Whole blood viscosity in systemic sclerosis: a potential biomarker of pulmonary hypertension?

ConclusionHigher WBV levels in SSc patients were an independent indicator for PAH development in this cohort. WBV-LSR and WBV-HSR values might help exclude the PAH possibility in patients diagnosed with SSc and remain as an independently associated biomarker for follow-up of these patients for future risk of PAH development. Findings remain to be confirmed by other cohorts.Key Points• The most important cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic sclerosis patients is considered to be pulmonary arterial hypertension.• When the symptoms of PAH are not recognized earlier in the course of the SSc, the prognosis might be worse.• Higher whole blood viscosity levels in scleroderma patients with PAH was an independent indicator for PAH development.
Source: Clinical Rheumatology - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research