Therapeutic strategies in gastroparesis: Results of stepwise approach with diet and prokinetics, Gastric Rest, and PEG-J: A retrospective analysis

Denise Strijbos*, Daniel Keszthelyi, Fabienne G. M. Smeets, Joanna Kruimel, Lennard P. L. Gilissen, Rogier de Ridder, Jose M. Conchillo, Ad A. M. Masclee

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background Gastroparesis is characterized by abnormal gastric motor function with delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction. In our tertiary referral center, patients are treated with a stepwise approach, starting with dietary advice and prokinetics, followed by three months of nasoduodenal tube feeding with "gastric rest." When not successful, a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with jejunal extension (PEG-J) for long-term enteral feeding is placed. Aim To evaluate the effect of this stepwise approach on weight and symptoms. Methods Analyses of data of all referred gastroparesis patients between 2008 and 2016. Key Results A total of 86 patients (71% female, 20-87 years [mean 55.8 years]) were analyzed of whom 50 (58%) had adequate symptom responses to diet and prokinetics. The remaining 36 (decompensated gastroparesis) were treated with three months gastric rest. Symptom response rate was 47% (17/36). Significant weight gain was seen in all patients, independent of symptom response. In the remaining 19 symptom non-responders, the enteral feeding was continued through PEG-J. Treatment was effective (symptoms) in 37%, with significant weight gain in all. In 84% of patients, the PEG-J is still in use (mean duration 962 days). Conclusions and Inferences Following a stepwise treatment approach in gastroparesis, adequate symptom response was reached in 86% of all patients. Weight gain was achieved in all patients, independent of symptom response. Diet and prokinetics were effective with regard to symptoms in 58%, temporary gastric rest in 47%, and PEG-J as third step in 37% of patients.

Original languageEnglish
Article number13588
Pages (from-to)1-10
Number of pages10
JournalNeurogastroenterology and Motility
Volume31
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2019

Keywords

  • enteral nutrition
  • gastroparesis
  • percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
  • PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC JEJUNOSTOMY
  • DIABETIC GASTROPARESIS
  • ELECTRICAL-STIMULATION
  • MANOMETRY
  • FEASIBILITY
  • GASTROSTOMY
  • DYSFUNCTION
  • SYMPTOMS

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