Step 1: Risk Factors for Scleroderma-ILD.
Scleroderma-ILD is a form of CTD-ILD that specifically occurs in patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderm. The risk factors for developing scleroderma-ILD include:
Step 2: Key Risk Factors.
- Limited cutaneous disease: Patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (where skin involvement is confined to the fingers, hands, and face) have a higher risk of developing ILD.
- Presence of anti-Scl-70 antibodies (anti-topoisomerase I): These antibodies are strongly associated with the development of lung fibrosis and ILD in scleroderma.
- Older age: Older age at the onset of systemic sclerosis is linked with a higher likelihood of developing ILD.
- Male gender: Although systemic sclerosis is more common in women, men with scleroderma have a higher risk of developing ILD.
- Pulmonary function abnormalities: Reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) are predictive of the development of ILD in scleroderma.