Various Clinical Features And Changes In Plasma Et-1 Level Of Scleroderma Patients Aghaei M1, Sedighi S1, Shirashiani M2, Gharibdost F3, Zayeni H4, Akhlaghi M3, Hezar Khani SH1, Rostamian A3, Aghdami N6, Shojaa M7,*, Gholam Mohebi E8 1Faculty of Golestan, University Of Medical Sciences 2Islamic Azad Medical University, of Tehran 3Faculty of Tehran, University Of Medical Sciences 4Faculty of Gilan, University Of Medical Sciences 6Royan Institute, Tehran 7Research Center of Osteoporesis, Tehran University Of Medical Sciences 8Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Urmia *Address for correspondence: Shojaa M, Research Center of Osteoporesis, Tehran University Of Medical Sciences. Email: Mahdieh.shojaa_mw@yahoo.com
Online published on 3 February, 2012. Abstract Introduction: Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is a generalized connective tissue disorder of unknown origin most notably characterized by skin thickening and damage of organs. Endothelin-1(ET-1) plays a role in skin fibrosis. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and correlation of different manifestations in SSc with ET-1 plasma level. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 95 patients with scleroderma in 2006 who were refereed to the Rheumatology clinic in Shariati hospital of Tehran. Questionnaire was completed and level of endothelin-1was measured in them. The data analyzed using SPSS software and statistical tests. Results: We studied 95 patients with SSc (91 women and 4 men). Diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) was diagnosed in patients and limited cutaneous SSc in 53 patients. Reynaud phenomenon (91%) was the most common manifestation. The relationship between resorption of the terminal phalanges due to fibrosis with the level of Endothelin-1 was significant (P-value <0.05). Conclusion: Raynaud's phenomenon is the most frequent sign in patients with scleroderma. Thus, it could be as a factor for diagnosis of scleroderma. Whereas, there was no significant relationship among most of manifestations with endothelin-1 plasma level, we recommend to increase sample size for the future study. Top Keywords Scleroderma, Endothelin, clinical features, manifestation, Raynaud's phenomenon. Top |