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Szűcs G, Szekanecz Z, Szamosi S. Can we define difficult-to-treat systemic sclerosis? Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:1065-1081. [PMID: 38711393 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2352450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by microvascular alterations, immunopathology, and widespread fibrosis involving various organs. It is considered difficult to treat due to several reasons: complex pathogenesis, heterogeneity, late diagnosis, limited treatment options for certain organ manifestations, lack of personalized medicine. AREAS COVERED This review presents the heterogeneity, survival and organ manifestations with their risk factors of systemic sclerosis and their current treatment options, while drawing attention to difficult-to-treat forms of the disease, based on literature indexed in PubMed. EXPERT OPINION Despite recent advances in the management of SSc over the last decades, the disease presents significant morbidity and mortality. Although available treatment protocols brought significant advancements in terms of survival in SSc-associated interstitial lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension, less success has been achieved in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers and the results are modest in case of heart, gastrointestinal, and renal manifestations. There are patients who do not respond to treatment and deteriorate even with adequate therapy. They can be considered difficult-to treat (D2T) cases. We have created a possible score system based on the individual organ manifestations and highlighted treatment options for the D2T SSc category.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Szűcs
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szekanecz
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Szamosi
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Avanoglu-Guler A, Campochiaro C, De Luca G, Hughes M, Tufan A, Green L, Del Galdo F, Matucci-Cerinic M, Dagna L. Calcinosis in systemic sclerosis: An update on pathogenesis, related complications, and management: A heavy burden still waiting to be lifted off patients' hands. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2024; 66:152431. [PMID: 38537324 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2024.152431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
In SSc, dystrophic calcinosis is one of the major clinical manifestations, characterized by the deposition of insoluble calcific substances in tissues, predominantly in the chemical form of calcium hydroxyapatite. Furthermore, calcinosis might lead to compressive neuropathies and severe pain. Current evidence suggests that tissue ischemia and repeated trauma are implicated in the development of calcinosis; however, there are still too many unknown areas that need to be investigated. Detection of calcinosis is commonly performed using X-ray or ultrasound. Moreover, quantification of calcinosis with X-ray and dual-energy computed tomography might be useful for the assessment of disease burden and monitoring of the disease. Despite its prevalence and clinical outcomes, there are no approved disease-modifying treatments for calcinosis in SSc. Debulking or surgical intervention might be preferred for calcinosis complicated with infection, compressive symptoms, or relief of pain. Therefore, innovative investigations and tailored therapeutic approaches are urgently needed to lift the burden of calcinosis from the hands of SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslihan Avanoglu-Guler
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey; Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Corrado Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo De Luca
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Michael Hughes
- Department of Rheumatology, Salford Care Organisation, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, Salford, UK; Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester & Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Abdurrahman Tufan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey; Inflammatory Disease Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lorraine Green
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM), University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM), University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Dagna
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
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Huang J, Zhu H, Liu S, Li M, Li Y, Luo H, Zuo X. Protein profiling in systemic sclerosis patients with different pulmonary complications using proteomic antibody microarray. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:29. [PMID: 38233947 PMCID: PMC10792928 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03267-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) are leading causes of systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related death. In this study, we aimed to identify biomarkers for detecting SSc pulmonary complications that are mild and in the early stages to improve the prognosis. METHODS We screened for serum biomarkers using a proteomic antibody microarray that simultaneously assessed 1000 proteins. Differentially expressed proteins were further verified using ELISA. Finally, we performed a correlation analysis using clinical data. RESULTS We identified 125 differentially expressed proteins, of which calcitonin, sclerostin (SOST), CD40, and fibronectin were selected for further verification. Serum calcitonin and SOST levels were significantly elevated in all SSc pulmonary complication subgroups, whereas serum calcitonin levels were higher in the SSc with PAH subgroup than in the SSc without PAH and ILD subgroup. Serum SOST levels were possibly associated with the presence of ILD and positively related to the presence of cardiac and gastrointestinal involvement. Serum CD40 and calcitonin levels appeared to be positively related to the presence of renal involvement, and serum calcitonin was also positively related to the presence of gastrointestinal involvement. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that serum calcitonin and SOST levels may be promising biomarkers for SSc-related PAH and ILD, respectively. Further research is needed to verify this result and understand the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Sijia Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.
| | - Mengtao Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Yisha Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zuo
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Changsha, China
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Fernandes CB, Ramalho PT. Calcinosis in systemic sclerosis. Int J Rheum Dis 2024; 27:e15037. [PMID: 38287548 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.15037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
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Pennington Z, Fogelson JL, Krauss WE. Bone but not Bone: Systemic Calcinosis Presenting as Lumbar Facet Pseudohypertrophy with Neurogenic Claudication. World Neurosurg 2023; 180:10-12. [PMID: 37689355 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis affects 14-21 per million persons annually and can present with calcinosis-deposition in the skin and subcutaneous tissues. In rare circumstances, paraspinal depositions are also seen, which can cause neural element compression requiring surgical intervention. Here we present the case of a 61-year-old woman with systemic sclerosis on goal-directed therapy who presented with neurogenic pseudoclaudication and imaging suggesting severe joint hypertrophy. The case illustrates that calcinosis in scleroderma can cause facet joint pseudohypertrophy that is difficult to distinguish from true hypertrophy on imaging. Such pseudohypertrophy is often refractory to medical therapy, necessitating surgical intervention. Last, owing to the fluid nature of the calcinotic fluid, decompression is often easier than would be expected based on preoperative imaging alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zach Pennington
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
| | | | - William E Krauss
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Muruganandam M, Ariza-Hutchinson A, Patel RA, Sibbitt WL. Biomarkers in the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:4633-4660. [PMID: 37868834 PMCID: PMC10590076 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s379815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by vascular damage, vasoinstability, and decreased perfusion with ischemia, inflammation, and exuberant fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Biomarkers are analytic indicators of the biological and disease processes within an individual that can be accurately and reproducibly measured. The field of biomarkers in SSc is complex as recent studies have implicated at least 240 pathways and dysregulated proteins in SSc pathogenesis. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are classical biomarkers with well-described clinical classifications and are present in more than 90% of SSc patients and include anti-centromere, anti-Th/To, anti-RNA polymerase III, and anti-topoisomerase I antibodies. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is central to the fibrotic process of SSc and is intimately intertwined with other biomarkers. Tyrosine kinases, interferon-1 signaling, IL-6 signaling, endogenous thrombin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), lysophosphatidic acid receptors, and amino acid metabolites are new biomarkers with the potential for developing new therapeutic agents. Other biomarkers implicated in SSc-ILD include signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4), CD226 (DNAX accessory molecule 1), interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5), interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1), T-cell surface glycoprotein zeta chain (CD3ζ) or CD247, the NLR family, SP-D (surfactant protein), KL-6, leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein-1 (LRG1), CCL19, genetic factors including DRB1 alleles, the interleukins (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 IL-13, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18, IL-22, IL-32, and IL-35), the chemokines CCL (2,3,5,13,20,21,23), CXC (8,9,10,11,16), CX3CL1 (fractalkine), and GDF15. Adiponectin (an indicator of PPAR activation) and maresin 1 are reduced in SSc patients. A new trend has been the use of biomarker panels with combined complex multifactor analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to determine disease activity and response to therapy. The present review is an update of the various biomarker molecules, pathways, and receptors involved in the pathology of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheswari Muruganandam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Angie Ariza-Hutchinson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Rosemina A Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Wilmer L Sibbitt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Borzutzky A, Valenzuela A. Scrotal Calcinosis in Juvenile Systemic Sclerosis. J Rheumatol 2023; 50:1351-1352. [PMID: 36921965 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.221249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Borzutzky
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
| | - Antonia Valenzuela
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Alhassan E, Myers SJ. Clinical Images: dystrophic calcinosis cutis. ACR Open Rheumatol 2023; 5:523. [PMID: 37475112 PMCID: PMC10570662 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eaman Alhassan
- University of Southern California, Keck School of MedicineLos AngelesCalifornia
| | - Stephen J. Myers
- University of Southern California, Keck School of MedicineLos AngelesCalifornia
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Samões B, Guimarães da Fonseca D, Beirão T, Costa F, Vieira R, Terroso G, Ferreira RM, Nicolau R, Saraiva A, Salvador MJ, Duarte AC, Cordeiro A, Vilas-Boas JP, Genrinho I, Bento da Silva A, Gago L, Resende C, Martins P, Madeira N, Dinis S, Couto M, Santos I, Araújo F, Mourão AF, Gomes Guerra M, Oliveira M, Daniel A, Rodrigues M, Dantas Soares C, Parente H, Furtado C, Fontes T, Abelha-Aleixo J. Assessment of calcinosis in Portuguese patients with systemic sclerosis - a multicenter study. Clin Rheumatol 2023:10.1007/s10067-023-06617-5. [PMID: 37154983 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06617-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES The study aims to define the clinical and subclinical calcinosis prevalence, the sensitivity of radiographed site and clinical method for its diagnosis, and the phenotype of Portuguese systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with calcinosis. METHOD A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted with SSc patients fulfilling Leroy/Medsger 2001 or ACR/EULAR 2013 classification criteria, registered in the Reuma.pt. Calcinosis was assessed through clinical examination and radiographs of hands, elbows, knees, and feet. Independent parametric or non-parametric tests, multivariate logistic regression, and sensitivity calculation of radiographed site and clinical method for calcinosis detection were performed. RESULTS We included 226 patients. Clinical calcinosis was described in 63 (28.1%) and radiological calcinosis in 91 (40.3%) patients, of which 37 (40.7%) were subclinical. The most sensitive location to detect calcinosis was the hand (74.7%). Sensitivity of the clinical method was 58.2%. Calcinosis patients were more often female (p = 0.008) and older (p < 0.001) and had more frequently longer disease duration (p < 0.001), limited SSc (p = 0.017), telangiectasia (p = 0.039), digital ulcers (p = 0.001), esophageal (p < 0.001) and intestinal (p = 0.003) involvements, osteoporosis (p = 0.028), and late capillaroscopic pattern (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, digital ulcers (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.02-6.78, p = 0.045) predicted overall calcinosis, esophageal involvement (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.28-9.67, p = 0.015) and osteoporosis (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.2-14.2, p = 0.027) predicted hand calcinosis, and late capillaroscopic pattern (OR 7.6, 95% CI 1.7-34.9, p = 0.009) predicted knee calcinosis. Anti-nuclear antibody positivity was associated with less knee calcinosis (OR 0.021, 95% CI 0.001-0477, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS Subclinical calcinosis high prevalence suggests that calcinosis is underdiagnosed and radiographic screening might be relevant. Multifactorial pathogenesis may explain calcinosis predictors' variability. Key Points • Prevalence of subclinical calcinosis in SSc patients is substantial. • Hand radiographs are more sensitive to detect calcinosis than other locations or clinical method. • Digital ulcers were associated with overall calcinosis, esophageal involvement and osteoporosis were associated with hand calcinosis, and late sclerodermic pattern in nailfold capillaroscopy was associated with knee calcinosis. • Anti-nuclear antibody positivity may be a protective factor for knee calcinosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Samões
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia E Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
| | | | - Tiago Beirão
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia E Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Flávio Costa
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia E Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Romana Vieira
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia E Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Georgina Terroso
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Rafaela Nicolau
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar Tondela-Viseu, Viseu, Portugal
| | - André Saraiva
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar E Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria João Salvador
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar E Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Ana Cordeiro
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal
| | | | - Inês Genrinho
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar Tondela-Viseu, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Ana Bento da Silva
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Laura Gago
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina Resende
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patricia Martins
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Unidade de Investigação Em Reumatologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nathalie Madeira
- Rheumatology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde da Guarda - Hospital Sousa Martins, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Sara Dinis
- Rheumatology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde da Guarda - Hospital Sousa Martins, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Maura Couto
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar Tondela-Viseu, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Inês Santos
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar Tondela-Viseu, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Filipe Araújo
- Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Unit, Hospital de Sant'Ana, SCML, Cascais, Portugal
| | - Ana Filipa Mourão
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Gomes Guerra
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário da Cova da Beira, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Margarida Oliveira
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário da Cova da Beira, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Daniel
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Distrital de Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
| | - Marília Rodrigues
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Distrital de Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
| | | | - Hugo Parente
- Rheumatology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde Do Alto Minho, Ponte de Lima, Portugal
| | - Carolina Furtado
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Do Divino Espírito Santo, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Tomás Fontes
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Do Divino Espírito Santo, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Joana Abelha-Aleixo
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia E Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
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Alhassan E. Calcinosis universalis in systemic sclerosis. ACR Open Rheumatol 2023; 5:105. [PMID: 36661396 PMCID: PMC10010482 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eaman Alhassan
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
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Frech TM, Frech M, Saknite I, O'Connell KA, Ghosh S, Baba J, Tkaczyk ER. Novel therapies and innovation for systemic sclerosis skin ulceration. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2022; 36:101813. [PMID: 36609122 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2022.101813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Skin ulceration is an important cause of morbidity in systemic sclerosis and can occur at anytime during disease progression. Incident disease cohorts are important for understanding whether skin ulceration represents active vasculopathy versus resultant damage. Biomarkers for skin ulcer pathogenesis, both serum and imaging, are under investigation to elucidate the functional consequences of the structural abnormalities. Novel therapeutics for the treatment of vasculopathy benefit from reliable biomarkers able to predict the disease evolution remains an important unmet need. Nonetheless, a diagnostic approach that captures early skin ulceration and treatments that restore vascular and immune homeostasis is critical for effective systemic sclerosis (SSc) vasculopathy management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy M Frech
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Dermatology Service and Research Service, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | | | - Inga Saknite
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Dermatology, Nashville, TN, USA; University of Latvia, Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy, Biophotonics Laboratory, Riga, Latvia
| | - Katie A O'Connell
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Dermatology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Shramana Ghosh
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Dermatology Service and Research Service, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Dermatology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Justin Baba
- Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Eric R Tkaczyk
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Dermatology Service and Research Service, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Dermatology, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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