Risk indicators of abnormal gastric emptying in patients with functional dyspepsia

AIM: To evaluate the relationship between gastric emptying abnormalities and symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia and the clinical efficacy of cisapride. METHODS: In thirty six patients (M 29,F 7; age 45 a ± s 11 a) with functional dyspepsia, the gastric emptying were measured, compared to the healthy control group of twelve patients (M 9,F 3; age 34 a ± 11 a) and compared to themselves post cisaprid therapy 5 mg, po tid. Four dyspeptic symptoms index were measured as absent, mild, relevant and severe according to their influence on patients' usual activivites. RESULTS: Half time gastric emptying of solids was 59 min±10 min in functional dyspepsia group, 50 min±11 min ( P 0.05) in control group, and 49 min±9 min after cisaprid therapy, P 0.05 compared to itself. Half time gastric emptying of liquids was 13 min±4 min, 15 min±6 min( P 0.05), 13 min±3 min compared to itself P 0.05 respectively. Liner regression coefficients of distension, epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting were 0.381, 0.543,0.178 and 0.463 associated with delayed gastric emptying of solids. CONCLUSION: Delayed gastric emptying of solids is found in patients with functional dyspepsia, which can be corrected by cisaprid treatment. Distension, epigastric pain and vomiting are the risk indicators to the delayed gastric emptying of solids in patients with functional dyspepsia.