Affiliation:
1. Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA
2. Department of Pediatrics University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati Ohio USA
3. Internal Medicine University of Cincinnati Cincinnati Ohio USA
4. Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundThere is limited data on gastric emptying in dyspeptic children. We aimed to determine solid and liquid emptying rates in dyspeptic children and correlate with clinical characteristics.MethodsCharts of dyspeptic children undergoing 4‐hour dual‐phase gastric scintigraphy were reviewed for demographics, symptoms, and comorbidities.Key ResultsIn 1078 dyspeptic patients (65% females, median age 13 years) vomiting (55%), nausea (53%), and abdominal pain (52%) were the most common symptoms. The most common comorbidities were mental health (32%), neurologic (27%), and hypermobility spectrum disorders (20%). Solid and liquid emptying rates were aligned in 61.23%. Delayed solid with normal liquid emptying were noted in 2.5%, compared to delayed liquid with normal solid emptying in 26.16%. Abdominal pain had a trend for association with delayed or normal solid emptying (p = 0.06). Nausea was mostly reported with normal solid emptying (p < 0.0001) and underreported in patients <12 years with vomiting (29%). Abnormal solid emptying (rapid and delayed) was noted more frequently in children with mental health disorders (p = 0.027). Rapid liquid emptying was more common in children with genetic disorders (p = 0.032).Conclusion and InferencesOver half of children with dyspepsia had delayed liquid gastric emptying, and one quarter had delayed liquid with normal solid emptying. Dual‐phase gastric emptying studies may help target therapy in dyspeptic children. Nausea is not a reliable symptom for dyspepsia in younger children. Given the significant association of abnormal gastric emptying in children with mental health disorders, we recommend screening and treating children with dyspepsia.
Funder
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Subject
Gastroenterology,Endocrine and Autonomic Systems,Physiology