Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSC) affects the urinary bladder and many other body organs. Systemic sclerosis commonly manifests as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which are usually reported using validated questionnaires. This study aimed to correlate questionnaire-reported LUTS with urodynamic findings in patients with SSC. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at our center between August 2018 and July 2021. Lower urinary tract symptoms were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Modules and ICIQ Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Module and urodynamic studies. Univariate analyses were then performed on variables affecting detrusor activity. Results: This study included 22 patients (5 men, 17 women). The mean ± standard deviation age, body mass index, and disease duration were 37.2 ± 11.1 years, 25.5 ± 4.2 kg/m ² , and 6.2 ± 5.3 years, respectively. Lower urinary tract symptoms occurred in 19 (86.4%) patients, of whom 18 (94.7%) had mild to moderate symptoms. The ICIQ scores for voiding and filling symptoms were higher than those for incontinence. The most frequent organ involvements included Raynaud’s phenomenon in 22 (100%), skin conditions in 20 (90.9%), gastrointestinal tract maladies in 17 (77.3%), joint disorders in 16 (72.7%), and lung diseases in 14 (63.6%) patients. Abnormal detrusor contractions occurred in only 5 patients (22.7%). Univariate analyses showed that disease duration <5 years ( p = 0.010), nonobstructive uroflowmetry findings ( p = 0.024), absence of incontinence ( p = 0.024) and telangiectasia ( p = 0.010), and negative rheumatoid factors ( p = 0.043) were significantly associated with normal detrusor contractions. Conclusions: Mild to moderate severity of ICIQ-measured LUTS affected most patients with SSC but was not correlated with urodynamic findings. Normal detrusor contractions were significantly associated with shorter disease duration, nonobstructive uroflowmetry findings, absence of incontinence and telangiectasia, and negative rheumatoid factors.

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a rheumatic disorder characterized by widespread persistent pain, hyperalgesia, and allodynia. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of FM among Egyptian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its effect on their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Materials and methods: This cross-sectional analytical multicenter study was conducted on 550 Egyptian SLE patients. The patients’ sociodemographic characteristics, clinical and therapeutic data, and sleeping patterns were collected. SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) was assessed. We employed the 2016 revisions to the 2010/2011 FM diagnostic criteria to determine the presence of FM and the patients administered the Short-Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36). Results: The mean (SD) age was 32.72 (9.90) years, and 91.3% were female. Of 550 Egyptian SLE patients, 119 (21.6%) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of FM. The FM group was statistically significantly associated with higher age ( P = 0.001), body mass index (BMI) ( P = 0.008), longer SLE duration ( p < 0.001), and higher scores of SLEDAI ( p < 0.001). Also, living alone ( p < 0.001), chronic psychiatric disease ( p = 0.008), chronic kidney disease ( p = 0.025), and chronic hemodialysis ( p = 0.042) were significantly higher among the FM group. Sleep disorders, such as snoring and sleep apnea, were more prevalent among FM patients. The average sleep hours were significantly lower among the FM group ( p < 0.001). FM patients had statistically significantly lower scores across all domains of SF36. Conclusion: FM is prevalent among Egyptian SLE patients, and shows significant associations with age, BMI, SLE duration and activity, and disturbed sleep pattern and has a negative impact on their HRQoL. Therefore, early detection and treatment are recommended.