PATTERN OF GASTRIC-EMPTYING IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC-SCLEROSIS

Gastric emptying studies, using an indigenously prepared radiolabeled solid food marker in the form of Indian bread called Chapati, were per formed on 13 patients with systemic sclerosis. Six patients had limite d cutaneous disease and seven had diffuse cutaneous disease. Earlier, the procedure was standardized in 30 healthy volunteers. Seven of the 13 (54%) patients (five with diffuse and two with limited cutaneous di sease) had delayed gastric emptying. Most of these patients had gastri c symptoms, This pattern of gastric emptying may be clinically signifi cant, particularly in patients with diffuse cutaneous disease.