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Interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis—a retrospective cross-sectional study in Taiwan

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES : Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a crucial manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc), which has not been studied much in Asians. METHODS: The electronic medical records of 110 SSc patients between April 2000 and December 2020 were comprehensively examined, including clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, pulmonary functions, and high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) of the chest. RESULTS: Among 26 men and 84 women with a median age of 61 years in SSc cohort, 52 (47.3%) presented with ILD. The actual prevalence of ILD in SSc cohort was estimated between 10.5% and 47.3%. The most common form was usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP). The total lung capacity (TLC)/diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO), renal function, and CRP were poorer in the SSc-ILD who smoked less than the counterpart without ILD. A weighted score incorporated from essential parameters (risk of ILD = TLC - 0.1 × ESR - 1.5 × CRP) has modest power (ROC AUC 0.7242) to predict ILD. The main causes of death in the SSc-ILD were infections (72.7%), pulmonary hypertension (PH, OR = 18.81, 95% CI = 2.11-167.70), and renal failure (OR = 33.6, 95% CI = 2.00-546.10). CONCLUSION: The SSc-ILD have lower TLC/DLCO, higher CRP, and poorer renal function than the SSc without ILD. Early-onset dyspnea, PH, and renal failure may be independent risk factors for mortality in SSc-ILD. Key Points • 110 SSc (M: F=26:84) were retrospectively analyzed for ILD, with 10.5-47.3% presenting with ILD (UIP the most). • Risk of ILD in SSc = TLC - 0.1 × ESR - 1.5 × CRP can apply in this cohort. • Death originated from infections, PH, and renal failure in addition to early-onset dyspnea in this cohort.

Source: Clinical Rheumatology

DOI: 10.1007/s10067-025-07913-y