Viral gastroparesis: a subgroup of idiopathic gastroparesis--clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
Viral gastroparesis has been regarded as a subgroup of idiopathic gastroparesis.


METHODS
We have reviewed the medical records of 143 patients diagnosed as having gastroparesis. Fifty-two patients were regarded as idiopathic in origin, of which 12 were identified as consistent with a postviral etiology. Their follow-up and current status were assessed by interview. Available for interview were 32 patients: 11 from the viral group and 21 from idiopathic group.


RESULTS
All "viral gastroparesis" patients reported gradual improvement of their symptoms, no hospitalizations during the previous 6 months, stable weight, were not disabled, and remained professionally active. In comparison, 21 "idiopathic" patients had an indolent, slowly progressive clinical presentation. The idiopathic group had a significantly longer duration of illness (p < 0.05) with greater symptom score of abdominal pain, early satiety, and anorexia, and overall worse quality of life (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
A viral etiology should be considered in gastroparesis patients when their illness is characterized by an acute onset, initial severe illness and slow resolution toward a satisfactory quality of life. Idiopathic gastroparesis is a more slowly progressive illness, and patients remain significantly more symptomatic for a longer period of time.
Bityutskiy
L P
LP
Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, USA.
Soykan
I
I
McCallum
R W
RW
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000855:Anorexia / Q000503:physiopathology; D001835:Body Weight; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005746:Gastric Emptying / Q000502:physiology; D018589:Gastroparesis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*; D006304:Health Status; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000503:physiopathology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012527:Satiation / Q000502:physiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013689:Telephone; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014839:Vomiting / Q000503:physiopathology