Pitting in SSc: Pathophysiology and impact on the patient
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Digital pitting in systemic sclerosis: Pathophysiology and impact on the patient
IRAS ID
218867
Contact name
Ariane Herrick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 26 days
Research summary
Digital pitting is the term used to describe the loss of tissue at the tip of one or more fingers. It is a common sign in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and is included in the criteria for diagnosis. Though it is assumed to be linked to reduced tissue blood flow, very little is known about the pathophysiology and associates of pitting, and whether or not pitting itself can cause pain. This project aims to look into these variables in order to identify the pathophysiology of digital pitting and overall impact on the patient.
The overall aim is to test the hypothesis that pitting is associated with digital vascular disease severity (including reduced blood flow/low temperature) and can be painful. Specific objectives are as follows:1. To assess whether digital pitting is painful.
2. To examine whether digital pitting is associated with reduced temperature, impaired blood flow, and severity of microvascular change as assessed by nailfold capillaroscopy.
3. To examine for associates of digital pitting (e.g. disease duration, anticentromere positivity, previous digital ulceration).
4. To examine the spectrum of digital pitting using 2D and 3D photography.REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NE/0075
Date of REC Opinion
9 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion