Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse Practice Exam 2025 - Free CGRN Practice Questions and Study Guide

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What occurs to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in scleroderma?

Increased or normal

Decreased or absent

In scleroderma, a connective tissue disorder, there is a decrease in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure. This occurs due to the fibrosis and atrophy of the smooth muscle in the esophagus, which disrupts the normal function of the LES. As a result, patients with scleroderma often experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because the tone of the LES is compromised, leading to inadequate closure and reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus.

The pathophysiology of scleroderma also affects the motility of the esophagus itself, resulting in a more dilated esophagus and decreased peristalsis. Consequently, the combination of low LES pressure and altered esophageal motility effectively contributes to the clinical manifestations of esophageal reflux and discomfort in these patients.

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