Pulmonary function in Thai patients with systemic sclerosis; a single center 6-year retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Pulmonology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with significant pulmonary complications, a leading cause of mortality.
• Pulmonary involvement in SSc impacts internal organ function and patient survival.
• Understanding pulmonary function (PF) characteristics in SSc is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize pulmonary function (PF) in Thai patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
• To investigate the association between PF, body mass index (BMI), and anti-topoisomerase (anti-Scl70) antibody status in SSc patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of SSc patients diagnosed between 2016-2021 at a tertiary care hospital.
• Inclusion of 128 SSc patients who underwent pulmonary function testing.
• Data collected included demographics, BMI, anti-Scl70 status, and spirometry results (FEV1, FVC, DLCO).

Main Results:

• A restrictive spirometry pattern (RSP) was prevalent in 78.8% of the 128 SSc patients.
• The diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) showed a moderate positive correlation with forced vital capacity (FVC) (r=0.50) and a moderate negative correlation with BMI (r=-0.36).
• No significant correlation was found between FVC and BMI, nor were there statistical differences in demographic data or anti-Scl70 status between patients with or without RSP.

Conclusions:

• Restrictive spirometry patterns are common in Thai patients with SSc.
• Current demographic data and anti-Scl70 status have limited predictive value for pulmonary involvement in SSc.
• Further research may be needed to identify more reliable predictors of pulmonary complications in SSc.