INTRODUCTION

Achalasia is a rare motility disorder of the esophagus characterized by the loss of the propulsive peristalsis and impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Patients with untreated achalasia suffer from dysphagia and regurgitation and, consequently, weight loss as they require dietary modifications related to impaired esophageal emptying. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is considered the mainstay of therapy, leading to symptom relief, restoration of normal eating patterns and weight gain.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to describe the metabolic state of an organism in time of insufficient nutrition and the relation among levels of systemic metabolites and changes in body's composition in condition of normalised food intake.

METHODS

We monitored body composition, as well as biochemical parameters in 43 patients with achalasia before and 3 months after POEM intervention. We also determined the levels of circulating metabolites via NMR spectroscopy which were, besides comparison to controls, used to describe metabolic turnover before and after treatment.

RESULTS

After POEM, all patients except four individuals gained weight (p-value 3.07e-11), and accordingly, the BMI value changed (p-value 2.85e-9). Paired test revealed an increase in absolute fat (p-value 0.00176) and muscle mass (p-value 0.00201). Metabolic analysis in patients with untreated achalasia showed a ketotic-like state with inadequate glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, which partially normalized three months after POEM. Post-POEM muscle mass gain was positively (p < 0.05-0.0005) and increase in absolute fat mass was negatively correlated (p-value < 0.05-0.0005) with the levels of circulating amino acids before the intervention.

CONCLUSION

Our observations provide complex insight into the metabolic shifts after successful treatment of achalasia that is directly related to the changes in the body composition. The metabolic alterations were not detectable through standard biochemical tests suggesting that conventional diagnostics may not fully reflect the metabolic condition of patients with achalasia.