biostudies-literatureUnknown78(2)Yang MMRheumatology Research FoundationScleroderma Research Foundation<h4>Objective</h4>Peripheral blood leukocyte telomere length (PBL-TL) shortening is associated with systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). However, its association with other organ involvement, disease severity, and survival remains unclear. This study aimed to define the relationship of TL with SSc-specific disease manifestations and outcomes.<h4>Methods</h4>PBL-TL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 244 patients with SSc and 314 healthy controls. Multivariate modeling was used to assess the association of PBL-TL with disease severity and event-free survival. Longitudinal changes in PBL-TL were measured in a subset of patients. TL was quantified in SSc skin and lung tissues by telomere fluorescence in situ hybridization.<h4>Results</h4>PBL-TLArthritis & rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.)428-437https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12936899biostudies-literatureTelomere Length of Peripheral Blood Leukocytes Predicts Disease Severity and Worse Survival in Systemic Sclerosis.PMC12936899Yang MMLee SFrench SBoin FLiu SWax MWolters PJfalseTelomere Length of Peripheral Blood Leukocytes Predicts Disease Severity and Worse Survival in Systemic Sclerosis.<h4>Objective</h4>Peripheral blood leukocyte telomere length (PBL-TL) shortening is associated with systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). However, its association with other organ involvement, disease severity, and survival remains unclear. This study aimed to define the relationship of TL with SSc-specific disease manifestations and outcomes.<h4>Methods</h4>PBL-TL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 244 patients with SSc and 314 healthy controls. Multivariate modeling was used to assess the association of PBL-TL with disease severity and event-free survival. Longitudinal changes in PBL-TL were measured in a subset of patients. TL was quantified in SSc skin and lung tissues by telomere fluorescence in situ hybridization.<h4>Results</h4>PBL-TL2026-01-01T00:00:00Z2026 Feb2026-07-16T21:58:15.553Z2026-07-11T03:08:46.124ZS-EPMC129368994096477110.1002/art.43400