Vasodilators Underused in Veterans With SSc

Fewer than half of veterans with potential very early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (VEDOSS) or Raynaud phenomenon (RP) and 63% of veterans with systemic sclerosis (SSc), were prescribed vasodilators, according to a study published in BMC Rheumatology.

“Use of vasodilators is standard of care for management of secondary RP, VEDOSS, and SSc,” researchers wrote. “We were unable to differentiate between primary and secondary RP in this cohort, but our data suggests that vasodilators are potentially being underutilized in [the] VEDOSS and SSc veteran population.”

The study assessed medical records for 607,665 individual US veterans deployed in support of post 9/11 operations. Researchers were interested in the occurrence of RP, VEDOSS, and SSc in the study population.

Overall, 71 veterans had SSc, 45 veterans met criteria for possible VEDOSS, and 857 veterans had RP, according to the study. Most were white men.

In addition to identifying apparent underuse of vasodilators in the affected population, the study also identified the most common comorbidities according to diagnostic codes: pain was the most common, followed by depression.

“Our data demonstrates high prevalence of depression consistent with other reports that highlight mood and pain management is an important aspect of SSc,” researchers wrote. “Our data suggests this is also true for RP and potential VEDOSS patients. This cohort provides the possible opportunity for improved management of veterans with RP, VEDOSS, and SSc.”

—Jolynn Tumolo

Reference:

Frech TM, Murtaugh MA, Amuan M, Pugh MJ. The frequency of Raynaud's phenomenon, very early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis, and systemic sclerosis in a large Veteran Health Administration database. BMC Rheumatology. 2021;5(1):42.