title: Analysis of factors influencing gastric emptying of pellets in a fed state.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study is to evaluate the influence of factors such as biopharmaceutical properties and study protocol on the emptying of pellets from the human stomach in a fed state.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic literature search for data on human gastric emptying of pellets from a fed stomach state investigated by γ-scintigraphy was carried out. After selection of comparable data, a joint statistical analysis on the basis of multiple linear regression with 132 individual t50 values (time for 50% of the pellets to be emptied from the stomach) was performed. Parameters such as a second meal administration that can influence t50 values were also examined and included into the interpretation of the results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed that an increase in the caloric value of the meal in the interval between 1200 and 3600 kJ increased the mean t50 value. Pellets with a density of 2.8 g/cm(3) remained in the stomach longer than pellets of usual density with the same caloric value of the meal. Pellets incorporated in a tablet are emptied faster from the stomach than encapsulated pellets. A 45-min delay in the application of pellets after the start of the meal significantly diminished the mean t50 value, compared with application immediately after consuming the meal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Thus, in the development of non-disintegrating pellets intended for fed-state application, all of these cited factors should be considered because of their potential influence on the gastric residence time.
authors.affiliation: University Medical Centre Ljubljana , Zaloška 2, Ljubljana , Slovenia.
authors.forename: Božena
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bürmen
authors.forename: Igor
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Locatelli
authors.forename: Aleš
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mrhar
authors.forename: Marija
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bogataj
mesh_terms: D005502:Food; D005746:Gastric Emptying / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D013270:Stomach / Q000502:physiology*; D013607:Tablets
chemical_list: D013607:Tablets
keywords: fed state; gastric emptying; multiple linear regression; pellets; postprandial