Dietary intake and nutritional deficiencies in patients with diabetic or idiopathic gastroparesis

Low Vitamin D Levels in Patients with Symptoms of Gastroparesis: Relationships with Nausea and Vomiting, Gastric Emptying and Gastric Myoelectrical Activity

Patients with gastroparesis (Gp) often have diets deficient in calories, electrolytes, and vitamins. Vitamin D levels have been reported to be low in some patients with Gp but has not been systematically studied.

AIMS

To determine vitamin D levels and relationships among symptoms, gastric emptying and gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) in patients with symptoms of Gp.

METHODS

25-hydroxy-vitamin D was measured in patients at enrollment in the Gastroparesis Clinical Consortium Registry. Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptoms Index (GCSI), gastric emptying, and GMA before and after water load satiety test (WLST) were measured. GMA, expressed as percentage distribution of activity in normal and dysrhythmic ranges, was recorded using electrogastrography.

RESULTS

Overall, vitamin D levels were low (< 30 ng/ml) in 288 of 513 (56.1%) patients with symptoms of Gp (206 of 376 (54.8%) patients with delayed gastric emptying (Gp) and 82 of 137 (59.9%) patients with symptoms of Gp and normal gastric emptying). Low vitamin D levels were associated with increased nausea and vomiting (P < 0.0001), but not with fullness or bloating subscores. Low vitamin D levels in patients with Gp were associated with greater meal retention at four hours (36% retention) compared with Gp patients with normal vitamin D levels (31% retention; P = 0.05). Low vitamin D in patients with normal gastric emptying was associated with decreased normal 3 cpm GMA before (P = 0.001) and increased tachygastria after WLST (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Low vitamin D levels are present in half the patients with symptoms of gastroparesis and are associated with nausea and vomiting and gastric neuromuscular dysfunction.

Nutritional aspects in patients with gastroparesis

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

The purpose of this review was to highlight most recent updates on nutritional aspects in gastroparesis (GP) focusing on dietary recommendations, utilization of enteral and parenteral nutrition, endoscopic and surgical interventions.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent data addressed eating patterns, nutritional interventions, and clarifications on the role of endoscopic and surgical interventions underlying an impact on nutritional management of GP patients. They support the importance of gastroparesis-specific diet in addition to drug therapy, and confirm the benefits of a modified low-fat, low-fiber diet. Current guidelines suggest a new approach to GP management based on predominant symptoms. Gastric peroral endoscopic pyloromyotomy (G-POEM) and surgical gastric electrical stimulator (GES) placement may be considered in individuals with nausea and vomiting before the need for jejunostomy tube placement for enteral feeding or parenteral nutrition.

SUMMARY

Current literature supports the importance of dietary interventions, focusing on low-fat and low-fiber diets, in addition to drug therapies. Severely fiber-restrictive diets may not be necessary. There is enhanced understanding when jejunal feeding should be incorporated for refractory cases with consideration of G-POEM or/and GES even before jejunal tube placement. This approach will require patient evaluation in specialized motility centers.

Indices of Nutrition Status of Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Candidates

Nutritional assessment is used to implement early nutritional interventions and reduce complications associated with malnutrition, which plays a crucial role in improving postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing pancreas and/or kidney transplantation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the nutritional status (NS) in patients eligible for kidney transplantation (KTx) and simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation (SPKTx).

METHODS

We analyzed the database of hospitalized patients from 2020 to 2023 to identify preoperative parameters of NS in patients eligible for KTx and SPKTx. A total of 59 patients participated in the study, all of whom were candidates for KTx-23 or SPKTx-36. The study population consisted of 35 women (W) and 24 men (M), with an overall mean age of 44.8 ± 10.2 years (43.5 ± 10.2 years for W and 46.2 ± 10.9 years for M). Both groups included patients on hemodialysis (n = 34) and peritoneal dialysis (n = 12), and patients in the predialysis period (pre-emptive, n = 13). The examined parameters included Onodera's prognostic nutritional index (PNIO), the nutritional risk index (NRI), proper body mass calculated using the Lorenz formula, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). All patients were assessed according to the NRS 2002 scale.

RESULTS

Analysis of the obtained results revealed that the NLR was only one differentiating parameter between Ktx and SPKtx group. Multivariate analysis adjusted for patients' age and gender, comparing quantitative NS indicators was performed. Albumin serum concentration was not dependent on patients' group (KTx/SPKTx) neither age nor gender P = .382. BMI was dependent on patients' age and gender, but not a group (KTx/SPKTx) P = .008. PNIO, NRI, and NRL were not dependent on patients' group (KTx/SPKTx) neither age nor gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Additional effort should be devoted to the development of a proper nutrition plan for SPKTx a especially in peritoneal dialysis patients. Toward patients on the waiting list, the regular assessment of nutritional status should be performed which is not a rule in dialysis centers. SPKTx candidates in the perioperative period should receive proper nutrition taking into account their caloric and protein needs.

Pathogenesis and management of diabetic gastroparesis: An updated clinically oriented review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Diabetic gastroparesis (DGp) is a common and preventable complication of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (D.M.) and significantly affects the Quality of Life of patients. Diagnosis and management present as a clinical challenge due to the disease's complexity and limited effective therapeutic options. This review aims to comprehensively outline the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of diabetic gastroparesis, evaluating evolving approaches to guide clinicians and provide future recommendations.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted on scholarly databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science encompassing published articles, gray literature and relevant clinical guidelines. Data were synthesized and analyzed to provide a comprehensive overview of diabetic gastroparesis, focusing on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management.

RESULTS

The review intricately explores the pathogenesis contributing to diabetic gastroparesis, emphasizing autonomic neuropathy, oxidative stress, inflammation, hormonal dysregulation, microbiota alterations, and gastrointestinal neuropathy. Primary management strategies are underscored, including lifestyle modifications, symptom relief, and glycemic control. The discussion encompasses pharmacological and surgical options, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving various healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient care.

CONCLUSION

This review offers a thorough understanding of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of diabetic gastroparesis, underlining evolving approaches for clinicians. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial to address both the physical and mental health aspects of diabetes and its complications.

Nutritional Assessment in Patients after Gastric Electrical Stimulation (GES)

BACKGROUND

Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is used for patients with drug-refractory gastroparesis (Gp) symptoms. Approximately two-thirds of patients with Gp symptoms are either overweight or obese. We aimed to assess symptoms and nutritional status pre-GES and post-GES placement in a large sample of drug-refractory Gp patients.

METHODS

We conducted a chart review of 282 patients with drug-refractory Gp who received temporary followed by permanent GES at an academic medical center. Gastrointestinal symptoms were collected by a traditional standardized PRO (0-4, 0 being asymptomatic and 4 being worst symptoms), baseline nutritional status by BMI plus subjective global assessment (SGA score A, B, C, for mild, moderate, and severe nutritional deficits), ability to tolerate diet, enteral tube access, and parenteral therapy were assessed at baseline and after permanent GES placement.

RESULTS

Comparing baseline with permanent, GES was found to significantly improve upper GI symptoms in all quartiles. Of the 282 patients with baseline body mass index (BMI) information, 112 (40%) patients were severely malnourished at baseline, of which 36 (32%) patients' nutritional status improved after GES. Among all patients, 76 (68%) patients' nutritional status remained unchanged. Many patients with high BMI were malnourished by SGA.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that symptomatic patients of different BMIs showed improvement in their GI symptoms irrespective of baseline nutritional status. Severely malnourished patients were found to have an improvement in their nutritional status after GES therapy. We conclude that BMI, even if high, is not by itself a contraindication for GES therapy for symptomatic patients.

12. Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Foot Care: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Meal-eating characteristics among patients with symptoms of gastroparesis: Relationships to delays in gastric emptying

BACKGROUND

Patients with symptoms of gastroparesis (Gp) often modify their diets and consume small meals. However, the relationship between patients' eating behavior and their gastric emptying is not well understood. This study describes meal-eating characteristics of patients with Gp symptoms and relates them to severity of emptying delay.

METHODS

Adult patients with Gp symptoms underwent 4-h gastric emptying scintigraphy and completed questionnaires including the Patient Assessment of GI Symptoms, a nutrition and diet questionnaire, and the Meal Patterns Questionnaire.

KEY RESULTS

Of 119 patients with Gp symptoms, 35 had normal gastric emptying (≤10% gastric retention at 4 h), 26 mildly delayed (>10%-20%), 28 moderately delayed (>20%-35%), and 30 severely delayed (>35%). Most patients (85%) reported eating small meals with an average of 2.4 meals per day. The most common reasons for stopping eating a meal were feeling full (83%), nausea (46%), and abdominal pain (31%). As gastric emptying worsened, patients increasingly made diet modifications such as low-fat, low-fiber, Gp diet, oral supplements, and blenderized meals (r = 0.309, p = 0.0007). Postprandial fullness lasted for 351 ± 451 min for patients with severely delayed emptying versus 207 ± 173 min for patients with normal emptying (p = 0.19).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Meal-eating characteristics were found to vary with severity of gastric retention. Patients with severely delayed gastric emptying reported the longest duration of postprandial fullness. Dietary modification increased significantly with gastric retention. These meal-eating characteristics are important to understand as they impact on dietary education given to Gp patients for symptom management.

The Effects of Malnutrition on Inpatient Outcomes in Patients With Gastroparesis: A Nationwide Analysis

Introduction Gastroparesis (GP) is a chronic debilitating gastric motility disorder defined as delayed emptying of the stomach content without mechanical obstruction. It can result in nutritional deficiencies, leading to poor overall outcomes. We assessed the impact of malnutrition on in-hospital outcomes in patients with gastroparesis. Methods Patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of GP between January 2016 and December 2019 were included in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Data on patient demographics, hospital characteristics, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and the etiology of gastroparesis were collected. The association between malnutrition and outcomes, including mortality, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), sepsis, acute kidney injury (AKI), length of stay (LOS), and total hospitalization charges (THC), were analyzed using the multivariate regression model. Results A total of 182,580 patients with gastroparesis were included in the analysis. Patients with gastroparesis and malnutrition had a higher risk of mortality (adjusted odds ratio {aOR}, 3.29; p<0.001), sepsis (aOR, 0.43; p<0.001), DVT (aOR, 2.34; p<0.001), and PE (aOR, 2.68; p<0.001) compared to patients with gastroparesis without malnutrition. No significant difference was noted in the rates of AKI. Patients with malnutrition also had a prolonged LOS (2.96 days; p<0.001) and higher THC ($22,890; p<0.001) compared to patients without malnutrition. Conclusion Gastroparesis patients with malnutrition are at a greater risk of worse outcomes than those without malnutrition. The early identification of malnutrition in gastroparesis patients can predict morbidity and mortality and assist in risk stratification to enhance outcomes. Further studies are encouraged to identify factors associated with malnutrition in gastroparesis and the impact of interventions to prevent and treat malnutrition.

Nutritional Risk of Candidates for Simultaneous Pancreatic-Kidney Transplantation-A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Not much is known about the significance of nutritional status and support in transplant surgery, least of all in simultaneous pancreatic and kidney transplantation. Malnutrition in the context of simultaneous pancreatic-kidney transplantation seems to be complex and a still poorly investigated problem. Since SPKTX is highly qualified and also has a small volume procedure, it is difficult to obtain data from large cohorts of patients. The aim of this article is to gather existing evidence and information about the subject, as well as to elicit some questions and goals for the future.

METHODS

We searched through the Pub-Med database using the keywords "pancreas and kidney transplantation" combined with "nutritional risk", "nutritional status", "malnutrition", "nutritional intervention", and "frailty", finding a total of 4103 matching results. We then narrowed it down to articles written in English with the full text available. We also researched through the references of articles most accurately matching our researched terms.

RESULTS

There are numerous tools that have been investigated for the screening of malnutrition, such as the NRI index, PNI index, NLR, SGA scale, and NRS-2002 scale, each of which proved to be of some use in predicting patient outcomes in different surgical settings. Since all of them differed in components and assessed parameters and, in the absence of more sensitive or infallible indicators, the most reasonable approach seems to evaluate them jointly.

CONCLUSION

It is important to underline the necessity of nutritional screening and the subsequent introduction of adequate therapy while awaiting transplantation in an attempt to improve results. Considering the complexity of surgical procedures and the severity of underlying diseases with their intense metabolic components, the patient's nutritional status seems to significantly influence results. Consequently, nutritional risk assessments should be a part of the routine care of patients qualified for transplantation.

Research hotspots and trends on acupuncture therapy on vomiting from 1990 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis

OBJECTIVES

Acupuncture treatment (AT) is commonly utilized for vomiting; however, limited bibliometric analyses exist in this area. Employing a bibliometric approach, we conducted a comprehensive review spanning three decades to assess the research landscape, advancements, and emerging trends in AT for vomiting.

METHODS

We collected the related literature data from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) from 1990 to 2022. VOSviewer and R studio were used to perform the bibliometric analysis of AT on vomiting. The status of authors, countries, affiliations, annual publications, keywords, and journals were analyzed accordingly.

RESULTS

The earliest relevant paper was published in 1990. Streitberger, K was the most productive author (7 records) and had significant influence (225 reference times, H-Index = 7). The United States had the highest publication count (224 records) and received the most recognition (9719 reference times, H-Index = 52). MEDICINE had the highest number of outputs (34 records), while ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA was the most cited journal (1045 reference times). The institution with the most works was Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CDUTCM) (13 records), and the University of California, Los Angeles received the most citations (1252 reference times). Recent and future research hotspots included AT for postoperative vomiting and post-chemotherapy vomiting. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were the predominant study types.

CONCLUSIONS

The current status and development prospects of AT for vomiting are shown in this study. In addition, this article provides valuable ideas and potential directions for future research activities.

Gastroparesis: Myths, Misconceptions, and Management

Gastroparesis (GP), a historically vexing disorder characterized by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, early satiety, and/or bloating, in the setting of an objective delay in gastric emptying, is often difficult to treat and carries a tremendous burden on the quality of patients' lives, as well as the healthcare system in general. Though the etiology of GP has been fairly well defined, much work has been done recently to better understand the pathophysiology of GP, as well as to identify novel effective and safe treatment options. As our understanding of GP has evolved, many myths and misconceptions still abound in this rapidly changing field. The goal of this review is to identify myths and misconceptions regarding the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of GP, in the context of the latest research findings which have shaped our current understanding of GP. Recognition and dispelling of such myths and misconceptions is critical to moving the field forward and ultimately advancing the clinical management of what will hopefully become a better understood and more manageable disorder in the future.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients with gastroparesis using enteral and/or exclusive parenteral nutrition

BACKGROUND

Patients with gastroparesis (Gp) may need enteral nutrition (EN) or exclusive parenteral nutrition (PN). Among patients with Gp, we aimed to (1) identify the frequency of EN and exclusive PN use and (2) explore characteristics of patients using EN and/or exclusive PN compared with those using oral nutrition (ON), including changes over 48 weeks.

METHODS

Patients with Gp underwent history and physical examination, gastric emptying scintigraphy, water load satiety testing (WLST), and questionnaires assessing gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life (QOL). Patients were observed 48 weeks.

RESULTS

Of 971 patients with Gp (idiopathic, 579; diabetic, 336; post-Nissen fundoplication, 51), 939 (96.7%) were using ON only, 14 (1.4%) using exclusive PN, and 18 (1.9%) using EN. Compared with patients receiving ON, patients receiving exclusive PN and/or EN were younger, had lower body mass index, and had greater symptom severity. Patients receiving exclusive PN and/or EN had lower physical QOL but not mental QOL or Gp-related QOL scores. Patients receiving exclusive PN and/or EN ingested less water during WLST but did not have worse gastric emptying. Of those who had been receiving exclusive PN and/or EN, 50% and 25%, respectively, resumed ON at 48-week follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes patients with Gp requiring exclusive PN and/or EN for nutrition support, who represent a small (3.3%) but important subset of patients with Gp. Unique clinical and physiological parameters are associated with this subset and provide insight into the use of nutrition support in Gp.

Comprehensive review: Frailty in pancreas transplant candidates and recipients

Well-selected patients with kidney disease and diabetes mellitus who undergo simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation often experience dramatic improvements in quality of life and long-term survival compared to those who remain on medical therapy. Over the past several years the importance of frailty in the pancreas transplant candidate and recipient populations has grown. More patients with advanced age have entered the waitlist, and complications from prolonged diabetes, even in younger patients, have created increased evidence of risk for frailty. Given these concerns, and the broad challenges facing pancreas transplantation volumes overall, we generated this review to help establish the impact and implications. We summarize the interplay of immunological factors, aging, environmental factors, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease that put these patients at risk for frailty. We discuss its measurement and recommend a combination of two instruments (both well-validated and one entirely objective). We describe the outcomes for patients before and after pancreas transplantation who may have frailty, and what interventions can be taken to mitigate its effects. Broader investigation into frailty in the pancreas transplant population is needed to better understand how to select patients for pancreas transplantation and to how manage its consequences thereafter.

12. Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Foot Care: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2023

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Gastroparesis and Functional Dyspepsia: Spectrum of Gastroduodenal Neuromuscular Disorders or Unique Entities?

Gastroparesis is defined by delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction of the stomach. Patients experience symptoms of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fullness, and early satiety. The recognition of the disorder has progressed due to availability of gastric emptying scintigraphy and advancements made in understanding its pathophysiology and treatment options. The clinical presentation and treatment of gastroparesis overlap with a more commonly recognized disorder of gut-brain interaction, functional dyspepsia. Recent studies have reenergized the discussion whether these two are separate entities or perhaps reflect a spectrum of gastroduodenal neuromuscular disorders. The societal guidelines conflict on the utility of gastric emptying scintigraphy in assessment of patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. A better appraisal of similarities and differences between gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia will allow targeted treatment for these disorders. This is particularly important as specific pharmacological and endoscopic treatment options are being developed for gastroparesis which are unlikely to be helpful for functional dyspepsia. This review makes the case for considering these disorders in a spectrum where identification of both would most ideally position us toward providing the optimal clinical care.

Progress in Gastroparesis - A Narrative Review of the Work of the Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium

The Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium is a multicenter coalition created and funded by the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, with a mission to advance understanding of the pathophysiology of gastroparesis and develop an effective treatment for patients with symptomatic gastroparesis. In this review, we summarize the results of the published Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium studies as a ready and convenient resource for gastroenterologists and others to provide a clear understanding of the consortium's experience and perspective on gastroparesis and related disorders.

Gastroparesis in pregnancy

Gastroparesis is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that more commonly affects women, with most cases being diagnosed during childbearing age. However, there is a paucity of data and guidelines to specifically highlight the epidemiology, disease course, maternal and fetal impact, and the management of existing gastroparesis during pregnancy. Apart from metoclopramide, there is no approved therapy specifically indicated for gastroparesis. More importantly, pregnant and breastfeeding women are excluded from clinical trials evaluating pharmacologic agents in the management of gastroparesis. This poses a real challenge to healthcare providers in counseling and managing patients with gastroparesis. In this systematic review, we summarize the current available literature and the knowledge gaps in the impact of pregnancy on gastroparesis and vice versa. We also highlight the efficacy and safety profiles of available pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies in the management of patients with gastroparesis, with emphasis on judicious use of dietary approaches that are deemed relatively safe during pregnancy.

Poor Gastric Emptying in Patients with Paraesophageal Hernias: Pyloroplasty, Per-Oral Pyloromyotomy, BoTox, or Wait and See?

Gastric emptying delay may be caused with both functional and anatomic derangements. Gastroparesis is suspected in patients presenting with certain foregut symptoms without anatomic obstruction. Data are still emerging regarding the best treatment of this condition. In cases where large paraesophageal hernias alter the upper gastrointestinal anatomy, it is difficult to know if gastroparesis also exists. Management of hiatal hernias is also still evolving, with various strategies to reduce recurrence being actively investigated. In this article, we present a systematic review of the existing literature around the management of gastroparesis and the management of paraesophageal hernias when they occur separately. In addition, since there are limited data to guide diagnosis and management of these conditions when they are suspected to coexist, we provide a rational strategy based on our own experience in patients with paraesophageal hernias who have symptoms or studies that raise suspicion for a coexisting functional disorder.

Meal Eating Characteristics of Patients with Gastroparesis

BACKGROUND

Patients with gastroparesis often consume only small meals due to early satiety.

AIMS

(1) Describe meal eating characteristics of patients with gastroparesis; (2) Relate meal eating characteristics to symptoms, gastric emptying (GE), and body weight.

METHODS

Patients with gastroparesis filled out questionnaires including Patient Assessment of Upper GI Symptoms (PAGI-SYM), and questionnaire about meal habits and body weight. Patients underwent gastric emptying scintigraphy.

RESULTS

Of 192 gastroparesis patients, 93% endorsed early satiety (ES) with severity of 3.7 ± 1.5 (scored from 0-5) and 93% endorsed postprandial fullness (PPF) with severity of 3.9 ± 1.3. Time spent consuming meals averaged 13.6 ± 17.7 min. Main reasons patients stopped eating were fullness (61%), nausea (48%), and abdominal pain (31%). Time spent eating correlated inversely with severity of nausea (r = -0.18, p < 0.05), stomach fullness (r = -0.21, p < 0.01), PPF (r = -0.23, p < 0.01), loss of appetite (r = -0.34, p < 0.01). Postprandial fullness lasted for 316 ± 344 min. Duration of PPF correlated with nausea (r = 0.30, p < 0.01), retching (r = 0.29, p < 0.01), vomiting (r = 0.28, p < 0.01), stomach fullness (r = 0.33, p < 0.01), loss of appetite (r = 0.35, p < 0.01), and constipation (r = 0.27, p < 0.01). Underweight patients had increased inability to finish a normal size meal (p < 0.01), loss of appetite (p < 0.01), and lower abdominal pain/discomfort (p < 0.05). Patients had lost 3.06 ± 10.60 kgs from their baseline weight. Weight loss correlated with nausea (r = 0.26, p < 0.01), ES (r = 0.30, p < 0.01), loss of appetite (r = 0.28, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Early satiety and postprandial fullness were common with high severity. The main reasons for meal cessation were early satiety, nausea, and abdominal pain. Body weight and change in body weight were associated with symptoms of gastroparesis.

[Diabetic gastroenteropathy: modern methods of diagnosis and treatment]

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with a growing prevalence worldwide, however, the prevalence of its complications, including gastroenteropathy, is also increasing. The pathophysiology of diabetic gastroenteropathy (DH) combines hyperglycemia, vagus nerve dysfunction, decreased expression of nitric oxide synthase in the myenteric plexus, changes in the interstitial Cajal cell network, as well as oxidative stress. Clinical signs of DH are gastroesophageal reflux, gastroparesis, constipation, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Among the diagnostic methods are manometry with pH measurement (assessment of esophageal motility), gastric emptying scintigraphy, respiratory test (to assess gastroparesis), aspiration and cultivation of the contents of the jejunum (to diagnose bacterial overgrowth syndrome). To date, there is no definitive treatment for DH - an interdisciplinary approach is aimed at slowing the progression of the disease, relieving symptoms and restoring gastrointestinal function. Patients are recommended a diet low in simple sugars and high in fiber; optimization of glycemic control with a target glycemia of less than 180 mg/dl. As for drug therapy, the use of prokinetics and antiemetics is justified, and in case of excessive bacterial growth syndrome, antibacterial therapy (rifaximin) is carried out. Modern approaches to the treatment of DH are also accumulating, including the use of botulinum toxin, pyloroplasty and electrical stimulation of the stomach in individual patients. Despite the constant development of new treatments, they are not yet able to completely cure DH in the near future, which makes it necessary to conduct further research in this area.

Evidence-Based and Emerging Dietary Approaches to Upper Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction

Food ingestion is a major symptom trigger in functional esophageal and gastroduodenal disorders and gastroparesis. This review summarizes current knowledge and identifies areas of research on the role of food factors and the opportunities for dietary intervention in these disorders. While many patients experiencing functional esophageal and gastroduodenal disorders identify specific food items as symptom triggers, available data do not allow the identification of specific nutrient groups that are more likely to induce symptoms. In functional dyspepsia (FD), recent studies have shown the potential efficacy of a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, although the underlying mechanism of action is unclear. Reports of favorable responses to gluten elimination in patients with FD are confounded by the concomitant benefit of reduced intake of fructans, fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols present in wheat. Emerging data based on a 6-food elimination diet and confocal laser endomicroscopic evaluation of mucosal responses to food proteins suggest a role for duodenal allergic reactions in FD symptom generation. In patients with gastroparesis, a low-residue diet has been shown to improve symptoms. Novel dietary approaches under evaluation are the Mediterranean diet and the heating/cooling diet approach.

Understanding Cystic Fibrosis Comorbidities and Their Impact on Nutritional Management

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, multisystem disease with multiple comorbidities that can significantly affect nutrition and quality of life. Maintaining nutritional adequacy can be challenging in people with cystic fibrosis and has been directly associated with suboptimal clinical outcomes. Comorbidities of CF can result in significantly decreased nutritional intake and intestinal absorption, as well as increased metabolic demands. It is crucial to utilize a multidisciplinary team with expertise in CF to optimize growth and nutrition, where patients with CF and their loved ones are placed in the center of the care model. Additionally, with the advent of highly effective modulators (HEMs), CF providers have begun to identify previously unrecognized nutritional issues, such as obesity. Here, we will review and summarize commonly encountered comorbidities and their nutritional impact on this unique population.

12. Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Foot Care: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2022

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

The Short-Term Effects and Tolerability of Low-Viscosity Soluble Fibre on Gastroparesis Patients: A Pilot Clinical Intervention Study

Gastroparesis is a motility disorder that causes severe gastric symptoms and delayed gastric emptying, where the majority of sufferers are females (80%), with 29% of sufferers also diagnosed with Type-1 or Type-2 diabetes. Current clinical recommendations involve stringent dietary restriction and includes the avoidance and minimization of dietary fibre. Dietary fibre lowers the glycaemic index of food, reduces inflammation and provides laxation. Lack of dietary fibre in the diet can affect long-term gastrointestinal health. Our previously published rheological study demonstrated that "low-viscosity" soluble fibres could be a potentially tolerable source of fibre for the gastroparetic population. A randomised controlled crossover pilot clinical study was designed to compare Partially-hydrolysed guar gum or PHGG (test fibre 1), gum Arabic (test fibre 2), psyllium husk (positive control) and water (negative control) in mild-to-moderate symptomatic gastroparesis patients (requiring no enteral tube feeding). The principal aim of the study was to determine the short-term physiological effects and tolerability of the test fibres. In n = 10 female participants, post-prandial blood glucose, gastroparesis symptoms, and breath test measurements were recorded. Normalized clinical data revealed that test fibres PHGG and gum Arabic were able to regulate blood glucose comparable to psyllium husk, while causing far fewer symptoms, equivalent to negative control. The test fibres did not greatly delay mouth-to-caecum transit, though more data is needed. The study data looks promising, and a longer-term study investigating these test fibres is being planned.

Management of Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a gastrointestinal motility disorder characterized by nausea, vomiting, early satiation, postprandial fullness, bloating, and upper abdominal pain. The diagnosis requires documented delay in gastric emptying with an optimal test such as scintigraphy or stable isotope gastric emptying breath test in the absence of mechanical obstruction. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of gastroparesis are multifactorial, including antroduodenal hypomotility, pylorospasm, impaired gastric accommodation, and visceral hypersensitivity. The etiologies of gastroparesis are broad, but the most common subtypes are idiopathic, diabetic, and postsurgical. Less frequent etiologies are neurodegenerative disorder (Parkinson disease), myopathies (scleroderma, amyloidosis), and neoplastic syndrome. Symptoms of gastroparesis can be refractory and challenging to manage, leading to reduced quality of life and significant health care expenditure. This article introduces the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and differential diagnoses of gastroparesis, followed by a focused discussion on its management, including nutritional support, prokinetic and antiemetic agents, and emerging interventions directed at the pylorus. Robust sham-controlled trials are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy. A multidisciplinary approach with individualized strategies based on characterization of the patho-physiology is deemed necessary to enhance clinical outcomes.

Nutritional deficiencies and predictors of mortality in diabetic and nondiabetic gastroparesis

BACKGROUND

Gastroparesis is a debilitating condition that may impact morbidity and mortality, but there is a lack of long-term studies examining this relation. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of mortality in gastroparesis and to determine the nutritional deficiencies.

METHODS

Between September 30, 2009 and January 31, 2020, we identified 320 patients (mean age 47.5±5.3 years, 70% female, 71.3% Whites, 39.7% diabetic and 60.3% nondiabetic) with gastroparesis. 99mTc sulfur-labeled food was used to diagnose gastroparesis. Cox proportional-hazard regression was used to compute the association of mortality predictors.

RESULTS

Of the 320 patients, 46 (14.4%) died during the study period. Among diabetics, advanced age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.10; P<0.001), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (HR 4.69, 95%CI 1.62-13.59; P=0.004), and malnutrition (HR 10.95, 95%CI 3.23-37.17; P<0.001) were associated with higher mortality, whereas in nondiabetics older age (HR 1.05, 95%CI 1.01-1.09; P=0.04), CKD (HR 10.2, 95%CI 2.48-41.99; P=0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (HR 7.5, 95%CI 2.11-26.82; P=0.002), coronary artery disease (CAD) (HR 9.7, 95%CI 1.8-52.21; P=0.008), and malnutrition (HR 3.83, 95%CI 1.14-29.07; P=0.03) were associated with increased mortality. Overall, 48.8% had vitamin D, 18.2% had vitamin B12, and 50.8% had iron deficiencies. Only 19.4% of the whole cohort was evaluated by a nutritionist.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced age, CAD, CKD, COPD and malnutrition were associated with higher mortality in gastroparesis. Despite the high prevalence of nutritional deficiencies, consultation of a specialist nutritionist was uncommon.

Functional dyspepsia: A critical appraisal of the European consensus from a global perspective

The European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility's (ESNM) consensus document on functional dyspepsia (FD) has provided a critical review of the evidence for 36 statements highly relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of FD. We provide here our expert opinion on the North American, Australian and Asian assessments of the same topics discussed, and provide evidence where the ESNM consensus may deviate from those in the other continents. New and exciting data about the pathogenesis of FD are emerging including the possible central role of duodenal micro-inflammation (most notably eosinophilic duodenitis and intestinal mast cell disease), but this is a very dynamic field with several gaps remaining in our understanding that are summarized in this review. Identification of non-invasive biomarkers and testing of targeted therapies, including assessing the benefits of multidisciplinary teams in the management of FD, should be future priorities.

Copper Deficiency Myeloneuropathy in Autoimmune Disease

Copper deficiency is a rare and potentially treatable cause of myeloneuropathy. The most common causes of acquired copper deficiency include malabsorption following gastric surgery and excessive zinc supplementation. Clinical manifestations can be localized to the dorsal spinal cord and present similarly to those that characterize classic vitamin B12 deficiency. In this report, we present the case of a 76-year-old female with copper deficiency myeloneuropathy as a presumed consequence of advanced systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Gastroparesis in Parkinson Disease: Pathophysiology, and Clinical Management

Patients with Parkinson disease (PD) experience a range of non-motor symptoms, including gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms can be present in the prodromal phase of the disease. Recent advances in pathophysiology reveal that α-synuclein aggregates that form Lewy bodies and neurites, the hallmark of PD, are present in the enteric nervous system and may precede motor symptoms. Gastroparesis is one of the gastrointestinal involvements of PD and is characterized by delayed gastric emptying of solid food in the absence of mechanical obstruction. Gastroparesis has been reported in nearly 45% of PD. The cardinal symptoms include early satiety, postprandial fullness, nausea, and vomiting. The diagnosis requires an appropriate test to confirm delayed gastric emptying, such as gastric scintigraphy, or breath test. Gastroparesis can lead to malnutrition and impairment of quality of life. Moreover, it might interfere with the absorption of antiparkinsonian drugs. The treatment includes dietary modifications, and pharmacologic agents both to accelerate gastric emptying and relieve symptoms. Alternative treatments have been recently developed in the management of gastroparesis, and their use in patients with PD will be reported in this review.

Diabetic gastroenteropathy: An underdiagnosed complication

This article is an extensive review that provides an update on the pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetic gastroenteropathy. There is no reported prevalence, but it has been described that patients with type 1 diabetes have a cumulative incidence at 10 years of 5.2%, and type 2 patients, 1%. Also, in the group of type 1 diabetes, it has been observed that women are more likely to present this condition (5.8% vs 3.5%). Many factors are associate with its development (e.g., hyperglycemia, vagal dysfunction, loss of expression of neural nitric oxide synthase in the myenteric plexus, alterations in the Cajal interstitial cell network, and oxidative stress). Gastrointestinal discomfort could be perceived 70% higher in diabetic patients, describing that 25% of diabetic patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms. Diabetic enteropathy could affect any portion of the gastrointestinal tract, but esophageal alterations were described in more than 60% of diabetic patients, also 60% of them present constipation, and 20%, diarrhea. Gastric emptying scintigraphy is useful to evaluate gastroparesis, therefore, gastric retention of more than 60% at 2 h has a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 20% for diagnosis; however, other studies such as breath tests, with a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 80%, or the endoscopic capsule contribute to the diagnosis. There is no cure; however, management must be multidisciplinary, focused on slowing the progression of diabetic gastroenteropathy, reducing symptoms, and restoring function; that includes nutritional recommendation, maintain glucose levels kept below 180 mg/dL, use of prokinetics, anti-emetics; nowadays, it has been special interest in surgical treatment, such as pyloroplasty, also gastric electrical stimulation appears to be another alternative.

Practical management approach to gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a syndrome characterised by delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction. Symptoms can include early satiety, abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting and regurgitation which cause significant morbidity in addition to nutritional deficits. There is a higher prevalence in diabetics and females, but the incidence in the Australian population has not been well studied. Management of gastroparesis involves investigating and correcting nutritional deficits, optimising glycaemic control and improving gastrointestinal motility. Symptom control in gastroparesis can be challenging. Nutritional deficits should be addressed initially through dietary modification. Enteral feeding is a second-line option when oral intake is insufficient. Home parenteral nutrition is rarely used, and only accessible through specialised clinics in the outpatient setting. Prokinetic medication classes that have been used include dopamine receptor antagonists, motilin receptor agonists, 5-HT₄ receptor agonists and ghrelin receptor agonists. Anti-emetic agents are often used for symptom control. Interventional treatments include gastric electrical stimulation, gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy, feeding jejunostomy and gastrostomy/jejunstomy for gastric venting and enteral feeding. In this article we propose a framework to manage gastroparesis in Australia based on current evidence and available therapies.

Assessment of Gastrointestinal Autonomic Dysfunction: Present and Future Perspectives

The autonomic nervous system delicately regulates the function of several target organs, including the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, nerve lesions or other nerve pathologies may cause autonomic dysfunction (AD). Some of the most common causes of AD are diabetes mellitus and α-synucleinopathies such as Parkinson’s disease. Widespread dysmotility throughout the gastrointestinal tract is a common finding in AD, but no commercially available method exists for direct verification of enteric dysfunction. Thus, assessing segmental enteric physiological function is recommended to aid diagnostics and guide treatment. Several established assessment methods exist, but disadvantages such as lack of standardization, exposure to radiation, advanced data interpretation, or high cost, limit their utility. Emerging methods, including high-resolution colonic manometry, 3D-transit, advanced imaging methods, analysis of gut biopsies, and microbiota, may all assist in the evaluation of gastroenteropathy related to AD. This review provides an overview of established and emerging assessment methods of physiological function within the gut and assessment methods of autonomic neuropathy outside the gut, especially in regards to clinical performance, strengths, and limitations for each method.

Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Gastroparesis: A Retrospective Comparative Outcome Study From the Nationwide Inpatient Sample

Background

Gastroparesis (GP), meaning “gastric palsy”, is a chronic medical condition characterized by delayed or absent gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction. The primary objective of this study was to determine the patient-specific outcomes and the burden of GP on the US healthcare system.

Methods

This was a population-based, retrospective study designed to analyze data available from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for 2016 and 2017. Using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes, we identified adult (18 years or older) hospitalizations with a principal diagnosis of GP. The study sample was further classified into two distinct groups based on the presence or absence of GP, namely diabetic GP (DGP) and non-diabetic GP (NDGP). The primary outcome of our study was inpatient mortality secondary to GP while the secondary outcomes included the odds of system-based complications and the burden of the disease on the United States healthcare system.

Results

We identified 99,695 adult (≥ 18 years) hospitalizations with a principal discharge diagnosis of GP in 2016 and 2017. Of these patients, 78.1% (77,885) had DGP and 21.9% (21,810) were classified in the NDGP group. We noted a higher proportion of women (79.3% vs. 63.4%, P < 0.001), patients with a history of smoking (35.8% vs. 31.7%, P < 0.001) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (10.7% vs. 7.6%, P < 0.001) in the NDGP group. After adjusting for common confounders excluding age, the inpatient mortality for GP was found to be 0.25%. Furthermore, after adjustments were made for the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), we noted higher odds of mortality in the NDGP group (0.30% vs. 0.23%, adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.75 - 5.79, P < 0.001) compared to the DGP group. Additionally, patients with NDGP had a higher mean length of stay (5 vs. 4.1 days, P < 0.001) and higher mean total hospital charge ($44,100 vs. $35,500, P < 0.001) compared to those with DGP. The NDGP group also had higher odds of sepsis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE); however, the odds of developing acute kidney injury (AKI) were lower than that of the DGP group.

Conclusions

The inpatient mortality for GP was found to be 0.25%. After adjusting for CCI, patients with NDGP had higher odds of inpatient mortality compared to the DGP group. Additionally, patients with NDGP were associated with a longer length of hospital stay, mean total healthcare cost and higher odds of complications such as sepsis, DVT and PE during the hospitalization.

Significant changes in impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP™) measurements after peroral pyloromyotomy for delayed gastric emptying

BACKGROUND

The endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) can be used to obtain real-time measurements of the diameter (D_min), cross-sectional area (CSA), and distensibility of the pylorus before and after peroral pyloromyotomy (POP), an emerging endoscopic treatment for delayed gastric emptying. Our study aims to report our single-center experience in performing POP with FLIP measurements before and after pyloromyotomy.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained gastroesophageal database was performed. Demographic and perioperative data, including intraoperative FLIP measurements of the pylorus before and after POP, were analyzed. Measurements were compared using paired t tests.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients underwent POP between February 2017 and July 2020. Twenty-three (67.7%) patients were male and the average age was 59 years. The etiology of delayed gastric emptying was post-vagotomy in 22 patients, idiopathic gastroparesis in 7 patients, and diabetic gastroparesis in 5 patients. There were no significant differences in pre-myotomy or post-myotomy FLIP measurements when comparing the post-vagotomy versus the gastroparesis groups. There were significant increases in D_min, CSA, and distensibility index when comparing pre-myotomy and post-myotomy readings for all patients (all p < 0.001). At follow-up, 64.7% of patients reported resolution of all symptoms.

CONCLUSION

POP is an effective intervention in patients with delayed gastric emptying. Significant changes in FLIP measurements before and after POP suggest that FLIP may be a useful adjunct in guiding the management of delayed gastric emptying.

Defatted Seeds of Oenothera biennis as a Potential Functional Food Ingredient for Diabetes

The defatted seeds of Oenothera biennis (DSOB) are a by-product of evening primrose oil production that are currently not effectively used. In this study, α-glucosidase inhibition, aldose reductase inhibition, antioxidant capacity, polyphenol composition, and nutritional value (carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, fat, organic acid, and tocopherols) of DSOB were evaluated using the seeds of Oenothera biennis (SOB) as a reference. DSOB was an excellent inhibitor of α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 3.31 μg/mL) and aldose reductase (IC₅₀ = 2.56 μg/mL). DSOB also showed considerable antioxidant capacities (scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, nitric oxide, peroxynitrite, and hydroxyl radicals). DSOB was a reservoir of polyphenols, and 25 compounds in DSOB were temporarily identified by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization–quadrupole time of flight–mass spectrometry analysis. Moreover, the carbohydrate, protein, and mineral content of DSOB were increased compared to that of SOB. DSOB contained large amounts of fiber and low levels of sugars, and was rich in calcium and iron. These results imply that DSOB may be a potential functional food ingredient for diabetes, providing excellent economic and environmental benefits.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Strategies to Improve Outcomes

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a debilitating and potentially life-threatening pregnancy disease marked by weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration attributed to unrelenting nausea and/or vomiting; HG increases the risk of adverse outcomes for the mother and child(ren). The complexity of HG affects every aspect of a woman's life during and after pregnancy. Without methodical intervention by knowledgeable and proactive clinicians, life-threatening complications may develop. Effectively managing HG requires an understanding of both physical and psychosocial stressors, recognition of potential risks and complications, and proactive assessment and treatment strategies using innovative clinical tools.

Body weight in patients with idiopathic gastroparesis

BACKGROUND

The classic clinical picture of gastroparesis is a symptomatic patient losing weight. In addition, a number of patients with delayed gastric emptying are obese and/or gaining weight. Our aim was to investigate the factors impacting body weight in patients with idiopathic gastroparesis.

METHODS

In patients with idiopathic gastroparesis, detailed history and weight were acquired at enrollment and after 48 weeks. Questionnaires assessed symptoms, food intake, physical activity, and quality of life. Patients underwent laboratory testing, gastric emptying scintigraphy, and water load testing.

RESULTS

Of 138 patients with idiopathic gastroparesis, 10% were underweight (BMI < 18.5), 39% were normal weight (BMI 18.5-25), 20% were overweight with BMI 25 to 30 kg/m² , and 29% were obese with BMI > 30 kg/m² . Body weight at enrollment was positively associated with oral caloric consumption (P < .001), following a gastroparesis diet (P = .04), nutrition consultation (P = .001), upper abdominal pain (P = .01); and negatively associated with energy expenditure (P = .05), alcohol use (P = .003) and severity of bloating (P < .001). When followed over 48 weeks, 53% patients stayed stable (within 5% of baseline weight), 30% gained, and 17% lost weight. Weight gain over 48 weeks was positively associated with oral caloric consumption (P = .003) and constipation severity (P = .005) at enrollment, and negatively associated with lower abdominal pain severity (P = .007) at enrollment, and associated with improvement in inability to finish meal score (P < .001) at 48 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series of patients with idiopathic gastroparesis, 10% were underweight whereas 29% were obese. Over 48 weeks, 30% of patients increased their body weight ≥ 5%. Diet, activity, and symptoms are important factors associated with body weight in patients with idiopathic gastroparesis.

11. Microvascular Complications and Foot Care: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2021

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc21-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc21-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Gastroparesis in the Hospital Setting

Gastroparesis (GP) is commonly seen in hospitalized patients. Refractory vomiting and related dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, and malnutrition are indications for hospital admission. In addition, tube feeding intolerance is a common sign of gastric dysmotility in critically ill patients. The diagnosis and management of GP in the hospital setting can be quite challenging. Diagnostic tests are often deferred because of patient intolerance of the oral meal for standard scintigraphy or severity of the primary disease. The diagnosis of GP is often established on the basis of clinical scenario and risk factors for gastric motor dysfunction. Medical therapy in GP is directed toward controlling nausea and vomiting by prokinetic and antinausea medications and correcting nutrition risks or treating malnutrition with nutrition therapy. Enteral nutrition is the preferred nutrition intervention for patients with GP. Delayed gastric emptying in critically ill patients has a negative impact on the timely delivery of enteral feeding and meeting the energy and protein goals. Measures to improve gastric tolerance or provide feeding beyond the stomach are often needed, since early enteral nutrition has been an important target of therapy for critically ill patients. This review will address the current understanding of the mechanisms of GP and feeding intolerance in critical illness, diagnostic workup, drug therapies, and interventions to improve the provision of enteral nutrition in hospital settings when gastric dysmotility is present or suspected.

Early-life malnutrition causes gastrointestinal dysmotility that is sexually dimorphic

BACKGROUND

Slow gastrointestinal (GI) transit occurs in moderate-to-severe malnutrition. Mechanisms underlying malnutrition-associated dysmotility remain unknown, partially due to lack of animal models. This study sought to characterize GI dysmotility in mouse models of malnutrition.

METHODS

Neonatal mice were malnourished by timed maternal separation. Alternatively, low-protein, low-fat diet was administered to dams, with malnourished neonates tested at two weeks or weaned to the same chow and tested as young adults. We determined total GI transit time by carmine red gavage, colonic motility by rectal bead latency, and both gastric emptying and small bowel motility with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated dextran. We assessed histology with light microscopy, ex vivo contractility and permeability with force-transduction and Ussing chamber studies, and gut microbiota composition by 16S rDNA sequencing.

KEY RESULTS

Both models of neonatal malnutrition and young adult malnourished males but not females exhibited moderate growth faltering, stunting, and grossly abnormal stomachs. Progression of fluorescent dye was impaired in both neonatal models of malnutrition, whereas gastric emptying was delayed only in maternally separated pups and malnourished young adult females. Malnourished young adult males but not females had atrophic GI mucosa, exaggerated intestinal contractile responses, and increased gut barrier permeability. These sex-specific abnormalities were associated with altered gut microbial communities.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Multiple models of early-life malnutrition exhibit delayed upper GI transit. Malnutrition affects young adult males more profoundly than females. These models will facilitate future studies to identify mechanisms underlying malnutrition-induced pathophysiology and sex-specific regulatory effects.

Nutritional approaches for gastroparesis

Patients with gastroparesis often have signs and symptoms including nausea, vomiting, epigastric discomfort, and early satiety, thus leading to inadequate food intake and a high risk of malnutrition. There is a considerable scarcity of data about nutritional strategies for gastroparesis, and current practices rely on extrapolated evidence. Some approaches include the modification of food composition, food consistency, and food volume in the context of delayed gastric emptying. If the patient is unable to consume adequate calories through a solid food diet, stepwise nutritional interventions could include the use of liquid meals, oral nutrition supplements, enteral nutrition, and parenteral nutrition. This Review discusses the role, rationale, and current evidence of diverse nutritional interventions in the management of gastroparesis.

Pathophysiology, Aetiology and Treatment of Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is characterized by delayed gastric emptying, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, in the absence of mechanical obstruction. In most cases, it is idiopathic although diabetes mellitus is another leading cause. The physiology of gastric emptying is a complex process which is influenced by various inputs including the central nervous system, enteric nervous system and gut hormones. Developments in our understanding of gastroparesis have now demonstrated dysfunction in these systems, thus disrupting normal gastric emptying. Once mechanical obstruction is excluded, gastric scintigraphy remains the gold standard for diagnosis although wireless motility capsule and breath testing are alternative methods for diagnosis. Treatment for gastroparesis is challenging, and widely available therapies are often limited either by their poor evidence for efficacy or concerns over their long-term safety profile. Novel prokinetic agents have shown initial promise in clinical trials, and new endoscopic techniques such as gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy are emerging. These new treatment modalities may provide an option in refractory gastroparesis with the adage of reduced morbidity compared to surgical treatments.

Botulinum Toxin A Improves Symptoms of Gastroparesis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pyloric injections of botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) have shown benefit in open-label studies for patients with gastroparesis but not in randomized trials. We sought to examine the effectiveness of BoNT/A injections in a prospective open-label trial of patients with gastroparesis to assess specific symptom improvements over the course of 6 months. We also wanted to determine if specific biochemical measures including creatinine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aldolase, and C-reactive protein suggesting muscular injection could be used to predict successful response to pyloric injections of BoNT/A.

METHODS

Patients with gastroparesis undergoing pyloric BoNT/A injections for the treatment of symptomatic gastroparesis were enrolled. The patients completed the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) at the initial encounter and at 1, 3, and 6 months. Blood samples were collected before and 1 h after BoNT/A therapy.

RESULTS

We enrolled 34 patients for serum analysis of which 25 patients were available for symptom follow-up. Sixty-four percent of patients had an improvement in symptoms at 1 month. Patients with improved GCSI total score at 1 month had an improvement in most individual symptoms evaluated. For patients that improved at 1 month, this improvement often extended up to 6 months (p = 0.04). Serum measures studied did not correlate with clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

BoNT/A therapy to the pylorus provided symptomatic improvement at 1 month in 64% of patients. For those patients initially responding, the improvement can last out to 6 months. The biochemical markers did not serve to predict the outcome of injections.

Gastroparesis versus dyspepsia by intragastric meal distribution: new diagnostics and definitions ahead

Gastroparesis often presents a challenge to the practicing gastroenterologist. Postprandial symptoms with nausea and vomiting may not only lead to nutritional and metabolic consequences, but also significant disruption of social activities that often center around food. The treatment options that affect gastric function are limited and often disappointing. The female predominance, the mostly idiopathic and idiosyncratic nature of the illness, often with some common psychiatric co-morbidity, parallels other functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. These parallels have provided the rationale for studies investigating alternative diagnostic features of the gastric emptying test as employed in the clinical setting. Hence, not only the regular cut-offs of 60% or 10% gastric retention of a meal at 2 and 4 h, but also a new concept, the intragastric meal distribution at time 0 (IMD⁰) is now introduced as a plausible diagnostic feature that should be more aligned with the patients' symptoms as they appear in close connection with the meal. Impaired gastric accommodation with absence of fundic relaxation followed by dumping of the meal into antrum is suggested to be diagnostic for functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis. The diagnostic cut-off is considered when more than 57% of the meal is distributed to the distal part of the stomach immediately on food intake. This new diagnostic feature of the gastric emptying profile lend support to better understanding of the patients' symptoms and provides a new basis for pharmacological treatment options in gastroparesis that may provide an improved quality of life in affected individuals.

Preoperative Blood Glucose Level Predicts Postsurgical Gastroparesis Syndrome after Subtotal Gastrectomy: Development of an Individualized Usable Nomogram

BACKGROUND

Postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome (PGS) after subtotal gastrectomy imposes significant social and economic burdens. We aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative blood glucose level and PGS and develop a nomogram for individualized prediction. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 633 patients with gastric cancer who underwent subtotal gastrectomy. Preoperative blood glucose levels were evaluated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to develop a predictive model for PGS, presented as a nomogram, which was assessed for its clinical usefulness.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight of 633 patients were diagnosed with PGS. Based on the ROC curve analysis, the preoperative blood glucose cutoff value for PGS was 6.25 mmol/L. The predictors of PGS included preoperative hyperglycemia (odds ratio (OR) 2.3, P = 0.03), body mass index (BMI; OR 0.21, P = 0.14 for BMI < 18.5 and OR 3.0, P = 0.004 for BMI > 24), and the anastomotic method (OR 7.3, P = 0.001 for Billroth II and OR 5.9, P = 0.15 for Roux-en-Y). The predictive model showed good discrimination ability, with a C-index of 0.710, and was clinically useful.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative hyperglycemia effectively predicts PGS. We present a nomogram incorporating the preoperative blood glucose level, BMI, anastomotic method, and tumor size, for individualized prediction of PGS.

11. Microvascular Complications and Foot Care: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2020

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.