A Case Report of Successful Treatment of Recalcitrant Childhood Localized Scleroderma with Infliximab and Leflunomide

Biomarkers in skin autoimmunity-An update on localised scleroderma

Human autoimmune diseases are complex and highly diverse conditions that can be of localised or systemic nature. Understanding the basic biology of autoimmune diseases goes hand in hand with providing the clinics with valuable biomarkers for managing these diseases. The focus of this review is paid to localised scleroderma, an autoimmune disease affecting skin and subcutaneous tissue. Localised scleroderma has very few serological biomarkers for clinical analyses distinguishing it from main differentials, and yet noneffective prognostic biomarkers. With this regard, the review covers well-established and new biomarkers such as cell surface proteins, autoantibodies and cytokines. In recent few years, several new biomarkers have been suggested, many provided with modern genomic studies. This includes epigenetic regulation of DNA, RNA transcriptomics and regulatory RNA such as microRNA and long non-coding RNA. These findings can for the first time shed light on the genetic mechanisms behind the disease and contribute to improved diagnosis and treatment.

[Juvenile localized scleroderma]

Juvenile scleroderma, often referred to as juvenile localized scleroderma or "morphea", is a rare inflammatory disease of the skin and skin-related structures, accompanied by local sclerosis and tissue fibrosis. Depending on the clinical manifestation, four different subtypes can be defined: limited, generalized, linear, and mixed. To prevent possible sequelae of the disease, the diagnosis should be made as early as possible and therapy should be initiated at specialized centers in multiprofessional pediatric and dermatologic collaboration. In this review, we present the main clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic characteristics of juvenile localized scleroderma and summarize recommendations.

Development of Morphea Following Treatment with an ADA Biosimilar: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is a pivotal cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of certain inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthropathies, and inflammatory bowel diseases. In the last two decades, TNFα inhibitors (TNFi) have revolutionized the treatment and outcome of the above disorders. However, the use of TNFi has been associated with the development of many autoimmune phenomena and paradoxical skin manifestations that may present as the same type of clinical indications for which the TNFi effectively used. Thus, they may display as arthritis, uveitis, colitis, psoriasis, and several other cutaneous clinical manifestations, among them the development of morphea, a localized scleroderma skin lesion.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe a 58-year-old woman with seronegative RA, refractory to methotrexate, who was treated with ABP-501 (Hefiya), an adalimumab (ADA) biosimilar and developed an oval-shaped, deep skin lesion of approximately 3.5cm in size, affecting the left part of her back compatible with morphea 3 months after the initiation of therapy. ADA biosimilar was discontinued and two months later, she had substantial skin improvement.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of morphea manifestation during TNFi biosimilar since the patient had no other trigger factors for morphea development like trauma and infections. Physicians dealing with patients treated with TNFi biosimilars should be aware of paradoxical skin reactions, among them morphea; thus, close monitoring, a minute and careful clinical examination, and a follow- up check are required.

Systemic therapy in juvenile localized scleroderma

INTRODUCTION

Juvenile localized scleroderma (JLS) is a rare sclerosing disorder of childhood which can result in permanent morbidity and functional disability, if not effectively treated. Treatment should be started in the inflammatory phase before the development of any complication and/or damage.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we will discuss how to assess disease activity and damage in JLS, and propose an escalation plan for systemic treatment, according to a treat-to-target concept. We will discuss the definition of inactive disease and how and when to discontinue medications.

EXPERT OPINION

Before starting treatment, it is extremely important to assess baseline disease activity for treatment response to be adequately checked. Moreover, the activity of the extra cutaneous involvement is an important part of the assessment. Patients should be treated in the 'therapeutic window,' before significant fibrosis results. Most patients should receive systemic treatments; in these patients, Methotrexate should be used as the first-line disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). However, methotrexate intolerance or non-response is an issue, and these patients should be proposed a treatment escalation according to results of latest studies. Future research can develop better prognostic markers to help to guide our decision.

Treatment of juvenile localized scleroderma: current recommendations, response factors, and potential alternative treatments

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Juvenile localized scleroderma (jLS) is a chronic autoimmune and fibrosing disease associated with a high risk for functional impairment. Antifibrotic options are limited, so current treatment strategies are focused on disease activity control. Pediatric rheumatologists are in consensus on the need to treat with systemic immunosuppressants, in particular, methotrexate. However, more than 30% of patients fail initial methotrexate treatment. This review provides an update on current management and reviews reports on potential alternative treatments.

RECENT FINDINGS

An overview of current treatment recommendations and its efficacy are discussed. Recent studies have identified several factors associated with likelihood of treatment response. These include time to initiation of treatment, certain subtypes, and extracutaneous involvement. Findings from recent reports of alternative systemic immunomodulators, including biologic medications, will be summarized.

SUMMARY

Methotrexate treatment has greatly improved outcome for most jLS patients but a substantial portion have refractory cutaneous and/or extracutaneous disease. Treatment response factors are being identified, which could lead to improved management strategies. Recent studies provide further support on mycophenolate mofetil as an alternative treatment. Data on biologic therapies is encouraging, with data suggesting efficacy for many extracutaneous manifestations but more studies are needed to evaluate these and other options for jLS.

Juvenile Localized Scleroderma: Updates and Differences from Adult-Onset Disease

Children and adolescents with localized scleroderma (LS) are at high risk for extracutaneous-related functional impairment including hemiatrophy, arthropathy, seizures, and vision impairment. Compared with adult-onset LS, pediatric disease has a higher likelihood for poor outcome, with extracutaneous involvement twice as prevalent in linear scleroderma, disease relapses more common, and disease duration more than double. Consensus among pediatric rheumatologists on treating patients at risk for significant morbidity with systemic immunosuppressants has led to major improvements in outcome. This review discusses recent progress in assessment and treatment strategies and in our understanding of key disease pathways.

Pediatric morphea state-of-the-art literature review: Reframing morphea as a systemic disease

Pediatric morphea is an inflammatory, fibrosing dermatologic disorder. Although morphea may be localized to the skin and subcutaneous tissues, differentiating it from systemic sclerosis, there is increasing evidence that morphea is a manifestation of a systemic inflammatory process, with the potential to involve many organ systems. Given the potential risk for irreversible sequelae, pediatric morphea should be treated early and aggressively. Long-term disease monitoring is essential.

Preliminary evidence on abatacept safety and efficacy in refractory juvenile localized scleroderma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of abatacept treatment for refractory juvenile localized scleroderma (jLS) in a retrospective study.

METHODS

A multicentre cohort study was performed to evaluate jLS subjects treated with abatacept with follow-up for 12 months to maximum of 24 months. Assessments at 6-month intervals included skin activity measures and physician global assessment of activity (PGA-A). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Eighteen subjects were studied with median age of 13.4 years, the majority had linear scleroderma subtype, and musculoskeletal involvement. All had previously failed MTX and/or mycophenolate mofetil treatment and glucocorticoids. Abatacept was added to the subject's maintenance DMARD treatment; 13 also received glucocorticoids at start of abatacept. No serious adverse events occurred. Skin activity and PGA-A scores declined in nearly all by 6 months and continued to improve from 6 to 12 months. At 12 months, 15 (83%) subjects were considered responders, two (11%) treatment failures, and one dropped out for adverse event. Response was sustained for 11 (61%) subjects to 18 months and eight (44%) to 24 months. Overall, four (22%) subjects were treatment failures and three (16.7%) discontinued abatacept for adverse event. Active musculoskeletal problems improved in most affected subjects. Ten subjects were able to discontinue initial glucocorticoid and six concomitant DMARD treatment.

CONCLUSION

Abatacept was found to be safe and effective for jLS subjects refractory to standard of care treatment. Subjects experienced improvement in both skin and musculoskeletal activity. Prospective studies should be performed to more fully evaluate abatacept's efficacy.

Update on Management of Morphea (Localized Scleroderma) in Children

Juvenile localized scleroderma (morphea) is the predominant scleroderma in childhood which affects the skin and may extend to the underlying fascia, muscle, joints and bone. The assessment of activity and damage can be done with a validated instrument like LoSCAT. Disease classified as “low severity” which includes superficial plaque morphea can be treated with topical mid potent- potent steroids, tacrolimus, calcipotriol or imiquimod in combination with phototherapy. Methotrexate is recommended for linear, deep and generalized morphea. Steroids are effective in the early inflammatory stage and used in combination with methotrexate. Methotrexate is continued for at least 12 months after adequate response is achieved. Mycophenolate mofetil is given in cases where methotrexate is contraindicated or for those who do not respond to methotrexate. There are also reports of improvement of disease with ciclosporine and hydroxychloroquine. In severe cases, recalcitrant to standard therapy there may be a role for biologics, JAK inhibitors, and IVIG. Supportive measures like physiotherapy and psychiatric counseling are also important in the management of morphea. Orthopedic surgery and other measures like autologous fat transfer may be advocated once the disease is inactive.

Overview of Juvenile localized scleroderma and its management

BACKGROUND

Juvenile localized scleroderma (JLS) is a rare pediatric disease characterized by inflammation and skin thickening. JLS is associated with deep tissue and extracutaneous involvement that often results in functional impairment and growth disturbances. This article provides an overview of the disease with a focus on active features and treatment.

DATA SOURCES

We searched databases including PubMed, Elsevier and MedLine and Wanfang, reviewing publications from 2013 to 2019. Selected earlier publications were also reviewed.

RESULTS

Linear scleroderma is the most common JLS subtype. Several lines of evidence suggest that JLS is an autoimmune disease. Extracutaneous involvement is common and can present before the onset of skin disease. Multiple skin features are associated with disease activity, and activity can also manifest as arthritis, myositis, uveitis, seizures, and growth impairment. Systemic immunosuppressive treatment, commonly methotrexate with or without glucocorticoids, greatly improves outcome and is recommended for treating JLS patients with active disease and moderate or higher severity. Long term monitoring is needed because of the disease's chronicity and the high frequency of relapses off of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

JLS is associated with a risk for disabling and disfiguring morbidity for the growing child. Identifying active disease is important for guiding treatment, but often difficult because of the paucity of markers and lack of a universal skin activity feature. More studies of JLS pathophysiology are needed to allow the identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Comparative effectiveness treatment studies are also needed to work towards optimizing care and outcome.

Is biological therapy in systemic sclerosis the answer?

Systemic sclerosis is a systemic fibrosing disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality, with no universally accepted disease-modifying therapy. Significant advances in the understanding of systemic sclerosis in recent years have guided the exploration of biological drugs in systemic sclerosis. In this narrative review, we summarize the published literature on biologic therapies in systemic sclerosis. A double-blind randomized trial, and an open label trial of tocilizumab (which antagonizes the interleukin 6 receptor), identified potential benefits in skin and lung fibrosis in systemic sclerosis; however, these differences failed to attain statistical significance. Two open-label trials compared rituximab (which depletes B lymphocytes) to conventional treatment/ cyclophosphamide in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD), and revealed significant improvements in lung functions and skin disease with rituximab. Significant observational data also support the use of rituximab in skin, lung, muscle and joint manifestations of systemic sclerosis. Abatacept (which blocks T lymphocyte activation) has demonstrated utility for skin and joint disease in systemic sclerosis; a recent clinical trial failed to demonstrate benefits in improving skin thickness compared to placebo. Agents targeting type I interferons, interleukin 17 pathway, CD19 and plasma cells hold promise in systemic sclerosis; however, high-quality evidence is lacking. The results of different ongoing clinical trials targeting B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, various cytokines (interleukins 6, 17, 4, 13, IL-1α), platelet-derived growth factor receptor, proteasome, integrins or oncostatin M may help guide future therapeutic regimens with biological agents in systemic sclerosis.

Update on the Systemic Treatment of Pediatric Localized Scleroderma

Juvenile localized scleroderma (jLS) is an orphan disease that can lead to cosmetic disfiguration and orthopedic problems. Two recent publications review the current recommendations regarding diagnosis, assessment, follow up and treatment of pediatric localized scleroderma cases, both of which suggest the Localized Scleroderma Cutaneous Assessment Tool as an important instrument to assess activity and damage. This review focuses on the systemic treatment of jLS. Systemic treatment includes synthetic and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Systemic therapy is indicated if the lesion crosses any joint, or leads to potential cosmetic disfiguration or orthopedic problems. The only controlled trial of systemic treatment has shown the efficacy of methotrexate, which is the first choice of treatment. It appears superior to phototherapy according to a recently published meta-analysis. In case of methotrexate intolerance, mycophenolate mofetil is an option. In case of methotrexate nonresponse, addition of mycophenolate mofetil, tocilizumab or abatacept seems to be effective. Future treatment options derived and extrapolated from adult trials regarding treatment of skin involvement of systemic scleroderma or fibrosis are promising, as the final pathway in the skin seems to be similar in both diseases.

Current and upcoming therapies to modulate skin scarring and fibrosis

Skin is the largest organ of the human body. Being the interface between the body and the outer environment, makes it susceptible to physical injury. To maintain life, nature has endowed skin with a fast healing response that invariably ends in the formation of scar at the wounded dermal area. In many cases, skin remodelling may be impaired, leading to local hypertrophic scars or keloids. One should also consider that the scarring process is part of the wound healing response, which always starts with inflammation. Thus, scarring can also be induced in the dermis, in the absence of an actual wound, during chronic inflammatory processes. Considering the significant portion of the population that is subject to abnormal scarring, this review critically discusses the state-of-the-art and upcoming therapies in skin scarring and fibrosis.

Development of minimum standards of care for juvenile localized scleroderma

Juvenile localized scleroderma (jLS), also known as morphea, is an orphan disease. Pediatric guidelines regarding diagnosis, assessment, and management are lacking.Our objective was to develop minimum standards of care for diagnosis, assessment, and management of jLS. A systematic review was undertaken to establish the pediatric evidence for assessment and monitoring of jLS. An expert panel, including members of the Pediatric Rheumatology European Society (PRES) Scleroderma Working Group, were invited to a consensus meeting where recommendations were developed based on evidence graded by the systematic review and, where evidence was lacking, consensus opinion. A nominal technique was used where 75% consensus was taken as agreement. Recommendations for diagnosis, assessment, and management were developed. Due to a lack of pediatric evidence, these were primarily consensus driven. Careful assessment for extra-cutaneous manifestations including synovitis, brain involvement, and uveitis were key features together with joint assessments between Dermatology and Rheumatology to improve and standardize care.

CONCLUSION

Management of jLS is varied. These recommendations should help provide standardization of assessment and care for those with this rare and potentially debilitating condition. What is Known: • Children with juvenile localized scleroderma (jLS) are managed by a number of specialties including pediatric rheumatologists and dermatologists, sometimes in shared clinics. Studies have shown that management varies considerably and that there are notable differences between specialties [1]. • There is very little published guidance on management of jLS. What is new: • These recommendations aim to standardize diagnosis, assessment, and management through review of pediatric evidence and consensus agreement. • Joint review of patients by both pediatric rheumatologists and dermatologists is recommended.

Orthopedic complications of linear morphea: Implications for early interdisciplinary care

Linear morphea of the limb primarily affects children, and extracutaneous manifestations are common. Orthopedic surgeons are often essential in the care of patients with linear morphea, yet there are few reports outlining specific orthopedic complications in this population. We sought to improve the understanding of orthopedic complications in linear morphea of the limb. Between 1999 and 2014, 51 children were evaluated for linear morphea of an extremity. Twenty-six (51%) had documented orthopedic manifestations. Outcome measures included limb length discrepancy, angular malalignment, limb atrophy, and orthopedic surgical intervention. Joint contractures were most common, affecting 88% of patients, followed by limb atrophy, angular deformity, and limb length discrepancy; 14% required surgical intervention. Despite the use of systemic immunosuppressive therapy in many patients, approximately half of patients with linear morphea of an extremity have orthopedic disease. Early orthopedist involvement is crucial to improve limb alignment and preserve function.

Successful infliximab therapy in a patient with comorbid spondyloarthritis, primary biliary cirrhosis and generalized morphea

The patient in this report was diagnosed simultaneously with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), spondyloarthritis, and generalized morphea and was started on infliximab therapy. In addition to an improvement in clinical symptoms with this therapy, an improvement was also observed in laboratory parameters such as cholestatic enzymes, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Infliximab was well tolerated in this 56-year-old patient. However, further studies must be performed in order to clarify the therapeutic role of TNF-α blockers in, PBC and generalized morphea.

Morphea and Eosinophilic Fasciitis: An Update

Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, encompasses a group of idiopathic sclerotic skin diseases. The spectrum ranges from relatively mild phenotypes, which generally cause few problems besides local discomfort and visible disfigurement, to subtypes with severe complications such as joint contractures and limb length discrepancies. Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF, Shulman syndrome) is often regarded as belonging to the severe end of the morphea spectrum. The exact driving mechanisms behind morphea and EF pathogenesis remain to be elucidated. However, extensive extracellular matrix formation and autoimmune dysfunction are thought to be key pathogenic processes. Likewise, these processes are considered essential in systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis. In addition, similarities in clinical presentation between morphea and SSc have led to many theories about their relatedness. Importantly, morphea may be differentiated from SSc based on absence of sclerodactyly, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and nailfold capillary changes. The diagnosis of morphea is often based on characteristic clinical findings. Histopathological evaluation of skin biopsies and laboratory tests are not necessary in the majority of morphea cases. However, full-thickness skin biopsies, containing fascia and muscle tissue, are required for the diagnosis of EF. Monitoring of disease activity and damage, especially of subcutaneous involvement, is one of the most challenging aspects of morphea care. Therefore, data harmonization is crucial for optimizing standard care and for comparability of study results. Recently, the localized scleroderma cutaneous assessment tool (LoSCAT) has been developed and validated for morphea. The LoSCAT is currently the most widely reported outcome measure for morphea. Care providers should take disease subtype, degree of activity, depth of involvement, and quality-of-life impairments into account when initiating treatment. In most patients with circumscribed superficial subtypes, treatment with topical therapies suffices. In more widespread disease, UVA1 phototherapy or systemic treatment with methotrexate (MTX), with or without a systemic corticosteroid combination, should be initiated. Disappointingly, few alternatives for MTX have been described and additional research is still needed to optimize treatment for these debilitating conditions. In this review, we present a state-of-the-art flow chart that guides care providers in the treatment of morphea and EF.

Leflunomide prevents ROS-induced systemic fibrosis in mice

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by fibrosis of the skin and inner organs, vasculopathy and immunological abnormalities. Recent insights into the polarization of macrophages in scleroderma and into the implication of STAT6 and KLF4 in this process have prompted us to investigate the effects of the inhibition of STAT6 signaling pathway by leflunomide in mice. SSc was induced in BALB/c mice by daily subcutaneous injections of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) or bleomycin. Mice were treated (or not) every other day, for 4 or 6 weeks, by leflunomide. Skin and lung fibrosis as well as immunological features were studied. Mice exposed to HOCl developed a diffuse cutaneous SSc with pulmonary fibrosis and anti-DNA topoisomerase 1 auto-antibodies. STAT6 pathway was hyperactivated and KLF4 was overexpressed in the skin and the lungs of diseased mice. Their inhibition by leflunomide prevented skin and lung fibrosis. Moreover, the hyperproliferative and pro-oxidative phenotype of skin and lung fibroblasts was reversed by leflunomide. Beneficial immunological effects of leflunomide were associated with decreased activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cell activation, decreased auto-antibodies production and restored polarization of macrophages in the spleen. The improvement provided by leflunomide in both mouse models of SSc provides a rationale for the evaluation of this immunomodulating drug in the management of patients affected by this disease.

Leflunomide for the treatment of trichodysplasia spinulosa in a liver transplant recipient

Trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS) is a rare dermatologic complication associated with the immunosuppressive therapy used in solid organ transplantation. The distinctive clinical manifestation of this condition is spiny follicular papules on the face, ears, extremities, and trunk. Histopathologically, abnormally maturing hair follicles with hyperkeratotic material are noted. The condition is produced by the trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus. Treatment of this condition in the past has entailed a reduction in immunosuppression, topical agents such as cidofovir or retinoids, or oral valganciclovir. Herein, we report a case of generalized TS treated successfully with leflunomide.