This article appears in the following Rheumatology issue: Ten years of partnership: translating ideas into progress in systemic sclerosis [View the issue table of contents]
Reviews |
Gastrointestinal complications: the most frequent internal complications of systemic sclerosis
1Department of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, University College Hospital, London, UK and 2Department of Internal Medicine, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.
Correspondence to: A. Forbes, Department of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Maple House, University College Hospital, 235 Euston Road, London NW1 2BU, UK. E-mail: a.forbes{at}ucl.ac.uk
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Abstract |
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Manifestations of SSc in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are common, occurring in 50–90% of patients. They typically result from the fibrosis that characterizes this disease. Manifestations of SSc can affect many sites within the GI tract, and patients may experience substantial dysfunction in the processes of motility, digestion, absorption and excretion. Oesophageal dysfunction is the most common GI manifestation, but patients may also experience dysfunction of the stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, each of which can be responsible for severe and distressing symptoms. At present, few specific therapeutic options are available for the treatment of these patients, but relief of symptoms is often possible with appropriate knowledge and support. It is therefore particularly important to identify, monitor and manage these patients carefully, with a view to minimizing further degeneration and maximizing quality of life.
KEY WORDS: Gastrointestinal tract, Oesophagus, Stomach, Small intestine, Large intestine, Rectum, Anus, Systemic sclerosis
Submitted 20 May 2008;
revised version accepted 1 December 2008.
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