Assessing the effect of PRP addition to facial micro-lipofilling for patients suffering from Scleroderma: A prospective routine care analysis.

BACKGROUND: Combining fat graft with platelet derived products is now common practice in regenerative surgery. We proposed to assess the safety and efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) addition to a micro-lipofilling protocol for facial treatment of patients suffering from Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). OBJECTIVE: Main objective was to evaluate the improvement of the Mouth Handicap In Systemic Sclerosis (MHISS) scale score at 6 months post-therapy. METHOD: Included SSc patients had a MHISS score equal or up to 20. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia. Micro-fat and PRP (CCA-NA from DEPA Classification) were mixed in a 70/30 ratio, before injection in peri-oral sites according to a specific protocol. Efficacy criteria were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Moreover, we compared this cohort (current study) to a former (2015) non-enriched micro-lipofilling cohort in the same indication, using the same protocol. RESULTS: Thirteen women patients with mean age of 53.2 years (±14.3) have been included. At baseline, mean MHISS score was 29.5 (±8.7) and significantly decreased to 22.5 (±7.8) at 6 months (P=0.016), corresponding to a 22.0% of improvement from baseline, with a mean decrease of 6.5 points (±7.5) at 6 months. Patients received a mean volume of 30.8ml PRP-micro-fat (±8.1ml). CONCLUSION: PRP addition appeared beneficial, however, controlled studies are required to determine its superiority to facial micro-lipofilling.

[Development and validation of a questionnaire to assess facial handicap in systemic sclerosis]. / Création et validation d'un outil d'évaluation du handicap lié à l'atteinte du visage de la sclérodermie systémique.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have recorded significant impairment of health-related quality of life in systemic sclerosis patients using validated scales. However, these instruments are not specifically designed for facial signs. OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a specific questionnaire to assess the burden on patients with facial signs of systemic sclerosis and which we have named "Burden of Face Affected" (BoFA). METHODS: BoFA was developed using standard methodology in 3 phases: exploration, development and validation. In all, 197 patients completed questionnaires. We analysed the degree of internal consistency (Cronbach's α) and external validity between BoFA and the 12-Item Short Form Healthy Survey (SF-12), the Mouth Handicap In Systemic Sclerosis Scale (MHISS), Rosenberg's self-esteem scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). To assess reproducibility, a test-retest analysis was conducted. The original French version was translated into English and underwent cultural validation. RESULTS: The questionnaire comprises 20 items grouped into 4 dimensions. BoFA showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α: 0.93). External validity was demonstrated in terms of good correlation between BoFA and other questionnaires, in particular MHISS (r=0.54). The test-retest analysis demonstrated good reproducibility (0.92). The BoFA score varied significantly according to the severity of facial scleroderma as assessed by the patients themselves. DISCUSSION: Facial involvement in systemic sclerosis may be considered by physicians to be a minor consequence of the disease and is often overlooked. Nevertheless, it is crucial for patients' quality of life. A number of studies have assessed the impact of facial signs on health-related quality of life using instruments such as DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index), SWAP (Satisfaction With Appearance Scale), Brief SWAP and SSPRO (Scleroderma Skin Patient-Reported Outcome). However, these are not specific for facial signs and focus on other sites. BoFA has good reliability and construct validity, and it assesses disability specifically involving the face in patients with systemic sclerosis. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, BoFA is the first specific tool for assessing burden in patients with facial scleroderma. It is an easy-to-use tool for evaluating the burden of facial signs and may also be used to assess the degree of burden before and after treatment.

[Pseudotumoral calcinosis of the wrist compressing the radial nerve in systemic sclerosis]. / Compression du nerf radial au poignet par une calcinose pseudo-tumorale au cours d'une sclérodermie systémique.

BACKGROUND: Pseudotumoral calcinosis, a rare complication of systemic scleroderma, is characterized by the presence in extra-articular tissue, but rarely intra-articular tissue, of large masses made up of hydroxyapatite crystals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report an original case of intra- and extra-articular pseudotumoral calcinosis of the wrist diagnosed in a patient followed for mild systemic scleroderma. The calcinosis was revealed in a highly unusual way via ductal syndrome secondary to compression of the radial nerve in the wrist. Surgical treatment resulted in marked clinical and functional improvement. COMMENT: Although subcutaneous calcinoses are a fairly common complication of systemic scleroderma, the pseudo-tumoral form remains extremely rare. It may be complicated by pain, recurrent infection, and functional restriction, but literature contains only very rare reports of its revelation via ductal syndrome.

[Late-onset systemic sclerosis: A retrospective study of 27 patients diagnosed after the age of 70]. / Sclérodermie systémique de révélation tardive : étude rétrospective de 27 patients diagnostiqués après l'âge de 70 ans.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe special features of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) diagnosed after the age of 70. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients aged above 70 years at the time of diagnosis of SSc and followed at an internal medicine unit between 2000 and 2015. Co-morbidities and clinical characteristics were analyzed, as well as survival at 1, 2 and 3 years. RESULTS: Of 246 patients, 27 (11%) were included (89% women, 96% Caucasians, age 78.3±4.5 years). Synchronous cancer was noted in 3 patients. SSc was mostly limited cutaneous only (24/27), with telangiectasia (63%), gastroesophageal reflux (59%) and digital ulcers (22%), and was associated with anti-centromere antibody (69%). Interstitial lung disease was not frequent (29%). Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was suspected at diagnosis of SSc in 14 cases (52%), but only 5 patients had undergone heart catheterization, with severe PAH in 3 cases. Survival at 1 and 3 years was 85.2% and 66.7%, and was worse in the case of suspected PAH, at 78.6% and 57.1% respectively. CONCLUSION: Cases of SSc diagnosed after 70 years are mostly limited cutaneous forms. Suspicion of PAH is frequent, and PAH may be the main initial sign of the disease for patients at this age. There may be association with synchronous cancer. Survival is poor.

[What's new in internal medicine?] / Quoi de neuf en médecine interne?

What's new in internal medicine will be dedicated to three topics: i) inflammatory myopathies constituting a heterogenous group of diseases whose clinical manifestations, immunological abnormalities, treatment response and outcomes vary widely; ii) alterations of gut microbiota contributing to the occurrence or development of a range of conditions, including autoimmune diseases for which further work is necessary to understand the correlation of dysbiosis with these diseases; iii) the reciprocal relationship between obesity, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis and autoimmune diseases. New data concerning systemic sclerosis, cutaneous vasculitis, adult Still's disease, autoantibodies anti DFS70, Epstein Barr virus and autoimmune diseases were also highlighted.

[Comparative evaluation of dermoscopy and capillaroscopy in Raynaud's phenomenon]. / Évaluation comparative de la dermatoscopie et de la capillaroscopie dans le phénomène de Raynaud.

OBJECTIVE: Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a common cause for consultation. Capillaroscopy is a well-established technique to detect capillary abnormalities suggestive of a connective tissue disease, but it is sometimes unavailable. The aim of this study was to compare dermoscopy and capillaroscopy in the assessment of RP. METHODS: This was a prospective single-centre observational study in adult patients consulting for RP at the Hôpital Nord Franche-Comté between January 2014 and June 2015. Dermoscopy was performed at dermatological consultations and capillaroscopy was prescribed. For each capillaroscopy and dermoscopy, the following parameters were examined: normal appearance, giant capillaries, avascular areas, dystrophic capillaries or tortuosity and haemorrhages. Kappa coefficients were calculated. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients participated in this study. The kappa coefficient was 0.76 for "normal" status, 0.78 for tortuosity, 0.70 for giant capillaries, 0.48 for haemorrhage and 0.62 for avascular areas. The global kappa coefficient was 0.33. Detection of these abnormalities with capillaroscopy was significantly associated with abnormal dermoscopic status (P<0.05). The sensitivity of dermoscopy for the detection of "abnormal" capillaroscopic status was 0.87. CONCLUSION: The correlation coefficients were good. Despite poor global concordance, 80% of patients had the same status, normal or abnormal, for both capillaroscopy and dermoscopy, which resulted in the same clinical management. Dermoscopy is thus a valuable tool screening for periungual anomalies and provides support for clinical examination by the dermatologist, although the reference method continues to be capillaroscopy.

[Efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of ischemic toe ulcer in a patient presenting systemic sclerosis]. / Efficacité de l'oxygénothérapie hyperbare dans le traitement d'un ulcère nécrotique d'orteil au cours d'une sclérodermie systémique.

BACKGROUND: The medical treatment of ischemic ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis remains difficult. Despite the major help provided by vasodilator treatments, the risk of spontaneous or surgical amputation remains high. OBSERVATION: A 48-year-old female patient from Guadeloupe was treated in our department for diffuse systemic sclerosis present for 15 years complicated by lung, joint and digestive involvement, and associated with severe Raynaud's phenomenon. The clinical course was marked by the occurrence of multiple ischemic ulcers, which were resistant to conventional medical treatment and resulted in two surgical amputations (to the 2nd and 3rd interphalangeal joints of the toes of the left foot). Treatment with an endothelin-receptor antagonist and a calcium inhibitor was then introduced for secondary prevention. Two years later, the patient consulted for a further ischemic ulcer of the left 4th toe. She refused the proposed treatment with iloprost. Because of the unfavorable outcome and the absence of therapeutic alternative to amputation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was initiated. Thirty 90-minutes sessions of pure oxygen at 2.5 ATA were conducted over a 10-week period. Complete healing was obtained after 8 months. DISCUSSION: We report herein a clinical case illustrating the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of ischemic ulcers of the toes in systemic sclerosis. It could offer an alternative therapeutic option, in particular for patients presenting resistant ischemic ulcers and a contraindication for or intolerance to the conventional medical treatment.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation reverses skin fibrosis but does not change skin vessel density in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Hematopoetic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) improves survival in patients with severe systemic sclerosis (SSc) by resetting the immune system. We studied how HSCT acts on the key SSc skin pathology findings (fibrosis and vascularization). In mean, 3 skin punch biopsies per patient (range 2-6) were analyzed from 13 patients (5 females) with severe diffuse SSc before and up to 96 months after HSCT. Fibrosis of the four skin layers was graded semi-quantitatively and an overall fibrosis score was then calculated. Vessel numbers and calibers were assessed in the superficial and deeper dermis after immune-staining for endothelial antigens (CD31, VE-cadherin and vWF). The median age of patients at HSCT was 47 (24-64) years. The overall median modified Rodnan skin score decreased from 24 to 10 (P=0.003) at first follow-up within a median of 9 (6-36) months after HSCT as did the histological skin score (P=0.03). The modified Rodnan skin score and the fibrosis score correlated positively (r=0.589, P<0.001). The vessels density did not significantly change after HSCT nor did the expression of the tested endothelial markers. Although improving skin fibrosis in patients with SSc, HSCT does not alter vessel density within skin biopsies.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms in the pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis.

Fibrosis is characterized by disproportionate accumulation of collagens and other extracellular matrix substances, resulting in organ dysfunction and failure. In systemic sclerosis, cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of fibrosis are highly complex and yet barely understood. Anatomopathological findings showed the coexistence of patchy inflammatory cell infiltration, microvascular injuries, and fibrotic foci. One of the most commonly accepted hypotheses considers endothelial activation as the triggering phenomenon inducing inflammatory and autoimmunity activation. The resulting cytokines and autoantibodies production accelerates the proliferating rate of normal fibroblasts and their transformation into myofibroblasts, leading to diffuse fibrosis. This review aims to focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms implicated in the fibrogenesis of systemic sclerosis.

[What's new in internal medicine?]. / Quoi de neuf en médecine interne?

Taking advantage of the French annual dermatologic conference "Journées Dermatologiques de Paris" that took place in December 2015, this article highlights the latest clinical advances, which occurred in autoimmune, inflammatory and systemic diseases during the past year. Evaluations of new classifications, new prognostic factors, and significant results of clinical trials in such diseases are underlined. A special attention is given to the classifications of systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis as well as the use of rituximab in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura or in the maintenance treatment of patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated vasculitis.

[Clinical and capillaroscopic regression of CD30 anaplastic lymphoma associated with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis following autologous bone marrow transplantation]. / Régression clinique et capillaroscopique après autogreffe de moelle d'une sclérodermie systémique cutanée limitée associée à un lymphome anaplasique CD30.

BACKGROUND: In rare cases, tumors are associated with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We report the case of a patient presenting cutaneous limited SSc associated with CD30 anaplastic lymphoma with cutaneous and lymph node involvement in whom the capillaroscopic scleroderma pattern regressed completely after autologous bone marrow transplantation, with complete remission of the lymphoma. CASE REPORT: A 37-year-old man presented bilateral Raynaud's phenomenon associated with digital ulcers contracted one year earlier but subsequently neglected. Right axillary lymph nodes and regional cutaneous tumors were present, leading to the diagnosis of CD30+ anaplastic lymphoma with cutaneous and lymph node involvement. Chemotherapy containing cyclophosphamide achieved only partial remission of the lymphoma. Clinical examination showed bilateral Raynaud's phenomenon, sclerodactyly, a right axillary subcutaneous nodule and a pathological Allen's test for the right hand. Antinuclear antibodies were positive without any other immunological abnormalities, and capillaroscopy showed an SSc pattern with numerous megacapillaries. Digital blood pressure was reduced in the right index and the left middle fingers, in which ulcers of the pulp were observed. Bone marrow transplantation was performed, resulting in complete remission of the lymphoma and disappearance of the sclerodactyly, with no recurrence of the pulp ulcers and complete normalization of capillaroscopic appearance and digital pressure. DISCUSSION: This case raises the question of authentic SSc and neoplasia and highlights the importance of capillaroscopy in the follow-up of SSc. The complete regression of SSc and of capillaroscopic abnormalities could be explained by the paraneoplastic nature of SSc or by the direct action of the chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation.

[Update on targeted biopharmaceuticals in systemic sclerosis!] / Biothérapies ciblées : nouveautés dans la sclérodermie systémique !

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and autoimmunity. Despite few clinical trials when compared to other autoimmune diseases, SSc has benefited from renewed interest over the past ten years and a large number of clinical trials have been performed or are underway. We present here the results of the trials published in the last 5 years in ScS according to the chosen endpoint criteria and describe the trials in progress or expected in the years to come.

[The arguments favoring autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in systemic scleroderma]. / Argumentaire « en faveur ¼ de la greffe de cellules souches hématopoïétiques autologues dans la sclérodermie systémique.

Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for systemic scleroderma, developed over more than 25 years, has shown in three randomised controlled clinical trials a significant impact not only in event-free survival, overall survival, cutaneous and pulmonary involvement, but also in the quality of life of patients living with recent severe diffuse cutaneous systemic scleroderma, compared with IV cyclophosphamid despite a transplant-related mortality between 2.4 and 10%. No immunosuppressants or biologics have shown such an impact on mortality in this disease. The risk of relapse is estimated between 9 and 24%, two years after transplant. On the basis of these results, French and international guidelines now position autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation as a level 1A evidence-based therapeutic alternative in severe early and rapidly progressive systemic scleroderma.

Systemic sclerosis, silica exposure and cellular therapies: The sand in the gears?

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic orphan autoimmune disease with the highest mortality rate among rheumatic diseases. SSc-related interstitial-lung disease (ILD) remains among the leading causes of SSc-related mortality with still few therapeutic effective strategies. In patients with crystallin silica exposure, SSc is recognized as an occupational disease according to the French social security system (Table 25A of the general insurance regimen). Lympho-ablative or myeloablative immunosuppression followed by autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (aHSCT) is the only therapeutic approach with demonstrated efficacy, improved survival with disease modifying effects on SSc-fibrotic manifestations (skin disease and ILD) and quality of life. A documented past and/or present occupational silica exposure, with extensive exposure and/or silica-related ILD and/or with persistent silica content in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid are contra-indications to aHSCT in SSc patients, due to the risk of silica-related malignancy or of SSc relapse. This article aims to discuss alternative options in SSc patients with a history of silica exposure, and how innovative cellular therapies (mesenchymal stromal cells, CAR cells) could represent new therapeutic options for these patients.

[Severe small bowel involvement and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma): Pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutic basis, including parenteral nutrition]. / Atteinte sévère de l'intestin grêle et pseudo-obstruction intestinale chronique au cours de la sclérodermie systémique : bases physiopathologiques, diagnostiques et thérapeutiques, dont la nutrition parentérale.

Gastrointestinal involvement in systemic sclerosis can be severe, reaching the critical point of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, secondary to major disorders of small bowel motility. It is associated with some clinical and biological characteristics, in particular the positivity of anti-fibrillarin/U3RNP antibodies. Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is complicated by a small intestinal bacterial overgrowth that requires cyclic antibiotic therapy. CIPO leads to a reduction of the food intake, due to painful symptoms, nausea and vomiting caused by meals, and ultimately to severe malnutrition. Meal splitting is often transiently effective and patients require exogenous nutritional support, mostly parenteral. Systemic sclerosis is not an obstacle to initiation and long-term continuation of parenteral nutrition and central venous catheter implantation is not associated with an increased risk of cutaneous or infectious complications. However, continuation of long-term parenteral nutrition requires monitoring in an expert nutrition center in order to adapt nutritional volumes and intakes and to limit potentially fatal cardiac and hepatobiliary complications. In addition to nutrition, prokinetic treatments, whose side effects must be known, can be associated. Invasive procedures, whose risk-benefit ratio must be carefully assessed, can also be used to treat symptoms exclusively.

[Autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation in systemic sclerosis: An important step forward, but we must temper our enthusiasm!] / Autogreffe de cellules souches périphériques dans la sclérodermie systémique : un progrès important, mais il faut tempérer notre enthousiasme !

Three prospective randomized studies have demonstrated the efficacy of autologous hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation in systemic sclerosis (SSc) on survival. These results encourage us to offer this therapy to patients who have a rapidly progressive disease and who have early symptoms but no advanced visceral involvement. HSC autograft can thus be discussed in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc with a duration of the disease since the first visceral manifestations (cutaneous, cardiac, digestive, pulmonary, or renal) excluding Raynaud's phenomenon of less than 5 years. However, the indications for HSC autograft in SSc validated at European level and in the national diagnostic and care protocol (PNDS) are broader and some of these indications are debatable, in particular in patients with worsening diffuse interstitial lung disease. These indications are discussed in a reasoned way, taking into account the level of evidence and the toxicity of the HSC autograft.

[High anti-topoisomerase-1 autoantibodies levels are associated with the extension of skin fibrosis and vascular progression in patients with systemic sclerosis]. / Des taux élevés d'auto-anticorps anti-topo-isomérase-1 sont associés à l'extension de la fibrose cutanée et à la progression vasculaire chez les patients atteints de sclérodermie systémique.

BACKGROUND: Anti-centromere antibodies, anti-topoisomerase-1 antibodies (ATA), and anti-RNA-polymerase III antibodies are three Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)-specific autoantibodies. Their detection is helpful in determining the prognosis. We aimed to evaluate whether ATA levels were associated with disease severity at diagnosis or disease progression during follow-up in ATA positive patients. METHODS: We conducted a single-centre French retrospective observational study, between 2014 and 2021. ATA positive patients fulfilling the ACR/EULAR 2013 classification criteria for SSc with a minimal follow-up of 1 year and 2 ATA dosages were included. SSc patients with high IgG ATA levels at baseline (>240IU/mL) were compared with SSc patients with low levels (≤240IU/mL), at inclusion and at 1 and 3 years. A variation of at least 30 % of ATA levels was considered significant. RESULTS: Fifty-nine SSc patients were included and analysed. There was a predominance of women and of patients with diffuse interstitial lung disease. Patients with high ATA levels exhibited a higher skin sclerosis assessed by the modified Rodnan skin score (P=0.0480). They had a lower carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (P=0.0457), a lower forced vital capacity (FVC) (P=0.0427) and more frequently had a FVC under 80 %, when compared to patients with low ATA levels (P=0.0423). Initial high ATA levels were associated with vascular progression at one year (21.95 % vs. 0 %; P=0.0495). CONCLUSION: ATA levels are associated with skin sclerosis and vascular progression in SSc. Beyond the detection of ATA, quantifying this autoantibody might be of interest in predicting disease severity and prognosis in SSc.

French protocol for the diagnosis and management of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in autoimmune diseases.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for severe ADs was developed over the past 25years and is now validated by national and international medical societies for severe early systemic sclerosis (SSc) and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and available as part of routine care in accredited center. HSCT is also recommended, with varying levels of evidence, as an alternative treatment for several ADs, when refractory to conventional therapy, including specific cases of connective tissue diseases or vasculitis, inflammatory neurological diseases, and more rarely severe refractory Crohn's disease. The aim of this document was to provide guidelines for the current indications, procedures and follow-up of HSCT in ADs. Patient safety considerations are central to guidance on patient selection and conditioning, always validated at the national MATHEC multidisciplinary team meeting (MDTM) based on recent (less than 3months) thorough patient evaluation. HSCT procedural aspects and follow-up are then carried out within appropriately experienced and Joint Accreditation Committee of International Society for Cellular Therapy and SFGM-TC accredited centres in close collaboration with the ADs specialist. These French recommendations were performed according to HAS/FAI2R standard operating procedures and coordinated by the Île-de-France MATHEC Reference Centre for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases (CRMR MATHEC) within the Filière FAI2R and in association with the Filière MaRIH. The task force consisted of 3 patients and 64 clinical experts from various specialties and French centres. These data-derived and consensus-derived recommendations will help clinicians to propose HSCT for their severe ADs patients in an evidence-based way. These recommendations also give directions for future clinical research in this area. These recommendations will be updated according to newly emerging data. Of note, other cell therapies that have not yet been approved for clinical practice or are the subject of ongoing clinical research will not be addressed in this document.

[Botulinum toxin type A contribution in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon due to systemic sclerosis]. / Intérêt de la toxine botulinique de type A dans le traitement des syndromes de Raynaud sévères secondaires à la sclérodermie systémique.

AIMS: Raynaud's phenomenon is a vasospastic disorder of the extremities that can lead, in the hands, to pain, disability, ischemic ulcers and digital chronic ischemia. Medical and surgical current treatments are not fully effective while causing side effects. Recent studies have emphasized the value of botulinum toxin type A (BTX A) in the management of primary Raynaud's phenomenon. The originality of Raynaud's syndrome secondary to systemic sclerosis is to combine both arterial vasospasm and sclerosis of the arterial wall, what is supposed to reduce BTX A effects. The purpose of this work is to evaluate BTX A efficiency in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to systemic sclerosis. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We performed a prospective study for 12 months. Patients with severe Raynaud's phenomenon due to systemic sclerosis were injected with BTX A in the two hands. Evolution of ischemic ulcers, QuickDASH Score, O2 partial pressure, pain were measured before and 30 days after injection. RESULTS: We treated 18 patients. Thirty days after injection, we noticed a complete healing of ulcers, QuickDASH Score was improved from 39.4 to 20, as the O2 partial pressure from 16 to 42 mmHg and the pain from VNS from 6/10 to 2/10. CONCLUSION: BTX A appears to improve significantly Raynaud's phenomenon symptomatology in patients with systemic sclerosis despite the component of arterial sclerosis.

[Autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation in systemic sclerosis: An important step forward, but we must temper our enthusiasm!] / Autogreffe de cellules souches périphériques dans la sclérodermie systémique : un progrès important, mais il faut tempérer notre enthousiasme !

Three prospective randomized studies have demonstrated the efficacy of autologous hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation in systemic sclerosis (SSc) on survival. These results encourage us to offer this therapy to patients who have a rapidly progressive disease and who have early symptoms but no advanced visceral involvement. HSC autograft can thus be discussed in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc with a duration of the disease since the first visceral manifestations (cutaneous, cardiac, digestive, pulmonary, or renal) excluding Raynaud's phenomenon of less than 5 years. However, the indications for HSC autograft in SSc validated at European level and in the national diagnostic and care protocol (PNDS) are broader and some of these indications are debatable, in particular in patients with worsening diffuse interstitial lung disease. These indications are discussed in a reasoned way, taking into account the level of evidence and the toxicity of the HSC autograft.