Endothelin-1 level in scleroderma patients with and without fingertip pitting ulcer

Introduction:Scleroderma is a systemic disorder with unknown etiology most notably characterized by skin thickening and internal organ involvement. Endothelin-1 plays an important role in skin fibrosis. This study aimed to compare endothelin-1 level in scleroderma patients with and without fingertip pitting ulcer.Material and Methods:A cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 95 patients with scleroderma who were referred to the Rheumatology Clinic in Shariati hospital, Tehran, during 2005-2006. A questionnaire was completed and then the level of endothelin-1was measured by taking 5 ml of venous blood sample. The data were analyzed using SPSS software and statistical tests. Results:The results indicated a significant association between endothelin-1 level and fingertip pitting ulcer, number of scars and simultaneous fingertip scars and pitting ulcers on the tips of fingers or toes. There was no significant relationship between age and the level of endothelin-1. Conclusion:These data indicated that the Endothelin-1 plasma level in scleroderma patients with pitting ulcer was higher than patients without pitting ulcer. Hence, increased plasma level of endothelin-1 might be effective in vascular damage, fibrosis and skin thickness.