Seizures in systemic sclerosis

Author(s)

Araujo, Fernando Glasner ^[1] ; Amaral, Tiago Nardi ^[2] ; Appenzeller, Simone ^[2] ; de Carvalho, Jozelio Freire ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Bahia, Div Rheumatol, Hosp Univ Prof Edgard Santos, Sch Med Salvador, BR-41810080 Salvador, BA - Brazil

^[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, Div Rheumatol, Fac Med Sci, Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL; v. 33, n. 7, p. 1721-1724, JUL 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of seizures in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to determine the clinical and laboratory features associated with their occurrence. Thirty-four SSc patients (ACR criteria) were analyzed by a standard interview, physical examination, and review of medical charts. Risk factors for seizures, clinical manifestations, associated co-morbidities and current treatment were evaluated. We identified 3 (8.8 %) SSc patients with seizures. A higher median age {[}61 (35-64) vs. 48 (27-71) years, p = 0.0005] and higher activity score {[}4.75 (4.5-5.0) vs. 2.5 (0-5-5) years, p = 0.006] were observed in SSc patients with seizures. No other clinical or laboratory feature was associated with the occurrence of seizure in this cohort. This study demonstrated a higher prevalence of seizures in SSc when compared to general population. Seizures were associated with older age and higher activity score in this cohort. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/06049-6 - Blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers associated with structural and functional central nervous system abnormalities in Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Grantee: Simone Appenzeller
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Young Researchers
• FAPESP's process: 08/02917-0 - Blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers associated with structural and functional central nervous system abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus
• Grantee: Simone Appenzeller
• Support type: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants