PPI Refractory - GERD Mechanisms in Systemic Sclerosis

Background:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal manifestations in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, a significant proportion of these patients experience symptoms that are refractory to treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), suggesting the involvement of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that are not yet fully defined. Motor dysfunction in other segments of the gastrointestinal tract may contribute to this refractoriness, but studies addressing this in the SSc population have been limited. Currently, there are no personalized diagnostic algorithms that integrate symptoms, objective motility findings, and clinical characteristics in patients with SSc and GERD. Our goal is to identify the mechanisms associated with the severity of PPI-refractory GERD in SSc and to develop a practical and cost-effective diagnostic model based on objective data to enable personalized medicine.

Hypothesis:

PPI-refractory GERD in patients with systemic sclerosis can be assessed more sensitively and accurately through objective evaluation of motility across different gastrointestinal organs.

Objective:

To assess the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the severity of refractory GERD in patients with SSc using objective motility tests and clinical markers, and to develop a diagnostic algorithm to guide personalized treatment based on the organ affected.

Methods:

This is a prospective clinical cohort study. Patients with SSc and symptoms of GERD refractory to PPIs will be included. Clinical, immunological, and demographic variables will be collected. Esophageal symptoms and quality-of-life impact will be assessed using validated questionnaires. Advanced gastrointestinal motility tests (gastric emptying scintigraphy and high-resolution intestinal manometry) will be performed to evaluate mechanisms associated with reflux severity (presence of erosive esophagitis and esophageal acid exposure).

Relevance:

This study addresses a common clinical challenge in patients with SSc: the persistence of GERD symptoms despite acid-suppressive treatment with PPIs. This project proposes to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with GERD severity using motility tests available in clinical practice, and to develop a personalized approach based on objective motility assessment. This will allow the identification of the underlying mechanisms of treatment-refractory GERD and, in the future, the evaluation of targeted therapies addressing the associated dysmotility. The development of a diagnostic algorithm will support clinical decision-making, promote rational use of invasive tests, and optimize patient management, with a potential impact on improving quality of life and healthcare efficiency.

Inclusion criteria

• Systemic sclerosis by ACR/EULAR 2023 criteria AND/OR Leroy Medsger classification criteria
• Reflux symptoms (Heartburn AND/OR Regurgitation), at least 3 times a week over the last 3 months despite PPI therapy

Exclusion criteria

• Previous surgery altering the anatomy or motility of the upper digestive tract, including fundoplication, esophageal myotomy, gastrectomy, or bariatric surgery.

Severe pulmonary or cardiac disease requiring intravenous vasodilators, continuous oxygen therapy, or ventricular assist devices, preventing the performance of gastrointestinal motility tests.

Pregnancy at the time of evaluation or planned pregnancy during the duration of the study.

Neuromuscular disorders other than systemic sclerosis that may affect gastrointestinal motility.

Prior diagnosis of functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or functional dyspepsia, that may interfere with the interpretation of results.