Time interval to diagnosis in scleroderma patients and related factors with diagnosis time interval

Objective. The diagnosis of scleroderma can be difficult due to its rarity and heterogeneity. Raynaud phenomen is common and often first symptom of disease but not spesific for scleroderma. We aim to determine the time interval between diagnosis to onset of Raynaud phenomen and also to onset of first non-Raynaud symptom. We also aim to determine related factors with diagnosis time. Method: After removing the patients that match with the exclusion criteria, we investigated remaining 135 patients with scleroderma diagnosis. Demographic and clinical datas of patients were recorded. Time interval between diagnosis to Raynaud and first non-Raynaud symptom onset, the number of physicians that examined the patients in hospital admissions were recorded according to patient reports. Additionally, patient were asked whether they were referred to romatologist by health care worker acquaintances. Results: There were no statically association between demographic parametres and time to diagnosis, average number of physicians that examined the patients in hospital admissions ( p>0,05). Time interval between diagnosis to Raynaud phenomen onset is significantly shorter for diffuse SSc than limited SSc ( p: 0,008). There was significantly association between MRS score and time interval between diagnosis to Raynaud phenomen onset (p: 0,037). There were no significant association detected between any parametres and time interval between diagnosis to first non-Raynaud symptom. There was significantly correlation between the occurence health care worker acquaintances and the average number of physicians that examined the patients in hospital admissions (p: 0,011) Conclusion: Time interval between diagnosis to Raynaud phenomen onset is significantly longer for limited SSc than diffuse SSc ( p: 0,008). Time to diagnosis from Raynaud onset is significantly longer for patient with low MRS score. The average number of phsician that examined the patients in hospital admissions is less for patient referred to romatologist by health care worker acquaintances.