A 4-week comparison of capillaroscopy changes, healing effect, and cost-effectiveness of botulinum toxin-A vs prostaglandin analog infusion in refractory digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic multi-organ disease. Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and digital ulcers (DUs) in SSc patients can be resistant to usual treatments. We studied the clinical benefits, capillaroscopy changes, and cost-effectiveness of local injection of botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) and intravenous prostaglandin analogs (iloprost/alprostadil) in patients with SSc with resistant DUs. METHOD: In a clinical trial study, we evaluated 26 patients fulfilling the ACR/EULAR SSc criteria with resistant DUs. Visual analog scale of pain and RP, skin color and type of ulcers, and capillaroscopy were assessed before and 1 month after treatment. In the first group, 20 units of BTX-A was injected at the base of each involved fingers by a dermatologist. In the second group, 20 µg iloprost or 60 µg alprostadil was infused daily. The cost of these treatments was compared. RESULT: In 26 patients (43 fingers), there were 16 patients (22 fingers) in the BTX-A and 10 patients (21 fingers) in the prostaglandin group. In 95.5% of the BTX-A and 90.5% of the prostaglandin group, the ulcers were healed. In both groups, a significant decrease in pain was seen (p < 0.0001). Capillaroscopy patterns in both groups were not changed although the microhemorrhages disappeared significantly (p value: BTX-A: 0.03 and prostaglandin: 0.002). The cost was significantly lower in the BTX-A injection group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Both BTX-A and prostaglandins helped in the healing and pain control of DUs. In capillaroscopy, microhemorrhages were significantly decreased in both groups. In the BTX-A group, the cost was significantly lower as an outpatient treatment and was more time-saving. KEY MESSAGES: • BTX-A and prostaglandin analogs both contributed to the healing of digital tip ulcers and improving the pain • In capillaroscopy, microhemorrhages were significantly decreased or disappeared after both treatments • There was no significant side effect in both groups • Comparing both groups, in the BTX-A group, the cost was significantly lower when performed on an outpatient treatment and more time-saving.

[Quality of life of patients with Raynaud's disease]. / Raynaud-szindrómás betegek életminoségének jellemzoi.

INTRODUCTION: Raynaud's disease is characterized by episodic vasospastic attacks and digital ischemia usually followed by pain, numbness and cold. Despite the severity of the symptoms, the investigation of the quality of life in this disease received less attention yet. AIM: The aim of the study was to examine how the disease affects the patients' quality of life. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were made with 28 patients diagnosed with Raynaud's disease. RESULTS: Almost every domain of quality of life is negatively affected. The somatic symptoms cause significant suffering, they are accompanied by loss of functionality; frequent preventive actions are needed; furthermore they affect job performance, commuting and sleep quality. Emotional and cognitive burdens and negative changes in interpersonal relationships were found. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study show that the disease is present as significant hardship in every aspect of daily life. Because of the decrease in the quality of life and the psychological burdens caused by this chronic disease, not only the basic medical care, but psychological treatment is also indicated. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(16): 636-641.

Successful treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients with botulinum toxin B injection: Assessment of peripheral vascular disorder by angiography and dermoscopic image of nail fold capillary.

We recently identified the efficacy and safety of a botulinum toxin (BTX)-A/B in Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and digital ulcers (DU) in Japanese patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Detailed assessments of peripheral vascular disorder using angiography and dermoscopic images of nail fold capillaries have not been performed previously. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of BTX-B on SSc-associated peripheral vascular disorder. Two SSc patients who suffered with RP and DU were treated with a BTX-B injection, and thereafter the symptoms of RP were improved and DU healed in both patients. Furthermore, angiography showed an increased blood flow to the palm and fingers, and dermoscopic images of nail fold capillary changes showed improvement. These results suggest that a BTX-B injection may increase peripheral blood flow and improve RP and DU in SSc patients.

Buflomedil / Buflomedil

CONTEXTO: El buflomedil comenzó a comercializarse en el año 1974, para el tratamiento sintomático de la claudicación intermitente causada por la obstrucción de las arterias de los miembros inferiores. En 2006, el Ministerio de Salud francés tomó una serie de medidas, basadas en las investigaciones realizadas por las áreas de farmacovigilancia, que revelaron casos graves asociados al uso de buflomedil, tales como trastornos neurológicos (mioclonía, convulsiones y estado epiléptico) y cardiovasculares (hipotensión, trastornos del ritmo y paro cardíaco), uso inapropiado (incumplimiento de la indicación y/o contraindicaciones, inadecuada dosificación, uso en pacientes con insuficiencia renal) y casos de intoxicación voluntaria, principalmente en adultos jóvenes. TECNOLOGÍA: IFA: BUFLOMEDIL Código ATC: C04AX20 Categoría Terapéutica: vasodilatador periférico. El buflomedil es un vasodilatador que aumenta el flujo sanguíneo en el cerebro y otras partes del organismo. Está indicado en el tratamiento de: -Los síntomas de la arteriopatía oclusiva periférica (AOP en estadio II) que genera claudicación intermitente; -Fenómeno de Raynaud, que es una afección causada por espasmos vasculares desencadenados por bajas temperaturas o emociones fuertes que bloquean el flujo sanguíneo a las extremidades, orejas y nariz; -Accidente Cerebro Vascular Isquémico (ACVI). OBJETIVO: Evaluar la seguridad y eficacia del buflomedil para el tratamiento del accidente cerebrovascular isquémico, la claudicación intermitente y el fenómeno de Raynaud. BÚSQUEDA Y ANÁLISIS DE LA EVIDENCIA CIENTÍFICA: Se realizó una búsqueda en MEDLINE, NICE, INHATHA, Portal salud Madrid, BIREME, Universidad York, PROSPERO, EPISTEMONIKOS, Brisa, LILACS, Trip, Base de datos ensayos clínicos OMS, Clinical trials.gov, DOAJ, RedETSA, IACS, Embase, Instituto Carlos III, Osteba, Revista Nature, búsqueda manual y en las Agencias Regulatorias de Japón, Australia, EE.UU., Canadá, Uruguay, Brasil y Chile. La estrategia de búsqueda fue buflomedil, en humanos, lenguaje restringido a inglés y español, teniendo en cuenta los estudios publicados desde 1998 hasta el 10 abril 2018. Para la realización de este informe se incluyeron 3 metaanálisis (MA), una serie de casos y un informe de EMA. RESULTADOS: Eficacia: Fenómeno de Raynaud (FR): El MA de Stewart5 et al (2012) incluyó numerosos estudios para el tratamiento de este fenómeno, pero sólo una ICCA (Investigación Clínica Controlada Aleatorizada) para buflomedil (Le Quintrec6 , 1991) que incorporó 31 participantes con FR primario, aleatorizados en dos ramas a recibir buflomedil 300 mg dos veces por día o placebo, con un seguimiento de seis meses. Se midió frecuencia y severidad de FR. Los participantes presentaron una frecuencia basal para este fenómeno de 24 ataques por semana en ambos grupos. Luego de la intervención, la diferencia en la frecuencia de ataques semanales entre ambos grupos favoreció a buflomedil con una diferencia de medias (DM) -8,82 IC95% -17,55 a -0,09, el intervalo de confianza fue amplio y cerca de la línea de no discriminación. La DM, en el score de severidad del fenómeno de Raynaud, también resultó a favor de buflomedil, pero no fue estadísticamente significativa (DM -0,41 IC95% -0,84 a 0,02). Consideramos que la calidad de evidencia de este estudio resultó baja según el sistema Grade, por imprecisión debido al bajo tamaño muestral y a los amplios intervalos de confianza. Claudicación Intermitente (CI): El MA de deBacker7 et al (2013) incluyó dos ICCAs para el tratamiento de la CI, con 127 participantes que recibieron buflomedil oral comparado con placebo. Los puntos finales evaluados fueron la distancia de caminata libre de dolor (DCLD) y la distancia máxima de caminata (DMC), las que se analizaron mediante una prueba de ejercicio estandarizada. Los autores determinaron que la evidencia para evaluar la eficacia de buflomedil fue escasa. Las 2 ICCAs incluidas mostraron resultados moderadamente positivos a favor del buflomedil; esto se ve menoscabado por el sesgo de publicación (los autores refirieron que al menos 4 estudios no fueron publicados). El estudio de Trübesteinet8 et al (1984) (N=113; 20 abandonaron el tratamiento) fue bien diseñado, con una duración del seguimiento de 12 semanas. La Diferencia Ponderada de Medias (DPM) para la distancia de caminata libre de dolor fue de 75,1 m IC95% 20,6 a 129,6 y para la distancia máxima de caminata la DPM 80,7 m IC95% 9,4 a 152. El estudio de Diamantopulus9 et al (2001), que incluyó participantes diabéticos (N=40; 6 abandonaron) con CI, tuvo un seguimiento de 6 meses. La DPM para la distancia de caminata libre de dolor fue 80,6 m IC95% 3 a 158,2 y para la distancia máxima de caminata la DPM fue 171,4 m IC95% 51,3 a 291,5. Ambas ICCAs mostraron significación estadística en pacientes que utilizaron buflomedil, tanto para DCLD como para DMC; sin embargo, mostraron amplios intervalos de confianza. Consideramos que estos dos estudios poseen muy baja calidad, tal como se aprecia en la siguiente tabla. Cabe destacar que los autores excluyeron gran número de estudios por su mala calidad. Accidente cerebrovascular isquémico (ACVI): El MA de Wu10 et al (2015) evaluó 26 ICCAs (N=2756) realizados en China. Los estudios incluyeron pacientes hospitalizados durante los primeros días luego de la presentación clínica del ACVI. La media de edad fue de 58 a 75 años. La mayoría de los ICCAs administraron buflomedil intravenoso, con una dosis diaria de 200 mg durante 14 días. El punto final primario fue mortalidad o discapacidad a largo plazo (3 meses). Además, los autores reportaron mortalidad y discapacidad a corto plazo (al finalizar el tratamiento con buflomedil). Los puntos finales secundarios fueron: mejoría del déficit neurológico y seguridad. Para el punto final primario se incluyó el estudio de Cui et al (2005) (N=200), por ser el único que reportó muerte y discapacidad a largo plazo (3 meses). Los sobrevivientes de ACVI tratados con buflomedil presentaron menor riesgo de sufrir el resultado combinado muerte o discapacidad a largo plazo que aquellos en el grupo control (N=200; RR 0,71, IC95% 0,53 a 0,94). La mortalidad en el grupo con buflomedil a los 3 meses de seguimiento, fue 14% versus 15% en el grupo control (RR 0,93 IC95% 0,48 a 1,83). El grupo buflomedil presentó una incidencia de discapacidad a los 3 meses de 27% versus 43% en el grupo control (RR 0,63 IC95% 0,42 a 0,93), siendo ésta una diferencia estadísticamente significativa. También se incluyeron 8 estudios (Bu 2010; Chen 2002a; Dong 2004; Lu 2003; Niu 2008, Pan 2007; Qian 2006; Yang 2012) con 1.056 participantes que reportaron mortalidad a corto plazo y un estudio (Li, 2008) con 85 participantes que reportó discapacidad a corto plazo. La mortalidad a corto plazo fue evaluada en ocho estudios, de los cuales los autores tomaron sólo cuatro (Pan, 2007; Chen 2002a; Qian 2006; Lu 2003) para realizar la revisión del MA, que no demostró diferencia en el riesgo de muerte entre ambos tratamientos (buflomedil N=369 vs control N=362; RR 0,45 IC95% 0,14 a 1,46; I2= 0%). La discapacidad a corto plazo fue evaluada en un estudio (Li, 2008) que comparó buflomedil N=44 vs control N=41, mediante el índice de Barthel. Informaron una DM 15 IC95% 5,83 a 24,17 en el grupo buflomedil que sugiere mejor resultado. Respecto al punto final secundario, se incluyeron 26 estudios con 2.756 participantes que reportaron déficit neurológico. No se encontró evidencia robusta para ninguno de los resultados analizados. Dado que no se pudo acceder a los estudios primarios, el análisis de calidad de evidencia no pudo ser realizado por este Programa. Sin embargo, los investigadores del MA determinaron que la calidad de evidencia fue baja, de acuerdo a los principios de Grade por presencia de sesgos, falta de cegamiento y enmascaramiento, sesgo de publicación e imprecisión por bajo tamaño muestral y amplios intervalos de confianza. DISCUSIÓN: De acuerdo a la evidencia presentada anteriormente, los investigadores encontraron resultados moderadamente positivos a favor del buflomedil en el tratamiento del fenómeno de Raynaud, la claudicación intermitente y el accidente cerebrovascular isquémico. Sin embargo, la baja o muy baja calidad metodológica, el pequeño tamaño muestral, los amplios intervalos de confianza y el sesgo de publicación debilitan la estimación del efecto para los puntos finales analizados. Por otra parte, el uso de buflomedil se asocia a EA cardiológicos (principalmente taquicardia, hipotensión, trastornos del ritmo ventricular y paro cardíaco) y neurológicos (principalmente convulsiones, mioclonía y estado epiléptico) que ocurren bajo condiciones terapéuticas, especialmente en pacientes de edad avanzada que son la principal población para la cual se encuentra indicado. Estos riesgos se ven agravados por el hecho de que buflomedil es un fármaco con un índice terapéutico estrecho, lo cual requiere adaptación/ajuste de la dosis para la función renal. Este tópico es de particular importancia en la práctica asistencial, pues de lo contrario se podría generar una toxicidad que pondría en riesgo la vida del paciente.

Assessment of abnormal blood flow and efficacy of treatment in patients with systemic sclerosis using a newly developed microwireless laser Doppler flowmeter and arm-raising test.

Background Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) frequently suffer from recalcitrant digital ulceration because of impaired cutaneous blood flow (CBF). A simple and accurate CBF measurement would be helpful to evaluate the disease status and efficacy of treatment in such patients. Objectives To examine the feasibility of a newly developed, micromachined integrated laser blood flowmeter (MILBF) for evaluation of abnormal CBF responses in patients with SSc. Methods CBF of finger pulp was measured in eight patients with SSc and in six healthy controls using MILBF. CBF in the steady state and the responses to the arm-raising test and cold provocation were assessed. The therapeutic efficacy of a single and an intensive prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) infusion treatment was also evaluated in some of the SSc patients. Results The patients with SSc showed significantly lower steady-state CBF than controls. The rate of blood flow with cold provocation and the velocity of blood flow recovery after cold provocation (VR-CP) tended to be lower in patients with SSc. Augmentation of amplitude of the digital pulse wave by arm raising (AA-AR) was observed in controls, but not in patients with SSc. We also found that VR-CP and AA-AR may be good markers for evaluating the efficacy of vasodilatory treatment. It should be noted that the examined patients did not complain of any pain and/or distress during the arm-raising test, as opposed to during cold provocation. Conclusions CBF assessment using MILBF and an arm-raising test is accurate, noninvasive and well tolerated and thus the combination may be a better alternative method to evaluate abnormal CBF and efficacy of treatment in patients with SSc.

[Comparative study of misoprostol and nifedipine in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to systemic diseases. Hemodynamic assessment with Doppler duplex]. / Estudio comparativo de misoprostol y nifedipino en el tratamiento del fenómeno de Raynaud secundario a enfermedades sistémicas. Valoración hemodinámica mediante Doppler-dúplex.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the mid-term efficiency and therapeutic safety at a mid term of the orally administered misoprostol, a synthetic PGE1, analogue, compared with nifedipine for the treatment of RP secondary to autoimmune systemic diseases. METHODS: A double blind, crossover study was designed. Patients were randomly distributed to receive either retard nifedipine (20 mg/12 hourly) and misoprostol (200 micrograms/12 hourly) in 10-day periods (washing period with placebo for 10 days). At the end of each period a clinical assessment was obtained on the frequency and severity of symptoms as well as on secondary drug reactions. Simultaneously, blood flow changes in radial artery were Doppler-duplex investigated (pulsatility index, resistance index). RESULTS: Twenty patients were studied (15 women and 5 men). The mean basal daily frequency of attacks was 4.8 +/- 2.0 compared with 2.4 +/- 1.4 with nifedipine (p < 0.001) and 2.6 +/- 1.2 with misoprostol (p < 0.001). The mean basal severity of attacks, according to a pre-established scale decreased from 3.7 +/- 0.6 to 1.9 +/- 0.9 with nifedipine (p < 0.001) and to 2.0 +/- 1.0 with misoprostol (p < 0.001). The mean basal value of blood flow in radial artery was 24.9 +/- 14.4 ml/min; with nifedipine it increased to 43.0 +/- 19.2 ml/min (p < 0.001) and with misoprostol to 46.9 +/- 19.2 ml/min (p < 0.001). Five patients (25%) had secondary effects with nifedipine and three (15%) with misoprostol; in no case had therapy to be discontinued. CONCLUSIONS: Misoprostol was similar to nifedipine for the treatment of Raynaud phenomenon secondary to systemic diseases and can be a therapeutic alternative for these patients.

[The use of capillary videomicroscopy in the therapeutic assessment of acral vasospastic phenomena: microcirculatory effect of ketanserin and nifedipine]. / Der Einsatz der Kapillarvideomikroskopie bei der therapeutischen Beurteilung akraler vasospastischer Phänomene: mikrozirkulatorischer Einfluss von Ketanserin und Nifedipin.

In-vivo videomicroscopy is one of the few noninvasive and clinically useful direct methods for evaluating the effect of a drug on microcirculation of normal and ischemic areas. By using nailfold videomicroscopy in conjunction with local exposure to cold air, the hemodynamic effects of ketanserine and nifedipine are reviewed in patients with primary Raynaud's disease.

Use of prostaglandin E1 (lipo-PGE1) to treat Raynaud's phenomenon associated with connective tissue disease: thermographic and subjective assessment.

Four patients with connective tissue disease who had been suffering from severe Raynaud's phenomenon were treated with an intravenous infusion of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and its effectiveness was assessed by thermography and a questionnaire approach. PGE1 in a lipid microsphere formulation (lipo-PGE1) produced a significantly greater increase in lesional skin temperature compared with treatment with PGE1 clathrated in alpha-cyclodextrin 12 months previously in the same group of patients. These results were supported by the subjective assessment obtained from the patients by questionnaire.

Assessment of pinacidil in patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon.

In fourteen patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon we performed a double-blind, controlled study, comparing single doses of 12.5 and 25 mg of the potassium channel opener pinacidil with placebo and the active control nifedipine in randomised order. The main response criterium was the area under the curve (AUC) of the photoelectric plethysmography (PEP) during cooling and rewarming, performed 2-3 hours after administration of the study medication. Single doses of 12.5 and 25 mg pinacidil were shown not to be superior to placebo in respect of the AUC of PEP. Nifedipine, on the contrary, was significantly better than placebo. We conclude that no efficacy can be expected from the potassium channel opener pinacidil in the treatment of primary Raynaud's phenomenon. The efficacy of nifedipine cannot be explained from central rheological effects, as total blood viscosity was the same after pinacidil, nifedipine and placebo.

Subjective and objective assessment of enalapril in primary Raynaud's phenomenon.

1. The efficacy and acceptability of enalapril were assessed in a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled cross-over study in 21 patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon. 2. Skin temperature was assessed by thermocouples in response to a 15 degrees C cold water challenge as an index of digital blood flow. 3. Following enalapril there were no significant changes in the number and severity of Raynaud's attacks, and no subjective benefit from treatment as measured by visual analogue scales, 5 point rating scales, and skin temperature response to cold challenge when compared with placebo. 4. Enalapril in a dose of 20 mg daily is ineffective in the management of primary Raynaud's phenomenon.

Laser-Doppler flowmetry in the assessment of "mild" Raynaud's phenomenon and its treatment.

Raynaud's phenomenon is characterised by a reduction in skin temperature and blood flow. Laser-Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) has been used to evaluate LDF recovery time after immersion of hands in water at 20 degrees C for 1 minute before and after treatment. After treatment for 4 weeks with nifedipine 10 mg b.i.d. the recovery time was again measured. The study showed that the treatment is useful for normalising the recovery times and reducing symptoms.

Quantitative thermographic assessment of inositol nicotinate therapy in Raynaud's phenomena.

The basal temperature of the hands has been measured by quantitative thermography in a group of normal controls and rheumatoid patients exhibiting Raynaud's phenomenon. The thermographic index for both the dorsum of the hand and the fingers was significantly lower in the patients with Raynaud's. Oral treatment with inositol nicotinate (Hexopal) was followed by an initial rise in the thermographic index in both areas. After the initial increase the temperature fell again but then rose after two months treatment. At nine months two subjects on continuous therapy had higher indices than the four who had discontinued therapy. It is suggested that long-term treatment with nicotinate acid derivatives may produce improvement in the peripheral circulation by a different mechanism than the transient effect detected by short-term studies.