Management of gastrointestinal manifestations in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations are often seen in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), although in previous years it has not received the same emphasis as other organ systems affected by this disease. In the past 5 years there has been a higher emphasis on these manifestations and more work is being carried out to identify and describe them, and to also formulate therapeutic strategies to deal with them. SSc can involve almost all parts of the GI tract, with some manifestations greatly diminishing quality of life for these patients. As esophageal manifestations are the most common GI manifestation of SSc,they have been the subject of a lot of research, and successful treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease has been shown to reverse damage. Managing bacterial overgrowth and malnutrition in these patients, while difficult, has improved and patients are having better outcomes and improved quality of life. The research needs for this particular aspect of SSc are still very high, although the incr...