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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Scleroderma, Endothelin, clinical features, manifestation, Raynaud's phenomenon
