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Assessment of gastrointestinal involvement
P J Clements1, R Becvar, A A Drosos
1Division of Rheumatology/Medicine, Rm 32-59, 1000 Veteran Avenue, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA. pclements@mednet.ucla.edu
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|August 2, 2003
Summary
This study identifies key clinical, lab, and instrumental tools for assessing gastrointestinal issues in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. A core set of validated variables was selected for consistent clinical investigations.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Research Methodology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) frequently causes gastrointestinal (GI) complications.
- Standardized assessment tools are needed for clinical trials involving SSc patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify validated clinical, laboratory, and instrumental tools for assessing GI involvement in SSc.
- To establish a minimal core set of variables for consistent GI assessment in SSc clinical studies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of pertinent studies.
- Selection of variables based on validity, reliability, and feasibility.
- Identification of a core set for esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and anorectum.
Main Results:
- A curated list of assessment tools for SSc GI involvement has been identified.
- A minimal core set of variables suitable for clinical investigation was established.
- The selected tools cover all major segments of the GI tract.
Conclusions:
- The identified core set provides a standardized approach for evaluating GI manifestations in SSc.
- These tools will enhance the consistency and comparability of clinical investigational studies in SSc.
- This framework supports better understanding and management of GI complications in systemic sclerosis.