Diabetes is not an independent predictor of gastroparesis in symptomatic patients referred for gastric emptying studies.
BACKGROUND
It is commonly presumed that diabetics are more prone to gastroparesis when compared to non-diabetics.


OBJECTIVE
To ascertain whether diabetes is an independent predictor of gastroparesis in symptomatic patients who are referred for gastric emptying studies.


METHODS
This was a cross sectional observational study. The study cohort consisted of 172 consecutive patients who had been referred for gastric emptying studies. Seventy-four of the 172 patients had evidence of diabetes.


RESULTS
Gastroparesis was diagnosed in 93 of the 172 patients (54%). Multiple logistic regression analysis did not reveal diabetes to be an independent risk factor (OR 0.77, CI 0.37-1.56, p=0.46). But age>50 years was a significant predictor (OR 3.43, CI 1.62-7.23, p=0.001). The sex of the patient was not a contributing variable (OR 1.47, CI 0.72-2.98, p=0.28).


CONCLUSIONS
Diabetes is not an independent predictor of gastroparesis in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms referred for gastric emptying studies. Age over 50 years was a significant predictor.
Gumaste
Vivek V
VV
Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Services at Elmhurst, Elmhurst General Hospital, Elmhurst, NY, USA. gumastev@yahoo.com
Egbuna
Ikenna
I
Goldman
Allan
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005746:Gastric Emptying; D018589:Gastroparesis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult
D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals