Disability, fatigue, pain and their associates in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: the European...

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Systemic Sclerosis Research
• Clinical Observational Studies

Background:

• Diffuse cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (dcSSc) is a severe autoimmune disease.
• Understanding the early disease burden is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify disability, fatigue, and pain in early dcSSc.
• To identify clinical factors associated with these burdens.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the European Scleroderma Observational Study cohort.
• Collected data via validated questionnaires (HAQ-DI, CHFS, FACIT-fatigue, SF36) at baseline, 12, and 24 months.
• Assessed clinical features including modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), digital ulcers, and organ involvement.

Main Results:

• Early dcSSc patients (n=326) exhibited significant disability (mean HAQ-DI 1.1), particularly in grip and fine motor skills.
• Higher disability scores correlated with increased skin thickening (mRSS) and presence of digital ulcers, pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac, and muscle involvement.
• Worsening disability over 12 months was associated with increased mRSS, reduced hand function, and greater fatigue.

Conclusions:

• Early dcSSc imposes a substantial burden of disability and fatigue.
• Skin thickening (mRSS) is a key correlate of disability.
• Impaired hand function significantly contributes to the overall disability experienced by patients.