CD21low B cells are predictive markers of new digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis. (6th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Visentini, Marcella; Pellicano, Chiara; Leodori, Giorgia; Marrapodi, Ramona; Colantuono, Stefania; Gigante, Antonietta; Casato, Milvia; Rosato, Edoardo
• Is Part Of: Clinical and experimental immunology. Volume 205:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 128
• Page End: 134
• Publication Date: 2021-06-06
• Subjects: B cells -- CD21low -- connective tissue diseases -- digital ulcers -- major vascular complications -- raynaud's phenomenon -- systemic sclerosis; Immunopathology -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1111/cei.13604
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-9104

Abstract

Summary: The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive role of CD21 low B cells as markers of new digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients. Peripheral blood B cell subpopulations and clinical assessments have been evaluated in 74 systemic sclerosis patients at baseline and after a 12-month follow-up. After a 12-month follow-up, 23 (31.1%) systemic sclerosis patients developed new digital ulcers. The median percentage of CD21 low B cells was significantly higher in patients with than without new digital ulcers [10.1 (4.3–13.6) versus 4.8 (3.5–7.4); p < 0.01]. The 10% cut-off shows good diagnostic accuracy [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.732, confidence interval (CI) = 0.587–0.878; P = 0.01]. Kaplan–Meier curves show a significantly reduced free survival from new digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients with CD21 low B cells ≥ 10% ( p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, CD21 low B cells ≥ 10%, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) are associated with the development of new digital ulcers. We hypothesize that CD21 low B cells are a predictive marker of new digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients. Graphical Abstract: