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Updated: Jan 29, 2026
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Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
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Insulin Resistance in Systemic Sclerosis: Decoding Its Association with Severe Clinical Phenotype.
Eugenio Capparelli1,2, Luca Clerici3,4, Giusy Cinzia Moltisanti3,4
1Rheumatology Unit, ASST Ovest Milanese, Legnano Hospital, 20025 Milan, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|January 28, 2026
Summary
Insulin resistance (IR) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is linked to interstitial lung disease (ILD) and digital ulcers. Higher BMI and ILD independently predict IR in SSc patients, highlighting metabolic concerns in this rheumatic disease.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Endocrinology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Insulin resistance (IR) is a known metabolic issue in rheumatic diseases, but its impact on systemic sclerosis (SSc) is understudied.
- Limited data exists on the clinical characteristics and predictors of IR in SSc patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and clinical features of insulin resistance in a cohort of systemic sclerosis patients.
- To identify independent predictors associated with insulin resistance in SSc.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 178 SSc patients, stratified by IR status using validated HOMA-IR thresholds.
- Data collection included demographic, clinical, laboratory, pulmonary function, capillaroscopy, and treatment parameters.
- Multivariable logistic regression was employed to determine independent predictors of IR.
Main Results:
- Patients with IR (n=76) showed a higher prevalence of diffuse SSc, interstitial lung disease (ILD), anti-Scl70 antibodies, musculoskeletal symptoms, and digital ulcers.
- Higher body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, dyslipidemia, and liver steatosis were observed in the IR group.
- Multivariable analysis identified BMI (OR 1.09; p=0.038) and ILD (OR 3.03; p=0.034) as independent predictors of IR.
Conclusions:
- Insulin resistance in SSc is associated with specific clinical manifestations including ILD, digital ulcers, and musculoskeletal involvement.
- The presence of anti-Scl70 autoantibodies is also linked to IR in SSc patients.
- BMI and ILD are significant independent predictors of IR in systemic sclerosis.
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