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04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Gastrointestinal involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis
Ewa Wielosz1, Olga Borys, Iwona Zychowska
1Department of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland. ewaw1973@op.pl
Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnetrznej
|April 29, 2010
Summary
Gastrointestinal (GI) issues are common in systemic sclerosis (SSc), affecting 74% of patients. Upper GI symptoms are more frequent than lower GI symptoms, particularly in diffuse cutaneous SSc.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement is a significant complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- Understanding the prevalence and patterns of GI manifestations is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of GI manifestations in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 73 SSc patients (30 diffuse cutaneous SSc, 43 limited cutaneous SSc) was evaluated.
- GI involvement assessed via clinical symptoms (dysphagia, reflux, constipation, diarrhea) and radiographic examinations (barium swallow).
Main Results:
- GI symptoms were reported in 74% of SSc patients.
- Upper GI symptoms (74%) were more prevalent than lower GI symptoms (30%).
- Anticentromere antibodies were associated with a reduced risk of GI involvement.
Conclusions:
- The majority of SSc patients experience GI involvement.
- Clinical GI symptoms are more frequent in diffuse cutaneous SSc compared to limited cutaneous SSc.
- Upper GI manifestations are significantly more common than lower GI manifestations in SSc.
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