A distinct gastrointestinal symptom profile characterizes clinically relevant fatigue in systemic sclerosis - Summary - MDSpire
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A Unique Gastrointestinal Symptom Profile Distinguishes Clinically Significant Fatigue in Systemic Sclerosis

  • By

  • Francesco Bonomi

  • Silvia Peretti

  • Giulia Bandini

  • Veronica De Silvestri

  • Cristiano Barbetta

  • Ilenia Mallia

  • Khadija El Aoufy

  • Ginevra Fiori

  • Serena Guiducci

  • Alberto Moggi Pignone

  • Zsuzsanna H. McMahan

  • Marco Matucci-Cerinic

  • Cosimo Bruni

  • Michael Hughes

  • Silvia Bellando Randone

  • September 8, 2026

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Objective:

To identify gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations associated with clinically relevant fatigue in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and characterize the accompanying clinical and patient-reported phenotype.

Approach:
  • Study Design: A cross-sectional observational study was performed among consecutively recruited patients with SSc attending a tertiary referral center from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025.
Key Findings:
  • Gastrointestinal involvement is a prominent correlate of fatigue in SSc.
  • The study aims to clarify whether fatigue is related to total GI disease burden or specific GI symptoms.
  • Individual GI symptoms such as GERD, dysphagia, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation were assessed for their association with fatigue.
Interpretation:

The study seeks to provide insights into the specific GI symptoms that contribute to fatigue in SSc, which may inform future management strategies.

Limitations:
  • The study is cross-sectional, limiting causal inferences.
  • GI symptoms were self-reported, which may affect the reliability of the data.
Conclusion:

Identifying specific GI symptoms associated with fatigue may improve understanding of fatigue in SSc patients.

Sources:

Original Source(s)

A distinct gastrointestinal symptom profile characterizes clinically relevant fatigue in systemic sclerosis

  • by Francesco Bonomi, Silvia Peretti, Giulia Bandini, Veronica De Silvestri, Cristiano Barbetta, Ilenia Mallia, Khadija El Aoufy, Ginevra Fiori, Serena Guiducci, Alberto Moggi Pignone, Zsuzsanna H. McMahan, Marco Matucci-Cerinic, Cosimo Bruni, Michael Hughes, Silvia Bellando Randone

  • September 8, 2026

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