Analysis of complement biomarkers in systemic sclerosis indicates a distinct pattern in scleroderma renal crisis

Background The complement system has been implicated in pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The goal of the present study was to evaluate improved complement biomarkers in SSc. Methods The presence of C4d, reflecting activation of the classical/lectin pathways, C3bBbP corresponding to activation of the alternative pathway, and soluble terminal complement complexes (all complement pathways), was measured in plasma samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and correlated to clinical parameters. The study included 81 patients with limited cutaneous SSc and 41 with diffuse cutaneous SSc,... Mehr ...