Research suggests that
statins could be useful to treat vascular manifestations related to
systemic sclerosis, but data on their potential clinical benefits remain limited. Previous studies suggested that
statins increase the number of circulating endothelial precursor cells, and thereby improve the severity of Raynaud's phenomenon. Abou-Raya et al. have published the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the effect of
statins on clinical outcomes in the vascular manifestations of
systemic sclerosis. They observed significant reductions in the overall number of
digital ulcers and in the mean number of new
digital ulcers per patient in the
statin group. In addition,
statin-treated patients experienced significant improvements in disability scores and functional status. The data from this study indicate that
statins might improve endothelial function, thereby contributing to clinical, functional recovery. These results pave the way for large studies on the use of
statins in vascular complications related to
systemic sclerosis.