Early Atherosclerosis in Systemic Sclerosis
Author Information
Author(s): Hettema Martha E, Zhang Dan, de Leeuw Karina, Stienstra Ymkje, Smit Andries J, Kallenberg Cees GM, Bootsma Hendrika
Primary Institution: University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen
Hypothesis
Is systemic sclerosis associated with an increased prevalence of early atherosclerosis compared to healthy controls?
Conclusion
Systemic sclerosis is not associated with an increased prevalence of early signs of atherosclerosis.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean intima-media thickness was not significantly different between patients with systemic sclerosis and healthy controls.
- Plaques were found in three patients with systemic sclerosis but not in any healthy controls.
- Endothelial activation markers were not increased in systemic sclerosis patients compared to controls.
Takeaway
This study looked at patients with a disease called systemic sclerosis and found that they don't have more signs of heart artery problems than healthy people.
Methodology
Forty-nine patients with systemic sclerosis and 32 healthy controls were compared by measuring the thickness of the carotid artery using ultrasound.
Limitations
The study may not fully represent the prevalence of atherosclerosis due to the small number of patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis.
Participant Demographics
92% of patients had limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis; median age was 55.4 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.067
Statistical Significance
p=0.067
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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