Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
06:59
Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
Published on: August 26, 2025
Bosentan for digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis
Yayoi Nagai1, Michiko Hasegawa, Tomoyasu Hattori
1Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan. yanagai@showa.gunma-u.ac.jp
The Journal of Dermatology
|September 30, 2011
Summary
Bosutinib effectively treats digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, reducing pain and preventing new lesions. However, careful liver function monitoring is crucial due to potential side effects.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Recurrent digital ulcers are a common and debilitating vascular complication in systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- Existing treatments often have limited efficacy for severe or refractory cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bosentan in treating severe digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis.
- To determine optimal dosing and identify potential adverse effects.
Main Methods:
- A case series of six patients with severe digital ulcers due to SSc treated with oral bosentan (62.5-125 mg daily).
- Observation periods ranged from 7 months to 4.5 years.
- Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale.
Main Results:
- Five of six patients experienced significant reduction in pain and cessation of new digital ulcer development.
- One patient had recurrence upon discontinuation but improved with re-administration.
- Three patients discontinued bosentan due to severe liver dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Bosutinib appears effective for refractory digital ulcers in SSc, potentially at lower doses than used for pulmonary hypertension.
- Close monitoring of liver function is essential during bosentan treatment.
- Further research is warranted to confirm efficacy and optimize safety profiles.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
Prostacyclin receptor agonists are a class of therapeutic agents integral to managing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These drugs operate by mimicking the action of prostaglandin I2, or PGI2, a naturally occurring compound in the body.
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
01:18Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
Endothelins (ETs) are potent vasoactive peptides critical in the human body's various physiological and pathological processes. One of the most promising therapeutic strategies for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) involves counteracting the effects of these endothelins using a class of drugs known as endothelin receptor antagonists.
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE). Of...
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE). Of...
01:24Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Sucralfate as Mucosal Protective Agents
In the intricate landscape of the gastric lumen, excessive acid secretion disrupts the natural defense mechanisms, weakening the mucus-bicarbonate barrier. This vulnerability allows pepsin to infiltrate epithelial cells, digesting mucosal proteins and triggering erosion, leading to ulcer formation.
In this scenario, mucosal protective agents like sucralfate play an essential role. Sucralfate, a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide, demonstrates its usefulness in acidic conditions,...
In this scenario, mucosal protective agents like sucralfate play an essential role. Sucralfate, a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide, demonstrates its usefulness in acidic conditions,...
01:31Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Definition A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic, non-healing wound that develops in individuals with diabetes. It typically occurs on pressure-bearing areas such as the heel, metatarsal heads, or hallux, and carries a high risk of infection and amputation.Pathophysiology • The development of DFUs can be explained by four interconnected mechanisms: neuropathy, ischemia, infection, and impaired wound healing. • Neuropathy is the most common factor. Sensory neuropathy reduces pain perception,...
01:20Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Prostaglandin Analogs as Mucosal Protective Agents
The gastric mucosa produces prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) and prostacyclin (PGI2), crucial in maintaining gastric health. They exert cytoprotective effects, including increasing bicarbonate secretion, releasing protective mucin, reducing gastric acid output, and preventing harmful vasoconstriction. These effects are mediated through various receptors, such as EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can induce peptic ulcers by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, decreasing...
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can induce peptic ulcers by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, decreasing...
01:26Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
The nursing management of a patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s health history and clinical manifestations.AssessmentHealth History: Evaluate the patient’s history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of cardiovascular issues, and lifestyle factors such as dietary patterns, smoking, and physical activity.Physical Examination:Assess the affected extremity for decreased or absent peripheral pulses, temperature changes,...