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Skin thickness and collagen content in progressive systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma
Arthritis and Rheumatism
|February 1, 1979
Summary
Skin biopsies reveal significant skin thickening and increased collagen in progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS). This thickening correlates with disease progression and may aid in monitoring treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Rheumatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) is characterized by skin induration.
- Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding skin thickness changes in PSS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in skin thickness and collagen content in patients with PSS.
- To correlate clinical assessments of skin thickening with objective measurements.
Main Methods:
- Skin biopsies were collected from 147 PSS patients and 58 controls.
- Biopsy cores were weighed, and their water and hydroxyproline content analyzed.
- Skin thickness was compared between patient groups and controls.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in skin thickness and dermal collagen was observed in PSS patients.
- Skin thickening was also noted in eosinophilic fasciitis and acromegaly.
- A strong correlation existed between clinical skin thickening assessment and biopsy weight.
Conclusions:
- Skin thickening and increased collagen are key features of the indurative phase of PSS.
- Biopsy core weight serves as a reliable indicator of skin thickening.
- Monitoring skin core weight changes may help track PSS progression.