Gender Differences in Egyptian Systemic Sclerosis Patients: A Pilot Study

Abstract
Background: Some studies have highlighted the role of gender difference in systemic sclerosis (SSc) disease presentation and outcome. Male gender was suggested among poor prognostic factors of the disease.
Aim of Study: To outline gender differences in a retrospective pilot study on 62 SSc patients as regards clinical
manifestations, laboratory data and the medications received.
Patients and Methods: This study included 62 SSc patients. Their files were retrospectively revised.  Demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations and medications received during the last visit were recorded. Modified Rodnan skin score (mRss) was used to asses skin tightness. Results: The patients were 45/62 (72.6%) females and 17/62 (27.4%) males. Their mean age was 40.5 ± 12.2 years
and mean age of onset was 32.98 ± 11.4. The limited subtype represented 67.7% of SSc patients. Males had higher mRss, but it didn't reach statistical significance (p=0.11). They had statistically significant more frequent arrythmias (p=0.043), and they received statistically significant higher prednisolone doses (p=0.002). Although statistically insignificant, females tended to have a higher frequency of limited cutaneous subtype,
pulmonary hypertension, pericardial effusion and calcinosis. Conclusion: Male SSc patients tended to have more diffuse cutaneous subtype and higher Rodnan score. They had more frequent arrhythmias (p=0.043) and received higher doses of prednisolone (p=0.002). Further longitudinal studies are needed to assess the role of gender difference in presentation, course of disease, response to treatment and outcome in SSc.