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Fatigue: a prevalent symptom in gastroparesis
Dinu Cherian1, Susmita Paladugu, Murali Pathikonda
1Department of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|June 7, 2012
Summary
Fatigue significantly impacts gastroparesis patients, affecting quality of life and correlating with symptoms and depression. This study highlights the high prevalence and severity of fatigue in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom experienced by patients with various medical conditions.
- Gastroparesis, a disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying, frequently presents with patient-reported fatigue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and severity of fatigue in individuals diagnosed with gastroparesis.
- To investigate the correlations between fatigue and gastroparesis symptoms, quality of life, and potential contributing factors.
Main Methods:
- 156 gastroparesis patients completed validated questionnaires assessing fatigue (Fatigue Assessment Instrument - FAI), upper gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, and psychological distress (anxiety and depression).
- Objective measures included gastric emptying studies and laboratory tests for hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, TSH, CRP, and ESR.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of fatigue was reported, with 93% of patients experiencing it, and 51% exhibiting severe fatigue (FAI score > 4).
- Fatigue severity showed moderate correlations with several gastroparesis symptoms, including abdominal discomfort, pain, appetite loss, bloating, and distention.
- Significant correlations were found between fatigue severity, decreased quality of life (r = -0.694), increased depression (r = 0.339), lower anxiety (r = -0.441), and lower hemoglobin levels (r = -0.258).
Conclusions:
- Fatigue is a prevalent and severe symptom in gastroparesis patients, significantly impacting their quality of life.
- Fatigue is associated with gastroparesis symptom burden, depression, and anemia, but not with delayed gastric emptying severity or specific medication use.
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