Severe fatigue is associated with diminished lung function and elevated Galectin-9 levels in early systemic sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Symptoms resembling myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) frequently affect patients with rheumatic diseases, but little is known about their frequency and disease manifestations, particularly in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. We sought to determine if severe fatigue in SSc patients with early disease (< 7 years) is associated with increased disability, inflammation and fibrosis.

Methods

In this exploratory cross-sectional study, 51 SSc patients were recruited locally (UofA cohort). Disability, disease damage accrual, inflammatory markers and, indicators of fibrotic and vascular complications (e.g. lung function, nailfold capillaroscopy) were compared between patients with and without severe fatigue. Fatigue was assessed using validated

SUBMITTER: van Eeden C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12447584 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature