Scleroderma is a group of diseases that cause a hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. Scleroderma affects about 250 people per million, according to MayoClinic.com. Localized scleroderma affects only the skin, but systemic scleroderma also harms internal organs, such as the lungs, kidneys, heart and digestive tract.
Causes
Scleroderma is likely caused by a number of genetic abnormalities triggered by certain environmental factors, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Scleroderma results from an overproduction of collagen, the protein that creates the body's connective tissues. Scleroderma that affects the digestive tract occurs when the body deposits collagen into the tissues of the esophagus, stomach and intestines.
Symptoms
The main symptom of systemic scleroderma that occurs in the digestive tract is gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which over time can damage the esophagus. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that esophageal motility disorder develops due to scarring in the muscles of the esophagus, which can cause trouble swallowing.
Complications
People with systemic digestive scleroderma have an increased risk for stomach cancer. People may also have a problem with stomach emptying intestinal motility, which can cause problems with absorption of food. Scarring can cause blockages and constipation. In rare cases, constipation can cause a bowel obstruction. Scarring can interfere with absorption of fats and cause watery diarrhea. Scleroderma can also cause fecal incontinence in some people.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of systemic scleroderma often includes blood tests to look for antinuclear antibodies, anticentromere antibodies and anti-SCL-70 antibodies along with ESR and rheumatoid factor, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Other testing can include chest x-ray, computed tomography scan of the digestive tract, urinalysis and biopsy.
Treatments
Treatments often involve medications to treat the complications of scleroderma, such as heartburn medications, medications for constipation or diarrhea. Other medications include corticosteroids, immune suppressing medications and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
