An Evaluation of the Performance of Current Morphea Subtype Classifications.

Importance: Numerous classification systems for morphea subtypes exist, but none have been systematically evaluated for their ability to categorize patients with morphea into demographically and clinically coherent groups. Although some subtypes, such as linear morphea, are present across all the classification schemes, others list unique subtypes. This creates confusion among investigators and practitioners and impairs accurate categorization of patients for study and clinical evaluation. Objective: To evaluate how frequently the commonly used morphea classification systems categorize patients with morphea into clinically relevant subtypes using cross-sectional analysis of 2 large patient cohorts. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study comprised 944 adults and children from 2 prospective cohorts-the Morphea in Adults and Children at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas, Texas), which enrolled participants from July 20, 2007, to September 21, 2018, and the National Registry for Childhood-Onset Scleroderma at the University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), which enrolled participants from October 23, 2002, to November 13, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures: Patient demographic characteristics, morphea subtype, quality-of-life measures, disease activity, and damage as measured by Localized Scleroderma Cutaneous Assessment Tool scores during initial visits. Results: A total of 944 participants (444 patients with adult-onset morphea and 500 patients with pediatric-onset morphea; 741 female participants [78%]; median age at onset, 16 years [interquartile range, 8-44 years]) were included in this study. Most participants were White (723 [77%]) and had the linear (474 [50%]) or generalized subtype of morphea (244 [26%]). With the use of the previously published Padua criteria, most patients were classified to have linear morphea (474 [50%]), followed by generalized morphea (244 [26%]), plaque morphea (141 [15%]), mixed morphea (38 [4%]), and pansclerotic morphea (3 [0.3%]). Overall, the Padua criteria successfully classified 900 patients (95%) in comparison with the Peterson criteria (533 [56%]) and the European Dermatology Forum classification (487 [52%]). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study of morphea subtype classification systems, the Padua criteria performed best in classifying patients into subgroups with cohesive demographic and clinical features, supporting its widespread use. However, they have ambiguities that might lead to misclassification, particularly in terms of generalized and pansclerotic morphea and descriptors such as morphea profunda. Consensus-based approaches are needed to address these ambiguities and develop a unified classification scheme.

Histopathology of morphea: Sensitivity of various named signs, a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Morphea or localized scleroderma is characterized histopathologically by sclerosis, fibrosis, and atrophy of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Various authors have named the characteristic findings seen in histopathology of morphea and have labeled them as specific signs, including line sign, cookie-cutter sign, and square biopsy sign. Besides, other findings mentioned include high eccrine glands and the presence of interstitial mucin. The present study was undertaken to assess the sensitivity of these tests in the histopathological diagnosis of morphea. METHODS: All cases clinically diagnosed and histopathologically reported as morphea in the last 3 years (September 2016 to August 2019) were included. The slides were reviewed by two independent investigators for the presence of line sign, cookie-cutter sign, square biopsy sign, high eccrine glands, and mucin. The sensitivity of these signs in accurately diagnosing morphea was assessed. Besides, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of these signs were assessed using 40 random histopathology slides as controls. RESULTS: The highest sensitivity was of high eccrine glands (82.5%) followed by the presence of mucin in the dermis (77.5%). Cookie-cutter sign and square biopsy signs were seen in 70% and 62.5% patients, respectively. Line sign was least sensitive of all, seen in 45% of biopsy specimens, but was most specific (82.5%). CONCLUSION: A fair number of biopsies of morphea displays the presence of high eccrine glands, mucin, cookie-cutter sign, square biopsy sign, and line sign. These signs thus can be of immense help to the dermatopathology trainees.

Paediatric morphoea: a holistic review. Part 1: epidemiology, aetiopathogenesis and clinical classification.

Morphoea, also known as localized scleroderma, is a debilitating fibrosing disorder of uncertain aetiology, affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Paediatric-onset disease is not uncommon and is associated with frequent relapses. The disease has complex pathogenetic mechanisms and multiple clinical subtypes, and affects children of all ages. Recent research has focused on elucidating the disease pathophysiology and identifying measures of disease activity. We performed a literature search on PubMed, MEDLINE and Google Scholar, using keywords such as 'pediatric morphea', 'juvenile localised scleroderma' and 'juvenile systemic sclerosis'. Relevant studies, including randomized trials, reviews of standard current guidelines and original research articles, were selected, and results were analysed before being summarized. In the first of this two-part review, we provide a bird's-eye view of the current literature concerning the epidemiology, aetiopathogenesis and clinical classification of paediatric morphoea; in Part 2, we review the diagnosis, markers of disease activity, management and natural history.

Overview of Juvenile localized scleroderma and its management.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile localized scleroderma (JLS) is a rare pediatric disease characterized by inflammation and skin thickening. JLS is associated with deep tissue and extracutaneous involvement that often results in functional impairment and growth disturbances. This article provides an overview of the disease with a focus on active features and treatment. DATA SOURCES: We searched databases including PubMed, Elsevier and MedLine and Wanfang, reviewing publications from 2013 to 2019. Selected earlier publications were also reviewed. RESULTS: Linear scleroderma is the most common JLS subtype. Several lines of evidence suggest that JLS is an autoimmune disease. Extracutaneous involvement is common and can present before the onset of skin disease. Multiple skin features are associated with disease activity, and activity can also manifest as arthritis, myositis, uveitis, seizures, and growth impairment. Systemic immunosuppressive treatment, commonly methotrexate with or without glucocorticoids, greatly improves outcome and is recommended for treating JLS patients with active disease and moderate or higher severity. Long term monitoring is needed because of the disease's chronicity and the high frequency of relapses off of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: JLS is associated with a risk for disabling and disfiguring morbidity for the growing child. Identifying active disease is important for guiding treatment, but often difficult because of the paucity of markers and lack of a universal skin activity feature. More studies of JLS pathophysiology are needed to allow the identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Comparative effectiveness treatment studies are also needed to work towards optimizing care and outcome.

Morfea: revisión práctica de su diagnóstico, clasificación y tratamiento.

Morphea, or localized scleroderma, is a rare disease of the connective tissue that manifests itself with localized sclerosis of the skin and, in some cases, with extracutaneous manifestations. Its etiology is not fully understood, but it is believed that there is genetic predisposition, in addition to environmental triggering factors. Classification of the disease is not simple due to its multiple presentations; however, it is useful in order to define the treatment, which should be individualized and started early to avoid cosmetic and functional complications. In this review, we summarize the most important practical aspects of the classification, diagnostic methods and evaluation of morphea activity, as well as available therapeutic options, with an emphasis on existing clinical evidence regarding their efficacy and safety.

La morfea o esclerodermia localizada es una enfermedad poco común del tejido conectivo que se manifiesta con esclerosis localizada de la piel y, en algunos casos, con lesiones extracutáneas. Su etiología no se comprende por completo, pero se cree que hay predisposición genética, además de factores ambientales desencadenantes. La clasificación de la enfermedad no es sencilla debido a las múltiples presentaciones, sin embargo, es útil para definir el tratamiento, el cual debe individualizarse e iniciarse tempranamente para evitar complicaciones cosméticas y funcionales. En esta revisión resumimos los aspectos prácticos más importantes de la clasificación, métodos diagnósticos y de evaluación de actividad en morfea, así como las opciones terapéuticas disponibles, con énfasis en la evidencia clínica existente respecto a su eficacia y seguridad.

Morphea: a practical review of its diagnosis, classification and treatment

Morphea, or localized scleroderma, is a rare disease of the connective tissue that manifests itself with localized sclerosis of the skin and, in some cases, with extracutaneous manifestations. Its etiology is not fully understood, but it is believed that there is genetic predisposition, in addition to environmental triggering factors. Classification of the disease is not simple due to its multiple presentations; however, it is useful in order to define the treatment, which should be individualized and started early to avoid cosmetic and functional complications. In this review, we summarize the most important practical aspects of the classification, diagnostic methods and evaluation of morphea activity, as well as available therapeutic options, with an emphasis on existing clinical evidence regarding their efficacy and safety.

Morphea: a practical review of its diagnosis, classification and treatment.

Morphea, or localized scleroderma, is a rare disease of the connective tissue that manifests itself with localized sclerosis of the skin and, in some cases, with extracutaneous manifestations. Its etiology is not fully understood, but it is believed that there is genetic predisposition, in addition to environmental triggering factors. Classification of the disease is not simple due to its multiple presentations; however, it is useful in order to define the treatment, which should be individualized and started early to avoid cosmetic and functional complications. In this review, we summarize the most important practical aspects of the classification, diagnostic methods and evaluation of morphea activity, as well as available therapeutic options, with an emphasis on existing clinical evidence regarding their efficacy and safety.

Connective Tissue Disease: Current Concepts.

Connective tissue diseases often prominently affect the skin, requiring dermatologists to play an important role in diagnosis and treatment of these patients. Herein we describe updates on the pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment of 4 major connective tissue diseases: dermatomyositis, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, limited scleroderma (morphea), and cutaneous vasculitis. Many of these updates promise to improve clinical care of patients who suffer from dermatologic involvement of these diseases and are the result of research performed by dermatologists who have expertise in these conditions.

Skin mapping for the classification of generalized morphea.

BACKGROUND: Generalized morphea lacks cohesive clinical features, limiting its clinical and investigative utility. OBJECTIVE: We sought to use computerized lesion mapping to objectively subtype morphea. METHODS: We conducted a 2-part cross-sectional study. In part 1, we created a discovery cohort of patients with generalized morphea of whom lesion maps were created to characterize subsets. Clinical and demographic features were compared between proposed subsets to determine if they identified clinically relevant differences. In part 2, we created a validation cohort to determine if proposed criteria were applicable to different individuals. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients with generalized morphea were included. Mapping produced 2 distribution patterns that encompassed the majority in both cohorts: isomorphic (areas of skin friction) and symmetric (symmetrically distributed on trunk/extremities). In the discovery cohort, the isomorphic subset was older (55.6 ± 12.7 vs 42.2 ± 20.1 years, P < .001), all female (30/30 vs 38/43, P = .05), and more often had lichen sclerosus changes (12/43 vs 8/43, P = .02); involvement of the reticular dermis, subcutaneous fat, and/or fascia was more common in symmetric (10/43 vs 1/30) (P = .02). These features persisted in the validation cohort. LIMITATIONS: Single cohort was a limitation. CONCLUSIONS: Symmetric and isomorphic subsets possess distinctive demographic and clinical features, suggesting they more accurately define the phenotype of generalized morphea. Consideration should be given to revising classification.

Scleroderma with an update about clinico-pathological correlation.

Scleroderma is divided into a systemic form called systemic sclerosis and a localized form also called morphea. According to 2013 ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria for Systemic Sclerosis, developed by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), skin thickening of the fingers extending proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joints is sufficient for a patient to be classified as having scleroderma. Histological examination is not included in the diagnostic criteria and is not routinely performed. Skin biopsy is recommended only in the case of diagnostic doubt with other scleroderma like disorders (scleromyxedema, scleredema, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis). Alternatively, skin biopsy is also often performed for research purposes. Indeed, the first step analysis of new cytokines or pathways that may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease requires the evaluation of their expression or activation in the skin of scleroderma patients compared to healthy controls. The histological picture of the skin in bot localized and systemic scleroder shows initially microvascular alterations and chronic inflammation while in the more advanced stages skin fibrosis prevails. Localized scleroderma (LS) or morphea includes a number of subtypes which are classified more according to their clinical presentation rather than histopathological pictures. However, some histopathologic changes may be useful in differentiating each entity from the others and from other sclerodermoid disorders.

Morphea in Childhood: An Update. / Morfea en la infancia: actualización.

Morphea is an inflammatory, fibrosing skin disorder. When it occurs in childhood, it is also known as localized juvenile scleroderma. It is more common in girls and typically appears around the age of 5 to 7 years. According to a recent classification system, morphea is divided into 5 types: circumscribed (plaque), linear, generalized, pansclerotic, and mixed. Approximately 40% of patients present extracutaneous manifestations. Childhood morphea is treated with phototherapy, oral or topical calcitriol, topical tacrolimus 0.1%, methotrexate, topical or systemic corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil, bosentán, and topical imiquimod 5%. A variety of measuring tools are used to monitor response to treatment. Few prognostic studies have been conducted, but findings to date suggest that the disease tends to run a chronic or intermittent-recurrent course and frequently causes sequelae.

Morphea and Eosinophilic Fasciitis: An Update.

Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, encompasses a group of idiopathic sclerotic skin diseases. The spectrum ranges from relatively mild phenotypes, which generally cause few problems besides local discomfort and visible disfigurement, to subtypes with severe complications such as joint contractures and limb length discrepancies. Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF, Shulman syndrome) is often regarded as belonging to the severe end of the morphea spectrum. The exact driving mechanisms behind morphea and EF pathogenesis remain to be elucidated. However, extensive extracellular matrix formation and autoimmune dysfunction are thought to be key pathogenic processes. Likewise, these processes are considered essential in systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis. In addition, similarities in clinical presentation between morphea and SSc have led to many theories about their relatedness. Importantly, morphea may be differentiated from SSc based on absence of sclerodactyly, Raynaud's phenomenon, and nailfold capillary changes. The diagnosis of morphea is often based on characteristic clinical findings. Histopathological evaluation of skin biopsies and laboratory tests are not necessary in the majority of morphea cases. However, full-thickness skin biopsies, containing fascia and muscle tissue, are required for the diagnosis of EF. Monitoring of disease activity and damage, especially of subcutaneous involvement, is one of the most challenging aspects of morphea care. Therefore, data harmonization is crucial for optimizing standard care and for comparability of study results. Recently, the localized scleroderma cutaneous assessment tool (LoSCAT) has been developed and validated for morphea. The LoSCAT is currently the most widely reported outcome measure for morphea. Care providers should take disease subtype, degree of activity, depth of involvement, and quality-of-life impairments into account when initiating treatment. In most patients with circumscribed superficial subtypes, treatment with topical therapies suffices. In more widespread disease, UVA1 phototherapy or systemic treatment with methotrexate (MTX), with or without a systemic corticosteroid combination, should be initiated. Disappointingly, few alternatives for MTX have been described and additional research is still needed to optimize treatment for these debilitating conditions. In this review, we present a state-of-the-art flow chart that guides care providers in the treatment of morphea and EF.

Esclerodèrmia localitzada infantil / Esclerodermia infantile localizada / Juvenile localized scleroderm

L'esclerodèrmia localitzada infantil és una malaltia rara que pot tenir diferents formes de presentació i graus d'afectació. El seu diagnòstic és eminentment clínic i in-clou la història clínica, l'anàlisi de l'aspecte de les lesions i la seva evolució. En cas de dubte es pot fer una biòpsia cutània que confirma la sospita diagnòstica. El tractament més acceptat i amb més bons resultats en l'actualitat és la corticoteràpia endovenosa en combinació amb el meto-trexat. L'objectiu del tractament és tant aturar la progressió de la lesió com reduir les seqüeles, per exemple les con-tractures articulars o les alteracions estètiques. A més del tractament farmacològic també s'aconsella un tractament rehabilitador, especialment en les lesions extenses

La esclerodermia localizada infantil es una enfermedad rara que puede tener diferentes formas de presentación y grados de afectación. Su diagnóstico es clínico e incluye la historia clínica, el análisis del aspecto de las lesiones y su evolución. En caso de duda se puede hacer una biopsia cutánea que confirma la sospecha diagnóstica. El tratamiento más aceptado y con mejores resultados en la actualidad es la corticoterapia endovenosa en combinación con el metotrexato. El objetivo del tratamiento es tanto detener la progresión de la lesión como reducir las secuelas, por ejemplo las contracturas articulares o las alteraciones estéticas. Además del tratamiento farmacológico también se aconseja un tratamiento rehabilitador, especialmente en las lesiones extensas (AU)

Juvenile Localized Scleroderma is a rare disease that can present in various different forms and degrees of involvement. The diagnosis is eminently clinical and medical history includes analysis of the appearance of the lesions and their evolution. If there is any doubt you can do a skin biopsy to confirm the suspected diagnosis. Nowadays the most accepted and successful treatment is intravenous steroids in combination with methotrexate. The treatment goal is to stop the progression of the injury and also reduce the consequences, for example joint contractures o aesthetic alterations. Besides pharmacological treatment, rehabilitation is also advisable, especially in extensive lesions (AU)

Localized scleroderma: clinical spectrum and therapeutic update.

Scleroderma is a rare connective tissue disease that is manifested by cutaneous sclerosis and variable systemic involvement. Two categories of scleroderma are known: systemic sclerosis, characterized by cutaneous sclerosis and visceral involvement, and localized scleroderma or morphea which classically presents benign and self-limited evolution and is confined to the skin and/or underlying tissues. Localized scleroderma is a rare disease of unknown etiology. Recent studies show that the localized form may affect internal organs and have variable morbidity. Treatment should be started very early, before complications occur due to the high morbidity of localized scleroderma. In this review, we report the most important aspects and particularities in the treatment of patients diagnosed with localized scleroderma.

Localized scleroderma: clinical spectrum and therapeutic update

Scleroderma is a rare connective tissue disease that is manifested by cutaneous sclerosis and variable systemic involvement. Two categories of scleroderma are known: systemic sclerosis, characterized by cutaneous sclerosis and visceral involvement, and localized scleroderma or morphea which classically presents benign and self-limited evolution and is confined to the skin and/or underlying tissues. Localized scleroderma is a rare disease of unknown etiology. Recent studies show that the localized form may affect internal organs and have variable morbidity. Treatment should be started very early, before complications occur due to the high morbidity of localized scleroderma. In this review, we report the most important aspects and particularities in the treatment of patients diagnosed with localized scleroderma.

2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League against rheumatism classification criteria for systemic sclerosis outperform the 1980 criteria: data from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine the sensitivity of the new 2013 classification criteria for systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) in an independent cohort of SSc subjects and to assess the contribution of individual items of the criteria to the overall sensitivity. METHODS: SSc subjects from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group cohort were assessed. Sensitivity was determined in several subgroups of patients. In patients without the criterion of skin thickening proximal to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, we recalculated sensitivity after removing the individual criterion. RESULTS: A total of 724 SSc patients were included. Most were women (86%), mean age was 55.8 years, mean disease duration was 10.9 years, and 59% had limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc). Overall, the sensitivity of the 2013 criteria was 98.3% compared to 88.3% for the 1980 criteria. This pattern was consistent among those with lcSSc (98.8% versus 85.6%), anticentromere antibodies (98.9% versus 79.8%), disease duration ≤3 years (98.7% versus 84.7%), and no skin involvement proximal to the MCP joints (97% versus 60%). In the latter subgroup, removing Raynaud's phenomenon and sclerodactyly from the criteria reduced the sensitivity to 77% and 79%, respectively. Removing both sclerodactyly and puffy fingers reduced the sensitivity to 62%. CONCLUSION: The 2013 SSc classification criteria classify more SSc patients than the 1980 criteria. The improvement in sensitivity is most striking in those with lcSSc, especially those without skin involvement proximal to the MCP joints. The addition of Raynaud's phenomenon and puffy fingers to the 2013 criteria accounts for important gains in sensitivity.