LGALS9 and systemic sclerosis: These patients also had elevated skin involvement (mRSS) (p=0.027), disease accrual (SCTC-DI) (p<0.001), and lower FACIT fatigue scores (p=0.010) (Figures 4D–F) – highlighting the potential relationship between elevated Gal-9, SSc-associated damage indices, and fatigue.