Macitentan for the Treatment of Refractory Digital Ulcers in Patients With Connective Tissue Diseases.

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease with complex pathogenesis, characterized by vascular dysfunction and fibrosis. Digital ulcers (DUs) are a common and severe complication in SSc patients, negatively impacting their quality of life. This retrospective study evaluates the use of macitentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, in six female patients with connective tissue disease (CTD) and sclerodermiform features (five SSc and one mixed connective tissue disease) for the treatment of refractory DUs. Macitentan demonstrated a safe and effective alternative to bosentan, reducing DU relapses, hospitalizations, and the use of systemic prostaglandin therapy. The findings suggest that macitentan may be a valuable therapeutic option in specific cases of recurrent or refractory DUs and warrantfurther investigation in larger, long-term studies.