Cardiac troponin T and NT-proBNP as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of primary cardiac involvement and disease severity in systemic sclerosis: A prospective study.

Objectives: The aim of our study was to define the role of high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and NT-proBNP in identifying Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients with cardiac involvement and at higher risk of cardiac death.

Methods: Plasma hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP concentrations were measured in 245 SSc-patients.

Results: hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP levels were higher in SSc-patients than in healthy controls.

Prognostic Role of Ventricular Ectopic Beats in Systemic Sclerosis: A Prospective Cohort Study Shows ECG Indexes Predicting the Worse Outcome.

Background: Arrhythmias are frequent in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and portend a bad prognosis, accounting alone for 6% of total deaths. Many of these patients die suddenly, thus prevention and intensified risk-stratification represent unmet medical needs. The major goal of this study was the definition of ECG indexes of poor prognosis.

Tumour-associated antigens in systemic sclerosis patients with interstitial lung disease: association with lung involvement and cancer risk.

Objective: To evaluate the serum levels of tumour-associated antigens (TAAs) in patients with SSc and interstitial lung disease (ILD) and to define whether their levels mirror the severity and the progression of lung damage.

Methods: Data from 80 SSc patients with ILD were collected at baseline and after 2 years as well as from 40 SSc controls without ILD. The occurrence of any malignancy was recorded.

Long-term efficacy of B cell depletion therapy on lung and skin involvement in diffuse systemic sclerosis.

Objectives: To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of single and multiple courses of rituximab therapy in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with and without lung disease.

Methods: A total of 20 SSc patients with a diffuse disease were treated with rituximab. At baseline and during follow-up the lung involvement was evaluated with pulmonary function tests (FVC and DLCO) and with lung high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT).