LAUSR

METHODS To further elucidate features of itch in SSc patients, we conducted a cross-sectional survey. The protocol for this study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at Thomas Jefferson University. Patients presenting to the rheumatology clinic with an established diagnosis of SSc were asked if they experienced itch for ≥ 6 weeks. Those who responded affirmatively completed two validated questionnaires: The Itch Questionnaire and the itch-specific quality of life (ItchyQoL) (4, 5). Itch intensity was quantified using a numeric rating scale (NRS) (range 0–10). Skin involvement was assessed using the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) (range 0–51), and affected body surface area (BSA). All analyses were performed using SPSS 24.0 with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The differences in numerical parameters between the chronic itch and without chronic itch groups were compared using t-tests when normality and homogeneity assumptions were satisfied, otherwise Mann Whitney U tests were used. Chi-square or Fisher’s Exact tests were used to compare categorical variables between the 2 groups.