Quantification of hardness, elasticity and viscosity of the skin of patients with systemic sclerosis using a novel sensing device (Vesmeter): a proposal for a new outcome measurement procedure

Abstract

Increases in hardness and elasticity as well as shortening of relaxation time constitute objective characteristics of skin involvement in SSc. The system devised by us proved to be able to assess skin abnormalities of SSc with high reliability.

Anti‐interleukin‐6 receptor antibody, tocilizumab, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases

“…Two SSc patients who were resistant to conventional treatment regimens were administered tocilizumab at 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks. After the treatment, both patients showed softening of the skin with reductions of 50.7% and 55.7% in the total z-score of Vesmeter, a device for measuring the physical properties of the skin [114], and of 51.9% and 23% in the modified Rodnan total skin score [115]. Histological examination showed thinning of the collagen fiber bundles in the dermis.…”

Quantitative assessment of scleroderma by surface wave technique

“…Also problematic is the need for investigator training, varying degrees of examiner's experience, and uncertainty about the sensitivity of the scores over time [13][14][15][16][17]. Several objective methods for assessment of scleroderma have been proposed, including ultrasound, X-ray, MRI, indentation, and durometry [18][19][20][21][22][23][24].…”

Effect of protective glove use conditions on their resistance to needle puncture

“…Indeed, values of 20 Shore A have been reported for the hand and the ventral section of the fingers, while the dorsal section of the fingers displayed a hardness of 50 Shore A. 21 Finally, lubricants were applied on the surface of the sample and puncture probe in order to evaluate their effect on the resistance of elastomers to needle puncture. Three types of lubricants were used: silicone grease, liquid soap and BP lubricant.…”