CRP and systemic sclerosis: In a phase II multicenter RCT (faSScinate), 87 patients with early dcSSc (≤ 5 years since first non-Raynaud sign or symptom) and modified Rodnan skin score 15–40 with evidence of active SSc (worsening skin thickening or ≥ 1 tendon friction rub plus elevated inflammatory markers [≥ 1 of C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 10 mg/L, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) ≥ 28 mm/h or platelets ≥ 330,000/μL]) were randomized to subcutaneous weekly tocilizumab 162 mg for 48 weeks versus placebo, followed by 48 weeks of open-label weekly tocilizumab.