Evaluation of Effectiveness of Acetylsalicylic Acid on Markers of Vascular Dysfunction in Scleroderma Patients

Evaluation of Effectiveness of Acetylsalicylic Acid on Markers of Vascular Dysfunction in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by vascular changes in the microcirculation (small blood vessels) and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. It is believed that vascular changes, expressed early by the Raynaud phenomenon, precede fibrosis and organic dysfunction. There is no available treatment that reverses the vascular damage caused by the disease to the moment, although there are several medications recommended for the relief of manifestations due to vascular injury. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is one of the medications that can be used for the treatment of vascular injury present in systemic sclerosis, but still without a fully proven benefit. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ASA on microcirculation alterations in patients with systemic sclerosis by performing three exams: periungual panoramic capillary microscopy, videocapillaroscopy and laser Doppler imaging. In addition, a blood sample will be collected for dosing the following vascular lesion markers: endothelin-1, von Willebrand factor, thromboxane, and platelet-derived, endothelial-derived and monocyte-derived microparticles.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Fulfill Systemic sclerosis EULAR/American College of Rheumatology 2013 classification criteria;
• Pharmacological treatment with stable dosages for the last three months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy;
• Use of anticoagulants, NSAIDs or antiplatelets drugs;
• Diagnose of other autoimmune rheumatic diseases, coronary diseases, cerebrovascular diseases and severe peripheral artery diseases;
• Active infection;
• Contraindication to acetylsalicylic acid use.