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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research

Factors associated with development of gastrointestinal problems in patients with scleroderma: a systematic review

Authors: Brian Younho Hong, Raymond Giang, Lawrence Mbuagbaw, Maggie Larche, Lehana Thabane

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Up to 90 % of people with scleroderma have gastrointestinal (GI) problems such as constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and malabsorption. These problems significantly impair quality of life. Our objective was to determine the risk factors for gastrointestinal issues in people with scleroderma.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of observational studies that report GI problems in patients with scleroderma along with the associated risk factors. We were interested in any GI problem and any risk factor as long as the study included patients diagnosed with scleroderma according to the 1980 or 2013 American College of Rheumatology guideline. We searched the following databases: CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, MEDLINE, and Web of Science for relevant articles from June 1884 to May 2014. Two authors independently screened citations and full text articles and extracted data. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus or by consulting a third author. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results

After removing duplicates, 645 unique citations were identified. A total of three studies, three cross-sectional (n = 64, n = 42, n = 606), were included in this systematic review. Collectively, these three studies explored Helicobacter pylori and smoking status as risk factors. We found conflicting evidence on the role of H. pylori with two studies showing opposite yet statistically significant results. One moderate quality study showed smoking as a risk factor. Key limitations include the small sample sizes of two studies and poor study designs to draw causal links.

Conclusions

There is insufficient evidence to describe the risk factors for GI problems in patients with scleroderma. Longitudinal observational studies are warranted in patients with scleroderma.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42014010707

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Title: Factors associated with development of gastrointestinal problems in patients with scleroderma: a systematic review
Authors: Brian Younho Hong
Raymond Giang
Lawrence Mbuagbaw
Maggie Larche
Lehana Thabane
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-015-0176-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Factors associated with development of gastrointestinal problems in patients with scleroderma: a systematic review

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Systematic review registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Systematic review registration

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