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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Impaired exercise performance in systemic sclerosis and its clinical correlations.
G Cuomo1, C Santoriello, F Polverino
1Department of Internal Medicine, Second University of Naples, ASL SA1, Naples, Italy.
Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology
|May 19, 2010
Summary
Impaired exercise performance is common in systemic sclerosis (SSc), affecting 43/46 patients. Severity of heart, lung, and diastolic dysfunction, along with disability, significantly impacts exercise capacity in SSc.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and vascular abnormalities.
- Impaired exercise performance is a common but understudied complication in SSc patients.
- Standardized cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provides objective measures of cardiorespiratory fitness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of impaired exercise performance in SSc patients using CPET.
- To identify clinical and serological features associated with reduced exercise capacity in SSc.
- To explore the contribution of disease severity and disability to exercise limitation in SSc.
Main Methods:
- Forty-six SSc patients underwent comprehensive clinical and serological evaluation.
- Exercise performance was assessed using a standardized cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET).
- Regression analysis identified factors independently correlated with maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max).
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of impaired exercise performance (VO2 max < 80% predicted) was observed in 43 out of 46 SSc patients.
- VO2 max was significantly and independently correlated with the severity of cardiac and pulmonary involvement.
- Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and higher Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) scores were also associated with reduced VO2 max.
Conclusions:
- Physical disability and organ involvement are major contributors to impaired exercise performance in SSc.
- CPET is a valuable tool for assessing disease severity and functional capacity in SSc patients.
- Integrating CPET into SSc assessment may improve patient management and understanding of disease impact.
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