Patients with SSc (nā=ā50) | |
Female:male ratio | 40:10 |
Duration of Raynaud phenomenon (years), mean (SD) | 10 (12) |
Cutaneous subtype (limited/diffuse) | 31/19 |
History of digital ulcers: n (%)/active digital ulcers n (%) | 18 (36)/9 (18) |
Pulmonary arterial hypertension assessed by right heart catheterisation, n (%) | 3 (6) |
Pulmonary fibrosis on CT scan, n (%) | 22 (44) |
Decreased FVC (<75% of normal value): n (%) | 17 (34) |
Decreased DLCO/VA (<75% normal value): n (%) | 19 (38) |
von Willebrand antigen concentration, %/number of patients with concentration >200%, n (%) | 172 (SD 63)/18 (36) |
Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor (median, range) | 349 (133ā961) |
Positive antinuclear antibodies (ā©¾1/160): n (%) | 36 (72) |
Positive antitopoisomerase I antibodies: n (%) | 12 (24) |
Positive anticentromere antibodies: n (%) | 9 (18) |
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (first hour) | 19 (13) |
C-reactive protein, mg/l | 6 (9) |
Treatment with calcium channel blockers, n (%) | 50 (100) |
Treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, n (%) | 21 (42) |
Treatment with low dose of corticosteroids, n (%) | 19 (38) |
DLCO/VA, decrease in carbon monoxide diffusion capacity divided by alveolar volume; FCV, Forced vital capacity; SSc, systemic sclerosis.