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Seizures in systemic sclerosis

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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.

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Acknowledgments

Carvalho JF received grants from Federico Foundation and CNPq (300665/2009-1); Apenzeller S received grants from CNPq (2009/06049-6) and FAPESP (2008/02917-0).

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The authors declare no conflict of interests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rheumatology Division, Hospital Universitário Prof. Edgard Santos, School of Medicine Salvador, Federal University of Bahia, Rua das Violetas, 42, ap. 502, Salvador, Bahia, 41810-080, Brazil

    Fernando Glasner Araújo & Jozélio Freire de Carvalho

  2. Rheumatology Division, Faculty of Medical Science, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil

    Tiago Nardi Amaral & Simone Appenzeller

Authors
  1. Fernando Glasner Araújo
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  2. Tiago Nardi Amaral
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  3. Simone Appenzeller
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  4. Jozélio Freire de Carvalho
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Correspondence to Jozélio Freire de Carvalho.

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Araújo, F.G., Amaral, T.N., Appenzeller, S. et al. Seizures in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatol Int 33, 1721–1724 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-012-2630-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-012-2630-y

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