The correlation between durometer score and modified Rodnan skin score in systemic sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Dermatology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by skin thickening and fibrosis.
• Accurate assessment of skin involvement is crucial for monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy in SSc patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between skin hardness measurements obtained by a durometer and the modified Rodnan skin score (MRSS).
• To assess the relationship between durometer scores and patient-reported symptoms and physical function in systemic sclerosis.

Main Methods:

• 31 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) were evaluated.
• Skin involvement was assessed using a durometer and the modified Rodnan skin score (MRSS).
• Physical function and symptoms were measured using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) disability index, Keitel function test (KTF), grip strength, and scleroderma-visual analog scale (scleroderma-VAS).

Main Results:

• Durometer scores showed good correlation with MRSS at the fingers, hands, forearms, upper arms, thighs, and feet.
• Total durometer scores correlated well with MRSS (r = 0.537, P = 0.002) and KTF scores (r = 0.608, P < 0.001).
• Correlations were poor between durometer scores and HAQ disability indices (r = 0.202, P = 0.276) and individual scleroderma-VAS scores.

Conclusions:

• Durometer measurements of skin hardness correlate well with MRSS at specific anatomical sites, including extremities.
• The study suggests incorporating measurements from the fingers, hands, forearms, upper arms, thighs, and feet for more accurate durometer-based skin assessment in SSc.
• Durometer measurements may serve as a valuable tool for objective skin assessment in systemic sclerosis, complementing existing clinical scores.