Table 4

Manifestations of definite SSc at routine examinations in early SSc and UCTD patients at follow-up

Early SSc

(n = 39)

UCTD

(n = 37)

P†

1° y

2° y

3° y

4° y

5° y

1° y

2° y*

Digital ulcers/scars

4

5

5

5

5 (12.8)

0

1 (2.7)

Teleangeactasias (≥2)

7

9

10

10

14 (35.9)

0

0

Skin sclerosis

0

3

4

4

4 (10.2)

0

0

mRSS (median, range)

-

2

3.5

(2 to 8)

3.5

(2 to 8)

Chest X-ray bibasilar lung fibrosis

2

2

2

2

2 (5.1)

0

1 (2.7)

Esophageal dysmotility at barium X-ray

2

2

2

2

3 (7.7)

3 (8.1)

Cardiac blocks and/or Q waves

0

0

1

2

2 (5.1)

0

0

TOTAL

30 (76.9)

5 (13.5)

< 0.0001

All data are expressed as numbers and percentages (in brackets). mRSS, modified Rodnan Skin Score; SSc, systemic sclerosis; UCTD, undifferentiated connective tissue disease; y, year. † statistical difference at the end of the follow-up period; *none of the UCTD patients developed further manifestations of definite SSc after the second year of follow-up.

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