Systemic sclerosis & Raynaud's
A comparative analysis of risk stratification tools in SSc-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: a European Scleroderma Trials and Research (EUSTAR) analysis
Authors' conclusion
Considering its ability to predict mortality, risk segregation capabilities and clinical applicability, this study provides a rationale for using the simplified ESC/ERS four-strata model at SSc-PAH diagnosis as an alternative to the comprehensive ESC/ERS three-strata model.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with SSc-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) at diagnosis, EUSTAR group database11 tools screened
- Exposure
- Top-ranked risk stratification tools vs ESC/ERS three-strata model
- Outcome
- Ability of risk stratification tools to predict mortality
Methodological detailsmulticentre, international, EUSTAR database, Kaplan-Meier analyses, Cox regression with AUC
- Multicentre
- International
- EUSTAR database
- Kaplan-Meier analyses
- Cox regression with AUC
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Ability to predict mortality
- ESC/ERS three-strata model had a lower ability to predict mortality than the ESC/ERS four-strata model, 'SPAHR updated' and 'REVEAL Lite 2'
- ESC/ERS four-strata model divided 'intermediate-risk' patients into two groups with significantly different long-term survival rates and is the easiest applicable tool
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Incorporating SSc-specific characteristics into the tools
- Did not significantly improve the predictive ability of any model
- Low DLCO was an independent predictor of mortality
Original publication
A comparative analysis of risk stratification tools in SSc-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: a EUSTAR analysis. Rheumatology (Oxford). Published 29 January 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →