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Petelytska L, Bonomi F, Cannistrà C, Fiorentini E, Peretti S, Torracchi S, Bernardini P, Coccia C, De Luca R, Economou A, Levani J, Matucci-Cerinic M, Distler O, Bruni C. Heterogeneity of determining disease severity, clinical course and outcomes in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease: a systematic literature review. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003426. [PMID: 37940340 PMCID: PMC10632935 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The course of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is highly variable and different from continuously progressive idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Most proposed definitions of progressive pulmonary fibrosis or SSc-ILD severity are based on the research data from patients with IPF and are not validated for patients with SSc-ILD. Our study aimed to gather the current evidence for severity, progression and outcomes of SSc-ILD.Methods A systematic literature review to search for definitions of severity, progression and outcomes recorded for SSc-ILD was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library up to 1 August 2023.Results A total of 9054 papers were reviewed and 342 were finally included. The most frequent tools used for the definition of SSc-ILD progression and severity were combined changes of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) and forced vital capacity (FVC), isolated FVC or DLCO changes, high-resolution CT (HRCT) extension and composite algorithms including pulmonary function test, clinical signs and HRCT data. Mortality was the most frequently reported long-term event, both from all causes or ILD related.Conclusions The studies presenting definitions of SSc-ILD 'progression', 'severity' and 'outcome' show a large heterogeneity. These results emphasise the need for developing a standardised, consensus definition of severe SSc-ILD, to link a disease specific definition of progression as a surrogate outcome for clinical trials and clinical practice.PROSPERO registration number CRD42022379254.Cite Now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liubov Petelytska
- Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department Internal Medicine #3, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kiiv, Ukraine
| | - Francesco Bonomi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence - Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Carlo Cannistrà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence - Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Fiorentini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence - Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Peretti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence - Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Torracchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence - Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Pamela Bernardini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence - Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Carmela Coccia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence - Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Riccardo De Luca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence - Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Economou
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence - Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Juela Levani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence - Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence - Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Oliver Distler
- Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cosimo Bruni
- Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence - Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
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Pan J, Dong F, Ma L, Zhao C, Qin F, Wen J, Wei W, Lei L. Therapeutic effects of thalidomide on patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2023; 8:231-240. [PMID: 37744042 PMCID: PMC10515992 DOI: 10.1177/23971983231180077] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of thalidomide in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. Methods Ninety-six systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease patients who received basic glucocorticoid treatment and admitted between 2016 and 2020 were included in this study, including 48 cases in the thalidomide group (combination of thalidomide and cyclophosphamide) and 48 cases in control group (cyclophosphamide monotherapy). Evaluation items included clinical symptoms, modified Rodnan skin score, pulmonary function test, chest high-resolution computed tomography scores, and adverse effects between two groups after 24 weeks of treatment. Results Remarkable improvements in several aspects were found in the thalidomide group, including modified Rodnan skin score, expiratory dyspnea score, cough visual analog scale score, total ground-glass opacity score, and total interstitial lung disease score. Compared to the control group, improvements in the thalidomide group were found, such as significantly decreased cough visual analog scale score and expectoration; increased number of platelets; improved pulmonary fibrosis (p = 0.056), and reduced carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (p = 0.053). There were no statistically significant differences in the expiratory dyspnea score and predicted forced vital capacity between the two groups. Patients who experienced at least one adverse event in the control group and thalidomide group were 33.3% and 64.6% (p = 0.002); while those with serious adverse events were 8.3% versus 12.5% (p = 0.504). Venous thrombosis was found in one case in the thalidomide group. Conclusion Thalidomide combined with cyclophosphamide can improve the symptoms of cough and expectoration in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease, and may slightly delay the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, but with the possibility of an increased risk of adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Li Ma
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Fang Qin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jing Wen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Wanling Wei
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Ling Lei
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Zagouras AA, Tang WHW. Myocardial Involvement in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2023; 49:45-66. [PMID: 36424026 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) are defined by the potential to affect multiple organ systems, and cardiac involvement is a prevalent but often overlooked sequela. Myocardial involvement in SARDs is medicated by macrovascular disease, microvascular dysfunction, and myocarditis. Systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and sarcoidosis are associated with the greatest risk of myocardial damage and heart failure, though myocardial involvement is also seen in other SARDs or their treatments. Management of myocardial involvement should be disease-specific. Further research is required to elucidate targetable mechanisms of myocardial involvement in SARDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia A Zagouras
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, , EC-10 Cleveland Clinic, 9501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - W H Wilson Tang
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, , EC-10 Cleveland Clinic, 9501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Kaufman Center for Heart Failure Treatment and Recovery, Heart Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Boleto G, Avouac J, Allanore Y. The role of antifibrotic therapies in the treatment of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2022; 14:1759720X211066686. [PMID: 35111241 PMCID: PMC8801639 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x211066686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune condition with complex pathogenesis characterized by a heterogeneous presentation and different disease courses. Fibrosis of multiple organs including the lungs favored by inflammation and vasculopathy is the hallmark of SSc. SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is common and can be associated with poor outcomes, this complication being the leading cause of death in recent series. Because of its huge heterogeneity, SSc-ILD management can be very challenging. Immunosuppressive therapy has long been used to prevent SSc-ILD progression with modest effects in clinical trials. However, thanks to a better understating of SSc pathogenesis, innovative therapies including antifibrotics are increasingly being developed. The achievement of the Safety and Efficacy of Nintedanib in Systemic SClerosIS (SENSCIS) trial has led to the approval by drug agencies of the first antifibrotic drug for SSc-ILD. In parallel, other antifibrotics are being investigated as possible beneficial therapies in SSc-ILD. An important unmet need remains to clarify the positioning of the various strategies, such as the added value of combination of immunosuppressants and antifibrotic therapies in patients at high risk of progression. Indeed, irreversible lung injury or self-perpetuated progression highlights the concept of a window of opportunity in SSc-ILD patients. Herewith, we provide an overview of the most significant clinical trials with antifibrotic drugs developed in recent years for the management of SSc-ILD and a viewpoint about their positioning in treatment algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jérôme Avouac
- Department of Rheumatology, Université de Paris, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France; INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France
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Chen J, Yang C, Pan J, Zhao C, Chen Z, Wen J, Dong F, Liao X, Lei L. Clinical features and prognostic factors of systemic sclerosis in Guangxi, China: Retrospective, single-center study of long-term survival in 470 patients. Int J Rheum Dis 2021; 25:182-191. [PMID: 34889515 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease the prevalence of which varies among populations. We analyzed SSc patients from Guangxi to improve the clinical understanding of this disease. METHODS Data of 470 SSc patients admitted to our institution from October 1,2012 to January 1,2019 were examined. The characteristics of these patients were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Cox proportional-hazard regression was used to identify prognostic factors. RESULTS The average age was 50.44 ± 12.31 years, 285 patients (60.6%) were women, 2.1% had pneumoconiosis, 58.2% had pulmonary interstitial disease (ILD), 18.7% had pulmonary hypertension (PH), and 3.6% had renal crisis. These patients had diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc, 70.2%) or limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (29.7%), and PH and renal crisis were more common in the dcSSc group. Patients 50 years old or more had greater prevalences of ILD, PH, and musculoskeletal damage, greater positivity of laboratory biomarkers, and increased mortality (all P < .05). Seventy-four patients (15.7%) died. The non-survivors were older, had longer disease duration, had higher prevalences of ILD, restrictive ventilation dysfunction, PH, and renal crisis, and had higher levels of creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB), C-reactive protein, and immunoglobin A (all P < .05). Renal crisis, PH, and high CK-MB were independent risk factors for death. CONCLUSIONS Pneumoconiosis was more common in SSc patients than the general population from this region. Our patients had a 10-year cumulative survival rate of 74.9%, higher than reported for patients from the US. Renal crisis, PH, and high CK-MB level were independent risk factors for death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- The Department of Rheumatology, Minzu Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Chenxi Yang
- The Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jie Pan
- The Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Cheng Zhao
- The Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhanrui Chen
- The Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jing Wen
- The Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Fei Dong
- The Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoling Liao
- The Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Ling Lei
- The Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Zagouras AA, Chatterjee S, Tang WHW. Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and Cardiomyopathy: an Under-recognized Complication of Systemic Sclerosis. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11936-021-00947-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Novel Genetic and Molecular Pathways in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Connective Tissue Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061488. [PMID: 34199176 PMCID: PMC8231632 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a severe complication of Connective Tissue Disease (CTD), with remarkable morbidity and mortality. However, the molecular and genetic basis of CTD-PAH remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to screen for genetic defects in a cohort of patients with CTD-PAH, using a PAH-specific panel of 35 genes. During recruitment, 79 patients were studied, including 59 Systemic Sclerosis patients (SSc) and 69 females. Disease-associated variants were observed in nine patients: 4 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 4 different genes (TBX4, ABCC8, KCNA5 and GDF2/BMP9) and 5 Variants of Unknown Significance (VUS) in 4 genes (ABCC8, NOTCH3, TOPBP1 and CTCFL). One patient with mixed CTD had a frameshift pathogenic variant in TBX4. Two patients with SSc-PAH carried variants in ABCC8. A patient diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) presented a pathogenic nonsense variant in GDF2/BMP9. Another patient with SSc-PAH presented a pathogenic variant in KCNA5. Four patients with SSc-PAH carried a VUS in NOTCH1, CTCFL, CTCFL and TOPBP1, respectively. These findings suggest that genetic factors may contribute to Pulmonary Vascular Disease (PVD) in CTD patients.
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Varrica C, Dias HS, Reis C, Carvalheiro M, Simões S. Targeted delivery in scleroderma fibrosis. Autoimmun Rev 2020; 20:102730. [PMID: 33338593 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is considered one of the most challenging and difficult to treat among rheumatic disorders, due to its severity, multiorgan manifestation and different outcomes. It manifests fibrosis in different organs, mostly in skin and lungs. The skin fibrosis expression is considered the first sign of the disease and usually it is followed by internal organ fibrosis. An aberrant immune system activation seems to relate to the expression of the disease, but even environmental influences and dysregulation of many molecules signalling pathways are involved in the development of the disease. Current therapies are limited and characterized by multiple side effects: systemic route is the elective administration route, which decreases patient adherence to the therapy, as they are often already bothered by pain and disfigurement. Treatments available are organ-based, originally indicated for other conditions and there is no therapy available to reduce the fibroblast population size within existing fibrotic lesions. Disease-modifying therapies or immunomodulatory agents that are highly effective in other rheumatic diseases have shown disappointing results in SSc. There are thus no standardized and effective treatments for this disease, and there are even unanswered questions related to the insurgence of the pathology and all the mechanisms involved. An ideal approach could be considered "targeted therapy" that will be an increasingly attainable objective insofar as our understanding of the disease improves. The advantages in identifying the molecule and the signalling pathways involved in the pathology have helped to find some novel compounds for the therapy of scleroderma fibrosis or following innovative uses for already-approved drugs, corroborated by many clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Varrica
- University of Pavia, Corso Strada Nuova, 65, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Helena Sofia Dias
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; IBEB, Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Carvalheiro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra Simões
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Fragoulis GE, Daoussis D, Pagkopoulou E, Garyfallos A, Kitas GD, Dimitroulas T. Cancer risk in systemic sclerosis: identifying risk and managing high-risk patients. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2020; 16:1105-1113. [PMID: 33150792 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2021.1847641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with a heightened cancer risk compared to the general population. Several pathways including immune system upregulation, cumulative inflammation, environmental factors, and genetic predisposition contribute to the development of both cancer and autoimmunity. Areas covered: This paper provides an overview of studies investigating the relationship between SSc and various types of cancer with a special focus on the identification of patients at higher risk for malignancy development. The demographic, serological, clinical, and disease-related characteristics of SSc individuals who are diagnosed with cancer over the course of their disease are discussed to provide a practical guidance for relevant screening strategies. Expert opinion: Several studies have identified subgroups of SSc patients at higher cancer risk based on the immunological profile (anti-RNAPol III positivity), diffuse disease type, and older age at SSc onset. Additionally, a close temporal association between SSc and cancer onset in certain antibody subsets raises the question as to whether more aggressive screening strategies should be considered. Currently, there are no published studies investigating the cost-effectiveness, efficacy, and safety of a targeted cancer-detection program. Screening procedures should at least follow recommendations for the general population with a special focus on patients at higher risk and specific cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- George E Fragoulis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Laiko" General Hospital , Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Daoussis
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Patras University Hospital, University of Patras Medical School , Patras, Greece
| | - Eleni Pagkopoulou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Garyfallos
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George D Kitas
- Arthritis Research UK, Centre for Epidemiology, University of Manchester , Manchester, UK
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
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Allanore Y, Wung P, Soubrane C, Esperet C, Marrache F, Bejuit R, Lahmar A, Khanna D, Denton CP. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 24-week, phase II, proof-of-concept study of romilkimab (SAR156597) in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Ann Rheum Dis 2020; 79:1600-1607. [PMID: 32963047 PMCID: PMC7677494 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-218447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Recent advances in systemic sclerosis (SSc) show that it involves a T-helper type-2-oriented immune response with interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13. Romilkimab is an engineered, humanised, bispecific immunoglobulin-G4 antibody that binds and neutralises IL-4/IL-13 making it ideal for exploration in fibrosis. Methods Patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), and with or without immunosuppressive background therapy, were randomised (1:1) to subcutaneous romilkimab 200 mg or placebo one time per week for 24 weeks in this double-blind, proof-of-concept, phase II study. The primary endpoint was change in modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) from baseline to week 24. Results Ninety-seven patients were randomised to romilkimab (n=48) or placebo (n=49) for 24 weeks. Least-squares mean (SE) change in mRSS was –4.76 (0.86) for romilkimab versus –2.45 (0.85) for placebo yielding a mean (SE) (90% CI) difference of –2.31 (1.21) (–4.32 to –0.31; p=0.0291, one-sided). Treatment-emergent AEs were balanced between placebo (n=41; 84%) and romilkimab (n=40; 80%). Most were mild-to-moderate and discontinuations were low (three overall). There were two deaths (one scleroderma renal crisis (romilkimab) and one cardiomyopathy (placebo)), neither were considered treatment related. Two patients in the placebo group had a cardiovascular treatment-emergent SAE (one cardiac failure, one cardiomyopathy), but there were no cardiac safety signals with romilkimab. Conclusion This study demonstrated significant effects on skin changes with romilkimab in early dcSSc that require confirmation with a longer and more comprehensive phase III study to determine clinical relevance. Trial registration number NCT02921971.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Allanore
- Rheumatology Department, Cochin Hospital, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Peter Wung
- Sanofi R&D, Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | | | - Raphael Bejuit
- Statistics and Programming, Sanofi, Chilly-Mazarin, France
| | - Amel Lahmar
- Global Safety, Sanofi R&D, Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Rheumatology Clinic, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology and and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London Division of Medicine, London, UK
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Valentini G, Pope JE. Undifferentiated connective tissue disease at risk for systemic sclerosis: Which patients might be labeled prescleroderma? Autoimmun Rev 2020; 19:102659. [PMID: 32942034 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease at risk for Systemic Sclerosis (UCTD-risk-SSc), otherwise referred to as very early-early SSc (very early-early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis VEDOSS), is a condition characterized by Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and either SSc serum marker autoantibodies or a capillaroscopic scleroderma pattern or both, but without satisfying classification criteria for SSc neither features consistent with SSc sine scleroderma. Approximately half the UCTD-risk-SSc patients develop definite SSc over 5-10 years of follow-up. Identifying patients who will undergo such evolution is an unmet need. Predicting at onset which patients with RP are going to develop SSc over time has long been a research objective and still is an unaccomplished task. The present review is devoted to the critical analysis of the nosographic boundaries of the condition and of items predictive of evolution including serological, capillaroscopic and circulating markers. A weighted score, based on serum antinuclear antibody titre, serum marker antibodies positivity and avascular areas has been developed and may identify in the meanwhile patients to be labeled prescleroderma i.e. those probably developing SSc over time. Future research should be directed to investigate unexplored features, validate and improve the performance of the score and highlight the involved pathways to be contrasted in order to identify a targeted therapy hampering the development of overt SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Valentini
- Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Precision Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Italy.
| | - Janet E Pope
- Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Precision Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Italy; Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Division of Rheumatology, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, Ontario, Canada
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12
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May capillaroscopy be a candidate tool in future algorithms for SSC-ILD: Are we looking for the holy grail? A systematic review. Autoimmun Rev 2020; 19:102619. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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