Table 2

Preclinical alterations of heart, lung and esophageal function in early SSc and UCTD patients

Early SSc

(n = 39)

UCTD

(n = 37)

P

E/A ratio <1*

2/31 (6.5)

1/26 (3.8)

ns

DLCO <80%

11/39 (28.2)

10/37 (27)

ns

FVC <80%

1/39 (2.6)

1/37 (2.7)

ns

Basal LES pressure <15 mmHg

11/36 (30.6)

4/27 (14.8)

ns

One or more functional alteration

19/39 (48.7)

14/37 (37.8)

ns

*not alternatively explained. All data are expressed as numbers and percentages (in brackets). DLCO, diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide; E/A ratio <1, inverted ratio between early (E)/late (atrial = A) ventricular filling velocity; FVC, forced vital capacity; LES, low esophageal sphincter; SSc, systemic sclerosis; UCTD, undifferentiated connective tissue disease

Valentini et al. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2012 14:R188   doi:10.1186/ar4019