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Gastroparesis: diagnosis and management
1Dept. of Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. Supplement
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Gastroparesis, a condition of delayed gastric emptying, causes gastrointestinal issues and impacts blood sugar control. Diagnosis requires objective tests, and prokinetic drugs like cisapride are primary treatments.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gastroparesis is a common condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying.
- It is associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, impaired drug absorption, and poor glycemic control in diabetics.
- The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, but it involves motor dysfunctions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of gastroparesis.
- To discuss its etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, and treatment options.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current knowledge on gastroparesis.
- Discussion of diagnostic techniques including scintigraphy, radioisotopic breath tests, and ultrasound.
- Overview of therapeutic approaches using prokinetic agents.
Main Results:
- Gastroparesis results from various motor dysfunctions.
- Symptoms do not correlate well with delayed gastric emptying, necessitating objective diagnosis.
- Scintigraphy is the current standard for diagnosis, with breath tests and ultrasound showing potential.
Conclusions:
- Prokinetic drugs, including cisapride, domperidone, metoclopramide, and erythromycin, are the cornerstone of gastroparesis treatment.
- Cisapride is often considered the first-line therapy.
- Further research into etiology and pathophysiology is needed.