Electrogastrography reveals post-prandial gastric dysmotility in children with cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES

Cystic fibrosis patients have a wide spectrum of gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of gastroenteric neuromusculature and its response to a prokinetic.

METHODS

14 CF children aged 8.6 + 1.3 years were studied by electrogastrography and compared to 10 age-matched controls. A second recording was performed in CF patients after administration of cisapride (0.3 mg/kg). Parameters analyzed were percentage of normal gastric rhythm (2.0 to 4.0 cpm), percentage of tachygastria (4.0 to 9.0 cpm), dominant frequency instability coefficient and power ratio.

RESULTS

CF and control groups were not different in age, height or weight. A significant post-prandial increase in percentage of tachygastria (26.7 + 4.5 versus 12.4 + 2.6; P < 0.05) was seen in CF patients, which was not corrected by cisapride. The power ratio showed a statistical increase in 3 cpm (3.7 + 0.8 versus 1.6 + 0.3; P < 0.05) and in tachygastria (5.3 + 1.2 versus 1.7 + 0.4; P < 0.03) in CF compared with controls. Cisapride had an effect on tachygastria power ratio (3.0 + 0.5; P < 0.04). Analysis of normal rhythm and the dominant frequency instability coefficient were not statistically different in CF and controls.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence of gastric dysmotility in CF patients.