Characteristics of the 103 study patients
| SSc patients (n=103) | |
|---|---|
| Duration of Raynaud's phenomenon, mean±SD | 12±8 |
| Digital ulcers, n (%)/prostacyclin use, n (%) | 35 (34)/17 (17) |
| HAQ, mean±SD/n patients >1.5 (%) | 1.2±0.7/24 (23) |
| Echographically sPAP >40 mm Hg, n (%) | 16 (16) |
| Pulmonary fibrosis on CT scan, n (%) | 55 (53) |
| CRP >10 mg/l, n (%) | 18 (17) |
| Positive antinuclear antibodies (>1/160), n (%) | 82 (80) |
| Positive antitopoisomerase I antibodies, n (%) | 30 (29) |
| Positive anticentromere antibodies, n (%) | 20 (19) |
| Positive rheumatoid factor, n (%) | 30 (29) |
| Positive anti-CCP2 antibodies, n (%) | 2 (2) |
| Decreased FVC <75% of normal value, n (%) | 22 (21) |
| Decreased Dlco/Va <75% normal value, n (%) | 41 (40) |
| Calcium channel inhibitors, n (%) | 103 (100) |
| ACE inhibitors, n (%) | 28 (27) |
| Low dose prednisone (≤10 mg/day), n (%) | 39 (38) |
| Methotrexate, n (%) | 14 (14) |
anti-CCP, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies; CRP, C reactive protein; Dlco/Va, decrease in carbon monoxide diffusion capacity divided by alveolar volume; FVC, forced vital capacity; HAQ, Health Assessment Questionnaire; sPAP, systolic pulmonary artery pressure.