Systemic sclerosis & Raynaud's
Lung function and skin fibrosis changes as predictors of survival in SSc-associated interstitial lung disease: a European Scleroderma Trials and Research (EUSTAR) study
Authors' conclusion
Changes in lung function and skin fibrosis within 12 months should be considered when evaluating risk of mortality.
Study context
- Population
- Adult SSc-ILD patients from the EUSTAR database enrolled since January 2009 with a follow-up visit within 12 months plus a further visit or mortality information94 (10.5%) died
- Participants
- 893 patients
- Exposure
- 12-month changes in lung function, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) and digital ulceration (DU) burden as predictors of survival
- Outcome
- Mortality (survival)
Methodological detailsEUSTAR database, multivariable Cox regression adjusted for age, sex, smoking status and immunosuppressive therapy
- EUSTAR database
- Multivariable Cox regression adjusted for age, sex, smoking status and immunosuppressive therapy
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Mortality (decreased survival) by 12-month changes in lung function, skin fibrosis and DU burden
HR for death (95% CI)
FVC decline >10%pred within 12 monthsn = 78/638 evaluable
3.81(1.67–8.66)
>10% FVC decline or mRSS worsening
2.82(1.43–5.56)
FVC decline ≥10% or 5-9% with DLCO decline ≥15%
3.42(1.68–7.00)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Lung function and skin fibrosis changes as predictors of survival in SSc-associated interstitial lung disease: a EUSTAR study. Rheumatology (Oxford). Published 3 June 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →