SEROLOGICAL MARKERS IN SYSTEMIC SCLERODERMA: CLINICAL CORRELATIONS AND DIAGNOSTIC IMPORTANCE

Abstract

Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, vasculopathy, and abnormal immune activation. Serological markers are essential for diagnosis, classification, and prognosis, helping to confirm the diagnosis, identify clinical subtypes, and correlate with organ involvement. METHODOLOGY: Based on an integrative review conducted from August to November 2025 of national and international scientific articles published between 2011 and 2025. The research used the following descriptors from the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) search: “Systemic scleroderma,” “Autoantibodies,” “Serological markers,” “Early diagnosis,” “Clinical manifestations,” which were combined with the Boolean connector “AND/OR.” RESULTS: After applying the exclusion criteria, ten articles were selected for analysis, indicating that autoantibodies are useful in diagnosis and predictive of clinical evolution, risk of severe complications, and the need for individualized follow-up. DISCUSSION: Studies have shown that anti-RNAP III is a significant marker for identifying patients with scleroderma with a more aggressive clinical course, associated with a high risk of renal crisis. Anti-Scl-70 is linked to greater skin fibrosis, pulmonary impairment, and progression of interstitial lung disease. In general, autoantibodies help predict disease progression, anticipate complications, and guide individualized treatments, consolidating serology as an essential tool in the management of SSc. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that it is essential to expand knowledge about SSc serological markers and their correlation with clinical manifestations. The findings reinforce the potential of these markers to improve diagnostic criteria, promote early diagnosis, and guide individualized patient management. Furthermore, the importance of promoting new research that deepens these relationships in the context of the Brazilian population is emphasized.