Characteristics of the patients with systemic sclerosis
| Variable | SSc patients |
|---|---|
| (n = 120) | |
| Values are n (%) unless stated otherwise. | |
| Anti-CCP, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody; AKA, anti-keratin autoantibodies; DLCO/VA, decrease in carbon monoxide diffusion capacity divided by alveolar volume; FCV, forced vital capacity; HAQ, Health Assessment Questionnaire. | |
| Duration of Raynaud’s phenomenon (years) (median (range)) | 10 (0 to 42) |
| Digital ulcers/prostacyclin use | 37 (31%)/20 (17%) |
| HAQ (mean (SD)/n patients >1.5 (%) | 1.1 (0.8)/29 (24%) |
| Pulmonary arterial hypertension | 17 (14%) |
| Pulmonary fibrosis on CT | 58 (48%) |
| C reactive protein >10 mg/l | 21 (17.5%) |
| Positive anti-nuclear antibodies (>1/160) | 87 (74%) |
| Positive anti-topoisomerase I antibodies | 36 (30%) |
| Positive anti-centromere antibodies | 21 (18%) |
| Positive rheumatoid factor | 32 (27%) |
| Positive AKA/anti-CCP2 antibodies | 0 (0%)/2 (1.7%) |
| Decreased FVC (<75% of normal value) | 29 (25%) |
| Decreased DLCO/VA (<75% normal value) | 44 (37%) |
| Low dose prednisone | 45 (37%) |
| Methotrexate | 17 (14%) |