De-arne A Samm, Aimee R Macoustra, Rhiannon K Crane, Leah M McWilliams, Susanna M Proudman, Lee-anne S Chapple

A survey of Australian rheumatologists’ perspectives of nutrition needs in systemic sclerosis

  • Immunology
  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology and Allergy

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.

Need a simple solution for managing your BibTeX entries? Explore CiteDrive!

  • Web-based, modern reference management
  • Collaborate and share with fellow researchers
  • Integration with Overleaf
  • Comprehensive BibTeX/BibLaTeX support
  • Save articles and websites directly from your browser
  • Search for new articles from a database of tens of millions of references
Try out CiteDrive

More from our Archive