Search

Background and Aims: Systemic sclerosis is a debilitating inflammatory condition synonymous with gastrointestinal symptoms which have the potential to impact dietary intake and nutritional status. This study aimed to describe symptoms experienced by patients with systemic sclerosis that may impact on dietary intake and assess nutrition education preferences in this cohort., Methods: A 24-item online qualitative and quantitative survey distributed via REDCap ® was conducted in adult patients (aged ⩾18 years) living with systemic sclerosis and attending outpatient services at a single healthcare setting from January to March 2022. Data were collected on demographics, symptoms that may impact dietary intake, nutrition priorities and preferred nutrition education models. Data are mean ± standard deviation or number (%)., Results: Of 322 eligible patients, 156 (48%) participated (63 ± 12 years, 86% female, body mass index 27 ± 7 kg/m 2 ). Most patients experienced gastrointestinal conditions (n = 123/155; 79%), which occurred daily in 26% (n = 40/155) of patients. A third of patients (n = 48/156; 31%) reported diet manipulation for symptom management. Recent weight loss was common (n = 36/154; 23% of patients). Less than a third of patients had seen a dietitian (n = 45; 29%), while 69% of patients (n = 107) desired dietetic consultancy. The preferred methods of consultation were written resources and face-to-face, respectively, and systemic sclerosis symptom management (n = 100; 64%) and losing weight (n = 53; 34%) were the most desired education topics reported., Conclusion: Gastrointestinal conditions are common and occur frequently in patients with systemic sclerosis. Patients want to engage with dietetics services to better manage symptoms via face-to-face consultations and written resources. These results will inform future dietetic service delivery., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article: Professor S.P. is on the Editorial Board of JSRD and is an author of this paper; therefore, the peer-review process was managed by alternative members of the Board and the submitting Editor/Board member had no involvement in the decision-making process., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

Aim: Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is an incurable inflammatory condition synonymous with unique nutrition needs. As rheumatologists are frequently responsible for managing the various organ manifestations, this study aimed to understand the service needs and nutritional concerns of rheumatologists involved in the care of adults with systemic sclerosis., Methods: A 13-item online qualitative and quantitative survey was distributed via REDCap ® from January to March 2022 to rheumatologists who are members of the Australian Scleroderma Interest Group and consult patients with systemic sclerosis. Data were collected on rheumatologists' demographics, and their views on symptoms observed, nutrition concerns and priorities, and preferred dietetic service provision for their patients. Data are reported as number (%)., Results: Of 27 eligible rheumatologists, 17 (63%) completed the survey. All rheumatologists reported gastrointestinal symptoms in their patients ( n  = 17, 100%); predominantly reflux ( n  = 17, 100%) and dysphagia ( n  = 17, 100%). Weight loss was observed by the majority of rheumatologists ( n  = 15, 88%). Rheumatologists reported patients used food avoidance/special diets to manage symptoms ( n  = 12, 71%). Dietetic consultation was reported as potentially beneficial by all rheumatologists, with the preferred time being when symptoms increase or change ( n  = 15, 88%), and the preferred approaches being written resources ( n  = 15, 88%), face-to-face ( n  = 14, 82%) and telephone consultation ( n  = 14, 82%). Advice on gaining weight ( n  = 14, 82%) and systemic sclerosis symptom management ( n  = 13, 77%) were the most desired education topics reported., Conclusion: Rheumatologists commonly observe gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with systemic sclerosis and report dietetics services would be advantageous in supporting their patients to gain weight and better manage their symptoms., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Professor Susanna Proudman is on the Editorial Board of JSRD and is an author of this article; therefore, the peer review process was managed by alternative members of the Board and the submitting Editor/Board member had no involvement in the decision-making process., (© The Author(s) 2023.)