Scleroderma associated with ANCA-associated vasculitis

We have recently reported on two cases of scleroderma patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis for the first time in Korea. In order to explore the nature of this disease combination, we pooled together all the previously known cases and statistically analyzed them. Out of the 50 selected cases, survival analysis was done for comparison of the scleroderma disease period and the clinical factors associated with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients having anti-topoisomerase antibody (anti-Scl-70) and, probably, PR-3 ANCA are at a higher risk for developing AAV than patients without both anti-topoisomerase antibody and anti-centromere antibody (ACA), and patients with MPO-ANCA. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed having anti-topoisomerase antibody as a risk factor for developing AAV [OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.11-8.55), P = 0.031]. We suggest that having anti-topoisomerase antibodies may play a role among scleroderma patients in developing AAV.