American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which medication family is used to alleviate symptoms of gastritis in systemic sclerosis patients?

1. Proton Pump Inhibitors

2. Antihistamines

3. Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

4. Beta Blockers

The correct answer is: Proton Pump Inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the medication family used to alleviate symptoms of gastritis, especially in patients with systemic sclerosis. Systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, can lead to gastrointestinal complications, including gastritis, due to alterations in motility and increased gastric acid secretion. PPIs work by irreversibly inhibiting the proton pumps in the gastric epithelium, which effectively reduces gastric acid production. This is beneficial in soothing the stomach mucosa, facilitating healing, and reducing irritation associated with gastritis. While antihistamines can be used to manage certain gastrointestinal symptoms, they do not directly address the acid secretion and are not typically the primary treatment for gastritis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can exacerbate gastric irritation and increase the risk of gastritis, and therefore are generally avoided in patients with this condition. Beta blockers are not applicable to gastritis symptom management and primarily function to reduce heart rate and manage blood pressure. Thus, the choice of proton pump inhibitors is clearly aligned with the need to manage gastric acid-related issues effectively in systemic sclerosis patients experiencing gastritis.