Publications by authors named "Arthiha Velauthapillai"
A screening tool to detect interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis: the ILD-RISC Score.
Rheumatology (Oxford)
August 2025
Objective: As a screening tool for the presence of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is missing, we aimed to develop the ILD-RISC score, a risk algorithm to guide physicians in ordering HRCTs, with specific focus on follow-up visits.
Methods: The nominal group technique was used to select items for the multivariable logistic regression with backward selection. The ILD-RISC score was developed from baseline visits of the derivation cohort.
Longitudinal association between nailfold capillaroscopy and incident interstitial lung disease: A EUSTAR database analysis.
J Scleroderma Relat Disord
January 2025
Objectives: To evaluate (1) the association between nailfold capillaroscopy pattern and 5-year risk for incident interstitial lung disease and (2) the association between transition in nailfold capillaroscopy pattern and risk of incident interstitial lung disease.
Methods: Data of adult patients from the EUSTAR database fulfilling the ACR-EULAR criteria with a disease duration ⩽5 years, having a scleroderma pattern at nailfold capillaroscopy with high-resolution computed tomography confirmed absence of interstitial lung disease (i.e.
Detection of decline in pulmonary function in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease using home monitoring in the Netherlands (DecreaSSc): a prospective, observational study.
Lancet Rheumatol
March 2025
Article Synopsis
- Patients with systemic sclerosis are at high risk for interstitial lung disease (ILD), which can lead to increased mortality, making early detection critical for better management and outcomes.
- The DecreaSSc study, conducted in the Netherlands, involved eligible patients using home spirometry to monitor lung function weekly for a year, comparing these results with hospital tests.
- The study aimed to determine how well home spirometry could identify a significant decline in lung function (≥5% decrease in forced vital capacity) and involved patient feedback throughout its design and execution.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to investigate how fatigue in patients with systemic sclerosis fluctuates day-to-day and its links to emotions, pain, and sleep quality.
- Conducted with 57 patients over 14 days, participants reported their levels of fatigue, negative and positive affect, pain, and sleep each day at set times.
- Results showed that increased negative affect, pain, and exertion led to more fatigue, while positive affect and better sleep reduced fatigue; integrating mood-boosting activities into fatigue management may be beneficial.
Objective: To evaluate the experiences, perceived benefits and disadvantages of home monitoring of pulmonary function in SSc patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD).
Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted among SSc-ILD patients who used the home monitoring application of pulmonary function for at least 3 months. In our program, patients are instructed to perform home spirometry weekly at fixed time points using a mobile application with results being directly visible for patients and physicians.
Objective: We hypothesized that glucocorticoids would induce remission in very early systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients by inhibition of inflammation driving the disease. We examined the efficacy and safety of methylprednisolone in very early SSc.
Methods: In this trial adults with puffy fingers for less than 3 years, specific auto-antibodies and meeting the Very Early Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis criteria were randomly assigned (2:1) to methylprednisolone 1000 mg i.
Article Synopsis
- Purkinje cells in the cerebellum are crucial for integrating sensory information with motor signals to fine-tune movement control based on behavioral and environmental demands.* -
- New research shows that climbing fibres transmitting sensory information to Purkinje cells can convey multiple types of sensory data and are influenced by previous activity levels, suggesting a complex networking of sensory input.* -
- The study found that individual Purkinje cells tend to receive inputs from different sensory modalities, with variations in climbing fibre responses based on their recent activity, indicating a need for adaptability in motor function.*
Article Synopsis
- Cerebellar plasticity is essential for motor learning, but its mechanisms remain unclear.
- Researchers devised a protocol to study whisker movement reflex in mice by recording Purkinje cell activity.
- Training enhanced Purkinje cell activity, leading it to precede behavioral responses, and this change depended on functional synapses between parallel fibers and Purkinje cells.