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Pilvar A, Mehendale AM, Karrobi K, El-Adili F, Bujor A, Roblyer D. Spatial frequency domain imaging for the assessment of scleroderma skin involvement. Biomed Opt Express 2023; 14:2955-2968. [PMID: 37342706 PMCID: PMC10278615 DOI: 10.1364/boe.489609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the widespread deposition of excess collagen in the skin and internal organs, as well as vascular dysfunction. The current standard of care technique used to quantify the extent of skin fibrosis in SSc patients is the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), which is an assessment of skin thickness based on clinical palpation. Despite being considered the gold standard, mRSS testing requires a trained physician and suffers from high inter-observer variability. In this study, we evaluated the use of spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) as a more quantitative and reliable method for assessing skin fibrosis in SSc patients. SFDI is a wide-field and non-contact imaging technique that utilizes spatially modulated light to generate a map of optical properties in biological tissue. The SFDI data were collected at six measurement sites (left and right forearms, hands, and fingers) of eight control subjects and ten SSc patients. mRSS were assessed by a physician, and skin biopsies were collected from subject's forearms and used to assess for markers of skin fibrosis. Our results indicate that SFDI is sensitive to skin changes even at an early stage, as we found a significant difference in the measured optical scattering (μs') between healthy controls and SSc patients with a local mRSS score of zero (no appreciable skin fibrosis by gold standard). Furthermore, we found a strong correlation between the diffuse reflectance (Rd) at a spatial frequency of 0.2 mm-1 and the total mRSS between all subjects (Spearman correlation coefficient = -0.73, p-value < 0.0028), as well as high correlation with histology results. The healthy volunteer results show excellent inter- and intra-observer reliability (ICC > 0.8). Our results suggest that the measurement of tissue μs' and Rd at specific spatial frequencies and wavelengths can provide an objective and quantitative assessment of skin involvement in SSc patients, which could greatly improve the accuracy and efficiency of monitoring disease progression and evaluating drug efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Pilvar
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Aarohi M. Mehendale
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kavon Karrobi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Fatima El-Adili
- Division of Rheumatology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Andreea Bujor
- Division of Rheumatology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Darren Roblyer
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Cai R, Lin Z, Xu D, Sun Y, Cui L, Mu R. The value of shear wave elastography in diagnosis and assessment of systemic sclerosis. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2023; 7:rkad075. [PMID: 37711664 PMCID: PMC10497450 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkad075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim was to determine the efficacy of shear wave elastography (SWE) in assessing skin stiffness and aiding in the diagnosis of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods A total of 66 patients with SSc, 100 healthy individuals and 27 patients with SSc-like disorders were included. SWE was performed at 17 modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) measurement sites. The correlation between SWE and clinical profiles was assessed, and the diagnostic value of SSc was explored. Results The SWE values at all 17 mRSS sites were significantly higher in SSc than in the healthy group [54.95 (45.95, 66.55) vs 41.10 (39.18, 45.45) m/s, P < 0.001]. For clinically uninvolved sites (mRSS = 0) of patients with SSc, 11 of 17 sites showed significantly higher SWE values compared with healthy controls. SWE was positively correlated with total mRSS (r = 0.783, P < 0.001), the European Scleroderma Study Group disease activity index (r = 0.707, P < 0.001) and histological collagen deposition (r = 0.749, P = 0.013). SWE effectively distinguished patients with SSc from patients with SSc-like disorders (area under the curve, AUC = 0.819). Use of SWE-detected skin sclerosis showed a significantly higher sensitivity compared with 1980 ACR criteria [0.818 (95% CI 0.709, 0.893) vs 0.727 (95% CI 0.610, 0.820), P = 0.031]. Conclusion SWE correlates well with disease activity and collagen deposition in the skin, provides greater reliability than mRSS and aids in the diagnosis of SSc. SWE could be considered as a convenient and reliable quantitative tool for assessing skin sclerosis and disease progression in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyi Cai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Center for Rare Disease, Peking University Third Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Zhuohua Lin
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Center for Rare Disease, Peking University Third Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ligang Cui
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Mu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Center for Rare Disease, Peking University Third Hospital Beijing, China
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Ataş F, Kaya M, Ayhan Z, Ozkan O, Birlik M. Evaluation of choroidal vascularity index in systemic sclerosis patients. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023; 41:103297. [PMID: 36682429 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the comparison of choroidal vascularity index (CVI) between patients with systemic sclerosis and healthy individuals. METHODS This study was designed prospective non-randomized cross-sectional study. Eighty-six eyes (43 patients) with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc), 60 eyes (30 patients) with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) and 60 eyes (30 subjects) of age-and sex-matched healthy individuals were recruited. Subfoveal choroidal thickness, CVI and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) were evaluated. Enhanced depth imaging- optical coherence tomography scans were binarized using Niblack's autolocal threshold and CVI was determined as the luminal choroidal area/total choroidal area ratio. RESULTS The mean CCT values were 268.00±68.59 µm, 286.90±70.88 µm, 321.73±94.13 µm in lcSSc group, dcSSc group and control group, respectively. The mean CVI was 61.84±2.84% in lcSSc group, 54.62±5.84% in dcSSc group and 62.41±4.13% in control group (p=0.001). The mean CVI of the SSc patients was 58.91±5.58 and there was significant difference between control group (p<0.001). The mean mRSS was 3.84±2.50 in lcSSc group and 14.07±6.81 in dcSSc group (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between mRSS and CVI (r=-0.448, p<0.001) CONCLUSION: Choroidal vascularity index provides valuable information to monitor the disease progression and lower CVI values seem to be related to the disease severity in patients with systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdane Ataş
- Department of Ophthalmology, Çerkezköy State Hospital, Tekirdağ, Turkey.
| | - Mahmut Kaya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ziya Ayhan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Ozkan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Merih Birlik
- Department of Rheumatology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
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Santiago T, Santos EJF, Ruaro B, Lepri G, Green L, Wildt M, Watanabe S, Lescoat A, Hesselstrand R, Del Galdo F, Pauling JD, Reeve LJ, D'Agostino MA, Matucci-Cerinic M, Iagnocco A, da Silva JAP. Recommendations for the execution and reporting of skin ultrasound in systemic sclerosis: an international collaboration under the WSF skin ultrasound group. RMD Open 2022; 8:rmdopen-2022-002371. [PMID: 35850975 PMCID: PMC9297224 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Ultrasound is a promising tool to foster much-needed improvement of skin assessment in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Our aim was to develop evidence and expert opinion-based recommendations to promote the standardisation and harmonisation of technical execution and reporting of skin ultrasound studies in SSc. Methods A multidisciplinary task force of 16 members from five European countries and Japan was convened under the auspices of World Scleroderma Foundation. First, a systematic literature review (SLR) was performed. Then, each member proposed and formulated items to the overarching principles, recommendations and research agenda. Two rounds of mails exchange for consensus as well as an on-line meeting were performed to debate and refine the proposals. Two Delphi rounds of voting resulted in the final recommendations. Levels of evidence and strengths of recommendations were assigned, and task force members voted anonymously on the level of agreement with each of the items. Results Five overarching principles and seven recommendations were developed, based on an SLR and expert opinion, through consensus procedures. The overarching principles highlight the promising role of skin ultrasound in SSc assessment, the need for standardisation of technical aspects, sufficient training and adequate equipment. The recommendations provide standards for the execution and reporting of skin ultrasound in SSc. The research agenda includes the need for more research into unmet needs according to Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Algorithm requirements. Conclusion These are the first recommendations providing guidance on the execution and reporting of skin ultrasound in SSc patients, aiming at improving the interpretability, reliability and generalisability of skin ultrasound, thus consolidating its role in research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Santiago
- Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitario de Coimbra EPE, Coimbra, Portugal .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Barbara Ruaro
- Pulmonology, University Hospital of Cattinara, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gemma Lepri
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Lorraine Green
- Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine Section of Musculoskeletal Disease, Leeds, UK
| | - Marie Wildt
- Department of Rheumatology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Shinji Watanabe
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alain Lescoat
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | | | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Scleroderma Programme, NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - John D Pauling
- Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust, Bath, UK.,Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - Maria Antonieta D'Agostino
- Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Annamaria Iagnocco
- Academic Rheumatology Centre, Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, Tourin, Italy
| | - Jose Antonio Pereira da Silva
- Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitario de Coimbra EPE, Coimbra, Portugal.,Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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5
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Palumbo P, Ruscitti P, Cannizzaro E, Berardicurti O, Conforti A, Di Cesare A, Di Cola I, Giacomelli R, Splendiani A, Barile A, Masciocchi C, Cipriani P, Di Cesare E. Unenhanced Cardiac Magnetic Resonance may improve detection and prognostication of an occult heart involvement in asymptomatic patients with systemic sclerosis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5125. [PMID: 35332224 PMCID: PMC8948177 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09064-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an uncommon autoimmune disease. Aim of the study was to detect the occult cardiac involvement in asymptomatic SSc patients of recent onset (indicative of a more aggressive disease) with unenhanced Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR). Our historical prospective study included naïve SSc patients of recent onset. Modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) and Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Damage Index (SCTC-DI) were calculated. Cardiac volumes and global myocardial strain were assessed and also compared with healthy group values. Pericardial involvement was further recorded. Thirty-one patients met inclusion criteria (54 ± 12 years; 1 M). Mean duration of disease was 6.8 years. All patients showed preserved systolic function. Higher incidence of pericardial involvement was founded in patients with disease accrual damage (OR: 9.6, p-value 0.01). Radial and longitudinal strain values resulted significantly different between healthy and SSc patients. GRS and GLS showed an independent predictive validity on damage accrual (HR: 1.22 and 1.47, respectively). Best C-index for disease progression was reached when strain values and pericardial evaluation were added to conventional risk factors (0.97, p-value: 0.0001). Strain analysis by CMR-TT may show a high capability both in identifying early cardiac involvement and stratifying its clinical aggressiveness, regardless of the standard damage indices and CMR contrast-dependent biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Palumbo
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Area of Cardiovascular and Interventional Imaging, Abruzzo Health Unit 1, Via Saragat -località Campo di Pile, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy. .,SIRM Foundation, Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM), 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - Piero Ruscitti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Ester Cannizzaro
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Area of Cardiovascular and Interventional Imaging, Abruzzo Health Unit 1, Via Saragat -località Campo di Pile, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Onorina Berardicurti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Annamaria Di Cesare
- Ospedale "Infermi" di Rimini, Viale Luigi Settembrini, 2, 47923, Rimini, Italy
| | - Ilenia Di Cola
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Roberto Giacomelli
- Rome Biomedical Campus University, via Álvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandra Splendiani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonio Barile
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Carlo Masciocchi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Paola Cipriani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Ernesto Di Cesare
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
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Marti-Marti I, Morgado-Carrasco D, Podlipnik S, Rizo-Potau D, Bosch-Amate X, Lledó GM, Suárez-Lledó M, Espinosa G, Martínez C, Mascaró JM, Giavedoni P. Usefulness of high-frequency ultrasonography in the evaluation and monitoring of sclerosing dermatoses: a cohort study. Clin Exp Dermatol 2021; 47:351-358. [PMID: 34431556 DOI: 10.1111/ced.14903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monitoring of disease activity in sclerosing dermatoses (SD) can be challenging and tools to support clinical decision-making are lacking. AIM To analyse the impact of high-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) on the clinical management of SD and to describe the US characteristics of disease activity. METHODS This was a cohort study of patients with various SD [morphoea, systemic sclerosis (SS) and chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD)] who underwent HFUS between January 2017 and August 2019. HFUS criteria for diagnosing active SD were increased Doppler vascularity and/or meeting all B-mode greyscale US signs of activity. Discordance in SD activity between HFUS and clinical examination was evaluated at the time of the first US assessment. Changes in patient management were instituted after HFUS were recorded. RESULTS In total, 72 patients (31 with morphoea, 19 with SS and 22 with cGvHD), who underwent 163 HFUS sessions in total, were included. All HFUS-active morphoea lesions exhibited increased vascularity, and all HFUS-active SS exhibited dermal thickening and dermal hypoechogenicity. HFUS-active cGvHD displayed increased dermal thickness and loss of definition of the dermal-hypodermal junction, and there were signs of panniculitis in 80% of cases and of increased vascularity in 70%. Discordance in disease activity between clinical and HFUS evaluation was found in 17 (23.6%) patients. Changes in clinical management after HFUS were made for 14 (19.4%) patients: treatment discontinuation for 6 patients (42.9%), treatment initiation for 5 (35.7%), medication change for 2 (14.3%) and skin biopsy taken for 1 (7.1%). CONCLUSION HFUS seems an efficacious support tool in the monitoring of SD activity with a notable impact on clinical management. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the impact of HFUS-supported management changes on SD outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Marti-Marti
- Deparments of Dermatology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - D Morgado-Carrasco
- Deparments of Dermatology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Podlipnik
- Deparments of Dermatology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - D Rizo-Potau
- Deparments of Dermatology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - X Bosch-Amate
- Deparments of Dermatology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G M Lledó
- Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Suárez-Lledó
- Hematology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Espinosa
- Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Martínez
- Hematology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J M Mascaró
- Deparments of Dermatology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P Giavedoni
- Deparments of Dermatology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Ruaro B, Santiago T, Hughes M, Lepri G, Poillucci G, Baratella E, Salton F, Confalonieri M. The Updated Role of Ultrasound in Assessing Dermatological Manifestations in Systemic Sclerosis. Open Access Rheumatol 2021; 13:79-91. [PMID: 33953621 PMCID: PMC8092351 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s282612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), an autoimmune connective tissue disease, characterized by skin fibrosis, increased dermal thickness and microvascular involvement. Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts deposit excessive amounts of collagenous and non-collagenous extracellular matrix components in the skin. This leads to microvascular abnormalities and Raynaud's phenomenon, with painful digital ulcers (DU) at the fingertips adding to patient discomfort. The skin involvement and severity in SSc was evaluated by the Modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). Although high-frequency ultrasound (HUS) has been widely researched in the study of skin thickness and DU in SSc, its adoption into clinical practice is not yet common. However, novel insights into the still relatively unknown disease pathogenesis in SSc and its evaluation may be provided by HUS, including early (pre-clinical) skin involvement. It may also be useful in both the evaluation and follow-up of DU. Indeed, it is a non-invasive, safe, inexpensive and reproducible method able to assess not only SSc patients' cutaneous structural changes, but also their vascular system changes. Moreover, several recent studies have reported that elastosonography (ES) is of use when investigating skin involvement in systemic sclerosis. This review aims at providing information as to role HUS and ES play in research advancements and the clinical perspectives in the evaluation of skin thickness and DU in SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ruaro
- Unit of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Tania Santiago
- Department of Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalare Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Medicine Faculty, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Michael Hughes
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Gemma Lepri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriele Poillucci
- Department of Radiology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Elisa Baratella
- Department of Radiology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Salton
- Unit of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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8
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Hyun HS, Kim MJ, Lee JH. Factors Associated With Post-traumatic Growth Among Healthcare Workers Who Experienced the Outbreak of MERS Virus in South Korea: A Mixed-Method Study. Front Psychol 2021; 12:541510. [PMID: 33967871 PMCID: PMC8100316 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.541510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19 and MERS pose a major threat to healthcare workers' (HCWs) physical and mental health. Studies exploring the positive changes gained from adapting to traumatic events, known as post-traumatic growth (PTG), have attracted much attention. However, it is unclear which factors or experiences lead to PTG among HCWs. The purpose of this mixed-method study was to investigate factors associated with PTG among HCWs who experienced the MERS outbreak in South Korea, and fully describe their experience of developing PTG. Methods: Quantitative data from 78 participants were collected using psychometric tools for Psychological distress, Resilience, and Support for coping, and Post-traumatic growth. Qualitative interviews were conducted with seven nurses. Data were analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method according to the sub-themes of resilience, which was the main factor associated with PTG. Results: We found resilience to have a significant impact on PTG (ß =0.486, p = 0.001). Thus the qualitative interviews were analyzed using the core concepts of resilience. Qualitative interviews with nurses illustrated how participants experienced the development of resilience in terms of its sub-factors: hardiness, persistence, optimism, and support. Conclusion: HCWs who endured the MERS outbreak showed high levels of PTG, and the analysis of the interview data provided a fuller understanding on the experience of remaining resilient and developing PTG. These results provide practical and pragmatic information helpful for developing intervention strategies and protocols that can help HCWs transform adversity into growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Sun Hyun
- Department of Nursing, Sangmyung University, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Mi Ja Kim
- Department of Nursing Science, Daejeon Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jin Hyung Lee
- Human IT Clinical Research Center, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
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9
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Sobolewski P, Elżbieta Dźwigała M, Maślińska M, Szymańska E, Walecka I. How to perform high ultrasound examination of skin involvement among patients with systemic sclerosis - proposition of a unified protocol. Reumatologia 2021; 59:9-11. [PMID: 33707790 DOI: 10.5114/reum.2021.103469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A fast and cheap method of skin assessment in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an area of extensive research. Established in 1979, the Rodnan skin score is a palpation-based method used among clinicians. This method has some limitations, such as: examiner’s skills, subjective results, and no standardization. In the last few years researchers have been exploring ultrasound-based techniques as a possible tool for skin assessment among patients with SSc. The aim of the study is to develop a protocol of elastography-based skin imaging evaluation among patients with SSc. Material and methods Review of the literature and own experience. Results Proposition of elastography-based skin imaging protocol among patients with SSc. Conclusions The authors present a potential protocol of ultrasound-based examination of skin involvement among patients with SSc.
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10
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Rutka K, Garkowski A, Karaszewska K, Łebkowska U. Imaging in Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:E248. [PMID: 33445449 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by fibrosis in skin and internal organs, progressive vascular obliteration, and the production of autoantibodies. Diagnostic imaging is irreplaceable in both diagnosing and monitoring patients suffering from systemic sclerosis. In addition to routinely used methods, such as comparative X-ray of the hands or a contrast-enhanced examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract or chest, there is an array of less widespread examinations, with an emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography, not only in the evaluation of the musculoskeletal system. This article will review the various imaging modalities available for SSc imaging and assessment, focusing on their utility as tissue-specific diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
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11
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Chen YM, Lai KL, Chen HH, Huang WN, Lin CT, Chao WC, Chen JP, Fu YW, Chen HM, Lui PW. Hyperspectral imaging for skin assessment in systemic sclerosis: a pilot study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:3201-3210. [PMID: 32215624 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a novel technology for obtaining quantitative measurements from transcutaneous spatial and spectral information. In patients with SSc, the severity of skin tightness is associated with internal organ involvement. However, clinical assessment using the modified Rodnan skin score is highly variable and there are currently no universal standardized protocols. This study aimed to compare the ability to differentiate between SSc patients and healthy controls using skin scores, ultrasound and HSI. METHODS Short-wave infrared light was utilized to detect the spectral angle mapper (SAM) of HSI. In addition, skin severity was evaluated by skin scores, ultrasound to detect dermal thickness and strain elastography. Spearman's correlation was used for assessing skin scores, strain ratio, thickness and SAM. Comparisons of various assessment tools were performed by receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS In total, 31 SSc patients were enrolled. SAM was positively correlated with skin scores and dermal thickness. In SSc patients with normal skin scores, SAM values were still significantly higher than in healthy controls. SAM exhibited the highest area under the curve (AUC: 0.812, P < 0.001) in detecting SSc compared with skin scores (AUC: 0.712, P < 0.001), thickness (AUC: 0.585, P = 0.009) and strain ratio by elastography (AUC: 0.522, P = 0.510). Moreover, the severity of skin tightness was reflected by the incremental changes of waveforms in the spectral diagrams. CONCLUSION SAM was correlated with skin scores and sufficiently sensitive to detect subclinical disease. HSI can be used as a novel, non-invasive method for assessing skin changes in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ming Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung.,Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei.,Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung
| | - Kuo-Lung Lai
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung
| | - Hsin-Hua Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung.,Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei.,Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung.,Department of Industrial Engineering and Enterprise Information, Tunghai University, Taichung
| | - Wen-Nan Huang
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung
| | - Ching-Tsai Lin
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung
| | - Wen-Cheng Chao
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung.,Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung
| | - Jun-Peng Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung
| | - Yu-Wen Fu
- Center for Quantitative Imaging in Medicine (CQUIM), Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung
| | - Hsian-Min Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung.,Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung.,Center for Quantitative Imaging in Medicine (CQUIM), Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung.,Department of Computer Science & Information Engineering, National United University, Miaoli
| | - Ping-Wing Lui
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung.,Department of Anesthesiology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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12
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Johnson BZ, Stevenson AW, Prêle CM, Fear MW, Wood FM. The Role of IL-6 in Skin Fibrosis and Cutaneous Wound Healing. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8050101. [PMID: 32365896 PMCID: PMC7277690 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The timely resolution of wound healing is critical for restoring the skin as a protective barrier. The switch from a proinflammatory to a reparative microenvironment must be tightly regulated. Interleukin (IL)-6 is a key modulator of the inflammatory and reparative process: it is involved in the differentiation, activation, and proliferation of leukocytes, endothelial cells, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts. This review examines the role of IL-6 in the healing of cutaneous wounds, and how dysregulation of IL-6 signaling can lead to either fibrosis or a failure to heal. The role of an IL-6/TGF-β feedback loop is discussed in the context of fibrogenesis, while IL-6 expression and responses in advanced age, diabetes, and obesity is outlined regarding the development of chronic wounds. Current research on therapies that modulate IL-6 is explored. Here, we consider IL-6′s diverse impact on cutaneous wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair Z. Johnson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; (A.W.S.); (C.M.P.); (M.W.F.); (F.M.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrew W. Stevenson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; (A.W.S.); (C.M.P.); (M.W.F.); (F.M.W.)
| | - Cecilia M. Prêle
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; (A.W.S.); (C.M.P.); (M.W.F.); (F.M.W.)
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Mark W. Fear
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; (A.W.S.); (C.M.P.); (M.W.F.); (F.M.W.)
| | - Fiona M. Wood
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; (A.W.S.); (C.M.P.); (M.W.F.); (F.M.W.)
- WA Department of Health, 189 Royal St, East Perth, WA 6004, Australia
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13
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Santiago T, Santiago M, Coutinho M, Salvador MJ, Da Silva JAP. How much of skin improvement over time in systemic sclerosis is due to normal ageing? A prospective study with shear-wave elastography. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:50. [PMID: 32188488 PMCID: PMC7079468 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02150-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Measurement of skin involvement is essential for the diagnosis and assessment of prognosis and disease progression in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) is the gold standard measure of skin thickness, but it has been criticised for the lack of objectivity, poor inter-observer reproducibility and lack of sensitivity to change. Recently, shear-wave elastography (SWE) emerged as a promising tool for the objective and quantitative assessment of the skin in SSc patients. However, no studies have evaluated its sensitivity to change over time. Objective To assess changes in skin stiffness in SSc patients using SWE during a 5-year follow-up. Methods Skin stiffness [i.e. shear-wave velocity values (SWV) in metres per second] was assessed by SWE ultrasound (using virtual touch image quantification) at the 17 sites of the mRSS, in each participant, at baseline and follow-up. mRSS was performed at both time points. Differences between groups were analysed using the related-samples Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann–Whitney U test. Results We included 21 patients [85.7% females; mean age 56.3 (10.4) years at baseline, 57.1% with limited SSc] and 15 healthy controls [73.3% females; mean age 53.6 (14.1) years)]. The median follow-up was 4.9 (0.4) years. Skin stiffness decreased significantly at all Rodnan sites (p ≤ 0.001) (except in the fingers), in SSc patients, over time. The same phenomenon occurred in controls, but to a lesser degree, in terms of percentage change. The percentage reduction in skin stiffness varied in the different Rodnan sites and in different phases of the disease. In addition, SWV values also decreased significantly in 15/16 skin sites with local normal Rodnan at baseline, whereas local Rodnan skin score only changed significantly in the upper arm (p = 0.046) and forearm (p = 0.026). Conclusion This study provides first-time evidence suggesting that skin SWV values are more sensitive to change over time than mRSS and reduce significantly over time in SSc and normal controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Santiago
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - M Santiago
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M Coutinho
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M J Salvador
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - J A P Da Silva
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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14
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Abstract
The discovery and validation of biomarkers resulting from technological advances in the analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, lipidomic and metabolomic pathways involved in the pathogenesis of complex human diseases have led to the development of personalized and rationally designed approaches for the clinical management of such disorders. Although some of these approaches have been applied to systemic sclerosis (SSc), an unmet need remains for validated, non-invasive biomarkers to aid in the diagnosis of SSc, as well as in the assessment of disease progression and response to therapeutic interventions. Advances in global transcriptomic technology over the past 15 years have enabled the assessment of microRNAs that circulate in the blood of patients and the analysis of the macromolecular content of a diverse group of lipid bilayer membrane-enclosed extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes and other microvesicles, which are released by all cells into the extracellular space and circulation. Such advances have provided new opportunities for the discovery of biomarkers in SSc that could potentially be used to improve the design and evaluation of clinical trials and that will undoubtedly enable the development of personalized and individualized medicine for patients with SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Wermuth
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Center for Fibrosis Research, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Center for Fibrosis Research, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joel Rosenbloom
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Center for Fibrosis Research, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sergio A Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,The Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Center for Fibrosis Research, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,The Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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15
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Ruaro B, Soldano S, Smith V, Paolino S, Contini P, Montagna P, Pizzorni C, Casabella A, Tardito S, Sulli A, Cutolo M. Correlation between circulating fibrocytes and dermal thickness in limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis patients: a pilot study. Rheumatol Int 2019; 39:1369-1376. [PMID: 31056725 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-019-04315-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective is to detect any possible correlation between the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) and dermal thickness (DT) measured by skin high-frequency ultrasound (US) and the percentage of circulating fibrocytes in patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc). Eight lcSSc patients and five healthy subjects (control group, CNT) were enrolled. The skin involvement was evaluated by mRSS and US (18 and 22 MHz probes) in all 13 subjects in the 17 standard skin areas evaluated by mRss. Circulating fibrocytes were isolated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of all lcSSc patients and the CNT group to analyze their percentage at baseline time (T0) when the experiments started with PBMCs' isolation and collection and after 8 days of culture (T8). Non-parametric tests were used for the statistical analysis. A positive correlation between the percentage of circulating fibrocytes at T0, mRSS (p = 0.04 r = 0.96), and DT-US, evaluated by the 22 MHz and the 18 MHz probes (p = 0.03, r = 0.66 and p = 0.05, r = 0.52, respectively), was observed in lcSSc patients. Conversely, at T8, there was no correlation (p > 0.05) between these parameters in lcSSc group. In the CNT group, no correlations between mRSS or DT-US and the percentage of circulating fibrocytes were observed both at T0 and T8. The study shows the presence of a significant relationship between the percentage of circulating fibrocytes and DT, as evidenced by both mRSS and US, in limited cutaneus SSc. This observation may well suggest the reasonable hypothesis of a crucial contribution of circulating fibrocytes to skin fibrosis progression, which might be considered as further biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ruaro
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Viale Benedetto XV, No 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Stefano Soldano
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Viale Benedetto XV, No 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Viale Benedetto XV, No 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Contini
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Montagna
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Viale Benedetto XV, No 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Viale Benedetto XV, No 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Casabella
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Viale Benedetto XV, No 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Samuele Tardito
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Viale Benedetto XV, No 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Viale Benedetto XV, No 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Viale Benedetto XV, No 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
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16
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Santiago T, Santiago M, Ruaro B, Salvador MJ, Cutolo M, Silva JAP. Ultrasonography for the Assessment of Skin in Systemic Sclerosis: A Systematic Review. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2019; 71:563-574. [DOI: 10.1002/acr.23597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Santiago
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra and University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | - Mariana Santiago
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra and University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | - Barbara Ruaro
- University of GenoaIRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital Genoa Italy
| | - Maria João Salvador
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra and University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- University of GenoaIRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital Genoa Italy
| | - J. A. P. Silva
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra and University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
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17
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Li H, Furst DE, Jin H, Sun C, Wang X, Yang L, He J, Wang Y, Liu A. High-frequency ultrasound of the skin in systemic sclerosis: an exploratory study to examine correlation with disease activity and to define the minimally detectable difference. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:181. [PMID: 30115105 PMCID: PMC6097225 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1686-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thickened skin is a major clinical feature in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We investigated changes of skin thickness in patients with SSc using both high frequency ultrasound (HFU) and the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) to evaluate the feasibility of application of HFU in skin involvement and the relationship between HFU and clinical profiles. Methods We recruited 31 consecutive patients with SSc and 31 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Skin thickness was measured by an 18-MHz ultrasonic probe at five different skin sites. Total skin thickness (TST) and skin thickness using categorical mRSS scores were recorded and compared to HFU. The European Scleroderma Trial and Research (EUSTAR) group Disease Activity Index (EUSTAR-DAI) and other clinical manifestations were assessed and analyzed. Results TST in patients with SSc was thicker than in healthy controls (P < 0.001), and correlated positively with total mRSS and the EUSTAR-DAI and correlated negatively with disease duration (P < 0.05). Patients with higher TST had higher EUSTAR-DAI, mRSS, C-reactive protein (CRP) and lower diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (P < 0.05). Even in patients who on clinical assessment were assigned an mRSS that suggested the skin thickness was normal. This was also true to mRSS locally of 1 and 2 (P < 0.01). The area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.831 and yielded sensitivity of 77.4% and specificity of 87.1% at the predicted probability of 7.4 mm as the optimal cutoff point to access skin thickness. Conclusions In the study, HFU was able to measure skin thickness, it correlated quantitatively with a valid measure of SSc activity, and a minimal detectable difference was identified. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-018-1686-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Li
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.,The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Daniel E Furst
- Department of Rheumatology, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hongtao Jin
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jingjing He
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yanru Wang
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Aijing Liu
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
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18
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Alyousef AA, Nihtyanova S, Denton C, Bosoni P, Bellazzi R, Tucker A. Nearest Consensus Clustering Classification to Identify Subclasses and Predict Disease. J Healthc Inform Res 2018; 2:402-422. [PMID: 30533598 PMCID: PMC6245235 DOI: 10.1007/s41666-018-0029-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Disease subtyping, which helps to develop personalized treatments, remains a challenge in data analysis because of the many different ways to group patients based upon their data. However, if we can identify subclasses of disease, then it will help to develop better models that are more specific to individuals and should therefore improve prediction and understanding of the underlying characteristics of the disease in question. This paper proposes a new algorithm that integrates consensus clustering methods with classification in order to overcome issues with sample bias. The new algorithm combines K-means with consensus clustering in order build cohort-specific decision trees that improve classification as well as aid the understanding of the underlying differences of the discovered groups. The methods are tested on a real-world freely available breast cancer dataset and data from a London hospital on systemic sclerosis, a rare potentially fatal condition. Results show that "nearest consensus clustering classification" improves the accuracy and the prediction significantly when this algorithm has been compared with competitive similar methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awad A. Alyousef
- Department Computer Science, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Allan Tucker
- Department Computer Science, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
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19
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Baron M, Kahaleh B, Bernstein EJ, Chung L, Clements PJ, Denton C, Domsic RT, Ferdowsi N, Foeldvari I, Frech T, Gordon JK, Hudson M, Johnson SR, Khanna D, McMahan Z, Merkel PA, Narain S, Nikpour M, Pauling JD, Ross L, Valenzuela Vergara AM, Vacca A. An Interim Report of the Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Working Groups. J Scleroderma Relat Disord 2018; 4:17-27. [PMID: 30906878 DOI: 10.1177/2397198318783926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium (SCTC) represents many of the clinical researchers in the world who are interested in improving the efficiency of clinical trials in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). The SCTC has established 11 working groups (WGs) to develop and validate better ways of measuring and recording multiple aspects of this heterogeneous disease. These include groups working on arthritis, disease damage, disease activity, cardiac disease, juvenile SSc, the gastrointestinal tract, vascular component, calcinosis, scleroderma renal crisis, interstitial lung disease, and skin measurement. Members of the SCTC may join any one or more of these groups. Some of the WGs have only recently started their work, some are nearing completion of their mandated tasks and others are in the midst of their projects. All these projects, which are described in this paper, will help to improve clinical trials and observational studies by improving or developing better, more sensitive ways of measuring various aspects of the disease. As Lord Kelvin stated, "To measure is to know. If you cannot measure it you cannot improve it." The SCTC is dedicated to improving the lives of patients with SSc and it is our hope that the contributions of the WGs will be one important step in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Baron
- Division of Rheumatology, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Bashar Kahaleh
- Faculty of Rheumatology, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Elana J Bernstein
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Lorinda Chung
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Philip J Clements
- Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Denton
- Insitute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robyn T Domsic
- Arthritis and Autoimmunity Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nava Ferdowsi
- Division of Rheumatology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ivan Foeldvari
- Hamburg Centre for Pediatric Rheumatology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tracy Frech
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Utah, UT, USA
| | - Jessica K Gordon
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marie Hudson
- Division of Rheumatology, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sindhu R Johnson
- Department of Rheumatology, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, MI, USA
| | | | - Peter A Merkel
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Sonali Narain
- Department of Rheumatology, Hosfra Northwell School of Medicine
| | - Mandana Nikpour
- Division of Rheumatology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John D Pauling
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases University of Bath
| | - Laura Ross
- Division of Rheumatology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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20
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Ruaro B, Sulli A, Pizzorni C, Paolino S, Smith V, Alessandri E, Trombetta A, Alsheyyab J, Cutolo M. Correlations between blood perfusion and dermal thickness in different skin areas of systemic sclerosis patients. Microvasc Res 2018; 115:28-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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21
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Gupta S, Mahajan VK, Yadav RS, Mehta KS, Bhushan S, Chauhan PS, Rawat R, Sharma V. Evaluation of Serum Vitamin D Levels in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis and Healthy Controls: Results of a Pilot Study. Indian Dermatol Online J 2018; 9:250-255. [PMID: 30050814 PMCID: PMC6042194 DOI: 10.4103/idoj.idoj_328_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-proliferative effects of vitamin D in pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases have been highlighted in recent years but implications of vitamin D deficiency in systemic sclerosis (SSc) remain understudied. Objectives To evaluate serum vitamin D levels in SSc patients and matched controls. Materials and Methods Serum vitamin D levels were estimated in 38 (M:F 5:33) patients aged 23-70 years of untreated SSc and age and gender matched healthy controls. Clinical and investigative evaluation for skin sclerosis by modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), presence of digital ulcers, Raynaud's phenomenon, type of auto-antibodies, systemic involvement, and serum vitamin D levels were performed. Serum vitamin D levels were defined as normal (30-100 ng/ml), insufficient (10-30 ng/ml), and deficient (<10 ng/ml). Results Serum vitamin D levels (median ± IQR) were 19.5 ± 77.8 ng/ml in 38 patients and 100 ± 31.3 ng/ml in controls each. Vitamin D deficiency in 13 (34.2%) and insufficiency in 10 (26.3%) patients were identified. Only 2 (5.3%) controls had vitamin D insufficiency and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.001). An inverse relationship was observed between mRSS and serum vitamin D levels. Conclusions Patients with SSc have significantly lower serum vitamin D levels than healthy controls. Serum vitamin D levels do not correlate well with age, gender, disease duration or its variants, type of auto antibodies, presence of digital ulceration, or systemic involvement but has inverse correlation with skin sclerosis. Better-designed studies will perhaps resolve issues of potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in modification of disease activity or severity in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Gupta
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Dr. R. P. Govt. Medical College, Kangra, Tanda, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Vikram K Mahajan
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Dr. R. P. Govt. Medical College, Kangra, Tanda, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Rajinder S Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, Dr. R. P. Govt. Medical College, Kangra, Tanda, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Karaninder S Mehta
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Dr. R. P. Govt. Medical College, Kangra, Tanda, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Satya Bhushan
- Department of Biochemistry, Dr. R. P. Govt. Medical College, Kangra, Tanda, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Pushpinder S Chauhan
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Dr. R. P. Govt. Medical College, Kangra, Tanda, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ritu Rawat
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Dr. R. P. Govt. Medical College, Kangra, Tanda, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Vikas Sharma
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Dr. R. P. Govt. Medical College, Kangra, Tanda, Himachal Pradesh, India
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Kumánovics G, Péntek M, Bae S, Opris D, Khanna D, Furst DE, Czirják L. Assessment of skin involvement in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2017; 56:v53-v66. [PMID: 28992173 PMCID: PMC5850338 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin involvement in SSc is an important marker of disease activity, severity and prognosis, making the assessment of skin a key issue in SSc clinical research. We reviewed the published data assessing skin involvement in clinical trials and summarized the major conclusions important in SSc clinical research. A systematic literature review identified randomized controlled trials using skin outcomes in SSc. Analysis examined the validity of the different skin measures based on literature findings. Twenty-two randomized controlled trials were found. The average study duration was 10.2 (s.d. 4.5) months, mean (s.d.) sample size 32.4 (32.6) and 26.7 (27.8) in intervention and control arms, respectively. The 17-site modified Rodnan skin score is a fully validated primary outcome measure in diffuse cutaneous SSc. Skin histology seems to be an appropriate method for evaluation of skin thickness. These findings have important implications for clinical trial design targeting skin involvement in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Kumánovics
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs
| | - Márta Péntek
- Department of Health Economics, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sangmee Bae
- Department of Rheumatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniela Opris
- Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel E. Furst
- Department of Rheumatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - László Czirják
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs
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Sulli A, Ruaro B, Smith V, Paolino S, Pizzorni C, Pesce G, Cutolo M. Subclinical dermal involvement is detectable by high frequency ultrasound even in patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2017; 19:61. [PMID: 28320447 PMCID: PMC5360023 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-017-1270-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of the study was to detect by skin high-frequency ultrasound (US) possible subclinical skin involvement in patients affected by limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc), in those skin areas apparently not affected by the disease on the basis of a normal modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). Differences in dermal thickness (DT) in comparison with healthy subjects were investigated. Methods Fifty patients with lcSSc (age 62 ± 13 years (mean ± SD), disease duration 5 ± 5 years) and 50 sex-matched and age-matched healthy subjects (age 62 ± 11 years) were enrolled. DT was evaluated by both mRSS and US at the usual 17 skin areas (zygoma, fingers, dorsum of the hands, forearms, upper arms, chest, abdomen, thighs, lower legs and feet). Non-parametric tests were used for the statistical analysis. Results Subclinical dermal involvement was detected by US even in the skin areas in patients with lcSSc, who had a normal local mRSS. In addition, statistically significantly higher mean DT was found in almost all skin areas, when compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.0001 for all areas). In particular, DT was significantly greater in patients with lcSSc than in healthy subjects in four out of six skin areas with a normal mRSS (score = 0) (upper arm, chest and abdomen), despite the clinical classification of lcSSc. Conclusions This study strongly suggests that subclinical dermal involvement may be detectable by US even in skin areas with a normal mRSS in patients classified as having lcSSc. This should be taken into account during SSc subset classification in clinical studies/trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sulli
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, n° 6, AOU IRCCS San Martino, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - B Ruaro
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, n° 6, AOU IRCCS San Martino, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - V Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - S Paolino
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, n° 6, AOU IRCCS San Martino, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - C Pizzorni
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, n° 6, AOU IRCCS San Martino, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - G Pesce
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS A.O.U, San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Cutolo
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, n° 6, AOU IRCCS San Martino, 16132, Genova, Italy.
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Cutolo M, Damjanov N, Ruaro B, Zekovic A, Smith V. Imaging of connective tissue diseases: Beyond visceral organ imaging? Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2016; 30:670-687. [DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Wirz EG, Jaeger VK, Allanore Y, Riemekasten G, Hachulla E, Distler O, Airò P, Carreira PE, Tikly M, Vettori S, Balbir Gurman A, Damjanov N, Müller-Ladner U, Distler J, Li M, Häusermann P, Walker UA. Incidence and predictors of cutaneous manifestations during the early course of systemic sclerosis: a 10-year longitudinal study from the EUSTAR database. Ann Rheum Dis 2015; 75:1285-92. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-207271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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27
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Sulli A, Ruaro B, Alessandri E, Pizzorni C, Cimmino MA, Zampogna G, Gallo M, Cutolo M. Correlations between nailfold microangiopathy severity, finger dermal thickness and fingertip blood perfusion in systemic sclerosis patients. Ann Rheum Dis 2013; 73:247-51. [PMID: 23644551 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-202572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify possible correlations between nailfold microangiopathy severity, finger dermal thickness (DT) and fingertip blood perfusion (FBP) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. METHODS Fifty-seven SSc patients and 37 healthy subjects were enrolled. All patients were evaluated by nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) to classify and score the severity of microangiopathy. Both modified Rodnan skin score (mRss) and skin high-frequency ultrasound were used to detect finger DT. Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) was employed to detect FBP. RESULTS A positive correlation was found between nailfold microvascular damage severity and both ultrasound-DT (p=0.028) and mRss values (p<0.0001). In particular, both ultrasound-DT and mRss were found progressively higher in patients with 'Early', 'Active' or 'Late' NVC pattern of microangiopathy. A negative correlation was observed between nailfold microvascular damage severity and FBP (p<0.0001), showing the lowest FBP of the patients with more advanced NVC patterns. A negative correlation was observed between FBP, and both ultrasound-DT (p=0.007) and mRss values (p=0.0002). SSc patients showed a higher ultrasound-DT at the level of the fingers, as well as a lower FBP than healthy subjects (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a relationship between nailfold microangiopathy severity, DT and FBP in SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sulli
- Research Laboratory and Academic Unit of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, , Genova, Italy
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune condition that affects a variety of organ systems. Knowledge of the imaging features in this patient population is essential in facilitating accurate diagnosis and guiding treatment. Common and rare imaging features of systemic sclerosis are reviewed in this article. Skin, musculoskeletal, pulmonary, cardiac, gastrointestinal, renal, and oral imaging are discussed. Conventional radiography, computed tomography of the chest, echocardiography, enterography, scintigraphy, and panorex dental imaging are reviewed. In addition, the evolving applications of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the musculoskeletal and cardiac features of systemic sclerosis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Chapin
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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Straw S, Ferrigno PK, Song Q, Tomlinson D, Galdo FD. Proof of concept study to identify candidate biomarkers of fibrosis using high throughput peptide aptamer microarray and validate by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/jbise.2013.68a2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Moinzadeh P, Denton C, Abraham D, Ong V, Hunzelmann N, Eckes B, Krieg T. Biomarkers for skin involvement and fibrotic activity in scleroderma. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2011; 26:267-76. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04206.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Kuhn A, Haust M, Ruland V, Weber R, Verde P, Felder G, Ohmann C, Gensch K, Ruzicka T. Effect of bosentan on skin fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis: a prospective, open-label, non-comparative trial. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2010; 49:1336-45. [PMID: 20371505 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keq077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of the ET-receptor antagonist bosentan on skin fibrosis and functionality in patients with SSc. METHODS In this prospective, open-label, non-comparative trial, a total of 10 patients with SSc received 62.5 mg of bosentan twice daily for 4 weeks and then 125 mg twice daily for 20 weeks. The primary endpoint was skin thickening as measured by the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). Further assessments included 20 MHz ultrasound, examination of digital ulcers (DUs) and evaluation of hand function by examining patients' fist closure. Furthermore, patients with SSc used the UK SSc Functional Score (UKFS), the modified scleroderma HAQ (SHAQ) and its visual analogue scale (VAS) to rate their disability related to specific organ systems. RESULTS The mean change from baseline mRSS (the primary endpoint) was 6.4 at Week 24 of bosentan treatment, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Patients with both diffuse and limited SSc exhibited a statistically significant mean difference in the mRSS. Moreover, there was a significant healing of DUs noted between baseline and at Week 24 of bosentan treatment (P < 0.001); however, the 20 MHz ultrasound and the fist closure evaluation revealed no significant differences. There were also no statistically significant changes between baseline and Week 24 in the UKFS, the modified SHAQ and its VAS. CONCLUSION In addition to the well-known effect of bosentan in prevention of DUs, the results of this study demonstrate that bosentan may also be effective at reducing skin fibrosis in patients with SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annegret Kuhn
- Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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