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Anyfanti P, Angeloudi E, Dara A, Pagkopoulou E, Moysidou GS, Deuteraiou K, Boutel M, Bekiari E, Doumas M, Kitas GD, Dimitroulas T. Non-Invasive Assessment of Micro- and Macrovascular Function after Initiation of JAK Inhibitors in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:834. [PMID: 38667479 PMCID: PMC11048865 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14080834] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors constitute a novel class of oral biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, their use has been associated with increased risk of major cardiovascular events. We investigated whether treatment with JAK inhibitors exerts significant alterations in the micro- and microvasculature in RA patients. METHODS Thirteen patients with RA initiating treatment with JAK inhibitors were prospectively studied. Eventually, data from 11 patients who completed the study were analyzed. Procedures were performed at baseline and 3 months after treatment. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy was applied to detect alterations of the dermal capillary network. Participants underwent 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (Mobil-O-Graph device) for the assessment of blood pressure (both brachial and aortic) and markers of large artery stiffening [pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index] throughout the whole 24 h and the respective day- and nighttime periods. Carotid intima-media thickness was assessed with ultrasound. RESULTS Three-month treatment with JAK inhibitors was not associated with any differences in brachial and aortic blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and carotid atherosclerosis, with the only exception of nighttime PWV, which was significantly elevated at follow-up. However, three-month treatment with JAK inhibitors induced significant microvascular alterations and increased the total number of capillaroscopic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Three-month treatment with JAK inhibitors may exert significant effects on microcirculation as assessed with nailfold videocapillaroscopy, whereas macrovascular structure and function appears largely unaffected. Further research toward this direction may add substantial information to the available literature regarding cardiovascular aspects of JAK inhibitors in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Anyfanti
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.A.); (E.A.); (E.B.)
| | - Elena Angeloudi
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.A.); (E.A.); (E.B.)
| | - Athanasia Dara
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.D.); (E.P.); (K.D.); (M.B.)
| | - Eleni Pagkopoulou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.D.); (E.P.); (K.D.); (M.B.)
| | - Georgia-Savina Moysidou
- Rheumatology-Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Kleopatra Deuteraiou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.D.); (E.P.); (K.D.); (M.B.)
| | - Maria Boutel
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.D.); (E.P.); (K.D.); (M.B.)
| | - Eleni Bekiari
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.A.); (E.A.); (E.B.)
| | - Michael Doumas
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - George D. Kitas
- Department of Rheumatology, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley DY1 2HQ, UK;
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.D.); (E.P.); (K.D.); (M.B.)
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Gedik B, Erol MK, Bulut M, Dogan B, Bozdogan YC, Ekinci R, Ayan A. Proximal nailfold videocapillaroscopy findings of patients with idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2. Indian J Ophthalmol 2024; 72:S148-S152. [PMID: 38131558 PMCID: PMC10833163 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_1731_23] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 (IMT) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by bilateral, idiopathic, and perifoveal retinal telangiectatic vessel formations. We aimed to compare proximal nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NV) findings between patients with IMT and healthy individuals and evaluate the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters of the patients with IMT according to their NV findings. METHODS The study included 43 patients with IMT and 92 healthy controls of similar age and gender without any additional diseases. The OCTA and NV findings of the patients and controls were examined. RESULTS The mean age was 59.76 ± 5.73 years in the IMT group and 58.23 ± 4.96 years in the control group. Of the 43 patients with IMT, 19 were found to have increased capillary tortuosity, six had microhemorrhage, and 18 had bizarre capillaries (P < 0.001). In the IMT group, the total vascular density value of the superficial capillary plexus was higher among the patients with capillary microhemorrhage (P = 0.001), and the subfoveal choroidal thickness was lower among those with increased capillary tortuosity and bizarre capillaries (P = 0.04 and P = 0.07, respectively). CONCLUSION This is the first study in which the NV findings of patients with IMT were compared with those of a control group. We found higher rates of increased capillary tortuosity, microhemorrhage, and bizarre capillaries in the IMT group compared to the controls. We consider that this situation is caused by microvascular damage. We also think that IMT is a systemic disease that affects both proximal nailfold capillaries and eye vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birumut Gedik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antalya Serik State Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Muhammet K Erol
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antalya Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Bulut
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antalya Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Berna Dogan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antalya Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Yigit C Bozdogan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antalya Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Rojbin Ekinci
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antalya Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ayse Ayan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Antalya Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkey
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Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Bournia VK, Sfikakis PP, Mavrogeni SI. Raynaud phenomenon and microvasculopathy in systemic sclerosis: multi-modality imaging for diagnosis and evaluation. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2023; 35:324-333. [PMID: 37582056 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe the clinical significance of and the diagnostic approach to Raynaud phenomenon (RP) in the peripheral extremities and the heart. RECENT FINDINGS Nailfold capillaroscopy has recently been standardized in an expert consensus paper. Abnormal capillaroscopy in combination with specific autoantibody profiles and clinical signs are highly predictive of progression of RP to systemic sclerosis (SSc). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also perform tissue characterization of both the extremities and the heart. Microvascular wall abnormalities detected using nailfold capillaroscopy in patients with SSc may lead to deposition of erythrocyte-derived iron, due to microhemorrhages, which may predispose to fibrosis. MRI can assess the presence of iron using T2∗ measurements. SUMMARY RP is a hallmark of the microvasculopathy in SSc and can affect both the peripheral extremities and the heart. Nailfold capillaroscopy is the current gold standard for the evaluation of the peripheral microvasculature. Other imaging modalities include thermography, laser Doppler-derived methods, 99m Tc-pertechnetate hand perfusion scintigraphy, power Doppler ultrasonography, dynamic optical coherence tomography, MRI, and photoacoustic imaging, but these are currently not widely used. Cardiac RP can be investigated with positron emission tomography or cardiovascular magnetic resonance, with the latter offering the additional possibility of tissue characterization and iron content quantification secondary to microhemorrhages.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Markousis-Mavrogenis
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine and UNESCO Chair in Adolescent Health Care, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital
| | | | - Petros P Sfikakis
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School
| | - Sophie I Mavrogeni
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine and UNESCO Chair in Adolescent Health Care, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Lemmers JMJ, van Caam APM, Kersten B, van den Ende CHM, Knaapen H, van Dijk APJ, Hagmolen of ten Have W, van den Hoogen FHJ, Koenen H, van Leuven SI, Alkema W, Smeets RL, Vonk MC. Nailfold capillaroscopy and candidate-biomarker levels in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary hypertension: A cross-sectional study. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2023; 8:221-230. [PMID: 37744051 PMCID: PMC10515989 DOI: 10.1177/23971983231175213] [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: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Pulmonary hypertension is one of the leading causes of death in systemic sclerosis. Early detection and treatment of pulmonary hypertension in systemic sclerosis is crucial. Nailfold capillaroscopy microscopy, vascular autoantibodies AT1R and ETAR, and several candidate-biomarkers have the potential to serve as noninvasive tools to identify systemic sclerosis patients at risk for developing pulmonary hypertension. Here, we explore the classifying potential of nailfold capillaroscopy microscopy characteristics and serum levels of selected candidate-biomarkers in a sample of systemic sclerosis patients with and without different forms of pulmonary hypertension. Methods A total of 81 consecutive systemic sclerosis patients were included, 40 with systemic sclerosis pulmonary hypertension and 41 with no pulmonary hypertension. In each group, quantitative and qualitative nailfold capillaroscopy microscopy characteristics, vascular autoantibodies AT1R and ETAR, and serum levels of 24 soluble serum factors were determined. For evaluation of the nailfold capillaroscopy microscopy characteristics, linear regression analysis accounting for age, sex, and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide percentage predicted was used. Autoantibodies and soluble serum factor levels were compared using two-sample t test with equal variances. Results No statistically significant differences were observed in quantitative or qualitative nailfold capillaroscopy microscopy characteristics, or vascular autoantibody ETAR and AT1R titer between systemic sclerosis-pulmonary hypertension and systemic sclerosis-no pulmonary hypertension. In contrast, several serum levels of soluble factors differed between groups: Endostatin, sVCAM, and VEGFD were increased, and CXCL4, sVEGFR2, and PDGF-AB/BB were decreased in systemic sclerosis-pulmonary hypertension. Random forest classification identified Endostatin and CXCL4 as the most predictive classifiers to distinguish systemic sclerosispulmonary hypertension from systemic sclerosis-no pulmonary hypertension. Conclusion This study shows the potential for several soluble serum factors to distinguish systemic sclerosis-pulmonary hypertension from systemic sclerosis-no pulmonary hypertension. We found no classifying potential for qualitative or quantitative nailfold capillaroscopy microscopy characteristics, or vascular autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline MJ Lemmers
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan PM van Caam
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Brigit Kersten
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hanneke Knaapen
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arie PJ van Dijk
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Hans Koenen
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sander I van Leuven
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wynand Alkema
- Department of Data Science for Life Sciences & Health, Hanze University, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben L Smeets
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon C Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Kularatne M, Boucly A, Savale L, Solinas S, Cheron C, Roche A, Jevnikar M, Jaïs X, Montani D, Humbert M, Sitbon O. Pharmacological management of connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:2101-2115. [PMID: 37869785 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2273395] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe, progressive pulmonary vasculopathy (Group 1 Pulmonary Hypertension (PH)) that complicates the course of many connective tissue diseases (CTD). Detailed testing is required to differentiate PAH from other types of PH caused by CTD such as left heart disease (Group 2 PH), pulmonary parenchymal disease (Group 3 PH), and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (Group 4 PH). PAH is most frequently seen in systemic sclerosis but can also be seen with systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed CTD, and primary Sjogren's syndrome. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the epidemiology of CTD-associated PAH, outlines the complex diagnosis approach, and finishes with an in-depth discussion on the current treatment paradigm. Focus is placed on challenges faced in the treatment of CTD-associated PAH, (decreased efficacy and poorer tolerance of pharmacological therapies) and includes a discussion on the future investigational treatments. EXPERT OPINION Despite significant advances over the past decades with more aggressive treatment algorithms, CTD-associated PAH patients continue to have poorer survival compared to those with idiopathic PAH. This review highlights factors leading to disparate outcomes compared to other forms of PAH, and discusses on further improvements that may increase quality of life and survival for CTD-associated PAH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mithum Kularatne
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Athénaïs Boucly
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM UMR_S 999 Pulmonary Hypertension: Pathophysiology and Novel Therapies, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- AP-HP, Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension National Referral Centre, DMU 5 Thorinno, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Laurent Savale
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM UMR_S 999 Pulmonary Hypertension: Pathophysiology and Novel Therapies, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- AP-HP, Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension National Referral Centre, DMU 5 Thorinno, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Sabina Solinas
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM UMR_S 999 Pulmonary Hypertension: Pathophysiology and Novel Therapies, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- AP-HP, Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension National Referral Centre, DMU 5 Thorinno, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Céline Cheron
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM UMR_S 999 Pulmonary Hypertension: Pathophysiology and Novel Therapies, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- AP-HP, Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension National Referral Centre, DMU 5 Thorinno, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Anne Roche
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM UMR_S 999 Pulmonary Hypertension: Pathophysiology and Novel Therapies, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- AP-HP, Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension National Referral Centre, DMU 5 Thorinno, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Mitja Jevnikar
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM UMR_S 999 Pulmonary Hypertension: Pathophysiology and Novel Therapies, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- AP-HP, Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension National Referral Centre, DMU 5 Thorinno, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Xavier Jaïs
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM UMR_S 999 Pulmonary Hypertension: Pathophysiology and Novel Therapies, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- AP-HP, Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension National Referral Centre, DMU 5 Thorinno, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - David Montani
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM UMR_S 999 Pulmonary Hypertension: Pathophysiology and Novel Therapies, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- AP-HP, Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension National Referral Centre, DMU 5 Thorinno, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Marc Humbert
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM UMR_S 999 Pulmonary Hypertension: Pathophysiology and Novel Therapies, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- AP-HP, Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension National Referral Centre, DMU 5 Thorinno, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Olivier Sitbon
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM UMR_S 999 Pulmonary Hypertension: Pathophysiology and Novel Therapies, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- AP-HP, Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension National Referral Centre, DMU 5 Thorinno, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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Ma Z, Mulder DJ, Gniadecki R, Cohen Tervaert JW, Osman M. Methods of Assessing Nailfold Capillaroscopy Compared to Video Capillaroscopy in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis-A Critical Review of the Literature. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2204. [PMID: 37443598 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13132204] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nailfolds of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) provide an opportunity to directly visualize microvascular remodeling in SSc. Nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC) remains the gold standard for assessing nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC). However, access to NVC is limited by expense and expertise. This review aims to synthesize current research on other NFC devices compared to NVC. METHODS The literature search included the primary research of adult patients with SSc as defined by the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria. Methods of assessing NFC included stereomicroscopy/wide-field microscopy, ophthalmoscopy, dermatoscopy, smartphone devices, and digital USB microscopy. Primary outcomes included both qualitative (normal vs. abnormal nailfolds, overall pattern recognition, presence/absence of giant capillaries, hemorrhages, and abnormal morphology) and quantitative (capillary density and dimension) measures. RESULTS The search yielded 471 studies, of which 9 were included. Five studies compared NVC to dermatoscopy, two compared it to widefield/stereomicroscopy, one to smartphone attachments, and one to USB microscopy. In dermatoscopy studies, NVC had a higher percentage of images that were interpretable (63-77% vs. 100%), classifiable (70% vs. 84%), or gradable (70% vs. 79.3%) across three studies. Dermatoscopy had a lower sensitivity (60.2% vs. 81.6%) and higher specificity (92.5% vs. 84.6%) compared to NVC. One stereomicroscopy study found a significant difference between methods in capillary density in limited cutaneous SSc, while another found correlations in all parameters between stereomicroscopy and NVC. One smartphone lens had good agreement with NVC on abnormal capillary morphology and density. USB microscopy was able to differentiate between SSc and healthy controls using mean capillary width but not by capillary density. DISCUSSION A dermatoscope may serve as a more portable and affordable screening tool to identify a normal "scleroderma pattern", and images that need further corroboration by NVC. NFC parameters reported are heterogenous and the standardization of these parameters is important, especially in non-gold-standard devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zechen Ma
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada
| | - Douwe Johannes Mulder
- Division of Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Gniadecki
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Jan Willem Cohen Tervaert
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada
| | - Mohammed Osman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada
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Makol A, Nagaraja V, Amadi C, Pugashetti JV, Caoili E, Khanna D. Recent innovations in the screening and diagnosis of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:613-626. [PMID: 36999788 PMCID: PMC10698514 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2198212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the leading cause of mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Risk of developing progressive ILD is highest among patients with diffuse cutaneous disease, positive anti-topoisomerase I antibody, and elevated acute phase reactants. With the FDA approval of two medications and a pipeline of novel therapeutics in trials, early recognition and intervention is critical. High-resolution computed tomography of the chest is the current gold standard test for diagnosis of ILD. Yet, it is not offered as a screening tool to all patients due to which ILD can be missed in up to a third of patients. There is a need to develop and validate more innovative screening modalities. AREAS COVERED In this review, we provide an overview of screening and diagnosis of SSc-ILD, highlighting the recent innovations particularly the role of soluble serologic, radiomic (quantitative lung imaging, lung ultrasound), and breathomic (exhaled breath analysis) biomarkers in the early detection of SSc-ILD. EXPERT OPINION There is remarkable progress in the development of new radiomics and serum biomarkers in diagnosing SSc-ILD. There is an urgent need for conceptualizing and testing composite ILD screening strategies that incorporate these biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashima Makol
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Vivek Nagaraja
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Chiemezie Amadi
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Janelle Vu Pugashetti
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Elaine Caoili
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Michigan Scleroderma Program
- Division of Rheumatology; Department of Internal Medicine; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy for Non-Invasive Assessment of Microcirculation and Prognostic Correlation with Endothelial Dysfunction, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Non-HLA Antibodies in Heart Transplant Recipients: A Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12062302. [PMID: 36983302 PMCID: PMC10056970 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Early identification of allograft vasculopathy and the concomitant elimination of adverse risk factors is essential for improving the long-term prognosis of heart transplant (HTx) recipients with underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD). The major aim of this pilot study was to conduct a non-invasive imaging evaluation of the HTx patient microcirculation by employing nailfold video-capillaroscopy (NVC) in a well-characterized patient and control cohort, and to correlate these data with endothelial cell function, accompanied by studies of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and non-HLA antibodies in HTx recipients. Ten patients undergoing HTx (mean age of 38 ± 14 years) were recruited for the study and compared to a control group of 12 well-matched healthy volunteers (mean age 35 ± 5 years) with normal body mass index (BMI). Detailed medical records were collected from all individuals. NVC was performed using CapillaryScope 200 MEDL4N microscope. For functional readout and correlation analysis, endothelial cell network formation in conjunction with measurements of patient serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and non-HLA autoantibodies directed against the angiotensin II type-1-receptor (anti-AT1R-Ab), endothelin-1 type-A-receptor (anti-ETAR-Ab), protease-activated receptor-1 (anti-PAR-1-Ab), and VEGF-A (anti-VEGF-A-Ab) were studied. Our NVC analysis found that the average apical loop diameter of nailfold capillaries was significantly increased in HTx recipients (p = 0.001). In addition, HTx patients with more prominent changes in capillaroscopic patterns were characterized by the presence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and HTx patients had increased levels of anti-AT1R-ab, anti-ETAR-ab, and anti-VEGF-A-Ab (p = 0.017, p = 0.025, and p = 0.003, respectively). Capillary diameters most strongly correlated with elevated serum levels of troponin T and triglycerides (R = 0.69, p = 0.028 and R = 0.81, p = 0.004, respectively). In conclusion, we found that an abnormal NVC pattern in HTx patients is associated with traditional CVD risk factors and that NVC is a useful non-invasive tool to conveniently monitor changes in the microvasculature of HTx patients.
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Huang WC, Hsieh SC, Wu YW, Hsieh TY, Wu YJ, Li KJ, Charng MJ, Chen WS, Sung SH, Tsao YP, Ho WJ, Lai CC, Cheng CC, Tsai HC, Hsu CH, Lu CH, Chiu YW, Shen CY, Wu CH, Liu FC, Lin YH, Yeh FC, Liu WS, Lee HT, Wu SH, Chang CC, Chu CY, Hou CJY, Tsai CY. 2023 Taiwan Society of Cardiology (TSOC) and Taiwan College of Rheumatology (TCR) Joint Consensus on Connective Tissue Disease-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. ACTA CARDIOLOGICA SINICA 2023; 39:213-241. [PMID: 36911549 PMCID: PMC9999177 DOI: 10.6515/acs.202303_39(2).20230117a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), defined as the presence of a mean pulmonary artery pressure > 20 mmHg, pulmonary artery wedge pressure ≤ 15 mmHg, and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) > 2 Wood units based on expert consensus, is characterized by a progressive and sustained increase in PVR, which may lead to right heart failure and death. PAH is a well-known complication of connective tissue diseases (CTDs), such as systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, and other autoimmune conditions. In the past few years, tremendous progress in the understanding of PAH pathogenesis has been made, with various novel diagnostic and screening methods for the early detection of PAH proposed worldwide. Objectives This study aimed to obtain a comprehensive understanding and provide recommendations for the management of CTD-PAH in Taiwan, focusing on its clinical importance, prognosis, risk stratification, diagnostic and screening algorithm, and pharmacological treatment. Methods The members of the Taiwan Society of Cardiology (TSOC) and Taiwan College of Rheumatology (TCR) reviewed the related literature thoroughly and integrated clinical trial evidence and real-world clinical experience for the development of this consensus. Conclusions Early detection by regularly screening at-risk patients with incorporations of relevant autoantibodies and biomarkers may lead to better outcomes of CTD-PAH. This consensus proposed specific screening flowcharts for different types of CTDs, the risk assessment tools applicable to the clinical scenario in Taiwan, and a recommendation of medications in the management of CTD-PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chun Huang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei.,Department of Physical Therapy, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung
| | - Song-Chou Hsieh
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
| | - Yen-Wen Wu
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei.,Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Medical Center, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City.,Graduate Institute of Medicine, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan
| | - Tsu-Yi Hsieh
- Attending Physician of Division of Allergy-Immunology-Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine.,Director of Division of Clinical Training, Department of Medical Education, Taichung Veterans General Hospital.,Program of Business, College of Business, Feng Chia University, Taichung
| | - Yih-Jer Wu
- Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei.,Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City
| | - Ko-Jen Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital.,National Taiwan University, College of Medicine
| | - Min-Ji Charng
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei.,Division of Cardiology
| | - Wei-Sheng Chen
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei.,Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology
| | - Shih-Hsien Sung
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital.,Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine
| | - Yen-Po Tsao
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology.,Institutes of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei
| | - Wan-Jing Ho
- Department of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan
| | - Chien-Chih Lai
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei.,Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology
| | - Chin-Chang Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pingtung Veteran General Hospital, Pingtung
| | - Hung-Cheng Tsai
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei.,Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology
| | - Chih-Hsin Hsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan
| | - Cheng-Hsun Lu
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei
| | - Yu-Wei Chiu
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Medical Center, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City.,Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan
| | - Chieh-Yu Shen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei.,National Taiwan University, College of Medicine.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei
| | - Chun-Hsien Wu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine
| | - Feng-Cheng Liu
- Division of Rheumatology/Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine.,Department of General Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center.,Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center
| | - Yen-Hung Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine.,Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
| | - Fu-Chiang Yeh
- Division of Rheumatology/Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine
| | - Wei-Shin Liu
- Division of Cardiology, Tzu-Chi General Hospital, Hualien
| | - Hui-Ting Lee
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei.,Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City
| | - Shu-Hao Wu
- Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei.,Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City
| | - Chi-Ching Chang
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University.,Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei
| | - Chun-Yuan Chu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital.,Faculty of Medicine.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung
| | - Charles Jia-Yin Hou
- Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei.,MacKay Medical College
| | - Chang-Youh Tsai
- Division of Immunology & Rheumatology, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
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10
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Lim MW, Setjiadi D, Dobbin SJ, Lang NN, Delles C, Connelly PJ. Nailfold video-capillaroscopy in the study of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review. Blood Press Monit 2023; 28:24-32. [PMID: 36281701 PMCID: PMC9815820 DOI: 10.1097/mbp.0000000000000624] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nailfold video-capillaroscopy (NVC) is an inexpensive method of assessing microcirculation. We reviewed the literature to assess whether changes to the nailfold capillaries exist in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS We searched PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases for original research articles relating to the use of noninvasive microvascular assessment in patients with CVD. Methodological quality was assessed with the 'Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies.' The results obtained from NVC were analysed qualitatively and compared with other forms of microvascular assessment. RESULTS In total 2759 articles were screened, of which 22 studies involving 562 patients (~40% women) with CVD were included. Mean age ranged between 3.7-68.4 years (cases) and 4.0-58.0 years (controls). Reduced capillary density and increased capillary dimensions were seen in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Among patients with systemic sclerosis, advanced scleroderma patterns can be used to identify patients with or at risk of developing PAH. Functional nailfold changes precede structural changes in patients with hypertension. However, the studies were heterogeneous in the diagnosis of disease and the measurement of nailfold parameters. Most studies did not exclude conditions with altered nailfold features, and only one study performed a power calculation. Furthermore, abnormal nailfold findings are present in patients without systemic disease. CONCLUSIONS Structural and functional changes to the nailfold are a feature of established CVD and precede the development of PAH. However, heterogeneity in measurement and abnormal findings in healthy participants limit their use in the wider population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W.S. Lim
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Dellaneira Setjiadi
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Stephen J.H. Dobbin
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ninian N. Lang
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Christian Delles
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul J. Connelly
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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11
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Pulmonary Hypertension: Current Diagnosis, Approach and Treatment at the Dawn of the New European Guidelines. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195804. [PMID: 36233671 PMCID: PMC9572919 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A turning point in the field of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is the most recent publication of the new European Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension, a collaboration between the European Society of Cardiology and the European Respiratory Society [...].
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12
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Anyfanti P, Angeloudi E, Dara A, Arvanitaki A, Bekiari E, Kitas GD, Dimitroulas T. Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy for the Evaluation of Peripheral Microangiopathy in Rheumatoid Arthritis. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12081167. [PMID: 36013346 PMCID: PMC9410266 DOI: 10.3390/life12081167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and refractory autoimmune joint disease that affects multiple organs. Several methods have been applied for the study of microvascular endothelial dysfunction, which is considered an important component of vascular disease in RA. Implementation of nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) represents a viable choice, as the skin is an easily accessible window for the non-invasive, real-time assessment of subtle microcirculation abnormalities. Although NVC is routinely used in the rheumatology field, especially for the diagnostic workout of Raynaud’s phenomenon, accumulating evidence suggests a role in the evaluation of systemic vasculopathy associated with autoimmune rheumatic disorders. The current paper aims to provide an overview of NVC as a valuable clinical aid for the assessment of peripheral microcirculation in RA. Previous studies characterizing the capillaroscopic pattern in RA are summarized, along with associations with disease-related characteristics. Most available reports have mainly focused on the descriptions of non-specific morphological alterations that may reflect endothelial injury over the course of the disease. Still, the exact pattern of structural and functional capillaroscopic alterations and their clinical significance in RA remains a subject of ongoing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Anyfanti
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.A.); (E.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Elena Angeloudi
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.A.); (E.B.)
| | - Athanasia Dara
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.D.); (A.A.); (T.D.)
| | - Alexandra Arvanitaki
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.D.); (A.A.); (T.D.)
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Bekiari
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.A.); (E.B.)
| | - George D. Kitas
- Department of Rheumatology, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley DY1 2HQ, UK;
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.D.); (A.A.); (T.D.)
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13
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Giuggioli D, Riccieri V, Cipolletta E, Del Papa N, Ingegnoli F, Spinella A, Pellegrino G, Risa AM, de Pinto M, Papa S, Armentaro G, De Angelis R. Peripheral Microangiopathy Changes in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Related to Systemic Sclerosis: Data From a Multicenter Observational Study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:924899. [PMID: 35898279 PMCID: PMC9309490 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.924899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by immune-system alterations, fibrosis involving the skin and internal organs and diffuse microangiopathy. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe complication of SSc affecting about 10–15% of the patients and it is a leading cause of mortality. Due to the devastating nature of SSc-PAH, there is a clear need to systematically adopt appropriate screening programs. Nail fold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) studies have shown a more severe peripheral microvascular dysfunction in SSc patients with PAH suggesting that abnormalities in peripheral microcirculation may correlate with pulmonary microangiopathy. This is a cross-sectional study involving four tertiary University Rheumatology Units in the Center-North of Italy. Seventy patients, 35 adults with SSc and PAH confirmed by RHC (F/M 34/1; median age 65.2 ± 8.9 SD yrs), and 35 SSc patients without PAH were enrolled (F/M 3471; median age 63.3 ± 10.3 SD yrs). Clinical, laboratoristic and instrumental data were collected and NVC was performed in all patient. Specific NVC parameters were evaluated and a semi-quantitative rating scale was adopted to score these changes. Finally, patients were distributed into the suitable NVC pattern belonging to the scleroderma pattern. Our aim was to compare the peripheral microangiopathy changes in SSc patients with and without PAH, and to investigate the relationship between NVC findings and the main hemodynamic parameters of pulmonary vasculopathy. Patients with SSc-PAH+ showed a significant higher frequency of interstitial lung disease (ILD). No significant differences regarding clinical and laboratoristic parameters were observed. NVC abnormalities, avascular areas were more frequent in SSc patients with PAH, respect to those without (p = 0.03), and capillary density was significantly lower when considering grade 3 (p = 0.02). A higher NVC semiquantitative mean was found in SSc-PAH+ patients and a greater rate of the “late” pattern was detected in SSc-PAH+ subjects in respect to PAH- (57.1% vs. 25.7%) (p = 0.03). A significant correlations between pulmonary pressure values (sPAP by TTE and mPAP by RHC) and the capillary density (Spearman's rho 0.35, p = 0.04 for both). Our findings provide additional evidence to the literature data, confirming that a higher degree of peripheral nailfold microangiopathy is more common in SSc-PAH patients, and further strengthening the concept that NVC changes may run parallel with similar abnormalities inside pulmonary microcirculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilia Giuggioli
- Scleroderma Unit, Rheumatology Unit, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- *Correspondence: Dilia Giuggioli
| | - Valeria Riccieri
- Scleroderma Clinic, Rheumatology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Cipolletta
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Del Papa
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit, ASST Pini-CTO, Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ingegnoli
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit, ASST Pini-CTO, Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Amelia Spinella
- Scleroderma Unit, Rheumatology Unit, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Greta Pellegrino
- Scleroderma Clinic, Rheumatology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Risa
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco de Pinto
- Scleroderma Unit, Rheumatology Unit, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Papa
- Scleroderma Clinic, Rheumatology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Armentaro
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit, ASST Pini-CTO, Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Rossella De Angelis
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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14
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Pagkopoulou E, Soulaidopoulos S, Triantafyllidou E, Malliari A, Kitas GD, Garyfallos A, Dimitroulas T. Association Between Uric Acid and Worsening Peripheral Microangiopathy in Systemic Sclerosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:806925. [PMID: 35004786 PMCID: PMC8739221 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.806925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The key element in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is microcirculatory changes in several vascular beds. Uric acid is associated with endothelial dysfunction and therefore, microvascular damage. The aim of this study was to examine the association between uric acid (UA) and peripheral microvascular involvement in patients with SSc. Methods: We included consecutive, consenting patients with SSc. Serum UA, urea and creatinine were measured, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated with CKD-EPI. All participants underwent nailfold video-capillaroscopy (NVC) to evaluate the microcirculation. Results: A total of 64 patients (95.3% women) were included in the study. UA levels were significantly associated with the number of avascular areas (r = 0.290; p = 0.020), whereas no correlation was shown for the GFR (r = -0.065; p = 0.609). A significant trend of UA in the three capillaroscopic patterns was shown (3.90 ± 1.52 vs. 4.15 ± 0.98 vs. 5.38 ± 2.26; for early, active, and late patterns respectively, p = 0.028). Multivariate analysis showed that male gender (β = 3.049; 95% CI = 0.997-5.101) and UA (β = 0.352; 95% CI = 0.117-0.588) were independently associated with the number of avascular areas. Conclusion: These data suggest that UA levels are significantly associated with the capillaroscopic patterns, reflecting a progressive microvasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Pagkopoulou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stergios Soulaidopoulos
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eva Triantafyllidou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - George D Kitas
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals, NS Foundation Trust, Dudley, United Kingdom.,Arthritis Research UK Centre for Epidemiology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandros Garyfallos
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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15
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Nailfold videocapillaroscopic changes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with connective tissue diseases. Rheumatol Int 2021; 41:1289-1298. [PMID: 33978819 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-021-04839-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) represents one of the most devastating complications in connective tissue diseases (CTDs). The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of peripheral microangiopathy in patients with PAH associated with CTDs (CTD-PAH) by exploring nailfold videocapillaroscopic (NVC) changes and identify possible associations of NVC characteristics with markers of disease severity. Α cross-sectional study was performed in 18 CTD-PAH patients [13 PAH due to systemic sclerosis (SSc-PAH) and 5 with other types of CTD-PAH], 14 patients with SSc without PAH (SSc-non-PAH) and 20 healthy controls. NVC quantitative and qualitative parameters were evaluated using Optilia Digital Capillaroscope. To ensure inter-observer repeatability, capillaroscopic images were reviewed by two independent investigators. When compared to healthy controls, patients with CTD-PAH (77.8% women, mean age 65.9 years) presented reduced capillary density (6.5 ± 1.6 loops/mm vs. 9.7 ± 0.7 loops/mm, p < 0.001) and increased capillary loop width (23.3 ± 10.1 μm vs. 11.2 ± 2.5 μm, p < 0.001). SSc-PAH patients presented lower capillary density in comparison with other CTD-PAH patients and SSc-non-PAH subjects and abnormal and disorganized capillaries compared to controls. Patients with other CTD-PAH had also reduced capillary density and increased loop diameter compared to controls. A significant linear correlation was identified between capillary density and estimated glomerular filtration rate in the total CTD-PAH population (r = 0.63, p = 0.007). In SSc-PAH group, capillary loop diameter was positively correlated to cardiac index (r = 0.61, p = 0.02). Significant NVC microvascular changes were detected in patients with various types of CTD-PAH, suggesting an impaired peripheral microcirculation parallel to pulmonary vasculopathy.
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