Riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes con esclerosis sistémica / Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Introducción: El riesgo cardiovascular es importante en la evaluación de los pacientes con esclerosis sistémica. Objetivo: Determinar el riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes con esclerosis sistémica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal y descriptivo en pacientes protocolizados del Servicio de Reumatología, en el período de enero 2020 a enero 2022. Se recogieron variables demográficas, clínicas, y se aplicó la calculadora de riesgo cardiovascular Framingham. Resultados: Se incluyeron 105 pacientes con edad media de 48,6 ± 15,3 años, el grupo más frecuente de 50 a 59 años (36,2 por ciento), predominó el sexo femenino 92,2 por ciento el color de piel blanca (74,3 por ciento), el tiempo de evolución fue mayor a 5 años (66,7 por ciento) con una media de 10,5 ± 9,3. El valor promedio de la escala de gravedad modificada de Medsger fue 5,1 ± 2,7 y el 72,4 por ciento con afectación leve. El fenómeno de Raynaud y la fibrosis pulmonar fueron más frecuentes con un 89,5 por ciento y 55,2 por ciento. El índice de Rodnan en promedio fue de 13,1 ± 8,0 y los reactantes de fase aguda normales en la mayoría. Los factores de riesgo cardiovascular más frecuentes fueron la HTA (30,2 por ciento) y dislipidemia (19,9 por ciento). El índice de masa corporal que predominó fue de peso adecuado (54,3 por ciento). Predominó el riesgo cardiovascular bajo según score de Framingham (86 por ciento). Existieron diferencias significativas entre las medias del tiempo de evolución y el riesgo cardiovascular (10 ± 6,9 frente a 9,6 ± 8,8 frente a 16,9 ± 10,8; p = 0,032). Conclusiones: El riesgo cardiovascular en los pacientes con esclerosis sistémica fue bajo(AU)

Introduction: Cardiovascular risk is important in the evaluation of patients with systemic sclerosis. Objective: To determine the cardiovascular risk in patients with systemic sclerosis. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out in protocolized patients of Rheumatology Service, from January 2020 to January 2022. Demographic and clinical variables were collected, and Framingham cardiovascular risk calculator was used. Results: One hundred five patients were included with a mean age of 48.6 ± 15.3 years, the most frequent group was 50 to 59 years (36.2percent), female sex (92.2percent) predominated, as well as white skin color (74.3percent). The evolution time was greater than 5 years (66.7percent) with a mean of 10.5 ± 9.3. The average value of modified Medsger severity scale was 5.1 ± 2.7 and 72.4percent had mild involvement. Raynaud's phenomenon and pulmonary fibrosis were more common at 89.5percent and 55.2percent. Rodnan index on average was 13.1 ± 8.0 and the acute phase reactants were normal in the majority. The most frequent cardiovascular risk factors were HBP (30.2percent) and dyslipidemia (19.9percent). The predominant body mass index was adequate weight (54.3percent). Low cardiovascular risk according to Framingham score prevailed (86percent). There were significant differences between the mean duration of evolution and cardiovascular risk (10 ± 6.9 vs. 9.6 ± 8.8 vs. 16.9 ± 10.8; p = 0.032). Conclusions: The cardiovascular risk in patients with systemic sclerosis was low(AU)

Real-world nailfold videocapillaroscopy in a referral centre in north-western Colombia: A real-life cohort

Introduction: Nailfold videocapillaroscopy is a non-invasive tool for the assessment of peripheral microcirculation, the main indication is the study of Raynaud's phenomenon, poorly standardized outside of this context. There is no clear information in real-life about the rea-sons for referral, the presence of clinical findings of autoimmune diseases, the frequency of patterns of autoantibodies, and specific capillaroscopic findings. Objective: The purpose of this survey is to describe the sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical, and angioscopy findings of a cohort of subjects referred to a capillaroscopy service in North-western Colombia. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted, from 2015 to 2018. Categorical variables were expressed in frequency and percentage and quantitative variables in mean and standard deviation or median with interquartile range, depending on the distribution of the data. Results: A total of 318 capillaroscopies were performed for the first time. The main referral reason was Raynaud's phenomenon (n = 134; 42.1%). The most frequent baseline capillaroscopic pattern found was normal (n = 123; 38.7%). Of the 12 capillaroscopies that presented a non-specific pattern at a 6-month follow-up, only one (8.3%) progressed to a scleroderma pattern. In the subjects with systemic sclerosis, the most frequent clinical finding was sclerodactyly (n = 34; 37.8%), and 42/44 individuals (95.4%) had positive antinuclear antibodies; the most frequent pattern was centromere (n = 27; 64.3%) Conclusions: In a real-world setting, the main referral reason for capillaroscopy was Raynaud's phenomenon; more than a third of the subjects had normal capillaroscopic findings. Sclerodactyly was the most frequent clinical finding in patients with scleroderma capillaroscopic pattern.

Introducción: La videocapilaroscopia del lecho ungular es una herramienta no invasiva para la evaluación de la microcirculación periférica; la indicación principal es el estudio del fenómeno de Raynaud. Luego de una revisión de la literatura, no hay información clara sobre los motivos de remisión, presencia de hallazgos clínicos de enfermedades autoinmunes, frecuencia de patrones de autoanticuerpos y hallazgos capilaroscópicos específicos. Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos sociodemográficos, clínicos, paraclínicos y capilaroscópicos de sujetos remitidos a un servicio de capilaroscopia en el noroccidente colombiano. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 2015 a 2018. Las variables categóricas se expresaron en frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes, y las variables cuantitativas en media y desviación estándar o mediana con rango intercuartílico, dependiendo de la distribución de los datos. Resultados: Se realizaron 318 capilaroscopias por primera vez. El principal motivo de remisión fue el fenómeno de Raynaud (n = 134; 42,1%). El patrón capilaroscópico basal más frecuente fue el normal (n = 123; 38,7%). De las 12 capilaroscopias que presentaron un patrón no específico en un seguimiento de seis meses, solo una (8,3%) progresó a un patrón de esclerodermia. En los sujetos con esclerosis sistémica, el hallazgo clínico más frecuente fue la esclerodactilia (n = 34; 37,8%), y 42/44 individuos (95,4%) tenían anticuerpos antinucleares positivos; el patrón más frecuente fue el centromérico (n = 27; 64,3%). Conclusiones: La razón principal de remisión para realizar una capilaroscopia fue el fenómeno de Raynaud; más de un tercio de los sujetos tenían hallazgos capilaroscópicos normales. La esclerodactilia fue el hallazgo clínico más frecuente en pacientes con patrón capilaroscópico de esclerodermia.

Tratamiento del síndrome de Raynaud con toxina botulínica tipo A / Treatment of Raynaud's syndrome with botulinum toxin type A

El fenómeno de Raynaud es un trastorno vasoespástico de las arterias digitales por la exposición al frío o al estrés, el cual genera isquemia que se manifiesta con cianosis o palidez, dolor y úlceras crónicas; es una afección incapacitante para el paciente y de difícil manejo para el cirujano de mano. Se clasifica en primario y secundario. El primario es la forma de presentación más frecuente. Las modalidades de tratamiento están dirigidas a prevenir el vasoespasmo exagerado, fomentando la respuesta vasodilatadora y con ello disminuyendo la sintomatología, que es en la mayoría de los casos incapacitante. Se ha descrito el uso de la toxina botulínica A para aquellos casos severos y refractarios, con mala evolución, con el que se obtuvieron buenos resultados. Este sería un tratamiento de baja morbilidad, con escasos efectos adversos, que puede ofrecer un alivio del dolor rápido y duradero, contribuyendo además a la cicatrización de úlceras crónicas. De esta manera mejora la calidad de vida de los pacientes y evita tratamientos invasivos y la amputación. El propósito de este trabajo fue realizar una revisión bibliográfica incluyendo a los trabajos más importantes y relevantes hasta el momento en el tratamiento de la toxina botulínica A en el síndrome de Raynaud. Se presenta además un caso clínico refractario al tratamiento médico que fue tratado en la Cátedra de Cirugía Plástica, Reparadora y Estética del Hospital de Clínicas, Montevideo, Uruguay

Raynaud's phenomenon is a vasospastic disorder of the digital arteries due to exposure to cold or stress, which generates ischemia that manifests with cyanosis or paleness, pain, and chronic ulcers; it is a disabling condition for the patient and difficult to manage for the hand surgeon. It is classified into primary and secondary. Primary is the most common form of presentation. Treatment modalities are aimed at preventing exaggerated vasospasm, promoting the vasodilator response and thereby reducing symptoms, which are disabling in most cases. The use of botulinum toxin A has been described for those severe and refractory cases, with poor evolution, with which good results were obtained. This would be a low morbidity treatment, with few adverse effects, which can offer rapid and long-lasting pain relief, also contributing to the healing of chronic ulcers. In this way, it improves the quality of life of patients and avoids invasive treatments and amputation. The purpose of this work was to carry out a bibliographic review including the most important and relevant works to date on the treatment of botulinum toxin A in Raynaud's syndrome. In addition, a clinical case refractory to medical treatment that was treated in the Chair of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery of the Hospital de Clínicas, Montevideo, Uruguay, is also presented.

Simpatectomía de la arteria radial y ulnar en contexto de úlcera digital secundaria a esclerosis sistémica cutánea localizada / Radial and ulnar artery sympathectomy in the context of digital ulcer secondary to localized cutaneous systemic sclerosis

SPeripheral sympathectomy is a procedure which has shown high rates of decreasing ischemic pain, recover functionality and wound healing, preventing the progression of the disease and further complications. We present a female patient with severe Raynaud´s phenomenon secondary to localized cutaneous systemic sclerosis complicated who presented digital ulcer treated with a sympathectomy of the radial and ulnar artery at the wrist level, undergoing post-operative follow-up.

Multidisciplinary Treatment for Severe Secondary Raynaud's Phenomenon: A Case Report / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Raynaud's phenomenon is a symptom complex manifested as intermittent fingertip ischemia caused by cold or other sympathetic drivers. Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon is often more severe and could even lead to finger ulceration, making it particularly complicated to treat. We describe a case of severe Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to subclinical hypothyroidism lasting for more than 6 hours in a 65-year-old woman. The patient was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and secondary soft tissue infection of the right middle and ring fingers. After careful multidisciplinary consultation and discussion, the patient received vasodilation, anticoagulation, thyroxine supplementation, stellate ganglion block, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and debridement. The patient responded well to the medication, avoiding amputation or obviously dysfunction. Multidisciplinary team gathering the doctors from different departments proposes appropriate strategies for patients with severe Raynaud's phenomenon and could improve the prognosis and satisfaction of patient effectively.

Cáncer de mama triple negativo asociado a dermatomiositis paraneoplásica: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Triple-negative breast cancer associated with paraneoplastic dermatomyositis: Case report and literature review

Resumen La dermatomiositis (DM) es un tipo de miopatía inflamatoria bien definida, inmunomediada, con afectación específica del músculo esquelético y con compromiso variable de piel y otros órganos. Se caracteriza por debilidad muscular proximal, lesiones cutáneas patognomónicas de dermatomiositis como el signo de Gottron, eritema violáceo o heliotropo, y evidencia de inflamación muscular por enzimas elevadas, cambios miopáticos en electromiografía y biopsia muscular anormal. Tiene una asociación bien establecida con diferentes tipos de cáncer pero es rara su asociación con cáncer de mama. Cuando se presentan de manera concomitante, su diagnóstico requiere un estudio multidisciplinario para orientar el origen paraneoplásico frente a una etiología propiamente autoinmune que requiera terapia inmunosupresora dirigida. Describimos el caso de una paciente con diagnóstico simultáneo de carcinoma infiltrante de mama triple negativo y criterios de dermatomiositis como manifestación paraneoplásica.

Abstract Dermatomyositis (DM) is a well-defined immune-mediated inflammatory myopathy, with specific involvement of skeletal muscle and variable involvement of skin and other organs. It is characterized by proximal muscle weakness, pathognomonic skin lesions of dermatomyositis such as Gottron's sign, violaceous or heliotrope rash, and evidence of muscle inflammation due to elevated enzymes, myopathic changes on electromyography, and abnormal muscle biopsy. It has a well-established association with different types of cancer, but its association with breast cancer is rare. When they occur concomitantly, their diagnosis requires a multidisciplinary study to confirm the paraneoplastic origin versus a primarily autoimmune etiology that may require targeted immunosuppressive therapy. We describe the case of a patient with a simultaneous diagnosis of triple-negative infiltrating breast carcinoma and criteria for dermatomyositis as a paraneoplastic manifestation.

Hallazgos capilaroscópicos y características clínicas en pacientes con fenómeno de Raynaud primario y secundario / Capillaroscopic findings and clinical characteristics in patients with primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon

Objetivos: describir hallazgos de videocapilaroscopía (VCP) en pacientes con fenómeno de Raynaud primario (FRP) y secundario (FRS); comparar características demográficas y clínicas entre ambos. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional, analítico, transversal. Se documentaron edad, ocupación, tiempo de evolución del FR, enfermedad del tejido conectivo (ETC) y características capilaroscópicas. Las VCP se informaron como patrón normal, inespecífico o SD temprano, activo y tardío. Se realizó estadística descriptiva. Para variables categóricas se empleó Chi² o test exacto de Fisher; para variables continuas, t test o Man Whitney, considerando estadísticamente significativa p<0,05. Resultados: se realizaron 290 VCP. En pacientes con FRP (n:122), 18% (n:23) fue normal y 81% (n:99) con patrón inespecífico. En pacientes con FRS (n:168), 8% fue normal, 42% con patrón inespecífico y 51% con patrón SD (25% temprano, 44% activo, 31% tardío). Se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas: tiempo de evolución de FR en meses (12 vs 36, p<0,01), VCP normal (18,85% vs 7,4%, p<0,01), patrón inespecífico (81,14% vs 41%, p<0,01) en pacientes con FRP vs. FRS. Conclusiones: en pacientes con FRS predominó el patrón SD, mientras que en aquellos con FRP fue superior el patrón normal e inespecífico. El FRS se asoció a mayor tiempo de evolución.

Objectives: to describe videocapillaroscopy (VCP) findings in patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP) and secondary (SRP); compare demographic and clinical characteristics between both. Materials and methods: observational, analytical, cross-sectional study. Age, occupation, evolution time of RP, connective tissue disease (CTD) and capillaroscopic characteristics were documented. The VCP were reported as normal, nonspecific or early, active, and late SD pattern. Descriptive statistics were performed. Chi² or Fisher's exact test were used for categorical variables; for continuous variables t test or Man Whitney, considering statistically significant p<0.05. Results: 290 VCP were performed. In patients with PRP (n:122), 18% (n:23) were normal and 81% (n:99) non-specific. In patients with SRP (n:168), 8% were normal, 42% non-specific and 51% with SD pattern (25% early, 44% active, 31% late). We found statistically significant differences: time of evolution of RP in months (12 vs. 36, p<0.01), normal VCP (18.85% vs 7.4%, p<0.01), non-specific pattern (81.14% vs 41%, p<0.01) in patients with PRP vs SRP. Conclusions: in patients with FRS predominated the SD pattern, while in those with FRP the normal and nonspecific pattern was superior. FRS was associated with a longer evolution time.

Validación del Score de Condición de Raynaud en Argentina / Validation of Raynaud's Condition Score in Argentina

Objetivo: El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue adaptar y validar el Score de Condición de Raynaud (SCR) en pacientes con Esclerosis Sistémica (SSc) que concurren a un hospital público de Argentina. Materiales y Métodos: Para la adaptación, reumatólogos tradujeron al español la versión original en inglés. Para evaluar la validez de constructo se utilizó: Cuestionario de Capacidad Funcional HAQ (HAQ), Índice Duruöz (ID), validados al español para Argentina, Escala Visual Análoga (EVA) de Raynaud por un experto y Score de Rodnan modificado (mRSS). Para evaluar reproducibilidad, se evaluó de forma aleatoria un subgrupo de pacientes sin mediar cambios en el tratamiento ni en la condición clínica 10 días después de la evaluación basal. Resultados: Se incluyeron 35 pacientes con diagnóstico de SSc. La correlación entre SCR y EVA del médico fue de 0.89; SCR y HAQ 0.58; SCR y mRSS 0.61; SCR e ID 0.57 indicando una muy buena correlación principalmente con el EVA del médico y siendo todos estadísticamente significativos. La reproducibilidad fue de 0.998. Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran que el SCR es una herramienta confiable y válida para esta población argentina con SSc.

Objetive: The aim of our study was to adapt and validate the Raynaud's Condition Score (RCS) in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) who attend a public hospital in Argentina. Materials and Methods: For adaptation, rheumatologists translated to Spanish the original version in English. To assess the construct validity we used: Health Assesment Questionnaire (HAQ), Duruöz´s Hand Index (DHI), spanish validation for Argentina, Raynaud Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) by an expert and Modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). To assess reproducibility, a subgroup of patients was randomly evaluated with no changes in treatment or clinical condition ten days after the baseline evaluation. Results: A total of 35 patients with SSc were included. The correlation between RCS and Raynaud VAS by an expert was 0.89; RCS and HAQ 0.58; RCS and mRSS 0.61; RCS and DHI 0.57 indicating a very good correlation mainly between the studied Score and the Raynaud VAS and being all statistically significant. The reproducibility was 0.998. Conclusion: The results show that the RCS is a reliable and valid tool for this argentinian population with SSc.

Clinical and immunological characteristics of 88 cases of overlap myositis / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical and immunological characteristics of overlap myositis (OM) patients.@*METHODS@#The data of 368 patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) admitted to Peking University People's Hospital from January 2004 to August 2020 were analyzed retrospectively, including demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics (including fever, Gottron' s sign/papules, Heliotrope rash, V-sign, Shawl sign, Mechanic' s hands, skin ulceration, periungual erythema, subcutaneous calcinosis, dysphagia, myalgia, myasthenia, arthritis, Raynaud' s phenomenon, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension and myocardial involvement), laboratory characteristics, immunological characteristics [including antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factors, myositis-associated autoantibodies (MAAs) and myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs)] and survival. The clinical and immunological characteristics and prognostic differences of OM and non-OM were compared. The Kaplan-Meier and Log Rank methods were used to analyze the survival.@*RESULTS@#A total of 368 patients were included. 23.9% (88/368) of IIMs patients were OM patients. Among the 88 OM patients, 85.2% (75/88) of them were female, and the median interval between disease onset and diagnosis was 13.5 months. The incidence of overlapped connective tissue diseases in the OM patients was dermatomyositis (DM) in 60.2%, polymyositis (PM) in 3.4%, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) in 2.3% and anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS) in 34.1%. Compared with the non-OM patients, the proportion of the females in the OM patients was higher (85.2% vs. 72.1%, P=0.016), the OM patients had longer disease duration [13.5(4.5, 48.0) months vs. 4.0(2.0, 12.0) months, P < 0.001]. As for clinical characteristics, compared with the non-OM patients, the incidence of V-sign (25.0% vs. 44.6%, P=0.001) and periungual erythema (8.0% vs. 19.6%, P=0.013) were lower; the incidence of Raynaud's phenomenon (14.8% vs. 1.8%, P < 0.001), interstitial pneumonia (88.6% vs. 72.1%, P=0.001), pulmonary hypertension (22.7% vs. 7.5%, P < 0.001) and myocardial involvement (18.2% vs. 9.3%, P=0.033) were higher. As for immunological characteristics, compared with the non-OM patients, the incidence of elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (31.8% vs. 45.0%, P=0.035) was lower and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) (58.0% vs. 44.6%, P=0.037) was higher; the positive rates of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) (85.1% vs. 63.4%, P=0.001) and rheumatoid factors (RF) (40.2% vs. 17.8%, P < 0.001) and anti-Ro-52 (71.6% vs. 56.1%, P=0.038) in serum were higher. There was no significant difference in the survival between the OM patients and non-OM patients.@*CONCLUSION@#Pulmonary hypertension and myocardial involvement were frequently observed in OM.

Enfermedad por aglutininas frías: proceso diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento de un paciente / Cold agglutinin disease: diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of a patient

La enfermedad por crioaglutininas es una anemia hemolítica autoinmune que se caracteriza, en la gran mayoría de los casos, por la hemólisis mediada por autoanticuerpos de tipo IgM y complemento C3d, contra los antígenos de la membrana del eritrocito, que conduce a hemólisis extravascular con propensión a la trombosis, y que afecta principalmente al sexo femenino y personas mayores. Su diagnóstico se realiza con la prueba de Coombs directo y fraccionado, y la titulación de aglutininas frías >1:64 a 4 °C. Se describe el caso clínico de una mujer de 89 años con un síndrome constitucional y una anemia de 3 años de evolución, en quien se determinó el diagnóstico de enfermedad por aglutininas frías. Asimismo, se describe el abordaje diagnóstico, el tratamiento instaurado, y se hace una breve revisión de la literatura publicada

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is an autoimmune hemolytic anemia characterized in the vast majority of cases by hemolysis mediated by IgM autoantibodies and complement C3d against erythrocyte membrane antigens, leading to extravascular hemolysis with propensity to thrombosis, affecting mainly females and older individuals. It is diagnosed by direct and fractionated Coombs test and a cold agglutinin titer >1:64 at 4 °C. We describe the case of an 89-year-old woman with a constitutional syndrome and a 3-year history of anemia, who was diagnosed with cold agglutinin disease. Also, we include the diagnostic and treatment approach, and a brief review of the literature

Atención de la úlcera de pie como manifestación clínica de la esclerosis sistémica / Managing foot ulcers as a clinical manifestation of systemic sclerosis

Las úlceras pueden aparecer sobre protuberancias óseas, como las falanges proximales o los codos, pero es más probable que sean secundarias a la piel tensa y al trauma y no respondan a la terapia vasodilatadora. Todas las úlceras son muy dolorosas. El propósito de este trabajo es presentar aspectos relacionados con la atención de las úlceras digitales en la esclerodermia, según la experiencia de diferentes autores. En reumatología, se recomienda, en todo paciente con dolor reumático crónico, calcular la intensidad del dolor, tanto para la elección primera del tratamiento analgésico como para la medición de la respuesta. Y, para ello, se han propuesto varios métodos de cuantificación. El manejo de las úlceras digitales en la esclerodermia incluye la intervención no farmacológica, farmacológica y quirúrgica. El uso de nitratos, infusiones de acetilcisteína, el gel de vitamina E, entre otros métodos mejoran el tiempo de curación en pacientes con esclerodermia. La falta de terapias aprobadas por la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de los Estados Unidos para las ulceraciones digitales garantiza un enfoque y una atención renovados para encontrar opciones de tratamiento significativas. Los médicos deberán emplear un enfoque terapéutico multifacético para optimizar el tratamiento de úlceras digitales existente y evitar la formación de nuevas lesiones para proporcionar a los pacientes la mejor calidad de vida(AU)

Ulcers can occur on bony bumps, such as the proximal phalanges or elbows, but are more likely to be secondary to tight skin and trauma and not responsive to vasodilator therapy. All ulcers are characteristically very painful. To present aspects related to the management of digital ulcers in scleroderma based on the experience of different authors. The management of digital ulcers in scleroderma includes non-pharmacological, pharmacological and surgical intervention. The use of nitrates, infusions of acetylcysteine, Vitamin E Gel, among other methods, improve the healing time in patients with scleroderma. The lack of US Food and Drug Administration approved therapies for digital ulcerations ensures a renewed focus and attention on finding meaningful treatment options. Clinicians should employ a multi-faceted therapeutic approach to optimize existing digital ulcers treatment and avoid new lesion formation to provide patients with the best quality of life(AU)

Digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis / Úlceras digitales en esclerosis sistémica

ABSTRACT Vascular compromise in systemic sclerosis is a pivotal feature of the disease and plays a fundamental role in its morbidity and mortality. Raynaud's syndrome is present in almost every patient and is often reported as the first clinical manifestation. Digital ulcers may present several etiologies, although an ischemic cause is the most frequent origin and occurs in up to 50% of patients. A profound impact on daily life is often observed due to pain and functional impairment. Their primary pathophysiological mechanism is microvascular compromise, although larger vessels may be affected as well. When recurrent lesions are observed, large vessel compromise should be assessed, which may be due to the disease itself or due to atherosclerosis, whenever risk factors are present. Further, these ulcers present an increased risk of infection and progression to gangrene. The presence of digital lesions may be a marker of severity of the disease, as some reports have suggested an association with pulmonary hypertension and cardiac involvement. Treatment strategies have progressed significantly over the last years. Vasodilatation using calcium channel inhibitors is universally offered. When ischemic signs are observed, treatment should be started readily. Prostacyclin infusions should be considered in severe cases, as they have shown the capacity to foster ulceration healing. Whenever recurring lesions are observed, bosentan may be offered. Management with phosphodiesterase inhibitors may be proposed, although their positioning is unclear. Local treatment is equally important over the course of the disease. Surgical interventions are seldom needed.

RESUMEN El compromiso vascular en la esclerosis sistémica es una característica principal de la enfermedad y desempeña un papel fundamental en su morbimortalidad. El síndrome de Raynaud está presente en casi todos los pacientes, y con frecuencia es reportado como la primera manifestación clínica. Las úlceras digitales pueden tener varias etiologías, aunque una causa isquémica es el origen más frecuente y ocurre hasta en 50% de los pacientes. A menudo se observa un profundo impacto en la vida diaria debido al dolor y al deterioro funcional. Su mecanismo fisiopatológico primario es el compromiso microvascular, aunque los vasos más grandes también pueden verse afectados. Cuando se observan lesiones recurrentes se debe evaluar el compromiso de los vasos grandes, que puede deberse a la enfermedad en sí o a aterosclerosis, siempre que existan factores de riesgo. Además, estas úlceras presentan un mayor riesgo de infección y progresión a gangrena. La presencia de lesiones digitales puede ser un marcador de la gravedad de la enfermedad, ya que algunos informes han sugerido una asociación con hipertensión pulmonar y compromiso cardíaco. Las estrategias de tratamiento han progresado significativamente en los últimos anos. La vasodilatación con inhibidores de los canales de calcio se ofrece universalmente. Cuando se observan signos isquémicos el tratamiento debe iniciarse de inmediato. Las infusiones de prostaciclina se deben considerar en casos graves, ya que han demostrado la capacidad de promover la curación de la ulceración. Siempre que se observen lesiones recurrentes se puede administrar bosentán. Se puede proponer el manejo con inhibidores de la fosfodiesterasa, aunque su posicionamiento no está claro. El tratamiento local es igualmente importante durante el curso de la enfermedad. Las intervenciones quirúrgicas rara vez son necesarias.

Raynaud's phenomenon, capillaroscopy, and digital ulcers as sentinel events in systemic sclerosis / Fenómeno de Raynaud, capilaroscopia y úlceras digitales como eventos centinela en la esclerosis sistémica

ABSTRACT Raynaud's phenomenon is a sentinel event in systemic sclerosis; it is generally long- lasting, and repeated attacks produce, ultimately, structural consequences and complications, such as digital ulcers. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy is a non-invasive tool that allows assessing accurately these changes. Digital ulcers are the most aggressive and frequent microvascular complication in this disease, causing severe pain and significant functional sequelae. This literature review focuses on Raynaud's phenomenon as a central event in systemic sclerosis, its peculiarities in this entity, the role of capillaroscopy as a biomarker in this vasculopathic phenomenon, as well as a on a clinical and pharmacological approach to digital ulcers in this illness.

RESUMEN El fenómeno de Raynaud es un evento centinela en la esclerosis sistémica, por lo general es de larga duración y los ataques repetidos producen, en última instancia, consecuencias estructurales y complicaciones tales como úlceras digitales. La videocapilaroscopia del lecho ungueal es una herramienta no invasiva que permite evaluar en forma precisa estos cambios. Las úlceras digitales son la complicación microvascular más agresiva y frecuente en esta enfermedad, causando dolor severo y secuelas funcionales importantes. Esta revisión de la literatura se centra en el fenómeno de Raynaud como evento central en la esclerosis sistémica, sus peculiaridades en esta entidad y el papel de la capilaroscopia como biomarcador para este fenómeno vasculopático, así como en un enfoque clínico y farmacológico de las úlceras digitales en esta enfermedad.

Endothelial lesion and complement activation in patients with Scleroderma Renal Crisis / Lesão endotelial e ativação do complemento em pacientes com crise renal esclerodérmica

Abstract In kidney biopsies reviews, scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is characterized by vascular endothelial injuries, C4d deposits on peritubular vessels, and acute and chronic injuries coexisting on the same biopsy. The clinical signs of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) are described in systemic sclerosis (SSc), nevertheless, it has not been related to acute injuries described on kidney biopsies. We report a case of SRC in a patient with scleroderma-dermatomyositis overlap syndrome, which also showed clinical and histopathological data of TMA. On fundus examination, a severe acute hypertensive retinopathy was found. The kidney biopsy showed severe endothelial damage with widening of mucoid cells at the level of the intima, focal concentric proliferation on most small arterioles, and C3, C4d, and IgM deposits along the capillary walls. The genetic study of complement only showed the presence of membrane cofactor protein (MCP) risk haplotypes, without other genetic complement disorders. We understand that in a patient with TMA and SSc, the kidney damage would be fundamentally endothelial and of an acute type; moreover, we would observe clear evidence of complement activation. Once further studies correlate clinical-analytical data with anatomopathological studies, it is likely that we will be forced to redefine the SRC concept, focusing on the relationship between acute endothelial damage and complement activation.

Resumo Nas revisões de biópsias renais, a crise renal esclerodérmica (CRE) é caracterizada por lesões endoteliais vasculares, depósitos de C4d em vasos peritubulares e lesões agudas e crônicas que coexistem na mesma biópsia. Os sinais clínicos de microangiopatia trombótica (MAT) são descritos na esclerose sistêmica (ES); no entanto, não foram relacionados às lesões agudas descritas nas biópsias renais. Relatamos um caso de CRE em um paciente com síndrome de superposição de esclerodermia-dermatomiosite, que também apresentou dados clínicos e histopatológicos de MAT. No exame de fundo do olho, foi encontrada uma retinopatia hipertensiva aguda grave. A biópsia renal mostrou lesão endotelial grave com alargamento das células mucoides ao nível da íntima, proliferação concêntrica focal na maioria das pequenas arteríolas e depósitos de C3, C4d e IgM ao longo das paredes dos capilares. O estudo genético do complemento mostrou apenas a presença de haplótipos de risco da proteína cofator de membrana (PCM), sem outros distúrbios genéticos do complemento. Entendemos que em um paciente com MAT e ES, o dano renal seria fundamentalmente endotelial e do tipo agudo; além disso, observaríamos evidências claras de ativação do complemento. Uma vez que novos estudos correlacionam dados clínico-analíticos com estudos anatomopatológicos, é provável que sejamos forçados a redefinir o conceito de CRE, enfocando a relação entre dano endotelial agudo e ativação do complemento.

Raynaud's phenomenon in the occupational context

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To review articles that evaluated the prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon of occupational origin. METHODS The search for articles was carried out in the Medline (via PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and Latin America and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Lilacs) databases. RESULTS 64 articles were obtained from the electronic search; 18 articles met the eligibility criteria. All studies discussed the exposure to vibrations in the upper limbs. In 6 of them, the thermal issue was directly or indirectly addressed. No studies have addressed exposure to vinyl chloride. CONCLUSIO In general, a higher prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon was found among vibratory tool operators compared to non-exposed workers, with an increase in the number of cases the higher the level of vibration and the time of exposure. Cold is a triggering and aggravating factor of the Raynaud phenomenon and seems to play an important role in the emergence of vascular manifestations of the hand-arm vibration syndrome.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Realizar um estudo de revisão dos artigos que avaliaram a prevalência do fenômeno de Raynaud de origem ocupacional. MÉTODOS A busca pelos artigos foi realizada nas bases de dados Medline (via PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO) e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs). RESULTADOS Sessenta e quatro artigos foram obtidos a partir da busca eletrônica, dos quais 18 cumpriram os critérios de elegibilidade. Todos os estudos discutiram sobre a exposição a vibrações localizadas em membros superiores. Em seis deles, a questão térmica foi direta ou indiretamente abordada. Nenhum estudo abordou a exposição ao cloreto de vinila. CONCLUSÃO De maneira geral, constatou-se maior prevalência do fenômeno de Raynaud entre operadores de ferramentas vibratórias em comparação aos não expostos, com aumento do número de casos quanto maior o nível de vibração e tempo de exposição. O frio é fator desencadeante e agravante do fenômeno de Raynaud e parece exercer papel importante para o surgimento das manifestações vasculares da síndrome de vibração de mãos e braços.

Estudio Retrospectivo: Características Clínicas de la Esclerosis Sistémica en Pacientes de los Hospitales Vicente Corral Moscoso y José Carrasco Arteaga. Enero 2008 ­ Junio 2015 / Retrospective Research: Clinical Features of Systemic Sclerosis in Patients from Vicente Corral Moscoso and José Carrasco Arteaga Hospitals. January 2008 - June 2015

INTRODUCCIÓN: La esclerosis sistémica es una patología crónica del tejido conectivo; de etiología desconocida y caracterizada por presentar vasculopatía, autoinmunidad y fibrosis. Genera importantes repercusiones socio sanitarias y hasta la actualidad no tiene cura. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar las características clínicas de esa enfermedad en la población local. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo retrospectivo. El universo incluyó a 58 pacientes diagnosticados de esclerosis sistémica en el Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso y José Carrasco Arteaga durante el período comprendido entre Enero 2008 ­ Julio 2015. La información fue recopilada de las historias clínicas digitales y se realizó estadística descriptiva utilizando el programa SPSS versión 20.0. RESULTADOS: La esclerosis sistémica fue más común en el sexo femenino (relación hombre ­ mujer: 1/8.6), el subtipo limitado fue la forma de presentación principal. Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron las cutáneas (93.1%), seguidas de las osteomusculares (84.5%) y el fenómeno de Raynaud (81%). Los anticuerpos antinucleares fueron positivos en más del 70% de los pacientes. CONCLUSIÓN: La esclerosis sistémica es una enfermedad crónica con afección multiorgánica. El conocimiento de las distintas manifestaciones clínicas de esta patología en la población local, facilitará el diagnóstico oportuno y la instauración de un tratamiento apropiado, con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente y prevenir complicaciones.(au)

BACKGROUND: Systemic sclerosis is a chronic connective tissue disease; of unknown etiology and characterized by vasculopathy, autoimmunity and fibrosis. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical features of this pathology in local population. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was performed. The universe included 58 patients with systemic sclerosis at Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital and Hospital of Specialties José Carrasco Arteaga during January 2008 - July 2015. The information was compiled from medical records; descriptive statistics were performed using the statistical program SPSS version 20.0. RESULTS: Systemic sclerosis was more common in the females (male - female ratio: 1/8.6), the limited subtype was the main presentation form. The most frequent clinical features were skin disorders (93.1%), followed by osteomuscular manifestations (84.5%) and Raynaud's syndrome (81%). Antinuclear antibodies were positive in more than 70% of patients. CONCLUSION: Systemic sclerosis is a chronic entity with multisystem involvement. The knowledge of the different clinical manifestations will facilitate the opportune diagnosis and the establishment of an appropriate treatment; with the purpose of improve the quality of life and preventing complications.(au)

Toxina botulínica para o Fenômeno de Raynaud: experiência brasileira / Botulinum toxin for the Raynaud Phenomenon: brazilian experience

O Fenômeno de Raynaud (FR) é uma resposta fisiológica exagerada dos vasos das extremidades, principalmente, ao frio e ao estresse emocional. Pacientes refratários ao tratamento clínico, ou que não conseguem tolerar seus efeitos colaterais, podem ser tratados com injeção local de toxina botulínica (BTX). Este estudo observacional, descritivo e retrospectivo de série de casos, teve como objetivo descrever a experiência com o uso de BTX(A) em oito pacientes com FR grave, do ambulatório de Dermatologia do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo (HSPM), no período de Junho de 2011 a julho de 2015. Os participantes que assinaram o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido tiveram seus prontuários solicitados ao banco de dados do HSPM para coleta de informações, que foram transcritas na Tabela de Coleta de Dados. Houve melhora total da dor em 71,4% dos casos, e parcial em 28,6%. A dormência desapareceu em 57,1% dos casos e melhorou em 42,9%. Houve regressão total da rigidez em 57,1% dos casos e melhora parcial 28,6%. A cor foi completamente revertida em 57,1% dos pacientes. Houve fechamento completo das ulcerações, no único caso em que estavam presentes. Não houve redução da frequência dos ataques isquêmicos em apenas 14,2% dos casos. Não foram descritas complicações precoces ou tardias. Este estudo brasileiro sugere que o uso da BTX(A) em pacientes com FR grave é uma opção terapêutica promissora para esta condição. Descritores: fenômeno de Raynaud, toxina botulínica.

Ventilation distribution as a contributor to the functional exercise capacity in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease without pulmonary hypertension

Phenotypic differences have been described between patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) and SSc-associated pulmonary hypertension, including performance differences in the 6-min walk test (6MWT). Moreover, the correlations between the 6MWT and traditional pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are weak, indicating the need to search for new parameters that explain exercise performance. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the impact of ventilation distribution heterogeneity assessed by the nitrogen single-breath washout (N2SBW) test and peripheral muscle dysfunction on the exercise capacity in patients with SSc-ILD and limited involvement of the pulmonary parenchyma. In this cross-sectional study, 20 women with SSc-ILD and 20 matched controls underwent PFTs (including spirometry, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco), and the N2SBW test) and performed the 6MWT and knee isometric dynamometry. The 6-min walking distance (6MWD, % predicted) was strongly correlated with the phase III slope of the single-breath nitrogen washout (phase III slopeN2SBW) (r=−0.753, P<0.0001) and reasonably correlated with the forced vital capacity (FVC) (r=0.466, P=0.008) and DLco (r=0.398, P=0.011). The peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) during exercise was not significantly correlated with any of the pulmonary or muscle function parameters. The phase III slopeN2SBW was the only predictive variable for the 6MWD, whereas quadriceps strength and FVC/DLco were predictive variables for SpO2. Ventilation distribution heterogeneity is one factor that contributes to a lower 6MWD in SSc-ILD patients. In addition, muscle dysfunction and abnormal lung diffusion at least partly explain the decreased SpO2 of these patients.

Características de la videocapilaroscopia del lecho ungular y de los anticuerpos antinucleares en una cohorte de pacientes con enfermedad autoinmune sistémica con fenómeno de Raynaud / Characteristics of nailfold videocapillaroscopy and antinuclear antibodies in a cohort of patients with systemic autoimmune disease with Raynaud's phenomenon

Resumen Introducción: Entre un 15 y un 20% de los pacientes con fenómeno de Raynaud progresarán a una enfermedad autoinmune sistémica. La presencia de autoanticuerpos o alteraciones capilaroscópicas es fundamental para el diagnóstico temprano. Objetivos: Determinar las características de la videocapilaroscopia del lecho ungular y de los anticuerpos antinucleares en una cohorte de pacientes con enfermedad autoinmune sistémica. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en sujetos con fenómeno de Raynaud. Estos fueron evaluados con videocapilaroscopia y anticuerpos antinucleares. Las variables cualitativas se describieron con frecuencias absolutas y relativas; las variables cuantitativas, según la distribución de los datos, se reportaron como media o mediana, con desviación estándar y rango intercuartílico, respectivamente. Resultados: Se incluyeron 58 individuos; el 91,4% eran mujeres. La edad promedio fue 40,9 ± 14,1 arios. En 41 sujetos, los anticuerpos antinucleares fueron positivos; el patrón más común fue el moteado (41,5%), con una mediana de dilución de 1:640 (rango inter-cuartílico 1:320-1:1.280). Se encontró enfermedad autoinmune sistémica en 10 individuos (19,2%), 8 de ellos con esclerosis sistémica. Las alteraciones capilares más frecuentes fueron: megacapilares (n = 10), microhemorragias (n = 10) y zonas avasculares (n = 8). Conclusiones: En este grupo de pacientes con fenómeno de Raynaud sometidos a video-capilaroscopia, el diagnóstico de enfermedad autoinmune sistémica fue realizado en un porcentaje similar a lo reportado en la literatura. Se encontró una mayor dilución de anticuerpos antinucleares que la descrita.

Abstract Introduction: Between 15 and 20% of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon will progress to a systemic autoimmune disease. The presence of autoantibodies or capillaroscopy alterations are fundamental for early diagnosis. Objectives: To determine the characteristics of nailfold videocapillaroscopy and antinuclear antibodies in a cohort of patients with systemic autoimmune disease. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in subjects with Raynaud s phenomenon. These were evaluated with videocapillaroscopy and antinuclear antibodies. The qualitative variables were described with absolute and relative frequencies. The quantitative variables, according to the distribution of data, were reported as mean or median, with standard deviation and interquartile range, respectively. Results: The study included 58 individuals, of which 91.4% were women. The mean age was 40.9 ± 14.1 years. Antinuclear antibodies were positive in 41 subjects. The most common pattern was speckled (41.5%), with a median dilution of 1:640 (interquartile range 1:3201:1,280). A systemic autoimmune disease was found in 10 (19.2%) patients, 8 of them with systemic sclerosis. The most frequent capillary alterations were: mega-capillaries (n = 10), micro-haemorrhages (n = 10), and avascular zones (n = 8). Conclusions: In this group of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon subjected to videocapillaroscopy, a diagnosis of systemic autoimmune disease was made in a similar percentage to that reported in the literature. A higher dilution of antinuclear antibodies was found than that described.