Gastrointestinal Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, progressive fibrosis of the skin, and internal organ dysfunction. Gastrointestinal (GI) disease is the most frequently involved internal organ system in systemic sclerosis and can affect any region across the GI tract.^1,2 Systemic sclerosis seems to disproportionately affect the upper tract, with evidence of dysmotility in up to 90% by radionuclide transit time.³ The true prevalence of GI involvement is unknown as this may reflect a referral bias, but it is also reported that up to 70% of patients take medications that specifically address GI symptoms.² However, studies systematically assessing motility from the esophagus through the colon have not been done.¹

Severity of GI disease has also been shown to be a marker of worse prognosis and mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis.^4–6 Gastrointestinal disease can manifest with esophageal dysmotility, gastroparesis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, colonic dysmotility, and fecal incontinence. These symptoms have a profound impact on quality of life.⁵ Severity of GI disease has also been shown to correlate with higher depression scores.⁷ This often goes undiagnosed and undertreated as only a fraction of patients report antidepressant use.⁷ Severe GI disease is associated with pseudo-obstruction and malabsorption and may result in dependence on enteral or total parenteral nutrition.⁸ These complications are associated with recurrent hospitalizations, and malabsorption is an independent predictor of mortality.⁹ Given the heterogeneity of symptoms and the complexities related to management, these patients routinely challenge practicing rheumatologists. There is limited information about risk factors associated with severe GI involvement; possible risk factors include presence of anti-U3 RNP, anti-U11/U12 RNP, and anti–muscarinic-3 receptor (M3R) antibodies or African American race.^8,10–13 In this article, we review the pathophysiology, presentation, diagnostic approach, and treatment strategies for GI dysmotility in systemic sclerosis to relay relevant information to physicians in clinical practice and to clearly define gaps in the field for focus of further research. Other GI manifestations, such as gastric antral vascular ectasia and primary biliary cirrhosis, are beyond the scope of this article.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Early theories suggested that mechanisms of GI dysmotility in scleroderma may be a consequence of progressive vasculopathy. Autopsy studies assessing esophageal pathology demonstrated concentric intimal thickening of the vasculature with deposition of mucoid substance and collagen fibrils.¹⁴ There was also evidence of a fibrous cuff around the adventitia, which was frequently found to obliterate periarterial capillaries and lymphatics. This hypothesis was also supported by the correlation between the severity of Raynaud phenomenon and GI involvement.^15,16

It was later postulated that GI involvement was a consequence of autonomic dysfunction. This was supported by several similarities between esophageal disease and achalasia, a disease of parasympathetic denervation. Importantly, the histology in systemic sclerosis demonstrated differences from achalasia, including the presence of normal numbers of ganglion cells in the plexuses of the esophageal wall along with dilation and thinning of the walls.¹⁷ Further studies demonstrated that patients with achalasia often have robust improvement in peristalsis with methacholine exposure, but that nearly all patients with systemic sclerosis were resistant to methacholine challenge.¹⁸ The significant biological differences identified in these studies raised important questions about the underlying mechanisms that distinguish the 2 conditions.

Subsequent studies in patients suggested that GI dysfunction was related to a myopathy or a disease affecting the neuromuscular junction, as there was evidence of smooth muscular atrophy, often preferentially affecting the inner muscularis propria with relative sparing of the longitudinal muscle layer.^19–22 There was suggestion that this atrophy was related to duration of disease, as it was often not present early.²³ Studies of the distal GI tract showing that placement of a sacral nerve stimulator alleviated symptoms provided further evidence for the possibility of disease affecting the neuromuscular junction.²⁴

Antimyenteric neuronal antibodies were later discovered in a portion of patients with systemic sclerosis who had early presentation of severe GI disease, but were not detected in patients with idiopathic dysmotility.²⁵ Passive transfer of these antibodies into mice led to disruption of typical enteric conduction within 7 days with no overt neuronal damage with evidence of concentration-dependent inhibition.^26,27

This was later characterized as an antibody against the M3R.²⁸ Titers of anti-M3R antibodies have a positive correlation with severity of GI symptoms in patients with systemic sclerosis.¹³ Importantly, additional studies demonstrated that pooled human intravenous immunoglobulin may alleviate cholinergic dysfunction associated with GI manifestations, providing further support for anti-M3R antibodies as a potentially important mediator of GI dysmotility in scleroderma.²⁹

Although this is an attractive potential mechanism, it likely does not explain the entire spectrum of GI disease in scleroderma. Significant heterogeneity exists among patients, with some patients presenting with a predominance of upper GI dysfunction and others presenting with a predominance of lower GI dysfunction. Whereas the M3R has been shown to be responsible for lower esophageal sphincter activity, other receptors, primarily the M2R, are responsible for esophageal motility, suggesting that different biological mechanisms may be important in explaining the phenotypic differences.^30–32 Systematically defining the specific subsets of GI disease may be important to better understand the pathophysiology.

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS

The Oropharynx

Systemic sclerosis has numerous deleterious effects on the oropharynx, including reduced oral aperture, salivary hypofunction, increased risk of periodontal disease, difficulty with deglutition, and changes of the mandible. Compared with control subjects, the interincisal distance is reduced on average by 11 mm, approximately 25% of control subjects.³³ Reduced oral aperture interferes with mastication and oral hygiene. Exercises that stretch the oral aperture have been shown to alleviate interincisal distance by up to 10 mm, although these benefits are not long-lasting, and studies have shown a reduced benefit after 6 months.^34,35 Surgical approaches, including perioral fat grafting and carbon dioxide laser therapy, may have a role in refractory disease, although these therapies are experimental at this time.³⁶

Salivary dysfunction can be seen in up to half of patients with systemic sclerosis.^33,37 Approximately a third of patients who underwent labial gland biopsy were found to have periductal and/or interstitial fibrosis without lymphoid aggregates.³³ Patients with abnormal biopsies were more likely to have positive anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. There is also evidence that salivary hypofunction correlates with a greater reduction in interincisal distance. Although this is suggestive of increased fibrotic activity, these findings are independent of the pattern of skin involvement. Importantly, reduced oral aperture, salivary hypofunction, and difficulty with oral hygiene all lead to increased periodontal and carious disease compared with control subjects.³⁸ Treatment of sicca syndrome associated with systemic sclerosis remains limited. We recommend supportive therapy, maintaining hydration, and use of artificial salivary products as needed. There is limited evidence regarding the use of sialogogues in systemic sclerosis.

In addition to developing sicca symptoms, approximately 25% of patients with systemic sclerosis may develop oropharyngeal deglutition dysfunction.³⁹ Video fluoroscopy has shown that this is related to tongue-palate incompetence, inadequate pharyngeal contraction, and laryngeal and epiglottic dysfunction.^39,40 Oropharyngeal dysfunction is related to duration of disease, occurring several years after the onset of Raynaud phenomenon.³⁹ This has also been associated with esophageal and pulmonary disease. If there is evidence of oropharyngeal dysfunction on video fluoroscopic swallow study, we recommend that patients work with speech therapists to optimize swallowing mechanics and minimize risk of aspiration.

The Esophagus

Esophageal involvement in systemic sclerosis is associated with a hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter and/or reduced or absent peristalsis.⁴⁰ Esophageal involvement is highly prevalent in systemic sclerosis, involving approximately 90% of patients.^3,22,40,41 This is associated with reflux esophagitis, stricture formation, Barrett esophagus, and adenocarcinoma.^42,43

Esophageal disease has been shown to correlate with the severity of lung disease. Reflux and regurgitation positively correlate with degree of pulmonary fibrosis,^44–47 yet there is suggestion that diarrhea and lower GI involvement may negatively correlate with pulmonary fibrosis.² Studies have shown that patients with interstitial lung disease have a high frequency of symptomatic reflux along with increased occurrence of reflux episodes reaching the proximal esophagus, although the causal association has not been determined.^44–47

Presentation is variable with patients often presenting with symptoms of reflux or dysphagia. However, there is a high prevalence of esophageal disease in asymptomatic patients. When evaluated by endoscopy, up to 80% of asymptomatic patients have been found to have evidence of reflux esophagitis or dysmotility.⁴¹ Gastroesophageal reflux disease is often present early in the course of systemic sclerosis, unlike dysmotility disorders.

Evaluation for esophageal disease is directed by the initial clinical presentation. Patients who present with typical symptoms of reflux should be treated empirically, given the high prevalence in systemic sclerosis. However, if empiric therapy fails, patients require evaluation for mechanical obstruction and dysmotility. Barium swallow is often recommended as the next step in evaluation because it is able to detect both processes and is noninvasive, although endoscopy is often pursued, given the potential for simultaneous therapeutic intervention. However, the sensitivity is limited, with barium swallow detecting between 50% and 70% of all patients with dysmotility.^3,40,48 If there is concern for inadequate acid suppression, 24-hour pH monitoring may potentially be revealing. If there is concern for dysmotility, manometry has shown to have higher sensitivity and is recommended if initial evaluation is unrevealing. If there is concern for a mechanical obstruction, endoscopy is recommended because this is both diagnostic and potentially therapeutic.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is largely attributed to a hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter and dysmotility.⁴⁹ We recommend lifestyle modifications to all affected patients, including avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, sitting upright for at least 3 hours after meals, and elevation of the head of the bed.⁵⁰ Acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors or H₂-receptor antagonists is the preferred initial therapy for symptoms of reflux in patients with scleroderma.^51,52 H₂-receptor antagonists are generally useful for mild symptoms with use of proton pump inhibitors reserved for moderate to severe disease. A study evaluating the use of omeprazole in patients with scleroderma who failed ranitidine showed that use of omeprazole, between 20 and 80 mg daily, resulted in rapid symptomatic improvement, healing esophagitis, and less time with pH less than 4 during 24-hour ambulatory pH monitoring.⁵² However, more than half of patients treated with proton pump inhibitors had residual low-grade esophagitis or had recurrent episodes of pH less than 4. This has been attributed to parietal cell hypertrophy associated with increased acid secretion.⁵³ It is important to discuss the risks associated with prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors, including the association with renal insufficiency, osteoporosis, atypical fractures, pneumonia, and dementia.^54–57

Nocturnal symptoms are often present in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is reported that twice-daily dosing of a proton pump inhibitor may alleviate nocturnal symptoms.^58,59 Histamine receptor blockade in the evening is also associated with reduced nocturnal gastric acid breakthrough in any patient with twice-daily or evening use of a proton pump inhibitor.⁶⁰ However, the efficacy of prolonged use of histamine blockade is limited as studies have shown no difference in nocturnal acid breakthrough after 7 and 28 days.⁶¹ Previous studies have shown that discontinuation of histamine blockade is associated with early, symptomatic relapse.⁶² Prolonged acid suppression has not been shown to affect motility.⁵¹

If reflux persists despite acid suppression, it is recommended to pursue diagnostic testing for dysmotility, obstruction, and inadequate acid suppression. Endoscopic dilatation of a stricture is indicated if the patient has dysphagia in addition to reflux. For management of dysmotility, we recommend use of prokinetic agents. Metoclopramide has been shown to increase lower esophageal sphincter tone in patients with early disease without significant improvement in motility.^63–65 In a study of patients with systemic sclerosis with partial response to proton pump inhibitors, addition of domperidone resulted in reduced frequency and severity of symptoms and improved quality of life.⁶⁶ It is worth noting that the addition of antacids had similar results as domperidone. Domperidone is associated with cardiac arrhythmia.⁶⁷ It is not US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved but can be obtained in the United States with completion of the Investigational New Drug Application through the FDA. Prucalopride has been shown to increase antroduodenal motility and may be a potential treatment option in the future.⁶⁸ Surgical options, including esophagectomy, fundoplication, and roux-en-Y gastric bypass, have been evaluated for refractory reflux. There was symptomatic improvement in reflux and dysphagia with bypass, although surgical intervention is typically not pursued, given the risk of postoperative complications and exacerbation of nutrient deficiencies.⁶⁹

Buspirone and baclofen have recently been evaluated as agents for persistent gastroesophageal reflux. In patients with systemic sclerosis, buspirone has been shown to acutely increase the lower esophageal sphincter pressure, increase the amplitude of esophageal contractions, and alleviate fundic accommodation.⁷⁰ Use of daily buspirone for 4 weeks has been shown to alleviate symptoms associated with reflux.⁷¹ Baclofen has been shown to augment lower esophageal sphincter pressure in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and decrease reflux numbers, although this has not been studied in patients with systemic sclerosis.⁷²

The Stomach

Gastroparesis presents with early satiety, postprandial nausea, distention, and abdominal pain.⁷³ These symptoms can be seen in up to 80% of patients with systemic sclerosis.¹ Postprandial nausea and early satiety correlate best with gastroparesis. However, these symptoms are nonspecific and can be seen with gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, functional dyspepsia, Helicobacter pylori infection, and gastric outlet obstruction.⁷³

Unlike esophageal disease, evaluation for gastric dysmotility is generally required prior to initiation of therapy.⁷³ Scintigraphic gastric emptying of solids is the recommended test for evaluation of motility, with emptying at 4 hours representing the most reliable parameter. This can be done with a focused gastric-emptying study, or if more diffuse bowel involvement is suggested, a whole-gut transit study may be performed.⁷⁴ Combined gastric-emptying studies, including the assessment of both solids and liquids, increase the sensitivity for detection of gastroparesis.⁷⁵ This is important in scleroderma because delayed transit of liquids is commonly reported in this patient population.⁷⁶ Although the mechanism of abnormal emptying of liquids is unclear, studies have suggested that this finding correlates with symptoms of early satiety and anorexia in patients with scleroderma.⁷⁷ Wireless capsule motility testing is another assessment tool to evaluate gastroparesis. It detects transition from stomach to small bowel through changes in pH, pressure, and temperature. This measure is demonstrated to correlate well with the 4-hour gastric-emptying time and offers a nonradioactive alternative for patients who are unable to tolerate the meal for gastric emptying.⁷⁸ Carbon-labeled radioactive breath testing is a cheap and noninvasive alternative that can be used for assessment of gastric dysmotility.^79,80 Carbon-labeled radioactive breath testing has been shown to correlate well with scintigraphic emptying time.⁷⁹

Lifestyle modification is important for management of gastroparesis. Patients are encouraged to consume small, frequent meals. Review of the medication list is important because several medications, including opiates and neuroleptics, can affect gastric transit time.^81,82 If lifestyle modifications do not sufficiently control symptoms, prokinetic agents are recommended. Response to therapy is evaluated by symptomatic control rather than repeating functional studies.

The American College of Gastroenterology recommends metoclopramide as the first-line agent for treatment of gastroparesis.⁷³ It is a direct D₂-receptor antagonist and 5-HT₄ agonist that has been shown to alleviate nausea and postprandial distention, as well as improve gastric-emptying time.^83–85 These results are largely extracted from the treatment of gastroparesis in diabetic patients, although there are few small studies showing metoclopramide may increase gastric motility in patients with systemic sclerosis.^64,86 This should be administered orally 30 to 60 minutes before a meal to facilitate absorption. As metoclopramide crosses the blood-brain barrier, it is also associated with high rates of extrapyramidal symptoms through D₂-receptor antagonism. The FDA advised against use for more than 3 months because of the risk of tardive dyskinesia.^87–89 Metoclopramide has also been shown to prolong the QT interval and has been associated with fatal arrhythmias in patients with systemic sclerosis.⁹⁰ An electrocardiogram should be obtained prior to initiation to evaluate for prolonged QT interval.

Domperidone, a peripheral D₂-receptor antagonist, is recommended as a second-line agent.⁷³ Domperidone does not cross the blood-brain barrier and is not associated with extrapyramidal symptoms, although the pituitary remains exposed, and patients often experience symptoms of hyperprolactinemia.⁸⁷ Studies have shown that domperidone is as efficacious as metoclopramide in symptomatic improvement, and up to 90% of patients have improved quality of life.^91,92 Our center has found domperidone to be very effective for management of refractory gastroparesis. Although there is symptomatic improvement, there is not often objective evidence of improved gastric-emptying times for solid foods.^93,94

In patients with refractory gastroparesis, stimulation of the motilin receptors with erythromycin has shown benefit. Patients with diabetic gastroparesis demonstrated near resolution of gastric-emptying times following administration of intravenous erythromycin, and the improvement in gastric-emptying time was reproduced in patients with systemic sclerosis.^95,96 As the effect of erythromycin on motility seems to have a greater effect on solids, it may be more beneficial to patients with specific delays in solid gastric emptying.^96,97 Despite the objective improvement in gastric motility, patients often do not have sustained symptomatic improvement with erythromycin suggestive of tachyphylaxis.^98,99 Prolonged use is not recommended because there is also evidence that erythromycin may delay small bowel transit.^97,100–103 Erythromycin is also associated with QT-interval prolongation, and electrocardiogram monitoring is required.

Cisapride, a 5-HT₄ agonist and 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist, has been shown to alleviate postprandial symptoms and gastric transit time in patients with diabetic gastroparesis.¹⁰⁴ This was previously found to be more potent acutely than metoclopramide in patients with diabetes.¹⁰⁵ Cisapride also has the benefit of increasing esophageal contractions and lower esophageal sphincter tone and decreasing small bowel transit time, although it was also shown to increase colonic transit time.^87,106 Cisapride was withdrawn from the market because of several episodes of cardiac arrhythmia, although this risk was largely attributable to baseline long QT interval and use of CYP3A4 inhibitors.¹⁰⁷ This was thought to be due to the benzamide structure rather than serotonin agonism.⁸⁷ Buspirone, a 5-HT_1A receptor partial agonist is also demonstrated to alleviate gastric accommodation and alleviate symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia, although it has been shown to decrease gastric emptying of liquids.¹⁰⁸

Levosulpiride is another D₂-receptor antagonist used to treat gastroparesis that is not available in the United States. It has been shown to decrease gastric-emptying times and alleviate symptoms of gastroparesis.^109,110 It was shown to be superior to metoclopramide and domperidone in symptomatic improvement in patients with functional dyspepsia, although this has not been shown in patients with systemic sclerosis.¹¹¹ Prucalopride has been shown to alleviate antroduodenal motility and may have a role in gastroparesis.⁶⁸

Ghrelin is a neurohormone secreted from the stomach and small intestine in response to stretch receptors and has been shown to decrease appetite and increase gastric motility. Ghrelin infusion has been shown to alleviate symptoms and gastric emptying in patients with diabetic gastroparesis.^112,113 Similar results were reproduced in patients with systemic sclerosis, suggesting a potential target for therapy.¹¹⁴

Antiemetic therapy is often required for management of gastroparesis. Serotonin antagonists (e.g., ondansetron, granisetron), dopamine antagonists (e.g., metoclopramide, domperidone, prochlorperazine), antihistamines (e.g., promethazine, meclizine), benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam), and cannabinoids (e.g., dronabinol) have a role in management of gastroparesis. It is important to be mindful of drug-drug interactions when selecting an antiemetic.

Invasive procedures, including Botox injections and implantation of a gastric stimulator, are believed to have a limited role in systemic sclerosis.

The Small Bowel

Small bowel dysmotility may be seen in up to 60% to 80%, depending on disease duration.^115,116 Studies have shown reduced amplitude and frequency of the migrating motor complex in systemic sclerosis.^98,115 This results in delayed transit through the small bowel.¹¹⁷ Delayed small bowel transit is associated with small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and pseudo-obstruction.¹¹⁸

Small intestine bacterial overgrowth often presents with postprandial distention, nausea, diarrhea, and excessive flatulence.¹¹⁹ This is associated with malabsorption leading to deficiencies of vitamin B₁₂, iron, and fat-soluble vitamins.¹²⁰ Approximately 40% of patients with systemic sclerosis are affected by SIBO.¹²¹ The criterion standard for diagnosis is endoscopy with aspiration of proximal jejunal contents with growth of more than 100,000 colony-forming units per milliliter. The role of jejunal aspiration, an invasive procedure, has largely been replaced with the hydrogen and methane breath tests. As neither substance is created in humans, the presence of hydrogen and methane tests for fermentation of carbohydrates by intraluminal bacteria. The sensitivity ranges between 50% and 60%, and specificity between 80% and 90%, depending on the molecule ingested.¹²² Hydrogen breath tests can be affected by diet, tobacco use, carbohydrate malabsorption, gastroparesis, colonization with non–hydrogen-producing microbes, and medications.^123,124 For instance, proton pump inhibition has been shown to increase bacterial counts on jejunal aspirates without changing results from breath tests.¹²⁵

As the diagnostic yield from breath tests is limited, most clinicians prefer empiric therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Rifaximin, metronidazole, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (Augmentin), and norfloxacin have all been shown to alleviate symptoms, as well as breath testing in all patients with SIBO.^126–128 Rifaximin showed greater improvement in breath testing with fewer adverse effects when compared with metronidazole.¹²⁸ Small intestine bacterial overgrowth is typically treated for 2 weeks. If there is subjective improvement, patients can be monitored for recurrence. The risk of recurrent SIBO remains high because of ongoing small bowel dysmotility, and this is typically treated with cyclic antibiotic regimens to limit antimicrobial resistance.

The role of probiotics in management of SIBO is less clear but may have a supportive role. Probiotics have been shown to alleviate symptoms of reflux associated with SIBO.^129,130 Limited studies in systemic sclerosis have suggested symptomatic improvement in patients treated with probiotics, Align or Culturelle, for 2 months.¹³¹ The role of promotility agents in treatment of SIBO is limited, although previous studies have shown that treatment with octreotide in patients with scleroderma can reduce hydrogen breath excretion, as well as alleviate nausea, distention, and abdominal pain.¹³²

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction presents with abdominal pain, nausea, and abdominal distention. Imaging demonstrates upper intestinal distention in the absence of a mechanical obstruction. Similar to small bowel obstruction, intestinal pseudo-obstruction is often managed conservatively with bowel rest, fluid resuscitation, correction of electrolyte derangements, and empiric antibiotics for management of coexistent SIBO. It is important to discontinue any offending medications.

If there is no improvement with conservative management, prokinetic agents may be helpful. Prokinetic agents typically have a more profound effect early in the course of disease, although as smooth muscle atrophies, their role is less clear. Metoclopramide has been shown to increase motility of the small bowel in patients with scleroderma, although there is not a defined role for its use in pseudo-obstruction.¹³³ Cisapride has been shown to alleviate intestinal motility but is not associated with symptomatic improvement.¹³⁴ Intestinal transit time is not significantly affected by erythromycin.¹⁰³ Initial studies have suggested symptomatic relief in patients with recurrent pseudo-obstruction treated with pyridostigmine.¹³⁵

Octreotide, a somatostatin analog, has a role in management of chronic pseudo-obstruction. It has been shown to initiate small bowel migrating motor complexes.^114,132 In patients with systemic sclerosis who failed to respond to other prokinetic agents, octreotide was well tolerated and alleviated symptoms.¹³⁶ However, octreotide has been shown to inhibit gastric contractions in patients with systemic sclerosis.¹³² In a study of chronic pseudo-obstruction, patients receiving octreotide in addition to erythromycin, to account for inhibition of gastric contractions, had symptomatic improvement and weight gain.⁹⁸

Surgical intervention for pseudo-obstruction is avoided if possible. Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is a condition associated with pseudo-obstruction and SIBO and can generally be treated conservatively.¹³⁷ However, patients require close monitoring for bowel perforation.¹³⁸ Rarely, intervention is needed for decompression, although this is uncommon for small bowel dysmotility.

The Colon

Colonic involvement in systemic sclerosis presents with diarrhea, constipation, and fecal incontinence. These symptoms have a prominent effect on quality of life, and patients often report avoiding travel and social events because of these symptoms.¹³⁹ Constipation is often prominent early in the course and is associated with colonic dysmotility. Diarrhea often occurs with prolonged disease and is multifactorial, due to coexistent SIBO, fibrosis of lymphatic drainage, impaired reabsorption, and medications for upper GI disease. Steatorrhea and malabsorption may be markers of overlap primary biliary cirrhosis. Workup for these symptoms is often limited and directed by history, but if symptoms are refractory to standard therapy, objective testing may be pursued (e.g., sitz markers, whole-gut transit).⁷⁴ Sitz markers and capsule endoscopy do carry an associated risk of retention in this population with potentially severe dysmotility.¹⁴⁰

Lifestyle modification is important for management of constipation. Patients are encouraged to keep hydrated. Several medications can cause constipation, so it is important to evaluate the patient's medication list. We recommend evaluation of electrolyte derangements as constipation may be associated with malnutrition.

If conservative management fails, we recommend initial treatment with fiber-based, bulk-forming laxatives (e.g., psyllium, methylcellulose). Patients with upper GI involvement may find this difficult to tolerate. Osmotic laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol) have been shown to increase bowel movements and relieve symptoms in patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C), although there was no significant difference compared with placebo.¹⁴¹ Stimulant laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl, glycerol) are often used for IBS-C. Linaclotide, a selective agonist of the guanylate cyclase-C receptor, and lubiprostone, a fatty acid that activates chloride channels in the GI tract, have been shown to be efficacious in patients with refractory IBS-C.^142,143 Pyridostigmine has not been shown to be effective in treatment of constipation associated with slow transit.¹³⁵ Prucalopride, a serotonin receptor agonist, has been shown to alleviate constipations in patients with systemic sclerosis.⁶⁸ Surgical intervention has shown improvement in highly selected patients with refractory constipation but is a last resort.¹⁴⁴ As systemic sclerosis often affects several regions of the GI tract, patients may be predisposed to increased risk following surgery, including refractory diarrhea and stasis of the ileal arm of an anastamosis.^145,146

Fecal incontinence is associated with long-standing systemic sclerosis and is characterized by reduced resting pressure and atrophy of the internal anal sphincter.¹⁴⁷ Up to 40% of patients with systemic sclerosis will develop fecal incontinence.¹⁴⁸ This is often treated with antidiarrheal agents with limited success. Biofeedback and pelvic physical therapy have been shown to alleviate symptoms and quality of life in patients with incontinence.^149,150 Injectable bulking agents, such as polyacrylamide gel, have been shown to alleviate fecal incontinence scores.¹⁵¹ Sacral nerve stimulation has been used for refractory incontinence, resulting in a significant improvement in symptoms.¹⁵²

Malnutrition

Refractory gastroparesis, SIBO, and pseudo-obstruction are associated with weight loss and malnutrition. Up to 18% of patients with scleroderma were found to be at high risk of malnutrition in a cross-sectional analysis.¹⁵³ Severe GI disease, as defined by malnutrition, pseudo-obstruction, and/or dependence of supplemental nutrition, was reported in approximately 8% of patients with scleroderma.⁸ Patients with systemic sclerosis should be routinely screened for malnutrition, as malnutrition correlated with the number of GI complaints, shorter disease duration, oral aperture, and disease severity.¹⁵⁴ Of the GI complaints, poor appetite best correlated with malnutrition.

Malnutrition has also been shown to correlate with patients' food preferences.¹⁵⁵ Patients with malnutrition were more likely to avoid dietary fiber, including fruits and vegetables. Consultation with a dietitian is recommended to optimize nutrition.

If patients cannot maintain a normal body mass index by oral intake, enteral nutrition through a jejunostomy tube or parenteral nutrition may be required. Enteral nutrition may additionally be limited by small bowel and colonic dysmotility. Previous studies have shown that patients who require parenteral nutrition find that it is well tolerated and can alleviate malnutrition¹⁵⁶ (Table).

TABLE.

Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Systemic Sclerosis

CONCLUSIONS

The GI tract is often involved in systemic sclerosis and is associated with significant morbidity. Our current therapy is directed at symptomatic management of these complications. As symptoms do not clearly correlate with affected region(s) of GI dysmotility, objective studies are important in refractory cases to better target therapy. Further work is needed to better understand the pathophysiology, management, and prevention of GI dysmotility in scleroderma.