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Costa E, Cunha-Santos F, Dourado E, Oliveira D, Falzon L, Romão V, Duarte AC, Cordeiro A, Santiago T, Sepriano A. Systematic literature review to inform the Portuguese recommendations for the management of Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis and other connective tissue diseases. ARP RHEUMATOLOGY 2024; 3:128-144. [PMID: 38306796 DOI: 10.63032/yhbl8967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform a systematic literature review (SLR) aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and digital ulcers (DU) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and other connective tissue diseases (CTD), in order to inform the Portuguese recommendations for managing RP and DU in these patients. METHODS A SLR was conducted until May 2022 to identify studies assessing the efficacy and safety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for RP and DU in SSc and other CTD. Eligible study designs included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials, and their extensions for assessing efficacy and safety of interventions. Observational studies with a comparator were included for evaluating the efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological interventions and safety of pharmacological interventions. The risk of bias of each study was assessed using standard tools. RESULTS Out of 71 publications meeting the inclusion criteria, 59 evaluated pharmacological and 12 non-pharmacological interventions. We found moderate quality evidence supporting the efficacy of calcium channel blockers, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, and intravenous prostacyclin analogues in reducing RP frequency, severity, and duration. Intravenous iloprost had a small to moderate effect size in improving DU healing. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors were effective in reducing total DU count, new DU occurrence, and enhancing DU healing. Bosentan effectively prevented new DU in SSc patients. No new safety concerns were associated with these treatments. The studies on non-pharmacological interventions were, in general, of low quality, and had a small sample size. Warming measures decreased frequency and duration of RP attacks; laser therapy improved RP-related outcomes; local oxygen-ozone therapy improved RP outcomes as an add-on therapy; bone marrow mononuclear cell implantation improved DU-associated pain; periarterial sympathectomy and vascular bypass reduced DU number and finger amputation risk. CONCLUSION The available evidence supports the efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions, namely nifedipine, sildenafil, iloprost, and bosentan in treating RP and DU in patients with SSc and other CTD. Scarce and low-quality evidence does support the use of some non-pharmacological interventions but with only a modest effect size. This SLR underscores the limited availability of high-quality evidence for determining the optimal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Vasco Romão
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - Tânia Santiago
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Hughes M, Herrick AL, Hudson M. Treatment of Vascular Complications in Systemic Sclerosis: What Is the Best Approach to Diagnosis and Management of Renal Crisis and Digital Ulcers? Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2023; 49:263-277. [PMID: 37028834 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Vasculopathy as exemplified by scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) and digital ulcers (DUs) is a cardinal feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is associated with significant morbidity, including in patients with early disease. Prompt recognition and management is required to alleviate potentially irreversible damage from SSc-associated vasculopathy. Both SRC and DUs share many etiopathogenic drivers which inform the therapeutic strategy. The aim of our review was to describe the diagnosis and management of SRC and DUs in SSc, and to discuss unmet needs for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hughes
- Department of Rheumatology, Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, Ashton-under-Lyne, UK; Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Ariane L Herrick
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Marie Hudson
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Canada; Division of Rheumatology, Jewish General Hospital, Canada; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Ploderer B, Rezaei Aghdam A, Burns K. Patient-Generated Health Photos and Videos Across Health and Well-being Contexts: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e28867. [PMID: 35412458 PMCID: PMC9044143 DOI: 10.2196/28867] [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: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patient-generated health data are increasingly used to record health and well-being concerns and engage patients in clinical care. Patient-generated photographs and videos are accessible and meaningful to patients, making them especially relevant during the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, a systematic review of photos and videos used by patients across different areas of health and well-being is lacking. Objective This review aims to synthesize the existing literature on the health and well-being contexts in which patient-generated photos and videos are used, the value gained by patients and health professionals, and the challenges experienced. Methods Guided by a framework for scoping reviews, we searched eight health databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science) and one computing database (ACM), returning a total of 28,567 studies. After removing duplicates and screening based on the predefined inclusion criteria, we identified 110 relevant articles. Data were charted and articles were analyzed following an iterative thematic approach with the assistance of NVivo software (version 12; QSR International). Results Patient-generated photos and videos are used across a wide range of health care services (39/110, 35.5% articles), for example, to diagnose skin lesions, assess dietary intake, and reflect on personal experiences during therapy. In addition, patients use them to self-manage health and well-being concerns (33/110, 30%) and to share personal health experiences via social media (36/110, 32.7%). Photos and videos create significant value for health care (59/110, 53.6%), where images support diagnosis, explanation, and treatment (functional value). They also provide value directly to patients through enhanced self-determination (39/110, 35.4%), social (33/110, 30%), and emotional support (21/110, 19.1%). However, several challenges emerge when patients create, share, and examine photos and videos, such as limited accessibility (16/110, 14.5%), incomplete image sets (23/110, 20.9%), and misinformation through photos and videos shared on social media (17/110, 15.5%). Conclusions This review shows that photos and videos engage patients in meaningful ways across different health care activities (eg, diagnosis, treatment, and self-care) for various health conditions. Although photos and videos require effort to capture and involve challenges when patients want to use them in health care, they also engage and empower patients, generating unique value. This review highlights areas for future research and strategies for addressing these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Ploderer
- School of Computer Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Atae Rezaei Aghdam
- School of Information Systems, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kara Burns
- Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to give an update on advances in evaluation and management of systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulceration, focusing on reports from the last 18 months. The increasing recognition of the huge impact of Raynaud's phenomenon and of digital ulceration on the everyday lives of patients with SSc has sparked enthusiasm internationally to develop better outcome measures and better treatments, and so a review is timely. RECENT FINDINGS There have been recent advances in the development of patient reported outcome instruments [e.g. the Hand Disability in Systemic Sclerosis-Digital Ulcers (HDISS-DU) instrument] and also in noninvasive imaging techniques, including thermography and laser Doppler methods. Improved outcome measures will facilitate future clinical trials, both early phase proof-of-concept and later phase trials. New insights have been gained into mechanisms of action and methods of administration of 'conventional' therapies, for example phosphodiesterase inhibitors and intravenous prostanoids. New treatment approaches are being investigated, including topical and procedural therapies. SUMMARY Clinicians can look forward to seeing these advances translating into clinical benefit over the next 5 years. To help ensure this, they should strive whenever possible to recruit patients with SSc-related digital vasculopathy into observational studies and clinical trials.
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Zhang J, Mihai C, Tüshaus L, Scebba G, Distler O, Karlen W. Wound Image Quality From a Mobile Health Tool for Home-Based Chronic Wound Management With Real-Time Quality Feedback: Randomized Feasibility Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e26149. [PMID: 34328440 PMCID: PMC8367165 DOI: 10.2196/26149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Travel to clinics for chronic wound management is burdensome to patients. Remote assessment and management of wounds using mobile and telehealth approaches can reduce this burden and improve patient outcomes. An essential step in wound documentation is the capture of wound images, but poor image quality can have a negative influence on the reliability of the assessment. To date, no study has investigated the quality of remotely acquired wound images and whether these are suitable for wound self-management and telemedical interpretation of wound status. Objective Our goal was to develop a mobile health (mHealth) tool for the remote self-assessment of digital ulcers (DUs) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We aimed to define and validate objective measures for assessing the image quality, evaluate whether an automated feedback feature based on real-time assessment of image quality improves the overall quality of acquired wound images, and evaluate the feasibility of deploying the mHealth tool for home-based chronic wound self-monitoring by patients with SSc. Methods We developed an mHealth tool composed of a wound imaging and management app, a custom color reference sticker, and a smartphone holder. We introduced 2 objective image quality parameters based on the sharpness and presence of the color checker to assess the quality of the image during acquisition and enable a quality feedback mechanism in an advanced version of the app. We randomly assigned patients with SSc and DU to the 2 device groups (basic and feedback) to self-document their DU at home over 8 weeks. The color checker detection ratio (CCDR) and color checker sharpness (CCS) were compared between the 2 groups. We evaluated the feasibility of the mHealth tool by analyzing the usability feedback from questionnaires, user behavior and timings, and the overall quality of the wound images. Results A total of 21 patients were enrolled, of which 15 patients were included in the image quality analysis. The average CCDR was 0.96 (191/199) in the feedback group and 0.86 (158/183) in the basic group. The feedback group showed significantly higher (P<.001) CCS compared to the basic group. The usability questionnaire results showed that the majority of patients were satisfied with the tool, but could benefit from disease-specific adaptations. The median assessment duration was <50 seconds in all patients, indicating the mHealth tool was efficient to use and could be integrated into the daily routine of patients. Conclusions We developed an mHealth tool that enables patients with SSc to acquire good-quality DU images and demonstrated that it is feasible to deploy such an app in this patient group. The feedback mechanism improved the overall image quality. The introduced technical solutions consist of a further step towards reliable and trustworthy digital health for home-based self-management of wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhang
- Mobile Health Systems Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carina Mihai
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Tüshaus
- Mobile Health Systems Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gaetano Scebba
- Mobile Health Systems Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Walter Karlen
- Mobile Health Systems Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Hughes M, Allanore Y, El Aoufy K, Denton CP, Khanna D, Krieg T, Matucci-Cerinic M. A Practical Approach to the Management of Digital Ulcers in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis: A Narrative Review. JAMA Dermatol 2021; 157:851-858. [PMID: 34037677 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.1463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Importance Digital ulcers (DUs) occurring on the fingers in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are associated with substantial pain and disability and are often challenging to treat. However, careful clinical assessment and prompt intervention (wound bed management and systemic pharmacologic treatment) may modify the clinical course. Objectives To provide a practical approach to the assessment and management of SSc-DUs and highlight unmet needs and research priorities. Evidence Review A narrative review of the extant literature was undertaken to provide a broad overview of current knowledge and augmented by expert opinion. Findings Half of the patients with SSc have a history of DUs, and there is a point of prevalence of approximately 10%. Digital ulcers are often very painful and affect all aspects of physical, social, and family life as well as occupation. Digital ulcers are associated with a severe disease course. Systemic sclerosis DUs, particularly those occurring on the fingertips, represent a vascular ischemic complication, although other etiopathogenic factors play an important role. To guide management, a structured clinical approach is required, including DU definition, classification, and categorization. Digital ulcers require a multidisciplinary approach with close cooperation between physicians and specialist nursing and other allied health professionals to guarantee the appropriate treatment and provide patient education. Local wound bed management is necessary for all DUs and is combined with systemic (pharmacologic) treatments. When treating a DU, the clinician should actively review the therapeutic strategy to prevent further DUs, including the level of systemic disease control, and monitor closely for the development of DU complications, including infection and progression to gangrene. Despite a wide available therapeutic armory, a number of unmet needs and challenges remain that that require resolution to optimize DU management. Conclusions and Relevance A practical approach to DU management, including local wound bed management and systemic treatments, is useful. Digital ulcers are of interest to a broad range of dermatologists, rheumatologists, and other physicians providing care for patients with SSc. Careful clinical assessment and prompt intervention can substantially modify the clinical course of DUs in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hughes
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Department of Rheumatology, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Khadija El Aoufy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, Italy
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Centre of Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Thomas Krieg
- Translational Matrix Biology and Department for Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, Italy
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Hughes M, Bruni C, Ruaro B, Confalonieri M, Matucci-Cerinic M, Bellando-Randone S. Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis. Presse Med 2021; 50:104064. [PMID: 33548375 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2021.104064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital ulcers (DU) are one of the most common complication of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)-related vasculopathy and represent an important burden for the patients as well as for the society. Still today there is no agreement on the definition, classification and cathegorization of DU even if they are of pivotal importance in clinical practice, for treatment choice and prognostic outcomes, as well as for clinical trials. DU management requires a dedicated multidisciplinary team, that must remain ever vigilant for the development of infective complications and gangrene throughout their disease course, as well as patient education that is crucial to obtain the best compliance to assure the success of the treatment. Currently several drugs are available for DU treatment but in the future, more investigations will be needed to ameliorate the approach and the systemic and local therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hughes
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Cosimo Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Firenze, & Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Firenze, Italy
| | - Barbara Ruaro
- Pulmonology Department, University Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Confalonieri
- Pulmonology Department, University Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Firenze, & Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Firenze, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellando-Randone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Firenze, & Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Firenze, Italy.
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Herrick AL, Shukla R, Watson REB. Frontiers in translational systemic sclerosis research: A focus on the unmet 'cutaneous' clinical needs (Viewpoint). Exp Dermatol 2020; 29:1144-1153. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.14179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ariane L. Herrick
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust Manchester Academic Health Science Centre The University of Manchester Manchester UK
| | | | - Rachel E. B. Watson
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust Manchester Academic Health Science Centre The University of Manchester Manchester UK
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Abstract
Raynaud phenomenon is a symptom complex caused by impaired digital perfusion and can occur as a primary phenomenon or secondary to a wide range of underlying causes. Raynaud phenomenon occurs in virtually all patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is often the earliest clinical manifestation to occur. Careful assessment is required in patients with Raynaud phenomenon to avoid missing secondary causes such as SSc. Digital ulcers are a painful and disabling visible manifestation of digital vascular injury in patients with SSc. Progress has been made in the classification and assessment of digital ulcers and in understanding ulcer pathogenesis, and there are a wide range of treatments available to both prevent and heal digital ulcers, some of which are also used in Raynaud phenomenon management. In this Review, the assessment of patients with Raynaud phenomenon is discussed, including 'red flags' that are suggestive of SSc. The pathogenesis, classification and assessment of SSc-associated digital ulcers are also covered, alongside an overview of management approaches for SSc-associated Raynaud phenomenon and digital ulcers. Finally, unmet needs are discussed and the concept of a unified vascular phenotype in which therapies that affect the vasculature to support disease modification strategies is introduced.
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