Prevalence, Treatment, and Outcomes of Coexistent Pulmonary Hypertension and Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis

Objective Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH). This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence, characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of PH in a cohort of patients with SSc‐associated ILD. Methods Patients with SSc‐associated ILD on high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were included in a prospective observational cohort. Patients were screened for PH based on a standardized screening algorithm and underwent right‐sided heart catheterization (RHC) if indicated. PH classification was based on hemodynamic findings and the extent of ILD on HRCT. Summary statistics and survival using the Kaplan‐Meier method were calculated. Results Of the 93 patients with SSc‐associated ILD included in the study, 76% were women and 65.6% had diffuse cutaneous SSc. The mean age was 54.9 years, and the mean SSc disease duration was 8 years. Twenty‐nine patients (31.2%) had RHC‐proven PH; of those 29 patients, 24.1% had PAH, 55.2% had World Health Organization (WHO) Group III PH, 34.5% had WHO Group III PH with pulmonary vascular resistance >3.0 Wood units, 48.3% had a PH diagnosis within 7 years of SSc onset, 82.8% received therapy for ILD, and 82.8% received therapy for PAH. The survival rate 3 years after SSc‐associated ILD diagnosis for all patients was 97%. The survival rate 3 years after PH diagnosis for those with SSc‐associated ILD and PH was 91%. Conclusion In a large cohort of patients with SSc‐associated ILD, a significant proportion of patients had coexisting PH, which often occurs early after SSc diagnosis. Most patients were treated with ILD and PAH therapies, and survival was good. Patients with SSc‐associated ILD should be evaluated for coexisting PH.