New Kids on the Block in SSc-PAH: May We Futurely Nail It Additionally Down to Capillaroscopy? A Systematic Literature Review

open7siObjective Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is one of the leading causes of death in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Current screening algorithms are hampered by low positive predictive values. Outcome measures that could futurely add to performance characteristics would be very welcome. Against this background, we aim to evaluate the role of nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) using standardized definitions, in SSc related PAH (SSc-PAH). Methods A systematic review to identify original research papers documenting an association between NVC and right heart catheterisation defined SSc-PAH was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Subsequently, NVC parameters were subdivided into quantitative (capillary density, dimension, morphology, and haemorrhages), semi-quantitative and qualitative assessment (NVC pattern), according to the definitions of the EULAR Study Group on Microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases. Results The systematic search identified 316 unique search results, of which 5 were included in the final qualitative analysis. The occurrence of incident SSc-PAH unequivocally associated in 2 longitudinal studies with progressive capillary loss (p=0.04 and p=0.033) and the progression to a severe (active/late) NVC pattern (p=0.05/0.01 and HR=5.12, 95%CI: 1.23- 21.27). In 3 cross-sectional studies, SSc-PAH was found to be unequivocally inversely associated with capillary density (p=0.001 and p<0.05) and associated with the presence of a severe NVC pattern (p=0.03 and p<0.05). Conclusion This is the first systematic literature review investigating the role of NVC in SSc-PAH using standardized description. Unequivocal associations were found between (incident) SSc-PAH and capillary density and NVC pattern. Integration of NVC into current screening algorithms to boost their performance may be a future step.embargoed_20200816Smith V, Vanhaecke A, Vandecasteele E, Guerra M, Paolino S, Melsens K, Cutolo M.Smith, V; Vanhaecke, A; Vandecasteele, E; Guerra, M; Paolino, S; Melsens, K; Cutolo, M

Hypoxia imaging with 18F-FAZA PET/CT predicts radiotherapy response in esophageal adenocarcinoma xenografts

Background: Esophageal cancer is an aggressive disease with poor survival rates. A more patient-tailored approach based on predictive biomarkers could improve outcome. We aimed to predict radiotherapy (RT) response by imaging tumor hypoxia with F-18-FAZA PET/CT in an esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) mouse model. Additionally, we investigated the radiosensitizing effect of the hypoxia modifier nimorazole in vitro and in vivo. Methods: In vitro MTS cell proliferation assays (OACM5 1.C SC1, human EAC cell line) were performed under normoxic and hypoxic (< 1%) conditions: control (100 mu L PBS), nimorazole, irradiation (5, 10 or 20 Gy) with or without nimorazole. In vivo, subcutaneous xenografts were induced in nude mice (OACM5 1.C SC1). Treatment was given daily for 5 consecutive days: (A) control (600 mu l NaCl 0.9% intraperitoneally (IP)) (N = 5, n = 7), (B) RT (5 Gy/d) (N = 11, n = 20), (C) combination (nimorazole (200 mg/kg/d IP) 30 min before RT) (N = 13, n = 21). N = number of mice, n = number of tumors. F-18-FAZA PET/CT was performed before treatment and tumor to background (T/B) ratios were calculated. Relative tumor growth was calculated and tumor sections were examined histologically (hypoxia, proliferation). Results: A T/B= 3.59 on pre-treatment F-18-FAZA PET/CT was predictive for worse RT response (sensitivity 92.3%, specificity 71.4%). Radiation was less effective in hypoxic tumors (T/B = 3.59) compared to normoxic tumors (T/B < 3.59) (P = 0.0025). In vitro, pre-treatment with nimorazole significantly decreased hypoxic radioresistance (P < 0.01) while in vivo, nimorazole enhanced the efficacy of RT to suppress cancer cell proliferation in hypoxic tumor areas (Ki67, P = 0.064), but did not affect macroscopic tumor growth. Conclusions: Tumor tissue hypoxia as measured with F-18-FAZA PET/CT is predictive for RT response in an EAC xenograft model. The radiosensitizing effect of nimorazole was questionable and requires further investigation

Anticentromere antibody levels and isotypes and the development of systemic sclerosis

Objective Little is known on the disease course of very early systemic sclerosis (SSc). Among the information yet to be elucidated is whether anticentromere antibody (ACA) isotype levels can serve as biomarkers for future SSc development and for organ involvement. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether IgG, IgM, and IgA ACA levels in IgG ACA-positive patients are associated with disease severity and/or progression from very early SSc to definite SSc. Methods IgG ACA-positive patients from 5 different cohorts who had very early SSc or SSc fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) 2013 criteria were included. A diagnosis of very early SSc was based on the presence of IgG ACAs and Raynaud's phenomenon, and/or puffy fingers and/or abnormal nailfold capillaroscopy, but not fulfilling the ACR/EULAR 2013 criteria for SSc. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to determine the association between baseline ACA isotype levels and progression to definite SSc with organ involvement. Results Six hundred twenty-five IgG ACA-positive patients were included, of whom 138 (22%) fulfilled the criteria for very early SSc and 487 (78%) had definite SSc. Levels of IgG ACAs (odds ratio 2.5 [95% confidence interval 1.8-3.7]) and IgM ACAs (odds ratio 1.8 [95% confidence interval 1.3-2.3]) were significantly higher in patients with definite SSc. Of 115 patients with very early SSc with follow-up, progression to definite SSc occurred within 5 years in 48 (42%). Progression to definite SSc was associated with higher IgG ACA levels at baseline (odds ratio 4.3 [95% confidence interval 1.7-10.7]). Conclusion ACA isotype levels may serve as biomarkers to identify patients with very early SSc who are at risk for disease progression to definite SSc.Pathophysiology and treatment of rheumatic disease