immune-mediated diseases are at high risk of acquiring infections as they are often treated with immunosuppressive or biological drugs. This study, conducted among the patients followed by our clinical immunology, part of the Internal Medicine Department in the Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, northwest Italy, has set itself the primary objective of analyzing the vaccine uptake and the vaccination coverage against both seasonal influenza and S. pneumoniae in a cohort of patients with SSc. We evaluated the influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rate among various subgroups of patients and the source of the recommendation for vaccination. We evaluated the vaccination rate changes between the two years considered in our study. We also calculated a binomial logistic regression between vaccination acceptance and clinical and demographics characteristics of the patients to evaluate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of each factor on vaccination. The vaccination coverage that resulted was significantly higher than in other similar studies. Age over 65 years old, interstitial lung disease, and ongoing immunosuppressive therapy were significantly related with acceptance to both vaccinations using univariate analyses, but the multivariate logistic regression found a significant correlation only with the age and therapy factors.

Systemic sclerosis patients are at higher risk of hyperthyroidism and have a worse survival than those without hyperthyroidism: A nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

A high prevalence of thyroid disorders has been reported in patients with autoimmune diseases. The link between hyperthyroidism and systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been relatively overlooked, and only a few studies utilizing small samples or case reports have been reported so far.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between SSc and hyperthyroidism.

METHODS

We designed a case-control study utilizing the medical database of the Clalit Health Services. Chi-square and t tests were used for univariate analysis, and a logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The study included 2,431 SSc patients and 12,710 age- and sex-matched controls. The mean age of the study population was 63.32 ± 18.06 years (median 66 years), and female-to-male ratio was 4.5:1. Age (P < .0001, OR 1.03 [95% CI 1.02-1.04]), female sex (P = .0015, OR 1.86 [95% CI 1.27- 2.74]) and diagnosis of SSc (P = .0011, OR 1.81[95% CI 1.27-2.58]) were all independently associated with hyperthyroidism. Patients with SSc and hyperthyroidism had 1.54-fold increase of mortality rates during a mean follow-up of 17 years than SSc patients without hyperthyroidism, even though at the Cox multivariate survival analysis, only age (HR 1.06 [95% CI 1.06-1.07], P < .0001) and diagnosis of SSc (HR 2.35 [CI 2.06 to 2.69], P < .0001) resulted associated with a higher risk of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperthyroidism is highly prevalent among SSc patients and can negatively impact on their survival rates. Therefore, a pre-emptive screening may be warranted in all SSc patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether tight control and optimal treatment for hyperthyroidism may lead to a reduction of all-cause mortality in patients with SSc.

Mortality and survival in systemic sclerosis: a review of recent literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Systemic sclerosis is a debilitating rheumatic disease with high morbidity and mortality. This review attempts to provide the most recent update on mortality and survival and their determinants in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

RECENT FINDINGS

SSc remains an uncommon rheumatic disease with high mortality. There have been attempts to devise more comprehensive but simpler scoring systems to prognosticate survival in SSc, which will influence triaging of patients and guide the utilization of aggressive treatment strategies.

SUMMARY

Updated literature review on mortality and survival in SSc has confirmed its high-case fatality but a slowly improving survival profile over time. It identifies some gaps in knowledge, especially in regards to ethnic differences.

Stem cell enriched lipotransfer reverses the effects of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis

Oro-facial fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (Scleroderma;SSc) has a major impact on mouth function, facial appearance, and patient quality of life. Lipotransfer is a method of reconstruction that can be used in the treatment of oro-facial fibrosis. The effect of this treatment not only restores oro-facial volume but has also been found to reverse the effects of oro-facial fibrosis. Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) within the engrafted adipose tissue have been shown to be anti-fibrotic in SSc and are proposed as the mechanism of the anti-fibrotic effect of lipotransfer. A cohort of 62 SSc patients with oro-facial fibrosis were assessed before and after stem cell enriched lipotransfer treatment. Clinical evaluation included assessment of mouth function using a validated assessment tool (Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis Scale-MHISS), validated psychological measurements and pre and post-operative volumetric assessment. In addition, to understand the mechanism by which the anti-fibrotic effect of ADSCs occur, SSc derived fibroblasts and ADSCs from this cohort of patients were co-cultured in direct and indirect culture systems and compared to monoculture controls. Cell viability, DNA content, protein secretion of known fibrotic mediators including growth factor- β1 (TGF β-1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) using ELISA analysis and fibrosis gene expression using a fibrosis pathway specific qPCR array were evaluated. Mouth function (MHISS) was significantly improved (6.85±5.07) (p<0.0001) after treatment. All psychological measures were significantly improved: DAS 24 (12.1±9.5) (p<0.0001); HADS-anxiety (2.8±3.2) (p<0.0001), HADS-depression (2.0±3.1) (p<0.0001); BFNE (2.9 ± 4.3) (p<0.0001); VAS (3.56±4.1) (p<0.0001). Multiple treatments further improved mouth function (p<0.05), DAS (p<0.0001) and VAS (p = 0.01) scores. SSc fibroblast viability and proliferation was significantly reduced in co-culture compared to monoculture via a paracrine effect over 14 days (p < 0.0001). Protein secretion of transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was significantly reduced in co-culture compared to monoculture (p < 0.0001). Multiple fibrosis associated genes were down regulated in SSc co-culture compared to monoculture after 14 days including Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMMP-8), Platelet derived growth factor-β (PDGF-β) and Integrin Subunit Beta 6 (ITG-β6). Autologous stem cell enriched lipotransfer significantly improved the effects of oro-facial fibrosis in SSc in this open cohort study. Lipotransfer may reduce dermal fibrosis through the suppression of fibroblast proliferation and key regulators of fibrogenesis including TG-β1 and CTGF. Our findings warrant further investigation in a randomised controlled trial.

T1 mapping cardiac magnetic resonance imaging frequently detects subclinical diffuse myocardial fibrosis in systemic sclerosis patients

OBJECTIVES

cardiac involvement is the second most frequent systemic sclerosis (SSc) related cause of death. It remains mostly asymptomatic in the early stage and is underdiagnosed with routine screening. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) could improve cardiac assessment of patients and noteworthily, new sequences allow the detection of diffuse myocardial fibrosis (DMF) by native T1 mapping. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cardiac involvement by CMR native T1 mapping and its correlation with echocardiography data and non-cardiac manifestations in SSc patients.

METHODS

patients fulfilling the ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc were prospectively included between 2014 and 2016. They underwent CMR at 1.5T, including native T1 and T2 mapping, and Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE) as a part of routine follow up. Routine biological tests (mainly BNP and CRP) were centralized in the hospital laboratory.

RESULTS

seventy-two unselected patients were included. Thirty six patients (50%) had elevated T1 (ET1) (mean T1 1097±14 ms). CMR cardiac functional parameters were similar in ET1 and normal T1 (NT1). Echocardiography was normal in 18 (50%) of ET1. ET1 and NT1 groups were similar for cardiovascular risk factors and ischemic heart disease. ET1 was not correlated with any clinical or echocardiographic parameter or antibody profile. Thirty-six percent of patients with ET1 had no cardiac symptoms, normal echocardiography and CMR LVEF, and no LGE.

CONCLUSION

native T1 mapping detects left ventricular ET1 (potential DMF) in 50% of patients with SSc and a third of them had a normal conventional screening including standard CMR. In the future, further studies are needed to confirm the benefit of use of native T1 mapping as a part of routine follow up to detect earlier pejorative cardiac involvement in SSc patients.

Unmet Needs in Systemic Sclerosis Understanding and Treatment: the Knowledge Gaps from a Scientist's, Clinician's, and Patient's Perspective

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a highly heterogeneous disease caused by a complex molecular circuitry. For decades, clinical and molecular research focused on understanding the primary process of fibrosis. More recently, the inflammatory, immunological and vascular components that precede the actual onset of fibrosis, have become a matter of increasing scientific scrutiny. As a consequence, the field has started to realize that the early identification of this syndrome is crucial for optimal clinical care as well as for understanding its pathology. The cause of SSc cannot be appointed to a single molecular pathway but to a multitude of molecular aberrances in a spatial and temporal matter and on the backbone of the patient's genetic predisposition. These alterations underlie the plethora of signs and symptoms which patients experience and clinicians look for, ultimately culminating in fibrotic features. To solve this complexity, a close interaction among the patient throughout its "journey," the clinician through its clinical assessments and the researcher with its experimental design, seems to be required. In this review, we aimed to highlight the features of SSc through the eyes of these three professionals, all with their own expertise and opinions. With this unique setup, we underscore the importance of investigating the role of environmental factors in the onset and perpetuation of SSc, of focusing on the earliest signs and symptoms preceding fibrosis and on the application of holistic research approaches that include a multitude of potential molecular alterations in time in an unbiased fashion, in the search for a patient-tailored cure.

Interstitial Lung Disease and Other Pulmonary Manifestations in Connective Tissue Diseases

Lung involvement in connective tissue diseases is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, most commonly in the form of interstitial lung disease, and can occur in any of these disorders. Patterns of interstitial lung disease in patients with connective tissue disease are similar to those seen in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It may be difficult to distinguish between the 2 ailments, particularly when interstitial lung disease presents before extrapulmonary manifestations of the underlying connective tissue disease. There are important clinical implications in achieving this distinction. Given the complexities inherent in the management of these patients, a multidisciplinary evaluation is needed to optimize the diagnostic process and management strategies. The aim of this article was to summarize an approach to diagnosis and management based on the opinion of experts on this topic.

Molecular profile and proangiogenic activity of the adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction used as an autologous innovative medicinal product in patients with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

The autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from adipose tissue is an alternative to cultured adipose-derived stem cells for use in regenerative medicine and represents a promising therapy for vasculopathy and hand disability in systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, the bioactivity of autologous SVF is not documented in this disease context. This study aimed to compare the molecular and functional profiles of the SVF-based medicinal product obtained from SSc and healthy subjects.

METHODS

Good manufacturing practice (GMP)-grade SVF from 24 patients with SSc and 12 healthy donors (HD) was analysed by flow cytometry to compare the distribution of the CD45- and CD45+ haematopoietic cell subsets. The ability of SVF to form a vascular network was assessed using Matrigel in vivo assay. The transcriptomic and secretory profiles of the SSc-SVF were assessed by RNA sequencing and multiplex analysis, respectively, and were compared with the HD-SVF.

RESULTS

The distribution of the leucocyte, endothelial, stromal, pericyte and transitional cell subsets was similar for SSc-SVF and HD-SVF. SSc-SVF retained its vasculogenic capacity, but the density of neovessels formed in SVF-loaded Matrigel implanted in nude mice was slightly decreased compared with HD-SVF. SSc-SVF displayed a differential molecular signature reflecting deregulation of angiogenesis, endothelial activation and fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides the first evidence that SSc does not compromise the vascular repair capacity of SVF, supporting its use as an innovative autologous biotherapy. The characterisation of the specific SSc-SVF molecular profile provides new perspectives for delineating markers of the potency of SVF and its targets for the treatment of SSc.

Salvianolic acid B attenuates experimental skin fibrosis of systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized mainly by fibrosis of skin and internal organs. Our previous study has shown that salvianolic acid B (SAB), a bioactive component extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM), was one of the essential ingredients in the traditional Chinese medicine Yiqihuoxue formula, which has been used to treat SSc-related dermal and pulmonary fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of SAB on skin fibrosis and explore its underlying anti-fibrotic mechanism. We found that SAB was capable of alleviating skin fibrosis in a bleomycin-induced SSc mouse model, alleviating skin thickness and reducing collagen deposition. in vitro studies indicated that SAB reduced SSc skin fibroblast proliferation and downregulated extracellular matrix gene transcription and collagen protein expression. TGF-β/SMAD and MAPK/ERK pathway activation were also shown to be suppressed in SAB treated fibroblasts. Moreover, RNA-seq revealed that the anti-fibrotic effect of SAB might be related to antioxidant activity, the cell cycle, and the p53 signaling pathway. Taken together, our results suggest that SAB has the ability to alleviate SSc-related skin fibrosis both in vivo and in vitro.

Urinary and plasma metabolite differences detected by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS in systemic sclerosis patients

Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease whose origin and pathogenesis are not yet well known. Recent studies are allowing a better definition of the disease. However, few studies have been performed based on metabolomics. In this way, this study aims to find altered metabolites in SSc patients in order to improve their diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. For that, 59 SSc patients and 28 healthy volunteers participated in this study. Urine and plasma samples were analysed by a fingerprinting metabolomic approach based on HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. We observed larger differences in urine than plasma metabolites. The main deregulated metabolic families in urine were acylcarnitines, acylglycines and metabolites derived from amino acids, specifically from proline, histidine and glutamine. These results indicate perturbations in fatty acid beta oxidation and amino acid pathways in scleroderma patients. On the other hand, the main plasma biomarker candidate was 2-arachidonoylglycerol, which is involved in the endocannabinoid system with potential implications in the induction and propagation of systemic sclerosis and autoimmunity.

Early Accrual of Organ Damage in Systemic Sclerosis: Rationale for Development of a Disease Damage Index

Introduction

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by irreversible organ damage rather than fluctuating disease activity. However, there is no validated measure of damage in SSc. We aimed to quantify the accrual of organ damage in patients with early SSc.

Methods

Patients enrolled in the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study with less than 2 years of SSc since the onset of the first non-Raynaud's symptom were included. Organ damage was defined by a group of six experts as substantial and permanent loss of organ function due to SSc.

Results

We identified 278 patients with early SSc. Among these, 38% had diffuse SSc. Damage was more common in the diffuse than in the limited disease subtype in the skin/musculoskeletal (75% vs. 25.2%, p<0.001) and lung (31.4% vs. 19.9%, p = 0.035) domains at year seven. The rates of damage accrual were highest in the skin/musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal and respiratory systems at year two (29.1%, 18.7%, 14.4%), increasing at year five (41.4%, 30.6%, 21.2%) and declining thereafter to year seven (43.9%, 32.7%, 23.0%). In particular, there was early accrual of damage due to joint contracture (22.3%), gastrointestinal dysmotility (11.5%) and pulmonary fibrosis with forced vital capacity <70% predicted (9.7%) at year two. The highest accrual rate of organ-specific damage from years two to seven was seen in fecal incontinence followed by proximal muscle weakness and pulmonary fibrosis.

Conclusions

Substantial accrual of organ damage occurs early in the course of disease, particularly in diffuse SSc. This provides the rationale for the development of a SSc damage index.

The status of pulmonary fibrosis in systemic sclerosis is associated with IRF5, STAT4, IRAK1, and CTGF polymorphisms

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is one of the leading causes of death in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Although all SSc patients are characterized by autoimmunity, only part of them suffer from PF, suggesting that beside autoimmunity, some additional factors are involved in the initiation of PF in SSc. In this study, we aimed to identify genetic polymorphisms associated with the status of PF in SSc. We performed that an exhaustive search of the PubMed database was performed to identify eligible studies. Then, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed by comparing PF⁺-SSc and PF^--SSc patients to identify genetic polymorphisms associated with the status of PF in SSc. Among eight SSc-associated susceptibility polymorphisms which were applied for meta-analysis, IRF5 rs2004640 polymorphism (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.02-1.22, P = 1.39 × 10^-2), STAT4 rs7574865 polymorphism (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.07-1.47, P = 5.3 × 10^-3), IRAK1 rs1059702 polymorphism (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.05-1.37, P = 0.007), and CTGF G-945C polymorphism (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.18-1.71, P = 0.002) are associated with PF status in SSc, while TNFAIP3 rs5029939, CD226 rs763361, CD247 rs2056626, and IRF5 rs10488631 polymorphisms are not. Since IRF5, STAT4, and IRAK1 are important regulatory factors in the control of innate immune responses and CTGF is involved in the synthesis of extracellular matrix, these results suggest a role of the innate immunity and matrix compounds in the pathogenesis of PF in SSc.

Epigenetic factors as drivers of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis

Prolonged activation of fibroblasts is a central hallmark of fibrosing disorders such as systemic sclerosis (SSc). Fibroblasts are the key effector cells. They differentiate into an activated myofibroblast phenotype. In contrast to normal wound healing with transient activation, myofibroblasts persist in fibrosing disorders. Current hypothesis suggests that profibrotic cytokines might trigger epigenetic changes which contribute to the persistently activated fibroblast phenotype. In the last years, several epigenetic alterations have been described in SSc and have been linked to different pathogenic aspects of the disease, in particular to aberrant fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis, but also to vascular manifestations and inflammation. The focus of this review is the current knowledge on epigenetic changes in fibroblast activation in SSc.

Multicentre randomised placebo-controlled trial of oral anticoagulation with apixaban in systemic sclerosis-related pulmonary arterial hypertension: the SPHInX study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe and costly multiorgan autoimmune connective tissue disease characterised by vasculopathy and fibrosis. One of the major causes of SSc-related death is pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which develops in 12-15% of patients with SSc and accounts for 30-40% of deaths. In situ thrombosis in the small calibre peripheral pulmonary vessels resulting from endothelial dysfunction and an imbalance of anticoagulant and prothrombotic mediators has been implicated in the complex pathophysiology of SSc-related PAH (SSc-PAH), with international clinical guidelines recommending the use of anticoagulants for some types of PAH, such as idiopathic PAH. However, anticoagulation has not become part of standard clinical care for patients with SSc-PAH as only observational evidence exists to support its use. Therefore, we present the rationale and methodology of a phase III randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of anticoagulation in SSc-PAH.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This Australian multicentre RCT will compare 2.5 mg apixaban with placebo, in parallel treatment groups randomised in a 1:1 ratio, both administered twice daily for 3 years as adjunct therapy to stable oral PAH therapy. The composite primary outcome measure will be the time to death or clinical worsening of PAH. Secondary outcomes will include functional capacity, health-related quality of life measures and adverse events. A cost-effectiveness analysis of anticoagulation versus placebo will also be undertaken.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval for this RCT has been granted by the Human Research Ethics Committees of all participating centres. An independent data safety monitoring board will review safety and tolerability data for the duration of the trial. The findings of this RCT are to be published in open access journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12614000418673, Pre-results.

Cellular Therapies in Systemic Sclerosis: Recent Progress

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease with a high mortality and morbidity. While progress has been made in terms of identifying high-risk patients and implementing new treatment strategies, therapeutic options remain limited. In the past few decades, various cellular therapies have emerged, which have been studied in SSc and other conditions. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of currently available cellular therapies and critically assess their merit as disease-modifying treatment for SSc. Currently, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only cellular therapy that has demonstrated clinical effects on the immune system, neoangiogenesis, and fibrosis. Robust mechanistic studies as well as clinical trials are essential to move the field forward.

Connective tissue disease-related pulmonary arterial hypertension

Over the past two decades, there have been several advances in the assessment and management of connective tissue disease-related pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTD-PAH) that improved outcomes of the treatment of this lethal disease, and this will be the focus of this study. Systemic sclerosis is the leading cause of CTD-PAH, followed by systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, idiopathic inflammatory myositis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome. Clinical registries have been invaluable in informing about the burden of disease, risk and prognostic factors, and temporal trends with respect to treatment and outcome in CTD-PAH. The major advances have centered on improved disease classification and diagnostic criteria, screening and early diagnosis, the emergence of evidence-based therapies including combination goal-orientated treatment strategies, and the establishment of centers with expertise in PAH.

Current and future direction in the management of scleroderma

Scleroderma is a heterogeneous disease with a complex etiology. As more information is gained about the underlying mechanisms and the improved classifications of scleroderma subtypes, treatments can be better personalized. Improving scleroderma patients' early diagnosis before end organ manifestations occur should improve clinical trial design and outcomes. Two recently FDA-approved antifibrotics for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may be effective treatments in patients with pulmonary fibrosis secondary to scleroderma after further investigation. The potential impact of Nanobiotechnology in improving the efficacy and safety of existing antifibrotics and immunomodulators might present an exciting new approach in the management of scleroderma.

Canonical Wnt signaling in systemic sclerosis

Fibrosing disorders are characterized by abundant accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen in a variety of organs, which results in structural changes and dysfunction of the affected organ. Thus fibrotic diseases are characterized by a high morbidity and mortality and also lead to major socioeconomic costs. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a prototypic multi-systemic fibrosing disease, which affects the skin and a variety of internal organs, including the lungs, heart and gastrointestinal tract. Targeted antifibrotic therapies are not yet available for clinical use in SSc. In recent years, canonical Wnt signaling has been profoundly characterized as an important mediator of sustained fibroblast activation in fibrotic diseases. In the present review, we will summarize current research on the canonical Wnt signaling pathway in SSc and discuss translational implications and potential limitations of prolonged Wnt inhibition.

Perioperative management of patients with pulmonary hypertension for non-cardiac surgery

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While the advent of disease-modifying therapies in the treatment of PH has dramatically increased the life expectancy of these patients, they remain at high risk for perioperative complications. Outcome studies suggest that patients with PH undergoing non-cardiac surgery have higher morbidity and mortality than those without, independent of severity. Despite these risks, more and more of these patients are presenting for non-cardiac surgery. Patients with rheumatologic disorders in particular often have pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a group that is associated with a poorer prognosis. Yet, these patients invariably develop debilitating joint diseases and not uncommonly present for elective surgery. Preoperatively, patients with PH should be appropriately risk stratified based on functional class, etiology, exercise capacity, pulmonary hemodynamics, and the risk of surgery. If the risks and benefits assessment proves favorable, they should undergo optimization prior to surgery, with any chronic therapy continuing without cessation through the perioperative period. A multidisciplinary approach involving all intraoperative physicians is imperative to forming a safe intraoperative plan based on the inherent physiology underlying the patient's disease. Finally, because complications in this patient population often occur postoperatively, patients should be monitored in an appropriate setting with a goal of preventing right ventricular dysfunction. In this review article, we focus on the evaluation, risk stratification, and optimization of patients with PH undergoing non-cardiac surgery.

Scleroderma: Not an orphan disease any more

Scleroderma (or systemic sclerosis) is a rare disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although previously thought to have a uniformly poor prognosis, the outlook has changed in recent years. We review recent insights into the pathogenesis, clinical features, assessment and management of scleroderma.

Survival in systemic sclerosis-pulmonary arterial hypertension by serum autoantibody status in the Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment and Recognition of Outcomes in Scleroderma (PHAROS) Registry

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between serum autoantibodies and survival in patients with incident systemic sclerosis (SSc)-pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) enrolled in the Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment and Recognition of Outcomes in Scleroderma (PHAROS) Registry.

METHODS

Patients with definite PAH diagnosed by right heart catheterization within 6 months of registry enrollment were studied. Serum autoantibodies were assayed at each participating institution's clinical laboratory. Mortality data were collected from electronic medical records and/or the Social Security Death Index. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were reported for five autoantibody groups (anticentromere/AC, nucleolar ANA/NUC, anti-topoisomerase/Scl-70, overlapping or non-specific autoantibodies/other, and a combined group with similar survival consisting of RNA polymerase III, U1RNP, and autoantibody-negative patients). Cox proportional hazards models permitted examination of the association between autoantibody groups and overall survival, controlling for age, sex, race, and SSc disease duration.

RESULTS

In all, 162 subjects had PAH, and serum autoantibody and survival information; 60 (37%) had AC, 39 (24%) NUC, 11 (7%) Scl-70, 28 (17%) had other, 9 (6%) RNA pol, 8 (5%) U1RNP autoantibodies, and 7 (4%) had negative antibodies; 32 (20%) subjects died over a median follow-up time of 2.1 years (range: 0.01-6.8); 1- and 3-year survival estimates were, respectively, 94% and 78% for AC, 94% and 72% for NUC, 89% and 63% for Scl-70, 92% and 79% for the other group, and 100% and 93% for the combined group. Unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios revealed no statistically significant association between risk of death and autoantibodies.

CONCLUSION

Anticentromere and NUC autoantibodies are prevalent in SSc-PAH patients. An association between serum autoantibodies and survival in patients with SSc-PAH was not identified in the PHAROS cohort.