Malnutrition in systemic sclerosis
Rheumatology, 08/01/2012
Harrison E et al. – SSc is a chronic multi–system disease with wide–reaching consequences. Gastrointestinal features are present in over 90% of cases and these, together with other disease manifestations, may lead to nutritional decline. This produces substantial morbidity, including reliance on enteral support and even parenteral nutrition–dependent intestinal failure. These complications carry an associated mortality. Up to 18% of patients with SSc are reported to be at high risk of malnutrition, with risk increasing with disease severity. Little is known about this decline, its rate of progression and how it affects the individual.
