Factors related to abdominal pain in gastroparesis: contrast to patients with predominant nausea and vomiting

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.

Efficacy and safety of itopride SR for upper gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with diabetic gastroparesis: real-world evidence from Pakistan

Background

Gastroparesis is a serious condition that can be caused by diabetes, surgery or infection, or can be idiopathic. When there is no mechanical obstruction, gastroparesis is characterized by delayed stomach emptying. Itopride, a prokinetic drug, inhibits acetylcholinesterase activity in addition to antagonizing dopamine D2 receptors.

Methods

This prospective, multicentre study is based on real-world data from 988 patients with a diagnosis of diabetic gastroparesis for index (PAGI-SYM2) evaluation at baseline and week 4 of treatment for upper gastrointestinal disorder symptoms.

Results

Upper gastrointestinal symptom severity scores improved significantly after 4 weeks of treatment (p<0.001), with significant improvement across all categories of gastroparesis (very mild (37-58.6%), mild degree (24.6-31.6%), moderate (29.3-7.3%) and severe (8.8-2.6%).

Conclusion

Itopride SR (Nogerd SR) in a 150 mg once-daily dose showed promising results in reducing the severity of upper gastrointestinal disorder symptoms associated with diabetic gastroparesis. Both statistical and clinical effectiveness were observed. Moreover, the treatment demonstrated a favourable tolerability profile, with a low incidence of adverse effects.

Gastroparesis: time for a paradigm change

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Gastroparesis (GP) is a syndrome defined by symptoms and delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction. Typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and early satiety. Only one medication is currently FDA-approved for the treatment of GP. This review highlights recent research findings pertaining to GP and provides evidence to support a change in the current GP diagnostic and treatment paradigm.

RECENT FINDINGS

An analysis of GP trials over the past four decades demonstrates the power of placebo and the need to perform longer studies with clearly defined patient populations. Two studies highlight the need to evaluate patients with suspected GP carefully and to perform gastric emptying studies properly. The misdiagnosis of GP symptoms is reviewed, preceded by a discussion of whether GP should be considered a disorder of gut-brain interaction. Finally, new data on therapies that target the pylorus are highlighted.

SUMMARY

Gastroparesis is frequently over-diagnosed and incorrectly diagnosed. Performing a proper gastric emptying study which adheres to standard protocol, and accurately interpreting the results in the context of the individual patient, are critical to making an accurate diagnosis of GP. The treatment paradigm needs to shift from simply aiming to accelerate gastric emptying to treating global symptoms of a chronic syndrome that may represent gut-brain dysfunction in many patients.

Diabetic Gastroparesis and its Emerging Therapeutic Options: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Diabetic gastroparesis (DG) is one of the many complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). Even though this condition surfaces years after uncontrolled disease, it affects the quality of life in several ways and causes significant morbidity. Common symptoms experienced by the patients include postprandial nausea, vomiting, abdominal fullness, and pain. Strict glycemic control is essential to evade the effects of DG. The purpose of this review article is to briefly study the pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic modalities, and the effects of DG on different aspects of life. Furthermore, it also focuses on the emerging treatment modalities for DG. Tradipitant and relamorelin are two such treatment options that are gaining noteworthy recognition and are discussed in detail in this review article. As observed through various clinical trials, these drugs help alleviate symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloating in patients suffering from DG, thereby targeting the most common and bothersome symptoms of the disease. This leads to an improvement in the quality of life, making it a reliable treatment option for this disease. But while pharmacological intervention is vital, psychological support and lifestyle changes are equally important and are the reason why a multidisciplinary approach is required for the treatment of DG.

Imaging in Gastroparesis: Exploring Innovative Diagnostic Approaches, Symptoms, and Treatment

Gastroparesis (GP) is a chronic disease characterized by upper gastrointestinal symptoms, primarily nausea and vomiting, and delayed gastric emptying (GE), in the absence of mechanical GI obstruction. The underlying pathophysiology of GP remains unclear, but factors contributing to the condition include vagal nerve dysfunction, impaired gastric fundic accommodation, antral hypomotility, gastric dysrhythmias, and pyloric dysfunction. Currently, gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) is considered the gold standard for GP diagnosis. However, the overall delay in GE weakly correlates with GP symptoms and their severity. Recent research efforts have focused on developing treatments that address the presumed underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of GP, such as pyloric hypertonicity, with Gastric Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (G-POEM) one of these procedures. New promising diagnostic tools for gastroparesis include wireless motility capsule (WMC), the 13 carbon-GE breath test, high-resolution electrogastrography, and the Endoluminal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (EndoFLIP). Some of these tools assess alterations beyond GE, such as muscular electrical activity and pyloric tone. These modalities have the potential to characterize the pathophysiology of gastroparesis, identifying patients who may benefit from targeted therapies. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge on diagnostic pathways in GP, with a focus on the association between diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment.

Gastrointestinal-Specific symptom anxiety in patients with gastroparesis: Relationships to symptom severity and quality of life

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal (GI)-specific anxiety has been identified as a treatment target in irritable bowel syndrome. However, GI-specific anxiety has been understudied in other GI functional/motility disorders. Among adults with gastroparesis, we aimed to: (1) initially validate a measure of GI-specific anxiety, the Visceral Sensitivity Index (VSI); and (2) evaluate the relationship between GI-specific anxiety and gastroparesis symptom severity and quality of life, compared to measures of anxiety, depression, and somatization.

METHODS

Consecutive adult patients (N = 100) with gastroparesis presenting for initial consultation completed a series of self-report measures including the VSI. We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis of the VSI one-factor structure and tested internal consistency and convergent validity. We then performed hierarchical linear regression analyses to explore associations between VSI and gastroparesis symptom severity and overall quality of life.

KEY RESULTS

Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the original VSI one-factor structure overall fit well [χ2 (90) = 220.1, p < 0.0001; SRMR = 0.08; RMSEA = 0.12; CFI = 0.96]. The VSI also had excellent internal consistency (α = 0.99) and convergent validity (r = 0.29-0.56; all p < 0.01). Higher GI-specific anxiety was significantly associated with greater gastroparesis symptom severity, including nausea/vomiting, fullness/satiety, and upper abdominal pain scores beyond depression, anxiety, or somatization (all p = <0.01-0.01). Additionally, higher GI-specific anxiety was significantly associated with lower mental health-related quality of life, beyond gastroparesis symptom severity, depression, anxiety, or somatization (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The VSI is an adequate measure of GI-specific anxiety in patients with gastroparesis. Higher GI-specific anxiety was associated with increased patient-reported gastroparesis symptom severity and decreased quality of life, beyond depression/anxiety.

Screening for Gastric Sensory Motor Abnormalities in Pediatric Patients With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of gastric sensory motor symptoms in youth with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

A prospective cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate symptoms of delayed gastric emptying in participants with type 1 diabetes, aged 12 to 25 years, using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) questionnaire. In addition, a 5-year (January 2015 to December 2019), a retrospective study was completed on all gastric emptying scans performed in youth at our institution.

RESULTS

A total of 359 participants (mean age, 17.7 ± 3.33 years) with type 1 diabetes completed the GCSI questionnaire. Compared with nonresponders, responders were more likely to be non-Hispanic White (90% vs 86%; P =.003) and female patients (58% vs 44%; P <.0001), with a lower HbA1c (8.1 ± 1.8 vs 9.0 ± 2.1; P <.0001). At least 1 gastrointestinal symptom was reported in 270 (75%) of responders, of which nausea was the most common (71%). A GCSI score of ≥1.9 suggestive of more severe gastrointestinal symptoms was reported in 17% of responders. Participants with scores ≥1.9 were older (19.1 ± 3.0 vs 17.8 ± 3.3 years; P =.01). In the retrospective study, 778 underwent gastric emptying scan, 29 participants had type 1 diabetes and 11 (38%) showed delayed gastric emptying.

CONCLUSION

Gastrointestinal symptoms related to gastric sensory motor abnormalities are seen in youth and young adults with type 1 diabetes. In particular, for those with higher GCSI scores, earlier recognition and referral may be warranted.

Magnetic resonance imaging as a non-invasive tool to assess gastric emptying in mice

BACKGROUND

Methods to study gastric emptying in rodents are time consuming or terminal, preventing repetitive assessment in the same animal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive technique increasingly used to investigate gastrointestinal function devoid of these shortcomings. Here, we evaluated MRI to measure gastric emptying in control animals and in two different models of gastroparesis.

METHODS

Mice were scanned using a 9.4 Tesla MR scanner. Gastric volume was measured by delineating the stomach lumen area. Control mice were scanned every 30 min after ingestion of a 0.2 g meal and stomach volume was quantified. The ability of MRI to detect delayed gastric emptying was evaluated in models of morphine-induced gastroparesis and streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

KEY RESULTS

Magnetic resonance imaging reproducibly detected increased gastric volume following ingestion of a standard meal and progressively decreased with a half emptying time of 59 ± 5 min. Morphine significantly increased gastric volume measured at t = 120 min (saline: 20 ± 2 vs morphine: 34 ± 5 mm³ ; n = 8-10; p < 0.001) and increased half emptying time using the breath test (saline: 85 ± 22 vs morphine: 161 ± 46 min; n = 10; p < 0.001). In diabetic mice, gastric volume assessed by MRI at t = 60 min (control: 23 ± 2 mm³ ; n = 14 vs diabetic: 26 ± 5 mm³ ; n = 18; p = 0.014) but not at t = 120 min (control: 21 ± 3 mm³ ; n = 13 vs diabetic: 18 ± 5 mm³ ; n = 18; p = 0.115) was significantly increased compared to nondiabetic mice.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Our data indicate that MRI is a reliable and reproducible tool to assess gastric emptying in mice and represents a useful technique to study gastroparesis in disease models or for evaluation of pharmacological compounds.

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.

Antroduodenal motility recording identifies characteristic patterns in gastroparesis related to underlying etiology

BACKGROUND

Gastroparesis (GP) is a gastrointestinal disorder associated with significant morbidity and healthcare costs. GP patients form a heterogeneous population with diverse etiology, and treatment is often challenging due to a poorly understood underlying pathophysiology. The aim of the present study was to assess antroduodenal motility patterns among the different GP etiologies.

METHODS

We reviewed antroduodenal manometry (ADM) recordings of patients with confirmed GP between 2009 and 2019. ADM measurements were evaluated for fed period duration, number of phase III contractions and migrating motor complexes (MMCs), motility index (MI), and presence of neuropathic patterns.

KEY RESULTS

A total of 167 GP patients (142 women, median age 45 [31-57]) were included. The following etiologies were identified: idiopathic n = 101; post-surgery n = 36; and diabetes n = 30. Fed period duration was significantly longer in idiopathic (p &lt; 0.01) and diabetic GP patients (p &lt; 0.05) compared with post-surgery GP patients. Furthermore, the number and duration of phase III contractions and the number of MMCs were significantly lower in idiopathic and diabetic patients compared with post-surgery GP patients (p &lt; 0.01). Likewise, absence of MMCs during 6-h recording was more often observed in idiopathic and diabetes GP patients compared with post-surgery GP patients (resp. p &lt; 0.01 and p &lt; 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Antroduodenal motility patterns are different among GP etiologies. A dysmotility spectrum was identified with different patterns ranging from post-surgery GP to idiopathic and diabetic GP.

Effects of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients with Chronic Nausea, Vomiting, and Refractory Abdominal Pain

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic nausea and vomiting often also have chronic abdominal pain. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may provide pain control, but scarce data are available regarding the effect of SCS on chronic nausea and vomiting.

AIMS

We aimed to determine the effect of SCS in patients with chronic nausea, vomiting, and refractory abdominal pain.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of 26 consecutive patients who underwent SCS trial for a primary diagnosis of nausea, vomiting and refractory abdominal pain.

RESULTS

26 patients underwent SCS trial, with an average age of 48 years. Twenty-three patients (88.5%) reported > 50% pain relief during the temporary SCS trial and then underwent permanent implantation. Patients were then followed for 41 (22-62) months. At baseline, 20 of the 23 patients (87.0%) reported daily nausea, but at 6 months and the most recent follow-up, only 8 (34.8%) and 7 (30.4%) patients, respectively, had daily nausea (p < 0.001). Days of nausea decreased from 26.3 days/month at baseline to 12.8 and 11.7 days/month at 6 months and at the most recent visit, respectively. Vomiting episodes decreased by 50%. Abdominal pain scores improved from 8.7 to 3.0 and 3.2 at 6 months and the most recent visit, respectively (both p < 0.001). Opioid use decreased from 57.7 mg MSO4 equivalents to 24.3 mg at 6 months and to 28.0 mg at the latest patient visit (both p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

SCS may be an effective therapy for long-term treatment of symptoms for those patients afflicted with chronic nausea, vomiting, and refractory abdominal pain.

Diagnoses of Exclusion in the Workup of Abdominal Complaints

Abdominal pain is a common complaint in the emergency department, comprising 8.8% of all visits. Despite advances in medicine and imaging, 20% to 30% of patients still leave the department without a definitive diagnosis, whichhis can be both distressing for patients and unsatisfying for providers. Diagnoses of exclusion can be perilous, and their application should be carefully considered in order to not overlook more emergent complaints. However, a working knowledge of diagnoses of exclusion can guide therapeutics and specialty referrals that can ultimately provide answers and relief to a patient population often at odds with available information and expectations.

Factors that contribute to the impairment of quality of life in gastroparesis

BACKGROUND

Understanding factors that impair quality of life (QOL) in gastroparesis is important for clinical management.

AIMS

(a) Determine QOL in patients with gastroparesis; (b) Determine factors that impair QOL.

METHODS

Gastroparetic patientsAQ6 underwent history and questionnaires assessing symptoms (PAGI-SYM and Rome III), QOL (SF-36v2 and PAGI-QOL), depression (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]), and anxiety (State Trait Anxiety InventoryAQ7).

KEY RESULTS

715 gastroparesis patients (256 diabetic (DG), 459 idiopathic (IG)) were evaluated. SF-36 physical component (PC) score averaged 33.3 ± 10.5; 41% had impaired score <30. SF-36 PC scores were similar between diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis. Impaired SF-36 PC associated with increased nausea/vomiting and upper abdominal pain subscores, acute onset of symptoms, higher number of comorbidities, use of narcotic pain medications, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). SF-36 mental component (MC) score averaged 38.9 ± 13.0; 26% had impaired score <30. Poor SF-36 MC associated with diabetic etiology, higher Beck depression inventory, and state anxiety scores. PAGI-QOL score averaged 2.6 ± 1.1; 50% had a score of <2.6. Low PAGI-QOL associated with higher fullness, bloating, and upper abdominal pain subscores, more depression and Trait anxiety, smoking cigarettes, need for nutritional support, progressively worsening symptoms and periodic exacerbations.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Multiple measures show poor QOL present in gastroparesis. Several areas impacted on reduced QOL: (a) Symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, as well as IBS; (b) Etiology and acute onset and progressively worsening symptoms; (c) Comorbidities and psychological factors such as anxiety and depression; (d) Patient-related factors such as smoking. Targeting the modifiable factors may improve patient outcomes in gastroparesis.

A link between gastrointestinal disorders and migraine: Insights into the gut-brain connection

Background

Migraine is a complex, multifaceted, and disabling headache disease that is often complicated by gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, such as gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, and cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS). Functional dyspepsia and CVS are part of a spectrum of disorders newly classified as disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI). Gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia are both associated with delayed gastric emptying, while nausea and vomiting are prominent in CVS, which are also symptoms that commonly occur with migraine attacks. Furthermore, these gastric disorders are comorbidities frequently reported by patients with migraine. While very few studies assessing GI disorders in patients with migraine have been performed, they do demonstrate a physiological link between these conditions.

Objective

To summarize the available studies supporting a link between GI comorbidities and migraine, including historical and current scientific evidence, as well as provide evidence that symptoms of GI disorders are also observed outside of migraine attacks during the interictal period. Additionally, the importance of route of administration and formulation of migraine therapies for patients with GI symptoms will be discussed.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed for articles relating to the relationship between the gut and the brain with no restriction on the publication year was performed. Studies providing scientific support for associations of gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, and CVS with migraine and the impact these associations may have on migraine treatment were the primary focus. This is a narrative review of identified studies.

Results

Although the association between migraine and GI disorders has received very little attention in the literature, the existing evidence suggests that they may share a common etiology. In particular, the relationship between migraine, gastric motility, and vomiting has important clinical implications in the treatment of migraine, as delayed gastric emptying and vomiting may affect oral dosing compliance, and thus, the absorption and efficacy of oral migraine treatments.

Conclusions

There is evidence of a link between migraine and GI comorbidities, including those under the DGBI classification. Many patients do not find adequate relief with oral migraine therapies, which further necessitates increased recognition of GI disorders in patients with migraine by the headache community.

Addition of small-bowel transit scintigraphy to gastric emptying for assessment of patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms

BACKGROUND

Dyspeptic symptoms are not well correlated with gastric emptying (GE) results.

AIMS

To determine (a) prevalence of delayed SB transit (SBT) in patients undergoing GE scintigraphy for symptoms of gastroparesis; (b) symptoms associated with delayed SBT.

METHODS

Patients with symptoms of gastroparesis underwent combined GE and SBT scintigraphy (GES/SBTS). Patients ingested a mixed solid (S)-liquid (L) meal with egg whites labeled with 500 µCi Tc-99 m sulfur colloid and water with 125 µCi In-111 DTPA. Retained S and L gastric activity and percent of L In-111 activity in terminal ileum (TI) and/or cecum/colon at 6 h were determined. Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms (PAGI-SYM) assessed symptoms from 0 (none) to 5 (very severe).

KEY RESULTS

Of 363 patients, 174 (47.9%) had delayed S GE, 141 (38.8%) delayed L GE, and 70 (19.3%) delayed SBT. Delayed SBT was seen in 24 (6.6%) with normal S GE and 46 (12.7%) with delayed S GE. Patients with isolated delayed SBT had highest symptom scores for postprandial fullness (3.5), stomach fullness (3.4), nausea (3.2), bloating (3.2), compared to isolated delayed S GE who had highest symptom scores for postprandial fullness (3.7), nausea (3.6), stomach fullness (3.4), and early satiety (3.3).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Delayed SBT occurred in 19.3% of dyspeptic patients using GES/SBTS. While postprandial and stomach fullness were common to both delayed S GE and delayed SBT, early satiety was associated with delayed S GE whereas bloating was associated with delayed SBT. Thus, SBTS can augment GES to help explain some symptoms associated with dyspepsia and suspected gastroparesis.

Gastroparesis With the Initiation of Liraglutide: A Case Report

Gastroparesis is a syndrome that is manifested by gastrointestinal symptoms and delayed gastric emptying without evidence of mechanical obstruction. Herein, we present the case of an 18-year-old diabetic female patient who developed clinical features suggestive of gastroparesis after initial doses of liraglutide. Although rare, drug-induced gastroparesis should be contemplated in diabetic patients with a history of recent commencement of liraglutide, particularly at higher doses. Management of drug-induced gastroparesis is largely symptomatic.

Gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia: different diseases or different ends of the spectrum?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review assesses the relationship between gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia, in light of recent research assessing cause, pathophysiology and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

The Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) lacks the ability to readily distinguish functional dyspepsia from gastroparesis based on symptoms. Although prior studies found that the extent of delay in gastric emptying did not accurately predict severity of symptoms, when optimally measured, delayed gastric emptying may in fact correlate with gastroparesis symptoms. Enteric dysmotility may be an important risk factor for gastroparesis. Altered central processing may play a role in symptom generation for both gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia based on functional brain MRI. Treatment directed towards reducing low-grade inflammation and improving mucosal barrier function in the duodenum may represent a novel therapeutic target for functional dyspepsia, whereas gastric peroral endoscopy myotomy (G-POEM) remains a promising intervention for refractory gastroparesis.

SUMMARY

Abnormalities on functional MRI of the brain have been identified in patients with functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis. Small bowel dysmotility and duodenal barrier dysfunction have been implicated in the pathophysiology of gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia, respectively. New treatments for functional dyspepsia may target low-grade duodenal inflammation and barrier dysfunction. The pylorus remains a target in gastroparesis.

Time Trends in Healthcare Utilization Due to Self-Reported Functional Diseases of the Stomach

INTRODUCTION

Cohort studies from referral centers suggest an increasing burden of functional gastric disorders, with frequent emergency room (ER) visits, hospitalizations, or absenteeism. We hypothesized that recruitment from tertiary care sites skews results and thus investigated the burden of these illnesses, using the population-based data of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).

METHODS

Using MEPS data for the years 2000-2015, demographic, economic, healthcare-related, and quality-of-life indicators were extracted for adults reporting the diagnosis of functional gastric diseases to assess trends and to compare results with data from all adults surveyed.

RESULTS

Between 2000 and 2015, 2.7 ± 0.2% of the adults surveyed reported a functional gastric illness. Within the period studied, 28.8 ± 2.8% and 17.9 ± 1.6% of this cohort reported ER visits or hospitalizations, respectively. Only a fraction of these persons attributed the ER visits (22.6 ± 0.9%) or admissions (10.9 ± 0.8%) to the functional gastric disorder. Rates remained stable rates during the period studied. Female sex, measures of physical function, comorbidities, and an income below the poverty line were predictors of healthcare utilization. While utilization was stable over time, annual costs increased by 113.9 ± 16.6% during the study period, outpacing the inflation rate of 37.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

Persons with functional gastric disorders have significant healthcare needs and face increasing costs of care, largely due to coexisting illnesses. While it is important to recognize this impact, the need for emergency care or hospitalizations remained stable and lower than reported for patients seen in tertiary referral centers, providing reassuring information for patients and providers.

PAN-selective inhibition of cAMP-phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) induces gastroparesis in mice

Inhibitors of cAMP-phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) exert a number of promising therapeutic benefits, but adverse effects, in particular emesis and nausea, have curbed their clinical utility. Here, we show that PAN-selective inhibition of PDE4, but not inhibition of PDE3, causes a time- and dose-dependent accumulation of chow in the stomachs of mice fed ad libitum without changing the animals' food intake or the weight of their intestines, suggesting that PDE4 inhibition impairs gastric emptying. Indeed, PDE4 inhibition induced gastric retention in an acute model of gastric motility that traces the passage of a food bolus through the stomach over a 30 minutes time period. In humans, abnormal gastric retention of food is known as gastroparesis, a syndrome predominated by nausea (>90% of cases) and vomiting (>80% of cases). We thus explored the abnormal gastric retention induced by PDE4 inhibition in mice under the premise that it may represent a useful correlate of emesis and nausea. Delayed gastric emptying was produced by structurally distinct PAN-PDE4 inhibitors including Rolipram, Piclamilast, Roflumilast, and RS25344, suggesting that it is a class effect. PDE4 inhibitors induced gastric retention at similar or below doses commonly used to induce therapeutic benefits (e.g., 0.04 mg/kg Rolipram), thus mirroring the narrow therapeutic window of PDE4 inhibitors in humans. YM976, a PAN-PDE4 inhibitor that does not efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier, induced gastroparesis only at significantly higher doses (≥1 mg/kg). This suggests that PDE4 inhibition may act in part through effects on the autonomic nervous system regulation of gastric emptying and that PDE4 inhibitors that are not brain-penetrant may have an improved safety profile. The PDE4 family comprises four subtypes, PDE4A, B, C, and D. Selective ablation of any of these subtypes in mice did not induce gastroparesis per se, nor did it protect from PAN-PDE4 inhibitor-induced gastroparesis, indicating that gastric retention may result from the concurrent inhibition of multiple PDE4s. Thus, potentially, any of the four PDE4 subtypes may be targeted individually for therapeutic benefits without inducing nausea or emesis. Acute gastric retention induced by PDE4 inhibition is alleviated by treatment with the widely used prokinetic Metoclopramide, suggesting a potential of this drug to alleviate the side effects of PDE4 inhibitors. Finally, given that the cause of gastroparesis remains largely idiopathic, our findings open the possibility that a physiologic or pathophysiologic downregulation of PDE4 activity/expression may be causative in a subset of patients.

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.

Gastroparesis: New insights into an old disease

Gastroparesis (Gp) is a chronic disease characterized by a delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction. Although this condition has been reported in the literature since the mid-1900s, only recently has there been renewed clinical and scientific interest in this disease, which has a potentially great impact on the quality of life. The aim of this review is to explore the pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutical aspects of Gp according to the most recent evidence. A comprehensive online search for Gp was carried out using MEDLINE and EMBASE. Gp is the result of neuromuscular abnormalities of the gastric motor function. There is evidence that patients with idiopathic and diabetic Gp may display a reduction in nitrergic inhibitory neurons and in interstitial cells of Cajal and/or telocytes. As regards diagnostic approach, 99-Technetium scintigraphy is currently considered to be the gold standard for Gp. Its limits are a lack of standardization and a mild risk of radiation exposure. The C13 breath testing is a valid and safe alternative method. ¹³C acid octanoic and the ¹³C Spirulina platensis recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration are the most commonly used diagnostic kits. The wireless motility capsule is a promising technique, but its use is limited by costs and scarce availability in many countries. Finally, therapeutic strategies are related to the clinical severity of Gp. In mild and moderate Gp, dietary modification and prokinetic agents are generally sufficient. Metoclopramide is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for Gp. However, other older and new prokinetics and antiemetics can be considered. As a second-line therapy, tricyclic antidepressants and cannabinoids have been proposed. In severe cases the normal nutritional approach can be compromised and artificial nutrition may be needed. In drug-unresponsive Gp patients some alternative strategies (endoscopic, electric stimulation or surgery) are available.

Gastroparesis in the Pediatric Patient: Children Are Not Little Adults

Although the definition of gastroparesis in children is the same as in adults, there are key differences between gastroparesis in these two populations in presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. Infants and younger children with gastroparesis tend to be male, present with vomiting as their primary symptom and are more likely to experience the resolution of their symptoms over time. Adolescents with gastroparesis tend to be female, present with abdominal pain as their primary symptom and have a less favorable short- and medium-term outcome, sharing some similarities with adults with gastroparesis. Despite the fact that validated diagnostic criteria for gastroparesis are lacking in infants and younger children, these age groups make up nearly half of children with gastroparesis in some studies. The diagnosis and treatment of children with gastroparesis has thus far relied heavily on research studies performed in adults, but it is becoming increasingly clear that gastroparesis in children is a distinct entity and there are limitations to the applicability of data obtained from adults to the care of children.

Open-label pilot study: Non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation improves symptoms and gastric emptying in patients with idiopathic gastroparesis

BACKGROUND

Gastroparesis, a chronic motility disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, remains largely unexplained. Medical therapy is limited, reflecting the complex physiology of gastric sensorimotor function. Vagus nerve stimulation is an attractive therapeutic modality for gastroparesis, but prior methods required invasive surgery. In this open-label pilot study, we aimed to assess the benefit of non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation in patients with mild to moderate idiopathic gastroparesis.

METHODS

Patients self-administered the gammaCore vagal nerve stimulator for 4 weeks. The gastroparesis cardinal symptom index daily diary (GCSI-dd) was assessed during a two-week run-in period, ≥4 weeks of therapy, and 4 weeks after therapy was completed. Gastric emptying and autonomic function testing were also performed. The primary endpoint was an absolute reduction in CGSI-dd of 0.75 after nVNS.

RESULTS

There was a total improvement in symptom scores (2.56 ± 0.76 to 1.87 ± 1.05; P = .01), with 6/15 (40%) participants meeting our primary endpoint. Therapy was associated with a reduction in gastric emptying (T1/2 155 vs 129 minutes; P = .053, CI -0.4 to 45). Therapy did not correct autonomic function abnormalities, but was associated with modulation of reflex parasympathetic activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation led to improved cardinal symptoms and accelerated gastric emptying in a subset of patients with idiopathic gastroparesis. Responders had more severe gastric delay at baseline and clinical improvement correlated with duration of therapy, but not with improvements in gastric emptying. Larger randomized sham-controlled trials of greater duration are needed to confirm the results of this pilot study.

Gastroparesis in the 2020s: New Treatments, New Paradigms

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review highlights recent work that will lead to near-term advances in the understanding and treatment of gastroparesis (Gp).

RECENT FINDINGS

Major current advancements in the pathophysiology of Gp, include recognition of the SIP syncytium as the pacemaking unit rather than ICC alone and that Gp may be part of a pan-enteric autoimmune and/or autonomic disorder with macrophage imbalance. The development of newer techniques to assess gastric emptying (gastric emptying breath test and wireless motility capsule) and pyloric distensibility (EndoFLIP®) are allowing clinicians better characterization of their patients. In addition to pharmaceutical compounds in the pipeline, neuromodulation and endosurgical techniques, such as G-POEM, may help address refractory Gp. We expect that the 2020 decade will witness exciting developments. Treatments targeting gastrointestinal motility, immunological dysfunction, and inflammatory mediators will be evaluated. We anticipate future studies will be guided by biomarkers correlated with patient outcomes and therapeutic efficacy to establish new paradigms in the management of Gp.

Passive Wireless Pressure Sensing for Gastric Manometry

We describe a wireless microsystem for gastrointestinal manometry that couples a microfabricated capacitive transducer to a dual-axis inductor, forming a resonant inductor-capacitor (LC) sensor within an ingestible 3D printed biocompatible capsule measuring ø 12 mm × 24 mm. An inductively coupled external telemetry unit wirelessly monitors the pressure dependent resonant frequency of the LC sensor, eliminating the need for integrated power sources within the ingested capsule. In vitro tests in saline show pressure response of -0.6 kHz/mmHg, interrogation distance up to 6 cm, and resolution up to 0.8 mmHg. In vivo functionality is validated with gastrointestinal pressure monitoring in a canine beagle over a 26-hour period.

Gastroparesis: a turning point in understanding and treatment

Gastroparesis is defined by delayed gastric emptying (GE) and symptoms of nausea, vomiting, bloating, postprandial fullness, early satiety and abdominal pain. Most common aetiologies include diabetes, postsurgical and postinfectious, but in many cases it is idiopathic. Clinical presentation and natural history vary by the aetiology. There is significant morbidity and healthcare utilisation associated with gastroparesis. Mechanistic studies from diabetic animal models of delayed GE as well as human full-thickness biopsies have significantly advanced our understanding of this disorder. An innate immune dysregulation and injury to the interstitial cells of Cajal and other components of the enteric nervous system through paracrine and oxidative stress mediators is likely central to the pathogenesis of gastroparesis. Scintigraphy and ¹³C breath testing provide the most validated assessment of GE. The stagnant gastroparesis therapeutic landscape is likely to soon see significant changes. Relatively newer treatment strategies include antiemetics (aprepitant), prokinetics (prucalopride, relamorelin) and fundic relaxants (acotiamide, buspirone). Endoscopic pyloromyotomy appears promising over the short term, especially for symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Further controlled trials and identification of the appropriate subgroup with pyloric dysfunction and assessment of long-term outcomes are essential. This review highlights the clinical presentation, diagnosis, mechanisms and treatment advancements for gastroparesis.

Opioid-Induced Foregut Dysfunction

The impact of opioid use on the lower gastrointestinal tract is well described, but recent opioid crisis has caused increased awareness of the detrimental effects of these drugs on esophageal and gastroduodenal motility. Opioid use has been associated with increased incidence of spastic esophageal motility disorders and gastroduodenal dysfunction. Opioid receptors are present with high abundance in the myenteric and submucosal plexus of the enteric nervous system. Activation of these receptors leads to suppressed excitability of the inhibitory musculomotor neurons and unchecked tonic contraction of the autogenic musculature (such as the lower esophageal sphincter and the pylorus).

Diabetic Gastroparesis

This review covers the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of diabetic gastroparesis, and more broadly diabetic gastroenteropathy, which encompasses all the gastrointestinal manifestations of diabetes mellitus. Up to 50% of patients with type 1 and type 2 DM and suboptimal glycemic control have delayed gastric emptying (GE), which can be documented with scintigraphy, 13C breath tests, or a wireless motility capsule; the remainder have normal or rapid GE. Many patients with delayed GE are asymptomatic; others have dyspepsia (i.e., mild to moderate indigestion, with or without a mild delay in GE) or gastroparesis, which is a syndrome characterized by moderate to severe upper gastrointestinal symptoms and delayed GE that suggest, but are not accompanied by, gastric outlet obstruction. Gastroparesis can markedly impair quality of life, and up to 50% of patients have significant anxiety and/or depression. Often the distinction between dyspepsia and gastroparesis is based on clinical judgement rather than established criteria. Hyperglycemia, autonomic neuropathy, and enteric neuromuscular inflammation and injury are implicated in the pathogenesis of delayed GE. Alternatively, there are limited data to suggest that delayed GE may affect glycemic control. The management of diabetic gastroparesis is guided by the severity of symptoms, the magnitude of delayed GE, and the nutritional status. Initial options include dietary modifications, supplemental oral nutrition, and antiemetic and prokinetic medications. Patients with more severe symptoms may require a venting gastrostomy or jejunostomy and/or gastric electrical stimulation. Promising newer therapeutic approaches include ghrelin receptor agonists and selective 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists.

Abdominal Pain in Patients with Gastroparesis: Associations with Gastroparesis Symptoms, Etiology of Gastroparesis, Gastric Emptying, Somatization, and Quality of Life

Abdominal pain can be an important symptom in some patients with gastroparesis (Gp).

AIMS

(1) To describe characteristics of abdominal pain in Gp; (2) describe Gp patients reporting abdominal pain.

METHODS

Patients with idiopathic gastroparesis (IG) and diabetic gastroparesis (DG) were studied with gastric emptying scintigraphy, water load test, wireless motility capsule, and questionnaires assessing symptoms [Patient Assessment of Upper GI Symptoms (PAGI-SYM) including Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI)], quality of life (PAGI-QOL, SF-36), psychological state [Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI), PHQ-15 somatization scale].

RESULTS

In total, 346 Gp patients included 212 IG and 134 DG. Ninety percentage of Gp patients reported abdominal pain (89% DG and 91% IG). Pain was primarily in upper or central midline abdomen, described as cramping or sickening. Upper abdominal pain was severe or very severe on PAGI-SYM by 116/346 (34%) patients, more often by females than by males, but similarly in IG and DG. Increased upper abdominal pain severity was associated with increased severity of the nine GCSI symptoms, depression on BDI, anxiety on STAI, somatization on PHQ-15, the use of opiate medications, decreased SF-36 physical component, and PAGI-QOL, but not related to severity of delayed gastric emptying or water load ingestion. Using logistic regression, severe/very severe upper abdominal pain associated with increased GCSI scores, opiate medication use, and PHQ-15 somatic symptom scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Abdominal pain is common in patients with Gp, both IG and DG. Severe/very severe upper abdominal pain occurred in 34% of Gp patients and associated with other Gp symptoms, somatization, and opiate medication use. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01696747.

Characterizing Abdominal Pain in Patients With Gastroparesis Into Neuropathic and Nociceptive Components

INTRODUCTION

The cause of abdominal pain (AP) in gastroparesis (Gp) is often not known; hence, its treatment can be challenging. Preoccupation with or increased attention (hypervigilance) to pain is associated with perceived pain severity and psychosocial disability. The aims of this study were to (1) characterize AP in Gp patients into neuropathic and nociceptive pain components; (2) assess these patients for hypervigilance to pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gp patients with AP as an important symptom, seen from June 2017 to November 2017 were given validated questionnaires to characterize their AP. Carnett's sign (worsened AP/tenderness on head/shoulder lift and/or leg lift) was assessed on examination.

RESULTS

Of 32 patients (87% females), 20 had idiopathic Gp, and 9 had diabetic Gp. AP severity using Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms averaged 4.3±0.2 (standard error of mean) for upper AP and 2.3±0.3 for lower AP. AP was typically located in epigastrium (53.1%), and described as sharp (75%). Eleven patients (35.5%) met criteria for neuropathic pain on Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire. Twenty patients (62.5%) had positive Carnett's sign suggesting somatic pain. Fifteen patients (48.4%) were hypervigilant to pain on Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS

Of Gp patients with AP, over one third have a neuropathic component to their pain whereas nearly two thirds have characteristics of somatic pain. Almost half of the Gp patients with AP are hypervigilant to pain. Determining the underlying cause of AP and hypervigilance to pain in Gp patients may assist in devising appropriate treatment strategies.

Opioid Use and Potency Are Associated With Clinical Features, Quality of Life, and Use of Resources in Patients With Gastroparesis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Many patients with gastroparesis are prescribed opioids for pain control, but indications for opioid prescriptions and the relationship of opioid use to gastroparesis manifestations are undefined. We characterized associations of use of potent vs weaker opioids and presentations of diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis.

METHODS

We collected data on symptoms, gastric emptying, quality of life, and health care resource use from 583 patients with gastroparesis (>10% 4-h scintigraphic retention) from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Gastroparesis Consortium, from January 2007 through November 2016. Patients completed medical questionnaires that included questions about opioid use. The opioid(s) were categorized for potency relative to oral morphine. Symptom severities were quantified by Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders Symptoms questionnaires. Subgroup analyses compared patients on potent vs weaker opioids and opioid effects in diabetic vs idiopathic etiologies.

RESULTS

Forty-one percent of patients were taking opioids; 82% of these took potent agents (morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, hydromorphone, buprenorphine, or fentanyl). Abdominal pain was the reason for prescription for 61% of patients taking opioids. Mean scores for gastroparesis, nausea/vomiting, bloating/distention, abdominal pain, and constipation scores were higher in opioid users (P ≤ .05). Opioid use was associated with greater levels of gastric retention, worse quality of life, increased hospitalization, and increased use of antiemetic and pain modulator medications compared with nonusers (P ≤ .03). Use of potent opioids was associated with worse gastroparesis, nausea/vomiting, upper abdominal pain, and quality-of-life scores, and more hospitalizations compared with weaker opioids (tapentadol, tramadol, codeine, or propoxyphene) (P ≤ .05). Opioid use was associated with larger increases in gastric retention in patients with idiopathic vs diabetic gastroparesis (P = .008).

CONCLUSIONS

Opioid use is prevalent among patients with diabetic or idiopathic gastroparesis, and is associated with worse symptoms, delays in gastric emptying, and lower quality of life, as well as greater use of resources. Potent opioids are associated with larger effects than weaker agents. These findings form a basis for studies to characterize adverse outcomes of opioid use in patients with gastroparesis and to help identify those who might benefit from interventions to prevent opioid overuse.

Ameliorating effects of optimized gastric electrical stimulation and mechanisms involving nerve growth factor and opioids in a rodent model of gastric hypersensitivity

BACKGROUND

Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has been applied to treat gastric motility disorders for decades. This study was designed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of GES for visceral hypersensitivity in a rodent model of functional dyspepsia (FD).

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rat pups at 10-days old received 0.1% iodoacetamide (IA) daily for 6 days. The experiments were performed when the rats reached 8-11 weeks of age, and visceral hypersensitivity was established. Then, GES parameters were optimized and the chronic effects of GES on gastric hypersensitivity were assessed by electromyogram (EMG). Naloxone (3 mg/kg), D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTOP, 1 mg/kg), and anti-NGF (16 μg/kg) were individually intraperitoneally injected to investigate opioid and nerve growth factor (NGF) mechanisms. Tissues were analyzed for NGF expression.

KEY RESULTS

In the IA-treated rats, the visceromotor response to gastric distension was significantly increased, and both acute GES with optimized stimulation parameters (0.25 seconds on, 0.25 seconds off, 100 Hz, 0.25 ms, 6 mA) and chronic GES (7 days, 2 hours/day) normalized gastric hypersensitivity. The inhibitory effect of GES on gastric hypersensitivity was blocked by naloxone and CTOP. Anti-NGF normalized EMG responses in IA-treated rats. The expressions of NGF in the tissues of IA-treated rats were dramatically increased, and these increases were suppressed with GES.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

GES with optimized parameters improves gastric hypersensitivity induced by neonatal treatment of IA mediated peripherally by suppressing NGF and via the opioid mechanism involving the µ receptor. GES as a potential therapy for treating visceral pain may be explored in clinical studies.

The American neurogastroenterology and motility society gastroparesis cardinal symptom index-daily diary (ANMS GCSI-DD): Psychometric evaluation in patients with idiopathic or diabetic gastroparesis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the measurement properties of the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index-Daily Diary, a patient-reported outcome instrument developed to meet US FDA recommendations for a symptom-based clinical trial endpoint in gastroparesis. The ANMS GCSI-DD assesses nausea, early satiety, postprandial fullness, and upper abdominal pain on a severity score from none (0) to very severe (4) and number of vomiting episodes during the past 24 hours. The composite score includes the first four symptoms, the core symptom score includes all five symptoms.

METHODS

Seventy-one patients diagnosed with idiopathic or diabetic gastroparesis were recruited for a four-week observational study. Patients completed the ANMS GCSI-DD at home between Baseline and Week 4. Statistical analyses included confirmatory factor analysis, item response theory analysis, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct and known-groups validity.

KEY RESULTS

Unidimensionality for the composite and core symptom scores was supported, and items exhibited good fit. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha =0.85 and 0.83) and test-retest reliability were 0.89 and 0.88, for composite and core symptom scores, respectively. Convergent validity was supported by strong correlations with patient-reported and clinician measures. Baseline and Week 4 scores differed for three measures used to define disease severity status (P < 0.0001), supporting known-groups validity.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The ANMS GCSI-DD has excellent reliability and validity, supporting its use to assess symptom-based endpoints in gastroparesis clinical studies. Further analyses will be conducted using clinical trial data to ascertain treatment responsiveness and define a responder.

Clinical Manifestation and Natural History of Gastroparesis

Although gastroparesis was described more than 60 years ago, the natural history and the long-term outcome are still being clarified. The patients with more severe gastroparesis often seek health care treatment in university medical centers specializing in gastrointestinal motility disorders and hence reports in the literature tend to be based on this population and may not be representative of the entire spectrum. The clinical manifestations of gastroparesis are heterogeneous but a significant proportion of patients end up with substantially poorer quality of life. In this article, the focus is on the clinical presentation and natural history of gastroparesis.

Symptomatic Management of Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a chronic and debilitating neuromuscular disorder of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of gastroparesis include nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, early satiety, and weight loss. Treating gastroparesis can be difficult. Dietary changes may improve symptoms in patients with mild disease. A variety of medications can be used to treat symptoms of nausea and vomiting, although most have not been subjected to randomized controlled trials and only one is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (metoclopramide). Pain management is essential, as nearly 90% of patients report symptoms of epigastric pain. This article reviews treatment options for symptoms of gastroparesis.

Gastric Electric Stimulation for Refractory Gastroparesis

OBJECTIVE

To outline the use and utility of gastric electric stimulation (GES) as a therapeutic intervention for gastroparesis.

METHODS

Review of the literature.

RESULTS

Gastroparesis is characterized by delayed gastric emptying, with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, early satiety, postprandial fullness, and abdominal pain. Some patients with gastroparesis do not respond to medical intervention, and for these patients surgical intervention may be warranted. GES utilizes high-frequency gastric neurostimulation to facilitate gastric emptying and reduce symptoms of gastroparesis. It is indicated for patients with idiopathic and diabetic gastroparesis who have nausea and vomiting as their primary symptoms and who have not responded to medical therapy. GES has also been used in postsurgical and pediatric gastroparesis patients. Optimizing the outcome of this surgical treatment through proper patient selection and meticulous surgical technique is essential as there are inherent risks to the procedure. Nonblinded studies of GES for medically refractory gastroparesis have demonstrated therapeutic symptomatic benefit, whereas randomized controlled trials have not. New interventions such as pyloromyotomy and pyloroplasty are reasonable alternatives or addendums to GES.

CONCLUSION

GES may be considered among the therapies available for treating patients with refractory symptoms of gastroparesis. More studies, specifically those comparing GES, pyloromyotomy, GES combined with pyloromyotomy, and placebo, are needed to help guide therapy selection for refractory gastroparesis.

Diabetic Gastroparesis and Nondiabetic Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis can be divided into diabetic and nondiabetic, and the 3 main causes of gastroparesis are diabetic, postsurgical, and idiopathic. Delayed gastric emptying is the main manifestation of motility disorders for gastroparesis. Symptoms of gastroparesis are nonspecific and severity can vary. Nausea and vomiting are more common in diabetic gastroparesis whereas abdominal pain and early satiety are more frequent in idiopathic gastroparesis. Medication is still the mainstay of treatment of gastroparesis; however, the development of gastric electric stimulation and gastric peroral endoscopic pyloromyotomy brings more options for the treatment of diabetic and nondiabetic gastroparesis.

Evaluation of Patients with Suspected Gastroparesis

There is substantial overlap between the symptoms of gastroparesis and a variety of alternative disorders. These conditions include rumination syndrome, drug-induced gastric emptying delay, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, and eating disorders, which can be identified based on the history alone. The remaining patients require a diagnostic approach of physical examination, laboratory tests, evaluation with esophagogastroduodenoscopy or contrast radiography, and a test to measure gastric emptying. Symptomatic patients who have normal nutritional status and gastric emptying that is either normal or mildly delayed should be diagnosed with functional dyspepsia, whereas patients with moderate or severe gastric emptying delay are diagnosed with gastroparesis.

A Prospective Multicentric Postmarketing Observational Study to Characterize the Patient Population with Reduced Gastrointestinal Motility among Indian Diabetic Patients Receiving Itopride: The Progress Study

Aims:

This study was intended to assess the clinical profile of Indian diabetic patients with reduced gastrointestinal (GI) motility and to understand the role of itopride in addressing reduced GI motility (gastroparesis) symptoms and maintaining glycemic control.

Material and Methods:

Patients with established reduced GI motility (scintigraphy), with varying degree of GI symptoms, receiving itopride 150 mg as per physicians' discretion were enrolled. Clinical profile, changes in symptom severity, glycemic indices, tolerability, and quality of life (QoL) after 8-week therapy (Patient assessment of upper GI disorders-QoL [PAGI-QoL]) were assessed.

Results:

Mean ± standard deviation age of enrolled population (n = 41) was 51.8 ± 12.39 years. Average duration of gastroparesis since underlying etiology was 67.7 ± 59.76 months. Common symptoms reported at baseline were bloating (68.3%), postprandial fullness (61.0%), nausea (51.2%), early satiety (41.5%), heartburn (39.0%), and vomiting (9.8%). Itopride therapy resulted in significant improvement in all symptoms (P < 0.001), which correlated with improved QoL (PAGI-QoL score reduction: 13.8 ± 11.48; P < 0.0001). Moreover, significant improvement in glycemic indicators was also evident (mean change from baseline hemoglobinA1c –0.5 ± 1.18; fasting plasma glucose –15.3 ± 43.61; postprandial plasma glucose –24.6 ± 57.20).

Conclusions:

Itopride showed effectiveness in addressing symptoms of reduced GI motility in diabetics, with improved QoL. Significant improvement in glycemic indices was also evident posttreatment with itopride. This study sheds light on the role of prokinetics, not only for symptom relief but also for improving glycemic control in diabetic patients with reduced GI motility, thus providing a holistic approach for the management of these patients.

Characterization of Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Gastric Motor Functions, and Associations in Patients with Diabetes at a Referral Center

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to characterize upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms and associations in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) who had undergone evaluation of gastric emptying (GE) and accommodation (GA) at a referral center.

METHODS

From the Mayo Clinic Rochester electronic medical records of adults with diabetes types 1 and 2 (DM1 and DM2) evaluated between January 1997 and December 2015, we extracted demographics, UGI symptoms, current medications, treatments for diabetes, GE solids by scintigraphy, GA by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and diabetes complications. We compared subgroups with delayed (GE at 2 h <25% or GE at 4 h <75%), rapid (GE at 1 h > 35%), and normal GE, as well as reduced (<428 mL) and normal GA.

RESULTS

We reviewed 108 patients (60.2% females, median age 49.0 years). Overall, 71.3% had DM2; one-third of these were insulin dependent and had fairly well-controlled diabetes (median HbA1c 6.7% (IQR 6.2; 7.9)). Manifestations of diabetic triopathy (peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy) were uncommon at presentation with UGI symptoms. Nausea was the most common symptom (80.6%). There were single or combined GE (total 56%: rapid in 37%, slow in 19%) and GA (total 39%) abnormalities; there was normal GA and GE in 28%; 40.3% of the DM2 patients had accelerated GE at 1 h. GE at 1 h is associated with nausea/vomiting, and fasting gastric volume is associated with bloating.

CONCLUSIONS

Among referred diabetic patients with UGI symptoms, GE and GA testing identifies potential targets for individualizing treatment and avoidance of empirical trials for the 28% with no disturbance of GE and GA.

Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a complex syndrome with symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, and postprandial abdominal pain, and is frequently accompanied by significant delays in gastric emptying. The pathophysiology of diabetic gastroparesis is fairly well understood; however, idiopathic gastroparesis, which accounts for one-third of all cases, may stem from infections, or autoimmune or neurologic disorders, among other causes. To date, few population-based studies have estimated the true prevalence and incidence of gastroparesis. Nonetheless, its prevalence appears to be rising, as does its incidence among minority populations, documented via hospitalizations, which can impose significant economic burdens on patients.

Liraglutide-induced Acute Gastroparesis

We describe a case of liraglutide-induced acute gastroparesis in a 52-year-old man with a history of well-controlled type 2 diabetes who presented with symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction. The patient responded markedly to conservative treatment with gastric suctioning, antiemetic and prokinetic therapy, and discontinuation of liraglutide with a resolution of his symptoms. This case highlights the importance of considering drug-induced gastroparesis as an etiology of unexplained upper abdominal pain, nausea, and early satiety, especially in the absence of mechanical obstruction.

The content validity of the ANMS GCSI-DD in patients with idiopathic or diabetic gastroparesis

BACKGROUND

The American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index-Daily Diary (ANMS GCSI-DD) was developed to meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations for patient-reported outcome (PRO) endpoints in gastroparesis studies, including therapeutic trials. The current version of the ANMS GCSI-DD contains five items pertaining to nausea, early satiety, post-prandial fullness, upper abdominal pain, and vomiting. The specific aims of this study were to determine if the appropriate symptoms are included in the ANMS GCSI-DD and to assess the content validity in patients with idiopathic (IG) and diabetic gastroparesis (DG).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with IG or DG were recruited by five clinical sites in the United States for a cross-sectional, qualitative study involving one-on-one in-person concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing interviews. Concept elicitation included open-ended questions to elicit patients' symptoms and impacts of gastroparesis, while cognitive debriefing was designed to assess the comprehensiveness of the ANMS GCSI-DD and clarity of the instructions, items, and response scales. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using a content analysis approach with ATLAS.ti.

RESULTS

Of 25 patients interviewed, 15 (60%) had IG and 10 (40%) DG. Mean age of the sample was 42.3 years (range: 20-70 years), and most patients were female (n = 19, 76%) and white (n = 19, 76%). During concept elicitation, patients endorsed the following signs and symptoms as relevant and important to their condition: early satiety (n = 25, 100%), post-prandial fullness (n = 25, 100%), nausea (n = 22, 88%), upper abdominal pain (n = 18, 72%), vomiting (n = 15, 60%), and bloating (n = 11, 44%). Many patients (n = 20, 80%) experienced day-to-day symptom change. During cognitive debriefing, patients confirmed the ANMS GCSI-DD content was comprehensive and reflective of their gastroparesis experience. Patients could easily select a response option and describe how they arrived at their answers. Overall, patients found the instrument's instructions, recall period, items, and response options clear and understandable.

CONCLUSIONS

The ANMS GCSI-DD was easily understood, found to contain the most important symptoms for patients with IG and DG, and no changes were recommended. Results support the content validity of the ANMS GCSI-DD for clinical trials and clinical care among IG or DG patients.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying of solid food in the absence of a mechanical obstruction of the stomach, resulting in the cardinal symptoms of early satiety, postprandial fullness, nausea, vomiting, belching and bloating. Gastroparesis is now recognized as part of a broader spectrum of gastric neuromuscular dysfunction that includes impaired gastric accommodation. The overlap between upper gastrointestinal symptoms makes the distinction between gastroparesis and other disorders, such as functional dyspepsia, challenging. Thus, a confirmed diagnosis of gastroparesis requires measurement of delayed gastric emptying via an appropriate test, such as gastric scintigraphy or breath testing. Gastroparesis can have idiopathic, diabetic, iatrogenic, post-surgical or post-viral aetiologies. The management of gastroparesis involves: correcting fluid, electrolyte and nutritional deficiencies; identifying and treating the cause of delayed gastric emptying (for example, diabetes mellitus); and suppressing or eliminating symptoms with pharmacological agents as first-line therapies. Several novel pharmacologic agents and interventions are currently in the pipeline and show promise to help tailor individualized therapy for patients with gastroparesis.

Gastroparesis in Non-Diabetics: Associated Conditions and Possible Risk Factors

Background

Gastroparesis is a syndrome characterized by delayed gastric emptying in the absence of any mechanical cause. While often associated with diabetes mellitus, most cases of gastroparesis are idiopathic. The purpose of the present paper is to review the co-morbid conditions that most likely associate with non-diabetic gastroparesis.

Methods

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project: Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) data were used from the year 2013 - 2014 and the Apriori algorithm was run on this subset of patients to identify what co-morbid conditions are most likely associated with gastroparesis.

Results

Notable conditions that were found to be most closely linked with gastroparesis were: chronic pancreatitis, end stage renal disease, irritable bowel syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, fibromyalgia, and venous thromboembolism. Some of the implications of these findings are briefly discussed.

Conclusions

Gastroparesis is strongly associated with multiple medical conditions which may be potential targets for treatment.

Diabetic gastroparesis: current challenges and future prospects

Diabetic gastroparesis (DMGP) is a condition of delayed gastric emptying after gastric outlet obstruction has been excluded. Symptoms of nausea, vomiting, early satiety, bloating, and abdominal pain are associated with DMGP. Uncontrolled symptoms can lead to overall poor quality of life and financial burdens on the healthcare system. A combination of antiemetics and prokinetics is used in symptom control; metoclopramide is the main prokinetic available for clinical use and is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved agent in the United States. However, a black box warning in 2009 reporting its association with tardive dyskinesia and recommending caution in chronically using this agent beyond 3 months has decreased its role in clinical practice. There is an unmet need for new prokinetics with good efficacy and safety profiles. Currently, there are several new drugs with different mechanisms of action in the pipeline that are under investigation and show promising preliminary results. Surgically combining gastric electrical stimulation with pyloroplasty is considered "gold" standard. Advances in therapeutic endoscopic intervention with gastric per-oral endoscopic pyloromyotomy have also been shown to improve gastric emptying and gastroparesis (GP) symptoms. In this review, we will comment on the challenges encountered when managing patients with DMGP and provide an update on advances in drug development and endoscopic and surgical interventions.