Effects of cisapride on colonic transit in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis

Progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) may involve any portion of the gastrointestinal tract, including the colon. Constipation is common in patients with PSS. Cisapride, a benzamide derivative, is a potentially useful agent in the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation. The effect of cisapride on colonic transit was evaluated in 16 PSS patients by a radionuclide colonic transit method. Each patient received cisapride orally three times a day for a week. The results showed acceleration in colonic transit in response to cisapride. We conclude that cisapride is effective in the treatment of constipation in patients with PSS.