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Benfaremo D, Pacenti N, Paterno I, Dichiara C, Galli FL, Moroncini G. Role of cognitive impairment and malnutrition as determinants of quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2024; 9:143-153. [PMID: 38910598 PMCID: PMC11188851 DOI: 10.1177/23971983231224522] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence supports the presence of cognitive impairment in patients with systemic sclerosis. Malnutrition is a well-known severe complication of systemic sclerosis and is a consequence of multiple factors, mainly oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal involvement. Recent studies have shown a link between nutrition and cognitive decline in several chronic diseases. Thus, we decided to evaluate a possible association between malnutrition and cognitive impairment in patients with systemic sclerosis. Methods In total, 100 consecutive systemic sclerosis patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional study to assess clinical and demographic features, nutritional status (body mass index, Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria), gastrointestinal involvement (University of California Los Angeles Gastrointestinal Scale 2.0, Eat Assessment Tool 10), cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), anxiety and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9, Beck Depression Inventory II), and quality of life (Short Form 36, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire). Patients were stratified for the presence/absence of malnutrition and cognitive decline and compared for clinical characteristics and quality-of-life measures. Results Half of the patients had cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment < 26). These patients were older, had more comorbidities, and a significantly worse quality of life. There were no statistically significant associations with body mass index, malnutrition, and gastrointestinal involvement. About one-third of patients had clinically relevant malnutrition. They were older, had higher skin score, lung and esophageal involvement. They also showed significantly worse scores for dysphagia, gastrointestinal symptoms, functional disability, and quality of life. Gastrointestinal symptoms and dysphagia, but not body mass index and Montreal Cognitive Assessment, were significantly associated with depression scores, which in turn were negatively associated to quality-of-life measures. With regression analysis, cognitive impairment was predicted only by age, whereas malnutrition was significantly associated with age, dysphagia, and modified Rodnan skin scores. Conclusion In this study, we showed that cognitive impairment and malnutrition are not directly linked but are both independently associated with greater functional disability and worse quality of life of patients with systemic sclerosis. Early recognition of these comorbidities is therefore pivotal to better address the chronic needs of patients affected by this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devis Benfaremo
- Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
- Clinica Medica, Department of Internal Medicine, Marche University Hospital, Ancona, Italy
| | - Nikla Pacenti
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Paterno
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Cristina Dichiara
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Federica Lucia Galli
- Deparment of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianluca Moroncini
- Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
- Clinica Medica, Department of Internal Medicine, Marche University Hospital, Ancona, Italy
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Zhang Y, Wen X, Wang Y, Yang X, Chen Y, Zeng X, Li Y, Huang J, Guo Z, Zhang X. Longitudinal MicroSPECT Imaging of Systemic Sclerosis Model Mice with [ 99mTc]Tc-HYNFA via Folate Receptor Targeting. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:473-480. [PMID: 36305620 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging with [99mTc]Tc-HYNFA via folate receptor (FR) targeting was proposed to assess the inflammation and therapeutic effect of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in model mice. The radiochemical yield and purity of [99mTc]Tc-HYNFA were over 95%, with a specific activity of about 9.36 ± 0.17 MBq/nmol. At the end of induction, the uptake ratios of bleomycin-injected regions on the back-to-muscle (R/M) and lung-to-muscle (L/M) derived from SPECT images were 7.27 ± 0.50 and 4.25 ± 0.15, respectively. The radioactivity uptakes could be blocked by excessive folic acid (FA), and R/M and L/M obviously decreased to 2.78 ± 0.57 and 2.51 ± 0.79, respectively. R/M (2.22 ± 0.71) and L/M (1.62 ± 0.28) decreased very close to those of the control mice group (R/M = 1.99 ± 0.36, L/M = 1.50 ± 0.14) when macrophages had been depleted in advance. After being treated with cyclophosphamide (CTX) or methotrexate (MTX), R/M and L/M decreased to 3.58 ± 0.52 and 2.03 ± 0.32 (CTX treatment) or 2.48 ± 0.64 and 1.83 ± 0.06 (MTX treatment). R/M and L/M were highly correlated with pathological changes. The trend of hydroxyproline content in lungs at the later non-inflammatory phase of each group was similar to the uptake values of the lung in the 4th week from the beginning of induction. [99mTc]Tc-HYNFA had an ideal uptake in SSc lesions. R/M and L/M had a high consistency with pathological changes. SPECT imaging-targeted FR could monitor the therapeutic effect of CTX and MTX. It is expected to be an effective means to evaluate SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiren Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xuejun Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yanjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xia Yang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yingxi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xinying Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yesen Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Minnan PET Center, Xiamen Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Jinxiong Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Minnan PET Center, Xiamen Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Zhide Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xianzhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
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Chen YT, Lescoat A, Devine A, Khanna D, Murphy SL. Cognitive difficulties in people with systemic sclerosis: a qualitative study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 61:3754-3765. [PMID: 35015836 PMCID: PMC9259752 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac004] [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: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study used a qualitative approach to explore how people with SSc experience cognitive changes and how cognitive difficulties impact their functioning. METHODS Four 90-min focus groups of adults with SSc and self-reported changes in cognition were recruited from a SSc research registry and targeted social media. A focus group guide elicited information from participants via open-ended questions. Content analysis was conducted using grounded theory methodology. RESULTS There were 20 participants (mean age = 55.5 (11.4) years) comprising 16 (80%) females, 14 (70%) Caucasians, and 11 (55%) people with diffuse cutaneous SSc. Study themes included cognitive difficulties as part of daily life experience, impact of cognitive difficulties on daily life functioning, coping strategies and information seeking. Participants used different terms to describe their experience of cognitive difficulties, and most encountered deficits in short-term memory, language difficulties, decreased executive function, difficulties with concentration and focus, and slow processing speed. Participants expressed frustration with their cognitive difficulties and used coping strategies to lessen their impact. Participants were uncertain about the causes and wanted to understand factors contributing to cognitive difficulties as well as how to manage them. CONCLUSION Participants with SSc reported cognitive difficulties that had a substantial negative impact on their lives. Improved understanding of cognitive changes could subsequently facilitate development of relevant therapeutic interventions or educational programmes for symptom self-management to reduce impact of cognitive difficulties in people with SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen T Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Division of Rheumatology, Scleroderma Program, Univerisity of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alain Lescoat
- Division of Rheumatology, Scleroderma Program, Univerisity of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital
- Université de Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) – UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anita Devine
- Division of Rheumatology, Scleroderma Program, Univerisity of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Scleroderma Program, Univerisity of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Susan L Murphy
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Division of Rheumatology, Scleroderma Program, Univerisity of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Polunosika E, Pastare D, Jaunozoliņa L, Karelis G. Involvement of the Nervous System in Systemic Sclerosis. Open Neurol J 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1874205x-v16-e2112241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction:
Scleroderma is a rare heterogeneous multisystem autoimmune disease. The disease is characterized by structural abnormalities of the small blood vessels. Scleroderma affects all organs of the body. Skin manifestations are commonly reported, but peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) involvement has been less frequently reported. Neurological manifestations are broad, and it is challenging for clinicians to confirm a diagnosis of scleroderma.
Case Presentation:
In our case, a 53-year-old white woman had extensive clinical presentations: skin rashes and symptoms from internal organs, CNS, and PNS during the previous 11 years. She had not undergone any specific treatment because diagnosis has not been made in the early stages.
Conclusion:
It is important to make the diagnosis as early as possible and start treatment with immunomodulatory and immunosuppressant medication, as it affects the patient's disease progression, quality of life, and mortality. A detailed medical history, physical examination, and laboratory and radiology findings help us to identify and diagnose scleroderma. But unfortunately, it was late, and the patient died. This case guides us to be more careful and make the diagnosis of scleroderma earlier in the future.
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Polunosika E, Pastare D, Jaunozoliņa L, Karelis G. Involvement of the Nervous System in Systemic Sclerosis. Open Neurol J 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1874205x-v16-2112241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction:
Scleroderma is a rare heterogeneous multisystem autoimmune disease. The disease is characterized by structural abnormalities of the small blood vessels. Scleroderma affects all organs of the body. Skin manifestations are commonly reported, but peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) involvement has been less frequently reported. Neurological manifestations are broad, and it is challenging for clinicians to confirm a diagnosis of scleroderma.
Case Presentation:
In our case, a 53-year-old white woman had extensive clinical presentations: skin rashes and symptoms from internal organs, CNS, and PNS during the previous 11 years. She had not undergone any specific treatment because diagnosis has not been made in the early stages.
Conclusion:
It is important to make the diagnosis as early as possible and start treatment with immunomodulatory and immunosuppressant medication, as it affects the patient's disease progression, quality of life, and mortality. A detailed medical history, physical examination, and laboratory and radiology findings help us to identify and diagnose scleroderma. But unfortunately, it was late, and the patient died. This case guides us to be more careful and make the diagnosis of scleroderma earlier in the future.
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Carotid Artery Pathology in Inflammatory Diseases. Am J Med Sci 2021; 363:209-217. [PMID: 34785170 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2021.11.002] [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: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable evidence that patients with inflammatory conditions are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular (CV) disease including carotid artery stenosis. CV disease accounts for 35-50% of the excess mortality in patients with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, with cerebrovascular disease being the second leading cause of death. We review current evidence regarding the association of inflammatory conditions and specifically carotid artery disease. Clinical epidemiological observations suggest that mechanisms other than classic risk factors may promote accelerated atherogenesis in rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis and carotid artery disease is increased in individuals with these conditions. Additional studies to better understand the underlying mechanisms and targeted strategies to mitigate such risk are indicated. For now, lifestyle modifications, aggressive treatment of risk factors and lipid lowering therapy in appropriate individuals is indicated.
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Barth C, de Lange AMG. Towards an understanding of women's brain aging: the immunology of pregnancy and menopause. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 58:100850. [PMID: 32504632 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Women are at significantly greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and show higher prevalence of autoimmune conditions relative to men. Women's brain health is historically understudied, and little is therefore known about the mechanisms underlying epidemiological sex differences in neurodegenerative diseases, and how female-specific factors may influence women's brain health across the lifespan. In this review, we summarize recent studies on the immunology of pregnancy and menopause, emphasizing that these major immunoendocrine transition phases may play a critical part in women's brain aging trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Barth
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ann-Marie G de Lange
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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Khedr EM, El Fetoh NA, Gamal RM, Elzohri MH, Azoz NMA, Furst DE. Evaluation of cognitive function in systemic sclerosis patients: a pilot study. Clin Rheumatol 2020; 39:1551-1559. [PMID: 31902028 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-019-04884-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate cognitive dysfunction in adult patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) who had no known clinical neurological manifestations and to relate it with other disease severity parameters. METHODS In the present study, 20 SSc consecutive female patients, who met the 2013 American College of Rheumatology SSc criteria, were compared with 20 healthy age-, gender-, and educational status-matched volunteer hospital workers. Mean age and duration of illness were 41.8 ± 12.52 and 6.9 ± 5.4 years respectively. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Wechsler Adult Intelligence scale (WAIS-III), and P300 component of event-related potentials (ERPs) were used to evaluate cognitive function in SS subjectively and objectively respectively. RESULTS Sixty-five percent (13 out of 20) of SSc patients had MMSE score < 25, and cognitive impairment. Despite the lack of clinically apparent neurological manifestations, SSc patients had significantly low MMSE score, high Deterioration Index (DI), and prolonged P300 latency compared with that of the control group (P = 0.0001; 0.010 and 0.008 respectively). A significant positive association was found between (DI) and the Medsger severity vascular score (r = 0.518; P = 0.012).There were few differences between limited and diffuse SSc. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, few studies highlighted that subclinical cognitive impairment can occur in the course of SSc disease. Early diagnosis of cognitive impairment should be investigated either subjectively (using psychometrics tests as MMSE or WAIS-III) or objectively using P300 evoked related potentials. Medsger severity vascular score seems to be closely related to cognitive impairment.Key points• Cognitive impairment can be associated with Medsger Vascular severity score and the duration of illness.• Further larger studies will be needed to estimate the effect of disease activity on cognitive function, to further delineate the differences between limited and diffuse SSc in this area, and to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms causing cognitive impairment in patients with SSc.• To investigate impaired cognitive function in patients with SSc, even in the absence of clinically apparent neurological and vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman M Khedr
- Neurology and Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Noha Abo El Fetoh
- Neurology and Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Rania M Gamal
- Rheumatology& Rehabilitation Department, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt.
| | - Mona H Elzohri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Nashwa Mostafa A Azoz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Daniel E Furst
- Division of Rheumatology, University of California in Los Angeles (Emeritus), Los Angeles, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Division of Rheumatology and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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