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Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis - Frequency, Subtype Distribution and Clinical Outcome
Sevdalina Lambova1, Anastas Batalov, Lyubomir Sapundzhiev
1Medical University - Plovdiv, Department of Propedeutics in Internal medicine, Clinic of Rheumatology, Plovdiv - 4002, 15A "Vasil Aprilov" Blvd, Bulgaria. sevdalina_n@abv.bg.
Current Rheumatology Reviews
|March 3, 2016
Summary
Digital ulcers (DUs) are a common complication in systemic sclerosis (SSc), often affecting fingers and causing pain. Effective management requires comprehensive therapeutic strategies for positive outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Digital ulcers (DUs) are a frequent and debilitating complication in systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- They significantly contribute to pain, hand dysfunction, and overall disability in SSc patients.
- Understanding the frequency, evolution, and treatment of DUs is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the frequency, characteristics, and evolution of digital ulcers (DUs) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- To evaluate the therapeutic strategies employed for managing DUs in this patient population.
- To identify factors influencing DU occurrence and healing.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 60 systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.
- Data collection on DU presence, location, type, and associated inflammation.
- Review of applied therapeutic interventions and patient outcomes over a 6-month to 6-year follow-up period.
Main Results:
- Digital ulcers (DUs) were observed in 35% of SSc patients, predominantly on fingers.
- Diffuse cutaneous SSc patients showed a higher incidence of DUs compared to limited cutaneous SSc and overlap syndrome.
- Ischemic lesions were the most common type; healing time averaged 3.39 months, with complex treatments including vasodilators, antiseptics, and antiplatelets being necessary.
Conclusions:
- Digital ulcers (DUs) represent a significant and common complication in systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- Management of DUs necessitates a multifaceted therapeutic approach.
- Early and comprehensive treatment is vital for improving outcomes and reducing disability in SSc patients with DUs.
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