Beyond two diseases: Unveiling the unique clinical realities of systemic sclerosis - systemic lupus erythematosus overlap syndrome
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Keywords
Lupus Erythematosus Systemic, Scleroderma Systemic, Collagen diseases vaculitis
Abstract
Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are chronic autoimmune connective tissue diseases. Their coexistence, known as SSc-SLE overlap syndrome (OS), creates a complex and uncommon clinical scenario, particu- larly underexplored in Brazilian populations. This study aimed to characterize and compare the clinical profiles of patients with SSc, SLE, and OS. Methods: A retrospective, observational, cross-sec- tional study was conducted through medical record review from a rheumatology referral service. A total of 103 patients were included: 44 with SSc, 39 with SLE, and 20 with OS. Inclusion followed the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria for SSc and the 2019 ACR/EULAR cri- teria for SLE. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were analyzed. Results: SLE patients were diagnosed at a younger age (32.8 years) compared to SSc patients (47.7 years), while OS patients showed intermediate values (35.2 years). Females predo- minated, with a higher proportion of African-descendant patients in the OS group (52.6%). Raynaud’s phenomenon was universal in OS (100%). Interstitial lung disease was more frequent in SSc (75%) and OS (50%). Anti-U1RNP antibodies were positive in 70% of OS cases, and lymphopenia was observed in 95%. Conclusion: OS represents a distinct clinical entity combining pulmonary and joint involvement, serological heterogeneity, and predominance among young African-descendant women.
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