Abstract
Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) involvement is the most common internal organ manifestation in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). GIT involvement is present in up to 90% of SSc patients, with the clinical manifestations differing according to the disease course and the part of the GIT affected.
The majority of the symptoms is caused by GIT dysmotility. Up to 8% of SSc patients develop severe GIT symptoms, which increase the mortality.
Although GIT involvement is rarely the direct cause of death, it can lead to several comorbidities including malnutrition and negative alterations of body composition. These factors have a negative impact on quality of life and increase the mortality.
To date, no specific treatment has been developed and the therapy is rather symptomatic. There is a need to clarify the pathogenesis of GIT involvement to improve the treatment approaches including e.g. intravenous immunoglobulins and miRNA interventions.