Lipid Parameters and Disease Complications in Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis

A prospective cohort study analyzed 38 patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) and 38 matched controls over a 3-year follow-up period. The data includes lipid parameters, endothelial dysfunction markers, and clinical lcSSc-specific parameters to investigate associations with disease complications.

Use Cases

• Analyze correlations between large low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles and endothelial microparticles to explore vascular pathology links.
• Investigate the association of triglyceride levels and triglycerides/HDL ratio with the incidence of macrovascular events in lcSSc patients.
• Assess the relationship between very low-density lipoprotein size and symmetric dimethylarginine as a marker of endothelial dysfunction.
• Examine the predictive role of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and total HDL particles on the development of interstitial lung disease.

Strengths

• Prospective 3-year follow-up design provides longitudinal observation for disease complications.
• Includes a matched control group of 38 individuals with primary Raynaud’s phenomenon for comparative analysis.
• Contains specific lipid parameters like atherogenic index and lipoprotein particle sizes linked to clinical outcomes.

Limitations

• Small sample size of 38 lcSSc patients limits statistical power and generalizability of findings.
• Exploratory study design, as noted by the authors, means results require confirmation in larger cohorts.
• Associations between lipid parameters and clinical lcSSc-specific parameters were reported as minimal or non-significant.

Provenance

Source

Leyla Schweiger via figshare.

Collection Method

Prospective exploratory cohort study with baseline analysis and 3-year follow-up.

Time Range

Study period includes a 3-year prospective observation.

Freshness

Last updated in March 2026.