Lichen sclerosus and eosinophilic fasciitis as manifestations of chronic graft-versus-host disease: expanding the sclerodermoid spectrum

Cutaneous Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, Management, and Supportive Care

Cutaneous chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is associated with morbidity, mortality, and impaired quality of life after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The clinical features of cutaneous cGVHD are heterogeneous but can be broadly classified into nonsclerotic or sclerotic presentations. This review provides an overview of clinical presentation, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, grading, and treatment of cutaneous cGVHD. Particular attention is given to cutaneous cGVHD in skin of color, which can have unique features and is generally underrepresented in the literature leading to delays in diagnosis. Finally, an overview of long-term skin care for patients with cutaneous cGVHD is provided in order to support patients from a dermatologic perspective as they recover from cGVHD. Multidisciplinary care with frequent communication between transplant specialists and dermatologists is critical to effectively managing cutaneous cGVHD.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease. Part I: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations

Chronic graft-versus-host disease is a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and a leading cause of long-term morbidity, nonrelapse mortality, and impaired health-related quality of life. The skin is commonly affected and presents heterogeneously, making the role of dermatologists critical in both diagnosis and treatment. In addition, new clinical classification and grading schemes inform treatment algorithms, which now include 3 U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies, and evolving transplant techniques are changing disease epidemiology. Part I reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of chronic graft-versus-host disease. Part II discusses disease grading and therapeutic management.

Understanding and treatment of cutaneous graft-versus-host-disease

The skin is the outermost mechanical barrier where dynamic immune reactions take place and is the most commonly affected site in both acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). If not properly treated, pain and pruritis resulting from cutaneous GVHD can increase the risk of secondary infection due to erosions, ulcerations, and damage of underlying tissues. Furthermore, resulting disfiguration can cause distress and significantly impact patients' quality of life. Thus, a deeper understanding of skin-specific findings of GVHD is needed. This review will highlight some promising results of recent pre-clinical studies on the pathophysiology of skin GVHD and summarize the diagnostic and staging/grading procedures according to the clinical manifestations of skin GVHD. In addition, we will summarize outcomes of various GVHD treatments, including skin-specific response rates.

Graft versus host disease-related eosinophilic fasciitis: cohort description and literature review

Background

Chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) simulating eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is an underdiagnosed and challenging complication due to the lack of knowledge about its pathogenesis, refractoriness to traditional immunosuppressive agents and their negative impact on the physical function and quality of life. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical-biological characteristics and response to treatment of a case series and to provide a comprehensive literature review on cGVHD related EF involvement.

Methods

Prospective observational study to describe the clinical and diagnostic evaluation characteristics of patients with EF-like follow-up as part of our multidisciplinary cGVHD consultations. In addition, the literature on joint and/or fascial musculoskeletal manifestations due to cGVHD was comprehensively reviewed.

Results

118 patients were evaluated in multidisciplinary cGVHD consultations, 39 of whom (33%) developed fasciitis. Notably, 11 patients had isolated joint contractures without sclerotic skin. After a median of three lines of treatment, the vast majority of patients achieved some degree of response. 94 potentially eligible articles were identified by the search strategy, with 17 of them, the majority isolated case reports, making the final selection. The validated staging scales used for the assessment were the Joint and Fascial Score and the Photographic Range of Motion.

Conclusion

Fascial/articular involvement needs to be recognized and evaluated early. To our knowledge, our cohort is the second largest series to have been reported. Literature addressing fascial/joints complications related to cGVHD is scarce. The search for new biomarkers, the use of advanced imaging techniques and multidisciplinary approach may help improve the prognosis of patients with cGVHD.

Clinical and Histopathological Features of Scleroderma-like Disorders: An Update

Scleroderma-like disorders include a set of entities involving cutis, subcutis and, sometimes, even muscular tissue, caused by several pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for different clinical–pathological pictures. The absence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), Raynaud’s phenomenon and capillaroscopic anomalies constitutes an important element of differential diagnosis with systemic sclerosis. When scleroderma can be excluded, on the basis of the main body sites, clinical evolution, any associated pathological conditions and specific histological features, it is possible to make a correct diagnosis.

Sclerodermalike syndromes: Great imitators

Sclerodermalike syndromes (SLSs) comprise diseases with mucin deposition (eg, scleromyxedema, scleredema), with eosinophilia (eg, eosinophilic fasciitis), metabolic or biochemical abnormalities (eg, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis), or endocrine disorders (eg, POEMS syndrome, or polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal lymphoproliferative disorder, and hypothyroidism). Chronic graft-versus-host disease may also show sclerodermalike skin changes. Inherited progeria syndromes with early aging (eg, Werner syndrome) and a heterogeneous group of hereditary disorders with either skin thickening (eg, stiff skin syndrome) or atrophy and tightening (eg, acrogeria) can also imitate classic systemic sclerosis (SSc). In addition, SLSs can be provoked by several drugs, chemicals, or even physical injury (eg, trauma, vibration stress, radiation). In SLSs, the distribution of skin involvement seems to be atypical compared with SSc. The acral skin involvement is usually missing, and lack of Raynaud phenomenon, scleroderma-specific antinuclear antibodies, the absence of scleroderma capillary pattern, and internal organ manifestations indicate the presence of an SLS. Skin involvement is sometimes nodular, and the underlying tissues can also be affected. For the differential diagnosis, a skin biopsy of the deeper layers including fascia and muscle is required. Histology does not always allow differentiation between SSc and SLSs; therefore, the diagnosis is often based on the distribution, quality of cutaneous involvement, and other accompanying clinical features.

Cutaneous Manifestations of Scleroderma and Scleroderma-Like Disorders: a Comprehensive Review

Scleroderma refers to an autoimmune connective tissue fibrosing disease, including three different subsets: localized scleroderma, limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis with divergent patterns of organ involvement, autoantibody profiles, management, and prognostic implications. Although systemic sclerosis is considered the disease prototype that causes cutaneous sclerosis, there are many other conditions that can mimic and be confused with SSc. They can be classified into immune-mediated/inflammatory, immune-mediated/inflammatory with abnormal deposit (mucinoses), genetic, drug-induced and toxic, metabolic, panniculitis/vascular, and (para)neoplastic disorders according to clinico-pathological and pathogenetic correlations. This article reviews the clinical presentation with emphasis on cutaneous disease, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment options available for the different forms of scleroderma firstly and for scleroderma-like disorders, including scleromyxedema, scleredema, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, eosinophilic fasciitis, chronic graft-versus-host disease, porphyria cutanea tarda, diabetic stiff-hand syndrome (diabetic cheiroartropathy), and other minor forms. This latter group of conditions, termed also scleroderma mimics, sclerodermiform diseases, or pseudosclerodermas, shares the common thread of skin thickening but presents with distinct cutaneous manifestations, skin histology, and systemic implications or disease associations, differentiating each entity from the others and from scleroderma. The lack of Raynaud's phenomenon, capillaroscopic abnormalities, or scleroderma-specific autoantibodies is also important diagnostic clues. As cutaneous involvement is the earliest, most frequent and characteristic manifestation of scleroderma and sclerodermoid disorders, dermatologists are often the first-line doctors who must be able to promptly recognize skin symptoms to provide the affected patient a correct diagnosis and appropriate management.

A rare case of unilateral eosinophilic fasciitis associated with ipsilateral extragenital lichen sclerosus

Eosinophilic fasciitis, also known as Shulman's syndrome, is a fibrosing scleroderma-like syndrome, which is a distinct entity. A 55-year-old man, presented with progressive skin darkening, thickening, and tightening over the left lower limb since 6 months. Dermatological examination revealed a hyperpigmented indurated area on the left thigh, extending to the anterior aspect of the left leg. A well-defined hypopigmented indurated plaque was present over the left iliac region. Histopathology and imaging studies confirmed the diagnosis of eosinophilic fasciitis and lichen sclerosus. The indurated lesion on the left lower limb responded dramatically well to oral corticosteroids. This is a rare case of unilateral eosinophilic fasciitis associated with ipsilateral extragenital lichen sclerosus.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease presenting as eosinophilic fasciitis: therapeutic challenges and an additional case

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is one of the main late complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant and a major contributor to the mortality and morbidity in surviving recipients. Skin is the most common involved organ in cGVHD and may mimic a wide spectrum of dermatological conditions in its clinical and histopathologic manifestations. Some of the commonly simulated diseases are scleroderma, morphea, and lichen sclerosus. Chronic GVHD simulating eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is relatively rare, frequently presenting with skin induration, a typical "peau d'orange" appearance, peripheral blood eosinophilia, myalgia, arthralgia, and arthritis leading to joint contractures in severe cases.Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations and histopathology. Treatment is challenging because most cases are refractory to first-line therapy of glucocorticoids and calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), and there is no standard second-line therapy.We report a comprehensive review of literature on all reported cases of CGVHD presenting as EF. We also describe an additional interesting case of cGVHD presenting as EF that was resistant to traditional therapy of high-dose glucocorticoids and cyclosporin A, but showed complete resolution of skin manifestations after addition of imatinib.Chronic GVHD presenting as EF is a rare variant of sclerodermatous cGVHD. Diagnosis is difficult, and treatment of cGVHD mimicking EF remains a therapeutic challenge because of obscure pathogenesis and poor response to traditional immunosuppressive medications. Emerging insights into the pathogenesis of cGVHD have resulted in the development of novel targeted therapies, which may improve outcomes and should be attempted in this subset of the disease. Larger studies are warranted to substantiate these preliminary findings.

Nail dystrophy, edema, and eosinophilia: harbingers of severe chronic GVHD of the skin in children

The prognostic value of adnexal findings in chronic GVHD (cGVHD) has not been investigated in children. Dermatologic examinations were performed in a severe cohort of 11 children with skin cGVHD seen over a 2-year period. Findings were compared with 25 additional patients with skin cGVHD and 97 control patients. In 36 patients with skin cGVHD, nail dystrophy was present in 45% of patients, and was significantly associated with sclerotic disease and lung cGVHD. Pterygium inversum unguis (PIU) was associated with severe lung disease, with significantly lower % predicted FVC and FEV1 in those with PIU than those without. Forty-four percent of GVHD patients had preceding peripheral edema and 56% had preceding peripheral eosinophilia. Peripheral edema and eosinophilia were significantly associated with sclerotic cGVHD and persisted until the diagnosis of cGVHD in all patients. Comparison of data with control patients showed that incidence of nail dystrophy, incidence of peripheral edema and mean peak peripheral eosinophil count of patients with skin cGVHD was significantly higher than those without cGVHD. This study suggests that nail dystrophy, persistent peripheral edema and persistent peripheral eosinophilia are harbingers of severe cGVHD of the skin in children. The presence of PIU may be a harbinger of severe lung involvement.

Eosinophils in the blood of hematopoietic stem cell transplanted patients are activated and have different molecular marker profiles in acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease

While increased numbers of eosinophils may be detected in patients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, it is not known if eosinophils play a role in GVHD. The aims of this study were to determine: whether eosinophils are activated during GVHD; whether the patterns of activation are similar in acute and chronic GVHD; and the ways in which systemic corticosteroids affect eosinophils. Transplanted patients (n = 35) were investigated for eosinophil numbers and the expression levels of 16 eosinophilic cell surface markers using flow cytometry; all the eosinophil data were analyzed by the multivariate method OPLS-DA. Different patterns of molecule expression were observed on the eosinophils from patients with acute, chronic, and no GVHD, respectively. The molecules that provided the best discrimination between acute and chronic GVHD were: the activation marker CD9; adhesion molecules CD11c and CD18; chemokine receptor CCR3; and prostaglandin receptor CRTH2. Patients with acute or chronic GVHD who received systemic corticosteroid treatment showed down-regulation of the cell surface markers on their eosinophils, whereas corticosteroid treatment had no effect on the eosinophil phenotype in the patients without GVHD. In summary, eosinophils are activated in GVHD, display different activation profiles in acute and chronic GVHD, and are highly responsive to systemic corticosteroids.

Isomorphic sclerotic-type cutaneous chronic graft-versus-host disease: report and review of chronic graft-versus-host disease in a cutaneous immunocompromised district

Background

Patients who have received a hematopoietic cell transplantation can develop graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The liver, the gastrointestinal tract, and/or the skin can be affected by GVHD. Chronic sclerotic-type cutaneous GVHD can occur at sites of repetitive skin friction.

Purpose

To describe isomorphic sclerotic-type GVHD and review chronic GVHD appearing in a cutaneous immunocompromised district.

Methods

The clinical features of a 74-year-old man with mantle cell lymphoma who developed chronic sclerotic-type cutaneous GVHD localized to the waistband area—which had been exposed to repetitive skin injury—after a second hematopoietic cell transplantation are reported. Using the PubMed database, an extensive literature search was performed on chronic GVHD.

Case report and review

The cutaneous immunocompromised district is an area of skin whose local effective immunity has been altered, thereby permitting the development of a dysimmune reaction, infection, or tumor at the site. A cutaneous isomorphic response refers to a disease-associated skin lesion occurring at the site of physical injury that is morphologically similar to the existing condition. Cutaneous chronic GVHD can occur at sites of repetitive skin trauma as an isomorphic response. The patient developed sclerotic-type GVHD in a cutaneous area that had previously experienced repeated irritation, friction, and pressure. Isomorphic sclerotic-type GVHD—in either the waistband area or brassiere area or both—has also been observed in other patients. In addition, cutaneous chronic GVHD has been described not only at the location of a previous, unrelated, and healed skin disease as an isotopic response, but also at the cutaneous site of earlier exposure to radiotherapy or ultraviolet radiation as an isoradiotopic response.

Conclusion

Sclerotic and nonsclerotic skin lesions of chronic GVHD can occur not only as an isomorphic response, but also as either an isotopic response or an isoradiotopic response in a cutaneous immunocompromised district.

A case of cutaneous lichen sclerosus et atrophicus effectively treated by extracorporeal photochemotherapy

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) is an inflammatory disease that affects the genitals, which was first described by Hallopeau in 1887 and is of unknown etiology. Only 15% of patients have an associated extra-genital form, and 2.5% have an isolated extra-genital form. LSA treatment remains poorly codified and mostly empirical. Here, we report a case of LSA, of mainly cutaneous form, which was effectively treated using extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP). Remission was achieved quickly, after the fourth session, with excellent treatment tolerance. ECP is now recognized as an effective treatment for erosive lichen planus, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and scleroderma. Thus, we began ECP treatment for our cases of LSA based on clinical and/or anatomopathological similarities between LSA and these commonly ECP-treated disorders. The fact that ECP is effective in LSA, GVHD, erosive lichen planus, and scleroderma strengthen the hypothesis that there is a common link between these four conditions.

Graft-versus-host disease: part I. Pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of graft-versus-host disease

Approximately 25,000 allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants are performed worldwide each year for a variety of malignant and non-malignant conditions. Graft-versus-host disease represents one of the most frequent complications and is a major source of long-term morbidity and mortality. Whereas acute graft-versus-host disease is induced by recognition of host tissues as foreign by immunocompetent donor cells, the pathogenesis of chronic graft-versus-host disease is not as well understood, and continues to be a major treatment challenge. Part I of this two-part series reviews the epidemiologic factors, classification, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease. Part II discusses the topical, physical, and systemic treatment options available to patients with graft-versus-host disease.

Sclerotic-type chronic GVHD of the skin: clinical risk factors, laboratory markers, and burden of disease

Chronic GVHD is one of the most severe complications of allogeneic HSCT. The sclerotic skin manifestations of cGVHD (ScGVHD) result from inflammation and fibrosis of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, or fascia, leading to significant functional disability. Risk factors and clinical markers associated with ScGVHD remain largely unexamined. By using a single-visit, cross-sectional design, we evaluated 206 patients with cGVHD at the National Institutes of Health. Most patients manifested severe (ie, 63% National Institutes of Health score "severe"), refractory disease (median treatments = 4). ScGVHD was detected in 109 (52.9%) patients. ScGVHD was associated with greater platelet count (P < .001) and C3 (P < .001), and decreased forced vital capacity (P = .013). Total body irradiation (TBI) was associated with development of ScGVHD (P = .002). TBI administered in reduced-intensity conditioning was most strongly associated with ScGVHD (14/15 patients, P < .0001). Patients with ScGVHD had significant impairments of joint range of motion and grip strength (P < .001). Greater body surface area involvement was associated with poorer survival (P = .015). We conclude that TBI, particularly in reduced-intensity regimens, may be an important risk factor for ScGVHD. Widespread skin involvement is associated with significant functional impairment, distressing symptoms, and diminished survival. This trial is registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00331968.

The impact of histopathologic examination of graft-versus-host disease in the era of reduced-intensity conditioning regimen: a study from the Gruppo Italiano Trapianto di Midollo Osseo

Reduced-intensity conditioning regimens have reshaped the clinical presentation of graft-versus-host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplants. However, histopathologic features of graft-versus-host disease following reduced-intensity conditioning regimens have not been fully characterized. In a series of 112 biopsies (skin, n = 60; gastrointestinal [GI] tract, n = 44; liver, n = 8), we described the morphologic profile of graft-versus-host disease following reduced-intensity conditioning and investigated whether histopathologic changes of graft-versus-host disease following reduced-intensity conditioning have a diagnostic and/or prognostic value. Forty-four patients (49.5%) experienced acute graft-versus-host disease, 2 (2.2%) late-onset acute graft-versus-host disease (grade I, n = 13; grade II-IV, n = 33), 24 (27.0%) chronic graft-versus-host disease (de novo n = 12, progressive n = 12) and 19 (21.3%) overlap syndrome. In the skin, we observed: (i) phase-nonspecific changes, such as acute graft-versus-host disease features in chronic graft-versus-host disease patients (n = 4/24; 16.6%), (ii) subtle alterations such as superficial fibrosis in widened dermal papillae (n = 8), in acute graft-versus-host disease/late-onset graft-versus-host disease (n = 6/46; 13.0%) or chronic graft-versus-host disease (n = 2/24, 8.3%) patients, and (iii) features of chronic and acute graft-versus-host disease coexisting in the same specimen in overlap syndrome (n = 3/19; 15.7%). In the GI tract, we did not demonstrate peculiar features differing from those commonly observed in the myeloablative setting. By univariate analysis, a reduced overall survival was associated with graft-versus-host disease type (chronic graft-versus-host disease P = .006, acute graft-versus-host disease P = .03), older age (P = .04), and histopathologic diagnosis of "consistent with" + definite graft-versus-host disease (P = .02). Histopathologic diagnosis retained an independent prognostic value by multivariate analysis (P = .01). The present study indicates that pathologists should be aware of the peculiar morphologic changes of cutaneous graft-versus-host disease following reduced-intensity conditioning and further recommends histopathology in the diagnostic workup of graft-versus-host disease in patients undergoing reduced-intensity conditioning regimen.

Tyrosine kinases in inflammatory dermatologic disease

Tyrosine kinases (TKs) are enzymes that catalyze the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues on protein substrates. They are key components of signaling pathways that drive an array of cellular responses including proliferation, differentiation, migration, and survival. Specific TKs have recently been identified as critical to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Small-molecule inhibitors of TKs are emerging as a novel class of therapy that may provide benefit in certain patient subsets. In this review, we highlight TK signaling implicated in inflammatory dermatologic diseases, evaluate strategies aimed at inhibiting these aberrant signaling pathways, and discuss prospects for future drug development.

Clinical, serologic and instrumental data of ten patients affected by sclerodermatous chronic graft versus host disease: similarities and differences in respect to systemic sclerosis

Chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD), the most common late complication of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), may present with sclerodermatous lesions resembling in some cases the cutaneous involvement of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Certain pathogenetic findings connect the two diseases. In this report we describe ten subjects affected by cGVHD who underwent the examinations routinely carried out to stage SSc patients. Demographic, clinical, serologic and instrumental data were recorded. These patients showed differences in appearance, extent and progression of the sclerodermatous lesions with greater involvement of the trunk and proximal part of the limbs than the extremities. In seven subjects ANA test was positive; scleroderma-associated autoantibodies were not detected in any of the cases. Moreover, typical organ involvement of SSc was not found. Only one patient developed Raynauds phenomenon after HSCT and only one patient demonstrated a nailfold videocapillaroscopic scleroderma pattern. Except for cutaneous involvement of cGVHD, that may resemble SSc, the clinical features of the two diseases are quite different, suggesting that the fibrotic process characterizing cGVHD and SSc has different etiologies and different initial pathobiologic events.

[A rare case of a sclerodermoid chronic graft versus host disease. Successful treatment with extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP)]

A 31-year-old woman presented with progressive deep linear induration on her lower abdomen, forearms and thighs. These symptoms developed three years after allogenic stem cell transplantation. Furthermore, the patient showed multiple hypopigmented lichenoid papules on the extensor surfaces of the forearms consistent with lichen sclerosus. Histological analysis of a biopsy specimen from her left thigh showed dermal sclerosis extending into the fascia, thus establishing the diagnosis of a rare combination of superficial and deep sclerodermoid chronic graft-versus-host disease. After 7 cycles of extracorporeal photopheresis, a marked resolution of the indurations and a reduction of the modified Rodnan skin score from 12 to 7 were noted.

Magnetic resonance imaging in sclerotic-type chronic graft-vs-host disease

BACKGROUND

Sclerotic-type chronic graft-vs-host disease (cGVHD) of the skin is an uncommon but potentially debilitating sequela of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. There is no standardized assessment measure for this form of cGVHD. Because a full-thickness incisional biopsy specimen to the level of the fascia may be needed to make a definitive histologic diagnosis of cGVHD-related fasciitis, a noninvasive technique for the assessment and monitoring of sclerotic-type cGVHD, particularly cGVHD-related fasciitis, would be of potential value.

OBSERVATIONS

Sixty-two consecutive patients with cGVHD following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were evaluated for sclerotic skin disease. Forty-four patients (71%) had cutaneous cGVHD, and 28 patients (45%) had evidence of sclerotic involvement based on physical examination findings. Fifteen patients agreed to undergo research magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate quantifiable changes in the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle. Among 15 patients, magnetic resonance imaging identified abnormalities in the skin in 7 (47%), subcutaneous fibrous septa in 13 (87%), deep fascia in 12 (80%), epimysium in 9 (60%), and muscle in 3 (20%).

CONCLUSIONS

Magnetic resonance imaging should be considered in the evaluation of patients with cGVHD suspected of having subcutaneous or fascial involvement. Additional studies are needed to validate this noninvasive modality for serial monitoring of disease activity and response to therapy. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00331968.

Follicular graft-versus-host disease: a rare manifestation of chronic cutaneous graft-versus-host disease

Chronic cutaneous graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is generally classified into 2 major clinical categories, lichenoid and esclerodermoid. A follicular eruption as major clinical manifestation of GVHD is very rare. We report a patient who underwent an allogeneic stem-cell transplantation and developed an extensive erythematous-to-violaceous lichenoid papular eruption, predominantly follicular, on day +120. After 4 years of follow-up, the patient is doing well.

Cutaneous graft-versus-host disease: a guide for the dermatologist

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is defined by the aggregation of clinical and pathological manifestations in a recipient of allogeneic stem cells or bone marrow transplantation in which specific immunological as well as nonspecific phenomena lead to characteristic features. GVHD is one of the major complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantations and responsible for posttherapeutic morbidity, mortality and decrease in quality of life of those patients. GVHD is critically induced and maintained by donor immunocompetent cells that particularly attack epithelia of fast proliferating tissues such as those from the liver, gastrointestinal tract and skin. On the basis of the time of presentation, cutaneous GVHD has been originally divided into an acute and chronic disease. The latter has traditionally been further subclassified into a more epithelial or lichenoid and a predominantly dermal or sclerodermoid form. With respect to the growing importance of this therapeutic procedure and increasing numbers of outpatients presenting with chronic GVHD, this article summarizes the updated knowledge on this disease focused for the dermatologist, and additionally it emphasizes the recent consensus documents on the various aspects of chronic GVHD of the National Institute of Health.

The changing face of graft-versus-host disease

Despite advances in the procedure and posttransplantation immunosuppressive therapy, more than half of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients develop graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Modern HSCT protocols have resulted in substantial alterations in the timing and relative incidences of acute and chronic GVHD, making traditional classification schemes obsolete. This article reviews major changes in HSCT during the past decade, evolving concepts of acute and chronic GVHD (including new diagnostic criteria) and the expanding spectrum of cutaneous GVHD. It focuses on observations that have led to a better delineation of the full constellation of skin findings in chronic cutaneous GVHD, including lichen sclerosus, morpheaform lesions, and eosinophilic fasciitis. Recent insights into pathogenesis of GVHD, lessons from GVHD arising in settings outside HSCT, and therapeutic advances also are highlighted.

Eosinophilic fasciitis: report of two cases and a systematic review of the literature dealing with clinical variables that predict outcome

We reported two patients with refractory eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) and provided a systematic review of the literature to determine the clinical variables associated with prognosis of EF. We enrolled 88 cases, whose clinical characteristics were analyzed by separating the patients into two or three groups based on outcome. The incidence of certain clinical and pathological features differed among the groups. In particular, the incidence of morphea-like skin lesions in patients with refractory fibrosis was significantly higher than in patients without refractory fibrosis (p = 0.003). Patients with morphea-like skin lesions were 1.9 times more likely to develop persistent fibrosis than patients without these lesions (95% confidence intervals, 1.5-2.5). A younger age (under 12 years) at onset was associated with a 1.6 times greater risk of residual fibrosis (95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.2). Trunk involvement was associated with a 1.4 times greater risk of residual fibrosis (95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.0). Histopathologically, the presence of dermal fibrosclerosis was associated with a 1.4 times greater risk of refractory fibrosis (95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.1). We consider these clinical characteristics, notably the presence of morphea-like skin lesions may be an important risk factor for developing residual fibrosis in EF patients.