Factors contributing to hospitalization for gastroparesis exacerbations

Role of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (GPOEM) in chronic gastroparesis management after pancreas transplantation

Gastroparesis is a common complaint among patients with diabetes. Symptoms tend to improve following successful pancreas transplantation (PTx), but persist despite euglycemia in a subset of patients. We aimed to assess the benefit of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) in persistent gastroparesis following PTx. This was a single center retrospective review of all patients who underwent G-POEM for persistent gastroparesis following PTx. Patient demographics, pre and post procedure perception of symptom severity according to the patient assessment of upper gastrointestinal symptoms severity index (PAGI-SYM), gastroparesis cardinal symptom index (GCSI) score, and 36-item short form survey (SF36) score along with gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) were analyzed. Seven PTx recipients underwent G-POEM for persistent gastroparesis symptoms. The majority were female. All reported nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, and post prandial fullness prior to G-POEM. The post procedure survey scores improved in all patients although this was not significant. The improvement in gastric emptying on GES was statistically significant. G-POEM is a relatively new treatment option for gastroparesis. While it requires specialized proceduralist and training, we have documented improvement in the management of symptoms. With increasing experience, we anticipate more significant benefit in post PTx patients with persistent symptoms of gastroparesis undergoing G-POEM.

Inflammatory Markers and Mortality in Diabetic Versus Idiopathic Gastroparesis

INTRODUCTION

Markers of systemic inflammation have been shown to be elevated in patients with gastroparesis (Gp). We hypothesized the presence of elevated markers of inflammation and/or coagulation can predict death in gastroparesis.

METHODS

Retrospective evaluation of 396 patients with symptoms of gastroparesis with baseline measures of inflammation and coagulation, using a database of patients from 2001 through 2011 followed for an additional 5 plus years. Patients were divided into two groups; diabetic (DM; n=137) and non-diabetic (non-DM; n=259). Inflammation, evaluated by C-reactive protein (CRP), and coagulation by fibrinogen by factor VIII assays, was compared to patient mortality, reported as death during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

Six DM and 13 non-DM patients died during the study period. DM patients had higher fibrinogen, CRP, and factor VIII levels of 454.0±135.2, 4.0±6.3, and 168±63.5, versus non-DM whose levels were 410.4±127.9, 2.6±4.9, 140.4±127.9, p=0.03, 0.001, and <0.001 respectively. Hypercoagulability risk differed by DM status (37% Vs. 29%, p=0.08). Compared to living non-DM, deceased non-DM/idiopathic patients had lower factor VIII (142.3±51.2 vs 117.7±40.3, p=0.07). The majority of deceased non-DM patients had abnormal fibrinogen (62%) but CRP and factor VIII were normal (80% and 85% respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample of 396 patients with symptoms of gastroparesis, systemic inflammation and coagulopathy appear related to diabetes mellitus. Patients who died had markers of inflammation and coagulation that differed from those still alive. Further analysis may suggest a link between inflammation, hypercoagulability, and the mechanism for mortality in gastroparesis or as a marker of disease severity.

Predictors of Early Readmissions in Hospitalized Patients With Gastroparesis: A Nationwide Analysis

Background/Aims

Gastroparesis is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that frequently presents with symptoms that are difficult to manage, necessitating frequent hospitalizations. We sought to determine the predictors of early readmission due to gastroparesis based on etiology.

Methods

We identified all adults discharged with a principal diagnosis of gastroparesis after hospitalization from the 2014 Nationwide Readmission Database. We compared etiology wise (diabetes, post-surgical, and idiopathic) early readmission. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors of 30-day readmission.

Results

A total of 12 689 patients were identified, 30.7% diabetic, 2.6% post-surgical, and 66.7% were idiopathic. Patients with diabetic gastroparesis were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days than idiopathic (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.94) and post-surgical gastroparesis (aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.34-0.98). Pyloroplasty was associated with less likelihood of 30-day readmission (aOR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.20-0.97). In addition, male gender (aOR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02-1.37), modified Elixhauser comorbidity score ≥ 3 (aOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.18-1.61), chronic pain syndrome (aOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.11-1.78), younger (18-64 years) age (aOR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.34-2.00), need for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy/jejunostomy tube (aOR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.21-3.52), and need for total parenteral nutrition (aOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.24-2.35) were associated with increased risk of 30-day readmission.

Conclusions

One in 5 patients was readmitted with gastroparesis within 30 days. In the diabetic group, diabetes-related complications contributed to readmissions than gastroparesis. Pyloroplasty is associated with reduced early hospital readmission. Prospective studies are needed for validation of these results.

COVID-19 infection manifesting as a severe gastroparesis flare: A case report

RATIONALE

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which commonly presents with symptoms including fever, cough, and dyspnea. More recently, however, some patients have tested positive for COVID-19 after developing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms either solely or in conjunction with respiratory symptoms. This may be due to SARS-CoV-2 infection of the GI tract. In patients with chronic GI illnesses, COVID-19 may initially present as a flare of their underlying GI conditions as viruses have historically been implicated in exacerbations of GI disorders, including gastroparesis.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report a case of a 37-year-old female with a history of diabetic gastroparesis who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with nausea and vomiting similar to her gastroparesis flares.

DIAGNOSES

Her symptoms in the ED failed to improve with fluids and anti-emetic medications. After developing a fever, she was tested and found to be positive for COVID-19.

INTERVENTIONS

She was started on antibiotic, steroid, and antiviral medications.

OUTCOMES

Her symptoms improved, her fever defervesced on day 4 of hospitalization, and she was discharged on day 5 of hospitalization. The patient reported symptom improvement at a follow-up outpatient gastroenterology visit 2 months after hospitalization.

LESSONS

To the best of our knowledge, at the present time, this is the first report of a patient with COVID-19 presenting with signs and symptoms of a gastroparesis flare. This case illustrates that COVID-19 may present in an exacerbation of symptoms of an underlying disorder, such as a severe gastroparesis flare, in a patient with underlying gastroparesis. Initial presentation of these patients manifesting as a flare of their chronic GI disease, more severe than usual, should prompt an index of suspicion for COVID-19.

Colonic motility in patients with type 1 diabetes and gastrointestinal symptoms

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The electromagnetic 3D-Transit system allows assessment of regional transit times and motility patterns throughout the GI tract. We aimed to compare GI transit times and detailed motility patterns of the colon in patients with DM and GI symptoms to those of healthy controls (HC). We further aimed to determine whether any abnormalities in motility were reversible by cholinergic stimulation.

METHODS

We compared 18 patients with DM with 20 HC by means of the 3D-Transit system. Patients were studied before and during oral administration of 60 mg pyridostigmine.

KEY RESULTS

Compared to HC, patients had prolonged gastric emptying (DM: 3.3 hours (interquartile range (IQR) 2.6-4.6); HC: 2.3 hours (IQR 1.7-2.7) (P < .01)), colonic transit time (DM: 52.6 hours (IQR 23.3-83.0); HC: 22.4 hours (IQR 18.9-43.6) (P = .02)), and whole gut transit time (DM: 69.4 hours (IQR 32.9-103.6); HC: 30.3 hours (IQR 25.2-49.9) (P < .01)). In addition, compared to HC, patients had prolonged transit time in the ascending colon (DM: 20.5 hours (IQR 11.0-44.0); HC: 8.0 hours (IQR 3.8-21.0) (P < .05)) and more slow retrograde movements in the colon (DM: 2 movements (IQR 1-4); HC: 1 movement (IQR 0-1) (P = .01)). In patients, pyridostigmine increased the number of bowel movements (P < .01) and reduced small intestine transit times (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with DM and GI symptoms have longer than normal GI transit times. This is only partly reversible by pyridostigmine. The increased number of retrograde colonic movements in patients could potentially explain the abnormally long transit time in proximal colon.

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.

Factors Associated With Hospital Admissions and Readmissions in Patients With Gastroparesis Using the Nationwide Readmission Database

BACKGROUND

Gastroparesis can be associated with severe symptoms. Health care utilization for gastroparesis has increased in part due to an increase in hospital admissions.

GOALS

To characterize patients admitted for gastroparesis-related symptoms and determine risk factors associated with 30-day readmissions.

STUDY

The Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) for the year 2014 was used to identify patients admitted to hospitals using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 code for gastroparesis as primary diagnosis or as the secondary diagnosis with first diagnosis code of a gastroparesisrelated symptom. Logistic regression was used to determine risk factors associated with 30-day readmission.

RESULTS

There were 5268 gastroparesis patients admitted with the average length of stay (LOS) of 5.4±6.6 days. Age averaged 48.9±18.1 years, 73.8% were female individuals, and 31% had diabetes. Inpatient mortality was 0.4%. The overall 30-day readmission rate was 6.2%. Longer LOS [odds ratio (OR)=1.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0-1.9], younger age, drug abuse (OR=1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.2), and marijuana use (OR=1.7; 95% CI, 1.0-2.7) were associated with increased risk of 30-day readmission. Female gender (P=0.083), opioid use (P=0.057), and admission to larger hospital (P=0.070) showed a trend toward higher readmission rates. Older patients, and patients with hypertension and diabetes showed lower rates of readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) allows better understanding of gastroparesis admissions and readmissions. Average hospital stay was 5.4 days with 0.4% mortality rate. Overall 30-day readmission rate was 6.2%. Higher LOS, drug abuse, and marijuana use increased the 30-day readmission rate. Diabetes, hypertension, and older age were associated with lower readmissions.

Normative values for gastric motility assessed with the 3D-transit electromagnetic tracking system

BACKGROUND

The Motilis 3D-Transit system allows ambulatory description of transit patterns throughout the gastrointestinal tract and offers an alternative method for studying gastric motility. We aimed to establish normative values for gastric motility assessed with the method.

METHOD

A total of 132 healthy volunteers ingested the 3D-Transit capsule for assessment of gastrointestinal transit times. Recordings from 125 subjects were used for definition of normative values. Forty-six subjects were studied on two consecutive days. Recordings were reanalyzed using newly developed software providing information on gastric emptying (GE) as well as contraction frequency and movement during gastric contractions.

RESULTS

The median GE time was 2.7 hours (range 0.1-21.2). In 89% of subjects, the capsule passed the pylorus within a postingestion period of 6 hours. The median frequency of gastric contractions was 3.1 per minute (range 2.6-3.8). The frequency was higher in women (3.2, range 2.7-3.8) than in men (3.0, range 2.6-3.5) and increased with age (0.004 per year) (P < .05). The median amplitudes were 35° (range 4-85) when based on rotation of the capsule and 11 mm (range 6-31) when based on capsule change in position. The rotation amplitude was higher in women and decreased with increasing BMI (P < .05). The position amplitude was also higher in women and increased with the amount of calories in the test meal, but decreased with increasing BMI and age (P < .05). Day-to-day variation (P > .05) was considerable while inter-rater variability was small.

CONCLUSION AND INFERENCES

We have established normative values for gastric motility assessed with the 3D-Transit system.

Current and future impact of clinical gastrointestinal research on patient care in diabetes mellitus

The worldwide rise in the prevalence of obesity supports the need for an increased interaction between ongoing clinical research in the allied fields of gastrointestinal medicine/surgery and diabetes mellitus. There have been a number of clinically-relevant advances in diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome emanating from gastroenterological research. Gastric emptying is a significant factor in the development of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. However, it is not the only mechanism whereby such symptoms occur in patients with diabetes. Disorders of intrinsic pacing are involved in the control of stomach motility in patients with gastroparesis; on the other hand, there is limited impact of glycemic control on gastric emptying in patients with established diabetic gastroparesis. Upper gastrointestinal functions related to emptying and satiations are significantly associated with weight gain in obesity. Medications used in the treatment of diabetes or metabolic syndrome, particularly those related to pancreatic hormones and incretins affect upper gastrointestinal tract function and reduce hyperglycemia and facilitate weight loss. The degree of gastric emptying delay is significantly correlated with the weight loss in response to liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analog. Network meta-analysis shows that liraglutide is one of the two most efficacious medical treatments of obesity, the other being the combination treatment phentermine-topiramate. Interventional therapies for the joint management of obesity and diabetes mellitus include newer endoscopic procedures, which require long-term follow-up and bariatric surgical procedure for which long-term follow up shows advantages for individuals with diabetes. Newer bariatric procedures are presently undergoing clinical evaluation. On the horizon, combination therapies, in part directed at gastrointestinal functions, appear promising for these indications. Ongoing and future gastroenterological research when translated to care of individuals with diabetes mellitus should provide additional options to improve their clinical outcomes.

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.

Frequency of hospital readmission and care fragmentation in gastroparesis: A nationwide analysis

AIM

To evaluate rates and predictors of hospital readmission and care fragmentation in patients hospitalized with gastroparesis.

METHODS

We identified all adult hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of gastroparesis in the 2010-2014 National Readmissions Database, which captures statewide readmissions. We excluded patients who died during the hospitalization, and calculated 30 and 90-d unplanned readmission and care fragmentation rates. Readmission to a non-index hospital (i.e., different from the hospital of the index admission) was considered as care fragmentation. A multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyze predictors of 30-d readmissions. Logistic regression was used to determine hospital and patient factors independently associated with 30-d care fragmentation. Patients readmitted within 30 d were followed for 60 d post discharge from the first readmission. Mortality during the first readmission, hospitalization cost, length of stay, and rates of 60-d readmission were compared between those with and without care fragmentation.

RESULTS

There were 30064 admissions with a primary diagnosis of gastroparesis. The rates of 30 and 90-d readmissions were 26.8% and 45.6%, respectively. Younger age, male patient, diabetes, parenteral nutrition, ≥ 4 Elixhauser comorbidities, longer hospital stay (> 5 d), large and metropolitan hospital, and Medicaid insurance were associated with increased hazards of 30-d readmissions. Gastric surgery, routine discharge and private insurance were associated with lower 30-d readmissions. The rates of 30 and 90-d care fragmentation were 28.1% and 33.8%, respectively. Younger age, longer hospital stay (> 5 d), self-pay or Medicaid insurance were associated with increased risk of 30-d care fragmentation. Diabetes, enteral tube placement, parenteral nutrition, large metropolitan hospital, and routine discharge were associated with decreased risk of 30-d fragmentation. Patients who were readmitted to a non-index hospital had longer length of stay (6.5 vs 5.8 d, P = 0.03), and higher mean hospitalization cost ($15645 vs $12311, P < 0.0001), compared to those readmitted to the index hospital. There were no differences in mortality (1.0% vs 1.3%, P = 0.84), and 60-d readmission rate (55.3% vs 54.6%, P = 0.99) between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Several factors are associated with the high 30-d readmission and care fragmentation in gastroparesis. Knowledge of these predictors can play a role in implementing effective preventive interventions to high-risk patients.

Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire Complements Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms for Patients with Gastroparesis Symptoms

BACKGROUND

Patient assessment of upper gastrointestinal symptoms (PAGI-SYM) questionnaire assesses severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in gastroparesis (Gp), dyspepsia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire (R4DQ), used to diagnose various functional gastrointestinal disorders, may also help to better understand symptoms of Gp.

AIM

To assess patients with Gp comparing PAGI-SYM to R4DQ.

METHODS

Patients with symptoms of Gp referred to our center from May 2016 to January 2018 filled out PAGI-SYM and R4DQ.

RESULTS

Out of 357 patients, 225 had delayed gastric emptying including 121 with idiopathic gastroparesis (IGp), 60 with diabetic gastroparesis (DGp), 25 with atypical Gp, and 19 with postsurgical gastroparesis (PSGp). Using PAGI-SYM, DGp had more severe retching and vomiting compared to IGp. PSGp had more severe upper abdominal pain compared to IGp. Using R4DQ, the average number of Rome IV diagnoses that Gp patients met criteria was 2.1 ± 0.1. Most Gp patients had functional dyspepsia (n = 197, 90.8%) and chronic nausea and vomiting syndrome (CNVS) (n = 181, 83.4%). Postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) was present in 189 patients (88.3%), and epigastric pain syndrome in 126 patients (59.8%). The combination of PDS and CNVS was seen in 76.5% of Gp patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, Gp patients were characterized using the PAGI-SYM and R4DQ. DGp had more severe retching and vomiting, while PSGp had more severe upper abdominal pain. PDS and CNVS were the most prevalent Rome IV diagnoses. The combination of PDS and CNVS was typically seen in patients with Gp. R4DQ can be helpful to characterize Gp patients.

Glucose sensor-augmented continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in patients with diabetic gastroparesis: An open-label pilot prospective study

Erratic blood glucose levels can be a cause and consequence of delayed gastric emptying in patients with diabetes. It is unknown if better glycemic control increases risks of hypoglycemia or improves hemoglobin A1c levels and gastrointestinal symptoms in diabetic gastroparesis. This study investigated the safety and potential efficacy of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in poorly controlled diabetes with gastroparesis. Forty-five type 1 or 2 patients with diabetes and gastroparesis and hemoglobin A1c >8% from the NIDDK Gastroparesis Consortium enrolled in a 24 week open-label pilot prospective study of CSII plus CGM. The primary safety outcome was combined numbers of mild, moderate, and severe hypoglycemic events at screening and 24 weeks treatment. Secondary outcomes included glycemic excursions on CGM, hemoglobin A1c, gastroparesis symptoms, quality-of-life, and liquid meal tolerance. Combined mild, moderate, and severe hypoglycemic events occurred similarly during the screening/run-in (1.9/week) versus treatment (2.2/week) phases with a relative risk of 1.18 (95% CI 0.85–1.64, P = 0.33). CGM time in hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL) decreased from 3.9% to 1.8% (P<0.0001), time in euglycemia (70–180 mg/dL) increased from 44.0% to 52.0% (P = 0.02), time in severe hyperglycemia (>300 mg/dL) decreased from 14.2% to 7.0% (P = 0.005), and hemoglobin A1c decreased from 9.4±1.4% to 8.3±1.3% (P = 0.001) on CSII plus CGM. Symptom scores decreased from 29.3±7.1 to 21.9±10.2 with lower nausea/vomiting, fullness/early satiety, and bloating/distention scores (P≤0.001). Quality-of-life scores improved from 2.4±1.1 to 3.1±1.1 (P<0.0001) and volumes of liquid nutrient meals tolerated increased from 420±258 to 487±312 mL (P = 0.05) at 24 weeks. In conclusion, CSII plus CGM appeared to be safe with minimal risks of hypoglycemic events and associated improvements in glycemic control, gastroparesis symptoms, quality-of-life, and meal tolerance in patients with poorly controlled diabetes and gastroparesis. This study supports the safety, feasibility, and potential benefits of improving glycemic control in diabetic gastroparesis.

Early Assessment of Cost-effectiveness of Gastric Electrical Stimulation for Diabetic Nausea and Vomiting

Background/Aims

Recurrent nausea and/or vomiting are common complications of diabetes mellitus. The conditions severely impact the quality of life of patients and often cause repeated admissions to hospital incurring significant healthcare costs. If standard treatment fails, gastric electrical stimulation (GES) may be offered in selected cases, as a minimally invasive, but expensive, therapeutic option. Our aims are to evaluate the clinical effect and the cost-utility of GES as a treatment for severe diabetic recurrent nausea and/or vomiting.

Methods

Among 33 diabetes patients implanted with GES because of recurrent nausea and/or vomiting, 30 were available for evaluation. The effect of treatment was assessed prospectively using symptom-diaries and the SF-36 questionnaires at baseline, after 6 and 12 months, and thereafter yearly. The number of days in hospital due to symptoms related to gastrointestinal dysfunction was calculated using hospital records 12 months prior to and 12 months after implantation.

Results

The surgical procedures were performed without mortality or major complications. Six months after surgery 78% of the respondents had at least 50% reduction in time with nausea and 48% had at least 50% reduction in days with vomiting. Symptom relief persisted at follow-up after at least 4 years. Quality adjusted life years improved after GES, which was cost-effective after 24 months.

Conclusions

GES reduces symptoms and improves quality of life in diabetes patients with recurrent nausea and/or vomiting. The procedure is supposed as cost-effective over a 2-year time horizon.

Gastric Electrical Stimulation with the Enterra System: A Systematic Review

Background. Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is a surgically implanted treatment option for refractory gastroparesis. Aim. To systematically appraise the current evidence for the use of gastric electrical stimulation and suggest a method of standardisation of assessment and follow-up in these patients. Methods. A systematic review of PubMed, Web of Science, DISCOVER, and Cochrane Library was conducted using the keywords including gastric electrical stimulation, gastroparesis, nausea, and vomiting and neuromodulation, stomach, central nervous system, gastric pacing, electrical stimulation, and gastrointestinal. Results. 1139 potentially relevant articles were identified, of which 21 met the inclusion criteria and were included. The quality of studies was variable. There was a variation in outcome measures and follow-up methodology. Included studies suggested significant reductions in symptom severity reporting over the study period, but improvements in gastric emptying time were variable and rarely correlated with symptom improvement. Conclusion. The evidence in support of gastric electrical stimulation is limited and heterogeneous in quality. While current evidence has shown a degree of efficacy in these patients, high-quality, large clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy of this therapy and to identify the patients for whom this therapy is inappropriate. A consensus view on essential preoperative assessment and postoperative measurement is needed.

Nutritional considerations in the patient with gastroparesis

Gastroparesis, or delayed gastric emptying, has many origins and can wax and wane depending on the underlying cause. Not only do the symptoms significantly alter quality of life, but the clinical consequences can also be life threatening. Once a patient develops protracted nausea and vomiting, providing adequate nutrition, hydration, and access to therapeutics such as prokinetics and antiemetics can present an exceptional challenge to clinicians. This article reviews the limited evidence available for oral nutrition, as well as enteral and parenteral nutritional support therapies. Practical strategies are provided to improve the nutritional depletion that often accompanies this debilitating condition.

Time trends in gastroparesis treatment

INTRODUCTION

While delayed emptying is the defining criterion for gastroparesis, prokinetics often only have a limited impact on symptoms and have been associated with potentially serious adverse effects. The goal of this study was to determine how this information and regulatory changes affected gastroparesis management.

METHODS

The electronic medical records of patients seen between 2003 and 2012 in the outpatient clinic of a large tertiary center were retrieved based on the billing diagnosis of gastroparesis. Demographic, clinical, and survival data were abstracted.

RESULTS

A total of 709 patients were identified, with diabetes (21.2 %) and prior surgery (9.8 %) being the most common identifiable causes. The majority of patients (56 %) had idiopathic gastroparesis. The cohort was female predominant (79.5 %) with an average age of 45.4 ± 0.6 years. At the index encounter, 61.8 % received prokinetics. About one-third (37.7 %) used antiemetics at least intermittently. Between 2003 and 2012, prokinetic use dropped from 81 to 43 %, while the use of antiemetics increased from 14 to 41 %. Similarly, there was a significant increase in prescribed opioids and antidepressants. During the period of the study, 44 patients (6.2 %) died. Increasing age, a higher comorbidity burden, anxiety, and medication use were associated with higher mortality risks.

CONCLUSION

This large outpatient cohort suggests that treatment trends move away from prokinetics and focus on symptom-oriented therapy and/or confounding mood disorders.

Emerging drugs for the treatment of gastroparesis

INTRODUCTION

Gastroparesis presents with symptoms of gastric retention with findings of delayed gastric emptying on diagnostic testing. Manifestations of gastroparesis are disabling in severe cases and lead to significant health resource utilization. Current therapies often are ineffective, may exhibit tolerance on chronic administration or produce prominent side effects in large patient subsets.

AREAS COVERED

This review assessed literature on drugs with theoretical efficacy in gastroparesis including medications that accelerate gastric emptying, reduce nausea and vomiting, or act as neuromodulators to reduce gastric sensitivity. Numerous agents exhibit diverse actions to modify gastric sensorimotor function in animal models; however, few medications are in controlled testing in gastroparesis. Prokinetic drugs with promise for this condition include investigational serotonin 5-HT4 agonists, motilin agonists, dopamine D2 antagonists, ghrelin agonists and an agent with combined muscarinic antagonist and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects. Other antiemetics and complementary and alternative formulations may be effective for some symptoms.

EXPERT OPINION

Development of effective novel therapies of gastroparesis without the neurotoxicity and cardiac arrhythmogenic effects of current agents will mandate a better definition of the gastric and extragastric factors responsible for the pathogenesis of the varied clinical manifestations of this disorder.

Factors influencing admission and outcomes in gastroparesis

BACKGROUND

Current data suggest that gastroparesis is associated with an increased mortality, with reported rates ranging from 4% to nearly 40%. Considering this variability, the goal of this study was to determine mortality rates and risk factors for adverse outcomes in gastroparesis.

METHODS

Using the diagnosis code for gastroparesis, admission rates, duration of hospitalizations, discharge status, and inpatient mortality were determined for emergency department encounters and admissions compiled in the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample and Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Comorbid conditions, procedural evaluations, age cohort, and gender distribution were examined as potential risk factors.

KEY RESULTS

More than 50% of the emergency encounters for gastroparesis resulted in admission with age, cardiovascular, renal, and infectious disorders, but not diabetes mellitus being associated with higher admission rates. Inpatient mortality was 1.2 ± 0.1%, was not negatively affected by diabetes mellitus as comorbidity, and increased with coexisting infections and with more aggressive therapy. Discharge status was similarly affected by comorbidities, treatment complications, and more aggressive therapy.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

These results demonstrate that gastroparesis does not come with a high mortality risk, with most deaths being due to comorbid conditions. Although gastrostomies and/or nutritional support were used in only a minority of admissions, the associated increase in morbidity and mortality highlights the need to carefully select the right candidates for such interventions and to discuss the common occurrence of adverse outcomes with patients.

Clinical guideline: management of gastroparesis

This guideline presents recommendations for the evaluation and management of patients with gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is identified in clinical practice through the recognition of the clinical symptoms and documentation of delayed gastric emptying. Symptoms from gastroparesis include nausea, vomiting, early satiety, postprandial fullness, bloating, and upper abdominal pain. Management of gastroparesis should include assessment and correction of nutritional state, relief of symptoms, improvement of gastric emptying and, in diabetics, glycemic control. Patient nutritional state should be managed by oral dietary modifications. If oral intake is not adequate, then enteral nutrition via jejunostomy tube needs to be considered. Parenteral nutrition is rarely required when hydration and nutritional state cannot be maintained. Medical treatment entails use of prokinetic and antiemetic therapies. Current approved treatment options, including metoclopramide and gastric electrical stimulation (GES, approved on a humanitarian device exemption), do not adequately address clinical need. Antiemetics have not been specifically tested in gastroparesis, but they may relieve nausea and vomiting. Other medications aimed at symptom relief include unapproved medications or off-label indications, and include domperidone, erythromycin (primarily over a short term), and centrally acting antidepressants used as symptom modulators. GES may relieve symptoms, including weekly vomiting frequency, and the need for nutritional supplementation, based on open-label studies. Second-line approaches include venting gastrostomy or feeding jejunostomy; intrapyloric botulinum toxin injection was not effective in randomized controlled trials. Most of these treatments are based on open-label treatment trials and small numbers. Partial gastrectomy and pyloroplasty should be used rarely, only in carefully selected patients. Attention should be given to the development of new effective therapies for symptomatic control.

Gastroparesis on the rise: incidence vs awareness?

BACKGROUND

Recent reports provide a conflicting picture with a stable prevalence of gastroparesis (GP) in a population-based study, but a more than doubling in hospitalizations for gastroparesis within the last 10 years. We hypothesized that this apparent discrepancy is due to changes in disease recognition and coding rather than prevalence.

METHODS

Using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, Healthcare cost and utilization project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, we examined time trends of resource utilization for GP and related disorders.

KEY RESULTS

Between 1994 and 2009, annual hospitalizations for gastroparesis as primary diagnosis increased more than 18-fold from 918 to 16,736. In the same time frame, hospitalizations for not otherwise specified functional disorders of the stomach decreased by nearly 50% from 13,430 to 6480 per year.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Although hospitalizations rates and emergency encounters for gastroparesis have increased dramatically within the last 2 decades, there was a concomitant decrease in resource utilization for other functional disorders of the stomach, suggesting that increased awareness contributed to this trend, which represents a shift in diagnoses rather than a true difference in the incidence and/or prevalence of these illnesses.

Gastroparesis: concepts, controversies, and challenges

Patients with gastroparesis often present a challenge to the treating physician. Postprandial symptoms with nausea and vomiting may not only lead to nutritional and metabolic consequences, but also cause significant disruptions to social activities that often center around food. While the definition of gastroparesis focuses on impaired gastric emptying, treatment options that affect gastric function are limited and often disappointing. The female predominance, the mostly idiopathic nature of the illness with a common history of abuse, and coexisting anxiety or depression show parallels with other functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. These parallels provided the rationale for some initial studies investigating alternative therapies that target the brain rather than the stomach. This emerging shift in medical therapy comes at a time when clinical studies suggest that gastric electrical stimulation may exert its effects by modulating visceral sensory processing rather than altering gastric motility. Physiologic and detailed anatomic investigations also support a more complex picture with different disease mechanisms, ranging from impaired accommodation to apparent visceral hypersensitivity or decreased interstitial cells of Cajal to inflammatory infiltration of myenteric ganglia. Delayed gastric emptying remains the endophenotype defining gastroparesis. However, our treatment options go beyond prokinetics and may allow us to improve the quality of life of affected individuals.

Hospitalizations and testing in gastroparesis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

  Gastroparesis significantly impairs the quality of life in affected individuals and may lead to repeat hospitalizations due to refractory symptoms. We hypothesized that pain is a key reason for emergency encounters and diagnostic testing.

METHODS

  Using the ICD9 code 536.3, electronic medical records were analyzed retrospectively. Multivariate regression was used to determine predictors of hospital stays and use of diagnostic testing.

RESULTS

  In total, 326 patients (80% women, age: 44.1 ± 0.8 years) were identified. During 504 patient-years of follow up, patients were hospitalized on average slightly more than once annually for about 8 days and underwent 320 endoscopies, 366 computed tomography scans, 390 abdominal X-rays, 90 upper gastrointestinal contrast studies and 163 gastric emptying studies; 37 patients exceeded an annual radiation exposure of 20 mSv at least once. The majority of tests were confirmatory, with results not altering treatment. Vomiting and pain were the most common cause for emergency encounters and diagnostic testing. Age and comorbidity, but not opioid use (present in 25%) or the presence of chronic pain disorders (present in 32%) correlated with increased hospital days.

CONCLUSIONS

  While surrogate markers of pain do not predict repeat hospitalizations, pain was the primary reason for emergency encounters and frequent diagnostic testing. Repeated testing had a limited impact on treatment and outcome, but certainly contributes to the cost and even risk of care. Concerted efforts are needed to not only improve the care and quality of life of patients with gastroparesis, but also to reduce the number of potentially unnecessary or even harmful interventions.

Gastroparesis: pathogenesis, diagnosis and management

Gastroparesis is a prevalent condition that produces symptoms of delayed gastric emptying in the absence of physical blockage. The most common etiologies of gastroparesis are idiopathic, diabetic, and postsurgical disease, although some cases stem from autoimmune, paraneoplastic, neurologic or other conditions. Histologic examination of gastric tissues from patients with severe gastroparesis reveals heterogeneous and inconsistent defects in the morphology of enteric neurons, smooth muscle and interstitial cells of Cajal, and increased levels of inflammatory cells. Diagnosis is most commonly made by gastric emptying scintigraphy; however, wireless motility capsules and nonradioactive isotope breath tests have also been validated. A range of treatments have been used for gastroparesis including dietary modifications and nutritional supplements, gastric motor stimulatory or antiemetic medications, endoscopic or surgical procedures, and psychological interventions. Most treatments have not been subjected to controlled testing in patients with gastroparesis. The natural history of this condition is poorly understood. Active ongoing research is providing important insights into the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of this disease.