Inflammatory arthritis in systemic sclerosis is associated with elevated C-reactive protein and requires musculoskeletal ultrasound for reliable detection.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

About 25% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Specific causes of CRP elevation are unknown so far. We aimed to investigate whether inflammatory arthritis is associated with CRP elevation. Furthermore, we evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of clinical examination compared to musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) for detection of arthritis.

Methods

Sixty-five patients with SSc (51 females) were enrolled and allocated into a CRP-positive (CRP+, n = 20; CRP elevated for at least two years prior to enrollment) and a CRP-negative (CRP-; n = 45) cohort. All patients were examined clinically (modified Rodnan Skin Score, mRSS; swollen/tender joint count 66/68), received a comprehensive MSUS of their hand

SUBMITTER: Feldmann D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9889538 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature