{
  "abstract": "Introduction Background: Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease marked by widespread fibrosis and vascular abnormalities, which can predispose patients to thrombotic events such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). International studies indicate that scleroderma patients face a substantially higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to the general population. However, data specific to Israel are scarce. Understanding the local prevalence and associated factors is crucial for improving clinical management and preventative strategies.Material and Methods Methods: This cross-sectional study reviewed medical records of approximately 200 scleroderma patients followed at the Rheumatology Department of Meir Medical Center. Patients meeting inclusion criteria were matched with four controls based on age and gender. Data collected included demographics, serological markers, imaging-confirmed VTE events, medication use (anticoagulants), disease subtype and severity, and presence of comorbidities such as hypertension and cancer. Statistical analysis involved binomial confidence intervals, Fisher’s exact test, and odds ratios, using R software.Results Results: Out of 176 evaluable patients, 19 (10.8%) experienced VTE. Pulmonary embolism constituted 42% of these events, DVT accounted for 37%, and other thromboembolic events made up 21%. Patients with VTE had a significantly higher prevalence of pulmonary hypertension and were more often on anticoagulant therapy. No statistically significant differences were found regarding gender, extent of skin involvement, or systemic organ involvement. A trend toward higher cancer prevalence among VTE patients was observed, though it did not reach statistical significance.Conclusions Conclusion: The study indicates that scleroderma patients at Meir Medical Center have a markedly increased prevalence of VTE compared to the general population, consistent with international data. Pulmonary hypertension and anticoagulation therapy are associated with higher VTE risk. Awareness of these risk factors is essential for early detection and prevention. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms and improve risk stratification and management in this high-risk group.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel"
      ],
      "name": "Yair Levy"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel"
      ],
      "name": "Hitam Hagog Natour"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel"
      ],
      "name": "Aiman Natour"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel"
      ],
      "name": "Siwar Shekh Yusuf"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel"
      ],
      "name": "Izabella Elgardt"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P.070 Prevalence of venous thromboembolism in patients with scleroderma: a comparative study",
  "uid": "fb17ca57-e692-52b4-8dff-7f5afa0dc601"
}