Gastroparesis and Severity of Delayed Gastric Emptying: Comparison of Patient Characteristics, Treatments and Medication Adverse Events.

BACKGROUND

Gastroparesis is a heterogeneous disorder. Patient characteristics and treatment responsiveness may differ based on the extent of delay in gastric emptying.

AIMS

Characterize gastroparesis patients based on the degree of delay in gastric emptying, and assess the relationship of patient demographics, symptoms and response to therapy based on the extent of delay.

METHODS

1333 solid-phase 4-h scintigraphic gastric emptying scans were reviewed. Delayed emptying was categorized on percent retention at 4 h: mild (10-19%), moderate (20-29%), and severe (≥ 30%). Analyses were performed with regard to demographics, symptoms, esophagogastroduodenoscopy findings, medication use, and emergency department (ED) visits/hospitalizations.

RESULTS

284 patients had delayed gastric emptying: mild (42.6%), moderate (19.3%), and severe (37.3%). 79.5% were women, the mean age was 45 years (± 15), and mean symptom duration was 4.6 years (± 6.5). The main categories of gastroparesis were idiopathic and diabetes mellitus. The most commonly prescribed medications were metoclopramide, domperidone and erythromycin. Opiate use (n = 69) was associated with an increased degree of delayed gastric emptying (p = 0.03) with 50% of opiate users having very delayed gastric emptying. One-way analysis revealed that severely delayed gastric emptying correlated with both increased hospitalizations and ED visits.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe delay in gastric emptying is a risk factor for increased hospitalizations and ED visits. Opiate use correlates with increased severity of gastric emptying. Identifying at-risk patients, stopping opioids, and instituting a programmatic care plan for patients with severely delayed gastric emptying may reduce ED visits, hospitalizations, and healthcare costs.