Abstract

LARA, M.E. et al. Digital ulcers frequency in scleroderma. Rev. argent. reumatolg. [online]. 2016, vol.27, n.2, pp.11-14. ISSN 0327-4411.

The aim of this study was to describe digital ulcer frequency in a patient population with Systemic Sclerosis and to compare the clinical features of those who developed ulcers with those who did not. Retrospectively, patients meeting ACR criteria for Systemic Sclerosis were included. Demographic, clinical, and serological information was obtained from medical records. Patients were classified into two groups: Group A comprised patients with digital ulcers, while Group B included patients with no digital ulcers on their records. Findings for both groups were compared. We studied 60 patients diagnosed with Systemic Sclerosis, 33% with diffuse cutaneous subset, the mean age at the time of diagnosis was 50.75 ± 14.75 years, 15% (9 patients) were males. The frequency of digital ulcers was 33.33% (n=20). Group A patients were younger at the time of diagnosis (p=0.03) and had longer time of evolution (pNS). The diffuse variant was more frequent in this group (p=0.002) and Raynaud’s phenomenon onset occurred at earlier ages (p=0.006). All male patients (n=9) entered into the study had digital ulcers (p <0.0001). Conclusions: In our study, development of digital ulcers was associated with an earlier onset of disease, males, diffuse subset and an earlier onset of Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Keywords : Systemic Sclerosis; digital ulcers; Raynaud.