Clinical characteristics of systemic sclerosis complicated with digital ulcers

Abstract

Objective To explore the characteristics of systemic sclerosis with acro-ulceration (SSc-DUs) and its association with organ involvement and autoantibodies in order to improve the understanding of the disease. Methods The clinical data of 70 patients with SSc-DUs were analyzed retrospectively, and the sites of ulcer and organ involvement were also analyzed. The clinical data of 155 patients with systemic sclerosis without acroulcers (SSc-No-DUs) were used as controls to assess the association between SSc-DUs and organ involvement and autoantibodies. Results The most common sites of ulcers were the fingertips (51.43%), interphalangeal joints (22.86%) and toes (15.71%), while the involvements of the heel, elbow and ankle joints were relatively rare. The rates of heart failure (31.42%) and esophageal involvement (65.71%) in SSc-DUs group were higher than those in SSc-No-DUs group (both P0.05). Conclusions The ulcers in patients with SSc-DUs are more common in the fingertips and interphalangeal joints. SSc-DUs patients are more likely to have esophageal involvement and a higher incidence of heart failure. Anti-Scl-70 antibody (+), anti-SSA antibody (+), and anti-Ro-52 antibody (+) may be danger signs of the development of ulcers.

Keywords

• systemic sclerosis
• digital ulcers
• clinical analysis