title: Seizures in systemic sclerosis.
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.
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: Fernando Glasner
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Araújo
authors.forename: Tiago Nardi
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Amaral
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Appenzeller
authors.forename: Jozélio Freire
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: de Carvalho
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult