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Objective: Certain Hispanic/Latino (Hispanic) populations have been reported to have higher rates and severity of systemic sclerosis; however, little is known of systemic sclerosis in the American Southwest. This study compared manifestations of systemic sclerosis in Hispanics with non-Hispanics of New Mexico. Methods: This cross-sectional longitudinal study included 109 systemic sclerosis patients followed over a mean of 12.6 ± 8.9 years. Subjects were repetitively evaluated including physical examination, echocardiography, chest imaging, and serologic testing and observed for complications. Disease characteristics and long-term outcomes were statistically compared between self-identified Hispanic and non-Hispanic subjects. Results: A total of 73 (67%) systemic sclerosis subjects were Hispanic and 36 (33%) were non-Hispanic. The cohorts were similar in mean age, age of systemic sclerosis onset, limited versus diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, telangiectases, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Raynaud’s phenomenon, autoantibody profile, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, scleroderma renal crisis, mortality, and comorbid malignancy (all p > 0.05). However, the standardized mortality ratio was increased in both cohorts relative to age-adjusted mortality: Hispanic: 2.08, confidence interval (1.94–2.24); non-Hispanic: 1.56, confidence interval (1.46–1.68). Furthermore, the standardized incidence ratio for malignancy was increased in both cohorts: Hispanic: 1.45, confidence interval (1.35–1.56); non-Hispanic: 1.24, confidence interval (1.16–1.34). The mean age of cancer diagnosis occurred at a significantly younger age in Hispanics (Hispanics: 53.1 ± 9.7 years; non-Hispanics 63.7 ± 7.9 years; 95% confidence interval: −19 ⩽ 10.6 ⩽ 2.2; p = 0.016). Conclusion: Systemic sclerosis phenotype, autoantibodies, complications, outcomes, malignancy rates, and mortality are generally similar between Hispanics and non-Hispanics with systemic sclerosis in the American Southwest. However, age-adjusted comorbid malignancy and mortality rates are significantly increased in both groups.

Objective: Many indigenous non-Caucasian populations, including Native Americans, have been reported to have higher rates, distinct clinical phenotypes, increased complications, and greater severity of systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, little is known of SSc specifically in Native Americans of the American Southwest. This study compared the clinical and serologic manifestations and outcomes of SSc in Native Americans and non-Native Americans (non-Natives) of this region. Methods:This cross-sectional retrospective study included 137 SSc patients ( 109[80%] were non-Native and 28 [20%] were Native Americans) followed over a mean of 11.5 ± 7.6 years. Participants were repetitively evaluated with medical history, physical examination, echocardiography, chest imaging, and serologic testing. Disease characteristics and outcomes were statistically compared between Native Americans and non-Native patients. Results:The estimated prevalence of SSc in Native Americans was 40.0 cases/100 000 vs 17.1 cases/100 000 for non-Natives (odds ratio 2.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55-3.55, P < .001). The cohorts were similar in terms age, age of onset, limited vs diffuse cutaneous SSc, telangiectasias, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Raynaud phenomenon, serologies, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, scleroderma renal crisis, cancer prevalence, and overall mortality (all P > .05). However, for Native Americans, mortality specifically from fatal infections was 3.94-fold that of non-Natives (hazard ratio 6.88, 95% CI 1.37-34.64; P < .001). Conclusion:In Native Americans of the American Southwest, SSc is increased in prevalence but is phenotypically similar to SSc in non-Natives. However, mortality due specifically to infection is increased in Native Americans with SSc.

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A woman in her late 40s with a history of psoriatic arthritis presented to us with fever, migratory rash, cervical and axillary lymphadenopathy, and generalised myalgia. Her symptoms did not improve with steroids and her inflammatory markers were in the range of 200 mg/dL for C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 71 mm/hour and ferritin of 4000 ng/mL. Infectious workup was negative. Haematological malignancy and autoimmune conditions were among the top differentials, and she was eventually diagnosed with Schnitzler syndrome. A multidisciplinary team consisting of internal medicine, rheumatology, infectious disease and haematology-oncology specialists was involved in the care of this patient. We highlight the diagnostic schema that was followed for this rare and unique constellation of symptoms.