Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune disorder characterised by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, causing increased tissue thickness and rigidity alongside vascular complications. Severe gastrointestinal involvement is the primary driver of malnutrition in SSc patients. SSc clinical manifestations include Raynaud's phenomenon, gastrointestinal complications, inflammatory skin disease, swollen fingers, musculoskeletal inflammation, lung fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and renal crisis. The standardised mortality ratio for SSc ranges from 2.82 to 3.4, with mortality risk particularly elevated in younger and male patients.