[Progressive systemic scleroderma. Clinical spectrum and prognostic parameters in 131 patients].

The course of progressive systemic scleroderma was analysed from data collected on 131 patients. Classification was according to the extent of cutaneous involvement, type I (28%): sclerosis as far as the wrist-joint; type II (65%): sclerosis beyond the wrist-joint; type III (7%): sclerosis beginning to affect the trunk. In addition, they were subdivided into those with or without signs of systemic inflammation. The sex ratio was 3.5 females to 1 male. In half of the patients the disease manifested itself between the age of 30 and 50 years, with a clear peak about the 40th year. Serological evidence of inflammatory and immunological phenomena was present in nearly 50%, predominantly in those with type II or III. Oesophageal involvement was present in 84%, of the lung in 56% of all patients. ECG and echocardiographic changes were demonstrated in 34% of patients, while liver, intestines and kidneys were only rarely affected. The degree of organ involvement increased from type I to type III. Signs of systemic inflammation were predominantly associated with a clinically severe course.