Gastric involvement in progressive systemic sclerosis: electrogastrographic and sonographic findings.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether electrogastrography (EGG) can discern sonographically demonstrated motility disorders in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to evaluate EGG as a possible diagnostic tool. DESIGN: Prospective study with control group and testing for reliability. SUBJECTS: 15 SSc patients [women aged 33-70 years (mean 53.3 years)] and 15 healthy volunteers. METHODS: Bipolar cutaneous EGG was recorded to obtain the following parameters: period dominant frequency (PDF), percentage of gastric dysrhythmia and normogastria (defined as 2-4/min), period dominant power (PDP) and its change after a standardized meal of 500 kcal (2093 kJ), and instability coefficients of dominant frequency and power (DFIC, DPIC). Simultaneously, real-time sonography was performed in the aortomesenteric plane (3.5-MHz curved-array probe). In 10 patients and 13 control subjects, the distance from the anterior wall of the gastric antrum to the abdominal skin was measured. RESULTS: Three patients (20%) showed hypomotility of the gastric antrum sonographically. The percentage of bradygastria was significantly lower in these patients, but the PDF, DFIC and DPIC values were not significantly different. The distance between the cutaneous electrodes and the antrum bore a greater relationship to the PDP values than did the sonographically demonstrated number of gastric contractions. CONCLUSIONS: Although cutaneous EGG can be performed in SSc patients without apparent derangement in frequency and stability of the signal, it offers no advantage over sonography in diagnosis and follow-up.     

Gastric Dysrhythmias and Delayed Gastric Emptying in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia

An association between dyspepsia, gastricmotility disorders, and myoelectrical abnormalities hasbeen noted. The objective of the present study was toinvestigate both antral myoelectrical activity and gastric emptying in patients with functionaldyspepsia (FD). Electrogastrography (EGG) was performedin 25 adult patients with FD, which had been evaluatedby score. After an overnight fast, for 1 hr in the pre- and postprandial state (370 kcalliquid-solid test meal) the following EGG parameterswere determined: dominant frequency [DF (cpm)], DF (%)in the normal range (2-4 cpm), bradygastria (<2 cpm), tachygastria (4-10 cpm), dominant frequencyinstability coefficient (DFIC), and postprandial tofasting power ratio (PR). The data were correlated toresults obtained in 20 age- and gender-matched controls. In addition, in 17 consecutive patients the EGGdata were compared to the gastric retention ofradionuclides after 60 min (liquid-solid phase labeledwith ^99mTc colloid). Patients with FDrevealed a preprandial increase in tachygastria compared to controls(P < 0.001). Of 17 FD, seven patients exhibiteddelayed gastric emptying (t60 retention >68%). Thesepatients showed significantly more pre- and postprandial tachygastrias than patients with normal gastricemptying (P < 0.05). The dyspeptic symptology and H.pylori status did not correlate with EGG andradioscintigraphy. Patients with FD frequently revealimpaired gastric emptying and increased tachygastria,which may have pathophysiological significance in someof these patients.     

Evaluación de motilidad gástrica mediante electrogastrografía de superficie en pacientes críticos sépticos. Comparación de los efectos de metoclopramida y domperidona: un ensayo clínicopiloto aleatorizado

Introduction and aimsCritically ill patients present with a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal motility disorders that affect the digestive tract. Our aim was to compare the effect of two prokinetic drugs on gastric electrical rhythm in critically ill septic patients, measured through surface electrogastrography (EGG).Material and methodsA prospective triple-blinded randomized study was conducted on 36 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with the diagnosis of septic shock. They were randomized to receive metoclopramide or domperidone. We assessed dominant frequency (DF), percentage distribution over time, and dominant power (DP), which represents the strength of contraction, before and after administration of the study drugs.ResultsReliable electrogastrograms were achieved in all patients. In relation to the distribution of DF over time, 64% of patients had dysrhythmia, the mean baseline DF was 2.9 cpm, and the mean DP was 56.5 μv After drug administration, 58% of the patients had dysrhythmia, the mean DF increased to 5.7 cpm (P < .05), and the DP did not change (57.4 μv²). There were no significant differences between drugs. In the metoclopramide group, the baseline DF was 2.1 cpm and the baseline DP was 26.1 μv². The post-drug values increased to 5.4 cpm and 34.1 μv², respectively. In the domperidone group, the baseline DF was 3.7 cpm and the baseline DP was 86.9 μv². After drug administration, the DF increased to 6.1 cpm and the DP decreased to 83.5 μv².ConclusionsBoth metoclopramide and domperidone similarly increased the DF of gastric pacemaker activity and improved gastric motility by restoring a normogastric pattern. Gastric dysmotility is frequent in septic patients.     

Clinical value of electrogastrography and the gastric emptying test

OBJECTIVE : To: (i) assess the clinical value of electrogastrography (EGG) and the gastric emptying test; and (ii) investigate the relationship between gastric myoelectrical activity and gastric emptying (GE). METHODS : One hundred and forty patients with functional dyspepsia (FD), 30 patients with non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and 20 healthy volunteers were studied. Gastric myoelectrical activity was recorded by using cutaneous EGG. The gastric emptying time was measured by using isotopic, radiopaque marker (Rom’s) and ultrasound methods. RESULTS : The dysrhythmia rates in patients with NIDDM were 70.0% (21/30) before meals and 66.7% (20/30) after meals, and the tachygastria rates of these patients were 36.7% before meals and 33.3% after meals. In NIDDM patients, the dominant frequency (DF) after meals (2.60 ± 0.30 cycles per minute; c.p.m.), the fed DF/fasting DF ratio (1.01 ± 0.11), the dominant power (DP) after meals (121.45 ± 67.00 V² c.p.m.) and the fed DP and fasting DP ratios (0.81 ± 0.07) were significantly lower than those in normal controls (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The DP after meals in patients with FD (210.60 ± 68.40 V² c.p.m.) was significantly lower than that in normal controls (P < 0.01). Delayed gastric emptying was more common in patients with FD and NIDDM. The rate of delayed gastric emptying in 121 cases with normal myoelectrical rhythm was 39.7% (48/121). In 69 cases with dysrhythmia, 45.9% (17/37) with bradygastria and 78.1% (25/32) with tachygastria had delayed gastric emptying. CONCLUSIONS : Electrogastrography and the gastric emptying test are feasible methods for evaluating gastric myoelectrical activity and gastric motility. The precise relationship between gastric myoelectrical activity and gastric motility has not been proven, but there is a close relationship between tachygastria and delayed gastric emptying.     

Itopride for gastric volume,gastric emptying and drinking capacity in functional dyspepsia

AIM To study the effect of itopride on gastric accommodation, gastric emptying and drinking capacity in functional dyspepsia(FD). METHODS Randomized controlled trial was conducted to check the effect of itopride on gastric accommodation, gastric emptying, capacity of tolerating nutrient liquid and symptoms of FD. We recruited a total of 31 patients having FD on the basis of ROME III criteria. After randomization, itopride was received by 15 patients while 16 patients received placebo. Gastric accommodation was determined using Gastric Scintigraphy. ~(13) C labeled octanoic breadth test was performed to assess gastric emptying. Capacity of tolerating nutrient liquid drink was checked using satiety drinking capacity test. Theintervention group comprised of 150 mg itopride. Patients in both arms were followed for 4 wk. RESULTS Mean age of the recruited participant 33 years(SD = 7.6) and most of the recruited individuals, i.e., 21(67.7%) were males. We found that there was no effect of itopride on gastric accommodation as measured at different in volumes in the itopride and control group with the empty stomach(P = 0.14), at 20 min(P = 0.38), 30 min(P = 0.30), 40 min(P = 0.43), 50 min(P = 0.50), 60 min(P = 0.81), 90 min(P = 0.25) and 120 min(P = 0.67). Gastric emptying done on a sub sample(n = 11) showed no significant difference(P = 0.58) between itopride and placebo group. There was no significant improvement in the capacity to tolerate liquid in the itopride group as compared to placebo(P = 0.51). Similarly there was no significant improvement of symptoms as assessed through a composite symptom score(P = 0.74). The change in QT interval in itopride group was not significantly different from placebo(0.10). CONCLUSION Our study found no effect of itopride on gastric accommodation, gastric emptying and maximum tolerated volume in patients with FD.     

伊托必利治疗功能性消化不良重叠便秘型肠易激综合征疗效观察

目的 观察伊托必利治疗功能性消化不良(FD)重叠便秘型肠易激综合征(C-IBS)患者的疗效.方法 将符合FD标准及重叠C-IBS患者分为FD治疗组(40例)、FD观察组(20例)、FD重叠C-IBS治疗组(40例)和FD重叠C-IBS观察组(20例),FD治疗组和FD重叠C-IBS治疗组均给予伊托必利100 rag/次,每日3次,疗程8周.观察并记录4组患者上腹饱胀、早饱、腹痛等症状及C-IBS患者便秘改善情况.FD治疗组和FD重叠C-IBS治疗组于治疗前及治疗后2周进行胃排空试验.结果 FD治疗组和FD重叠C-IBS治疗组患者腹痛、上腹饱胀、早饱等症状均有不同程度改善,其中FD重叠C-IBS治疗组改善程度更为明显,且排便情况亦有显著改善.B超监测胃排空显示,与观察组相比,FD治疗组和FD重叠C-IBS治疗组患者治疗后胃窦收缩幅度及胃排空时间均有显著改善(P<0.05).结论 伊托必利治疗FD有效,尤其是对FD重叠C-IBS治疗组的疗效优于FD治疗组.     

Electrogastrography in healthy subjects

Electrogastrography (EGG) permits measurements of the gastric electrical activity. However, normal values of electrical activity are poorly defined. In addition, limited data are available on the effect of age and gender. Therefore, in 40 healthy subjects (age range: 19–90 years) normal values for several EGG parameters were assessed after an overnight fast for 1 hr in the fasting and fed state after ingestion of a standardized solid-liquid meal. The electrical signals were capture by a pair of surface electrodes sonographically placed on the skin overlying the gastric antrum. The dominant electrical frequency was predominantly in the defined normal frequency range between 2 and 4 cycles per minute (cpm) (P<0.001) and was higher in the postprandial than in the preprandial period (3.1 cpm vs 2.8 cpm,P=0.02). The instability of the electrical rhythm calculated by a dominant frequency instability coefficient (DFIC) was postprandially lower than in the fasting state (P=0.04). The electrical power (amplitude) increased postprandially (postprandial to fasting power ratio =2.4). To evaluate the influence of age and gender on normal values the subjects were divided into four groups (median age: male, 28 and 69 years; female, 25 and 67 years). The most parameters did not differ significantly between the groups. However, DFIC was different between the groups (P<0.05), with elderly women revealing lowest DFIC. In conclusion, normal values for several EGG parameters evaluated in this study should be included in the analysis of gastric electrical activity. The magnitude of electrical frequency and power are not influenced by age and gender, whereas the instability of the electrical frequency is influenced by these factors.     

Impaired gastric motility and its relationship to reflux symptoms in patients with nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background  More than half of patients with refluxrelated symptoms have no endoscopic evidence of mucosal breaks. These patients are considered to have nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD). The pathogenesis of NERD may be multifactorial, but the role played by gastric motility in symptom generation in patients with NERD has not been examined. In this study, we elucidate gastric motility in patients with NERD and the efficacy of a prokinetic agent in the treatment of NERD. Methods  Gastric motility was evaluated with electrogastrography (EGG) and by measurement of gastric emptying using the acetaminophen method in 26 patients with NERD and in 11 matched healthy controls. NERD patients were treated with a prokinetic agent (mosapride 15 mg, orally three times daily) for a period of 4 weeks, after which gastric motility was measured again. Results  Compared with the healthy controls, the NERD patients showed a significantly lower percentage of normogastria, a lower power ratio in EGG, and delayed gastric emptying. Ten patients had normal gastric motor function (group A), and 16 showed abnormalities of either gastric myoelectrical activity or gastric emptying (group B). After treatment with mosapride, gastric motility improved significantly in both groups of patients compared with pretreatment values. The subjective assessment by the patient after the treatment was improved in 20.0% of group A versus 62.5% of group B patients (P < 0.05). Conclusions  Gastric hypomotility appears to be an important factor in reflux symptom generation in some NERD patients.     

Electrogastrographic Study of the Effect of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization on Gastric Myoelectric Activity

Background: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of the hepatic artery is frequently used in the treatment of inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TACE causes not only effective tumor tissue necrosis in patients with hepatoma but also adverse effects on extrahepatic abdominal organs. There are no published reports on the effect of TACE on the gastric myoelectric activity. In this study, using cutaneous electrogastrography (EGG), we evaluated the effect of TACE on gastric myoelectric activity in patients with HCC. Methods: A total of 27 patients (24 men and 3 women, aged 22 to 78 years) with hepatoma, admitted for TACE, were included in this study. Furthermore, 28 patients (24 men and 4 women, aged 26 to 75 years), admitted for diagnostic angiography of the liver, served as the control group. Cutaneous EGG was performed before and after TACE or angiography. Results: In the TACE group there were significant changes in dominant frequency (DF) and percentages of DF in the defined normal range, bradygastric range, and tachygastric range on post-meal EGG. On fasting EGG, only the dominant frequency and percentages of DF in the bradygastric range changed significantly. However, there was no correlation between the occurrence of nausea/vomiting and the degree of change in the EGG variables, during both fasting and postprandial states. In the control group there were no significant differences in EGG variables before and after angiography. Conclusions: TACE can affect gastric myoelectric activity in HCC patients. Nevertheless, the relationship between changes in myoelectric activity and the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms needs further investigation.     

Electrical bioimpedance gastric motility measurement based on an electrical-mechanical composite mechanism

AIM: To introduce a bioimpedance gastric motility measurement method based on an electrical-mechanical composite concept and a preliminary clinical application.METHODS: A noninvasive gastric motility measurement method combining electrogastrogram (EGG) and impedance gastric motility (IGM) test was used. Preliminary clinical application studies of patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) and gastritis, as well as healthy controls, were carried out. Twenty-eight FD patients (mean age 40.9 ± 9.7 years) and 40 healthy volunteers (mean age 30.9 ± 7.9 years) were involved. IGM spectrum was measured for both the healthy subjects and FD patients, and outcomes were compared in the FD patients before treatment and 1 wk and 3 wk after treatment. IGM parameters were obtained from 30 erosive gastritis patients (mean age 50.5 ± 13.0 years) and 40 healthy adults, and IGM and EGG results were compared in the gastritis patients before treatment and 1 wk after treatment.RESULTS: There were significant differences in the IGM parameters between the FD patients and healthy subjects, and FD patients had a poorer gastric motility [percentage of normal frequency (PNF) 70.8 ± 25.5 in healthy subjects and 28.3 ± 16.9 in FD patients, P < 0.01]. After 1 wk administration of domperidone 10 mg, tid, the gastric motility of FD patients was not improved, although the EGG of the patients had returned to normal. After 3 wk of treatment, the IGM rhythm of the FD patients became normal. There was a significant difference in IGM parameters between the two groups (PNF 70.4 ± 25.5 for healthy subjects and 36.1 ± 21.8 for gastritis patients, P < 0.05). The EGG rhythm of the gastritis patients returned to normal (frequency instability coefficient 2.22 ± 0.43 before treatment and 1.77 ± 0.19 one wk after treatment, P < 0.05) after 1 wk of treatment with sodium rabeprazole tablets, 10 mg, qd, po, qm, while some IGM parameters showed a tendency toward improvement but had not reached statistical significance.CONCLUSION: The electrical-mechanical composite measurement method showed an attractive clinical application prospect in gastric motility research and evaluation.     

Antral Myoelectric Activity,Gastric Emptying,and Dyspeptic Symptoms in Diabetics

Background: Electrogastrography (EGG) enables the cutaneous measurement of gastric electric activity. An association between electric abnormalities and gastrointestinal motility disorders has been shown. The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether diabetic gastroparesis could be predicted by EGG.

Methods: EGG was performed in 18 insulin-treated type-II diabetics (9 female, 9 male; median age, 64 years; range, 45-76 years) with chronic dyspepsia. After an overnight fast, during 1 h in the fasting and 1 h in the fed state after ingestion of a liquid-solid test meal (370 kcal; liquid phase labeled with 0.5 mCi ^99mTc-colloid) antral electric activity was captured by one pair of electrodes sonographically placed on the skin overlying the gastric antrum. Several EGG variables including dominant frequency (DF), percentages of DF in the normal range (24 cycles per minute (cpm)), bradygastria (<2cpm), and tachygastria (4-10 cpm), dominant frequency instability coefficient (DFIC), and postprandial to preprandial power ratio (PR) were calculated by fast Fourier transform. The data were correlated to results obtained in 20 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects (10 female, 10 male; median age, 68 years; range, 53-90 years). In addition, the data were compared with the percentages of retention of the radionuclide in the stomach at 60 min, and lag times measured by simultaneous scintigraphy.

Results: The EGG values obtained in diabetics did not differ significantly from those in healthy subjects and did not correlate with radioscintigraphy (p > 0.05). Moreover, the EGG values in diabetics with delayed gastric emptying (about 40%) did not differ from data in diabetics without gastroparesis. Furthermore, whereas dyspepsia correlated significantly with radioscintigraphy, no correlation with EGG could be found.

Conclusions: Electrogastrography seems to be unsuitable for assessment of motility disorders in type4 diabetics.     

Recent insights into digestive motility in functional dyspepsia

Functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome, are common pathologies of the gut. FD is a clinical syndrome defined as chronic or recurrent pain or discomfort of unknown origin in the upper abdomen. The pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for FD have not been fully elucidated, but new ideas regarding its pathophysiology and the significance of the pathophysiology with respect to the symptom pattern of FD have emerged. In particular, there is growing interest in alterations in gastric motility, such as accommodation to a meal or gastric emptying, and visceral sensation in FD. The mechanisms underlying impaired gastroduodenal motor function are unclear, but possible factors include abnormal neurohormonal function, autonomic dysfunction, visceral hypersensitivity to acid or mechanical distention, Helicobacter pylori infection, acute gastrointestinal infection, psychosocial comorbidity, and stress. Although the optimum treatment for FD is not yet clearly established, acid-suppressive drugs, prokinetic agents, eradication of H. pylori, and antidepressants have been widely used in the management of patients with FD. The therapeutic efficacy of prokinetics such as itopride hydrochloride and mosapride citrate in the treatment of FD is supported by the results of relatively large and well-controlled studies. In addition, recent research has yielded new therapeutic agents and modalities for dysmotility in FD, including agonists/antagonists of various sensorimotor receptors, activation of the nitrergic pathway, kampo medicine, acupuncture, and gastric electric stimulation. This review discusses recent research on the pathophysiology of and treatment options for FD, with special attention given to digestive dysmotility.     

胃食管反流病胃肌电活动的变化

目的 分析描述胃食管反流病(GERD)患者的胃肌电活动特点,探讨胃肌电活动的变化在GERD发病中的作用,以期有助于临床诊疗.方法 对65例GERD患者和30例健康志愿者进行餐前、餐后体表胃电图监测.根据内镜检查结果,把GERD患者分为反流性食管炎(RE)组、非糜烂性反流病(NERD)组,行组间胃电参数比较,随访19例胃电节律异常的GERD患者,观察治疗前后胃电参数的变化.结果 GERD组的主频(DF)正常慢波节律百分比(N%)、餐前餐后功率比(PR)与对照组相比明显降低(P<0.05或0.01).胃电节律紊乱,以胃动过缓为主.经1周治疗后,GERD异常胃电参数明显正常化(P<0.05或0.01).餐前RE组胃电节律异常的发生率(37.5%)显著高于NERD组(12.1%).餐后胃电节律异常的发生率RE组和NERD组分别为71.9%和60.6%,两者没有统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 GERD患者存在餐前、餐后胃肌电活动异常,异常胃电节律以胃动过缓节律为主,胃电图能为GERD诊断提供依据.     

功能性消化不良患者胃肌电紊乱的发生率

背景：功能性消化不良（FD）的病理生理机制尚未完全阐明，消化道运动功能异常可能是主要发病机制之一。目的：通过胃电图检查探讨FD患者胃肌电紊乱的发生率，证实胃动力异常在FD发生中的作用。方法：368例FD患者行餐前和餐后体表胃电图榆查，对正常胃慢波百分比和胃电主功率两项参数进行分析。结果：根据正常胃慢波百分比，本组FD患者可分为胃电节律正常组（43．2％）、胃动过缓组（33．2％）、胃动过速组（6．2％）和混合性胃电节律紊乱组（17．4％）。在胃电节律正常的FD患者中，34．0％（54例）存在餐后／餐前胃电主功率比异常。结论：本组71．5％的FD患者存在胃肌电紊乱，证实胃动力异常在FD的发病机制中起有重要作用。     

Xiaoyao pill for treatment of functional dyspepsia in perimenopausal women with depression

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Xiaoyao pill for treatment of functional dyspepsia(FD) associated with perimenopausal depression.METHODS: This was a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial including 180 patients with FD accompanied by depression that were divided into two groups of 90. Patients in the treatment group received oral administration of the Xiaoyao pill for soothing the liver and activating the spleen, and patients in the control group received a placebo. This trial included an 8-wk therapy period with a follow-up period of 6 mo. The total efficacy and degree of depression, as assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression(HRSD), were evaluated. Plasma levels of motilin and gastrin were measured and a gastric emptying test was conducted in each participant.RESULTS:The Xiaoyao pill had a good therapeutic effect and improved the symptoms in patients with perimenopausal FD as assessed by the HRSD score,motilin and gastrin levels,and rate of gastric emptying.The total effective rate of the Xiaoyao pill in the treatment group was significantly superior to that of the placebo in the control group.In the control group,the initial HRSD score was 12.12±2.29 and decreased to7.14±1.67 after therapy(P<0.01).In the treatment group,the initial HRSD score was 11.44±2.15,which significantly decreased to 6.20±2.08 after therapy(P<0.01).Moreover,the HRSD score in the treatment group was significantly lower than in control group after 8 wk(P<0.01).Motilin and gastrin levels in both groups were significantly increased after the 8-wk therapy(P<0.05).The gastric emptying rate was also improved in both groups after therapy(P<0.05),and the improvement was significantly better in the treatment group compared to the controls(P<0.05).These results confirm the therapeutic effects of the Xiaoyao pill in perimenopausal FD patients and indicate that it is worthy of clinical promotion.CONCLUSION:The Xiaoyao pill is effective and safe for the treatment of perimenopausal women with FD associated with depression.     

Mediation of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization induced gastric slow-wave dysrhythmia by endogenous prostaglandin

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In recent years, gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias induced by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) have been observed. Enhanced endogenous prostaglandin may be a possible mechanism for the myoelectrical changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias induced by TACE may be mediated by ketoprofen, a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) admitted for TACE were enrolled. A follow-up TACE was scheduled to take place 2 months later. During the next admission for TACE, 50 mg of ketoprofen was given intramuscularly 12 h for 3 days, beginning 48 h before TACE, as premedication. Cutaneous electrogastrography (EGG) was performed before and within 24 h after TACE. RESULTS: The results showed that the change in the fasting EGG parameters after TACE without premedication was not statistically significant. However, the postprandial EGG parameters, including the dominant frequency (DF); the percentages of DF in the normal, bradygastric and tachygastric range; along with the dominant frequency instability coefficient, deteriorated significantly after the procedure (P < 0.01). After the follow-up TACE with ketoprofen premedication, neither the fasting nor postprandial EGG parameters in the control group changed significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias induced by TACE may be mediated by ketoprofen, a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, in HCC patients. However, the improvement in the gastric myoelectrical activity does not eliminate the degree of nausea/vomiting after TACE.     

Effect of itopride, a new prokinetic, in patients with mild GERD： A pilot study

AIM: Itopride is a newly developed prokinetic agent, which enhances gastric motility through both antidopaminergic and anti-acetylcholinesterasic actions. The importance of esophageal motor dysfunction in the pathogenesis of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) makes it interesting to examine the effect of itopride on esophageal acid exposure. METHODS: The effect of itopride on esophageal acid reflux variables for 24 h was studied in 26 patients with GERD symptoms, pre-entry total acid exposure time (pH<4) of more than 5% and mild esophagitis (Savary-Miller grades I, II) proven by endoscopy. Ambulatory 24-h pH-metry and symptom assessment were performed after treatments with 150 or 300 mg itopride thrice a day (t.i. d.) for 30 d in random order, using an open label method. For evaluating the safety of itopride, blood biochemical laboratory test was performed and the serum prolactin level was also examined before and after treatment. RESULTS: Total symptom score was significantly decreased after treatment in 150- or 300-mg group. Itopride 300 mg was significantly effective than 150 mg on decreasing the total per cent time with pH<4, total time with pH<4 and DeMeester score. No serious adverse effects were observed with administration of itopride in both groups. CONCLUSION: Itopride 100 mg t.i.d. is effective on decreasing pathologic reflux in patient with GERD and therefore it has the potential to be effective in the treatment of this disease.     

肝硬化患者胃动力多因素相关性研究

目的 进一步了解肝硬化患者消化道运动功能紊乱的机理及各因素间的相互关系。 方法 对46例肝硬化患者行血浆血管活性肠肽(VIP)、胃泌素、胃动素(MTL)检测;胃电图、24 h胃内pH监测;同位素核素闪烁法检测胃排空,并与正常组对照。 结果 肝硬化组与正常组,血浆VIP分别为(14.5±4.8)pmol/L和(9.7±3.4)pmol/L,t=5.181,P<0.05;胃泌素分别为(58.6±29.8)pg/ml和(38.1±14.6)pg/ml,t=3.871,P<0.01;MTL分别为(360.0±54.2)pg/ml和(422.0±48.5)pg/ml,t=5.529,P<0.05。胃电图主频、主功率进餐前后均降低,正常慢波节律减少,胃动过缓增加。胃内2 4 h pH监测反流积分增加,胃排空延迟。多元线性回归分析,相互间有显著性相关。 结论 肝硬化患者存在食管胃运动功能紊乱,表现为胃电节律紊乱、胃排空延迟。血浆胃肠激素的异常。肝硬化患者胃内pH异常,存在胃十二指肠反流。     

阿米替林对功能性消化不良症状及胃动力的作用

研究功能性消化不良（ＦＤ）患者的胃排空和胃电特性以及阿米替林对ＦＤ的疗效。方法：用双同位素标记ＳＰＥＣＴ技术和体表胃电图检测４２例ＦＤ患者服用小剂量阿米替林前后胃运动功能的变化。结果：ＦＤ组和对照组液相排空曲线相似，半排空时间（Ｔ５０）差异无显著性；ＦＤ组固相Ｔ５０较对照组显著延长，胃电节律紊乱率及餐后振幅降低率较对照组显著增加。阿米替林治疗４周后，ＦＤ患者的临床症状显著改善，但胃排空异常率及胃电