Predictive value of vascular disease biomarkers for digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Silva, I (Author) Other; teixeira, a (Author) FCUP; Oliveira, J (Author) Other; Almeida, I (Author) Other; Rui Coelho (Author) FMUP; Vasconcelos, C (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology

Vol. 33

Pages: S127-S130

ISSN: 0392-856X

Publisher: Pacini Editore SpA

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 19 Citations

Scopus - 19 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00G-RK6

Abstract (EN): Objective. To investigate the role of endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis vascular biomarkers as risk factors and their predictive value for digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients. Methods. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endostatin and endoglin were measured in an observational prospective cohort of 77 SSc patients. The primary outcome was the occurrence of one or more new ischaemic digital ulcers during a planned 3-year follow-up. Results. After the 3-year follow-up, 40 patients developed new digital ulcers. Logistic regression confirmed VEGF (HR 1.128,95% CI 1.010-1.260, p=0.033) and ADMA(HR 0.995, 95% CI 0.991-0.998, p=0.006) as independent predictors of new digital ulcers. Patients with serum levels of ET-1>11.9pmol/ml (p<0.001) and VEGF<422.47 pg/ml (p=0.028) had significantly more DU in the 3-year follow-up. Although not significant, a trend towards increased serum levels of endoglin>4.215ng/ml (p=0.053) was associated to a new DU episode. No predictive serum value was found for ADMA (p=0.075) and endostatin (p=0.130). Conclusions. Endothelial dysfunction and angiogenic vascular biomarkers have an important role in the underlying and in the progression of microvascular disease in systemic sclerosis. Increased serum levels of ET-1, ADMA and VEGF are strong predictors of severe microangiopathy complications, namely ischaemic digital ulcers.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 4