Artery Research

Volume 1, Issue S1, June 2006, Pages S43 - S43

P.068 ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION AND ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN PATIENTS WITH SCLERODERMIA

Authors
M. Bernardini*, Y. Plantinga, L. Ghiadoni, L. Bazzichi, S. Bombardieri, S. Taddei, A. Salvetti
University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Available Online 13 June 2007.
DOI
10.1016/S1872-9312(07)70091-1How to use a DOI?
Open Access
This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC license.

In 40 patients (36 females, mean age 56±13 years) with capillaroscopic pattern of sclerodermia (SSc) and 30 matched healthy subjects (27 females), we assessed endothelium-dependent (flow-mediated dilation, FMD), and -independent vasodilation (sublingual administration of glycerol trinitrate, GTN, 25 μg), by ultrasounds and computerized analysis. Augmentation index (AIx) and brachial pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed by applanation tonometry (Sphygmocor®). Disease activity and severity scores and inflammatory parameters (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR; C reactive protein, CRP; interleukin-6, IL-6) were evaluated.

FMD was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in SSc (4.3±2.3%) than in controls (6.9±3.3%), while response to GTN was similar. FMD was not related to disease’s activity and severity score or CRP and IL-6 levels. AIx (26.0±13.1 vs 24.8±7.5% %) and PVW (8.8±1.4 vs 8.3±1.4m/s) were not significantly different in SSc as compared to controls. However, AIx was significantly (p < 0.05 or less) related to activity (r = 0.30) and severity score (r = 0.30), ESR (r = 0.32), but not with CRP and IL-6 levels. AIx was related to age (r = 0.65), total cholesterol (r = 0.49) and systolic blood pressure (PAS, r = 0.33). PWV was significantly (p < 0.05 or less) related to severity score (r = 0.49), CRP (r = 0.47) and total cholesterol (r = 0.49) levels, but not to activity score, ESR or IL-6 levels.

In conclusion, SSc patients show marked endothelial dysfunction in the peripheral macrocirculation, which is not related with disease’s grade. Upper limb arterial stiffness seems not to be affected by SSc, but increased indexes of arterial stiffening are related to greater disease activity and severity, inflammatory markers and cardiovascular risk factors.

Journal
Artery Research
Volume-Issue
1 - S1
Pages
S43 - S43
Publication Date
2007/06/13
ISSN (Online)
1876-4401
ISSN (Print)
1872-9312
DOI
10.1016/S1872-9312(07)70091-1How to use a DOI?
Open Access
This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC license.

Cite this article

TY  - JOUR
AU  - M. Bernardini*
AU  - Y. Plantinga
AU  - L. Ghiadoni
AU  - L. Bazzichi
AU  - S. Bombardieri
AU  - S. Taddei
AU  - A. Salvetti
PY  - 2007
DA  - 2007/06/13
TI  - P.068 ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION AND ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN PATIENTS WITH SCLERODERMIA
JO  - Artery Research
SP  - S43
EP  - S43
VL  - 1
IS  - S1
SN  - 1876-4401
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1016/S1872-9312(07)70091-1
DO  - 10.1016/S1872-9312(07)70091-1
ID  - Bernardini*2007
ER  -