Long-Term Outcomes of Scleroderma Renal Crisis

Background: Although scleroderma renal crisis, a complication of systemic sclerosis, can be treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, its long-term outcomes are not known. Objective: To determine outcomes, natural history, and risk fac-tors in patients with systemic sclerosis and scleroderma renal crisis. Design: Prospective observational cohort study. Setting: University program specializing in scleroderma. Patients: 145 patients with scleroderma renal crisis who received ACE inhibitors and 662 patients with scleroderma who did not have renal crisis. Measurements: Among patients with renal crisis, the four out-comes studied were no dialysis, temporary dialysis, permanent dialysis, and early death. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were compared to identify risk factors for specific outcomes