Gastrointestinal involvement in systemic sclerosis: Effects on morbidity and mortality and new therapeutic approaches

Abstract

The majority of research studies in systemic sclerosis focus largely on addressing skin and cardiopulmonary manifestations. Fewer studies assess the pathogenesis and treatment of gastrointestinal tract involvement in systemic sclerosis, despite the fact that the majority of patients with systemic sclerosis have gastrointestinal manifestations and these manifestations are a leading cause of death in systemic sclerosis. The present review provides a comprehensive update on morbidity and mortality outcomes related to gastrointestinal involvement in systemic sclerosis. This review also describes conventional and emerging approaches to managing gastrointestinal symptoms in systemic sclerosis. Recent developments in systemic sclerosis–gastrointestinal research efforts have revealed promising treatment targets, including specific auto-antibodies and microbiota alterations. This review will conclude with an overview of future research directions that may improve our understanding of systemic sclerosis–gastrointestinal involvement and ultimately help to alleviate suffering from this devastating dimension of systemic sclerosis.