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This review covers the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of diabetic gastroparesis, and more broadly diabetic gastroenteropathy, which encompasses all the gastrointestinal manifestations of diabetes mellitus. Up to 50% of patients with type 1 and type 2 DM and suboptimal glycemic control have delayed gastric emptying (GE), which can be documented with scintigraphy, 13C breath tests, or a wireless motility capsule; the remainder have normal or rapid GE. Many patients with delayed GE are asymptomatic; others have dyspepsia (i.e., mild to moderate indigestion, with or without a mild delay in GE) or gastroparesis, which is a syndrome characterized by moderate to severe upper gastrointestinal symptoms and delayed GE that suggest, but are not accompanied by, gastric outlet obstruction. Gastroparesis can markedly impair quality of life, and up to 50% of patients have significant anxiety and/or depression. Often the distinction between dyspepsia and gastroparesis is based on clinical judgement rather than established criteria. Hyperglycemia, autonomic neuropathy, and enteric neuromuscular inflammation and injury are implicated in the pathogenesis of delayed GE. Alternatively, there are limited data to suggest that delayed GE may affect glycemic control. The management of diabetic gastroparesis is guided by the severity of symptoms, the magnitude of delayed GE, and the nutritional status. Initial options include dietary modifications, supplemental oral nutrition, and antiemetic and prokinetic medications. Patients with more severe symptoms may require a venting gastrostomy or jejunostomy and/or gastric electrical stimulation. Promising newer therapeutic approaches include ghrelin receptor agonists and selective 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists.

Gastroparesis is characterized by symptoms suggesting retention of food in the stomach with objective evidence of delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction in the gastric outflow. This condition is increasingly encountered in clinical practice. These guidelines summarize perspectives on the risk factors, diagnosis, and management of gastroparesis in adults (including dietary, pharmacological, device, and interventions directed at the pylorus), and they represent the official practice recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology. The scientific evidence for these guidelines was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation process. When the evidence was not appropriate for Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation, we used expert consensus to develop key concept statements. These guidelines should be considered as preferred but are not the only approaches to these conditions.

Gastroparesis is defined by delayed gastric emptying (GE) and symptoms of nausea, vomiting, bloating, postprandial fullness, early satiety and abdominal pain. Most common aetiologies include diabetes, postsurgical and postinfectious, but in many cases it is idiopathic. Clinical presentation and natural history vary by the aetiology. There is significant morbidity and healthcare utilisation associated with gastroparesis. Mechanistic studies from diabetic animal models of delayed GE as well as human full-thickness biopsies have significantly advanced our understanding of this disorder. An innate immune dysregulation and injury to the interstitial cells of Cajal and other components of the enteric nervous system through paracrine and oxidative stress mediators is likely central to the pathogenesis of gastroparesis. Scintigraphy and 13C breath testing provide the most validated assessment of GE. The stagnant gastroparesis therapeutic landscape is likely to soon see significant changes. Relatively newer treatment strategies include antiemetics (aprepitant), prokinetics (prucalopride, relamorelin) and fundic relaxants (acotiamide, buspirone). Endoscopic pyloromyotomy appears promising over the short term, especially for symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Further controlled trials and identification of the appropriate subgroup with pyloric dysfunction and assessment of long-term outcomes are essential. This review highlights the clinical presentation, diagnosis, mechanisms and treatment advancements for gastroparesis.

Gastroparesis is a disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying of solid food in the absence of a mechanical obstruction of the stomach, resulting in the cardinal symptoms of early satiety, postprandial fullness, nausea, vomiting, belching and bloating. Gastroparesis is now recognized as part of a broader spectrum of gastric neuromuscular dysfunction that includes impaired gastric accommodation. The overlap between upper gastrointestinal symptoms makes the distinction between gastroparesis and other disorders, such as functional dyspepsia, challenging. Thus, a confirmed diagnosis of gastroparesis requires measurement of delayed gastric emptying via an appropriate test, such as gastric scintigraphy or breath testing. Gastroparesis can have idiopathic, diabetic, iatrogenic, post-surgical or post-viral aetiologies. The management of gastroparesis involves: correcting fluid, electrolyte and nutritional deficiencies; identifying and treating the cause of delayed gastric emptying (for example, diabetes mellitus); and suppressing or eliminating symptoms with pharmacological agents as first-line therapies. Several novel pharmacologic agents and interventions are currently in the pipeline and show promise to help tailor individualized therapy for patients with gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a chronic disorder characterized by gastric neuromuscular dysfunction, which causes delayed gastric emptying that is associated with symptoms of nausea and vomiting. This Primer describes different causes of gastroparesis and highlights specific diagnostic tests and management strategies.

Abdominal pain can be an important symptom in some patients with gastroparesis (Gp).Aims(1) To describe characteristics of abdominal pain in Gp; (2) describe Gp patients reporting abdominal pain.MethodsPatients with idiopathic gastroparesis (IG) and diabetic gastroparesis (DG) were studied with gastric emptying scintigraphy, water load test, wireless motility capsule, and questionnaires assessing symptoms [Patient Assessment of Upper GI Symptoms (PAGI-SYM) including Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI)], quality of life (PAGI-QOL, SF-36), psychological state [Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI), PHQ-15 somatization scale].ResultsIn total, 346 Gp patients included 212 IG and 134 DG. Ninety percentage of Gp patients reported abdominal pain (89% DG and 91% IG). Pain was primarily in upper or central midline abdomen, described as cramping or sickening. Upper abdominal pain was severe or very severe on PAGI-SYM by 116/346 (34%) patients, more often by females than by males, but similarly in IG and DG. Increased upper abdominal pain severity was associated with increased severity of the nine GCSI symptoms, depression on BDI, anxiety on STAI, somatization on PHQ-15, the use of opiate medications, decreased SF-36 physical component, and PAGI-QOL, but not related to severity of delayed gastric emptying or water load ingestion. Using logistic regression, severe/very severe upper abdominal pain associated with increased GCSI scores, opiate medication use, and PHQ-15 somatic symptom scores.ConclusionsAbdominal pain is common in patients with Gp, both IG and DG. Severe/very severe upper abdominal pain occurred in 34% of Gp patients and associated with other Gp symptoms, somatization, and opiate medication use.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01696747.

Background Gastroparesis is a condition characterized by epigastric symptoms and delayed gastric emptying (GE) rate in the absence of any mechanical obstruction. The condition is challenging in clinical practice by the lack of guidance concerning diagnosis and management of gastroparesis. Methods A Delphi consensus was undertaken by 40 experts from 19 European countries who conducted a literature summary and voting process on 89 statements. Quality of evidence was evaluated using grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation criteria. Consensus (defined as ≥80% agreement) was reached for 25 statements. Results The European consensus defined gastroparesis as the presence of symptoms associated with delayed GE in the absence of mechanical obstruction. Nausea and vomiting were identified as cardinal symptoms, with often coexisting postprandial distress syndrome symptoms of dyspepsia. The true epidemiology of gastroparesis is not known in detail, but diabetes, gastric surgery, certain neurological and connective tissue diseases, and the use of certain drugs recognized as risk factors. While the panel agreed that severely impaired gastric motor function is present in these patients, there was no consensus on underlying pathophysiology. The panel agreed that an upper endoscopy and a GE test are required for diagnosis. Only dietary therapy, dopamine‐2 antagonists and 5‐HT4 receptor agonists were considered appropriate therapies, in addition to nutritional support in case of severe weight loss. No consensus was reached on the use of proton pump inhibitors, other classes of antiemetics or prokinetics, neuromodulators, complimentary, psychological, or more invasive therapies. Finally, there was consensus that gastroparesis adversely impacts on quality of life and healthcare costs and that the long‐term prognosis of gastroparesis depends on the cause. Conclusions and Inferences A multinational group of European experts summarized the current state of consensus on definition, symptom characteristics, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of gastroparesis. Key Summary Current knowledge The epidemiology of gastroparesis is not well known. Diagnosis and treatment of gastroparesis is challenging due to uncertainties in definition and optimal therapeutic approach. What is new here A Delphi panel consisting of 40 experts from 19 European countries established the level of consensus on 89 statements regarding gastroparesis. The statements reaching consensus serve to guide clinicians in recognizing, diagnosing and treating gastroparesis in clinical practice. The statements without consensus identify areas in need of future research.

Aims The impact of gastroparesis on patients from the patient’s viewpoint is needed to better address treatment priorities. The aims of this study were to: ( 1) Delineate burdens and concerns of patients with gastroparesis; (2) investigate specific symptoms contributing to impaired quality of life (QOL) in gastroparesis. Methods The International Foundation for Functional GI Disorders gastroparesis survey questionnaire was developed to describe patients’ viewpoint about their experience with gastroparesis and included Patient Assessment of Upper GI Symptoms (PAGI-SYM) and SF-36 QOL survey. Results A total of 1423 adult patients with gastroparesis completed the survey. Average duration of gastroparesis symptoms was 9.3 years with time from onset to diagnosis 5.0 years. Patients felt that they receive good information regarding treatment options from physicians, the Internet, and Facebook. Patients rated their satisfaction with available treatment for their gastroparesis as dissatisfied (33%), somewhat dissatisfied (27%), neutral (14%), somewhat satisfied (15%), and satisfied (4%). Patients felt that gastroparesis symptoms that are most important to improve with treatment are nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Overall, there was a decreased quality of life by SF-36. Physical health QOL score was negatively correlated with symptoms including nausea ( r  = −0.37), upper abdominal pain ( r  = −0.37), and early satiety ( r  = −0.37). Conclusions This large series of patients with gastroparesis describes their burdens, concerns, and QOL. Nausea, vomiting, early satiety, and abdominal pain are important symptoms for treatment. Many patients are not satisfied with current treatments, wanting specific treatments for their disorder. Interestingly, a large number of patients find out about treatments, not only from their physician, but also using the Internet including social media.

Background Long-standing diabetes mellitus (DM) can lead to macrovascular and microvascular complications, including autonomic neuropathy, which disrupts gut motility. Gastroparesis (GP) is defined as delayed gastric emptying of solids (with or without liquids) in the absence of any mechanical obstruction. The gold standard test for diagnosing gastroparesis is gastric scintigraphy (GS) using a solid meal. Gastroparesis poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, and can significantly impact patients with DM. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of gastroparesis among symptomatic patients and assess treatment outcomes, with particular focus on identifying clinical predictors of delayed gastric emptying and factors associated with response to medical therapy in confirmed cases. Patients and methods From June 2022 to June 2024, all patients visiting the diabetes clinic in Cairo University Hospital for any reason were screened for symptoms of gastroparesis using the gastroparesis cardinal symptom index (GCSI). Symptomatic patients underwent solid gastric scintigraphy. Those diagnosed with GP were treated for three months and refractory cases were offered G-POEM. Results Thirty-two patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms of gastroparesis were the population of this study. Of these, 62.5% had delayed gastric emptying on solid gastric scintigraphy. A GCSI > 23 independently predicted delayed gastric emptying on solid gastric scintigraphy (OR 1.153, 95% CI (1.009–1.317), p  = 0.036). 55% of GP patients achieved improvement in symptoms after three months of optimized medical therapy, and two out of four cases had sustained improvement for one year after G-POEM. The responders to medical treatment were significantly older, had lower GCSI and greater reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) compared to those in the refractory group ( p  = 0.046, 0.012, 0.012, respectively). Conclusion This study highlighted the role of the GCSI in assessing and monitoring gastroparesis, particularly in resource-limited settings. Diabetic GP differs in clinical presentation and management from other types of GP. Optimizing glycemic control may contribute to symptoms improvement. Older age and lower symptoms burden at presentation may help identify patients more likely to benefit from medical therapy.

This guideline presents recommendations for the evaluation and management of patients with gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is identified in clinical practice through the recognition of the clinical symptoms and documentation of delayed gastric emptying. Symptoms from gastroparesis include nausea, vomiting, early satiety, postprandial fullness, bloating, and upper abdominal pain. Management of gastroparesis should include assessment and correction of nutritional state, relief of symptoms, improvement of gastric emptying and, in diabetics, glycemic control. Patient nutritional state should be managed by oral dietary modifications. If oral intake is not adequate, then enteral nutrition via jejunostomy tube needs to be considered. Parenteral nutrition is rarely required when hydration and nutritional state cannot be maintained. Medical treatment entails use of prokinetic and antiemetic therapies. Current approved treatment options, including metoclopramide and gastric electrical stimulation (GES, approved on a humanitarian device exemption), do not adequately address clinical need. Antiemetics have not been specifically tested in gastroparesis, but they may relieve nausea and vomiting. Other medications aimed at symptom relief include unapproved medications or off-label indications, and include domperidone, erythromycin (primarily over a short term), and centrally acting antidepressants used as symptom modulators. GES may relieve symptoms, including weekly vomiting frequency, and the need for nutritional supplementation, based on open-label studies. Second-line approaches include venting gastrostomy or feeding jejunostomy; intrapyloric botulinum toxin injection was not effective in randomized controlled trials. Most of these treatments are based on open-label treatment trials and small numbers. Partial gastrectomy and pyloroplasty should be used rarely, only in carefully selected patients. Attention should be given to the development of new effective therapies for symptomatic control.

Patients with gastroparesis (Gp) often have diets deficient in calories, electrolytes, and vitamins. Vitamin D levels have been reported to be low in some patients with Gp but has not been systematically studied.AimsTo determine vitamin D levels and relationships among symptoms, gastric emptying and gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) in patients with symptoms of Gp.Methods25-hydroxy-vitamin D was measured in patients at enrollment in the Gastroparesis Clinical Consortium Registry. Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptoms Index (GCSI), gastric emptying, and GMA before and after water load satiety test (WLST) were measured. GMA, expressed as percentage distribution of activity in normal and dysrhythmic ranges, was recorded using electrogastrography.ResultsOverall, vitamin D levels were low (< 30 ng/ml) in 288 of 513 (56.1%) patients with symptoms of Gp (206 of 376 (54.8%) patients with delayed gastric emptying (Gp) and 82 of 137 (59.9%) patients with symptoms of Gp and normal gastric emptying). Low vitamin D levels were associated with increased nausea and vomiting (P < 0.0001), but not with fullness or bloating subscores. Low vitamin D levels in patients with Gp were associated with greater meal retention at four hours (36% retention) compared with Gp patients with normal vitamin D levels (31% retention; P = 0.05). Low vitamin D in patients with normal gastric emptying was associated with decreased normal 3 cpm GMA before (P = 0.001) and increased tachygastria after WLST (P = 0.01).ConclusionsLow vitamin D levels are present in half the patients with symptoms of gastroparesis and are associated with nausea and vomiting and gastric neuromuscular dysfunction.