Assassi et al identified risk factors associated with fatigue in patients with systemic sclerosis. The authors are from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and members of the GENISOS Study Group.
Patient selection: early systemic sclerosis
Risk factors for fatigue:
(1) higher Medsger Gastrointestinal severity index (22.22.29)
(2) higher Medsger Joint severity index (22.22.30)
(3) anti-U1 RNP antibodies
(4) ineffective coping skills
(5) higher self-reported pain
A low baseline percent DLco (diffuse capacity of carbon monoxide) was associated with an increase in fatigue over time.
Dyspnea was not included in the multivariate model because of its relationship with fatigue.
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