Reviews
Regenerative treatments for scleroderma in cutaneous manifestations of the face: a systematic review
J.A.M. Schipper1, L.L. Verhoef2, R.H. Schepers3, P.U. Dijkstra4, A.J. Stel5, S. Van Der Werf6, D.J. Mulder7, M.C. Harmsen8, J. Jansma9
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands. l.l.verhoef@umcg.nl
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, and Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands; and Sirindhorn School of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands.
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Central Medical Library, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Vascular Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, and Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.
CER17666
2024 Vol.42, N°8
PI 1675, PF 1689
Reviews
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PMID: 38976297 [PubMed]
Received: 11/03/2024
Accepted : 10/05/2024
In Press: 02/07/2024
Published: 14/08/2024
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
Scleroderma is a heterogeneous chronic autoimmune disease affecting connective tissue, characterised by chronic inflammation and fibrosis, particularly affecting internal organs and skin. Orofacial involvement is common, leading to facial atrophy, mask-like appearance and difficulties in function that significantly impact patients’ quality of life. This systematic review evaluates different autologous regenerative treatments of facial manifestations of scleroderma, aiming to provide comprehensive understanding of their effectiveness in reducing fibrosis, and thereby improving function and skin quality.
METHODS:
A search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane CENTRAL, and CINAHL was conducted. Studies assessing autologous regenerative treatments in cutaneous manifestations of the face in scleroderma patients were included. Outcomes of interest were treatment characteristics, characterisation of biomaterials, outcome measurements and patient satisfaction. Methodological quality was assessed with the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool.
RESULTS:
In total 18 studies were included. Methodological quality of studies was weak (n=15) and moderate (n=3). Treatments consisted of autologous fat grafting, platelet-rich plasma, stromal vascular fraction, and adipose-derived stem cells. In general, most studies showed improvements of symptoms, but no treatment was considered superior.
CONCLUSIONS:
Autologous regenerative treatments hold potential for alleviating cutaneous manifestations of the face in scleroderma. Further clinical trials should be well-designed to improve the quality of clinical evidence.