Researchers Identify Four Subtypes Of SSc-ILD

Scleroderma News Today (7/8, Bryson) reports that in a study, researchers “identified four distinct subtypes of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), each characterized by different clinical characteristics.” The research team then “analyzed outcomes for each subtype and found differing survival rates and factors associated with mortality, which may help better predict and improve patient outcomes.” In cluster 1, “skin involvement was the most common clinical sign” among patients, and lung function was “generally better than in the other clusters.” Patients in cluster 2 “had a higher proportion of men and a longer disease duration than the other clusters. Lung function was poorer,” and “nearly all patients in this group had traction bronchiectasis.” Meanwhile, patients in cluster 3 “tested negative for anti-SCL-70 antibodies, but they more commonly tested positive for RF antibody.” As for cluster 4, the disease duration “was significantly shorter than in the other clusters, with all testing positive for anti-SCL-70 antibodies.” The study was published in BMC Pulmonary Medicine.