Evaluation of gastric motor activity in the elderly by electrogastrography and the (13)C-acetate breath test.
BACKGROUND
Elderly people frequently have symptoms of fullness and appetite loss due to impaired gastric motor activity. These symptoms may cause malnutrition, immunosuppression and other complications.


OBJECTIVE
The effects of aging and daily activity on gastric motility in the elderly were investigated by electrogastrography and the (13)C-acetate breath test.


METHODS
We enrolled seven active elderly subjects (active elderly group), seven elderly subjects staying at a geriatric facility who had reduced mental and physical capacities (inactive elderly group) and seven healthy young volunteers (young group). Electrogastrography was recorded before and after ingestion of a (13)C-acetate-mixed liquid meal. Expired air was sampled every 10 min after the meal to measure the (13)CO(2) concentration.


RESULTS
The ratio of the incidence of the 3-cpm wave (gastric intrinsic frequency) during the postprandial period compared to the fasting state was reduced in both elderly groups compared to young subjects, and the reduction was greater in the inactive elderly than in the active elderly group. The ratio of the amplitude of the peak frequency during the postprandial period to that in the fasting state (power ratio) was also lower in the elderly groups. The time of peak (13)CO(2) expiration was delayed in the active elderly and more so in the inactive elderly group.


CONCLUSIONS
Postprandial peristalsis and gastric contractile force are reduced in the elderly, and gastric emptying is delayed indicating a reduction in gastric motor activity.
Shimamoto
Chikao
C
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Osaka Medical College, Osaka, Japan. in2021@poh.osaka-med.ac.jp
Hirata
Ichiro
I
Hiraike
Yutake
Y
Takeuchi
Nozomi
N
Nomura
Toshiyuki
T
Katsu
Ken-ichi
K
D000085:Acetates / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D001944:Breath Tests; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005215:Fasting / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005746:Gastric Emptying / Q000502:physiology; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019518:Postprandial Period / Q000502:physiology
D000085:Acetates; D002245:Carbon Dioxide