{
  "abstract": "Introduction Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated connective tissue disorder characterised by vasculopathy, autoimmunity and fibrosis of skin and internal organs.(1)Known complications include pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and digital ulcers (DU).(1) Our audit aims to look at any association between certain characteristics such as SSc subtype,presence of certain antibodies ,smoking status, etc in our cohort of patients with systemic SSc associated DU and PAH.Material and Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional observation of n=223 patients attending the SSc clinic in NHS Tayside . Patients with a diagnosis of SSc based on EULAR criteria were included and identified from our database..All data analysis was done using Microsoft excel via descriptive statistics and comparative analysis.Results Of the 223 patients, 20 (9.0%) had DU and 12 (5.4%) had PAH. PAH was more common in limited SSc (92%) whereas DU was more equally distributed between limited and diffuse SSc (50% and 45% respectively) and the remainder being unclassified. Patients developed PAH later into the duration of their SSc (mean 8.3 years) compared to DU (mean 3.53 years). The antibodies associated with DU were mainly anti-nuclear antibodies (65%) with an equal association of about 20% for each of anti-centromere, anti-SCL70, anti-PMSCL75 and anti-Ro antibodies. The main antibodies associated with PAH were anti-nuclear (66.7%) and anti-centromere (50%) .Smoking profiles for DU were similar with 40% for current/ex-smokers and 55% for those who never smoked and the remaining being unclassified.Conclusions Our audit demonstrates that certain characteristics are associated with DU and PAH. Antibodies that are more likely to be associated with DU are ANA (65%), anti-centromere(20%), antiSCL-70 (20%), anti-PMSCL75 (20%), anti-Ro antibodies(20%) with overlaps. PAH was more likely to occur in patients with ANA (66.7%) and anti centromere antibodies (50%).These findings could help highlight the importance of close monitoring and early intervention in patients with specific antibodies. Further studies are needed to delve further into the characteristics and more tailored management plans.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University of Dundee Medical School, Dundee, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Thet Nwe Aung"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Rheumatology - Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Rosi Thomson"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Rheumatology - Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Smita Bhat"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P.415 Clinical characteristics and treatment of patients with systemic sclerosis associated digital ULCERS and PAH",
  "uid": "ee707e84-5cf9-5217-b6b1-4c93e7c84903"
}