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Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disease in Systemic Sclerosis
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake Veterans Affair Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America
|November 19, 2017
Summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) frequently affects the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), the most common internal organ involved. Understanding SSc-GIT pathophysiology and treatment is crucial for effective patient management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) involvement is highly prevalent in systemic sclerosis (SSc) but is often overlooked in diagnostic criteria.
- The pathophysiology of SSc-GIT disease mirrors that of other affected organs, involving vascular lesions, fibrotic processes, and immune system dysregulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) manifestations in systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- To elucidate the underlying pathophysiology of SSc-GIT involvement.
- To emphasize the need for an integrated diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on systemic sclerosis (SSc) and its gastrointestinal tract (GIT) manifestations.
- Analysis of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in SSc-GIT disease.
- Discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.
Main Results:
- The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is the most commonly affected internal organ in systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- Pathophysiology involves fibroproliferative vascular lesions, growth factor dysregulation, and immune system alterations, leading to neuropathy, myopathy, and fibrosis.
- Current classification criteria for SSc do not adequately incorporate GIT involvement.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of systemic sclerosis (SSc) requires a comprehensive understanding of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) involvement.
- Physicians must consider the integrated approach and potential adverse effects of medications in treating SSc-GIT manifestations.
- Further research and inclusion of GIT symptoms in diagnostic criteria are warranted.
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