Arterial hypertension in systemic sclerosis

Introduction: Arterial hypertension (AH) is common in systemic connective tissue diseases. Aim: To evaluate the incidence of AH in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to present clinical characteristics of the group diagnosed with AH. Material and methods: The study involved 108 patients with SSc divided into two groups: with AH (+) - 45 and AH (-) - 63. Moreover, the serological profile, scleroderma renal crisis, involvement of internal organs and mortal- ity were determined. The kidney function was assessed based on creatinine concentration and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Results: AH was diagnosed in 47/108 SSc patients (41.7%). The age difference among patients was statistical- ly significant and was higher in the AH (+) SSc group (p = 0.026). The incidences of oesophageal involvement (p = 0.011), digital ulcerations (p = 0.017), and mortality (p = 0.019) were found to be significantly higher in the AH (+) SSc group. Scleroderma renal crisis was observed in 9/108 patients (8.3%). The incidence of chronic kidney dis-ease (CKD) was higher in the AH (+) SSc group, both of stage 2 (p = 0.013) and 3 (p = 0.07). Stages 4 and 5 of CKD were found only in the group with AH. Moreover, this group had a higher incidence of elevated uric acid (p = 0.007). Conclusions: AH is relatively common in patients with SSc and is associated with a significantly more severe course of the disease and higher frequency of renal involvement.