Article Text
Abstract
Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disorder characterized by extensive vascular damage, with early generalized microangiopathy and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. SSc is characterized by parasympathetic impairment and marked sympathetic over activity.
Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the potential relationship between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and systemic hypertension in patients with SSc.
Methods Thirty patients with systemic sclerosis and thirty controls who had no cardiovascular risk factors were included in this study. All patients and the controls underwent a 24-hour holter recording and plasma ADMA levels were measured.
Results A total of 10 patients had dipper status (33.3%), 16 patients had non-dipper status (53.3%), 2 patients had reverse dipper status (6.6%) and 2 patients had extreme dipper status (6.6%). ADMA levels were higher in SSc patients when compared with control group and especially significantly higher in SSc patients with reverse dipper status.
Conclusions The elevated serum levels ADMA and sympathetic over activity may be the result of reverse dipper blood pressure patterns in patients with SSc.
Disclosure of Interest None Declared