Abstract

In systemic sclerosis (SSc), the gastrointestinal (GI) system is the most frequently affected internal organ system, with involvement extending from the mouth to the anus. The aim of this study was to define GI involvement and malnutrition risk in SSc patients and to investigate the relationship of GI with other SSc-related organ pathologies. This single-center, observational cross-sectional study included patients with SSc according to the 2013 criteria of the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism, and healthy volunteers. The severity of gastrointestinal symptoms was assessed with the University of California, Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract 2.0 (UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0), dysphagia with the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), and nutritional status with the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) questionnaire. The study included 93 SSc patients and 71 controls. According to the UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 questionnaire of SSc patients, the severity of digestive system symptoms was mild. UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 total score, reflux, abdominal distension, social functioning, emotional well-being symptom scores were statistically higher in the patient group than in the control group. Dysphagia symptoms and malnutrition were more common in SSc patients compared to the control group (p10 and interstitial lung disease with EAT-10, and mRSS>10 and dyspnea with MNA-SF. conclusion, GI symptoms are frequently seen in SSc patients and may result in many complications ranging from impaired quality of life to death. It is important to evaluate and increase awareness of risk factors associated with GI disorders, dysphagia and malnutrition in SSc patients.

Key words: Dysphagia, systemic sclerosis, gastrointestinal involvement