Diagnosis and Management of Scleroderma Peripheral Vascular Disease

Digital gangrene in systemic sclerosis patients: not only due to the microvascular disease

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of digital gangrenes in SSc patients, and to identify whether vasculitis is one of the causes for digital gangrene.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was performed from February 2003 to April 2021. Forty-three SSc patients with digital gangrene admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital were included. One-hundred forty-six age- and sex-matched SSc patients without gangrene were selected as controls during the same period. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors.

RESULTS

Among 43 SSc patients with gangrene, 93.0% had Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and 32.6% had current or previous digital ulcers (DU). SSc patients with digital gangrene had more ESR elevation (54.8% vs. 34.9%, p = 0.020) and higher level of high-sensitive C reactive protein (median 7.2 mg/L vs. 1.8 mg/L, p = 0.045) compared with controls. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, smoking history (OR 4.119, p = 0.037), anti-centromere antibody positivity (OR 3.542, p = 0.016), anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positivity (OR 22.605, p = 0.037), and anti-phospholipid antibody positivity (OR 16.563, p = 0.001), as well as elevated ESR (OR 2.524, p = 0.038) were identified as independent risk factors for gangrenes. Most (79.1%) cases were treated with combination of immunosuppressive and vasodilating therapy, and four cases also got remised after treatment of only glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive agent.

CONCLUSION

Smoking history; positive-ACA, ANCA, and anti-phospholipid antibodies; and increased ESR were independent risk factors for digital gangrenes in SSc. Vasculitis and macrovascular disease may contribute to the progression of digital gangrenes. Key Points •18.6% of SSc patients with digital gangrene had macrovascular stenosis. •Smoking, positive-ACA, ANCA, aPL, and increased ESR were indicators for digital gangrenes in SSc. •Vasculitis and macrovascular disease may involve in the pathogenesis.

Hyperspectral imaging in systemic sclerosis-associated Raynaud phenomenon

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Lack of robust, feasible, and quantitative outcomes impedes Raynaud phenomenon (RP) clinical trials in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) non-invasively measures oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin (oxyHb and deoxyHb) concentrations and oxygen saturation (O2 sat) in the skin and depicts data as oxygenation heatmaps. This study explored the potential role of HSI in quantifying SSc-RP disease severity and activity.

METHODS

Patients with SSc-RP (n = 13) and healthy control participants (HC; n = 12) were prospectively recruited in the clinic setting. Using a hand-held camera, bilateral hand HSI (HyperMed™, Waltham, MA) was performed in a temperature-controlled room (22 °C). OxyHb, deoxyHb, and O2 sat values were calculated for 78-mm2 regions of interest for the ventral fingertips and palm (for normalization). Subjects underwent a cold provocation challenge (gloved hand submersion in 15 °C water bath for 1 min), and repeated HSI was performed at 0, 10, and 20 min. Patients completed two patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments: the Raynaud Condition Score (RCS) and the Cochin Hand Function Scale (CHFS) for symptom burden assessment. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and a mixed effects model (Stata, College Station, TX).

RESULTS

Ninety-two percent of participants were women in their 40s. For SSc-RP patients, 69% had limited cutaneous SSc, the mean ± SD SSc duration was 11 ± 5 years, and 38% had prior digital ulcers-none currently. Baseline deoxyHb was higher, and O2 sat was lower, in SSc patients versus HC (p < 0.05). SSc patients had a greater decline in oxyHb and O2 sat from baseline to time 0 (after cold challenge) with distinct rewarming oxyHb, O2 sat, and deoxyHb trajectories versus HCs (p < 0.01). There were no significant correlations between oxyHb, deoxyHb, and O2 sat level changes following cold challenge and RCS or CHFS scores.

CONCLUSION

Hyperspectral imaging is a feasible approach for SSc-RP quantification in the clinic setting. The RCS and CHFS values did not correlate with HSI parameters. Our data suggest that HSI technology for the assessment of SSc-RP at baseline and in response to cold provocation is a potential quantitative measure for SSc-RP severity and activity, though longitudinal studies that assess sensitivity to change are needed.

Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in Thai scleroderma patients and associated factors

BACKGROUND

Erectile dysfunction (ED) has been reported among patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and primarily limited cutaneous SSc in Caucasians. While there is no data on ED among Thais in whom the diffuse cutaneous SSc subset is common.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to estimate the prevalence of ED among Thais with SSc, evaluate its severity, and determine the associated factors.

METHODS

We did a cross-sectional study among adult Thai male SSc patients. All eligible patients: a) completed the IIEF-15 questionnaire by themselves; b) underwent a genital examination by an experienced urologist to evaluate skin tightness of the penis, scrotum, and phimosis; and, c) were evaluated for Erection Hardness Score.

RESULTS

A total of 60 male SSc patients were included. The respective mean age and median disease duration was 54.8±7.2 years and 3.1 years (IQR 1.2-7.2). The definition of ED was fulfilled in 53 cases for a prevalence of 88.3% (95%CI 77.4-95.2), while 65% had severe ED, and none had skin tightness of the genitalia. Eight cases had acquired phimosis, and all were in the ED group. The patients with ED vs. those without ED had significantly lower scores for orgasm, sexual desire, and intercourse satisfaction, and trended to be older, have more severe skin tightness and have higher BMI.

CONCLUSION

ED is a common problem in men with SSc and is mainly categorized as severe. The severity of SSc might increase the risk of developing ED. We found phimosis was a common genital abnormality co-occurring with ED in SSc.

Predicting Negative Outcomes of Cryolipolysis in Patients With and Without Raynaud Disease

BACKGROUND

Cryolipolysis is an effective means of noninvasive fat reduction. There are numerous relative contraindications to cryolipolysis including scars, hernias, and cold-related disorders such as Raynaud disease, because cryolipolysis has a theoretical risk of exacerbating these conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To examine predictors of negative outcomes of cryolipolysis, especially as it pertains to safety of cryolipolysis in patients with Raynaud disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who received consultation for cryolipolysis was conducted and analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients with Raynaud disease did not experience any exacerbations of their underlying condition after cryolipolysis. Side effects in all patients, regardless of medical history, were mild, temporary, and not associated with any predisposing factors.

CONCLUSION

Cryolipolysis seems to be safe in patients with mild-moderate Raynaud disease.

Capillaroscopy changes are associated with disease progression in patients with early systemic sclerosis: A prospective study

AIM

After the development of the 2013 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) classification criteria for systemic sclerosis (SSc), there are still a group of patients affected by early SSc who do not meet the new criteria. This study aimed to evaluate capillaroscopy changes and to identify predictors of progression to definite SSc in patients with early SSc over a 3-year follow-up.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 44 patients with early SSc (LeRoy and Medsger 2001 criteria) were included. Clinical evaluation and widefield nailfold capillaroscopy were performed at baseline and after 3 years of follow-up. At the end of follow-up, the fulfilment of the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria was also assessed.

RESULTS

After 3 years, 34 patients with early SSc were re-evaluated. Of these, eight patients (23.5%) developed definite SSc. Worsening of capillaroscopy parameters was observed in 55.9% of patients. An increase in the number of giant capillaries and worsening of the avascular score were more frequent in patients who developed SSc than in those who did not (P = 0.02; P = 0.002, respectively). By multivariate analysis, an active or a late pattern at baseline on capillaroscopy was an independent predictor for the development of definite SSc (odds ratio = 30.0, 95% CI 2.1-421.1).

CONCLUSIONS

In this prospective study, worsening in capillaroscopy parameters was observed in early SSc patients. An active or a late pattern on capillaroscopy was an independent predictive risk factor for the development of SSc, suggesting that capillaroscopy might be a useful tool to identify patients with early SSc at risk of disease progression.

Photoacoustic Oxygenation Quantification in Patients with Raynaud's: First-in-Human Results

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of photoacoustic imaging for quantifying fingertip oxygenation as an approach to diagnosing and monitoring Raynaud's phenomenon. After 30 min of acclimation to room temperature, 22 patients (7 patients with secondary Raynaud's associated to Scleroderma and 15 healthy controls) provided informed consent to undergo fingertip Doppler imaging and high-frequency photoacoustic imaging before and 5, 15 and 30 min after cold stimulus (submerged hand in a 15 °C water bath for 1 min). High-frequency ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging was performed on the nail bed of each patient's second through fifth finger on their dominant hand, using a Vevo 2100 LAZR system with an LZ-250 probe (Fujifilm VisualSonics, Toronto, ON, Canada) in oxy-hemoglobin quantification mode. During each exam, volumetric data across a 3-mm span of data was acquired to produce a volumetric image of percent oxygenation and hemoglobin concentration. Changes in fingertip oxygenation between Raynaud's patients and healthy volunteers were compared, using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. Photoacoustic signal was detected in both the nail bed and nailfold in all study participants. Doppler ultrasound resulted in poor differentiation of Raynaud's patients from healthy volunteers, with an area under the ROC curve (A_z) of 0.51. Photoacoustic imaging demonstrated improved accuracy at baseline (A_z = 0.72), which improved when quantifying normalized changes after cold stimulus (A_z = 0.89 5-min post stimulus, A_z = 0.91 15-min post stimulus, and A_z = 0.85 after stimulus). Oxygenation levels derived using photoacoustic imaging are able to identify patients with Raynaud's and safely evaluate their response to a cold stimulus over time.

A Multicenter Study of the Validity and Reliability of Responses to Hand Cold Challenge as Measured by Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging and Thermography: Outcome Measures for Systemic Sclerosis-Related Raynaud's Phenomenon

OBJECTIVE

Reliable and objective outcome measures to facilitate clinical trials of novel treatments for systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) are badly needed. Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and thermography are noninvasive measures of perfusion that have shown excellent potential. This multicenter study was undertaken to determine the reliability and validity of a hand cold challenge protocol using LSCI, standard thermography, and low-cost cell phone/mobile phone thermography (henceforth referred to as mobile thermography) in patients with SSc-related RP.

METHODS

Patients with RP secondary to SSc were recruited from 6 UK tertiary care centers. The patients underwent cold challenge on 2 consecutive days. Changes in cutaneous blood flow/skin temperature at each visit were imaged simultaneously using LSCI, standard thermography, and mobile thermography. Measurements included area under the curve (AUC) for reperfusion/rewarming and maximum blood flow rate/skin temperature after rewarming (MAX). Test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Estimated latent correlations (estimated from multilevel models, taking values between -1 and 1; denoted as rho values) were used to assess the convergent validity of LSCI and thermography.

RESULTS

In total, 159 patients (77% with limited cutaneous SSc) were recruited (84% female, median age 63.3 years). LSCI and standard thermography both had substantial reliability, with ICCs for the reperfusion/rewarming AUC of 0.67 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.54, 0.76) and 0.68 (95% CI 0.58, 0.80), respectively, and ICCs for the MAX of 0.64 (95% CI 0.52, 0.75) and 0.72 (95% CI 0.64, 0.81), respectively. Very high latent correlations were present for the AUCs of LSCI and thermography (ρ = 0.94; 95% CI 0.87, 1.00) and for the AUCs of standard and mobile thermography (ρ = 0.98; 95% CI 0.94, 1.00).

CONCLUSION

This is the first multicenter study to examine the reliability and validity of cold challenge using LSCI and thermography in patients with SSc-related RP. LSCI and thermography both demonstrated good potential as outcome measures. LSCI, standard thermography, and mobile thermography had very high convergent validity.

Contemporary critical limb ischemia: Asian multidisciplinary consensus statement on the collaboration between endovascular therapy and wound care

The burden of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetes in Asia is projected to increase. Asia also has the highest incidence and prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the world. Therefore, most Asian patients with PAD might have diabetic PAD or ESRD-related PAD. Given these pandemic conditions, critical limb ischemia (CLI) with diabetes or ESRD, the most advanced and challenging subset of PAD, is an emerging public health issue in Asian countries. Given that diabetic and ESRD-related CLI have complex pathophysiology that involve arterial insufficiency, bacterial infection, neuropathy, and foot deformity, a coordinated approach that involves endovascular therapy and wound care is vital. Recently, there is increasing interaction among cardiologists, vascular surgeons, radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, and plastic surgeons beyond specialty and country boundaries in Asia. This article is intended to share practical Asian multidisciplinary consensus statement on the collaboration between endovascular therapy and wound care for CLI.

A systematic review of the epidemiology, disease characteristics and management of systemic sclerosis in Australian adults

OBJECTIVE

Australia has one of the highest prevalence rates of systemic sclerosis (SSc) worldwide. In order to highlight management deficiencies and key areas for further research, it is essential to understand its local epidemiological patterns, natural history, prognosis and mortality trends over time.

METHODS

To identify Australian SSc-specific information through a systematic review focusing on areas of epidemiology, disease characteristics, treatment, functional ability, disease burden and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

RESULTS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched on 14 September, 2016. All original full text articles on SSc in Australia were included. Of the 54 articles included in this review, the majority of studies recruited from South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. The prevalence of SSc in Australia is increasing and is similar among the general population and the Aboriginal population. Despite improvements in care over the last three decades, morbidity and mortality remain high, with an overall standardized mortality ratio of 3.4 and a 10-year survival of 84% in a newly diagnosed patient. Cardiorespiratory manifestations are the leading cause of SSc-related death. Malignancy is the leading cause of non-SSc-related death. The role of autoantibodies in predicting disease subtype, visceral involvement and their use as a prognostic marker is becoming increasingly recognized.

CONCLUSION

Information on SSc in Australia, particularly unmet healthcare needs, HRQoL and economic burden, is limited. As a heterogenous condition, SSc requires a multi-disciplinary approach to care. Research aimed at quantifying HRQoL and burden of disease in Australia is essential for advocacy and resource allocation.

Plasma endothelial microparticles reflect the extent of capillaroscopic alterations and correlate with the severity of skin involvement in systemic sclerosis

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are membrane-coated vesicles shed from endothelial cells and are considered markers of the endothelial state. It has been shown that total numbers of circulating EMPs are increased in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), but their clinical correlations have not yet been investigated in detail. We aimed to assess possible relationships between circulating EMPs and clinical as well as laboratory features among SSc patients with special attention to possible association with alteration in microvascular morphology objectified on nailfold videocapillaroscopy and clinical signs of microvascular complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 47 SSc patients and 27 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. EMPs were identified with flow cytometry after staining platelet-poor plasma with combinations of fluorescent cell-specific monoclonal antibodies (anti-CD31, -51, -42b, -62E and Annexin V). The following types of EMPs were evaluated: total EMPs (CD31+/CD42b-), activated EMPs (CD62E+/AnnV-,) and apoptotic EMPs (CD62E+/AnnV+ or CD51+). Clinical evaluation of patients was obtained, including nailfold videocapillaroscopy.

RESULTS

All types of EMPs were significantly elevated in SSc patients as compared with healthy controls. We found significant inverse correlation between severity of skin involvement and values of total EMPs (r=-0.32; p=0.02) and their levels tended to be lower in SSc patients with digital ulcers when compared to those without ischaemic skin lesions (p=0.09). Total EMPs and activated EMPs showed correlations with the number of ramified capillaries (r=-0.40 and r=0.37, respectively, p<0.05 for both). Moreover, total EMPs inversely correlated with the severity of capillary loss (r=-0.35, p<0.05) and their levels were significantly lower in patients with late NVC pattern with respect to those with early microangiopathy (p<0.05). On the other hand, active NVC pattern was characterized by strongly elevated levels of activated EMPs when compared to an early vascular alteration (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that quantity and phenotype of circulating EMPs might indicate on molecular vascular damage with endothelial dysfunction and to reflect progressive loss of capillaries consequencing in microvascular insufficiency in SSc patients.

Effect of treatment with iloprost with or without bosentan on nailfold videocapillaroscopic alterations in patients with systemic sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Vascular involvement plays a decisive role in systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis; it is responsible for some important clinical manifestations of the disease such as Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers (DU). Bosentan, a dual receptor endothelin antagonist, and iloprost, often in combination therapy, seems to be able to interfere with the scleroderma microangiopathy.

OBJECTIVES

Aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of bosentan and iloprost on scleroderma microangiopathy, analyzed by means of capillaroscopic skin ulcer risk index (CSURI), in SSc patients treated for the prevention of DU.

METHODS

Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) was performed in 95 SSc patients, treated with iloprost alone (group 1) or combination therapy with iloprost and bosentan (group 2), at baseline and after one year. In all patients CSURI was calculated according to the formula "diameter × number of megacapillaries/(total number of capillaries)²": in addition, total number of capillaries, giant capillaries, micro-hemorrhages, disorganization of the vascular array, and ramified capillaries were evaluated by means of a semiquantitative score.

RESULTS

After 12 months, we observed a reduction of the number of giant capillaries in both groups, while an increase of ramified capillaries was recorded only in group 2. CSURI improved slightly in group 2 without statistical significance; on the contrary, in group 1 a significant worsening was recorded (p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms the effectiveness of bosentan, in combination with iloprost, in SSc microangiopathy observed to NVC. Moreover, the observed findings further support the role of CSURI in the evaluation and monitoring of SSc microangiopathy.

Correlations between skin blood perfusion values and nailfold capillaroscopy scores in systemic sclerosis patients

OBJECTIVES

To correlate blood perfusion (BP) values assessed by laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) in selected skin areas of hands and face with nailfold capillary damage scores in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.

METHODS

Seventy SSc patients (mean SSc duration 6 ± 5 years) and 70 volunteer healthy subjects were enrolled after informed consent. LASCA was performed at different areas of the face (forehead, tip of nose, zygomas and perioral region) and at dorsal and volar regions of hands. Microvascular damage was assessed and scored by nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) and the microangiopathy evolution score (MES) was calculated.

RESULTS

SSc patients showed a significantly lower BP than healthy subjects at fingertips, periungual areas and palm of hands (p<0.0001), but not at the level of face and dorsum of hands. A gradual decrease of BP at fingertips, periungual and palm areas, was found in SSc patients with progressive severity of NVC patterns of microangiopathy ("early", "active", or "late") (p<0.01). A negative correlation was observed between MES and BP values, as well as between loss of capillaries and BP, at the same areas (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). Patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) showed lower BP than those with limited cutaneous SSc (p<0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

LASCA detects a significant reduction of BP only in those areas usually affected by Raynaud's phenomenon (fingertips, periungual and palm areas), especially in dcSSc patients, and BP values significantly correlate with the nailfold capillaroscopy scores of microangiopathy.

Plexin-D1/Semaphorin 3E pathway may contribute to dysregulation of vascular tone control and defective angiogenesis in systemic sclerosis

Introduction

The vascular and nervous systems have several anatomic and molecular mechanism similarities. Emerging evidence suggests that proteins involved in transmitting axonal guidance cues, including members of class III semaphorin (Sema3) family, play a critical role in blood vessel guidance during physiological and pathological vascular development. Sema3E is a natural antiangiogenic molecule that causes filopodial retraction in endothelial cells, inhibiting cell adhesion by disrupting integrin-mediated adhesive structures. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether in systemic sclerosis (SSc) Plexin-D1/Sema3E axis could be involved in the dysregulation of vascular tone control and angiogenesis.

Methods

Sema3E levels were measured by quantitative colorimetric sandwich ELISA in serum samples from 48 SSc patients, 45 subjects with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (pRP) and 48 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. Immunofluorescence staining on skin sections from 14 SSc patients and 12 healthy subjects was performed to evaluate Sema3E and Plexin-D1 expression. Western blotting was used to assess Plexin-D1/Sema3E axis in human SSc and healthy dermal microvascular endothelial cells (SSc-MVECs and H-MVECs, respectively) at basal condition and after stimulation with recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), SSc and healthy sera. Capillary morphogenesis on Matrigel was performed on H-MVECs treated with healthy, pRP or SSc sera in the presence of Sema3E and Plexin-D1 soluble peptides.

Results

Serum Sema3E levels were significantly higher both in pRP subjects and SSc patients than in controls. In SSc, Sema3E levels were significantly increased in patients with early nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) pattern compared to active/late patterns and pRP, and in patients without digital ulcers versus those with ulcers. In SSc skin, Sema3E expression was strongly increased in the microvascular endothelium. Cultured SSc-MVECs showed higher levels of phosphorylated Plexin-D1 and Sema3E expression than H-MVECs, and stimulation with SSc sera increased phosphorylated Plexin-D1 and Sema3E in H-MVECs. The addition of Sema3E-binding Plexin-D1 soluble peptide significantly attenuated the antiangiogenic effect of SSc sera on H-MVECs.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that Plexin-D1/Sema3E axis is triggered in SSc endothelium and may have a role in the dysregulation of angiogenesis and vascular tone control by inducing neuro-vascular mechanism alterations clinically evident in particular in the early disease phases.

A longitudinal study of ankle brachial pressure indices in a cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVES

Digital ischaemia, often progressing beyond RP to digital ulceration and sometimes even gangrene, is the most common vascular manifestation of SSc. Both microvascular and macrovascular disease can contribute and coexistence of microvascular and macrovascular (proximal vessel) disease in patients with SSc is potentially limb threatening. The aims of this study were to examine the change over time in the ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) in a cohort of patients with SSc and to examine whether age, gender, smoking status, disease duration, disease subtype and ACA are associated with ABPI.

METHODS

The clinical and laboratory data of 217 patients attending the SSc clinic at a tertiary referral centre and who had their ABPIs checked between 1996 and 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Data were analysed to see how the ABPI changed with time and linear mixed effects modelling was used to determine which factors were associated with ABPI.

RESULTS

In most patients with SSc, the ABPI remained constant over time [median rate of change 0 units/year, interquartile range (IQR) -0.01-0.01]. There was a significant association between lower ABPI and increasing age (P = 0.04), the limited cutaneous subtype of SSc (P = 0.01) and ACA positivity (P = 0.03). Additionally there was an association between ABPI and smoking status of borderline statistical significance (P = 0.08).

CONCLUSION

This study provides further evidence for associations between the severity of vascular disease in patients with SSc and increasing age, smoking, limited cutaneous disease and positive ACA. Reassuringly, in most patients ABPI remains stable over time.

Association between endothelial function and microvascular changes in patients with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon

Nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) represents the method to analyze microvascular abnormalities in autoimmune rheumatic diseases, but the pathophysiological link between the microvascular derangement which is seen in NC and endothelial function is yet to be discovered. We investigated the association between endothelial function and microvascular derangement in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). Postmenopausal women (n = 37) with secondary RP and age-matched healthy controls (n = 25) were evaluated with NC. Microvascular alterations were assessed by microangiopathy evolution score. Endothelial function was examined by brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (reactive FMD, endothelium-dependent) and response to 40 μg of sublingual nitroglycerine (NTG-induced dilatation, endothelium-independent). There was significant capillary loop dilatation (apical width; 14.1 ± 5.6 vs. 10.4 ± 1.7 μm, p = 0.001 and total width; 40.6 ± 15.1 vs. 31.6 ± 4.6 μm, p = 0.002) and lengthening (316.0 ± 78.5 vs. 270.4 ± 34.7 μm, p = 0.004) in secondary RP compared to controls. Additionally, giant capillaries, loss of capillaries, hemorrhage, and background pallor were much more prevalent in secondary RP as compared to controls (all p's < 0.05). Although there were no significant differences in NTG-induced dilatation between secondary RP and controls (16.1 ± 5.9 vs. 19.6 ± 9.0 %, p = 0.091), significant decreases in the reactive FMD value (6.1 ± 3.5 vs. 9.0 ± 2.2 %, p = 0.001) were noted. Both FMD and NTG-induced dilatation showed a significant inverse association with microangiopathy evolution score (r = -0.355, p = 0.005 and r = -0.285, p = 0.028). Significantly impaired endothelial function was found in secondary RP, and microvascular derangement was associated with endothelial dysfunction.

Daily dosing of PDE5 inhibitors: where does it fit in?

To provide a critical contemporary review of daily PDE5-inhibitor (PDE5-I) use in urological and nonurological conditions. PDE5-Is can be taken up to once a day. However, at present only tadalafil is approved for use in both erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Evolving research in penile rehabilitation, Peyronie's disease, male infertility, pulmonary arterial hypertension, muscular dystrophy and Raynaud's phenomenon shows these therapeutic areas may also benefit from PDE5i therapy. This review examines the role of chronic PDE5 inhibition in ED, BPH-LUTS and other therapeutic targets which may shape our clinical practice in the years to come.

Erectile dysfunction is frequent in systemic sclerosis and associated with severe disease: a study of the EULAR Scleroderma Trial and Research group

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in men with systemic sclerosis (SSc) but the demographics, risk factors and treatment coverage for ED are not well known.

Method

This study was carried out prospectively in the multinational EULAR Scleroderma Trial and Research database by amending the electronic data-entry system with the International Index of Erectile Function-5 and items related to ED risk factors and treatment. Centres participating in this EULAR Scleroderma Trial and Research substudy were asked to recruit patients consecutively.

Results

Of the 130 men studied, only 23 (17.7%) had a normal International Index of Erectile Function-5 score. Thirty-eight per cent of all participants had severe ED (International Index of Erectile Function-5 score ≤ 7). Men with ED were significantly older than subjects without ED (54.8 years vs. 43.3 years, P < 0.001) and more frequently had simultaneous non-SSc-related risk factors such as alcohol consumption. In 82% of SSc patients, the onset of ED was after the manifestation of the first non-Raynaud's symptom (median delay 4.1 years). ED was associated with severe cutaneous, muscular or renal involvement of SSc, elevated pulmonary pressures and restrictive lung disease. ED was treated in only 27.8% of men. The most common treatment was sildenafil, whose efficacy is not established in ED of SSc patients.

Conclusions

Severe ED is a common and early problem in men with SSc. Physicians should address modifiable risk factors actively. More research into the pathophysiology, longitudinal development, treatment and psychosocial impact of ED is needed.

Predictive role of capillaroscopic skin ulcer risk index in systemic sclerosis: a multicentre validation study

Introduction The early detection of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients at high risk of developing digital ulcers could allow preventive treatment, with a reduction of morbidity and social costs. In 2009, a quantitative score, the capillaroscopic skin ulcer risk index (CSURI), calculated according to the formula 'D×M/N(2'), was proposed, which was highly predictive of the appearance of scleroderma digital ulcers within 3 months of capillaroscopic evaluation.

OBJECTIVES

This multicentre study aims to validate the predictive value and reproducibility of CSURI in a large population of SSc patients.

METHODS

CSURI was analysed in 229 unselected SSc patients by nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC). All patients were re-evaluated 3 months later with regard to the persistence and/or appearance of new digital ulcers.

RESULTS

57 of 229 patients presented with digital ulcers after 3 months. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.884 (95% CI 0.835 to 0.922), with specificity and sensitivity of 81.4% (95% CI 74.8 to 86.89) and 92.98% (95% CI 83.0 to 98.0), respectively, at the cut-off value of 2.96. The reproducibility of CSURI was validated on a random sample of 81 patients, with a κ-statistic measure of interrater agreement of 0.8514.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of CSURI was confirmed in detecting scleroderma patients with a significantly high risk of developing digital ulcers within the first 3 months from NVC evaluation. CSURI is the only method validated to predict the appearance of digital ulcers and its introduction into routine clinical practice might help optimise the therapeutic strategy of these harmful SSc complications.

Effectiveness of interventions for secondary Raynaud's phenomenon: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To present an evidence-based overview of the effectiveness of (non)surgical symptomatic interventions to treat secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP).

DATA SOURCES

The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, PEDro, and CINAHL were searched for relevant systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

STUDY SELECTION

Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria to select potential studies.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the methodologic quality.

DATA SYNTHESIS

If pooling of data was not possible, a best-evidence synthesis was used to summarize the results. Of the 5 reviews and 19 RCTs included, 1 RCT studied acupuncture and another RCT reported on percutaneous radiofrequency thoracic sympathectomy. All others concentrated on the effectiveness of drugs (oral or intravenous [IV]). It appeared that calcium channel blockers significantly reduce the frequency and severity of Raynaud attacks, and are therefore effective in the treatment of secondary RP. Iloprost (oral and IV) was also found to be effective. Limited evidence was found for atorvastatin. For other traditional and more recently discovered interventions, no clear favorable effects were found.

CONCLUSIONS

This review shows that there is clear evidence in favor of calcium channel blockers and iloprost (oral and IV) to treat secondary RP. For all other interventions, only limited, conflicting, or no evidence was found. More high-quality, well-designed RCTs are needed in this field, especially for new interventions based on recent knowledge about the pathophysiology of secondary RP.

Erectile dysfunction of sclerodermic patients correlates with digital vascular damage

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with systemic sclerosis (SSc) can be considered a manifestation of endothelium damage. Aim of the study is to investigate ED in SSc patients by color Doppler ultrasound examination and to correlate it with disease severity and digital vascular damage.

METHODS

In 20 males SSc patients blood flow velocity in the cavernous artery was determined with Duplex ultrasonography. Naifold videocapillaroscopy, Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) and Medsger Disease Severity Scale (DSS) were performed. Arteriogenic ED was defined by the presence of a reduced peak systolic velocity (PSVs), while diastolic velocity (EDV) and the resistive index (RI) were estimated to evaluate venocclusive dysfunction. SSc patients are classified by capillaroscopic pattern and vascular domain of DSS into two groups: low vascular damage (early or active capillaroscopic pattern and score of vascular domain of DSS≤2) and high vascular damage (late capillaroscopic pattern and score of vascular domain of DSS≥3).

RESULTS

In all SSc patients a reduction of SHIM is present (mean 13.5±6.3). Patients with less vascular damage have a significantly (p<0.001) higher score of SHIM than patients with greater vascular damage (19.2±2.4 vs 7.9±2.7). No significant difference (p>0.5) between the two groups of vascular damage was found in PSVs. Venocclusive dysfunction was present only (p<0.001) in the group with high vascular damage.

CONCLUSION

We can assert that there is a relationship between SSc vascular digital damage and ED.

Systemic sclerosis refractory disease: from the skin to the heart

Systemic sclerosis or scleroderma (SSc) is an heterogeneous disease involving the connective tissue and the microvasculature with fibrosis and vascular occlusion. It is difficult to define refractory SSc once it is itself a paradigm of a refractory condition: there is no evidence of when to act to stop the progression to fibrosis and irreversible microvascular damage. There is no definition of refractory disease in SSc and to propose a definition we used mainly the Medsger severity index and the EULAR 2009 treatment recommendations from the skin to the heart through peripheral vascular, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, renal, pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease. We used some clinical setting reflecting the different reasoning when there is probable refractory disease and finally we briefly pointed out some available treatment options to refractory disease. With this reflection, we would like to open paths to a broader discussion.

Efficacy of tadalafil in secondary Raynaud's phenomenon resistant to vasodilator therapy: a double-blind randomized cross-over trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of tadalafil as add-on therapy in secondary RP resistant to vasodilators.

METHODS

Patients with scleroderma and MCTD having four or more RP attacks per week despite being on vasodilators were randomized to receive either placebo or tadalafil (20 mg) on alternate days as add-on therapy to their current vasodilators for 6 weeks. After a 7-day washout, patients were crossed over to the other arm. Primary endpoints were improvement in the daily frequency and duration of RP episodes and RP condition score (RCS). Secondary outcome measures were healing of existing and appearance of new digital ulcers (DUs) and improvement in scleroderma-specific HAQ (SHAQ), quality of life (QoL), flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), patient and physician global assessment.

RESULTS

Twenty-four of 25 recruited patients completed the study. All the patients were receiving calcium channel blockers and in addition 18 were receiving other vasodilators. During tadalafil therapy significant improvement in mean daily frequency, mean daily duration of RP and mean daily RCS were observed as compared with baseline and placebo. All the 24 digital lesions healed during tadalafil therapy as compared with 3/13 during the placebo treatment (P<0.0001). One new DU was reported during tadalafil therapy vs 13 during placebo therapy (P=0.0005). QoL, SHAQ, FMD, patient and physician global assessment significantly improved while on tadalafil. No serious adverse event was observed.

CONCLUSION

Tadalafil as add-on therapy improves symptoms of RP, heals and prevents new DUs and improves QoL in patients with resistant secondary RP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier: NCT00626665.

Digital ischemic loss in systemic sclerosis

Digital ischemic loss is a cause of significant morbidity in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Microvascular disease with intimal proliferation and luminal narrowing of small digital arteries, as well as macrovascular disease with narrowing or occlusion of larger digital arteries, contribute to the perfusion defects involved in digital ischemic loss. Immediate clinical evaluation and treatment are mandatory at the onset of critical digital ischemia to prevent digital loss. Hospitalization for medical therapies including intravenous prostacyclin therapy should be considered for all SSc patients who present with critical digital ischemia. Surgical interventions are typically reserved for patients who fail medical therapies and for those with late stage, necrotic tissue. This paper summarizes the current knowledge regarding the risk factors, pathogenesis, evaluation, and treatment of digital ischemic loss in SSc.

Assessing microvascular changes in systemic sclerosis diagnosis and management

Microvascular damage and dysfunction represent the earliest morphological and functional markers of systemic sclerosis (SSc), a progressive connective tissue disease characterized by vascular abnormalities and diffuse fibrosis in the skin and internal organs. These early microvascular changes are clinically mirrored by Raynaud phenomenon, which can be primary (idiopathic) or secondary to several different conditions including SSc. Morphological and functional assessment of the cutaneous microvasculature have crucial implications for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy in SSc and secondary Raynaud phenomenon. Most importantly, imaging with nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) enables the early differentiation between primary and secondary Raynaud phenomenon by identifying morphological patterns specific to various stages of SSc ('early', 'active' and 'late' patterns); the inclusion of these NVC patterns could increase the sensitivity of classification criteria for SSc. Findings on NVC are also markers of SSc severity and progression, as reduced capillary density has been associated with a high risk of developing digital skin ulcers and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Laser Doppler imaging and thermal imaging demonstrate the dysfunctional cutaneous blood flow in response to cold stimuli. Therapies targeting underlying vascular disease in SSc have been successfully designed to improve the symptoms of Raynaud phenomenon and to reduce ischemic injury to involved organs, and NVC patterns have been found to improve following targeted therapy; however, treatment of later fibrosis remains a challenge.

Reliability of the qualitative and semiquantitative nailfold videocapillaroscopy assessment in a systemic sclerosis cohort: a two-centre study

OBJECTIVE

Investigation of the reliability of the qualitative and semiquantitative scoring of nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) assessment between two raters in a systemic sclerosis (SSc) cohort.

METHODS

Two raters from different centres blindly assessed the NVC images of 71 consecutive patients with SSc qualitatively as belonging to the scleroderma spectrum (SDS) category ('early', 'active', 'late' scleroderma pattern or 'scleroderma-like' pattern) or to the 'normal' category and semiquantitatively by calculating the mean score for capillary loss, giant capillaries, microhaemorrhages and capillary ramifications. Inter-rater/intrarater agreement was assessed by calculation of the proportion of agreement and by kappa coefficients. Rater agreement of mean score values of hallmark parameters was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

The inter-rater/intrarater proportion of agreement to qualitatively assess an image as belonging to the SDS category or not was 90% and 96%, whereas the agreement to distinguish between only 'early', 'active' and 'late' scleroderma NVC patterns was 62% and 81%. The agreement of the semiquantitative scoring, as assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient, was 0.96 and 0.95 for capillary loss, 0.84 and 0.95 for giant capillaries, 0.90 and 0.95 for microhaemorrhages and 0.64 and 0.95 for capillary ramifications.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to demonstrate reliability of the qualitative and semiquantitative NVC assessment in an SSc cohort between raters at different centres. Reliability of NVC assessment is essential for use of this tool in multicentre SSc trials.

Brachial artery endothelial-dependent flow-mediated dilation identifies early-stage endothelial dysfunction in systemic sclerosis and correlates with nailfold microvascular impairment

OBJECTIVE

To assess possible correlations between endothelial-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery and nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Evidence has shown that vascular impairment in SSc may be a sign of endothelial dysfunction involving both microvascular and macrovascular systems, although the pathological mechanisms of the dysfunction are poorly understood.

METHODS

Forty-three consecutive patients (mean age 51 +/- 11 yrs) with SSc were studied. Thirty patients had limited cutaneous SSc, 13 had diffuse cutaneous SSc. Twenty-seven healthy subjects (mean age 48 +/- 8 yrs) were recruited as controls. Ultrasound assessment of FMD was performed on all subjects in order to evaluate macrovascular function. Patients were divided into 3 patterns of microvascular damage on the basis of NVC (early, active, and late), and the microangiopathy evolution score was calculated, as reported elsewhere.

RESULTS

FMD was significantly reduced in patients with SSc compared to healthy subjects [median 8.0% (3.0%-9.0%) vs 15.0% (12.0%-16.0%), respectively; p < 0.0001]. Patients with an early pattern of microangiopathy showed reduced FMD values compared to controls (p = 0.0001). FMD was significantly reduced in patients with SSc who had the late NVC pattern of microangiopathy compared to active and early patterns (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). FMD was inversely correlated with the microvascular damage rate in patients with SSc (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated the simultaneous presence of macrovascular and microvascular impairment in patients with SSc, which was already present in the early phase of the vascular disease.

Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors in Vascular Ischemia: A Case Report and Review of Their Use in Ischemic Conditions

The treatment of digital ischemia remains difficult. Sildenafil (Viagra, Pfizer UK), a selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor, increases blood flow and is currently marketed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. A case of a 57-year-old man with progressive episodic ischemia and pain of the fingertips resulting in finger tip ulceration is presented. After failure of medical and surgical management, a trial of oral sildenafil resulted in marked symptomatic improvement of his bilateral digital ischemia. Review of the literature shows that, particularly in patients with an underlying disease such as scleroderma with a vasospastic component, a marked improvement in digital blood flow may be observed with sildenafil use. Overall, based on a number of case reports and preliminary animal studies in the literature, sildenafil appears to have a growing significance in the treatment of hand ischemia. Similarly, there is evidence that phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors may be used as an adjunct to improving skin flap survival.

Erectile dysfunction in systemic sclerosis

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is observed in up to 81% of men with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and therefore should be counselled as a common complaint in this disorder. Whereas ED is frequently associated with atherosclerosis in the general population in which it is also a harbinger of cardiovascular events, ED has a different aetiology in SSc. In SSc the penile blood flow is impaired due to both myointimal proliferation of small arteries and corporal fibrosis. Data on the prevention of ED in SSc are not available. On-demand phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors are not effective in improving erectile function, but fixed daily or alternate day regimens of long acting PDE-5 inhibitors provide a measurable, although often limited, clinical benefit. When intracavernous injections of prostaglandin E1 (alprostadil) are ineffective, the implantation of a penile prosthesis may be considered. Complex treatment options may require the involvement of urology.

Capillaroscopic skin ulcer risk index: a new prognostic tool for digital skin ulcer development in systemic sclerosis patients

OBJECTIVE

Digital ulcerations are one of the most frequent manifestations of microangiopathy in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). The early detection of SSc patients who are at high risk to develop digital ulcers could allow a preventive treatment of these complications with reduction of morbidity and social costs. The aim of our study was to develop a capillaroscopic skin ulcer risk index (CSURI) that can predict the onset of new digital ulcers by using nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) in patients with SSc.

METHODS

We performed NVC in 120 consecutive unselected patients with SSc (13 men, 107 women, mean +/- SD age 56.1 +/- 13.4 years, mean +/- SD SSc duration 44.7 +/- 60.7 months) to assess the total number of capillaries in the distal row (N), maximum loop diameter (D), number of megacapillaries (M), and the M:N ratio.

RESULTS

Within 3 months since NVC examination, 35 of 120 patients experienced digital ulcers. A significant association between ischemic lesions and the M:N ratio, N, and D was observed; the combination of these parameters allowed us to develop the CSURI, which is characterized by the formula D x M:N(2). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.926 for ulcer appearance, with specificity and sensitivity of 85.9% and 94.3%, respectively, at the cutoff value of 2.94. Interestingly, 33 of 35 patients with new skin ulcers had a CSURI >2.94, but only 2 of 35 had a CSURI < or =2.94.

CONCLUSION

The proposed CSURI may represent a novel tool with the ability to predict the development of digital ulcers in patients with scleroderma.

The role of capillaroscopy in differentiation of primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon in rheumatic diseases: a review of the literature and two case reports

The purpose of this study is to study and systematize the current knowledge about the role of capillaroscopy in differentiation of primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) in rheumatic diseases. This method is a review of the literature. Capillaroscopy is of crucial value for diagnosis and differentiation of primary and secondary RP in rheumatic diseases. The appearance of abnormal capillaroscopic pattern inherits high positive predictive value for the development of systemic rheumatic disease. The most specific pattern is found in systemic sclerosis (SSc), so called "scleroderma pattern", which is characterized by the presence of dilated capillaries, hemorrhages, avascular areas and neoangiogeneis. It is found in more than 90% of patients with overt SSc. Similar changes are found in patients with dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease, undifferentiated connective tissue disease and they are called "scleroderma-like pattern". Absence of abnormal capillaroscopic findings can be regarded as a diagnostic criterion for primary RP. Inclusion of pathologic capillaroscopic pattern may increase the sensitivity of ACR classification criteria for SSc. In conclusion, capillaroscopy is of crucial importance for the differentiation of primary and secondary RP in rheumatic diseases, and also in differentiation between different forms of connective tissue diseases as well as for their early diagnosis.

Capillaroscopy

Capillaroscopy is the most reliable way to distinguish between primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) through identification of an early pattern of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The presence of giant capillaries and microhaemorrhages on nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is sufficient to identify the scleroderma pattern (early), and an increase in these features and the addition of loss of capillaries (active pattern) is followed by neo-angiogenesis, fibrosis and 'desertification' (late pattern). The sensitivity of the American College of Rheumatology's classification criteria for SSc increases from 67% to 99% with the addition of these specific NVC abnormalities. Based on the appearance of the scleroderma pattern on NVC, almost 15% of patients shift from primary to secondary RP over a mean follow-up period of 29.4+/-10 months. Follow-up by NVC (every 6 months) is suggested for RP patients. A scoring system for NVC changes is available, and scores change significantly during follow-up of SSc patients. Several other NVC patterns have also been identified, such as in dermatomyosistis, systemic lupus eythaematosus, mixed connective tissue disease and antiphospholipid syndrome.