The effect of domperidone on oesophageal emptying in diabetic autonomic neuropathy

Oesophageal emptying of solids was studied with a scintigraphic technique in 12 patients with insulin dependent diabetes complicated by autonomic neuropathy and in 22 control subjects. In the diabetics the acute and chronic effects of oral domperidone on oesophageal emptying and symptoms of heartburn and dysphagia were assessed. The number of swallows required to clear the oesophagus in the diabetics (median 9.5, range 2-30) was significantly greater (P less than 0.001) than in normal controls (median 2, range 1-14). Domperidone did not increase solid oesophageal emptying in diabetic patients either after acute or after chronic administration.