Table 4.

Multivariate logistic regression analysis for systemic sclerosis with robust estimator

Variables	OR (95% CI)	P value
EMPs	1.002 (1.000-1.004)	0.015
Endothelin-1	1.044 (1.009-1.082)	0.012
s-Fractalkine	92.388 (2.729-3127.533)	0.035

EMP Endothelial microparticle, s-Fractalkine Soluble fractalkine

Variables introduced into this multivariate model were selected after univariate analysis (P < 0.2). The final model was established after stepwise backward elimination of non-significant variables (i.e., age, body mass index, creatinine, C-reactive protein, colony-forming unit-endothelial cells, CD34⁺ progenitor cells, CD34⁺CD45⁻ endothelial progenitor cells and vascular endothelial growth factor). Independent variables associated with systemic sclerosis with an adjusted P < 0.05 were conserved