Survival with Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)

A life-table analysis of survivorship with scleroderma was done, using 223 patients diagnosed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and 86 patients in Memphis, Tennessee. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the two series were similar, thus allowing for both comparison of the two groups and analysis of the total 309 patients. A follow-up during 1970 was successful in 94% of all patients. No difference in survival was found between the two patient groups, the combined 7-year cumulative survivorship being 35%. Significantly decreased survival was found in older patients of both series after allowance was made for the natural increase of mortality with age. Males had significantly worse survival than females. Negroes had significantly worse survival than whites during the first year of follow-up of all patients. When no internal organ involvement was detected at entry to study, the negro prognosis was significantly worse throughout a 7-year follow-up period. Renal, cardiac, and pulmonary involvement were each independently correlated with decreased survival.