Anorectal Function in Scleroderma Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Hanaa S. Sallam, Terry A. McNearney, Jiande Z. Chen
Primary Institution: University of Texas Medical Branch
Hypothesis
Special scoring systems for overall symptoms and overall motility/sensory abnormalities would be needed in order to correlate symptoms with functional abnormalities.
Conclusion
Scleroderma patients have impaired anorectal motor and sensory functions, and the abnormality score of these functions is correlated with the total anorectal symptoms score.
Supporting Evidence
- SSc patients showed low quality of life and marked overall GI symptoms.
- 50% of SSc patients reported incomplete bowel movement as the most common anorectal symptom.
- SSc patients had impaired anorectal pressures, sensations, and rectal compliance compared to normal controls.
Takeaway
This study looked at how well the bottom part of the digestive system works in people with a disease called scleroderma, finding that many have problems that make them feel uncomfortable.
Methodology
Eight scleroderma patients and matched controls underwent anorectal motility and sensory tests, and were queried about their GI symptoms and quality of life.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and was preliminary in nature.
Participant Demographics
Eight scleroderma patients matched with eight healthy controls for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and weight.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.02
Statistical Significance
p ≤ 0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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