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

Description

Objective 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.

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