Coexistence of systemic and localized scleroderma: a systematic literature review and observational cohort study. (12th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vanhaecke, Amber; De Schepper, Sofie; Paolino, Sabrina; Heeman, Lise; Callens, Hanne; Gutermuth, Jan; Nguyen, Sara; Cutolo, Maurizio; Smith, Vanessa
• Is Part Of: Rheumatology. Volume 59:Number 10(2020)
• Page Start: 2725
• Page End: 2733
• Publication Date: 2020-07-12
• Subjects: systemic sclerosis -- localized scleroderma -- coexistence -- systematic literature review; Rheumatism -- Periodicals; Rheumatology -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa297
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-0324

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: SSc and localized sclerosis (LoS) are considered clinically distinct entities. We describe herein the coexistence of SSc and LoS by both a systematic literature review and an observational cohort study of unselected SSc patients. Methods: Original studies documenting the coexistence of SSc and LoS were identified in three electronic databases by means of a systematic literature search according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Additionally, the coexistence of SSc and LoS was studied in a prospective cohort of SSc patients visiting the Ghent University Scleroderma Unit for their yearly follow-up visit between January 2018 and January 2019. Results: Five studies were finally included for quality appraisal and data extraction. The coexistence of SSc and LoS ranged between 2.4 and 7.4%. RP, scleroderma pattern on nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) and the presence of SSc-specific antibodies were commonly observed in coexistent cases. Additionally, coexistence of SSc and LoS was found in 8/296 (2.7%) consecutive SSc patients of the Ghent University Scleroderma Unit. RP was present in 6/8 coexistent cases; a scleroderma pattern on NVC was observed in all coexistent cases, and SSc-specific antibodies (i.e. cenp-B) were found in 4/8 coexistent cases. Conclusion: This is the first systematic literature review with additional cohort evaluation investigating the coexistence of SSc and LoS. A relatively high overlap of SSc and LoS was revealed, which is peculiar because both are rare diseases.