Prospective evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms in systemic sclerosis (SSc)

Background: SSc is accompanied by gastrointestinal fibrosis and smooth muscle atrophy accompanied by autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The consequences are impaired contractile, secretory and absorptive functions of the gastrointestinal tract. There are diverse prevalences of symptoms representing gastrointestinal involvement of SSc mostly due to inappropriate evaluation methods.

Aim: To assess the frequency the symptoms of gastrointestinal manifestations in SSc.

Methods: 145 patients with established diagnosis of SSc were investigated. A questionnaire was designed to assess the frequency of different gastrointestinal symptoms. The files of the patients were also reviewed to retrospectively assess gastrointestinal involvement of SSc.

Results: Retrospective-prospective analysis (%). Sicca symptoms: 62–56, swallowing disorder: 42–54, heartburn: 49–61, abdominal distention: 37–53, constipation: 25–53, diarrhoea: 17–31, fecal incontinence: 5–13.

Conclusion: Gastrointestinal involvement of SSc is common. Much gastrointestinal symptoms can be discovered by the application of a questionnaire designed to explore such manifestations.