Significance of Palpable Tendon Friction Rubs in Early Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis

Objective Palpable tendon friction rubs (TFRs) in systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) have been associated with diffuse skin thickening, increased disability, and poor survival. Our objective was to quantify the prognostic implications of palpable TFRs on the development of disease complications and longer‐term mortality in an incident cohort of early diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) patients. Methods We identified early dcSSc patients (disease duration 2‐fold risk of developing renal crisis and cardiac and gastrointestinal disease complications, even after adjustment for other known risk factors. Patients with TFRs had poorer 5‐ and 10‐year survival rates. Conclusion Patients with early dcSSc having ≥1 TFRs are at an increased risk of developing renal, cardiac, and gastrointestinal involvement before and after their first Scleroderma Center visit and have reduced survival. Patients presenting with TFRs should be carefully monitored for serious internal organ involvement.