Postprandial distress syndrome: stratification and management

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background:

• Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common disorder characterized by gastroduodenal symptoms.
• FD is classified into postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS).
• PDS is the largest FD subgroup, marked by meal-related symptoms like fullness and early satiety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a narrative review on the current knowledge of PDS.
• To explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of PDS.

Main Methods:

• Literature search for a narrative review.
• Analysis of epidemiological studies, pathophysiology research, and treatment options.

Main Results:

• Epidemiological data confirm PDS as a distinct and prevalent FD entity.
• PDS pathophysiology is complex, involving gastric sensorimotor dysfunction and duodenal inflammation.
• Current treatments include prokinetic agents, proton pump inhibitors, gastric accommodation enhancers, and neuromodulators.

Conclusions:

• PDS is highly prevalent with heterogeneous pathophysiology.
• Motility agents and neuromodulators are key to PDS management.
• High-quality research is needed to evaluate novel therapeutic strategies for PDS.