Update of EULAR recommendations for the treatment of systemic sclerosis

Management of Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases

A proportion of patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), including the ILDs that are commonly associated with autoimmune diseases, develop a progressive fibrosing phenotype characterised by worsening of lung function, dyspnoea and quality of life, and early mortality. No drugs are approved for the treatment of ILDs other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). At present, immunomodulatory medications are the mainstay of treatment for non-IPF ILDs. However, with the exception of systemic sclerosis-associated ILD, the evidence to suggest that immunosuppression may preserve lung function in patients with these ILDs comes only from retrospective, observational, or uncontrolled studies. In this article, we review the evidence for the treatments currently used to treat ILDs associated with autoimmune diseases and other ILDs and the ongoing trials of immunosuppressant and antifibrotic therapies in patients with these ILDs.Funding: Boehringer Ingelheim.

Recurrence of progressive skin involvement following discontinuation or dose reduction of Mycophenolate Mofetil treatment in patients with diffuse Systemic Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Rapidly progressive diffuse cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (rp-dcSSc) is associated with severe internal organ involvement and high mortality. Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) has been shown to halt the progression of rp-dcSSc cutaneous and pulmonary involvement in observational and randomized controlled trials, respectively. However, optimal MMF therapy duration has not been established. Here, we describe the clinical evolution of rp-dcSSc patients successfully treated with MMF following MMF therapy discontinuation or dose reduction.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients with recent-onset (< 24 mo) rp-dcSSc received MMF as the only SSc disease-modifying therapy. Following MMF discontinuation or dose reduction to or below 1000 mg/day after an average of two years, the Modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) and Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were serially evaluated for additional 5 years. MMF therapy was re-instituted if the mRSS increased by greater than 20% or if restrictive lung disease developed.

RESULTS

From nineteen patients serially evaluated following MMF discontinuation or dose reduction, five patients (26.3%) developed recurrence of rapid skin involvement with an average of 35.9% increase in mRSS from 7.8 to 10.6 points requiring MMF re-institution. Two of these patients also presented worsening respiratory symptoms and reduction of lung volumes in PFTs. Following MMF resumption, mRSS returned to baseline or stabilized and PFTs improved or stabilized. All these patients were maintained on high dose long term MMF treatment.

CONCLUSION

Recurrence of severe skin involvement occurred in 26.3% of patients with rp-dcSSc following MMF discontinuation or dose reduction, requiring prompt MMF therapy resumption. These findings confirm the therapeutic benefit of MMF in rp-dcSSc and suggest that MMF treatment should be maintained for longer than 2 years.

Diffused Alveolar Hemorrhage in the Setting of Scleroderma Renal Crisis

Systemic sclerosis (SS) is a chronic, connective tissue disorder that can affect the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and internal organs. There are two different categories of SS, limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (LCSS) and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (DCSS). One of the most fearful situations faced in DCSS is scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). This is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication characterized by an acute, usually symptomatic, increase in blood pressure, rise in serum creatinine levels, oliguria, and thrombotic microangiopathic changes. Pulmonary involvement in the setting of SCR is an even more rare combination and usually can progress into acute hypoxic respiratory failure and lead to worse outcomes. We present herein a case of scleroderma renal crisis complicated with diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage.

Raynaud's phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon can be either primary (idiopathic) or secondary to underlying disease including systemic sclerosis. Primary Raynaud's phenomenon is very common, affecting approximately 3%-5% of the general population. Although much rarer, systemic sclerosis-related Raynaud's phenomenon can be particularly severe, progressing to digital ulceration in approximately 50% of patients. Raynaud's phenomenon can have a major impact on quality of life. This review has a focus on the systemic sclerosis-related Raynaud's phenomenon (which is the most researched form of Raynaud's phenomenon and probably the most challenging to treat) and on recent advances. Epidemiology (including transition from 'isolated' to systemic sclerosis-related Raynaud's phenomenon), pathogenesis, diagnosis and assessment are discussed, followed by the treatment of both 'uncomplicated' and 'complicated' Raynaud's phenomena (i.e. Raynaud's phenomenon which has progressed to digital ulceration and/or critical ischaemia). Finally, some of the major challenges for the next 5-10 years are highlighted.

Comparison of the clinical phenotype of systemic sclerosis patients in Iran and France in two university centers

OBJECTIVES

Systemic sclerosis is a severe and rare chronic auto-immune multisystem disorder characterized by vasculopathy and skin stiffness. Ethnic and geographical origin can influence the outcomes. In this study, we compared the phenotypic characteristics of Iranian and French patients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed on 200 Iranian and 268 French systemic sclerosis patients. Iranian patients collected from the Iranian systemic sclerosis cohort of the Rheumatology Research Center, Shariati hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The French population was monocentric, and it was constituted by the patients included locally in the EUSTAR database in December 2016.

RESULTS

The mean age at onset was significantly lower in Iranian patients (35.58 ± 11.68 vs 47.06 ± 13.54, p-value < 0.001). The female-to-male ratio was approximately 5.2:1 and was not different in the two populations. The prevalence of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis was significantly higher in Iranian patients (60.2% vs 42.85%, p-value < 0.001). Calcinosis cutis and joint synovitis were more prevalent in French patients (p-value = 0.013, <0.001). The positivity of anti-topoisomerase antibody was higher in Iranian patients, whereas the anti-centromere antibody predominated in French cases (p-value < 0.001). Restrictive pattern of pulmonary function test was more common in Iranian patients (p-value < 0.001), while estimated pulmonary arterial pressure by echocardiography was higher in French patients (p-value < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It seems that systemic sclerosis occurred in younger ages among Iranian female with the predominance of diffuse cutaneous subtype. In addition, lung interstitial disease appeared to be more prevalent and severe in Iranians than French patients.

New treatment paradigms for connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is frequently observed in connective tissue disease (CTD) and is a major cause of mortality. In CTD-ILD, a marked variability in morphological patterns, time course and severity exists. In many patients, CTD-ILD is limited and inherently stable, although a significant proportion of patients have progressive disease. We review the utility of integration of the recently proposed disease behavior classification into the management of CTD-ILD, and recent advances in treatment approaches.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies on scleroderma-ILD (SSc-ILD) staging and short-term lung function trends provide important information, although accurate prognostic markers, particularly in limited/early CTD-ILD, are still needed. Most patients with progressive CTD-ILD stabilize on immunosuppression, as observed in recent SSc-ILD trials and CTD-ILD retrospective series. A minority of patients present with life-threatening acute/subacute ILD, requiring intense immunosuppression, with limited available guidance. A significant minority of CTD-ILD patients have progressive disease despite immunosuppression. Ongoing trials with antifibrotic agents and with biologic agents may reveal a potential role for their use/addition.

SUMMARY

Ultimately, further research into the mechanisms linking autoimmunity to fibrosis and randomized controlled clinical trials are needed, with the aim of preventing irreversible damage of lung tissue, while minimizing burden of treatment.

Use of vasoactive/vasodilating drugs for systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related digital ulcers (DUs) in expert tertiary centres: results from the analysis of the observational real-life DeSScipher study

INTRODUCTION

DeSScipher is the first European multicentre study on management of systemic sclerosis (SSc), and its observational trial 1 (OT1) evaluated the efficacy of different drugs for digital ulcer (DU) prevention and healing. The aim of this study was to assess current use of vasoactive/vasodilating agents for SSc-related DU in the expert centres by analysing the baseline data of the DeSScipher OT1.

METHOD

Baseline characteristics of patients enrolled in the OT1 and data regarding DU were analysed.

RESULTS

The most commonly used drugs, in both patients with and without DU, were calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (71.6%), followed by intravenous iloprost (20.8%), endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) (20.4%) and phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors (16.5%). Of patients, 32.6% with DU and 12.8% without DU received two drugs (p < 0.001), while 11.5% with DU and 1.9% without DU were treated with a combination of three or more agents (p < 0.001). Sixty-five percent of the patients with recurrent DU were treated with bosentan and/or sildenafil. However, 64 out of 277 patients with current DU (23.1%) and 101 (23.6%) patients with recurrent DU were on CCBs alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that CCBs are still the most commonly used agents for DU management in SSc. The proportion of patients on combination therapy was low, even in patients with recurrent DU: almost one out of four patients with current and recurrent DU was on CCBs alone. Prospective analysis is planned to investigate the efficacy of different drugs/drug combinations on DU healing and prevention. Key Points • The analysis of DeSScipher, the first European multicentre study on management of SSc, has shown that the most commonly used vasoactive/vasodilating drugs for DU were CCBs, followed by intravenous Iloprost, ERAs and PDE-5 inhibitors. • More than half of the patients with recurrent DU received bosentan and/or sildenafil. • However, the proportion of patients on combination therapy of more than one vasoactive/vasodilating drug was low and almost one out of four patients with current and recurrent DU was on CCBs alone.

Worldwide Expert Agreement on Updated Recommendations for the Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis

Objective.

To evaluate agreement of the updated European League Against Rheumatism and European Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR) recommendations for treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc) among international experts. In addition, to determine factors that might influence agreement.

Methods.

Level of agreement (10-point scale: 0 = not at all, 10 = completely agree) and local drug availability (yes/no) were assessed using an online survey. The Web link to the survey was shared with 481 unique e-mail addresses and SSc networks (Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium, Australian Scleroderma Interest Group, International Systemic Sclerosis Inception Cohort). Level of agreement was compared between subgroups stratified for participant characteristics.

Results.

In total, 263 experts participated, of whom n = 209 (79%) completed each single item. The majority were rheumatologists (n = 200, 76%) working in Europe (n = 185; 71%); 59% (n = 156) were EUSTAR members; and 57% (n = 151) had > 10 years of clinical experience. Overall level of agreement was high (mean 8.0, SD 2.5). The 3 highest mean agreements included (1) angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for scleroderma renal crisis (9.2, SD 2.1); (2) blood pressure control in SSc-patients treated with corticosteroids (9.0, SD 2.2); (3) proton pump inhibitors to prevent reflux complications (9.0, SD 2.2). The 3 lowest mean agreements included (1) fluoxetine for Raynaud phenomenon (RP; 4.6, SD 2.8); (2) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for severe SSc (7.1, SD 2.9); (3) phosphodiesterase inhibitors 5 for RP (7.3, SD 2.7). Agreement differed between Europe and non-Europe for the use of iloprost, bosentan, methotrexate, HSCT, and cyclophosphamide. Treatment availability could partially explain differential agreement for iloprost, bosentan, and HSCT.

Conclusion.

In general, worldwide expert agreement on updated recommendations for treatment of SSc is high, supporting their value. Differences in agreement are partially explained by geographical area and treatment availability.

Epidemiology of systemic sclerosis and systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease

Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the leading causes of mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). To further understand this patient population, we present the first systematic review on the epidemiology of SSc and SSc-associated ILD (SSc-ILD).

Methods: Bibliographic databases and web sources were searched for studies including patients with SSc and SSc-ILD in Europe and North America (United States and Canada). The systematic review was limited to publications in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, published between January 1, 2000 and February 29, 2016. For all publications included in the review, the methodologic quality was assessed. For each dimension and region, data availability in terms of quantity and consistency of reported findings was evaluated.

Results: Fifty publications reporting epidemiologic data (prevalence, incidence, demographic profile, and survival and mortality) were included; 39 included patients with SSc and 16 included patients with SSc-ILD. The reported prevalence of SSc was 7.2–33.9 and 13.5–44.3 per 100,000 individuals in Europe and North America, respectively. Annual incidence estimates were 0.6–2.3 and 1.4–5.6 per 100,000 individuals in Europe and North America, respectively. Associated ILD was present in ~35% of the patients in Europe and ~52% of the patients in North America. In Europe, a study estimated the prevalence and annual incidence of SSc-ILD at 1.7–4.2 and 0.1–0.4 per 100,000 individuals, respectively. In both Europe and North America, SSc-ILD was diagnosed at a slightly older age than SSc, with both presentations of the disease affecting 2–3 times more women than men. Ten-year survival in patients with SSc was reported at 65–73% in Europe and 54–82% in North America, with cardiorespiratory manifestations (including ILD) associated with poor prognosis.

Conclusion: This systematic review confirms that SSc and SSc-ILD are rare, with geographic variation in prevalence and incidence.

Innovations in the Assessment of Primary and Secondary Raynaud's Phenomenon

Objectives: Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is characterized by intense vasospasm of the digital arteries that causes characteristic color changes in fingers. There are two main types of RP: Primary RP (PRP) and Secondary RP (SRP). PRP is a benign condition. Whilst SRP is associated with several connective tissue diseases (CTD), in particular systemic sclerosis (SSc). The objectives of this report were: to present a short review on morphological (nailfold videocapillaroscopy, NVC) and functional techniques (laser tools and thermography) that allow for a correct diagnosis and treatment of RP and to investigate blood perfusion (BP) by laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) in different skin areas of hands and face in PRP, SRP to SSc, and healthy subjects (CNT). Methods: 31 PRP patients (LeRoy criteria), 70 SRP to SSc (ACR/EULAR criteria) and 68 CNT were enrolled. BP was assessed by LASCA at the level different areas of hands and face. NVC was performed to distinguish between PRP and SRP, and to detect the proper pattern of nailfold microangiopathy in SSc patients. Results: Both PRP and SRP showed a statistically significant lower BP than CNT at the level of fingertips (p < 0.0001), periungual (p < 0.0001), palmar aspect of 3rd finger (p < 0.0001), and palm areas (p < 0.0001). Moreover, BP was significantly lower in PRP than in SRP to SSc with the "Early" pattern of microangiopathy in the same areas as above (p < 0.04). Conclusion: By considering a small cohort of patients, BP of hands was found lower in PRP than in SSc patients with the "Early" NVC pattern of microangiopathy.

Indications for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for haematological diseases, solid tumours and immune disorders: current practice in Europe, 2019

This is the seventh special EBMT report on the indications for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for haematological diseases, solid tumours and immune disorders. Our aim is to provide general guidance on transplant indications according to prevailing clinical practice in EBMT countries and centres. In order to inform patient decisions, these recommendations must be considered together with the risk of the disease, the risk of the transplant procedure and the results of non-transplant strategies. In over two decades since the first report, the EBMT indications manuscripts have incorporated changes in transplant practice coming from scientific and technical developments in the field. In this same period, the establishment of JACIE accreditation has promoted high quality and led to improved outcomes of patient and donor care and laboratory performance in transplantation and cellular therapy. An updated report with operating definitions, revised indications and an additional set of data with overall survival at 1 year and non-relapse mortality at day 100 after transplant in the commonest standard-of-care indications is presented. Additional efforts are currently underway to enable EBMT member centres to benchmark their risk-adapted outcomes as part of the Registry upgrade Project 2020 against national and/or international outcome data.

Aminaphtone Efficacy in Primary and Secondary Raynaud's Phenomenon: A Feasibility Study

Objectives

The aim of this six-month open feasibility study was to evaluate skin blood perfusion and clinical symptom changes during aminaphtone treatment in patients with either primary or secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon to systemic sclerosis.

Methods

Ninety-two patients referring for Raynaud’s phenomenon have been enrolled in November during routine clinical assessment, after informed consent. Aminaphtone was administered 75 mg twice daily in addition to current treatments to forty-six patients. Skin blood perfusion was measured by Laser Speckle Contrast Analysis (LASCA) at the level of fingertips, periungual areas, dorsum and palm of hands, and face at baseline (W0), after one (W1), four (W4), twelve (W12) and twenty-four (W24) weeks of treatment. Raynaud’s condition score (RCS) and both frequency and duration of Raynaud’s attacks were assessed at the same time.

Results

Compared with the control group, despite colder period of the year, aminaphtone treated patients showed a progressive statistically significant increase of blood perfusion, as well as a decrease of RCS, frequency of Raynaud’s attacks/day and their duration, from W0 to W12 in all skin areas. From W12 to W24 no further increase of blood perfusion was observed. The results were similar in both primary and secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon patients. Five weeks after aminaphtone discontinuation blood perfusion values were significantly higher than those at baseline in the majority of skin areas.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that aminaphtone treatment increases skin blood perfusion and improves Raynaud’s phenomenon clinical symptoms, with sustained efficacy up to 6 months, even in patients with systemic sclerosis. A randomized, blind, controlled, clinical trial including a larger number of subjects is advisable to confirm these early results.

Time-dependent biases in observational studies of comparative effectiveness research in rheumatology. A methodological review

OBJECTIVE

To assess to what extent time-dependent biases (ie, immortal time bias (ITB) and time-lag bias (TLB)) occur in the latest rheumatology observational studies, describe their main mechanisms and increase the awareness on this topic.

METHODS

We searched PubMed for observational studies on rheumatic diseases published in leading medical journals in the last 5 years. Only studies with a time-to-event analysis exploring the association of one or more interventional strategies with an outcome were included. Each study was labelled as free from bias, at risk of TLB, at risk of misclassified ITB if the period of immortal time was incorrectly attributed to an intervention group, or at risk of excluded ITB if the immortal time was discarded from the analysis.

RESULTS

We included 78 papers. Most studies were performed in Europe or North America (46% each), were not industry funded (62%) and had a safety primary outcome (59%). In total, 13 (17%) studies were considered at risk of time-dependent biases. Among the studies at risk of ITB (n=8; 10%), in 5 (6%), waiting time to receive treatment was wrongly attributed to the treatment exposure group, which indicated misclassified ITB. Five (6%) studies were at risk of TLB: patients on conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD; first-line drugs) were compared with patients on biologic DMARDs (second or third-line drugs) without accounting for disease duration or prior medication use.

CONCLUSIONS

One in six comparative effectiveness observational studies published in leading rheumatology journals is potentially flawed by time-dependent biases.

Rheumatology in Poland

The aim of this article is to present the current state of rheumatology in Poland, including the scientific and clinical activity and essential aspects of Polish rheumatic patients' treatment. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched for main keywords: "rheumat*" and affiliation with Poland. Statistical data were obtained from the Central Statistical Office, the National Health Fund and the Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists, while the public information from the Polish Society for Rheumatology, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Databases of the World Health Organization, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and the European Statistical Office (Eurostat) were used. Most Polish rheumatologists work in large urban agglomerations in the Mazovian, Malopolskie and Silesian Voivodeships. The rheumatologic infrastructure includes 1713 working rheumatologists (> 30% exceeding the age of 60 years), 2301 hospital beds, 2279 outpatient clinics and 955 private practices. Poland's state funding is relatively limited, this problem being addressed by health officials with special treatment programs for biological drugs. The Eurostat data indicate, that in Poland, like in the majority of EU Member States, there's a tendency of specialist/general practitioner ratio rising. The number of scientific publications by Polish rheumatologists has steadily increased in recent years. Poland's rheumatology has made an enormous progress at all levels of functioning in recent decades. The EULAR recommendations are mostly incorporated into the Polish health system, leaving still room for its further improvement in the fields of financing, therapy and education.

A prospective, open-label, non-comparative study of ambrisentan with anti-fibrotic agent combination therapy in the treatment of diffuse systemic sclerosis

Background

Systemic Sclerosis is a multifactorial autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, immune dysregulation and vascular dysfunction.

Methods

An open label, prospective, non-comparative study evaluating ambrisentan with an antifibrotic agent in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). Recruited 15 consecutive patients with dcSSc who were already on a stable dose of an antifibrotic agent and if they met inclusion criteria they were initiated on ambrisentan 5 mg/day for 12 months. Primary outcome measure was the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) while secondary measures were the short form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, the Medsger severity score and pulmonary function studies.

Results

Fifteen patients were recruited and ten patients completed all 12 months of the study. An intention to treat was used to analyze the data. There was statistical improvement of the mean mRSS and the perceived change in health component of the SF-36. The Medsger severity score and pulmonary function studies remained unchanged over the course of the study.

Conclusion

Patients who tolerated the combination of an antifibrotic with ambrisentan had an improvement of their mRSS over the course of the study as well as an improvement of their perceived health.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01093885; March 2010.

Platelets in Systemic Sclerosis: the Missing Link Connecting Vasculopathy, Autoimmunity, and Fibrosis?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Platelets are no longer recognized solely as cell fragments regulating hemostasis. They have pleiotropic functions and they are linked directly or indirectly with the three cornerstones of systemic sclerosis (SSc): vasculopathy, autoimmunity, and fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the potential role of platelets in the pathogenesis of SSc.

RECENT FINDINGS

Experimental evidence suggests that vasculopathy, a universal and early finding in SSc, may activate platelets which subsequently release several profibrotic mediators such as serotonin and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). Platelets may also cross-react with the endothelium leading to the release of molecules, such as thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), that may trigger fibrosis or sustain vascular damage. Finally, activated platelets express CD40L and provide costimulatory help to B cells, something that may facilitate the breach in immune tolerance. Preclinical studies point to the direction that platelets are actively involved in SSc pathogenesis. Targeting platelets may be an attractive therapeutic approach in SSc.

Setting the international standard for longitudinal follow-up of patients with systemic sclerosis: a Delphi-based expert consensus on core clinical features

Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe, progressive multiorgan disease but to date, there are no established standardised international guidelines for follow-up of patients with SSc. The goal of this project was to develop an expert consensus for annual systematic investigations in patients with SSc to enhance their standard-of-care.

Material and methods

The Delphi method was applied. All SSc experts from the European Scleroderma Trials and Research group network and the Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium were invited to participate. All experts were asked to answer questionnaires in five Delphi steps to determine the domains of interest and tools for each domain for an annual systematic assessment of patients with SSc. Each item was rated on a scale between 0% and 100% (not and very important), and parameters rated >80% by more than 75% of the experts were regarded as acceptable.

Results

In total, 157 experts worldwide participated with 71.3% experts seeing >50 patients with SSc annually. In the first round, 23 domains and 204 tools were suggested. After five Delphi steps, experts agreed on 10 domains including (1) Raynaud's phenomenon; (2) Digital ulcers; (3) Skin and mucosa; (4) Lung; (5); Heart; (6) GI domain, (7) Renal; (8) Musculoskeletal; (9) Laboratory and (10) Treatment. Overall, 55 tools were identified including clinical assessments, laboratory measurements and imaging or functional investigations.

Conclusion

Through five Delphi steps with world leading experts, a consensus was established on strongly suggested tools for a minimum annual systemic assessment of organ involvement in SSc. This work should enhance the standardisation and homogenisation of the practices.

Molecular profile and proangiogenic activity of the adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction used as an autologous innovative medicinal product in patients with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

The autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from adipose tissue is an alternative to cultured adipose-derived stem cells for use in regenerative medicine and represents a promising therapy for vasculopathy and hand disability in systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, the bioactivity of autologous SVF is not documented in this disease context. This study aimed to compare the molecular and functional profiles of the SVF-based medicinal product obtained from SSc and healthy subjects.

METHODS

Good manufacturing practice (GMP)-grade SVF from 24 patients with SSc and 12 healthy donors (HD) was analysed by flow cytometry to compare the distribution of the CD45- and CD45+ haematopoietic cell subsets. The ability of SVF to form a vascular network was assessed using Matrigel in vivo assay. The transcriptomic and secretory profiles of the SSc-SVF were assessed by RNA sequencing and multiplex analysis, respectively, and were compared with the HD-SVF.

RESULTS

The distribution of the leucocyte, endothelial, stromal, pericyte and transitional cell subsets was similar for SSc-SVF and HD-SVF. SSc-SVF retained its vasculogenic capacity, but the density of neovessels formed in SVF-loaded Matrigel implanted in nude mice was slightly decreased compared with HD-SVF. SSc-SVF displayed a differential molecular signature reflecting deregulation of angiogenesis, endothelial activation and fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides the first evidence that SSc does not compromise the vascular repair capacity of SVF, supporting its use as an innovative autologous biotherapy. The characterisation of the specific SSc-SVF molecular profile provides new perspectives for delineating markers of the potency of SVF and its targets for the treatment of SSc.

Bulgarian rheumatology: science and practice in a cost-constrained environment

Our aim was to appraise publications from Bulgaria, to assess their global impact, and to describe features and challenges unique to the rheumatology practice in Bulgaria characterized by stringent cost constraints. The Scopus database was queried on 25th July 2018 and data on the number of published documents, their Hirsch-indices and citations number were extracted. Published Bulgarian guidelines for the management of rheumatic diseases and the presented data on Bulgarian Rheumatology Society were identified based on prior knowledge of the authors. From all the identified 1082 document the most extensively researched areas were rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis (OA). For the last five years (from Jan 2013 to 25th July 2018) the number of publications was 293. We found that Bulgaria's international scientific collaboration in the field of rheumatology is focused on a handful of countries mainly from Europe. Although Bulgarian rheumatologists have access to costly biologic agents for treating their patients with rheumatic diseases, their funding may not be granted according to the current recommendations of European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) and national guidelines for the management of rheumatic diseases. Although the western world clearly dominates the production of scientific publications in rheumatology, Bulgarian rheumatology may present another perspective for diagnosis and management of patients with rheumatic diseases in a cost-stringent environment. Nevertheless, both rheumatology science and practice in Bulgaria still have a long way to go to take its deserved place among the other European countries.

Perspectives on the interlinked nature of systemic sclerosis and reflux disease

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem connective tissue disease, characterized by chronic inflammation and vascular changes that result in esophageal smooth muscle atrophy and fibrosis. Subsequent progressive loss of peristalsis in the distal esophagus and loss of lower esophageal sphincter function lead to problems with the protective barrier and exposure of sensitive tissues to the gastroduodenal contents, a disorder called reflux disease. Areas covered: Depending on the range, nature and symptoms of the disease, the term 'reflux disease' may refer to gastroesophageal reflux, laryngopharyngeal reflux, microaspiration into the airways and silent reflux. Despite the links between these visceral complications, this connection remains controversial. This is due to a lack of complete understanding, the asymptomatic nature of the disease and the limited diagnostic accuracy of tests, which can delay diagnosis. Such delays are problematic, given that the early detection of GERD in SSc patients, the timing of assessment, the treatment of the organs involved are critical aspects of patient prognosis and disease outcome. Expert commentary: This review summarizes the most recent knowledge about the pathophysiology, diagnosis and prospective treatment of GERD in SSc patients and highlights how innovative technologies applied through an integrative, interdisciplinary approach may soon lead to effective treatment strategies.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant for progressive diffuse systemic sclerosis: procedural success and clinical outcome in 5-year follow-up

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease affecting both skin and internal organs. Progressive disease with multiple organ involvement is considered to have a poor prognosis. Treatment possibilities are limited, but certain patients may benefit from autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT).

We report a case of a 30-year-old woman with progressive diffuse systemic sclerosis treated with parenteral cyclophosphamide with unsatisfactory results. Due to progression of the disease and lack of alternative therapies auto-HSCT was performed.

After instituting treatment with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation no immunosuppressive therapy has been required during 5-year follow-up. Improvement in exertion tolerance, partial regression of skin lesions and stabilization of pulmonary and cardiovascular changes were observed. Currently therapeutic options in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis are limited. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation might become an alternative therapeutic solution not only in the early phase of the disease but also among selected patients with progressive systemic sclerosis resistant to standard therapy.

Fibrosing interstitial lung diseases: knowns and unknowns

Patients with certain types of fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) are at risk of developing a progressive phenotype characterised by self-sustaining fibrosis, decline in lung function, worsening quality of life, and early mortality. It has been proposed that such progressive fibrosing ILDs, which show commonalities in clinical behaviour and in the pathogenetic mechanisms that drive progressive fibrosis, may be "lumped" together for the purposes of clinical research and, potentially, for treatment. At present, no drugs are approved for the treatment of ILDs other than nintedanib and pirfenidone for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. For other progressive fibrosing ILDs, the mainstay of drug therapy is immunosuppression. However, it is postulated that, once the response to lung injury in fibrosing ILDs has reached the stage at which fibrosis has become progressive and self-sustaining, targeted antifibrotic therapy would be required to slow disease progression. Nintedanib, an intracellular inhibitor of tyrosine kinases, has shown antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory and vascular remodelling effects in several non-clinical models of fibrosis, irrespective of the trigger for the injury. Ongoing clinical trials will provide insight into the role of antifibrotic treatment with nintedanib or pirfenidone in the management of fibrosing ILDs with a progressive phenotype.

Impact of Therapeutic Angiogenesis Using Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Mononuclear Cells Implantation in Critical Limb Ischemia With Scleroderma - Subanalysis of the Long-Term Clinical Outcomes Survey

BACKGROUND

Many patients with collagen disease (CD), particularly scleroderma (SSc), develop critical limb ischemia (CLI), which leads to limb amputation. However, conventional therapies, including revascularization via surgical bypass, showed poor outcomes in CLI patients with CD. Many CLI patients with SSc showed poor responses to combination therapies including intravenous iloprost, PDE-5 inhibitors, and bosentan. Therefore, new methods of improving the peripheral circulation for limb salvage are required. This study was a subanalysis of the long-term clinical outcomes after autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) in CLI patients with SSc.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We assessed no-option CLI patients with CD who underwent BM-MNC implantation at 10 institutes; 69 patients (39 with SSc-related diseases (SSc group) and 30 with other CDs (non-SSc group)), were included. The median follow-up duration was 36.5 months. The 10-year overall survival rate was 59.1% in the SSc group and 82.4% in the non-SSc group. The 10-year major amputation-free rates were 97.4% and 82.6%, respectively. The number of major or minor amputations in the SSc group trended to be less than that in the non-SSc group. Significant improvements in visual analog scale scores were observed in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The BM-MNC implantation may be feasible in no-option CLI patients with CD. In the SSc group, limb salvage rate tended to be higher than in the non-SSc group.

Outcomes of patients with systemic sclerosis treated with tocilizumab: Case series and review of the literature

The treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc) presents a clinical challenge because of the progressive nature of the disease, relatively poor prognosis, and lack of a proven treatment. In the last 10 years, several studies demonstrated the importance of interleukin 6 (IL6) as a pivotal cytokine in the development of fibrosis and angiopathy, especially in SSc. Tocilizumab, an IL6 receptor antibody, has shown promising results for patients with SSc. A total of 16 patients with SSc were treated with tocilizumab; 14 were female and 2 were male, with a median age of 45.5 years and median disease duration of 31.5 months. Ten patients had anti-SCl-70, none had anticentromere, and two had antipolymerase. Tocilizumab treatment was provided as long as the patient's condition improved. Total treatment duration was 30.33 patient-years. Median treatment duration was 18.5 months, and 3 patients were treated for a period of 4 years and longer. Ten patients were treated with tocilizumab to the date of data collection. All were feeling good and maintained the achieved improvement throughout the treatment period. Improvement was recorded in 12 patients (75%). Mean reduction in modified Rodnan skin score was 11 points (p < 0.001), musculoskeletal and joint involvement improved in 75% and 80% of patients, respectively, and improvement in lung function was recorded in 46%. Patients with early SSc responded better to tocilizumab (p = 0.01). This is the largest reported case series of tocilizumab treatment in patients with SSc. The treatment was without significant side-effects and was beneficial for most patients, especially in early disease. The present study reinforces previous findings regarding the efficacy of tocilizumab in treating SSc.

Scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease: principles of management

INTRODUCTION

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most common cause of mortality in systemic sclerosis; accounting for approximately 35% of deaths. Although immunosuppression is currently opted as first line therapy for scleroderma-related ILD (SSc-ILD), the benefits from it remain modest with concerns for systemic toxicity from long term use. Areas covered: We review the important facets in monitoring a patient with SSc-ILD, including recognizing various patterns of ILD, identifying those at risk for disease progression and discuss the strength of evidence for immunosuppressant drugs and lung transplantation. We also discuss the potential role of anti-fibrotic agents and the existing evidence for myeloablative stem-cell transplantation. Expert commentary: Non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) is the most common radiologic and histopathologic pattern seen, but other forms of ILD may also be appreciated. Mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide are most commonly used as first line therapy for SSc-ILD; however, the efficacy of mycophenolate is comparable to cyclophosphamide with a better tolerability profile. Selected patients with SSc-ILD may be candidates for lung transplantation, although meticulous assessment for co-morbidities is crucial. Further studies are required to deduce the role of anti-fibrotic medications, biologic agents and effects of myeloablative stem cell transplantation in SSc.

Unmet Needs in Systemic Sclerosis Understanding and Treatment: the Knowledge Gaps from a Scientist's, Clinician's, and Patient's Perspective

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a highly heterogeneous disease caused by a complex molecular circuitry. For decades, clinical and molecular research focused on understanding the primary process of fibrosis. More recently, the inflammatory, immunological and vascular components that precede the actual onset of fibrosis, have become a matter of increasing scientific scrutiny. As a consequence, the field has started to realize that the early identification of this syndrome is crucial for optimal clinical care as well as for understanding its pathology. The cause of SSc cannot be appointed to a single molecular pathway but to a multitude of molecular aberrances in a spatial and temporal matter and on the backbone of the patient's genetic predisposition. These alterations underlie the plethora of signs and symptoms which patients experience and clinicians look for, ultimately culminating in fibrotic features. To solve this complexity, a close interaction among the patient throughout its "journey," the clinician through its clinical assessments and the researcher with its experimental design, seems to be required. In this review, we aimed to highlight the features of SSc through the eyes of these three professionals, all with their own expertise and opinions. With this unique setup, we underscore the importance of investigating the role of environmental factors in the onset and perpetuation of SSc, of focusing on the earliest signs and symptoms preceding fibrosis and on the application of holistic research approaches that include a multitude of potential molecular alterations in time in an unbiased fashion, in the search for a patient-tailored cure.

Myeloid disorders after autoimmune disease

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are associated with an increased risk not only of lymphoproliferative disorders but also of myeloid malignancies. The excess risk of myelodysplastic syndromes and/or acute myeloid leukemia is observed across several AD types, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disorders, multiple sclerosis, among others. The risk of developing myeloid neoplasms (MNs) is dependent on several variables, including the specific AD type, chronicity and severity of the AD, type and duration of exposure of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or cytotoxics/immunosuppressives, and genetic predisposition risk. Putative triggering factors linking AD to elevated MN risk include AD-directed medications, shared genetic susceptibilities between the two disease entities, and chronic immune stimulation or bone marrow infiltration by the AD. Molecular mechanisms underpinning leukemogenesis remain largely speculative and warrant further investigation. Leukemias arising in patients with AD are not always 'therapy-related' in that MNs may develop in certain AD subtypes even among patients with no prior therapy exposure. Only a few studies have attempted to determine factors associated with MN development in AD but failed to demonstrate consistent characteristic clinical or paraclinical features. These reports have failed to demonstrate a clear correlation between individual agent exposure and subsequent leukemia development due to the low rates of therapy exposure compounded by the rarity of MN occurrence. Notwithstanding, the leukemogenic potential is best documented with agents such as azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and mitoxantrone; this risk of MN development does not appear to be shared by biologic approaches such as anti-tumor necrosis factors-alpha inhibitors. In this article, we discuss plausible biologic mechanisms underlying MN pathogenesis in AD and review the data available on the development of MNs in patients with AD.

Scleroderma Renal Crisis Complicated with Thrombotic Microangiopathy Triggered by Influenza B Virus Infection

A 44-year-old Japanese man with a 14-year history of limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (SSc) was admitted with a fever, hypertension, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and renal dysfunction. On admission, hypertension, hyperreninemia, acute renal dysfunction, hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia led to the diagnosis of scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) complicated with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). The patient had also been infected with influenza B virus almost six days before admission. Following treatment with plasma exchange, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, and an anti-virus agent, his general condition improved. He had no risk factors for SRC. In SSc patients, an influenza virus infection might trigger SRC complicated with TMA.

General information for patients and carers considering haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for severe autoimmune diseases (ADs): A position statement from the EBMT Autoimmune Diseases Working Party (ADWP), the EBMT Nurses Group, the EBMT Patient, Family and Donor Committee and the Joint Accreditation Committee of ISCT and EBMT (JACIE)

Over the last 20 years, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been used to treat patients with severe autoimmune and inflammatory diseases whose response to standard treatment options has been limited, resulting in a poor long-term prognosis in terms of survival or disability. The vast majority of patients have received autologous HSCT where an increasing evidence-base supports its use in a wide range of autoimmune diseases, particularly relapsing remitting MS, systemic sclerosis and Crohn’s disease. Compared with standard treatments for autoimmune diseases, HSCT is associated with greater short-term risks, including a risk of treatment-related mortality and long-term complications. There is a need for a careful appraisal of potential benefits and risks by disease and transplant specialists working closely together with patients and carers to determine individual suitability for HSCT. HSCT should be conducted in accredited transplant centres with robust arrangements for long-term follow-up with both disease and transplant specialists. The aim of this open-access position statement is to provide plainly worded guidance for patients and non-specialist clinicians considering HSCT for an autoimmune disease, especially when treatment abroad is being considered. Recent technical publications in the field have been referenced to support the statement and provide more detail for clinicians advising patients.

Management of Raynaud’s phenomenon in systemic sclerosis—a practical approach

Raynaud’s phenomenon is nearly universal in systemic sclerosis. Vasculopathy is part of systemic sclerosis. Raynaud’s phenomenon can cause of complications and impairment, especially when tissue ischemia and digital ulcers develop. There are many treatment options for Raynaud’s phenomenon in systemic sclerosis often with sparse data and few robust studies comparing the different treatment options. Recommendations from guidelines usually include calcium channel blockers as first-line pharmacological treatment. In the clinical setting, multiple variables such as financial factors, geography where access to medications varies, and patient factors, baseline hypotension, can influence the treatment for Raynaud’s phenomenon and digital ulcers. Prostacyclins and PDE-5 inhibitors are reserved for more severe Raynaud’s phenomenon or healing of digital ulcers. Prevention of digital ulcers may also include endothelin receptor blocker (bosentan) in some countries. Other treatments had less consensus. Algorithms developed by systemic sclerosis experts might be helpful in deciding which treatment to choose for each setting, using a step-wise strategy, which intends to complement guidelines. This review focuses on a practical approach to the treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon and digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis, based on algorithms designed by systemic sclerosis experts using consensus, and we review the evidence that supports treatment from initial to second and third-line options.

Systemic Sclerosis Pathogenesis and Emerging Therapies, beyond the Fibroblast

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex rheumatologic autoimmune disease in which inflammation, fibrosis, and vasculopathy share several pathogenic pathways that lead to skin and internal organ damage. Recent findings regarding the participation and interaction of the innate and acquired immune system have led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and to the identification of new therapeutic targets, many of which have been tested in preclinical and clinical trials with varying results. In this manuscript, we review the state of the art of the pathogenesis of this disease and discuss the main therapeutic targets related to each pathogenic mechanism that have been discovered so far.

CD34-selected versus unmanipulated autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of severe systemic sclerosis: a post hoc analysis of a phase I/II clinical trial conducted in Japan

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) in treating severe systemic sclerosis (SSc) is established; however, the necessity of purified CD34+ cell grafts and the appropriate conditioning regimen remain unclear. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of CD34-selected auto-HSCT with unmanipulated auto-HSCT to treat severe SSc.

METHODS

This study was a post hoc analysis of a phase I/II clinical trial conducted in Japan. Nineteen patients with severe SSc were enrolled. Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) were mobilised with cyclophosphamide (4 g/m²) and filgrastim (10 μg/kg/day). Following PBSC collection by apheresis, CD34+ cells were immunologically selected in 11 patients. All patients were treated with high-dose cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg) monotherapy as a conditioning regimen and received CD34-selected (n = 11) or unmanipulated auto-HSCT (n = 8). Changes in skin sclerosis and pulmonary function were assessed over an 8-year follow-up period. Differences in the changes, toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were compared between patients who had received CD34-selected auto-HSCT and those who had received unmanipulated auto-HSCT.

RESULTS

Skin sclerosis progressively improved after transplantation over an 8-year follow-up period in both groups, and the improvement was significantly greater in the CD34-selected group than in the unmanipulated group. Forced vital capacity in the CD34-selected group continuously increased over 8 years, whereas in the unmanipulated group it returned to baseline 3 years after transplantation. Toxicity and viral infections, such as cytomegalovirus infection and herpes zoster, were more frequently found in the CD34-selected group than in the unmanipulated group. The frequency of severe adverse events, such as bacterial infections or organ toxicity, was similar between the two groups. No treatment-related deaths occurred in either treatment group. PFS of the CD34-selected group was greater than that of the unmanipulated group, and the 5-year PFS rates of the CD34-selected and unmanipulated group were 81.8% and 50% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CD34-selected auto-HSCT may produce favourable effects on improvement of skin sclerosis and pulmonary function compared with unmanipulated auto-HSCT. Use of CD34-selected auto-HSCT with high-dose cyclophosphamide monotherapy as a conditioning regimen may offer an excellent benefit-to-risk balance.

Interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc-ILD)

Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease with a heterogeneous clinical course. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common manifestation of SSc and a leading cause of death.

Main body

All patients newly diagnosed with SSc should receive a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including assessment of respiratory symptoms, a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan of the chest, and pulmonary function tests. ILD can develop in any patient with SSc, including those with pulmonary hypertension, but the risk is increased in those with diffuse (rather than limited) cutaneous SSc, those with anti-Scl-70/anti-topoisomerase I antibody, and in the absence of anti-centromere antibody. While it can occur at any time, the risk of developing ILD is greatest early in the course of SSc, so patients should be monitored closely in the first few years after diagnosis. An increased extent of lung fibrosis on HRCT and a low forced vital capacity (FVC) are predictors of early mortality. While not all patients will require treatment, current approaches to the treatment of progressive SSc-ILD focus on immunosuppressant therapies, including cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil. In patients with severe and/or rapidly progressive disease, both haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and lung transplantation have been successfully used. A number of medications, including the two drugs approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), are under active investigation as potential new therapies for SSc-ILD.

Conclusions

Physicians managing patients with SSc should maintain a high level of suspicion and regularly monitor for ILD, particularly in the first few years after diagnosis.

Intriguing Relationships Between Cancer and Systemic Sclerosis: Role of the Immune System and Other Contributors

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder, characterized by multisystem involvement, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. An increased risk of malignancy is observed in SSc (including breast and lung cancers), and in a subgroup of patients with specific autoantibodies (i.e., anti-RNA polymerase III and related autoantibodies), SSc could be a paraneoplastic syndrome and might be directly related to an immune response against cancer. Herein, we reviewed the literature, focusing on the most recent articles, and shed light onto the potential relationship between cancer and scleroderma regarding temporal and immunological dimensions.

Trends in incidence, mortality, and causes of death associated with systemic sclerosis in Denmark between 1995 and 2015: a nationwide cohort study

Background

To investigate the incidence and the mortality-rates of systemic sclerosis (SSc), its primary causes of death, and the temporal trends in events in Denmark during the last decades.

Methods

Using the Danish National Patient Registry, we identified all persons aged ≥18 years with a first-time diagnosis of SSc (ICD-10 code M34, excluding M34.2) between 1995 and 2015.

Results

A total of 2778 incident SSc cases were identified. The mean age at time of SSc diagnosis was 56 (standard deviation 15) years and 76% were women. The overall incidence rate (per 1,000,000 person-years) of diagnosed SSc was 24.4 (95% confidence interval 23.6–25.4), with a slight increase over the study period, age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.02 (95% confidence interval 1.01–1.02) per 1-year increase. The 1-year all-cause mortality rate per 100 person-years decreased from 6.1 (3.1–12.2) in 1995 to 5.3 (2.5–11.1) in 2015, sex- and age-adjusted hazard ratio 0.96 (95% CI 0.94–0.98) per 1-year increase. Over the period, the average age at SSc diagnosis increased and the proportion of women decreased, whereas the burden of comorbidities increased. One fifth of all deaths were attributable to cardiovascular causes, a fourth to pulmonary diseases, and 15% were due to cancer.

Conclusions

Within the last few decades, the incidence of SSc has increased and the 1-year mortality rate has decreased slightly in Denmark. Almost half of all deaths were attributable to cardiopulmonary causes.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s41927-018-0043-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

On-Demand Sildenafil as a Treatment for Raynaud Phenomenon: A Series of n-of-1 Trials

BACKGROUND

Treatment of Raynaud phenomenon (RP) with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors has shown moderate efficacy. Adverse effects decrease the risk-benefit profile of these drugs, and patients may not be willing to receive long-term treatment. On-demand single doses before or during exposure to cold may be a good alternative.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of on-demand sildenafil in RP.

DESIGN

Series of randomized, double-blind, n-of-1 trials. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02050360).

SETTING

Outpatients at a French university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with primary or secondary RP.

INTERVENTION

Each trial consisted of a multiple crossover study in a single patient. Repeated blocks of 3 periods of on-demand treatment were evaluated: 1 week of placebo, 1 week of sildenafil at 40 mg per dose, and 1 week of sildenafil at 80 mg per dose, with a maximum of 2 doses daily.

MEASUREMENTS

Raynaud Condition Score (RCS) and frequency and daily duration of attacks. Skin blood flow in response to cooling also was assessed with laser speckle contrast imaging. Mixed-effects models were used and parameters were estimated in a Bayesian framework to determine individual and aggregated efficacy.

RESULTS

38 patients completed 2 to 5 treatment blocks. On the basis of aggregated data, the probability that sildenafil at 40 mg or 80 mg was more effective than placebo was greater than 90% for all outcomes (except for RCS with sildenafil, 80 mg). However, the aggregated effect size was not clinically relevant. Yet, substantial heterogeneity in sildenafil's efficacy was observed among participants, with clinically relevant efficacy in some patients.

LIMITATION

The response to sildenafil was substantially heterogeneous among patients.

CONCLUSION

Despite a high probability that sildenafil is superior to placebo, substantial heterogeneity was observed in patient response and aggregated results did not show that on-demand sildenafil has clinically relevant efficacy. In this context, the use of n-of-1 trials may be an original and relevant approach in RP.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

GIRCI (Groupement Interrégional de Recherche Clinique et d'Innovation) Auvergne Rhône-Alpes (academic funding) and Pfizer.

The Two-Faced Cytokine IL-6 in Host Defense and Diseases

Interleukein-6 (IL-6), is produced locally from infectious or injured lesions and is delivered to the whole body via the blood stream, promptly activating the host defense system to perform diverse functions. However, excessive or sustained production of IL-6 is involved in various diseases. In diseases, the IL-6 inhibitory strategy begins with the development of the anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, tocilizumab (TCZ). This antibody has shown remarkable effects on Castleman disease, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In 2017, TCZ was proven to work effectively against giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis and cytokine releasing syndrome, initiating a new era for the treatment of these diseases. In this study, the defensive functions of IL-6 and various pathological conditions are compared. Further, the diseases of which TCZ has been approved for treatment are summarized, the updated results of increasing off-label use of TCZ for various diseases are reviewed and the conditions for which IL-6 inhibition might have a beneficial role are discussed. Given the involvement of IL-6 in many pathologies, the diseases that can be improved by IL-6 inhibition will expand. However, the important role of IL-6 in host defense should always be kept in mind in clinical practice.

Systemic sclerosis: state of the art on clinical practice guidelines

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an orphan disease characterised by autoimmunity, fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, and vasculopathy. SSc may be associated with high morbidity and mortality. In this narrative review we summarise the results of a systematic literature research, which was performed as part of the European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases project, aimed at evaluating existing clinical practice guidelines or recommendations. Only in the domains ‘Vascular & Ulcers’ (ie, non-pharmacological approach to digital ulcer), ‘PAH’ (ie, screening and treatment), ‘Treatment’ and ‘Juveniles’ (ie, evaluation of juveniles with Raynaud’s phenomenon) evidence-based and consensus-based guidelines could be included. Hence there is a preponderance of unmet needs in SSc referring to the diagnosis and (non-)pharmacological treatment of several SSc-specific complications. Patients with SSc experience significant uncertainty concerning SSc-related taxonomy, management (both pharmacological and non-pharmacological) and education. Day-to-day impact of the disease (loss of self-esteem, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and occupational, nutritional and relational problems) is underestimated and needs evaluation.