Pulmonary functional abnormalities in asymptomatic patients with systemic sclerosis

BACKGROUND: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease characterized by widespread fibrosis of the skin and multiple organs, including the lungs. This study was designed to evaluate pulmonary function in SSc patients without symptoms of lung involvement. METHODS: Spirometric measurements were done in 26 female SSC patients without symptoms of pulmonary involvement. RESULTS: Maximal voluntary ventilation was found to be decreased in half of the patients, and forced vital capacity was decreased in 23% of the patients. Forced expiratory flow rate was impaired in about half of the SSc patients, especially the flow at 50-75% of forced vital capacity. Peak expiratory flow rate was decreased in 77% of asymptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: A functional defect, mainly of the restrictive type, was observed in the majority of asymptomatic patients with SSc. Pulmonary function testing is recommended for all SSc patients.