Table 1 Demographics and clinical characteristics of SSc patients (n = 30) at baseline. Definitions of items and organ manifestation are according to EUSTAR [28]. Data is presented as number (n)/total valid cases (N) (%). Disease duration was calculated as the difference between the date of the baseline visit and the date of the first non-Raynaud’s symptom of the disease as reported by the patient. Pulmonary hypertension was judged on RHC after application of the DETECT score. Active disease was defined as a score > 3 by calculating European Scleroderma Study Group disease activity indices for systemic sclerosis as proposed by Valentini [29]. Immunosuppressive therapy was defined as treatment with corticosteroids (prednisone dose ≥ 10 mg/day or other dosage forms in equal dose) or any immunosuppressant. ACA anti-centromere antibody, ANA antinuclear antibody, Anti-Scl-70 anti-topoisomerase antibody, CRP C-reactive protein, HRCT high-resolution computed tomography, FVC forced vital capacity, mRSS modified Rodnan skin score, NYHA New York Heart Association, VAI Valentini Activity Index
From: Validation of the suction device Nimble for the assessment of skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis
Characteristics | SSc patients |
|---|---|
Demographics | |
Age (mean ± SD) | 58.3 ± 11.1 |
Sex: female | 21/30 (70%) |
Disease duration (mean ± SD, in years) | 11.1 ± 7.9 |
ACR/EULAR criteria fulfilled | 30/30 (100%) |
Subtype | |
Diffuse SSc | 8/30 (26.7%) |
Skin/vascular | |
Raynaud’s phenomenon | 29/30 (96.7%) |
Digital ulcers (past and present) | 19/30 (63.3%) |
Current digital ulcers | 7/28 (25%) |
Pitting scars | 19/29 (65.5%) |
Scleredema | 24/28 (85.7%) |
Telangiectasia | 18/30 (60%) |
mRSS (mean ± SD) | 7.2 ± 7.1 |
Abnormal nailfold capillaroscopy | 26/26 (100%) |
Musculoskeletal | |
Tendon friction rubs | 0 |
Joint synovitis | 3/28 (10.7%) |
Joint contractures | 11/27 (40.7%) |
Muscle weakness | 3/28 (10.7%) |
Gastrointestinal | |
Esophageal symptoms | 17/30 (56.6%) |
Stomach symptoms | 13/30 (43.3%) |
Intestinal symptoms | 16/30 (53.3%) |
Cardiopulmonary | |
Dyspnea | |
NYHA Stage 1 | 11/29 (37.9%) |
NYHA Stage 2 | 14/29 (48.3%) |
NYHA Stage 3/4 | 4/29 (13.8%) |
Diastolic dysfunction | 7/28 (25%) |
Conduction blocks | 2/28 (7.1%) |
PAH by RHC | 2/28 (7.1%) |
Lung fibrosis on HRCT | 15/29 (51.7%) |
FVC, % predicted (mean ± SD) | 92.1 ± 17.5 |
FVC < 70% predicted | 2/28 (7.1%) |
Kidney | |
Renal crisis | 0 |
Laboratory parameters | |
ANA positive | 30/30 (100%) |
ACA positive | 12/28 (42.8%) |
Anti-Scl-70 positive | 9/30 (30%) |
Anti-RNA-polymerase III positive | 8/28 (28.6%) |
CRP elevation | 5/27 (18.5%) |
Active disease (VAI > 3) | 5/26 (19.2%) |
Immunosuppressive therapy | 7/30 (23.3%) |