Nutritional Status and Gastrointestinal Manifestations in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis in Ilam, Iran

Background: Systemic sclerosis is an incurable autoimmune fibrotic skin disease. Many factors were described as aetiology of SS, but the impact of nutritional factor is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional status and gastrointestinal manifestations in patients with systemic sclerosis in Ilam, Iran.Methods: In a case-control study, 47 people confirmed with systemic sclerosis disorders were enrolled as case group and 47 subjects as control group; while they were matched for age and BMI and compared statistically. Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and demographicvariables were collected for all participants.Results: Meat and dairy consumption was higher among case group (Adjusted OR=5.1, p<0.01, CI=1.08-24.64; Adjusted OR=4.2, p<0.01,CI=1.23-14.29, respectively); while there was a reduction for vegetables intake (Adjusted OR=0.09, p<0.05, CI=0.01-0.876).Conclusion: An increase in meat and dairy consumption and reduction in intake of vegetables seems to be the causes for systemic sclerosis in patients in the area. Further evaluations in a large sample size with a longer follow-up duration are needed to verify these findings. The results can help health authorities when planning for patients with systemic sclerosis.