Comparative Analysis of Clinical Features and Autoantibody Profiles in Systemic Sclerosis Patients Among Jewish and Arab Populations in Israel.

Abstract

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Its expression can vary across ethnic groups.

Objectives: To compare clinical and serological manifestations of SSc between Jewish and Arab patients in Israel.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center study included 100 patients with SSc selected from our rheumatology clinic at Meir Medical Center, comprising 50 Jewish and 50 Arab patients with available complete clinical and laboratory data. Demographic characteristics, disease features, autoantibody profiles, organ involvement, and treatment patterns were collected.

Results: Most clinical, laboratory, and treatment variables did not differ significantly between Jewish and Arab patients. Significant difference was the higher prevalence of skin telangiectasia in Jewish patients (86%) compared to Arab patients (38%) (P < 0.001) as well as Raynaud phenomenon and pulmonary hypertension. Other manifestations, including organ involvement and autoantibody prevalence, were similar across the groups.

Conclusions: This study reveals significant similarities in the clinical and serological expression of SSc between Jewish and Arab patients in Israel. The higher prevalence of telangiectasia in Jewish patients suggests a possible ethnic or environmental influence on vascular manifestations. Further research is needed to explore the potential genetic or environmental factors contributing to this difference and to assess if this impacts disease progression or treatment outcomes.