Native myocardial T1 and right ventricular size by CMR predict outcome in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: Measures of right heart size and function are prognostic in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SSc-PH), but the importance of myocardial tissue characterisation remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the predictive potential and interaction of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) myocardial tissue characterisation and right heart size and function in SSc-PH. METHODS: A retrospective, single-centre, observational study of 148 SSc-PH patients confirmed by right heart catheterization who underwent clinically-indicated CMR including native myocardial T1 and T2 mapping from 2016 to 2023 was performed. RESULTS: Sixty-six (45%) patients died during follow-up (median 3.5 years, range 0.1-7.3). Patients who died were older (65 vs 60 years, p= 0.035) with more dilated (RVEDVi and RVESVi, p< 0.001), hypertrophied (RVMi, p= 0.013) and impaired (RVEF, p< 0.001) right ventricles, more dilated right atria (RAi, p= 0.043) and higher native myocardial T1 (p< 0.001).After adjustment for age, RVESVi (p = 0.0023) and native T1 (p = 0.0024) were independent predictors of all-cause mortality. Both RVESVi and native T1 remained independently predictive after adjusting for age and PH subtype (RVESVi p < 0.001, T1 p = 0.0056). Optimal prognostic thresholds for RVESVi and native T1 were ≤38 mL/m2 and ≤1119 ms, respectively (p < 0.001). Patients with RVESVi ≤ 38 mL/m2 and native T1 ≤ 1119 ms had significantly better outcomes than all other combinations (p < 0.001). Furthermore, patients with RVESVi > 38mL/m2 and native T1 ≤ 1119 ms had significantly better survival than patients with RVESVi > 38mL/m2 and native T1 > 1119ms (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: We identified prognostically relevant CMR metrics and thresholds for patients with SSc-PH. Assessing myocardial tissue characterisation alongside RV function confers added value in SSc-PH and may represent an additional treatment target.

Single-cell analysis reveals key differences between early-stage and late-stage systemic sclerosis skin across autoantibody subgroups.

OBJECTIVES: The severity of skin involvement in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) depends on stage of disease and differs between anti-RNA-polymerase III (ARA) and anti-topoisomerase antibody (ATA) subsets. We have investigated cellular differences in well-characterised dcSSc patients compared with healthy controls (HCs). METHODS: We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on 4 mm skin biopsy samples from 12 patients with dcSSc and HCs (n=3) using droplet-based sequencing (10× genomics). Patients were well characterised by stage (>5 or <5 years disease duration) and autoantibody (ATA+ or ARA+). Analysis of whole skin cell subsets and fibroblast subpopulations across stage and ANA subgroup were used to interpret potential cellular differences anchored by these subgroups. RESULTS: Fifteen forearm skin biopsies were analysed. There was a clear separation of SSc samples, by disease, stage and antibody, for all cells and fibroblast subclusters. Further analysis revealed differing cell cluster gene expression profiles between ATA+ and ARA+ patients. Cell-to-cell interaction suggest differing interactions between early and late stages of disease and autoantibody. TGFß response was mainly seen in fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells in early ATA+dcSSc skin samples, whereas in early ARA+dcSSc patient skin samples, the responding cells were endothelial, reflect broader differences between clinical phenotypes and distinct skin score trajectories across autoantibody subgroups of dcSSc. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified cellular differences between the two main autoantibody subsets in dcSSc (ARA+ and ATA+). These differences reinforce the importance of considering autoantibody and stage of disease in management and trial design in SSc.

Clinical and pathogenic significance of S100A4 overexpression in systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: We have studied the damage-associated molecular pattern protein S100A4 as a driver of fibroblast activation in systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: S100A4 protein concentration was measured by ELISA in serum of SSc (n=94) and healthy controls (n=15). Protein expression in skin fibroblast cultures from diffuse cutaneous SSc (SScF, n=6) and healthy controls (normal fibroblasts (NF), n=6) was assessed. Recombinant S100A4 and a high affinity anti-S100A4 neutralising monoclonal antibody (AX-202) were tested on SScF and NF. RESULTS: Median (range) S100A4 (ng/mL) was higher in serum of SSc (89.9 (15.0-240.0)) than healthy controls (71.4 (7.9-131.8); p=0.027). There was association with SSc-interstitial lung disease (p=0.025, n=55), scleroderma renal crisis (p=0.026, n=4). Median (range) S100A4 (ng/mL) was higher in culture supernatants of SScF (4.19 (0.52-8.42)) than NF controls (0.28 (0.02-3.29); p<0.0001). AX-202 reduced the constitutive profibrotic gene and protein expression phenotype of SScF. Genome-wide RNA sequencing analysis identified an S100A4 activated signature in NF overlapping the hallmark gene expression signature of SScF. Thus, 464 differentially expressed genes (false discovery rate (FDR) <0.001 and fold change (FC) >1.5) induced in NF by S100A4 were also constitutively overexpressed, and downregulated by AX-202, in SScF. Pathway mapping of these S100A4 dependent genes in SSc showed the most significant enriched Kegg pathways (FDR <0.001) were regulation of stem cell pluripotency (4.6-fold) and metabolic pathways (1.9-fold). CONCLUSION: Our findings provide compelling evidence for a profibrotic role for S100A4 in SSc and suggest that serum level may be a biomarker of major organ manifestations and disease severity. This study supports examining the therapeutic potential of targeting S100A4 in SSc.

Skin biopsy analysis of concurrent keloidal morphoea and systemic sclerosis confirms overlapping pathogenic pathways.

OBJECTIVES: Although localised forms of scleroderma (morphoea) have very different clinical features and outcomes from systemic sclerosis the two conditions can occur together in some patients. In this study we have explored skin gene expression in a series of patients with keloidal morphoea, a distinct clinical variant, concurrently with systemic sclerosis. METHODS: We compared skin gene expression from the keloidal lesions with that from skin elsewhere. We also examined a series of patients with diffuse or limited cutaneous SSc without morphoea and some healthy control skin biopsies. RESULTS: Keloidal morphoea has a distinct gene expression signature that is mainly driven by differential expression of fibroblast-related genes compared with other cell types. Indeed, the signature reflects a profibrotic pattern seen in diffuse cutaneous SSc but is much more extreme. We propose that keloidal morphoea skin provides unique insight into the profibrotic population of cells driving dcSSc. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the biology of keloidal morphoea may give valuable insight into the molecular and cellular pathology of systemic sclerosis. The discrete nature of keloidal lesions raises the possibility of haematogenous spread and we suggest that the driving cells could represent blood derived cells derived from circulating progenitors.

Diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis following SARS-Co V-2 vaccination.

The largest world-wide vaccination rollout ever is currently underway to tackle the covid-19 pandemic. We report a case of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (SSc) in a 70-year-old male with rapidly progressive skin thickening which developed two weeks after receiving the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCOV-19 vaccine. As the onset of SSc skin was in close temporal proximity to the administration of the first dose vaccine with no other triggers, we suspected a possible adverse reaction to the ChAdOx1 nCOV-19 vaccine. We hypothesise that the recombinant adenoviral vector encoding the spike protein antigen of SARS-CoV-2 triggered an unexpected immune activation resulting in an atypical presentation of late-onset SSc, within the well-recognised ANA positive, ENA negative subgroup of patients.We review the possible mechanisms underlying autoimmunity when provoked by vaccination and other published rheumatological phenomenon occurring shortly after COVID vaccination.

Autoantibody predictors of gastrointestinal symptoms in systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and burden of SSc-related gastrointestinal dysfunction (SSc-GI) and to evaluate associations with demographic, clinical and serological characteristics. METHODS: Patients completed the UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 questionnaire for SSc-GI disease to assess the burden of GI disease across multiple functional and psychological domains. Questionnaire scores were assessed using non-parametric and quantile regression analyses. RESULTS: Our cohort included 526 patients with SSc, with a typical distribution of disease-associated autoantibodies (ACA, ARA, ATA, PM-Scl, U1RNP, U3RNP). We demonstrated associations between hallmark antibodies and the domain-specific burden of GI disease. In particular, ACA, ARA and ENA-negative demonstrated increased SSc-GI disease burden, while PM-Scl conferred relative protection. In a distributional analysis, associations with autoantibodies were particularly marked in those with the highest burden of GI disease. CONCLUSION: There is a significant burden of SSc-GI disease in patients with SSc; reflux and bloating symptoms are most prominent. SSc hallmark antibodies may predict increased risk of SSc-GI disease, in particular ACA and ARA, while PM-Scl may be protective.

Molecular basis for clinical diversity between autoantibody subsets in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical heterogeneity is a cardinal feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Hallmark SSc autoantibodies are central to diagnosis and associate with distinct patterns of skin-based and organ-based complications. Understanding molecular differences between patients will benefit clinical practice and research and give insight into pathogenesis of the disease. We aimed to improve understanding of the molecular differences between key diffuse cutaneous SSc subgroups as defined by their SSc-specific autoantibodies METHODS: We have used high-dimensional transcriptional and proteomic analysis of blood and the skin in a well-characterised cohort of SSc (n=52) and healthy controls (n=16) to understand the molecular basis of clinical diversity in SSc and explore differences between the hallmark antinuclear autoantibody (ANA) reactivities. RESULTS: Our data define a molecular spectrum of SSc based on skin gene expression and serum protein analysis, reflecting recognised clinical subgroups. Moreover, we show that antitopoisomerase-1 antibodies and anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies specificities associate with remarkably different longitudinal change in serum protein markers of fibrosis and divergent gene expression profiles. Overlapping and distinct disease processes are defined using individual patient pathway analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide insight into clinical diversity and imply pathogenetic differences between ANA-based subgroups. This supports stratification of SSc cases by ANA antibody subtype in clinical trials and may explain different outcomes across ANA subgroups in trials targeting specific pathogenic mechanisms.

High proton pump inhibitor exposure increases risk of calcinosis in systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and the presence and severity of calcinosis in SSc. METHODS: We analysed data from two SSc cohorts from a single centre. Cohort 1 included 199 patients reviewed over 10 years, for whom retrospective data on PPI use and calcinosis were available. Cohort 2 was recruited prospectively and included 215 consecutive patients, who underwent clinical assessment. Outcomes of interest were presence of current calcinosis (CC) or calcinosis at any time (CAT). RESULTS: The cohort 1 data analysis showed that among patients on standard dose PPI 20% had calcinosis, while in those on high doses of PPI calcinosis was present in 39% (P = 0.003). Analysis of the data from cohort 2 confirmed these findings, demonstrating that the odds of CAT increased significantly with longer PPI exposure [odds ratio (OR) 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.06; P < 0.001], longer disease duration (OR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.12; P < 0.001) and greater age (OR 1.03, CI: 1.01, 1.05; P = 0.010). Multivariable logistic regression showed that higher exposure to PPI remained a significant predictor of calcinosis, with PPI exposure >10 years increasing the risk of CAT >6-fold, compared with no PPI (OR 6.37, 95% CI: 1.92, 21.17; P = 0.003) after adjusting for disease duration and antibodies. CONCLUSION: We confirm a significant association between high PPI exposure with severity of calcinosis in SSc. Given the clinical impact of calcinosis and reflux in SSc, PPI exposure as a potentially modifiable risk factor for calcinosis requires further evaluation.

Elevated kynurenine levels in diffuse cutaneous and anti-RNA polymerase III positive systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic disease characterized by vasculopathy, progressive fibrosis and autoimmune activation. Tryptophan (Trp) metabolism has been linked to altered immune cell function and to malignancy. We have investigated the role of Trp metabolic pathway in SSc measuring serum Trp, Kynurenine (Kyn) and Trp/Kyn ratio in a cohort of 97 SSc patients and 10 healthy controls. Association with disease characteristics was evaluated. We found that Trp levels in SSc patients were significantly lower compared to HCs. We also found that patients with diffuse cutaneous (dcSSc) had lower levels of Trp compared to limited cutaneous (lcSSc). These results were paralleled by higher levels of Kyn found in SSc patients compared to HCs and significantly lower levels in dcSSc compared to lcSSc. The autoantibody profile was also found to be significantly associated with Kyn and Trp levels as anti-RNA-polymerase III (ARA) positive patients were shown to have lower Trp levels and higher Kyn levels compared with anti-centromere and anti-topoisomerase I positive patients. Moreover, the highest Trp/Kyn was found in ARA+ patients with dcSSc, suggesting that an activation of the Kyn pathway, is more specifically associated with this subset of SSc patients. Stability over time makes these markers of Trp metabolism feasible for SSc stratification.

Functional and phenotypic heterogeneity of Th17 cells in health and disease.

BACKGROUND: Th17 cells have nonredundant roles in maintaining immunity, particularly at mucosal surfaces. These roles are achieved principally through the production of cytokines and the recruitment of other immune cells to maintain the integrity of mucosal barriers and prevent the dissemination of microorganisms. Th17 cells are heterogeneous and exhibit a considerable degree of plasticity. This allows these cells to respond to changing environmental challenges. However, Th17 cells also play pro-inflammatory roles in chronic autoimmune diseases. The trigger(s) that initiate these Th17 responses in chronic autoimmune diseases remain unclear. DESIGN: In this report, we provide an overview of studies involving animal models, patient data, genome wide association studies and clinical trials targeting IL-17 for treatment of patients to gain a better understanding of the pathogenic roles of Th17 cells play in a range of autoimmune diseases. RESULTS: The report sheds light on likely triggers that initiate or perpetuate Th17 responses that promote chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. The divergent effects of tumour necrosis factor alpha blockade on Th17 cells in patients, is explored. Furthermore, we highlight the role of Th17 cells in inducing autoreactive B cells, leading to autoantibody production. Pathogenic bacterial species can change Th17 cell phenotype and responses. These findings provide insights into how Th17 cells could be induced to promoting autoimmune disease pathogenesis. CONCLUSION: This article provides an overview of the distinct roles Th17 cells play in maintaining immunity at mucosal surfaces and in skin mucosa and how their functional flexibility could be linked with chronic inflammation in autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

Therapeutic interleukin-6 blockade reverses transforming growth factor-beta pathway activation in dermal fibroblasts: insights from the faSScinate clinical trial in systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: Skin fibrosis mediated by activated dermal fibroblasts is a hallmark of systemic sclerosis (SSc), especially in the subset of patients with diffuse disease. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFß) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are key candidate mediators in SSc. Our aim was to elucidate the specific effect of IL-6 pathway blockade on the biology of SSc fibroblasts in vivo by using samples from a unique clinical experiment-the faSScinate study-in which patients with SSc were treated for 24 weeks with tocilizumab (TCZ), an IL-6 receptor-α inhibitor. METHODS: We analysed the molecular, functional and genomic characteristics of explant fibroblasts cultured from matched skin biopsy samples collected at baseline and at week 24 from 12 patients receiving placebo (n=6) or TCZ (n=6) and compared these with matched healthy control fibroblast strains. RESULTS: The hallmark functional and molecular-activated phenotype was defined in SSc samples and was stable over 24 weeks in placebo-treated cases. RNA sequencing analysis robustly defined key dysregulated pathways likely to drive SSc fibroblast activation in vivo. Treatment with TCZ for 24 weeks profoundly altered the biological characteristics of explant dermal fibroblasts by normalising functional properties and reversing gene expression profiles dominated by TGFß-regulated genes and molecular pathways. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the exceptional value of using explant dermal fibroblast cultures from a well-designed trial in SSc to provide a molecular framework linking IL-6 to key profibrotic pathways. The profound impact of IL-6R blockade on the activated fibroblast phenotype highlights the potential of IL-6 as a therapeutic target in SSc and other fibrotic diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01532869; Post-results.

Patterns and predictors of skin score change in early diffuse systemic sclerosis from the European Scleroderma Observational Study.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to use the opportunity provided by the European Scleroderma Observational Study to (1) identify and describe those patients with early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) with progressive skin thickness, and (2) derive prediction models for progression over 12 months, to inform future randomised controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: The modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) was recorded every 3 months in 326 patients. 'Progressors' were defined as those experiencing a 5-unit and 25% increase in mRSS score over 12 months (±3 months). Logistic models were fitted to predict progression and, using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, were compared on the basis of the area under curve (AUC), accuracy and positive predictive value (PPV). RESULTS: 66 patients (22.5%) progressed, 227 (77.5%) did not (33 could not have their status assessed due to insufficient data). Progressors had shorter disease duration (median 8.1 vs 12.6 months, P=0.001) and lower mRSS (median 19 vs 21 units, P=0.030) than non-progressors. Skin score was highest, and peaked earliest, in the anti-RNA polymerase III (Pol3+) subgroup (n=50). A first predictive model (including mRSS, duration of skin thickening and their interaction) had an accuracy of 60.9%, AUC of 0.666 and PPV of 33.8%. By adding a variable for Pol3 positivity, the model reached an accuracy of 71%, AUC of 0.711 and PPV of 41%. CONCLUSIONS: Two prediction models for progressive skin thickening were derived, for use both in clinical practice and for cohort enrichment in RCTs. These models will inform recruitment into the many clinical trials of dcSSc projected for the coming years. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02339441.

Disability, fatigue, pain and their associates in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: the European Scleroderma Observational Study.

Objectives: Our aim was to describe the burden of early dcSSc in terms of disability, fatigue and pain in the European Scleroderma Observational Study cohort, and to explore associated clinical features. Methods: Patients completed questionnaires at study entry, 12 and 24 months, including the HAQ disability index (HAQ-DI), the Cochin Hand Function Scale (CHFS), the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-fatigue and the Short Form 36 (SF36). Associates examined included the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), current digital ulcers and internal organ involvement. Correlations between 12-month changes were also examined. Results: The 326 patients recruited (median disease duration 11.9 months) displayed high levels of disability [mean (s.d.) HAQ-DI 1.1 (0.83)], with 'grip' and 'activity' being most affected. Of the 18 activities assessed in the CHFS, those involving fine finger movements were most affected. High HAQ-DI and CHFS scores were both associated with high mRSS (ρ = 0.34, P < 0.0001 and ρ = 0.35, P < 0.0001, respectively). HAQ-DI was higher in patients with digital ulcers (P = 0.004), pulmonary fibrosis (P = 0.005), cardiac (P = 0.005) and muscle involvement (P = 0.002). As anticipated, HAQ-DI, CHFS, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy and SF36 scores were all highly correlated, in particular the HAQ-DI with the CHFS (ρ = 0.84, P < 0.0001). Worsening HAQ-DI over 12 months was strongly associated with increasing mRSS (ρ = 0.40, P < 0.0001), decreasing hand function (ρ = 0.57, P < 0.0001) and increasing fatigue (ρ = -0.53, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The European Scleroderma Observational Study highlights the burden of disability in early dcSSc, with high levels of disability and fatigue, associating with the degree of skin thickening (mRSS). Impaired hand function is a major contributor to overall disability.

Development of systemic sclerosis in transgender females: a case series and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, autoimmune connective tissue disease with a female predominance. The reason for the female predilection in SSc may relate to the difference in hormones between the genders. There are no current data on the influence male-to-female sex transition may have in the development of SSc. We report three patients who developed SSc after initiating the transgender process, and review current literature in regards to transgender patients with connective tissue disease (CTD). METHODS: We describe the clinical features and disease course of three transgender patients who developed SSc after their transition from male-to-female, who presented to our centre. Two additional transgender cases de- scribed in the literature with CTD were included in this review. RESULTS: All three patients developed SSc after having started the hormonal therapy required to transition. Two patients had surgical procedures preceding their diagnosis of SSc. Antibody profile, time of onset and disease features differed among our patients. Hormonal therapies were continued in all patients and they received the standard therapy for SSc. One patient died from complications of her disease. Only two cases describing the development of CTD in transgender patients were identified in the literature and both of these patients were diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). CONCLUSIONS: This case series suggests that the hormonal modification as part of gender transition may be relevant in development of SSc. No further conclusions can be drawn on the continuation or not of HT.

The European Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR) task force for the development of revised activity criteria for systemic sclerosis: derivation and validation of a preliminarily revised EUSTAR activity index.

BACKGROUND: Validity of European Scleroderma Study Group (EScSG) activity indexes currently used to assess disease activity in systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been criticised. METHODS: Three investigators assigned an activity score on a 0-10 scale for 97 clinical charts. The median score served as gold standard. Two other investigators labelled the disease as inactive/moderately active or active/very active. Univariate-multivariate linear regression analyses were used to define variables predicting the 'gold standard', their weight and derive an activity index. The cut-off point of the index best separating active/very active from inactive/moderately active disease was identified by a receiver-operating curve analysis. The index was validated on a second set of 60 charts assessed by three different investigators on a 0-10 scale and defined as inactive/moderately active or active/very active by other two investigators. One hundred and twenty-three were investigated for changes over time in the index and their relationships with those in the summed Medsger severity score (MSS). RESULTS: A weighted 10-point activity index was identified and validated: Δ-skin=1.5 (Δ=patient assessed worsening during the previous month), modified Rodnan skin score (mRss) >18=1.5, digital ulcers=1.5, tendon friction rubs=2.25, C-reactive protein >1 mg/dL=2.25 and diffusing capacity of the lung for CO (DLCO) % predicted <70%=1.0. A cut-off ≥2.5 was found to identify patients with active disease. Changes in the index paralleled those of MSS (p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: A preliminarily revised SSc activity index has been developed and validated, providing a valuable tool for clinical practice and observational studies.

Treatment outcome in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: the European Scleroderma Observational Study (ESOS).

OBJECTIVES: The rarity of early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) makes randomised controlled trials very difficult. We aimed to use an observational approach to compare effectiveness of currently used treatment approaches. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational cohort study of early dcSSc (within three years of onset of skin thickening). Clinicians selected one of four protocols for each patient: methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), cyclophosphamide or 'no immunosuppressant'. Patients were assessed three-monthly for up to 24 months. The primary outcome was the change in modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). Confounding by indication at baseline was accounted for using inverse probability of treatment (IPT) weights. As a secondary outcome, an IPT-weighted Cox model was used to test for differences in survival. RESULTS: Of 326 patients recruited from 50 centres, 65 were prescribed methotrexate, 118 MMF, 87 cyclophosphamide and 56 no immunosuppressant. 276 (84.7%) patients completed 12 and 234 (71.7%) 24 months follow-up (or reached last visit date). There were statistically significant reductions in mRSS at 12 months in all groups: -4.0 (-5.2 to -2.7) units for methotrexate, -4.1 (-5.3 to -2.9) for MMF, -3.3 (-4.9 to -1.7) for cyclophosphamide and -2.2 (-4.0 to -0.3) for no immunosuppressant (p value for between-group differences=0.346). There were no statistically significant differences in survival between protocols before (p=0.389) or after weighting (p=0.440), but survival was poorest in the no immunosuppressant group (84.0%) at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may support using immunosuppressants for early dcSSc but suggest that overall benefit is modest over 12 months and that better treatments are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02339441.

Clinical features and management of erythromelalgia: long term follow-up of 46 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To review our clinical experience of this rare condition and describe the clinical features and response to therapy in a cohort of patients with erythromelalgia (EM), a rare condition, characterised by paroxysmal hyperthermia of the extremities with erythema, pain and intense burning. METHODS: A review was made of the electronic and paper medical records of patients with the diagnosis of EM, with a telephone interview to verify and complete clinical information relating treatment and outcome. RESULTS: 46 patients (41 females) were included in this study. Mean age was 57 years and mean duration of symptoms was 16 years. Raynaud's phenomenon was present in 36 patients (80%) and 4 patients (9%) had systemic sclerosis. Smoking (current or previous) was identified as a possible risk factor in 26 cases and exposure to chronic vibration in 3 cases. Overall, the effect on quality of life was mild in 15% of cases, moderate in 30% and severe in 48%. The most common symptoms were burning (96%), heat (93%), pain (87%), and redness (83%). Symptoms affected the lower limbs in 98% of cases, upper limbs in 76%, face in 20% and trunk in 11%. Triggers included heat (85%), exercise (78%) and time of day (76%). Various medications were tried, showing poor effect in most cases. Intravenous iloprost was given to 27 patients, with benefit in 17 patients (63%). CONCLUSIONS: Erythromelalgia is a rare chronic debilitating condition. Exercise, heat and night time are common triggers. Current medical therapies are seldom effective and further research is sorely needed.

Secondary vasculitis in autoimmune connective tissue diseases.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The current review of the vasculitis associated with autoimmune connective tissue diseases is very appropriate and timely, in view of the recently acquired expanding knowledge, over the last decade, on the clinical epidemiology, pathophysiology, and the innovative therapeutic strategies. This review will specifically focus on the clinical presentations of secondary vasculitides, pathophysiology, and their management. RECENT FINDINGS: New knowledge on the immunological triggers and pathophysiology of these conditions, in relation to various infections and airborne substances are discussed apart from the novel targeted immunotherapy, which has a direct effect on the outcome and reduction of iatrogenic complications. IN SUMMARY: The review will inform the classical nature and pattern of vasculitis secondary to autoimmune diseases with specific reference to targeted immunotherapy.

Sustained benefit from intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for gastrointestinal involvement in systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: IVIG is known to confer significant benefit in rheumatologic conditions, including inflammatory myopathy. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of IVIG across different aspects of internal organ involvement in refractory active SSc, particularly the gastrointestinal (GI) system. METHODS: SSc patients with overlap polymyositis who remained active and unresponsive to conventional disease-modifying agents and who subsequently received IVIG were identified. GI symptoms were assessed using validated questionnaires. The Medical Research Council Sum Score for muscle strength and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) were assessed. Serial measurements were undertaken at baseline prior to the first IVIG treatment and post-treatment in the most recent assessment. RESULTS: Fifteen SSc patients were consecutively recruited into this observational study. The mean duration of IVIG treatment was 2.3 years, with treatment frequency ranging from every 6 weeks to 4 months. Compared with baseline, there was a significant reduction in gastro-oesophageal reflux frequency and intensity mean scores (P = 0.006 and P = 0.013, respectively). Significant improvement in the Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) 2.0 score from a baseline mean score of 1.07 (s.d. 0.67) to 0.60 (0.46) (P = 0.002) was observed. There was regression in the markers of muscle disease with a reduction in the mean (s.d.) Medical Research Council sum score and the median creatine kinase level (P = 0.001 and P = 0.025, respectively). Significant amelioration of the mean basal modified Rodnan skin score from 21.5 (s.d. 13.8) to 10 (10.6) (P = 0.005) was observed. CONCLUSION: IVIG may be a helpful adjunctive therapy in the amelioration of some key clinical aspects in refractory SSc. Sustained benefit from IVIG suggests a specific immunomodulatory effect on those with established SSc GI complications.