1
|
Panopoulos S, Tzilas V, Bournia VK, Tektonidou MG, Sfikakis PP. Tocilizumab plus Nintedanib for progressive interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis: a one-year observational study. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:1959-1966. [PMID: 39180531 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05695-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Randomized controlled trials have recently shown that both the IL-6 inhibitor Tocilizumab and the antifibrotic Nintedanib are efficacious for Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)-associated progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD). Since real-world clinical data on Tocilizumab/Nintedanib combination are lacking, we report on their long-term safety and efficacy. Consecutive patients who received off-label Tocilizumab for SSc plus Nintedanib for progressive ILD were retrospectively studied. Adverse events, and changes in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Diffucing Capacity for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) and high resolution chest tomography (HRCT) between baseline and 6 and 12 months were assessed. Tocilizumab/Nintedanib combination was well tolerated by all 20 patients [aged 52 ± 13 years (mean ± SD), 14 women, 15 diffuse SSc, disease duration of 5.7 ± 4.9 years]; 7 of 20 patients received concomitant mycophenolate mofetil safely. No serious adverse events or laboratory abnormalities were noted. Five patients developed persistent diarrhea and 2 of them reduced dosage of Nintedanib. Baseline FVC (74%±12%) and DLCO (45%±10%) remained overall stable both at 6 months (73.5%±13% and 46%±11%, respectively) and 12 months (73%±14% and 45%±11%, respectively), regardless of disease duration. The extent of fibrotic reticular pattern in available pairs of HRCTs (n = 12) remained also stable at 12 months, whereas proportion (%) of ground glass opacities decreased from 29%±16 to 21%±14% (p = 0.048); improvement in HRCTs by almost 75% was noted in 2 of these12 patients. Tocilizumab/Nintedanib combination for one year was safe and stabilized lung function in real-world SSc patients with progressive ILD. Additional studies of this combination treatment in SSc-ILD are warranted.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Humans
- Female
- Middle Aged
- Indoles/therapeutic use
- Indoles/administration & dosage
- Indoles/adverse effects
- Lung Diseases, Interstitial/drug therapy
- Lung Diseases, Interstitial/etiology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/adverse effects
- Male
- Scleroderma, Systemic/complications
- Scleroderma, Systemic/drug therapy
- Adult
- Aged
- Retrospective Studies
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Treatment Outcome
- Disease Progression
- Vital Capacity
- Lung/physiopathology
- Lung/drug effects
- Lung/diagnostic imaging
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Panopoulos
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, and Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece.
| | - Vasilios Tzilas
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece.
| | - Vasiliki-Kalliopi Bournia
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, and Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece.
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, and Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece.
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, and Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pellicano C, Oliva A, Colalillo A, Gigante A, D'Aliesio E, Al Ismail D, Miele MC, Cianci R, Mastroianni CM, Rosato E. Serum markers of microbial translocation and intestinal damage in assessment of gastrointestinal tract involvement in systemic sclerosis. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:225. [PMID: 39294494 PMCID: PMC11410972 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01466-1] [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: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) tract involvement affects up to 90% of Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. The presence of GI symptoms is assessed by the University of California, Los Angeles, and Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Gastrointestinal Scale (UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0). Microbial translocation (MT) is reported in SSc patients consequently to increased intestinal permeability due to intestinal damage (ID) and dysbiosis. Aim of this study was to assess circulating levels of LBP and EndoCab IgM (markers of MT), IL-6 (marker of inflammation), I-FABP and Zonulin (markers of ID) in a cohort of SSc patients and healthy controls (HC). Moreover, we aimed to correlate these parameters with severity of GI symptoms. UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 questionnaire was administered to 60 consecutive SSc patients. Markers of MT, inflammation and ID were evaluated in SSc patients and HC. SSc patients had higher median value of markers of MT, inflammation and ID than HC. The logistic regression analysis showed LBP as the only variable associated with an UCLA total score "moderate-to-very severe" [OR 1.001 (CI 95%: 1.001-1.002), p < 0.001]. The logistic regression analysis showed LBP [OR 1.002 (CI 95%: 1.001-1.003), p < 0.01] and disease duration [OR 1.242 (CI 95%: 1.023-1.506), p < 0.05] as variables associated with UCLA distension/bloating "moderate-to-very severe". The logistic regression analysis showed LBP as the only variable associated with UCLA diarrhea "moderate-to-very severe" [OR 1.002 (CI 95%: 1.001-1.003), p < 0.01]. SSc patients with dysregulation gut mucosal integrity expressed by high levels of MT and ID biomarkers had more severe GI symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pellicano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Oliva
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Amalia Colalillo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Gigante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa D'Aliesio
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Dania Al Ismail
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Claudia Miele
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosario Cianci
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Maria Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Galea N, Colalillo A, Paciulli S, Pellicano C, Giannetti M, Possente E, Paone G, Romaniello A, Muscaritoli M, Rosato E, Gigante A. Chest wall muscle area, ventilatory efficiency and exercise capacity in systemic sclerosis. Intern Emerg Med 2024:10.1007/s11739-024-03751-z. [PMID: 39289311 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-024-03751-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
To investigate the potential contribution of chest wall muscle area (CWMA) to the ventilatory efficiency and exercise capacity in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) without interstitial lung disease (ILD). Forty-four consecutive SSc patients [F = 37, median age 53.5 years (IQR 43.5-58)] were examined using chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), pulmonary function tests and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). The CWMA was evaluated at the level of the ninth thoracic vertebra on CT images by two independent evaluators blinded to the patient information. CPET parameters analyzed were maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and VO2 at anaerobic threshold (VO2@AT); minute ventilation (VE); maximum tidal volume (VT). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between CWMA and maximum workload (r = 0.470, p < 0.01), VO2 max ml/min (r = 0.380, p < 0.01), VO2@AT (r = 0.343, p < 0.05), VE (r = 0.308, p < 0.05), VT (r = 0.410, p < 0.01) and VO2/heart rate (r = 0.399, p < 0.01). In multiple regression analysis, VO2 max (ml/min) was significantly associated with CWMA [β coefficient = 5.226 (95% CI 2.824, 7.628); p < 0.001], diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) [β coefficient = 6.749 (95% CI 1.460, 12.039); p < 0.05] and body mass index (BMI) [β coefficient = 41.481 (95% CI 8.802, 74.161); p < 0.05]. In multiple regression analysis, maximum workload was significantly associated with CWMA [β coefficient = 0.490 (95% CI 0.289, 0.691); p < 0.001], DLco [β coefficient = 0.645 (95% CI 0.202, 1.088); p < 0.01] and BMI [β coefficient = 3.747 (95% CI 1.013, 6.842); p < 0.01]. In SSc-patients without ILD, CWMA represents an important variable in exercise capacity and can be evaluated by the mediastinal window available in the HRCT images required for lung disease staging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Galea
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Amalia Colalillo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Paciulli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Pellicano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Giannetti
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Possente
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gregorino Paone
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrologic, Anesthesiologic, Geriatric Sciences La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Romaniello
- Division of Cardiology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Muscaritoli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Gigante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pellicano C, Cusano G, Basile U, Rosato E. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin and digital microvascular damage in systemic sclerosis patients: A pilot study. Microvasc Res 2024; 155:104714. [PMID: 38960318 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune connective-tissue disease, characterised by vasculopathy and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Activation of microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) causes the intimal hyperplasia that characterises the vascular remodelling in SSc. The most frequent complication of SSc is the development of digital ulcers (DUs). Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) may trigger fibrosis and sustain vascular damage. Aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between serum level of TSLP and DUs. METHODS 75 consecutive SSc patients were enrolled and serum TSLP levels were measured. The presence of history of DUs (HDU) was evaluated. Recurrent new DUs were defined as the presence of at least 3 episodes of DUs in a 12-months follow up period. The risk of developing new DUs was calculated by applying the capillaroscopic skin ulcer risk index (CSURI). RESULTS The median value of TSLP was higher in patients with HDU than patients without HDU [181.67 pg/ml (IQR 144.67; 265.66) vs 154.67 pg/ml (IQR 110.67; 171.33), p < 0.01]. The median value of TSLP was higher in patients with an increased CSURI index than patients without an increased CSURI [188 pg/ml (IQR 171.33; 246.33) vs 159.33 pg/ml (IQR 128.67; 218), p < 0.01]. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that free survival from new DUs was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in SSc patients with increased TSLP serum levels. CONCLUSION TSLP might have a key role in digital microvascular damage of SSc patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pellicano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cusano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Basile
- UOC of Clinical Pathology DEA II level, Hospital Santa Maria Goretti-ASL Latina, Latina, Italy
| | - Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pellicano C, Leodori G, Floridia S, Colalillo A, Gigante A, Rosato E, Paoloni M. Reciprocal effects of scleroderma and temporomandibular dysfunction between patient cohorts. Cranio 2024; 42:547-554. [PMID: 34962456 DOI: 10.1080/08869634.2021.2019425] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunction in scleroderma patients according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) and to correlate it with disease variables. METHODS Temporomandibular dysfunction was evaluated in 75 scleroderma patients and 74 healthy controls using DC/TMD. Gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated through the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score in scleroderma patients. RESULTS There was no difference of prevalence in temporomandibular dysfunction [30 (40%) vs 30 (40.5%); p > 00.05] between scleroderma patients and healthy controls. Scleroderma patients had a significant reduction in all oral movements compared to healthy controls. Scleroderma patients with temporomandibular dysfunction had a statistically higher score in the UCLA distention/bloating item [1.75 (0.5-2.38) vs 0.75 (0.25-1.75); p < 0.05] than scleroderma patients without temporomandibular dysfunction. DISCUSSION Temporomandibular dysfunction prevalence between scleroderma patients and healthy controls is similar. In scleroderma patients, temporomandibular dysfunction reduces oral mobility and opening, which worsens distension/bloating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pellicano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Leodori
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Floridia
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Locomotor Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Amalia Colalillo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Gigante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Paoloni
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Locomotor Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Orlandi M, Bellando-Randone S, De Angelis R, Ferri C, Giuggioli D, Cacciapaglia F, Magnani L, Cuomo G, Gigante A, Codullo V, Campochiaro C, Ariani A, Foti R, Guiducci S, Matucci-Cerinic M, Bruni C. Towards a comprehensive approach to the management and prognosis of systemic sclerosis's patients: The role of comorbidities in the SPRING-SIR registry. Eur J Intern Med 2024:S0953-6205(24)00337-6. [PMID: 39147653 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2024.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current knowledge about the role of comorbidities in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of comorbidities and their impact on disease activity and prognosis in the Systemic sclerosis PRogression INvestiGation (SPRING) registry. METHODS SSc patients from the SPRING registry, fulfilling the ACR/EULAR 2013 classification criteria, with complete data on baseline comorbidities were enrolled. The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was used to quantify the overall comorbidity burden. The disease activity was calculated using the revised EUSTAR activity index (AI). The impact of SSc features on CCI, the effect of CCI on SSc disease activity and mortality were tested with multivariable regression models. RESULTS Among 1910 SSc patients enrolled, 67.3 % had at least one comorbidity at baseline. The most frequent comorbidities were systemic arterial hypertension (23.7 %), osteoporosis (12.9 %) and dyslipidemia (11 %). The mean value of CCI score was 2.0 ± 1.8. When patients were grouped according to increasing levels of CCI, a clear separation in the distribution of SSc-related clinical features could be observed. Among over 900 patients with available follow-up, no association between baseline CCI and changes in disease activity was observed. Conversely, the risk of death over time was independently predicted by both CCI and AI. CONCLUSIONS Comorbidities and disease activity independently impact on the prognosis of SSc patients. This suggests that the management of comorbidities, together with the reduction of disease activity, is fundamental to improve patient survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Orlandi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence & Division of Rheumatology AOUC, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, Modena, Italy.
| | - Silvia Bellando-Randone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence & Division of Rheumatology AOUC, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Rossella De Angelis
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Clodoveo Ferri
- University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, Modena, Italy; Rheumatology Clinic 'Madonna dello Scoglio' Cotronei, Crotone, Italy
| | - Dilia Giuggioli
- University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Cacciapaglia
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine-Ionian Area, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Luca Magnani
- Rheumatology Unit, S. Maria Hospital-USL, IRCCS Institute, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cuomo
- Department of Precision Medicne, Univeristy of Campania - Luigi Vanvitelli University, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonietta Gigante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome
| | - Veronica Codullo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Università di Pavia, Italy
| | - Corrado Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alarico Ariani
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Rosario Foti
- UO reumatologia AOU Policlinico San Marco, Catania, Italy
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence & Division of Rheumatology AOUC, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence & Division of Rheumatology AOUC, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Cosimo Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence & Division of Rheumatology AOUC, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Satirer Ö, Henes JC, Döring M, Lesk T, Benseler S, Kuemmerle-Deschner JB. Autologous haematopoiesis stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) for treatment-refractory autoimmune diseases in children. RMD Open 2024; 10:e004381. [PMID: 39004431 PMCID: PMC11253738 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2024-004381] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of autologous haematopoiesis stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) for severe, refractory autoimmune diseases in paediatric patients. METHODS A single-centre study of consecutive children and adolescents with refractory autoimmune diseases undergoing AHSCT was performed. Demographics, clinical, laboratory features, pre-AHSCT medications, disease activity and functional status were captured. The primary outcome was progression-free survival, secondary outcomes included overall survival, disease-specific treatment responses, disease activity at the last follow-up and AHSCT safety. RESULTS The study included seven patients: two systemic sclerosis, one pansclerotic morphoea, one eosinophilic fasciitis, one juvenile dermatomyositis and two patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis; four women, three men median age at AHSCT of 10 years (7-19), median follow-up post-AHSCT of 17 years. Median progression-free survival and overall survival was 4.2 years (95% CI: 0.98 to 8.3) and 17 years (95% CI: 11.8 to 22.1), respectively. Progression-free survival rates at 1 and 2 years post-AHSCT were 100% and 77%, respectively. All children survived. All patients are in clinical remission, only four require ongoing immunotherapy. SAFETY Three experienced infections, including HHV6, Candida and Ralstonia sepsis; one developed a systemic inflammatory response syndrome; two new onset secondary autoimmune diseases including autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, Graves' disease and one was found to have a breast fibroadenoma. Treatment toxicity: one cyclophosphamide-associated transient renal failure and pericardial effusion, one patient with amenorrhoea/infertility. CONCLUSIONS AHSCT was an effective and safe approach for children and adolescents with treatment-refractory autoimmune diseases. The indication and timing of transplantation requires a careful consideration and a multidisciplinary approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Satirer
- Department of Paediatrics and Autoinflammation reference Center Tuebingen (arcT), Universitatsklinikum Tubingen, Tubingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Joerg C Henes
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Clinical Immunology, Rheumatology and Auto-inflammatory Diseases and Department of Internal Medicine II (Oncology, Haematology, Immunology and Rheumatology), Universitatsklinikum Tubingen, Tubingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Michaela Döring
- Pediatric Hematology &Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tubingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Till Lesk
- Universitatsklinikum Tubingen, Tubingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Benseler
- Rheumatology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Children's Health Ireland, Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jasmin Beate Kuemmerle-Deschner
- Department of Paediatrics and Autoinflammation reference Center Tuebingen (arcT), Universitatsklinikum Tubingen, Tubingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Moazedi-Fuerst FC, Lackner A, Kreuzer SM, Eller K, Odler B, Kovacs G, Flick H, Talakic E, Hermann J, Venhoff N, Venhoff A, Hafner F, Brodmann M, Jud P, Yazdani-Biuki B, Husic R, Salmhofer W, Stradner MH, Graninger WB, Thiel J, Brezinschek HP. Successful long-term systemic sclerosis treatment by high-frequent low-dose B cell-depleting therapy. J Autoimmun 2024; 147:103246. [PMID: 38788540 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103246] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multiorgan disease with a 10-year mortality rate of up to 50 %. B cell-depleting therapy with rituximab (RTX) appears effective in SSc treatment, but data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are lacking, and the frequency and dosage of RTX in SSc have no consensus. We aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of quarterly RTX administration in SSc. METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed 40 patients with SSC treated with RTX twice within 14 days every 3 months from 2010 to 2020. The patients fulfilled the LeRoy and the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism Criteria for SSc. Modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), lung function test results, and serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, and IgM) concentrations were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 40 patients with SSc received RTX over a median time of 3.9 years (range: 1-10 years). The median mRSS (baseline: 19, 24 months: 16, p < 0.001) demonstrated a significant improvement, and the predicted forced vital capacity was stable. No new or unexpected safety signals, especially regarding treatment-related infectious adverse events, were observed. Immunoglobulin concentrations were within normal range, and specific antibodies to pneumococcal polysaccharides were preserved despite long-term B cell-depleting therapy. None of the patients died during the observation period of up to 10 years. CONCLUSION SSc was effectively and safely treated with low-dose RTX quarterly. RCTs are warranted to validate the advantage of continuous B cell depletion by quarterly low-dose RTX administration compared to other treatment intervals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F C Moazedi-Fuerst
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria.
| | - A Lackner
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - S M Kreuzer
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - K Eller
- Divisionof Nephrology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - B Odler
- Divisionof Nephrology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - G Kovacs
- Division of Pneumology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
| | - H Flick
- Division of Pneumology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - E Talakic
- University Clinic of Radiology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - J Hermann
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - N Venhoff
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - A Venhoff
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - F Hafner
- Division of Angiology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - M Brodmann
- Division of Angiology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Philipp Jud
- Division of Angiology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - B Yazdani-Biuki
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - R Husic
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - W Salmhofer
- University Clinic of Dermatology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - M H Stradner
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - W B Graninger
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - J Thiel
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - H P Brezinschek
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Graz Medical University, 8036, Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ross L, Hansen D, Proudman S, Khanna D, Herrick AL, Stevens W, Baron M, Nikpour M. Development and Initial Validation of the Novel Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Activity Index. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024. [PMID: 38937146 DOI: 10.1002/art.42939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Accurate measurement of disease activity in systemic sclerosis (SSc) remains a significant clinical challenge. The Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium (SCTC) convened an Activity Index (AI) Working Group (WG) to develop a novel measure of disease activity (SCTC-AI). METHODS Using consensus methodology, we developed a conceptual definition of disease activity. Literature review and expert consensus generated provisional SCTC-AI items, which were reduced by Delphi survey. Provisional items were weighted against a combined endpoint of morbidity and mortality, using time-dependent Cox proportional hazards regression analysis of the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study (ASCS) (n = 1,254). External validation of the SCTC-AI was performed using data collected from 1,103 Canadian Scleroderma Research Group Study participants. RESULTS Disease activity in SSc was defined using consensus methodology as "aspects of disease that are reversible, or can be arrested, with time and, or effective therapy." One-hundred and forty-one provisional SCTC-AI items were generated and reduced using three rounds of Delphi survey and statistical reduction and weighting, against mortality and quality of life measures, yielding a final 24-item index with a maximum possible score of 140. Survival analysis in an external cohort showed a graded relationship between disease activity scores and survival (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION We present a novel instrument to quantify the burden of disease activity in SSc. We have employed a rigorous consensus-based process in combination with data-driven methods to develop an instrument that has face, content, and criterion validity. Further work is required to fully validate and confirm the construct and discriminative validity of the SCTC-AI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ross
- University of Melbourne and St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dylan Hansen
- St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susanna Proudman
- Royal Adelaide Hospital and University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Ariane L Herrick
- The University of Manchester, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy Stevens
- St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Murray Baron
- Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mandana Nikpour
- University of Melbourne and St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Flagship Centre (University of Sydney), University of Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney, New South Wales, and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pellicano C, Colalillo A, De Marco O, Carnazzo V, Basile U, Gigante A, Cianci R, Rosato E. Iloprost infusion reduces serological cytokines and hormones of hypoxia and inflammation in systemic sclerosis patients. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:109. [PMID: 38777916 PMCID: PMC11111538 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01374-4] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by microvascular damage of skin and internal organs with chronic hypoxia and release of cytokines and hormones such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and Klotho. Aim of the study was to evaluate FGF-23, Klotho and NGAL serum levels in SSc patients and healthy controls (HC) and to evaluate serum levels changes of FGF-23, Klotho and NGAL after Iloprost. METHODS Twenty-one SSc patients and 20 HC were enrolled. In SSc patients, peripheral venous blood samples were collected at the first day before the autumn Iloprost infusion (t0), 60 min (t1) and 14 days after Iloprost infusion (t2). RESULTS SSc patients had higher serum level of FGF-23 [18.7 ± 6.4 pg/ml versus 3.6 ± 2.2 pg/ml, p < 0.001], Klotho [5.1 ± 0.8 pg/ml versus 2.3 ± 0.6 pg/ml, p < 0.001] and NGAL [20.9 ± 2.6 pg/ml versus 14.5 ± 1.7 pg/ml, p < 0.001] than HC. Iloprost infusion reduces serum level of FGF-23 (18.7 ± 6.4 pg/ml versus 10.4 ± 5.5 pg/ml, p < 0.001), Klotho (5.1 ± 0.8 pg/ml versus 2.5 ± 0.6 pg/ml, p < 0.001) and NGAL (20.9 ± 2.6 pg/ml versus 15.1 ± 2.3 pg/ml, p < 0.001) between t0 and t1. The Iloprost infusion reduces serum level of FGF-23 (18.7 ± 6.4 pg/ml versus 6.6 ± 5.1 pg/ml), Klotho (5.1 ± 0.8 pg/ml versus 2.3 ± 0.4 pg/ml) and NGAL (20.9 ± 2.6 pg/ml versus 15.5 ± 1.9 pg/ml) between t0 and t2. CONCLUSIONS SSc patients had higher FGF-23, Klotho and NGAL than HC. Iloprost reduces serum levels of FGF-23, Klotho and NGAL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pellicano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Amalia Colalillo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Oriana De Marco
- Department of Public Health, Nephrology Unit, University Federico II, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Carnazzo
- UOC of Clinical Pathology DEA II Level, Hospital Santa Maria Goretti-ASL Latina, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Umberto Basile
- UOC of Clinical Pathology DEA II Level, Hospital Santa Maria Goretti-ASL Latina, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Antonietta Gigante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosario Cianci
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang D, Alip M, Chen H, Wu D, Zhu H, Han Y, Yuan X, Feng X, Sun L, Wang D. Immune profiling analysis of double-negative T cells in patients with systemic sclerosis. Clin Rheumatol 2024; 43:1623-1634. [PMID: 38436769 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-024-06920-9] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To construct a molecular immune map of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) by mass flow cytometry, and compare the number and molecular expression of double-negative T (DNT) cell subsets between patients and healthy controls (HC). METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were extracted from the peripheral blood of 17 SSc patients and 9 HC. A 42-channel panel was set up to perform mass cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) analysis for DNT subgroups. Flow cytometry was used to validate subpopulation functions. The clinical data of patients were collected for correlation analysis. RESULTS Compared with HC, the number of total DNT cells decreased in SSc patients. Six DNT subsets were obtained from CyTOF analysis, in which the proportion of cluster1 increased, while the proportion of cluster3 decreased. Further analysis revealed that cluster1 was characterized by high expression of CD28 and CCR7, and cluster3 was characterized by high expression of CD28 and CCR5. After in vitro stimulation, cluster1 secreted more IL-4 and cluster3 secreted more IL-10 in SSc patients compared to HC. Clinical correlation analysis suggested that cluster1 may play a pathogenic role while cluster3 may play a protective role in SSc. ROC curve analysis further revealed that cluster3 may be a potential indicator for determining disease activity in SSc patients. CONCLUSION We found a new CCR5+CD28+ DNT cell subset, which played a protective role in the pathogenesis of SSc. Key Points • The number of DNT cells decreased in SSc patients' peripheral blood. • DNT cells do not infiltrate in the skin but secrete cytokines to participate in the pathogenesis of SSc. • A CCR5+CD28+ DNT cell population may play a protective role in SSc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University. Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Mihribangvl Alip
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University. Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Hongzhen Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University. Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University. Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Huimin Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University. Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Yichen Han
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University. Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Xinran Yuan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University. Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Xuebing Feng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University. Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Lingyun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University. Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China.
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University. Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China.
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sieiro Santos C, Oliveira MM, Solari PN, Mateus P, Santos MJ, Corominas H, Castro CÁ, Álvarez ED. Cardiovascular disease in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases: The relationship between self-perceived risk and actual risk. REUMATOLOGIA CLINICA 2024; 20:229-236. [PMID: 38880551 DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune diseases are known to be associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases; however, there exists a lack of awareness regarding this increased risk among patients. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and events in various systemic autoimmune diseases, including Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and Sjögren's syndrome (SS), matched by age, sex, and disease duration. Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate the perceived and actual risks of cardiovascular disease among patients. METHODS A cross-sectional self-reported survey on the patient's perspective of cardiovascular risk was conducted between January and June 2023. Sociodemographic and clinical data, including disease activity, were collected through medical records and questionnaires. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors and events were assessed, alongside the perceived cardiovascular risk. The SCORE calculation and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were employed for cardiovascular risk assessment. RESULTS Survey responses from 180 patients (45 patients each with SSc, SLE, RA, and SS) with systemic autoimmune diseases revealed that 20% perceived a low risk, 23% perceived neither lower nor higher, and 56% perceived a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in the next ten years. Only 45% agreed that their autoimmune disease could increase the risk of a heart attack, even in the absence of other risk factors, and 46.7% were unaware that NSAIDs pose a cardiovascular risk. An association between cardiovascular risk measured by SCORE, comorbidities, and risk perception was observed in RA, SSc, and SS patients, with no association found in SLE patients (p=0.27). Except for SS patients (p=0.02), no association between CCI and disease activity level was found. Regarding the influence of age, working status, and education in CVD risk perception, an association between CVD risk perception and age was observed (p=0.01), with patients over 40 years exhibiting a higher perception of CVD risk. No differences were found regarding working status (p=0.19) nor education level (p=0.06). CONCLUSIONS Patients with SS, RA, and SSc displayed a heightened perception of cardiovascular risk, correlating with their actual risk and preexisting comorbidities. However, patients exhibited unawareness of certain cardiovascular risk behaviors. This underscores the need for tailored education programs on cardiovascular risk for autoimmune disease patients, to be implemented at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up in outpatient clinics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Sieiro Santos
- Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, Portugal; Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León (Rheumatology), Spain.
| | | | | | - Pedro Mateus
- Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria José Santos
- Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, Portugal; Hospital Garcia da Orta (Rheumatology), Portugal
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang MD, Huang WY, Luo JY, He RQ, Huang ZG, Li JD, Qin F, Chen G, Lei L. The 'whole landscape' of research on systemic sclerosis over the past 73 years. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103538. [PMID: 38556034 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103538] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyse existing research on systemic sclerosis (SSc) conducted over the past 73 years to develop an essential reference for a comprehensive and objective understanding of this field of inquiry. METHODS Using the Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, and Scopus databases as data sources for the bibliometric analysis, we searched for published literature related to SSc over the past 73 years. The Bibliometrix package was used to analyse key bibliometric indicators, such as annual publication volume, countries, journals, author contributions, and research hotspots. RESULTS From 1970 to 2022, the number of SSc articles steadily increased, reaching its peak in 2020-2022, with approximately 1200 papers published in each of these three years. Matucci-Cerinic et al.'s team published the most articles (425). The United States (11,282), Italy (7027), and France (5226) were the most predominant contexts. The most influential scholars in the field were Denton, Leroy, Steen, and Khanna, with H-indices of 86, 84, and 83, respectively. Arthritis and Rheumatism was the most influential journal in this field (H-index 142). High-frequency keywords in the SSc field included fibrosis (738), inflammation (242), vasculopathy (145), fibroblasts (120), and autoantibodies (118) with respect to pathogenesis, and interstitial lung disease (ILD, 708), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, 696), and Raynaud's phenomenon (326) with regards to clinical manifestations. CONCLUSION In the past three years, SSc research has entered a period of rapid development, mainly driven by research institutions in Europe and the United States. The most influential journal has been Arthritis and Rheumatism, and autoimmune aspects, vasculopathy, fibrogenesis, PAH, and ILD remain the focus of current research and indicate trends in future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Di Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, 530021 Nanning, PR China
| | - Wan-Ying Huang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, 530021 Nanning, PR China
| | - Jia-Yuan Luo
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, 530021 Nanning, PR China
| | - Rong-Quan He
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, 530021 Nanning, PR China
| | - Zhi-Guang Huang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, 530021 Nanning, PR China
| | - Jian-Di Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, 530021 Nanning, PR China
| | - Fang Qin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, 530021 Nanning, PR China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, 530021 Nanning, PR China.
| | - Ling Lei
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, 530021 Nanning, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chevalier K, Thoreau B, Michel M, Godeau B, Agard C, Papo T, Sacre K, Seror R, Mariette X, Cacoub P, Benhamou Y, Levesque H, Goujard C, Lambotte O, Bonnotte B, Samson M, Ackermann F, Schmidt J, Duhaut P, Kahn JE, Hanslik T, Costedoat-Chalumeau N, Terrier B, Regent A, Dunogue B, Cohen P, Guern VL, Hachulla E, Chaigne B, Mouthon L. Clinical presentation, course, and prognosis of patients with mixed connective tissue disease: A multicenter retrospective cohort. J Intern Med 2024; 295:532-543. [PMID: 38013625 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to better characterize the features and outcomes of a large population of patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). METHODS We performed an observational retrospective multicenter cohort study in France. Patients who fulfilled at least one diagnostic criterion set for MCTD and none of the criteria for other differentiated CTD (dCTD) were included. RESULTS Three hundred and thirty patients (88% females, median [interquartile range] age of 35 years [26-45]) were included. The diagnostic criteria of Sharp or Kasukawa were met by 97.3% and 93.3% of patients, respectively. None met other classification criteria without fulfilling Sharp or Kasukawa criteria. After a median follow-up of 8 (3-14) years, 149 (45.2%) patients achieved remission, 92 (27.9%) had interstitial lung disease, 25 (7.6%) had pulmonary hypertension, and 18 (5.6%) died. Eighty-five (25.8%) patients progressed to a dCTD, mainly systemic sclerosis (15.8%) or systemic lupus erythematosus (10.6%). Median duration between diagnosis and progression to a dCTD was 5 (2-11) years. The presence at MCTD diagnosis of an abnormal pattern on nailfold capillaroscopy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.44, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] [1.11-5.58]) and parotid swelling (OR = 3.86, 95%CI [1.31-11.4]) were statistically associated with progression to a dCTD. Patients who did not progress to a dCTD were more likely to achieve remission at the last follow-up (51.8% vs. 25.9%). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that MCTD is a distinct entity that can be classified using either Kasukawa or Sharp criteria, and that only 25.8% of patients progress to a dCTD during follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Chevalier
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Reference Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Thoreau
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Reference Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Marc Michel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henri-Mondor University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Est Créteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
| | - Bertrand Godeau
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henri-Mondor University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Est Créteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
| | - Christian Agard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nantes University Hospital, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Thomas Papo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Karim Sacre
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Raphaèle Seror
- Department of Rheumatology, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Xavier Mariette
- Department of Rheumatology, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Patrice Cacoub
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Université Paris Sorbonne, Paris, France
| | - Ygal Benhamou
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHU de Rouen, UniRouen, Rouen, France
| | - Hervé Levesque
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHU de Rouen, UniRouen, Rouen, France
| | - Cécile Goujard
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Université Paris Saclay, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, UMR1184 Inserm, CEA, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Olivier Lambotte
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Université Paris Saclay, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, UMR1184 Inserm, CEA, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Bernard Bonnotte
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
| | - Maxime Samson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
| | - Félix Ackermann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
| | - Jean Schmidt
- Department of Internal Medicine and RECIF, Amiens University Hospital, Université Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Pierre Duhaut
- Department of Internal Medicine and RECIF, Amiens University Hospital, Université Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Jean-Emmanuel Kahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ambroise Paré Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Thomas Hanslik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ambroise Paré Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Nathalie Costedoat-Chalumeau
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Reference Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Terrier
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Reference Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Alexis Regent
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Reference Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Dunogue
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Reference Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Cohen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Reference Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Le Guern
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Reference Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Eric Hachulla
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, North-West National Reference Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases iques et Auto-Immunes Rares du Nord-Ouest, Hôpital Claude Huriez, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Benjamin Chaigne
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Reference Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Luc Mouthon
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Reference Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Rius Rigau A, Li YN, Matei AE, Györfi AH, Bruch PM, Koziel S, Devakumar V, Gabrielli A, Kreuter A, Wang J, Dietrich S, Schett G, Distler JHW, Liang M. Characterization of Vascular Niche in Systemic Sclerosis by Spatial Proteomics. Circ Res 2024; 134:875-891. [PMID: 38440901 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.323299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease that can serve as a model to study vascular changes in response to inflammation, autoimmunity, and fibrotic remodeling. Although microvascular changes are the earliest histopathologic manifestation of SSc, the vascular pathophysiology remains poorly understood. METHODS We applied spatial proteomic approaches to deconvolute the heterogeneity of vascular cells at the single-cell level in situ and characterize cellular alterations of the vascular niches of patients with SSc. Skin biopsies of patients with SSc and control individuals were analyzed by imaging mass cytometry, yielding a total of 90 755 cells including 2987 endothelial cells and 4096 immune cells. RESULTS We identified 7 different subpopulations of blood vascular endothelial cells (VECs), 2 subpopulations of lymphatic endothelial cells, and 3 subpopulations of pericytes. A novel population of CD34+;αSMA+ (α-smooth muscle actin);CD31+ VECs was more common in SSc, whereas endothelial precursor cells were decreased. Co-detection by indexing and tyramide signal amplification confirmed these findings. The microenvironment of CD34+;αSMA+;CD31+ VECs was enriched for immune cells and myofibroblasts, and CD34+;αSMA+;CD31+ VECs expressed markers of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. The density of CD34+;αSMA+;CD31+ VECs was associated with clinical progression of fibrosis in SSc. CONCLUSIONS Using spatial proteomics, we unraveled the heterogeneity of vascular cells in control individuals and patients with SSc. We identified CD34+;αSMA+;CD31+ VECs as a novel endothelial cell population that is increased in patients with SSc, expresses markers for endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and is located in close proximity to immune cells and myofibroblasts. CD34+;αSMA+;CD31+ VEC counts were associated with clinical outcomes of progressive fibrotic remodeling, thus providing a novel cellular correlate for the crosstalk of vasculopathy and fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleix Rius Rigau
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology (A.R.R., G.S., J.H.W.D., M.L.), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (A.R.R., G.S., J.H.W.D., M.L.), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yi-Nan Li
- Clinic for Rheumatology (Y.-N.L., A.-E.M., A.-H.G., V.D., A.G., J.H.W.D., M.L.), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Germany
- Hiller Research Center (Y.-N.L., A.-E.M., A.-H.G., V.D., A.G., J.H.W.D., M.L.), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Germany
| | - Alexandru-Emil Matei
- Clinic for Rheumatology (Y.-N.L., A.-E.M., A.-H.G., V.D., A.G., J.H.W.D., M.L.), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Germany
- Hiller Research Center (Y.-N.L., A.-E.M., A.-H.G., V.D., A.G., J.H.W.D., M.L.), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Germany
| | - Andrea-Hermina Györfi
- Clinic for Rheumatology (Y.-N.L., A.-E.M., A.-H.G., V.D., A.G., J.H.W.D., M.L.), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Germany
- Hiller Research Center (Y.-N.L., A.-E.M., A.-H.G., V.D., A.G., J.H.W.D., M.L.), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Germany
| | - Peter-Martin Bruch
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany (P.-M.B., S.K., S.D.)
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Düsseldorf, Aachen Bonn Cologne, Germany (P.-M.B., S.K., S.D.)
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, Heidelberg, Germany (P.-M.B., S.K., S.D.)
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany (P.-M.B., S.D.)
| | - Sarah Koziel
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany (P.-M.B., S.K., S.D.)
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Düsseldorf, Aachen Bonn Cologne, Germany (P.-M.B., S.K., S.D.)
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, Heidelberg, Germany (P.-M.B., S.K., S.D.)
- Düsseldorf School of Oncology, Germany (S.K.)
| | - Veda Devakumar
- Clinic for Rheumatology (Y.-N.L., A.-E.M., A.-H.G., V.D., A.G., J.H.W.D., M.L.), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Germany
- Hiller Research Center (Y.-N.L., A.-E.M., A.-H.G., V.D., A.G., J.H.W.D., M.L.), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Germany
| | - Armando Gabrielli
- Clinic for Rheumatology (Y.-N.L., A.-E.M., A.-H.G., V.D., A.G., J.H.W.D., M.L.), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Germany
- Hiller Research Center (Y.-N.L., A.-E.M., A.-H.G., V.D., A.G., J.H.W.D., M.L.), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Germany
- Fondazione di Medicina Molecolare e Terapia Cellulare, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy (A.G.)
| | - Alexander Kreuter
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Helios St. Johannes Klinik Duisburg, Germany (A.K.)
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Helios St. Elisabeth Klinik Oberhausen, University Witten-Herdecke, Germany (A.K.)
| | - Jiucun Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital (J.W., M.L.), Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China (J.W.)
- Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, P. R. China (J.W.)
| | - Sascha Dietrich
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany (P.-M.B., S.K., S.D.)
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Düsseldorf, Aachen Bonn Cologne, Germany (P.-M.B., S.K., S.D.)
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, Heidelberg, Germany (P.-M.B., S.K., S.D.)
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany (P.-M.B., S.D.)
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology (A.R.R., G.S., J.H.W.D., M.L.), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (A.R.R., G.S., J.H.W.D., M.L.), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology (A.R.R., G.S., J.H.W.D., M.L.), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (A.R.R., G.S., J.H.W.D., M.L.), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, Germany
- Clinic for Rheumatology (Y.-N.L., A.-E.M., A.-H.G., V.D., A.G., J.H.W.D., M.L.), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Germany
- Hiller Research Center (Y.-N.L., A.-E.M., A.-H.G., V.D., A.G., J.H.W.D., M.L.), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Germany
| | - Minrui Liang
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology (A.R.R., G.S., J.H.W.D., M.L.), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (A.R.R., G.S., J.H.W.D., M.L.), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, Germany
- Clinic for Rheumatology (Y.-N.L., A.-E.M., A.-H.G., V.D., A.G., J.H.W.D., M.L.), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Germany
- Hiller Research Center (Y.-N.L., A.-E.M., A.-H.G., V.D., A.G., J.H.W.D., M.L.), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Germany
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital (J.W., M.L.), Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center (M.L.), Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ozdemir Isik O, Temiz Karadag D, Tekeoglu S, Yazici A, Cefle A. Gynecological symptoms in primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome and the effect of the disease on sexuality. J Sex Med 2024; 21:248-254. [PMID: 38366657 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae004] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune systemic disease affecting many organs and systems, such as genital system. AIM This study aimed to present the gynecological symptoms of patients who were followed up in an outpatient clinic because of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and secondary Sjögren's syndrome (sSS) and to show how the disease affected sexuality. METHODS This study is a cross-sectional study conducted between 2019 and 2020. The study sample consisted of 60 pSS patients, 42 sSS patients, and 52 healthy control subjects. OUTCOMES All the participants were questioned about sexuality, and completed the 36-item Short Form Survey, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Modified Hill questionnaire. RESULTS The patients had a mean age of 55.6 ± 11.85 years in pSS, 59.39 ± 11.18 years in sSS, and 56.1 ± 10.46 years in healthy control subjects. Vaginal and vulvar dryness and dyspareunia were present at a significantly higher rate in SS, especially in pSS, compared with the control subjects. The Health Assessment Questionnaire score was significantly lower in the pSS group than in the sSS group. Arthralgia, myalgia, and fatigue were prominent in all SS patients. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Gynecological symptoms, sexual ability, and the effects of the disease on sexuality should be questioned in all SS patients. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS It is very important that we evaluate the gynecological symptoms of both pSS and sSS patients and the effect of the disease on these symptoms. The small number of patients and healthy control subjects is a limitation. CONCLUSION The gynecological and musculoskeletal symptoms negatively affected sexuality in patients with pSS and sSS, and the negative effect of the disease on sexuality was more pronounced in the pSS group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Ozdemir Isik
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli 41001, Turkey
| | - Duygu Temiz Karadag
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli 41001, Turkey
| | - Senem Tekeoglu
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli 41001, Turkey
| | - Ayten Yazici
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli 41001, Turkey
| | - Ayse Cefle
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli 41001, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Müller F, Taubmann J, Bucci L, Wilhelm A, Bergmann C, Völkl S, Aigner M, Rothe T, Minopoulou I, Tur C, Knitza J, Kharboutli S, Kretschmann S, Vasova I, Spoerl S, Reimann H, Munoz L, Gerlach RG, Schäfer S, Grieshaber-Bouyer R, Korganow AS, Farge-Bancel D, Mougiakakos D, Bozec A, Winkler T, Krönke G, Mackensen A, Schett G. CD19 CAR T-Cell Therapy in Autoimmune Disease - A Case Series with Follow-up. N Engl J Med 2024; 390:687-700. [PMID: 38381673 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2308917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment for autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), idiopathic inflammatory myositis, and systemic sclerosis often involves long-term immune suppression. Resetting aberrant autoimmunity in these diseases through deep depletion of B cells is a potential strategy for achieving sustained drug-free remission. METHODS We evaluated 15 patients with severe SLE (8 patients), idiopathic inflammatory myositis (3 patients), or systemic sclerosis (4 patients) who received a single infusion of CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells after preconditioning with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide. Efficacy up to 2 years after CAR T-cell infusion was assessed by means of Definition of Remission in SLE (DORIS) remission criteria, American College of Rheumatology-European League against Rheumatism (ACR-EULAR) major clinical response, and the score on the European Scleroderma Trials and Research Group (EUSTAR) activity index (with higher scores indicating greater disease activity), among others. Safety variables, including cytokine release syndrome and infections, were recorded. RESULTS The median follow-up was 15 months (range, 4 to 29). The mean (±SD) duration of B-cell aplasia was 112±47 days. All the patients with SLE had DORIS remission, all the patients with idiopathic inflammatory myositis had an ACR-EULAR major clinical response, and all the patients with systemic sclerosis had a decrease in the score on the EUSTAR activity index. Immunosuppressive therapy was completely stopped in all the patients. Grade 1 cytokine release syndrome occurred in 10 patients. One patient each had grade 2 cytokine release syndrome, grade 1 immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, and pneumonia that resulted in hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS In this case series, CD19 CAR T-cell transfer appeared to be feasible, safe, and efficacious in three different autoimmune diseases, providing rationale for further controlled clinical trials. (Funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and others.).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Müller
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Jule Taubmann
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Laura Bucci
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Artur Wilhelm
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Christina Bergmann
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Simon Völkl
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Michael Aigner
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Tobias Rothe
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Ioanna Minopoulou
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Carlo Tur
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Johannes Knitza
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Soraya Kharboutli
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Sascha Kretschmann
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Ingrid Vasova
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Silvia Spoerl
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Hannah Reimann
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Luis Munoz
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Roman G Gerlach
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Simon Schäfer
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Ricardo Grieshaber-Bouyer
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Anne-Sophie Korganow
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Dominique Farge-Bancel
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Aline Bozec
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Thomas Winkler
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Gerhard Krönke
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Andreas Mackensen
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| | - Georg Schett
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Oncology (F.M., S.V., M.A., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., A.M.) and Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology (J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., G.S.), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (F.M., J.T., L.B., A.W., C.B., S.V., M.A., T.R., I.M., C.T., J.K., S. Kharboutli, S. Kretschmann, I.V., S. Spoerl, H.R., L.M., R.G.-B., A.B., G.K., A.M., G.S.), and the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene (R.G.G.), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and the Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (S. Schäfer, T.W.), Erlangen, the Department of Hematology and Oncology and Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg (D.M.), and the Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin (G.K.) - all in Germany; the Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome (C.T., G.S.); the Department of Clinical Immunology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg (A.-S.K.), and Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile-de-France, Hôpital Saint-Louis and Université Paris Cité, Paris (D.F.-B.) - both in France; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (G.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Foeldvari I, Torok KS, Anton J, Blakley M, Constantin T, Curran M, Cutolo M, Denton C, Fligelstone K, Ingegnoli F, Li SC, Němcová D, Orteu C, Pilkington C, Smith V, Stevens A, Klotsche J, Khanna D, Costa-Reis P, Del Galdo F, Hinrichs B, Kasapcopur O, Pain C, Ruperto N, Zheng A, Furst DE. Proposed Response Parameters for Twelve-Month Drug Trial in Juvenile Systemic Sclerosis: Results of the Hamburg International Consensus Meetings. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2023; 75:2453-2462. [PMID: 37332054 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Juvenile systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an orphan disease, associated with high morbidity and mortality. New treatment strategies are much needed, but clearly defining appropriate outcomes is necessary if successful therapies are to be developed. Our objective here was to propose such outcomes. METHODS This proposal is the result of 4 face-to-face consensus meetings with a 27-member multidisciplinary team of pediatric rheumatologists, adult rheumatologists, dermatologists, pediatric cardiologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, a statistician, and patients. Throughout the process, we reviewed the existing adult data in this field, the more limited pediatric literature for juvenile SSc outcomes, and data from 2 juvenile SSc patient cohorts to assist in making informed, data-driven decisions. The use of items for each domain as an outcome measure in an open label 12-month clinical trial of juvenile SSc was voted and agreed upon using a nominal group technique. RESULTS After voting, the domains agreed on were global disease activity, skin, Raynaud's phenomenon, digital ulcers, musculoskeletal, cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and gastrointestinal involvement, and quality of life. Fourteen outcome measures had 100% agreement, 1 item had 91% agreement, and 1 item had 86% agreement. The domains of biomarkers and growth/development were moved to the research agenda. CONCLUSION We reached consensus on multiple domains and items that should be assessed in an open label, 12-month clinical juvenile SSc trial as well as a research agenda for future development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathryn S Torok
- University of Pittsburgh and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jordi Anton
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael Blakley
- Indiana University School of Medicine and Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, Indianapolis
| | | | - Megan Curran
- University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- University of Genoa and IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Suzanne C Li
- Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey
| | | | | | | | - Vanessa Smith
- Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, VIB Inflammation Research Center, and ERN ReCONNET, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne Stevens
- Children's Hospital Research Institute and University of Washington, Seattle, and Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Patrícia Costa-Reis
- Hospital de Santa Maria, Faculdade de Medicina, and Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - Ozgur Kasapcopur
- Cerrahpasa Medical School and Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Clare Pain
- Alder Hey Children's Foundation NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Alison Zheng
- Chinese Organization for Scleroderma, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Daniel E Furst
- University of California, Los Angeles, University of Washington, Seattle, and University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kaymaz S, Yiğit M, Ufuk F, Sarılar B, Karasu U, Çobankara V, Sabir N, Alkan H. The evaluation of tibial nerve using shear-wave elastography and ultrasound in patients with systemic sclerosis: A cross-sectional study. Arch Rheumatol 2023; 38:556-565. [PMID: 38125066 PMCID: PMC10728736 DOI: 10.46497/archrheumatol.2023.9835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The study aimed to evaluate stiffness and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the tibial nerve (TN) using shear wave elastography (SWE) and ultrasound (US) and investigate the relationship of these with disease activity, quality of life, and severity of neuropathic pain in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Patients and methods This cross-sectional study included 28 SSc patients (1 male, 27 females; mean age: 50±11 years; range, 28 to 67 years) and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (4 males, 18 females; mean age: 48±6 years; range, 37 to 66 years) between March and April 2022. US and SWE were performed on the TN, and CSA and nerve stiffness were measured. The TN was examined by a radiologist, 4 cm proximal to the medial malleolus. A few days later, an evaluation was performed in the second session by a second observer to investigate inter-and intraobserver agreement. Interobserver agreement was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire, European League Against Rheumatism European Scleroderma Trial and Research (EUSTAR) group activity index, and Douleur-Neuropathique 4 scores of the patients were evaluated. Correlations between the questionnaires and measurements of nerve stiffness and CSA were assessed. Results Patients with SSc had significantly higher stiffness and CSA values of the right TN compared to healthy controls (p<0.001 and p=0.015, respectively). The nerve stiffness values of the right TN were positively correlated with the EUSTAR activity index (p=0.004, r=0.552). The CSA of the left TN was larger in patients with SSc (21.3±4.9 mm2 ) than in controls (12.8±3.4 mm2 ), and the nerve elasticity was positively correlated with the EUSTAR activity index (p=0.001, r=0.618). The interobserver agreement was moderate to good for measuring stiffness and CSA of the TN (ICC were 0.660 and 0.818, respectively). There was a good to excellent intraobserver agreement for measuring stiffness and CSA of TN (ICC were 0.843 and 0.940, respectively). Conclusion The increased disease activity in patients with SSc is associated with TN involvement, which can be demonstrated by US and SWE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Kaymaz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Murat Yiğit
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Furkan Ufuk
- Department of Radiology, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Burak Sarılar
- Department of Radiology, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Uğur Karasu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Veli Çobankara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Nuran Sabir
- Department of Radiology, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Hakan Alkan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kottler D, Dupechez L, Martin Silva N, Boutemy J, Dumont A, Maigné G, Aouba A, Dompmartin A. Efficacy, tolerance and acceptability of pulsed dye laser on facial and neckline telangiectasias in systemic scleroderma: a prospective open-label monocentric study in 21 patients. J COSMET LASER THER 2023; 25:77-85. [PMID: 38373440 DOI: 10.1080/14764172.2024.2313472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Facial and neckline telangiectasias have an underestimated yet important impact on quality of life of patients with systemic scleroderma (SSc). This monocentric, prospective, open-label, intra-patient comparative study was conducted in 21 consecutive patients with SSc. Patients underwent 4 sessions of PDL 8 weeks apart. A final quadruple assessment was performed by several raters 2 months after the last session, based on the following criteria: change in telangiectasia number; subjective improvement score (LINKERT scale); impact on the quality of life (QoL; SKINDEX score); visual analog pain scale; adverse effects (AEs), including treatment discontinuation for PDL-induced purpura and patient satisfaction. The mean telangiectasia number decreased by 5 (32%) at the end of the protocol. Eighteen patients (85.7%) reported an improvement or a strong improvement, versus 73.81% for the expert committee. Immediate session pain (mean = 3.4/10) was slightly less than overall pain (mean = 4.6/10). Ten patients (47%) experienced at least one AE (oozing/crusts, edema, epidermal blistering), including PDL-induced purpura in 3 patients (14%). AEs were mostly transient (<1 week) and mild (CTCAE grade 1). All QoL parameters improved after treatment, and 85% of patients were satisfied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Kottler
- Department of Dermatology, Caen, France
| | | | - N Martin Silva
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHU de Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - J Boutemy
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHU de Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - A Dumont
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHU de Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - G Maigné
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHU de Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - A Aouba
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHU de Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - A Dompmartin
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHU de Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Pellicano C, Vantaggio L, Colalillo A, Pocino K, Basile V, Marino M, Basile U, Rosato E. Type 2 cytokines and scleroderma interstitial lung disease. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:3517-3525. [PMID: 37392249 PMCID: PMC10618297 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01125-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a life-threatening complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Type 2 (Th2) cytokines play a pivotal role in airway disease. Study aim was to evaluate serum level of Th2 interleukin (IL) and chemokine in SSc-ILD. Serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-11, IL-13, IL-21, IL-31 and CXCL-13 were measured by Bio-Plex Multiplex Immunoassays in 60 SSc patients and 20 healthy controls (HC). Pulmonary function tests with diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were performed in SSc patients. ILD is defined as fibrotic changes (ground glass, reticular and honeycombing), assessed by Computer-Aided Lung Informatics for Pathology Evaluation and Ratings (CALIPER) software, affecting at least 10% of the lungs. Serum levels of Th2 cytokines were higher in SSc patients than HC. A linear correlation was observed between ground glass and IL-13 (r = 0.342, p < 0.01), IL-21 (r = 0.345, p < 0.01), IL-31 (r = 0.473, p < 0.001), IL-4 (r = 0.863, p < 0.001), IL-5 (r = 0.249, p < 0.05) and peripheral blood eosinophils (r = 0.463, p < 0.001). We found a negative correlation between DLco and IL-4 (r = - 0.511, p < 0.001) and peripheral blood eosinophils (r = - 0.446, p < 0.001). In the logistic regression analysis, IL-4 is associated with DLco ≤ 60% of the predicted [OR 1.039 (CI 95%: 1.015-1.064), p < 0.001], whilst mRSS [OR 1.138 (CI 95%: 1.023-1.266), p < 0.05] and IL-4 [OR 1.017 (CI 95%: 1-1.034), p < 0.05] were associated with ILD. Th2 inflammation could play a key role in early phase of SSc-ILD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pellicano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Vantaggio
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Amalia Colalillo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Krizia Pocino
- UOC of Clinical Pathology, General Hospital San Pietro Fatebenefratelli, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Basile
- Clinical Pathology Unit and Cancer Biobank, Department of Research and Advanced Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariapaola Marino
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Basile
- UOC Clinical Pathology DEA II Level, Hospital Santa Maria Goretti-ASL Latina, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ross L, Nikpour M. Composite measures to assess disease damage, disease severity and treatment response in systemic sclerosis clinical trials. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2023; 35:334-340. [PMID: 37650689 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this study was to summarize the composite outcome measures available to assess disease damage, severity and treatment response in systemic sclerosis (SSc). RECENT FINDINGS There have been many recent efforts to rigorously develop and validate composite outcome measures to assess the totality of the impact of SSc on patients. All initiatives have used both consensus and data-driven methods. Recently developed are a SSc-specific damage index, a patient-reported disease impact questionnaire (ScleroID) and a treatment response index (ACR-CRISS). SUMMARY Multiorgan, composite measures are being increasingly applied to assess treatment efficacy in clinical trials. Although a fully validated, disease-specific composite measure is not yet available, there has been significant recent progress towards developing measures of treatment response, damage and overall impact of SSc for application in randomized controlled trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ross
- Department of Medicine at St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne
- Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mandana Nikpour
- Department of Medicine at St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne
- Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rosato E, Gigante A, Colalillo A, Pellicano C, Alunni Fegatelli D, Muscaritoli M. GLIM-diagnosed malnutrition predicts mortality and risk of hospitalization in systemic sclerosis: A retrospective study. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 117:103-110. [PMID: 37482470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malnutrition is a well-known risk factor for morbidity and mortality in many clinical settings and only few studies assessed the role of malnutrition on systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients' outcomes. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the role of malnutrition as a predictive risk factor for mortality and/or hospitalization in SSc patients during a 4-year follow-up. METHODS One hundred and one SSc patients were included in the study. Biochemical analyses, disease activity index, disease severity scale and anthropometric data were recorded at enrollment. Malnutrition was assessed by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. RESULTS Malnutrition according to GLIM criteria was found in 22 patients (21.8%). During a 4-year follow-up, 20 (19.8%) SSc patients died or were hospitalized for all causes and 11 of them (55.0%) were malnourished. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that event free-survival for composite end-point of mortality and risk of hospitalization was significantly shorter in malnourished than in non-malnourished patients (p<0.001). The survival probability at 4 years was 0.885 (95% CI=0.818-0.959) in the non-malnourished group and 0.500 (95% CI=0.329-0.759) in the malnourished group (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, malnutrition [HR=4.380 (95% CI=1.706-11.243), p = 0.002] was the most significant predictive risk factor for the composite end-point. Also, female gender [HR=0.157 (95% CI=0.055-0.449), p<0.001], age [HR=1.0450 (95% CI=1.011-1.090), p = 0.012] and disease severity scale [HR=1.269 (95% CI=1.089-1.479), p = 0.002] were predictive factors for the composite end-point. CONCLUSIONS Malnutrition according to GLIM criteria represents a significant predictive risk factor for composite end-point of mortality and risk of hospitalization in SSc patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Gigante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Amalia Colalillo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Pellicano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Muscaritoli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
YALÇINKAYA Y, ARTIM ESEN B, AMİKİSHİYEV S, ALİYEVA N, GÜL A, ÖCAL L, İNANÇ M. Efficacy of rituximab on disease activity, severity, and disease-related damage in patients with immunosuppressive-resistant systemic sclerosis. Turk J Med Sci 2023; 53:1704-1712. [PMID: 38813512 PMCID: PMC10760566 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/aim B-cell depletion with rituximab (RTX) is widely used as a rescue therapy in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim herein was to analyze the progress of disease-related outcomes after RTX therapy in severe SSc patients. Materials and methods Included in this study were 27 SSc patients who were followed-up between 2012 and 2020 and received at least 1 cycle of RTX for active disease, despite receiving standard immunosuppressives (ISs). In addition to the European Scleroderma Study Group and European Scleroderma Trials and Research Group activity scores, Medsger's severity, and the recently developed Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Damage Index values were evaluated initially and at 1 year after the first infusion. The progress of individual organ damage was also assessed at the end of the follow-up period (at least 6 months after the last infusion) using the data extracted from the medical records. Results Disease activity and severity-improved and disease-related overall damage worsened after the first year of RTX therapy (p < 0.001, p = 0.008, and p = 0.005). Some of the disease-related organ damage had improved at the end of the follow-up period, indicating its reversibility. Overall damage scores ≥11 after the first year of RTX therapy were found to be associated with mortality (p = 0.035). Conclusion RTX contributed to reducing the activity and severity in SSc patients with severe disease, nonetheless the efficacy related to the damage was limited. High damage scores in the first year were found to be associated with mortality. Spontaneous progress of manifestations requiring a longer period to improve and irregular consecutive RTX courses might lead to difficulties in differentiation between activity and damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin YALÇINKAYA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University, İstanbul,
Turkiye
| | - Bahar ARTIM ESEN
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University, İstanbul,
Turkiye
| | - Shirkhan AMİKİSHİYEV
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University, İstanbul,
Turkiye
| | - Numuna ALİYEVA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University, İstanbul,
Turkiye
| | - Ahmet GÜL
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University, İstanbul,
Turkiye
| | - Lale ÖCAL
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University, İstanbul,
Turkiye
| | - Murat İNANÇ
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University, İstanbul,
Turkiye
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Klotsche J, Torok KS, Kasapcopur O, Adrovic A, Terreri MT, Sakamoto AP, Katsicas M, Sztajnbok F, Marrani E, Sifuentes-Giraldo A, Stanevicha V, Anton J, Feldmann B, Kostik M, Nemcova D, Santos MJ, Appenzeller S, Avcin T, Battagliotti C, Berntson L, Bica B, Brunner J, Eleftheriou D, Harel L, Horneff G, Kallinich T, Minden K, Nielsen S, Patwardhan A, Helmus N, Foeldvari I. Application and performance of disease activity indices proposed for patients with systemic sclerosis in an international cohort of patients with juvenile systemic sclerosis. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2023; 8:183-191. [PMID: 37744052 PMCID: PMC10515993 DOI: 10.1177/23971983231164700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Juvenile systemic sclerosis is a rare childhood disease. Three disease activity indices have been published for adult patients with systemic sclerosis: the European Scleroderma Study Group Index, a modified version of the European Scleroderma Study Group Index and the revised European Scleroderma Trials and Research index. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and performance of the three disease activity indices in a prospectively followed cohort of patients with juvenile systemic sclerosis. Methods The analysis cohort was selected from the prospective international inception cohort enrolling juvenile systemic sclerosis patients. The correlation of the disease activity indices with the physicians' and the patients' global assessment of disease activity was determined. The disease activity indices were compared between patients with active and inactive disease. Sensitivity to change between 6- and 12-month follow-up was investigated by mixed models. Results Eighty percent of the 70 patients had a diffuse cutaneous subtype. The revised European Scleroderma Trials and Research index was highly correlated with the physician-reported global disease activity/parents-reported global disease activity (r = 0.74/0.64), followed by the European Scleroderma Study Group activity index (r = 0.61/0.55) and the modified version of the European Scleroderma Study Group activity index (r = 0.51/0.43). The disease activity indices significantly differed between active and inactive patients. The disease activity indices showed sensitivity to change between 6- and 12-month follow-up among patients who improved or worsened according to the physician-reported global disease activity and the parents-reported global disease activity. Conclusion Overall, no disease activity score is superior to the other, and all three scores have limitations in the application in juvenile systemic sclerosis patients. Furthermore, research on the concept of disease activity and suitable scores to measure disease activity in patients with juvenile systemic sclerosis is necessary in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jens Klotsche
- German Rheumatism Research Center, A Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathryn S Torok
- University of Pittsburgh, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ozgur Kasapcopur
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Amra Adrovic
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | - Maria Katsicas
- Hospital de Pediatria J.P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentine
| | | | | | | | - Valda Stanevicha
- Department of Pediatrics, Riga Stradins University, University Children Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Jordi Anton
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Brian Feldmann
- SickKids, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mikhail Kostik
- Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | | | - Simone Appenzeller
- School of Medical Science, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Tadej Avcin
- University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Lillemor Berntson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Blanca Bica
- Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho (HUCFF), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jürgen Brunner
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Rheumatology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Liora Harel
- Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Gerd Horneff
- Asklepios Klinik Sankt Augustin, Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Tilmann Kallinich
- Charité University Medicine and German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Minden
- German Rheumatism Research Center, A Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Charité University Medicine and German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Nicola Helmus
- Hamburg Centre for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology, Schön Klinik Hamburg Eilbek, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ivan Foeldvari
- Hamburg Centre for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology, Schön Klinik Hamburg Eilbek, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Pellicano C, Vaiarello V, Colalillo A, Gigante A, Iannazzo F, Rosato E. Role of kinurenic acid in the systemic sclerosis renal involvement. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:1713-1719. [PMID: 36436115 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00962-6] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) subclinical renal vasculopathy is characterized by progressive increase of intrarenal stiffness and reduction of parenchymal thickness due to post ischemic fibrosis secondary to the renal Raynaud phenomenon. Aims of this study were to evaluate kinurenic acid (KYNA) serum level in SSc patients and healthy controls (HC) and to assess the role of KYNA in SSc subclinical nephropathy. Serum level of KYNA was evaluated in 52 SSc patients and 20 HC, matched for sex and age. Renal function was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and renal doppler ultrasound was performed to evaluate kidneys' morphology and indices of intrarenal stiffness. The parameters registered were renal longitudinal length, atrophy index (AI), renal sinus, parenchymal thickness, renal resistive index (RRI), pulsatile index (PI) and systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D). SSc patients had lower median value of KYNA than HC [54.43 ng/ml (IQR 44.44-63.64) vs 61.94 ng/ml (IQR 55.23-88.75), p < 0.001]. SSc patients with AI ≥ 0.70 had lower KYNA than SSc patients with AI < 0.70 [47.85 ng/ml (IQR 41.16-59.91) vs 55.5 ng/ml (IQR 49.99-67.33), p < 0.05] and a slightly significant negative linear correlation was found between KYNA and AI (r = - 0.249, p < 0.05). SSc patient with RRI ≥ 0.70 had higher KYNA than SSc patients with RRI < 0.70 [58.25 ng/ml (IQR 50.49-69.68) vs 50.07 ng/ml (IQR 42.70-56.31), p < 0.05] and a significant positive correlation was found between KYNA and RRI (r = 0.318, p < 0.05). KYNA may be used as a marker to evaluate the renal involvement in SSc patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pellicano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Vaiarello
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Amalia Colalillo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Gigante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Iannazzo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Pellicano C, Colalillo A, Carnazzo V, Redi S, Basile V, Marino M, Basile U, Rosato E. In Systemic Sclerosis Patients, Peripheral Blood CD21 low B Cells and Serum IL-4 and IL-21 Influence Joint Involvement. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1334. [PMID: 37763102 PMCID: PMC10532941 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients have an increased frequency of CD21low B cells and of serum interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-21, each possible markers of joint involvement in inflammatory arthritis. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible influence of CD21low B cells, IL-4, and IL-21 on joint involvement in a cohort of 52 SSc patients. The DAS28-ESR was correlated with CD21low B cells (r = 0.452, p < 0.001), IL-4 (r = 0.478, p < 0.001), and IL-21 (r = 0.415, p < 0.001). SSc patients with a DAS28-ESR > 3.2 had more CD21low B cells (12.65% (IQR: 7.11-13.79) vs. 5.08% (IQR: 3.76-7.45), p < 0.01), higher IL-4 levels (132.98 pg/mL (IQR: 99.12-164.12) vs. 100.80 pg/mL (IQR: 62.78-121.13), p < 0.05), and higher IL-21 levels (200.77 pg/mL (IQR: 130.13-302.41) vs. 98.83 pg/mL (IQR: 35.70-231.55), p < 0.01) than patients with a DAS28-ESR ≤ 3.2. The logistic regression analysis models showed that the DAI (OR: 2.158 (95% CI: 1.120; 4.156), p < 0.05) and CD21low B cells (OR: 1.301 (95% CI: 1.099; 1.540), p < 0.01), the DAI (OR: 2.060 (95% CI: 1.082; 3.919), p < 0.05) and IL-4 level (OR: 1.026 (95% CI: 1.006; 1.045), p < 0.01), and the DAI (OR: 1.743 (95% CI: 1.022; 2.975), p < 0.05) and IL-21 level (OR: 1.006 (95% CI: 1.000; 1.011), p < 0.05) were independently associated with a DAS28-ESR > 3.2. An elevated CD21low B cell percentage, IL-4 level, and IL-21 level was associated with higher articular disease activity in patients, suggesting a possible role in the pathogenesis of SSc joint involvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pellicano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (A.C.); (E.R.)
| | - Amalia Colalillo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (A.C.); (E.R.)
| | - Valeria Carnazzo
- UOC of Clinical Pathology DEA II Level, Hospital Santa Maria Goretti-ASL Latina, 04100 Latina, Italy; (V.C.)
| | - Serena Redi
- UOC of Clinical Pathology DEA II Level, Hospital Santa Maria Goretti-ASL Latina, 04100 Latina, Italy; (V.C.)
| | - Valerio Basile
- Clinical Pathology and Cancer Biobank IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariapaola Marino
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Sezione di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Umberto Basile
- UOC of Clinical Pathology DEA II Level, Hospital Santa Maria Goretti-ASL Latina, 04100 Latina, Italy; (V.C.)
| | - Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (A.C.); (E.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Jud P, Meinitzer A, Strohmaier H, Arefnia B, Wimmer G, Obermayer-Pietsch B, Foris V, Kovacs G, Odler B, Moazedi-Fürst F, Brodmann M, Hafner F. Association of amino acids and parameters of bone metabolism with endothelial dysfunction and vasculopathic changes in limited systemic sclerosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1193121. [PMID: 37425312 PMCID: PMC10327605 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1193121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Pathways contributing to endothelial dysfunction in patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate potential associations of amino acids and parameters of bone metabolism with endothelial dysfunction and vasculopathy-related changes in patients with lcSSc and early-stage vasculopathy. Methods Amino acids, calciotropic parameters, including 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH), and bone turnover parameters, including osteocalcin and N-terminal peptide of procollagen-3 (P3NP), were measured in 38 lcSSc patients and 38 controls. Endothelial dysfunction was assessed by biochemical parameters, pulse-wave analysis, flow-mediated and nitroglycerine-mediated dilation. Additionally, vasculopathy-related and SSc-specific clinical changes including capillaroscopic, skin, renal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and periodontal parameters were recorded. Results No significant differences in amino acids, calciotropic and bone turnover parameters were observed between lcSSc patients and controls. In patients with lcSSc, several significant correlations were found between selected amino acids, parameters of endothelial dysfunction, vasculopathy-related and SSc-specific clinical changes (all with p < 0.05). In addition, significant correlations were observed between PTH and 25-hydroxyvitamin D with homoarginine, and between osteocalcin, PTH and P3NP with modified Rodnan skin score and selected periodontal parameters (all with p < 0.05). Vitamin D deficiency defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/ml was associated with the presence of puffy finger (p = 0.046) and early pattern (p = 0.040). Conclusion Selected amino acids may affect endothelial function and may be associated to vasculopathy-related and clinical changes in lcSSc patients, while the association with parameters of bone metabolism seems to be minor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Jud
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Meinitzer
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Heimo Strohmaier
- Center of Medical Research (ZMF), Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Behrouz Arefnia
- Division of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics, Periodontology and Prosthodontics, Department of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gernot Wimmer
- Division of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics, Periodontology and Prosthodontics, Department of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Lab Platform, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Vasile Foris
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Gabor Kovacs
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Balazs Odler
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Florentine Moazedi-Fürst
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Marianne Brodmann
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Franz Hafner
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Foeldvari I, Klotsche J, Kasapcopur O, Adrovic A, Terreri MT, Sakamoto AP, Stanevicha V, Anton J, Feldman BM, Sztajnbok F, Khubchandani R, Alexeeva E, Katsicas M, Sawhney S, Smith V, Appenzeller S, Avcin T, Kostik M, Lehman T, Marrani E, Schonenberg-Meinema D, Sifuentes-Giraldo WA, Vasquez-Canizares N, Janarthanan M, Moll M, Nemcova D, Patwardhan A, Santos MJ, Battagliotti C, Berntson L, Bica B, Brunner J, Cimaz R, Costa-Reis P, Eleftheriou D, Harel L, Horneff G, Johnson SR, Kaiser D, Kallinich T, Lazarevic D, Minden K, Nielsen S, Nuruzzaman F, Opsahl Hetlevik S, Uziel Y, Helmus N, Torok KS. Gender differences in juvenile systemic sclerosis patients: Results from the international juvenile scleroderma inception cohort. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2023; 8:120-130. [PMID: 37287945 PMCID: PMC10242693 DOI: 10.1177/23971983221143244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective To compare organ involvement and disease severity between male and female patients with juvenile onset systemic sclerosis. Methods Demographics, organ involvement, laboratory evaluation, patient-reported outcomes and physician assessment variables were compared between male and female juvenile onset systemic sclerosis patients enrolled in the prospective international juvenile systemic sclerosis cohort at their baseline visit and after 12 months. Results One hundred and seventy-five juvenile onset systemic sclerosis patients were evaluated, 142 females and 33 males. Race, age of onset, disease duration, and disease subtypes (70% diffuse cutaneous) were similar between males and females. Active digital ulceration, very low body mass index, and tendon friction rubs were significantly more frequent in males. Physician global assessment of disease severity and digital ulcer activity was significantly higher in males. Composite pulmonary involvement was also more frequent in males, though not statistically significantly. After 12 months, they are the pattern of differences changed female patients had significantly more frequent pulmonary involvement. Conclusion In this cohort, juvenile onset systemic sclerosis had a more severe course in males at baseline and but the pattern changed after 12 months. Some differences from adult findings persisted, there is no increased signal of pulmonary arterial hypertension or heart failure in male pediatric patients. While monitoring protocols of organ involvement in juvenile onset systemic sclerosis need to be identical for males and females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Foeldvari
- Hamburg Centre for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology, Schön Klinik Hamburg Eilbek, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Ozgur Kasapcopur
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Amra Adrovic
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | - Valda Stanevicha
- Riga Stradins University, Department of Pediatric, University Children Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Jordi Anton
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues (Barcelona), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Brian M Feldman
- The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Ekaterina Alexeeva
- National Medical Research Center of Children’s Health, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Katsicas
- Hospital de Pediatria J P Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University and Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Tadej Avcin
- University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mikhail Kostik
- Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | | | | | - Dieneke Schonenberg-Meinema
- Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Monika Moll
- Pediatric Rheumatology, University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dana Nemcova
- Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | - Lillemor Berntson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Blanca Bica
- Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho (HUCFF), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jürgen Brunner
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Rheumatology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rolando Cimaz
- ASST Pini—CTO—Presidio Gaetano Pini, Università degli Studi Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Patricia Costa-Reis
- Pediatrics Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Liora Harel
- Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Petah-Tikva, Israel
| | - Gerd Horneff
- Department of General Paediatrics, Asklepios Klinik Sankt Augustin, Sankt Augustin, Germany
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescents Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sindhu R Johnson
- Toronto Scleroderma Program, Toronto Western Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniela Kaiser
- Luzerner Kantonsspital, Kinderspital, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Tilmann Kallinich
- Charité University Medicine and German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dragana Lazarevic
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology and Immunology, Clinical Center Niš, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Kirsten Minden
- Charité University Medicine and German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Yosef Uziel
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nicola Helmus
- Hamburg Centre for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology, Schön Klinik Hamburg Eilbek, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kathryn S Torok
- University of Pittsburgh, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Berger SG, Witczak BN, Reiseter S, Schwartz T, Andersson H, Hetlevik SO, Berntsen KS, Sanner H, Lilleby V, Gunnarsson R, Molberg Ø, Sjaastad I, Stokke MK. Cardiac dysfunction in mixed connective tissue disease: a nationwide observational study. Rheumatol Int 2023; 43:1055-1065. [PMID: 36933069 PMCID: PMC10126085 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05308-3] [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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to identify cardiac function in patients with established mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). This was a cross-sectional case-control study of well-characterised MCTD patients who had previously been included in a nationwide cohort. Assessments comprised protocol transthoracic echocardiography, electrocardiogram and blood samples. In patients only, we evaluated the findings of high-resolution pulmonary computed tomography and disease activity. We assessed 77 MCTD patients (mean age 50.5 ± 12.3 years) with a mean disease duration of 16.4 years, and 59 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (49.9 ± 11.7 years). By echocardiography, measures of left ventricular function, i.e. fractional shortening (38.1 ± 6.4% vs. 42.3 ± 6.6%, p < 0.001), mitral annulus plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) (13.7 ± 2.1 mm vs. 15.3 ± 2.3 mm, p < 0.001) and early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (e') (0.09 ± 0.02 m/s vs. 0.11 ± 0.03 m/s, p = 0.002) were subclinical and lower in patients than controls. Right ventricular dysfunction was found in patients assessed by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (22.7 ± 4.0 mm vs. 25.5 ± 4.0 mm, p < 0.001). While cardiac dysfunction was not associated with pulmonary disease, e' and TAPSE were found to correlate with disease activity at baseline. In this cohort of MCTD patients, echocardiographic examinations demonstrated a higher frequency of cardiac dysfunction than in matched controls. Cardiac dysfunction was associated with disease activity at baseline, but was independent of cardiovascular risk factors and pulmonary disease. Our study indicates that cardiac dysfunction is part of the multi-organ affliction seen in MCTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Girmai Berger
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, K. G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, University of Oslo, PB 4956 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Birgit Nomeland Witczak
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, K. G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, University of Oslo, PB 4956 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Thomas Schwartz
- Oslo New University College, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helena Andersson
- Department of Rheumatology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Helga Sanner
- Department of Rheumatology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo New University College, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vibke Lilleby
- Department of Rheumatology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Øyvind Molberg
- Department of Rheumatology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ivar Sjaastad
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, K. G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, University of Oslo, PB 4956 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mathis Korseberg Stokke
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, K. G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, University of Oslo, PB 4956 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lazzaroni MG, Piantoni S, Angeli F, Bertocchi S, Franceschini F, Airò P. A Narrative Review of Pathogenetic and Histopathologic Aspects, Epidemiology, Classification Systems, and Disease Outcome Measures in Systemic Sclerosis. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2023; 64:358-377. [PMID: 35254622 PMCID: PMC10167186 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-022-08929-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease, characterized by the presence of three main actors: vasculopathy, immune activation, and fibrosis. This pathologic process is then translated in a clinical picture with great variability among different patients in terms of type of organ involvement, disease severity and prognosis. This heterogeneity is a main feature of SSc, which, in addition to the presence of early phases of the disease characterized by mild symptoms, can explain the high difficulty in establishing classification criteria, and in defining patients' subsets and disease outcomes. The definition of disease outcomes is particularly relevant in the setting of clinical trials, where the aim is to provide reliable endpoints, able to measure the magnitude of the efficacy of a certain drug or intervention. For this reason, in the last years, increasing efforts have been done to design measures of disease activity, damage, severity, and response to treatment, often in the context of composite indexes. When considering disease outcomes, the experience of the patient represents a relevant and complementary aspect. The tools able to capture this experience, the patient-reported outcomes, have been increasingly used in the last years in clinical practice and in clinical trials, both as primary and secondary endpoints. This comprehensive narrative review on SSc will therefore cover pathogenetic and histopathologic aspects, epidemiology, classification systems, and disease outcome measures, in order to focus on issues that are relevant for clinical research and design of clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Grazia Lazzaroni
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Piantoni
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Angeli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefania Bertocchi
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Franco Franceschini
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Paolo Airò
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Nagy G, Dobrota R, Becker MO, Minier T, Varjú C, Kumánovics G, Distler O, Czirják L. Characteristics of ScleroID highlighting musculoskeletal and internal organ implications in patients afflicted with systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:84. [PMID: 37210571 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03063-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multi-organ disease with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The EULAR SSc Impact of Disease (ScleroID) is a newly introduced SSc-specific patient-reported outcome to evaluate HRQoL in SSc. OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlation between the ScleroID and the involvement of organ systems as well as disease activity/damage in a SSc cohort from a large tertiary care centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS The ScleroID and clinical characteristics including internal organ involvement and hand function were investigated in 160 consecutive patients with SSc (median age 46 (43;56) years; diffuse cutaneous SSc 55%). RESULTS A strong correlation was found between the ScleroID and articular disease activity scores (DAS28-CRP, DAS28-ESR, CDAI, SDAI), a hand function performance test, the Hand Anatomy Index and muscle strength tests. Additionally, a strong significant correlation was discovered using instruments representing hand function and musculoskeletal disability including the Cochin Hand Function Scale, the Quick Questionnaire of the Disability of the Hands, Arms and the Shoulders and the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index. A significant negative correlation was found between the ScleroID score and the 6-min walking test (6MWT) (rho - 0.444, p < 0.001). Clinically mild lung/heart disease did not show increased ScleroID values. The Mouth Handicap in the Scleroderma Scale and the University of California Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium gastrointestinal tract 2.0 also showed significant positive correlations to the ScleroID score (rho: 0.626, p < 0.001; rho: 0.646, p < 0.001, respectively). Patients experiencing oesophageal difficulties bore a significantly higher score compared to individuals with a normal functioning oesophagus (3.2/1.5;4.5/ vs. 2.2/1.0;3.2/, p = 0.011). Moreover, the ScleroID showed a significant positive correlation to the revised EUSTAR disease activity index and modified activity index. CONCLUSION In a large single-centre cohort, the previously described ScleroID-related findings were confirmed. Furthermore, several organ involvement-related functional and performance tests showed a good correlation to the ScleroID including the 6MWT and gastrointestinal-related complaints. Many aspects of musculoskeletal damage, overall disease activity, pain and fatigue were also well represented in the ScleroID, which efficiently reflects the impact of organ involvement, disease activity and functional damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Nagy
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Rucsandra Dobrota
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mike Oliver Becker
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tünde Minier
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Cecília Varjú
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kumánovics
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - László Czirják
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zamani B, Moradi Hasan‐Abad A, Piroozmand A, Dehghani M, Arfaatabar M, Motedayyen H. Immunogenicity and safety of the BBIBP-CorV vaccine in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases undergoing immunosuppressive therapy in a monocentric cohort. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e858. [PMID: 37249277 PMCID: PMC10186999 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.858] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccination plays a fundamental role in mastering the COVID-19 pandemic and protecting vulnerable groups. Persons with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) requiring immunosuppressive therapies are prioritized for vaccination. However, data concerning immunogenicity and safety of the BBIBP-CorV vaccine in immunosuppressed patients are not found. This study presents data on the efficacy and safety of the BBIBP-CorV vaccine in immunosuppressed patients compared to healthy controls. METHODS Study population consisted of 100 healthy controls and 100 patients with AIIRD. Vaccination was performed according to national guidelines with the BBIBP-CorV vaccine. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before initial vaccination and 1-3 months after secondary vaccination. Adverse events were assessed before study initiation and 7 days after the second dose. Disease activity was studied before entering the study and 3-8 weeks after the second dose. RESULTS Vaccination-induced positive immunogenic response rates and SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers were significantly lower in the AIIRD patients than healthy subjects (p < .05). There are significant differences in neutralizing antibody titers among patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis, and ankylosing spondylitis (p < .01-.05). The rates of seropositive vaccine responses were similarly distributed across all diseases. Healthy and AIIRD individuals had a similar profile in adverse events. No significant difference was observed in SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers between subjects suffering from side effects and those who did not have. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody levels were significantly higher in subjects with a history of COVID-19 infection than seronegative individuals (p < .01-0.05). Seropositive subjects had a significant increase in the percentage of vaccine-related adverse events compared to seronegative persons (p < .05). Despite a minor change in the disease activity of patients with RA and SLE, disease activity indices were overall stable in the AIIRD patients. CONCLUSION These findings revealed that the BBIBP-CorV vaccine is effective in the development of neutralizing antibodies in immunosuppressed patients without considerable reactogenicity or induction of disease flares.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Batool Zamani
- Autoimmune Diseases Research CenterKashan University of Medical SciencesKashanIran
| | | | - Ahmad Piroozmand
- Autoimmune Diseases Research CenterKashan University of Medical SciencesKashanIran
| | - Mahsa Dehghani
- Autoimmune Diseases Research CenterKashan University of Medical SciencesKashanIran
| | - Maryam Arfaatabar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kashan BranchIslamic Azad UniversityKashanIran
| | - Hossein Motedayyen
- Autoimmune Diseases Research CenterKashan University of Medical SciencesKashanIran
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Pellicano C, Colalillo A, Rosato E. Serum kynurenic acid is lower in systemic sclerosis patients with microvascular damage of hands. Microvasc Res 2023; 148:104537. [PMID: 37030527 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2023.104537] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial dysfunction occurs early in systemic sclerosis (SSc), leading to tissue hypoxia, vasoconstriction and fibrosis. It has been demonstrated that endothelial cells (ECs) are able to produce kynurenic acid (KYNA) in response to vascular inflammation, due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants activity. In SSc patients, blood perfusion of hands, assessed by laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA), correlated negatively with the extent of the nailfold microvascular damage, scored according to nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) classification. Aim of this study was to evaluate the difference of serum KYNA in SSc patients with different stages of microvascular damage. METHODS Serum KYNA was assessed in 40 SSc patients at the enrolment. NVC was performed to evaluate capillaroscopic patterns (early, active and late). LASCA was performed to evaluate mean peripheral blood perfusion (PBP) of both hands and to evaluate the proximal-distal gradient (PDG). RESULTS Median PDG was significantly lower in SSc patients with late NVC pattern compared to SSc patients with early and active NVC pattern [3.79 pU (IQR -8.55-18.16) vs 23.55 pU (IQR 14.92-43.80), p < 0.01]. Serum KYNA was significantly lower in SSc patients with late NVC pattern compared to SSc patient with early and active NVC pattern [45.19 ng/mL (IQR 42.70-54.74) vs 52.65 ng/mL (IQR 49.99-60.29), p < 0.05]. Moreover, SSc patients without PDG had significantly lower serum KYNA than in SSc patients with PDG [48.03 ng/mL (IQR 43.87-53.68) vs 59.27 ng/mL (IQR 49.15-71.00), p < 0.05]. CONCLUSION KYNA is lower in SSc patients with late NCV pattern and without PDG. KYNA may be associated with early endothelial dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pellicano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Amalia Colalillo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Jud P, Wimmer G, Meinitzer A, Strohmaier H, Schwantzer G, Moazedi-Fürst F, Schweiger L, Brodmann M, Hafner F, Arefnia B. Periodontal disease and its association to endothelial dysfunction and clinical changes in limited systemic sclerosis: A case-control study. J Periodontal Res 2023; 58:621-633. [PMID: 36919705 DOI: 10.1111/jre.13111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Periodontal disease occurs frequently in patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) while data about underlying pathways contributing to periodontal changes are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate periodontal disease and to investigate its association with endothelial dysfunction and clinical changes in patients with lcSSc. METHODS In 38 lcSSc patients and 38 controls, periodontal status was evaluated by disease-specific questionnaire, dental examination including bleeding on probing (BOP), pocket depth, and plaque index, and dental panoramic radiograph. Periodontopathogen bacteria were collected subgingivally using paper points and interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene polymorphisms were evaluated using buccal swabs. Endothelial dysfunction was measured by flow-mediated dilatation, pulse-wave velocity and biochemical analysis, including arginine metabolites and endothelial microparticles. Additionally, lcSSc-specific clinical changes and parameters were recorded. RESULTS Periodontitis was present in 31 patients with lcSSc (81.6%) and in 27 controls (71.1%) (p = .280). LcSSc patients had a lower teeth number (p = .039) and Eikenella corrodens was to a higher degree detectable in patients with lcSSc (p = .041) while the remaining periodontal parameters revealed no differences between both cohorts. Significant correlations between parameters of arterial stiffness, EUSTAR index, number of teeth and BOP were observed (all p < .05). Detection of Prevotella intermedia was associated with selected IL-1 gene polymorphisms (p = .032) and Porphyromonas gingivalis was associated with severe periodontitis (p = .041). CONCLUSION Periodontal disease may occur frequently in patients with lcSSc and may be associated with arterial stiffness and with SSc activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Jud
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gernot Wimmer
- Division of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics, Periodontology and Prosthodontics, Department of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Meinitzer
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical laboratory diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Heimo Strohmaier
- Department center of medical research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerold Schwantzer
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Florentine Moazedi-Fürst
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Leyla Schweiger
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Marianne Brodmann
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Franz Hafner
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Behrouz Arefnia
- Division of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics, Periodontology and Prosthodontics, Department of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Rosato E, Gigante A, Pellicano C, Colalillo A, Alunni-Fegatelli D, Muscaritoli M. Phase angle, nutritional status, and mortality in systemic sclerosis: An exploratory pilot study. Nutrition 2023; 107:111946. [PMID: 36577164 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2022.111946] [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: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by microvascular damage and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Among SSc complications, changes in nutritional status have a negative effect on quality of life and predispose patients to malnutrition. The aim of this exploratory pilot study was to examine whether bioelectrical impedance analysis-derived phase angle (PhA) is a parameter of nutritional status and a marker of mortality in patients with SSc. METHODS Consecutive adult patients with SSc were included in the study. Biochemical analyses, anthropometric data, and bioelectrical impedance analysis assessments were recorded at the time of enrollment. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) were applied to assess nutritional status. RESULTS A total of 104 patients with SSc (88 women; median age: 55 y [interquartile range (IQR), 45.5- 66 y]) were enrolled. In patients with SSc and high malnutrition risk according to MUST, mean values of PhA were significantly lower than those of patients with SSc and low malnutrition risk (4° [IQR, 3.7°-4.4°] vs 4.6° [IQR, 4.2°-5.1°]; P = 0.004). Patients with SSc and malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria showed significantly lower PhA than patients with SSc but without malnutrition (3.8° [IQR, 3.5°-4.3°] vs 4.6° [IQR, 4.2°-5.1°]; P < 0.0001). Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that overall survival was significantly shorter (34.57 mo [±13.35] vs 48 mo [±0]; P = 0.001) in patients with SSc and PhA <3.75°. In the multivariate analysis, only PhA was a predictive factor for death (hazard ratio: 0.283; 95% confidence interval, 0.083-0.965; P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS The data obtained suggest that lower PhA values in patients with SSc are associated with an increased malnutrition risk with MUST, malnutrition with GLIM, and increased mortality. Additional studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Gigante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Chiara Pellicano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Amalia Colalillo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Alunni-Fegatelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Muscaritoli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Serum-soluble ST2 and systemic sclerosis arthropathy. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:871-877. [PMID: 36098853 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06367-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)33 and its receptor ST2 have been involved in the pathogenesis of several conditions, including arthritis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between IL33 or soluble ST2 (sST2) serum levels and systemic sclerosis (SSc) articular involvement. IL33 and sST2 serum levels were measured in 64 SSc patients and 24 HC matched for sex and age. Articular involvement assessed by using Disease Activity Score 28 based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR), presence of tendon friction rubs (TFRs) and finger-to-palm (FTP) distance. sST2 serum levels were significantly higher in SSc patients with DAS28-ESR > 3.2 than in SSc patients with DAS28-ESR⩽3.2 [9726.1 (IQR 7746.5 - 14,953.5) pg/mL vs 7611.7 (IQR 5162.6 -11,036.7) pg/mL; p < 0.05]. sST2 serum levels were significantly higher in SSc patients with TFRs compared to SSc patients without TFRs [9726.1 (IQR 7746.5 - 14,953.5) pg/mL vs 7426.4 (IQR 5145.9 - 10,593.5) pg/mL; p < 0.01] and in SSc patients with FTP ≥ 1 cm compared to SSc patients with FTP < 1 cm [9683.7 (IQR 8067.2 - 16,387.6) pg/mL vs 7679.1 (IQR 5246.1 - 11,472.2) pg/mL; p < 0.05]. No significant association was observed between IL33 and DAS28-ESR, TFRs and FTP. A slightly positive linear correlation was found between sST2 and Disease Activity Index (r = 0.294, p < 0.05) and Disease Severity Scale (r = 0.265, p < 0.05). sST2 serum levels were positively correlated with DAS28-ESR (r = 0.371, p < 0.01). Elevated sST2 serum levels were associated with higher articular disease activity, TFRs and hand dysfunction, suggesting that sST2 might have a role in the pathogenesis of SSc articular involvement. Key Points • In SSc patients elevated serum levels of sST2 were associated with higher articular disease activity • High serum levels of sST2 were reported in SSc patients with TFRs and hand dysfunction • sST2 might have a role in the pathogenesis of SSc articular involvement.
Collapse
|
39
|
Pellicano C, Colalillo A, Cusano G, Palladino A, Pellegrini M, Callà CAM, Mazzuccato G, Carnazzo V, Pignalosa S, Di Biase L, Marino M, Basile U, Rosato E. Serum Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Subclasses in a Cohort of Systemic Sclerosis Patients. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13020309. [PMID: 36836543 PMCID: PMC9961548 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13020309] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses in a cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and to evaluate the influence of IgG subclasses in the main complications of the disease. METHODS The serum level of IgG subclasses was evaluated in 67 SSc patients and 48 healthy controls (HC), matched for sex and age. Serum samples were collected and measured IgG1-4 subclasses by turbidimetry. RESULTS SSc patients had lower median total IgG [9.88 g/l (IQR 8.18-11.42 g/l) vs. 12.09 g/l (IQR 10.24-13.54 g/l), p < 0.001], IgG1 [5.09 g/l (IQR 4.25-6.38 g/l) vs. 6.03 g/l (IQR 5.39-7.90 g/l), p < 0.001], and IgG3 [0.59 g/l (IQR 0.40-0.77 g/l) vs. 0.80 g/l (IQR 0.46-1 g/l), p < 0.05] serum levels compared to HC. The logistic regression analysis showed IgG3 as the only variable associated with the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLco) ≤60% of the predicted [OR 9.734 (CI 95%: 1.312-72.221), p < 0.05] and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) [OR 1.124 (CI 95%: 1.019-1.240), p < 0.05], anti-topoisomerase I [OR 0.060 (CI 95%: 0.007-0.535), p < 0.05], and IgG3 [OR 14.062 (CI 95%: 1.352-146.229), p < 0.05] as variables associated with radiological interstitial lung disease (ILD). CONCLUSION SSc patients have reduced levels of total IgG and an altered IgG subclass distribution compared to HC. Moreover, SSc patients show different serum IgG subclasses profiles according to the main involvement of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pellicano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Amalia Colalillo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cusano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Palladino
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marica Pellegrini
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Anna Maria Callà
- Dipartimento di Scienze Laboratoristiche ed Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Mazzuccato
- Dipartimento di Scienze Laboratoristiche ed Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Carnazzo
- Dipartimento di Patologia Clinica, Ospedale Santa Maria Goretti, AUSL Latina, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Stefano Pignalosa
- Dipartimento di Patologia Clinica, Ospedale Santa Maria Goretti, AUSL Latina, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Luigi Di Biase
- Dipartimento di Patologia Clinica, Ospedale Santa Maria Goretti, AUSL Latina, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Mariapaola Marino
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Basile
- Dipartimento di Patologia Clinica, Ospedale Santa Maria Goretti, AUSL Latina, 04100 Latina, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Xanthouli P, Gordjani O, Benjamin N, Trudzinski FC, Egenlauf B, Harutyunova S, Marra AM, Milde N, Nagel C, Blank N, Lorenz HM, Grünig E, Eichstaedt CA. Oxygenated hemoglobin as prognostic marker among patients with systemic sclerosis screened for pulmonary hypertension. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1839. [PMID: 36725894 PMCID: PMC9892512 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28608-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxygenated hemoglobin (OxyHem) in arterial blood may reflect disease severity in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of this study was to analyze the predictive value of OxyHem in SSc patients screened for pulmonary hypertension (PH). OxyHem (g/dl) was measured by multiplying the concentration of hemoglobin with fractional oxygen saturation in arterialized capillary blood. Prognostic power was compared with known prognostic parameters in SSc using uni- and multivariable analysis. A total of 280 SSc patients were screened, 267 were included in the analysis. No signs of pulmonary vascular disease were found in 126 patients, while 141 patients presented with mean pulmonary arterial pressure ≥ 21 mmHg. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) was identified in 70 patients. Low OxyHem ≤ 12.5 g/dl at baseline was significantly associated with worse survival (P = 0.046). In the multivariable analysis presence of ILD, age ≥ 60 years and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) ≤ 65% were negatively associated with survival. The combination of low DLCO and low OxyHem at baseline could predict PH at baseline (sensitivity 76.1%). This study detected for the first time OxyHem ≤ 12.5 g/dl as a prognostic predictor in SSc patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Xanthouli
- Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg gGmbH at Heidelberg University Hospital, Röntgenstrasse 1, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pneumology and Critical Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine V: Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ojan Gordjani
- Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg gGmbH at Heidelberg University Hospital, Röntgenstrasse 1, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicola Benjamin
- Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg gGmbH at Heidelberg University Hospital, Röntgenstrasse 1, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Franziska C Trudzinski
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pneumology and Critical Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Egenlauf
- Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg gGmbH at Heidelberg University Hospital, Röntgenstrasse 1, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pneumology and Critical Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Satenik Harutyunova
- Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg gGmbH at Heidelberg University Hospital, Röntgenstrasse 1, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pneumology and Critical Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alberto M Marra
- Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg gGmbH at Heidelberg University Hospital, Röntgenstrasse 1, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, "Federico II" University and School of Medicine, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicklas Milde
- Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg gGmbH at Heidelberg University Hospital, Röntgenstrasse 1, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Nagel
- Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg gGmbH at Heidelberg University Hospital, Röntgenstrasse 1, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pneumology and Critical Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Respiratory Care Medicine and Thoracic Surgery, Klinikum Mittelbaden, Baden-Baden Balg, Baden-Baden, Germany
| | - Norbert Blank
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine V: Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hanns-Martin Lorenz
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine V: Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ekkehard Grünig
- Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg gGmbH at Heidelberg University Hospital, Röntgenstrasse 1, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pneumology and Critical Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christina A Eichstaedt
- Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg gGmbH at Heidelberg University Hospital, Röntgenstrasse 1, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany. .,Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Diagnostics, Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Sarhan SA, El-Meligui YM. Significance of platelets to lymphocytes and platelets to haemoglobin ratios in patients with systemic sclerosis. REUMATOLOGIA CLINICA 2023; 19:12-17. [PMID: 36603962 DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a progressive autoimmune connective tissue disease. Platelets to lymphocytes (PLR) and platelets to haemoglobin ratios (PHR) are emerging biomarkers used in the assessment of activity and severity of various autoimmune diseases. This study was designed to clarify the association of PLR and PHR with SSc disease activity and its different manifestations. METHOD A cross-sectional study involved sixty SSc patients. Demographic, clinical data and investigations were done. RESULTS PLR and PHR were correlated positively with ESR (r=0.351, p=0.003*), (r=0.620, p=0.000**), CRP (r=0.417, p=0.001*), (r=0.305, p=0.018**) and SSc activity index (r=0.292, p=0.024*), (r=0.359, p=0.005*). PLR and PHR were highly significantly related to digital ulcerations, musckeloskeletal, and pulmonary manifestations. Also, they had a significant relation to ground glass abnormalities on HRCT, mild restriction in pulmonary function tests and anti-scleroderma-70 antibodies. The cutoff value for PLR was 107.8 with high sensitivity 97.9% and specifity 92.3%, area under the curve (AUC=0.723, P 0.015) on receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). PHR AUC (0.799, P .001), cut value was 23.5 at 95.7% sensitivity and 84.6% specifity. CONCLUSION PLR and PHR were significantly related to digital ulcerations, musculoskeletal, and pulmonary manifestations and can be considered as predictive biomarkers for the assessment of SSc disease activity and severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shymaa A Sarhan
- Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.
| | - Yomna M El-Meligui
- Department of Clinical Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kiss F, Farkas N, Nagy G, Minier T, Kumánovics G, Faludi R, Czirják L, Varjú C. Minimal Clinically Important Differences (MCID) for the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:771. [PMID: 36613093 PMCID: PMC9819291 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by significant fatigue, causing diminished quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to examine fatigue levels and their associations with clinical factors and determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) value for the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale (FACIT-FS). (2) Methods: A total of 160 SSc patients and 62 individuals without SSc were followed-up over a 12-month period by measuring the FACIT-FS and the Visual Analogue Scale and the Short Form 36 Vitality Score analyzing changes in exhaustion. (3) Results: Fatigue was strongly correlated with HRQoL, level of pain, emotional disorders, physical capability and functionality. The MCID values for FACIT-FS were calculated as -3 for deterioration and +4 for improvement after a 12-month follow-up. The predictors of improvement of fatigue from baseline parameters were the significant disease activity, the patients' poorer functionality and the short disease duration. Patients with scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease at baseline had approximately tripled risks for worsening fatigue. The independent influential factors regarding the changing of FACIT-FS were improving or worsening in the same direction in reference to physical condition, gastrointestinal and emotional factors. (4) Conclusions: Fatigue is a multi-dimensional symptom, which is strongly correlated to HRQoL. MCID values of FACIT-FS can be useful tools in monitoring the changes of HRQoL in clinical trials and in daily practice among patients with SSc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franciska Kiss
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Nelli Farkas
- Institute of Bioanalysis, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Nagy
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tünde Minier
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kumánovics
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Réka Faludi
- Heart Institute, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Czirják
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Cecília Varjú
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ross L, Nikpour M, D'Aoust J, Khanna D, Merkel PA, Pauling JD, Baron M. Patient and Physician Global Assessments of Disease Status in Systemic Sclerosis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2022. [PMID: 36342397 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Global assessments of disease by both patients and physicians are widely used in clinical studies of systemic sclerosis (SSc). They are commonly secondary end points in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and are considered important items in composite measures of treatment response. A comprehensive literature review was conducted of the formats, wording, and clinimetric properties of the patient global assessment of disease status (PtGA) and physician global assessment of disease status (PhGA) used in RCTs of SSc. Marked heterogeneity was found in the wording and measurement scales of the global assessments applied in RCTs. These instruments were not developed using rigorous methodology and have not been fully validated. There is a pressing need for standardization and validation of patient and physician global assessment tools in SSc to enable universal application of these measures across RCTs in SSc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ross
- The University of Melbourne at St Vincent's Hospital and St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mandana Nikpour
- The University of Melbourne at St Vincent's Hospital and St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julie D'Aoust
- The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Murray Baron
- Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wanzenried A, Garaiman A, Jordan S, Distler O, Maurer B. The enigma of mixed connective tissue disease-challenges in routine care. Clin Rheumatol 2022; 41:3503-3511. [PMID: 35902486 PMCID: PMC9568491 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06286-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As a rare and heterogeneous disease, mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) represents a challenge. Herein, we aimed to unravel potential pitfalls including correct referral diagnosis, distinction from other connective tissue diseases (CTD) and treatment modalities. METHODS We characterised the MCTD cohort at our tertiary referral centre. All patients were evaluated for fulfilment of classification criteria of various CTDs. SLEDAI-2 K and EUSTAR-AI were used in accordance with previous research to evaluate disease activity and treatment response. RESULTS Out of 85 patients initially referred as MCTD, only one-third (33/85, 39%) fulfilled the diagnostic MCTD criteria and the other patients had undifferentiated CTD (16/85, 19%), non-MCTD overlap syndromes (11/85, 13%) and other rheumatic diseases. In our final cohort of 33 MCTD patients, 16 (48%) also met the diagnostic criteria of systemic sclerosis, 13 (39%) these of systemic lupus erythematosus, 6 (18%) these of rheumatoid arthritis and 3 (9%) these of primary myositis. Management of MCTD required immunomodulating combination therapy in most cases (15/28, 54%), whereas monotherapy was less frequent (10/28, 36%), and only a few (3/28, 11%) remained without immune modulators until the end of the follow-up period. Treatment led to a significant decline in disease activity. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed a high risk for misdiagnosis for patients with MCTD. As a multi-organ disease, MCTD required prolonged immunomodulating therapy to achieve remission. The establishment of an international registry with longitudinal data from observational multi-centre cohorts might represent a first step to address the many unmet needs of MCTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Wanzenried
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandru Garaiman
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Suzana Jordan
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Britta Maurer
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital Bern, University Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Jerjen R, Nikpour M, Krieg T, Denton CP, Saracino AM. Systemic sclerosis in adults. Part I: Clinical features and pathogenesis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2022; 87:937-954. [PMID: 35131402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.10.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Jerjen
- Department of Dermatology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mandana Nikpour
- Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thomas Krieg
- Department Dermatology and Translational Matrix Biology, CMMC and CECAD, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissues Diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Rheumatology, Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda M Saracino
- Department of Dermatology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Matei AE, Kubánková M, Xu L, Györfi AH, Boxberger E, Soteriou D, Papava M, Prater J, Hong X, Bergmann C, Kräter M, Schett G, Guck J, Distler JHW. Identification of a Distinct Monocyte-Driven Signature in Systemic Sclerosis Using Biophysical Phenotyping of Circulating Immune Cells. Arthritis Rheumatol 2022; 75:768-781. [PMID: 36281753 DOI: 10.1002/art.42394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pathologically activated circulating immune cells, including monocytes, play major roles in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Their functional characterization can provide crucial information with direct clinical relevance. However, tools for the evaluation of pathologic immune cell activation and, in general, of clinical outcomes in SSc are scarce. Biophysical phenotyping (including characterization of cell mechanics and morphology) provides access to a novel, mostly unexplored layer of information regarding pathophysiologic immune cell activation. We hypothesized that the biophysical phenotyping of circulating immune cells, reflecting their pathologic activation, can be used as a clinical tool for the evaluation and risk stratification of patients with SSc. METHODS We performed biophysical phenotyping of circulating immune cells by real-time fluorescence and deformability cytometry (RT-FDC) in 63 SSc patients, 59 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, 28 antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients, and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy donors. RESULTS We identified a specific signature of biophysical properties of circulating immune cells in SSc patients that was mainly driven by monocytes. Since it is absent in RA and AAV, this signature reflects an SSc-specific monocyte activation rather than general inflammation. The biophysical properties of monocytes indicate current disease activity, the extent of skin or lung fibrosis, and the severity of manifestations of microvascular damage, as well as the risk of disease progression in SSc patients. CONCLUSION Changes in the biophysical properties of circulating immune cells reflect their pathologic activation in SSc patients and are associated with clinical outcomes. As a high-throughput approach that requires minimal preparations, RT-FDC-based biophysical phenotyping of monocytes can serve as a tool for the evaluation and risk stratification of patients with SSc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru-Emil Matei
- Department of Rheumatology and Hiller Research Unit, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany, and Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markéta Kubánková
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Center für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany, and Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Liyan Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Hiller Research Unit, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany, and Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea-Hermina Györfi
- Department of Rheumatology and Hiller Research Unit, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany, and Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Evgenia Boxberger
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Despina Soteriou
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Center für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria Papava
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia Prater
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xuezhi Hong
- Department of Rheumatology and Hiller Research Unit, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany, and Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Bergmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Kräter
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Center für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany, and Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jochen Guck
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Center für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany, and Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Rheumatology and Hiller Research Unit, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany, and Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Stamenkovic B, Stojanovic S, Zivkovic V, Djordjevic D, Bojanovic M, Stankovic A, Rancic N, Damjanov N, Matucci Cerinic M. Low-Frequency Magnetic Resonance Imaging Identifies Hand Joint Subclinical Inflammation in Systemic Sclerosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092165. [PMID: 36140568 PMCID: PMC9497728 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this work was to determine hand joint inflammation in systemic sclerosis (SSc); patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with hand joint involvement were used as controls. Our investigation also aimed at examining the relationship between these subclinical inflammatory changes in the hands, verified by low-frequency MRI, and clinical (especially cardiopulmonary) manifestations, disease activity, and functional capacity in patients with diffuse cutaneous (dcSSc) and limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc). Methods: Out of 250 SSc patients, the selection included 82 patients with signs and symptoms of joint involvement, and 35 consecutive RA patients. These patients underwent clinical and laboratory investigations, and hand X-ray and MRI of the dominant hand. Synovitis/tenosynovitis, bone edema, and erosions were investigated, and the bone changes were quantified and scored using the RAMRIS method. HAQ index, modified Rodnan skin score, examination of internal organ involvement, and serological markers for SSc, as well as rheumatoid factor (RF) and cyclic citrullinated peptides antibodies (ACPA), were performed on all experimental group subjects. Results: MRI of the dominant hand showed a significantly higher number of cases with synovitis (78%) than the number of patients with clinically swollen joints (17.1%; p < 0.001); bone edema was found in 62 (75.6%) SSc patients. MRI also showed a higher number of erosions (52; 63.4%) compared to those (22; 27.5%) detected with X-ray (p < 0.001). The average values of the total MRI score of synovitis/edema and erosions in the wrist (p < 0.001) and MCP joints (p < 0.001) were statistically higher in RA than in SSc patients (p < 0.001). The probability of the MRI-detected inflammatory changes was considerably higher in SSc patients who had vascular complications (digital ulceration, OR = 4.68; 95% IP: 1.002−22.25; p < 0.05), in patients with more severe functional impairment (OR = 8.22; 95% IP: 1.74−38.89; p < 0.01), and in patients with active disease (OR = 3.132; 95% IP: 1.027−9.551; p < 0.05). In our investigation, patients with a limited form of the disease and with inflammatory changes on MR more often had higher functional impairment compared to the other group without MRI inflammation. Conclusions: Our data show that in SSc MRI can detect a significant subclinical joint inflammation. RAMRIS confirmed the high degree of joint inflammation in RA, but also revealed a great deal of joint inflammation in SSc. That inflammation is associated with systemic inflammation (disease activity), vascular complications, and more severe forms of the disease, as synovitis cannot be precisely diagnosed by the clinical examination of joints. These results suggest that a careful joint investigation is necessary in SSc, and that in symptomatic patients, MRI may identify joint inflammation. In clinical practice, this evidence might drive to an early targeted therapy, thus preventing joint erosions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bojana Stamenkovic
- Institute for Treatment and Rehabilitation Niška Banja, 18205 Niška Banja, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
- Correspondence:
| | - Sonja Stojanovic
- Institute for Treatment and Rehabilitation Niška Banja, 18205 Niška Banja, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Valentina Zivkovic
- Institute for Treatment and Rehabilitation Niška Banja, 18205 Niška Banja, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Dragan Djordjevic
- Institute for Treatment and Rehabilitation Niška Banja, 18205 Niška Banja, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Mila Bojanovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
- ENT Clinic, University Clinical Center Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | | | - Natasa Rancic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
- Institute of Public Health Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | | | - Marco Matucci Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Scleroderma Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Pellicano C, Campagna R, Oliva A, Leodori G, Miglionico M, Colalillo A, Mezzaroma I, Mastroianni CM, Turriziani O, Rosato E. Antibody response to BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine in adult patients with systemic sclerosis. Clin Rheumatol 2022; 41:2755-2763. [PMID: 35614287 PMCID: PMC9132599 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06219-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients are at risk for a severe disease course during SARS-CoV-2 infection either due to comorbidities or immunosuppression. The availability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is crucial for the prevention of this hard-to-treat illness. The aim of this study is to assess the humoral response after mRNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in SSc patients. METHOD Seropositivity rate and serum IgG levels were evaluated 1 month (t1) and 3 months (t3) after the second dose of vaccine in a cohort of SSc patients and healthy controls (HC). Differences were made with Student's or Mann-Whitney's t-test and with the chi-square or Fisher exact test. Logistic regression model including immunosuppressive treatments (corticosteroids, CCS; mycophenolate mofetil, MMF; methotrexate, MTX; rituximab, RTX) was built to assess the predictivity for seropositivity. RESULTS The seropositivity rate was similar in 78 SSc patients compared to 35 HC at t1 but lower at t3. SSc patients had lower serum IgG levels than HC at t1 but not at t3. SSc patients treated with immunosuppressive therapy showed both a lower seropositive rate (t1, 90.3% vs 100%; t3, 87.1% vs 97.9%; p < 0.05) and serum IgG levels than untreated patients both at t1 [851 BAU/ml (IQR 294-1950) vs 1930 BAU/ml (IQR 1420-3020); p < 0.001] and t3 [266 BAU/ml (IQR 91.7-597) vs 706 BAU/ml (IQR 455-1330); p < 0.001]. In logistic regression analysis, only MTX was significant [OR 39.912 (95% CI 1.772-898.728); p < 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS SSc patients treated with MTX had a lower serological response to mRNA vaccine, and even low doses of CCS can adversely affect antibody titer and vaccination response. Key Points • SSc patients are able to produce vaccine-induced antibodies after mRNA vaccination. • In SSc patients, clinical characteristics of disease did not influence seropositivity rate. • In SSc patients, even low doses of CCS can adversely affect antibody titer and vaccination response. • In SSc patients, MTX treatment is mainly associated with reduced seropositivity and lower serum IgG levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pellicano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Campagna
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Oliva
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Leodori
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Miglionico
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Amalia Colalillo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivano Mezzaroma
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Pellicano C, Colalillo A, Basile V, Marino M, Basile U, La Gualana F, Mezzaroma I, Visentini M, Rosato E. The Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination on B-Cell Phenotype in Systemic Sclerosis Patients. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12091420. [PMID: 36143205 PMCID: PMC9500778 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12091420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: to assess the influence of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine on B-cell phenotypes in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods: peripheral blood B-cell subpopulations were evaluated before (t1) and 3 months (t3) after the second dose of vaccine in 28 SSc patients. Peripheral blood B-cell subpopulations were evaluated in 21 healthy controls (HCs) only at t1. Anti-spike IgG levels were evaluated at t3 in both cohorts. Results: SSc patients presented higher naive, double-negative, and CD21low B cells compared to HCs. IgM-memory and switched-memory B cells were lower in SSc patients than HCs. No differences in anti-spike IgG levels after vaccination were observed between SSc patients and HCs. Anti-spike IgG levels after vaccination were lower in SSc patients with increased CD21low B cells at baseline compared to SSc patients with normal CD21low B cells. A positive correlation was found between IgG levels and naive B cells. A negative linear correlation was shown between IgG levels and IgM-memory, switched-memory, double-negative, and CD21low B cells. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine response is normal in SSc patients not undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. The normal number of naive B cells is a positive marker of antibody response. The increased percentage of CD21low B cells represents a negative marker of antibody response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pellicano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Amalia Colalillo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Basile
- Clinical Pathology Unit and Cancer Biobank, Department of Research and Advanced Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariapaola Marino
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Section of General Pathology, “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Basile
- Department of Laboratory and Infectious Disease Sciences, “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesca La Gualana
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ivano Mezzaroma
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcella Visentini
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Chikhoune L, Brousseau T, Morell-Dubois S, Farhat MM, Maillard H, Ledoult E, Lambert M, Yelnik C, Sanges S, Sobanski V, Hachulla E, Launay D. Association between Routine Laboratory Parameters and the Severity and Progression of Systemic Sclerosis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11175087. [PMID: 36079017 PMCID: PMC9457158 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous connective tissue disease with a high mortality and morbidity rate. Identification of biomarkers that can predict the evolution of SSc is a key factor in the management of patients. The aim of this study was to assess the association of routine laboratory parameters, widely used in practice and easily available, with the severity and progression of SSc. (2) Methods: In this retrospective monocentric cohort study, 372 SSc patients were included. We gathered clinical and laboratory data including routine laboratory parameters: C-reactive-protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), complete blood count, serum sodium and potassium levels, creatinin, urea, ferritin, albumin, uric acid, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), serum protein electrophoresis, and liver enzymes. Associations between these routine laboratory parameters and clinical presentation and outcome were assessed. (3) Results: Median (interquartile range) age was 59.0 (50.0; 68.0) years. White blood cell, monocyte, and neutrophil absolute counts were significantly higher in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc and with interstitial lung disease (ILD) (p < 0.001). CRP was significantly higher in patients with ILD (p < 0.001). Hemoglobin and ferritin were significantly lower in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) including pulmonary arterial hypertension and ILD associated PH (p = 0.016 and 0.046, respectively). Uric acid and NT pro BNP were significantly higher in patients with PH (<0.001). Monocyte count was associated with ILD progression over time. (4) Conclusions: Overall, our study highlights the association of routine laboratory parameters used in current practice with the severity and progression of SSc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liticia Chikhoune
- CHU Lille, Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Thierry Brousseau
- CHU Lille, Service de Biochimie Automatisée Protéines, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Sandrine Morell-Dubois
- CHU Lille, Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Meryem Maud Farhat
- CHU Lille, Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), F-59000 Lille, France
- U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Inserm, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Helene Maillard
- CHU Lille, Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Emmanuel Ledoult
- CHU Lille, Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), F-59000 Lille, France
- U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Inserm, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Marc Lambert
- CHU Lille, Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Cecile Yelnik
- CHU Lille, Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Sebastien Sanges
- CHU Lille, Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), F-59000 Lille, France
- U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Inserm, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Vincent Sobanski
- CHU Lille, Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), F-59000 Lille, France
- U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Inserm, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Eric Hachulla
- CHU Lille, Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), F-59000 Lille, France
- U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Inserm, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - David Launay
- CHU Lille, Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), F-59000 Lille, France
- U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Inserm, F-59000 Lille, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-3-2044-4433
| |
Collapse
|