We then analysed all the SNPs in the Italian sample and observed that five SNPs, including three previously identified in the French sample, were associated with SSc: PLCL2 rs1372072 OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.41, P = 7.76 × 10−3; NF-kB rs7665090 OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.38, P = 9.00 × 10−3; ELMO1 rs6974491 OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.55, P = 1.93 × 10−2; RAD51B rs911263 OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.93, P = 4.18 × 10−3; and IRF8 rs11117432 OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.85, P = 5.48 × 19−4. This evidence concerns the gene IRF8 and systemic sclerosis.