THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE UCLA QUESTIONNAIRE IN THE EVALUATION OF GASTROINTESTINAL INVOLVEMENT IN PATIENTS AFFECTED BY SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Systemic Sclerosis (SSC) is an autoimmune disease with multiorgan involvement. 90% of SSC patients (pts) report gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. UCLA is a validated questionnaire used to evaluate the severity of GI symptoms in SSC. It consists of 7 items: reflux, abdominal distension, fecal incontinence, diarrhea, social activities, emotional well-being and constipation. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the UCLA questionnaire in the assessment of GI disorders in SCC compared with gastroenterological visit (GV). Material and Methods • 58 pts (93% female, mean age 62±12.5 years) with a diagnosis of SCC according to the 2013 criteria (ARA/EULAR Criteria). • All pts filled out the UCLA questionnaire. • Pts with severe GI involvement (UCLA SCORE > 1.008) were addressed to a GV. The data obtained from the UCLA questionnaires were then compared to those obtained with GV. • Categorical variables were expressed as numbers and percentages (%), continuous ones as mean ± DS (UCLA SCORE). Dysphagia didn't emerge in UCLA questionnaire, but was diagnosed during GV in 49.12% of pts. • Diarrhea was recorded in 55% (32/58) of pts by UCLA questionnaire, but GV assessed diarrhea as a consequence of constipation (paradox).UCLA questionnaire might underestimate or interpret with limitations, GI symptoms in SSC pts. • Severe SSC pts, classified by the UCLA SCORE, need a GV for the correct assessment of GI symptoms. • The strong impact of GI symptoms on the quality of life confirm the necessity to include a GV to delineate the best management of SSC.