Infections and Scleroderma: No Increased Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Janet E Pope, Jodi L Goodwin, Janine M Ouimet, Adriana Krizova, Matthew Laskin
Primary Institution: The University of Western Ontario
Hypothesis
Are viral and bacterial infections risk factors for scleroderma compared to non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders?
Conclusion
The study found no evidence that infections are more common in scleroderma patients compared to controls before diagnosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Controls were more likely to report any infection within 1-year prior to disease diagnosis (35% vs. 16%).
- No significant differences in reported infections between scleroderma patients and controls.
- Scleroderma patients reported slightly more hepatitis B and herpes zoster, but these were not statistically significant.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether people with scleroderma had more infections before they got sick, but it turns out they didn't have more than people without that disease.
Methodology
A questionnaire was sent to 83 scleroderma patients and 351 controls with non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders to assess past infections and vaccinations.
Potential Biases
Recall bias may have occurred, as patients might misinterpret survey questions.
Limitations
Lower response rate in the control group and potential recall bias.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 56 for scleroderma patients and 58 for controls; 88% of scleroderma patients and 82% of controls were female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.006
Statistical Significance
p<0.006
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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