Table 1.
Study patient characteristics
| SSc participants (N=17) | Healthy controls (N=17) | |
|---|---|---|
| Age (years) | Median 52.1 (IR 46.6, 63.0) | 55.0 (IR 51.0, 62.0) |
| Female | 15 (88.2%) | 15 (88.2%) |
| Race | ||
| White | 9 (52.9%) | 15 (88.2%) |
| Asian | 2 (11.8%) | 0 |
| More than one race | 4 (23.5%) | 0 |
| Other | 2 (11.8%) | 1 (5.9%) |
| Hispanic | 6 (35.3%) | 1 (5.9%) |
| Diffuse cutaneous disease | 6 (35.3%) | NA |
| SSc disease duration (years) | Median 6.6 (IR 2.5, 16.4) | NA |
| ANA positive | 15/16 (93.8%) | NA |
| Scl-70 positive | 3/11 (27.3%) | |
| Anti-centromere positive | 5/11 (45.5%) | |
| HRCT-Defined Interstitial Lung Disease | 12/17 (70.6%) | NA |
| Current prednisone use* | 3 (17.6%) | NA |
| Current other immunosuppressant use † | 3 (17.6%) | NA |
| Current use of probiotic oral supplement ‡ | 3 (17.6%) | NA |
| Current use of proton pump inhibitor | 10 (58.8%) | |
| Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ-DI), 0–3 | Mean 1.1 (SD 0.6) | NA |
| Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) 2.0 Total Score § | Mean 0.7 (0.6) | NA |
| Distension/Bloating Score § | Mean 1.5 (0.9) | NA |
| Diarrhea Score¶ | Mean 0.4 (0.6) | NA |
| Fecal Soilage Score¶ | Mean 0.5 (0.9) | NA |
| Constipation Score § | Mean 0.7 (0.7) | NA |
| Emotional Well-Being Score § | Mean 0.5 (0.7) | NA |
| Social Functioning Score § | Mean 0.5 (0.5) | NA |
Values are n (%), except where otherwise noted.
*
Dosages of prednisone were ≤10 mg daily.
†
Immunosuppressant medications included mycophenolate (N=1) and azathioprine (N=2).
‡
Probiotics used included Culturelle (N=1), Florify (N=1), and Align (N=1). Probiotics were not consumed within 3 weeks of the colonoscopy.
§
Score indicates moderate symptom severity.[18]
¶
Score indicates mild symptom severity.[18]