A prospective study of systemic sclerosis-related digital ulcers: prevalence, location, and functional impact

Abstract

Extensor surface ulcers have the same prevalence as digital-tip ulcers in patients with SSc, and are equally disabling. Clinical trials should therefore include both categories of DUs.

Prevalence and predictors of hand involvement in Thai patients with systemic sclerosis

“…Based on hand radiography, three radiologic patterns of hand involvement have been proposed: joint (erosion and narrowing), bone (demineralization and resorption) and soft tissue (calcinosis and flexion contracture). 6 Most reports on the prevalence of clinical and radiological hand involvement in SSc are from Western countries (Europe, 4,[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Canada 15,16 and the United States 17,18 ), with only one previous report from Asia. 19 In addition, only a small number of previous studies 7,11,12,16 have determined the differences in clinical and radiographic hand involvement between patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc).…”

Management of Raynaud Phenomenon and Digital Ulcers in Scleroderma

“…The ischemic ulcer may be denuded or covered by necrotic tissue or scab. The prevalence of digital ulceration in scleroderma has been estimated at 10% to 54% [32][33][34] and was about 15% in a recently published systematic review of the literature. 35 Certain subgroups of patients are more likely to develop ulcers.…”

“…2). 33 They must be distinguished from dry skin with a fissure, traumatic skin lesions, or ulceration caused by subcutaneous calcinosis. The avascular and fibrotic skin of scleroderma results in a decrease in skin lubrication and progressive dryness with scaling, crusted skin.…”

Treatment options in Raynaud's phenomenon

“…Digital ulcers often occur early in the disease course and are associated with significant morbidity. Digital ulcers are common; at any point 10% of patients with SSc have at least one digital ulcer [17]. Digital ulcers are associated with high levels of disability (including handrelated), and impact significantly on the activities of daily living, occupation and health-related quality of life [18].…”