Construct validity evaluation of the European Scleroderma Study Group activity index, and investigation of possible new disease activity markers in systemic sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the construct validity of the European Scleroderma Study Group (EScSG) activity index and to propose modifications if necessary.


METHODS
One hundred and thirty-one consecutive patients were investigated and re-evaluated 1 year later. Modified Rodnan skin score (MRSS), skin ulcers and joint contracture numbers, hand anatomic index (HAI), BMI, spirometry, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DL(CO)), left ventricular ejection fraction, pulmonary arterial hypertension, HAQ Disability Index (HAQ-DI), patient skin self-assessment questionnaire and several biomarkers were recorded, in addition to the data required for the EScSG activity index. Statistical analysis was performed by categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA).


RESULTS
The EScSG activity index appeared in the same dimension as the HAQ-DI, ulcer score and joint contractures, MRSS, patient-reported skin score and HAI by CATPCA. Parameters of lung involvement appeared in another dimension. We constructed a 12-point activity index that was equally associated with both dimensions, by adding the forced vital capacity/DL(CO), change in DL(CO), change in the ulcer scores, HAQ-DI and patient-reported skin score. Biomarkers including vascular endothelial growth factor, soluble P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1, CRP and albumin were related to both the EScSG and the 12-point index, though they did not improve the total variance of the model.


CONCLUSIONS
The construct validity of the EScSG activity index is good, though the lung-related disease activity may not be sufficiently represented. Further validation steps may be required for both the EScSG and our 12-point activity index.
Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Clinic Center, University of Pécs, Akác u. 1, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary.
Tünde
T
Minier
Zoltán
Z
Nagy
Zsófia
Z
Bálint
Helka
H
Farkas
Judit
J
Radics
Gábor
G
Kumánovics
Tamás
T
Czömpöly
Diána
D
Simon
Cecília
C
Varjú
Péter
P
Németh
László
L
Czirják
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D015415:Biomarkers