{
  "abstract": "Introduction In systemic sclerosis (SSc), a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and vasculopathy, the identification of isolated abnormalities may provide valuable insight into disease heterogeneity and prognosis. Two such findings are the presence of anti-Ro52 antibodies and the occurrence of isolated elevation of diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). While anti-Ro52 antibodies are usually linked to Sjögren’s syndrome, their role in SSc remains unclear. Similarly, DLCO is typically reduced in SSc due to pulmonary involvement, but a distinct subgroup of patients presents with paradoxical isolated increases. Understanding these isolated abnormalities is important for recognizing specific patient subsets and their clinical implications.Material and Methods A total of 190 patients with SSc were evaluated (183 women, 7 men; mean age 52.7 ± 1.23 years). Of these, 156 had the limited form and 34 the diffuse form. All patients underwent clinical and paraclinical evaluation, including ANA and extended ANA blot testing, body plethysmography, echocardiography, and chest CT.Results Anti-Ro52 antibodies were detected in 46 patients. Although typically associated with Sjögren’s syndrome, sicca symptoms were found in only 31 anti-Ro52–positive cases. These antibodies were most frequently associated with anti-centromere antibodies and the limited form (32 patients). In a minority of cases (5 patients), isolated anti-Ro52 positivity correlated with high disease activity, multisystem involvement, rapid progression, and one early death.An isolated increase in DLCO was observed in 26 patients (13.7%) without interstitial lung disease or pulmonary hypertension. This subgroup was characterized by frequent positivity for anti-centromere (24 patients) and anti-Ro52 antibodies (21 patients), active capillaroscopic patterns with digital ulcers, digestive manifestations (26 patients), arrhythmias (12 patients), and pericarditis (6 patients).Conclusions Isolated abnormalities such as anti-Ro52 antibody positivity and elevated DLCO represent distinct subsets in systemic sclerosis.Anti-Ro52 antibodies were most often associated with the limited form and anti-centromere positivity, while their isolated presence correlated with severe disease evolution.Isolated DLCO elevation, identified in 13.7% of cases, was linked to a particular immunological and clinical profile, suggesting complex pathophysiological mechanisms.Careful recognition and monitoring of such isolated findings may improve patient stratification and allow a more personalized management approach.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Rheumatology and Nephrology, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova"
      ],
      "name": "Svetlana Agachi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Rheumatology and Nephrology, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova"
      ],
      "name": "Liliana Groppa"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Immunology laboratory, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova"
      ],
      "name": "Lucia Andries"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Rheumatology and Nephrology, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova"
      ],
      "name": "Larisa Rotaru"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Timofei Mosneaga Clinical Republican Hospital, Department of Arthrology, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova"
      ],
      "name": "Oxana Bujor"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Rheumatology and Nephrology, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova"
      ],
      "name": "Maria Lungu"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P.064 Isolated changes as clinical markers in systemic sclerosis",
  "uid": "5434a94a-ad84-5bcd-957f-1d75e558c3f8"
}