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High systolic pulmonary artery pressure can increase mortality risk in systemic sclerosis patients
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Systolic pulmonary artery pressure higher than 36 mm Hg increased the risk of mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis as measured by electrocardiography, according to recently published study data.
The study included data from the European League Against Rheumatism Scleroderma Trial and Research (EUSTAR) database for 1,476 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and echocardiography recorded between January 2005 and December 2011. Patient data included disease symptoms, history of renal crisis and comorbidities.
The researchers used stepwise forward multivariable statistical Cox pulmonary hypertension analysis to determine selected variables’ independent effects on survival. Mean duration of follow-up was 2 years.
Data showed 31% of the patients included in the analysis had diffuse SSc. Using the index systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) of greater than 30 mm Hg as a reference, the hazard ratio for death was 1.67 when the index sPAP was between 30 36 mm Hg and 36 mm Hg. The death hazard ratio was 2.37 for sPAP between 36 mm Hg and 40 mm Hg, 3.72 for sPAP between 40 mm Hg and 50 mm Hg, and 9.75 if sPAP was higher than 50 mm Hg, according to the researchers.
Additionally, the researchers found sPAP was an independent risk factor for death a hazard ratio of 3.02 for sPAP of 36 mm Hg or greater. – by Shirley Pulawski
Disclosure: Hachulla has no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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