[Nutritional approach in systemic sclerosis: report of a case].

Abstract

Background: systemic sclerosis is a rare systemic acquired disease with a complex pathogenesis which compromises multiple organs. The nutritional approach to treat patients with this disease is not clearly stablished due to its low prevalence. Case report: we present the case of a 37-year-old woman diagnosed with systemic sclerosis with gastrointestinal compromise, 40% weight loss since diagnosis and severe anemia. Despite oral supplementation, placement of a gastrostomy feeding tube and medical therapy with octreotide, her nutritional requirements are not achieved, so we suggest home parenteral nutrition to complete the nutritional support. Discussion: the severe intestinal affection in this patient made it necessary to turn to the parenteral access because of the oral intolerance secondary to the intestinal pseudo-obstruction. In these cases, the lack of etiological treatment makes home parenteral nutrition play an important role in the nutritional approach.