American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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What type of agents are used to treat dysmotility associated with systemic sclerosis?

  1. Calcium channel blockers

  2. Promotility agents

  3. Antidepressants

  4. Hormone therapy

The correct answer is: Promotility agents

Promotility agents are specifically used to treat dysmotility associated with systemic sclerosis because they enhance gastrointestinal motility. In individuals with systemic sclerosis, gastrointestinal manifestations often include esophageal dysmotility, leading to symptoms such as dysphagia, reflux, and delayed gastric emptying. Promotility agents like metoclopramide and domperidone work on the gastrointestinal tract to stimulate peristalsis and improve the movement of food through the digestive system, addressing the dysmotility efficiently. Other options, while they may have their own therapeutic uses, do not primarily target the dysmotility mechanisms present in systemic sclerosis. Calcium channel blockers can be used for managing vascular symptoms but are generally not effective for motility issues. Antidepressants may have effects on gut motility indirectly but are primarily used for their psychological benefits. Hormone therapy does not have a direct role in addressing the gastrointestinal motility problems associated with systemic sclerosis, making promotility agents the appropriate choice for this condition.