High prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders in a large cohort of patients with joint hypermobility.

The gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations in children with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome/joint hypermobility syndrome (hEDS/JHS) are not well described. We investigated the prevalence of GI disorders in children and young adults with hEDS/JHS through a single-center retrospective review. Demographic data, clinical history, symptoms, and diagnostic studies were reviewed. Of 435 patients with hEDS/JHS, 66% were females (age 5-28 years). We noted a high prevalence of constipation (61%), dysphagia (32%), dyspepsia and/or gastroparesis (25%), eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) (21%), and celiac disease (4%) in our cohort. Upper endoscopy and gastric emptying scans had the highest yield to detect abnormalities. Motility studies were abnormal in 31% of the 80 patients who underwent them. Dysphagia symptoms are significantly associated with EoE. Thirty-three percent of dysphagia patients had EoE, versus 16% of non-dysphagia patients (p < 0.001). Screening hEDS/JHS patients for GI issues should be routine, with further investigations and referrals guided by identified symptoms.

Factors influencing gastrostomy tube feeding duration and nutrition outcomes in pediatric patients with Down syndrome: A descriptive cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Feeding difficulty is widely recognized in patients with Down syndrome, and many patients require gastrostomy tube (G-tube) placement for nutrition. No reliable factors have been identified to predict the expected duration of G-tube feeds in patients with Down syndrome. This descriptive cohort study aimed to determine the factors affecting the duration of G-tube feeds. We also investigated change in body mass index (BMI) from G-tube placement to discontinuation. METHODS: Medical records of patients with Down syndrome seen by a pediatric gastroenterologist at a tertiary care center between September 1986 and December 2021 were reviewed. Data collection included demographics, anthropometrics, comorbidities, and feeding route. Comparison was performed between patients who discontinued G-tube feeds and those who did not. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty patients (45% female) were included. The median age at G-tube placement was 5 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.2-1.3 years). There were 113 (51%) patients who discontinued G-tube feeds, after a median duration of 31.6 months (IQR: 15.6-55.7 months). Tracheostomy was the only covariant associated with a longer duration of G-tube feeds (158 months vs 53 months; P = 0.002). Neither age at G-tube placement nor any comorbidities were associated with BMI status at discontinuation of G-tube. CONCLUSION: In our cohort of patients with Down syndrome, age at placement of G-tube did not impact the duration of G-tube feeds. Most patients who had a G-tube placed were likely to require enteral feeds for at least 1 year. Those who had a tracheostomy needed their G-tube for a longer time.

Pediatric retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction diagnosed by high-resolution impedance manometry.

OBJECTIVES: The inability to burp, known as retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (R-CPD), was initially described in adults. The proposed clinical diagnostic criteria for R-CPD include belching inability, abdominal bloating and discomfort/nausea, postprandial chest pain, and involuntary noises. Botulinum toxin injection to the cricopharyngeal muscle has been reported to be beneficial. High-resolution esophageal impedance-manometry (HRIM) features in adolescent patients with R-CPD have not been described yet.  The aim of our study was to describe the clinical and HRIM findings of pediatric patients with R-CPD. METHODS: Clinical and manometric features of five pediatric patients diagnosed with R-CPD were reviewed. HRIM study protocol was modified to include the consumption of carbonated drink to provoke symptoms and distinctive manometric features. RESULTS: We report five female patients aged 15-20 years who presented with an inability to burp and involuntary throat sounds. HRIM revealed normal upper esophageal sphincter (UES) relaxation during swallowing, but abnormal UES relaxation with concurrent high esophageal impedance reflecting air entrapment and secondary peristalsis following the carbonated drink challenge. Four patients exhibited esophageal motility disorder. All patients reported improvement or resolution of symptoms after botulinum toxin injection to the cricopharyngeus muscle. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with an inability to burp, reflux-like symptoms, bloating, and involuntary throat noises should be assessed for R-CPD by pediatric gastroenterologists with HRIM. The relatively recent recognition of this novel condition is the likely reason for its under- and misdiagnosis in children.

Sacral nerve stimulation effect on colonic motility in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat refractory constipation in children. While its efficacy in improving symptoms has been studied, its effect on colonic motor function remains unclear. This case series explores SNS's impact on colonic motor function in pediatric patients with idiopathic constipation, using high-resolution colonic manometry (HRCM). METHODS: Four pediatric patients with chronic idiopathic constipation underwent SNS placement for intractable symptoms and were subsequently evaluated via HRCM. Clinical characteristics, comorbidities, treatment regimens, and outcomes were reviewed. HRCM was conducted during the SNS-off and SNS-on phases. The motility index (MI) was measured during the SNS-off (fasting and postprandial) and SNS-on phases. RESULTS: Four pediatric patients aged 8 to 21 years met the inclusion criteria. In three patients, SNS-induced high-amplitude propagating contractions (HAPCs) were noted, and in one patient, low-amplitude propagating contractions (LAPCs) were noted. In one patient, propagating contractions were induced only when SNS was turned on. MI changes with SNS-on were variable among different patients with an increase in MI in two patients after turning SNS on and a decrease in the other two compared with baseline. Adverse effects following SNS placement remained minimal across all cases. CONCLUSION: This case series is the first to report SNS effects on colonic motility evaluated by HRCM in pediatrics. We demonstrate that propagating colonic contractions are promptly induced when SNS is turned on. Although the initial effects of SNS on colonic motility were observable, additional investigation is necessary to comprehend the fundamental mechanisms and long-term effectiveness of SNS in pediatric patients.

Diagnostic yield of left-sided colonic manometry in identifying colonic dysmotility in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Colonic manometry (CM) is a diagnostic procedure utilized in the evaluation of intractable constipation and involves endoscopic insertion of a manometry catheter with the tip placed in the cecum. Difficulty in advancing the colonic manometry catheter to the right colon and/or distal displacement of the catheter after appropriate placement can result in partial evaluation of the colon. Our study aimed to assess the value of limited left CM in identifying motility disorders. METHODS: We evaluated CM studies conducted at a tertiary pediatric center (2019-2022). Abnormal CM studies with catheter tips located in the cecum or ascending colon were included. KEY RESULTS: Of 161 CM studied, 68 with abnormal CM studies met inclusion criteria (29 [42.7%] females, median age 10.3 years). Pan-colonic dysmotility was noted in 29 (42.7%) studies and segmental dysmotility in 39 (57.4%) studies. Dysmotility of the descending and/or sigmoid colon was the most common segmental dysmotility (30, 76.9%). Isolated dysmotility of the ascending colon was noted only in patients with a cecostomy (6/13, 46.2%). The diagnostic sensitivity for dysmotility by left CM was 91.2%, which increased to 100% when excluding patients with cecostomy. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: Left CM is a valuable and sensitive diagnostic tool for identifying abnormal colonic motility in most pediatric patients with constipation without cecostomy. Our study results provide reassurance when the manometry catheter becomes dislodged from the cecum and moves distally. Those with cecostomy have a high prevalence of dysmotility in the ascending colon and need a complete CM to identify it.

Characterization of pharyngeal contractile integral using pharyngeal manometry in children.

OBJECTIVES: Pharyngeal contractile integral (PhCI) is the product of mean pharyngeal contractile amplitude, length, and duration, and provides a single metric for the vigor of entire pharyngeal contraction. A major limitation in children is lack of characterization of PhCI on high-resolution pharyngeal manometry. We aimed to determine and compare the values of PhCI in children with the abnormal and normal videofluoroscopic study of swallow (VFSS). METHODS: Children who underwent high-resolution pharyngeal and esophageal manometry (HRPM/HREM), as well as VFSS, were divided into two groups; "normal VFSS" and "abnormal VFSS" groups. PhCI was calculated from the pharyngo-esophageal manometry analysis software (MMS, v9.5, Laborie Medical Technologies), and compared in these two groups. RESULTS: Of 67 children, 9 had abnormal VFSS (mean age 64 ± 50 months; 66.7% males), while 58 had normal VFSS (mean age 123 ± 55 months; 47% males). The mean PhCI in abnormal and normal VFSS groups was 82.00 ± 51.90 and 147.28 ± 53.89 mmHg.s.cm, respectively (p = 0.001). Subjects with abnormal VFSS were significantly younger than those with normal VFSS (p = 0.003). However, after adjusting for the VFSS result, age was no longer related to PhCI (p = 0.364). In subgroup analysis of children presenting with dysphagia, the mean PhCI in abnormal (9 subjects) and normal (36 subjects) VFSS groups was 82.00 ± 51.90 and 141.86 ± 50.39 mmHg.s.cm, respectively (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: PhCI was significantly lower in children with abnormal VFSS than in those with normal VFSS. We did not find a significant impact of age on PhCI in our pediatric populations.

Interpretation of Impedance Data on High-resolution Impedance Manometry Studies-A Worldwide Survey.

Background/Aims: Esophageal manometry is the gold standard for esophageal motility evaluation. High-resolution esophageal manometry with impedance (HRIM) allows concurrent assessment of bolus transit and manometry. Inconsistencies between concomitant impedance and manometry data pose a clinical dilemma and has not yet been addressed. We aim to assess interpretation trends of HRIM data among gastroenterologists worldwide. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an anonymous survey was conducted among gastroenterologists worldwide. Statistical analysis was performed to compare responses between providers. Results: We received responses from 107 gastroenterologists (26 countries). Most were adult providers (69, 64.5%), and most (77, 72.0%) had > 5 years of experience. Impedance was found to be helpful by 83 (77.6%) participants, but over 30% reported inconsistencies between impedance and manometry data. With incomplete bolus clearance and normal manometry 41 (38.7%) recommended observation, 41 (38.7%) recommended 24-hours pH-impedance, and 16 (15.1%) recommended prokinetics. With abnormal manometry and complete bolus clearance, 60 (57.1%) recommended observation while 18 (17.1%) recommended 24-hours pH impedance and 15 (14.3%) recommended prokinetics. A significant difference was found between providers from different continents in treating cases with discrepancy between impedance and manometry findings (P < 0.001). No significant differences were seen in responses between adult versus pediatric providers and between providers with different years of experience. Conclusions: There is no consensus on interpreting HRIM data. Providers' approaches to studies with inconsistencies between manometry and impedance data vary. There is an unmet need for guidelines on interpreting impedance data in HRIM studies.

Safety and Effectiveness of Prucalopride in Children with Functional Constipation with and without Upper Symptoms.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric prucalopride studies for treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders have reported mixed results. We aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of prucalopride in functional constipation (FC) with and without upper GI symptoms. METHODS: Retrospective data on patients with FC receiving combined prucalopride and conventional therapy was compared with those receiving conventional therapy alone within 12 months. Thirty patients on combined therapy and those on conventional therapy were each matched on the basis of age, gender, race, and presence of fecal soiling. Response (complete, partial, or no resolution) was compared. Similarly, response to concurrent functional upper GI symptoms (postprandial pain, bloating, weight loss, vomiting, early satiety, or nausea) and dysphagia, as well as adverse effects, were evaluated in the combined group. RESULTS: Mean age of 57 cases was 14.7 ± 4.9 years and 68% were female. Comorbidities included functional upper GI (UGI) symptoms (84%), dysphagia (12%), mood disorders (49%), and hypermobility spectrum disorder (37%). Unmatched cases reported 63% improvement to FC; response did not differ between the matched cohorts (70% versus 76.6%, p = 0.84). Cases showed a 56% improvement in functional UGI symptoms and 100% in dysphagia. Adverse effects were reported in 30%, abdominal cramps being most common. Four (7%) patients with a known mood disorder reported worsened mood, of which two endorsed suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION: Prucalopride efficaciously treated concurrent UGI symptoms and dysphagia in constipated pediatric patients and was overall well tolerated. Preexisting mood disorders seemed to worsen in a small subset of cases.

Liquid and solid gastric emptying and correlation with clinical characteristics in pediatric patients with dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on gastric emptying in dyspeptic children. We aimed to determine solid and liquid emptying rates in dyspeptic children and correlate with clinical characteristics. METHODS: Charts of dyspeptic children undergoing 4-hour dual-phase gastric scintigraphy were reviewed for demographics, symptoms, and comorbidities. KEY RESULTS: In 1078 dyspeptic patients (65% females, median age 13 years) vomiting (55%), nausea (53%), and abdominal pain (52%) were the most common symptoms. The most common comorbidities were mental health (32%), neurologic (27%), and hypermobility spectrum disorders (20%). Solid and liquid emptying rates were aligned in 61.23%. Delayed solid with normal liquid emptying were noted in 2.5%, compared to delayed liquid with normal solid emptying in 26.16%. Abdominal pain had a trend for association with delayed or normal solid emptying (p = 0.06). Nausea was mostly reported with normal solid emptying (p < 0.0001) and underreported in patients <12 years with vomiting (29%). Abnormal solid emptying (rapid and delayed) was noted more frequently in children with mental health disorders (p = 0.027). Rapid liquid emptying was more common in children with genetic disorders (p = 0.032). CONCLUSION AND INFERENCES: Over half of children with dyspepsia had delayed liquid gastric emptying, and one quarter had delayed liquid with normal solid emptying. Dual-phase gastric emptying studies may help target therapy in dyspeptic children. Nausea is not a reliable symptom for dyspepsia in younger children. Given the significant association of abnormal gastric emptying in children with mental health disorders, we recommend screening and treating children with dyspepsia.

Pediatric Aerodigestive Medicine: Advancing Collaborative Care for Children With Oropharyngeal Dysphagia.

OBJECTIVES: Aerodigestive disorders encompass various pathological conditions affecting the lungs, upper airway, and gastrointestinal tract in children. While advanced care has primarily occurred in specialty centers, many children first present to general pediatric gastroenterologists with aerodigestive symptoms necessitating awareness of these conditions. At the 2021 Annual North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition meeting, the aerodigestive Special Interest Group held a full-day symposium entitled, Pediatric Aerodigestive Medicine: Advancing Collaborative Care of Children with Aerodigestive Disorders. The symposium aimed to underline the significance of a multidisciplinary approach to achieve better outcomes for these complex patients. METHODS: The symposium brought together leading experts to highlight the growing aerodigestive field, promote new scientific and therapeutic strategies, share the structure and benefits of a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing common and rare aerodigestive disorders, and foster multidisciplinary discussion of complex cases while highlighting the range of therapeutic and diagnostic options. In this article, we showcase the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD), one of the most common aerodigestive conditions, emphasizing the role of a collaborative model. CONCLUSIONS: The aerodigestive field has made significant progress and continues to grow due to a unique multidisciplinary, collaborative model of care for these conditions. Despite diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, the multidisciplinary approach has enabled and greatly improved efficient, high-quality, and evidence-based care for patients, including those with OPD.

Comprehensive Manometric Evaluation of Dysphagia in Patients with Down Syndrome.

Dysphagia is a common symptom in children with Down syndrome and is conventionally evaluated with imaging and endoscopy; high-resolution manometry is not routinely utilized. The aim of this study was to describe and correlate pharyngeal and esophageal manometry findings with contrast studies and endoscopy in patients with Down syndrome and dysphagia. Electronic medical records of patients with Down syndrome with dysphagia seen at our center between January 2008 and January 2022 were reviewed. Data collected included demographics, co-morbidities, symptoms, imaging, endoscopy, and manometry. Twenty-four patients with Down syndrome [median age of 14.9 years (IQR 7.6, 20.5), 20.8% female] met inclusion criteria. Common presenting symptoms of dysphagia included vomiting or regurgitation in 15 (62.5%) patients, and choking, gagging, or retching in 10 (41.7%) patients. Esophageal manometry was abnormal in 18/22 (81.2%) patients. The most common findings were ineffective esophageal motility in 9 (40.9%) followed by esophageal aperistalsis in 8 (36.4%) patients. Rumination pattern was noted in 5 (22.8%) patients. All 6 (25%) patients who previously had fundoplication had esophageal dysmotility. Strong agreement was noted between upper gastrointestinal studies and high-resolution esophageal manometry (p = 1.0) but no agreement was found between pharyngeal manometry and video fluoroscopic swallow studies (p = 0.041). High-resolution pharyngeal and esophageal manometry provide complementary objective data that may be critical in tailoring therapeutic strategies for managing patients with Down syndrome with dysphagia.

High amplitude propagated contractions with Glycerin versus Bisacodyl: A within-subject comparison in children undergoing colonic manometry.

BACKGROUND: The presence of high amplitude propagated contractions (HAPCs) measured by colonic manometry (CM) reflect an intact neuromuscular function of the colon. Bisacodyl and Glycerin are colonic stimulants that induce HAPCs and are used for the treatment of constipation. HAPCs characteristics with each drug have not been compared before. We aimed to compare the HAPC characteristics with Bisacodyl and Glycerin in children undergoing CM for constipation. METHODS: This is a prospective single-center cross-over study of children aged 2-18 years undergoing CM. All patients received both Glycerin and Bisacodyl during CM. They were randomized to group A with Bisacodyl first (n = 22) and group B with Glycerin first (n = 23), with 1.5 hours in between each dose. Differences in patient and HAPC characteristics between groups were summarized using descriptive statistics and compared using Chi-square test or Wilcoxon rank sum test as appropriate. KEY RESULTS: A total of 45 patients were included. HAPCs post Bisacodyl had a longer duration of action (median of 40 vs 21.5 min, p < 0.0001), longer propagation (median of 70 vs 60 cm, p = 0.02), and more HAPCs (median of 10 vs 5, p < 0.0001) compared Glycerin. No differences were found in the HAPC amplitude and onset of action between both medications.

Novel sensory trigger for gastrocolonic response.

BACKGROUND: Gastrocolonic response (GCR) is a physiologic increase in motor activity of the colon following meal ingestion. The presence of GCR, in colonic manometry (CM) studies, is used as a marker of normal colonic motor activity. Our aim was to investigate whether GCR could be induced by sensory stimulation (visual or olfactory) prior to food ingestion, and to describe the characteristics of patients with this response. METHODS: We prospectively marked time of meal presence and initiation on CM tracings of patients with idiopathic constipation. We reviewed electronic medical records and normal CM studies. Presence of sensory GCR was defined as an increase by at least 25% of the baseline motility index (MI) after exposure to meal, prior to food ingestion. Manometry characteristics of patients with a sensory GCR response were compared to those without. KEY RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients, (47% females, median age 9 years) met the inclusion criteria. Forty-seven (52.8%) patients had a positive sensory GCR. This cohort had a higher proportion of postprandial GCR (93.6% vs. 76.2%, p-value = 0.02) and lower fasting MI (2.08 mm Hg vs. 3.54 mm Hg, p < 0.01). Thirteen (14.6%) patients who had no postprandial GCR had higher baseline MI (median of 3.69 vs. 2.46 mm Hg, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Visualizing or smelling food resulted in a significant increase in baseline MI in more than 50% of patients. Our findings propose a novel, alternate pathway that can induce GCR. This central sensory pathway may have clinical relevance in the diagnosis and management of patients with colonic dysmotility.

Evaluation of Chronic Constipation in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic constipation occurs frequently in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The primary objective was to determine whether chronic constipation is associated with a higher rate of abnormal colonic motor activity in ASD children than in non-ASD children. A secondary goal was to determine if clinical variables could identify children with ASD at risk for possessing abnormal colonic motility. METHODS: A retrospective, propensity-matched, case-control study compared colonic manometry (CM) of an ASD cohort and non-ASD controls with chronic constipation. Clinical variables were evaluated as potential predictors for abnormal colonic motility. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients with ASD and 123 controls without the diagnosis of ASD who underwent CM were included. Propensity score resulted in 35 matched cohorts of ASD and controls. The rate of abnormal CM findings between ASD and matched controls (24% vs 20%, P = 0.78) did not differ significantly. A prediction model of abnormal CM that included ASD diagnosis, duration of constipation, and soiling achieved a sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 0.65. The risk for abnormal colonic motility increased 11% for every 1-year increase in duration of constipation. Odds for abnormal motility were 30 times higher in ASD children with soiling than controls with soiling (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic constipation does not appear to be associated with a higher rate of abnormal colonic motility in children with ASD. Clinical information of disease duration and presence of soiling due to constipation show promise in identifying patients with ASD at a greater risk for abnormal colonic motility.

Screening for Gastric Sensory Motor Abnormalities in Pediatric Patients With Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of gastric sensory motor symptoms in youth with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate symptoms of delayed gastric emptying in participants with type 1 diabetes, aged 12 to 25 years, using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) questionnaire. In addition, a 5-year (January 2015 to December 2019), a retrospective study was completed on all gastric emptying scans performed in youth at our institution. RESULTS: A total of 359 participants (mean age, 17.7 ± 3.33 years) with type 1 diabetes completed the GCSI questionnaire. Compared with nonresponders, responders were more likely to be non-Hispanic White (90% vs 86%; P =.003) and female patients (58% vs 44%; P <.0001), with a lower HbA1c (8.1 ± 1.8 vs 9.0 ± 2.1; P <.0001). At least 1 gastrointestinal symptom was reported in 270 (75%) of responders, of which nausea was the most common (71%). A GCSI score of ≥1.9 suggestive of more severe gastrointestinal symptoms was reported in 17% of responders. Participants with scores ≥1.9 were older (19.1 ± 3.0 vs 17.8 ± 3.3 years; P =.01). In the retrospective study, 778 underwent gastric emptying scan, 29 participants had type 1 diabetes and 11 (38%) showed delayed gastric emptying. CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal symptoms related to gastric sensory motor abnormalities are seen in youth and young adults with type 1 diabetes. In particular, for those with higher GCSI scores, earlier recognition and referral may be warranted.

Single-blind, randomized study comparing clinical equivalence of trulene and prolene polypropylene sutures in elective primary coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is one of the principle therapies for coronary artery disease, as it improves survival rate and quality of life (QoL). Polypropylene suture is commonly used in vascular and cardiac surgeries for anastomosis due to its long-term tensile strength and minimal tissue trauma. This study compared the clinical equivalence of Trulene® (Healthium Medtech Limited) and Prolene® (Ethicon-Johnson & Johnson) polypropylene sutures regarding incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure and cardiac death (MACCE) occurring up to 26 weeks' period post-CABG surgery. METHODS: This multicenter, prospective, two-arm, parallel-group, randomized (1:1), single-blind study (n = 89) was conducted between August 2020 and September 2021. The primary endpoint, post-surgery cumulative incidence of MACCE was evaluated. In addition, anastomotic revision, surgical site infection (SSI), operative time, length of post-operative hospital stay, repeat revascularization, intraoperative suture handling characteristics, time taken to return to work and resume normal day to day activities, subject satisfaction score and QoL, and other adverse events were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 80 (89.89%) males and 9 (10.11%) females participated in the study. No incidence of MACCE was recorded in any of the study participants. Non-significant difference was observed in anastomotic revision, SSI, operative time, post-operative hospital stay, revascularization, return to work and normal day-to-day activities, subject satisfaction score and QoL, and intraoperative handling parameters (except ease of passage) between the treatment groups, Trulene® and Prolene®. Compared to screening visit, proportion of subjects with 'no problems' for each QoL dimension and the mean visual analogue scale increased with each subsequent follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: Trulene® polypropylene suture is clinically equivalent to Prolene® polypropylene suture and is safe and effective for anastomosis construction in CABG surgery during a routine clinical procedure. Trial registration CTRI Registration No.: CTRI/2020/05/025157 (Registered on: 13/05/2020).

Gastrocolonic Response.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The gastrocolonic response (GCR), is a physiologic increase in motor activity of the colon, which usually occurs within minutes following meal ingestion. Over the years several triggers that provoke GCR were recognized including gastric dilation, caloric intake, and fat component of the meal. The response is mediated by the vagal nerve and neurohumoral mechanisms, and it can be modified by several pharmacological factors. Assessment of GCR is part of high-resolution colonic manometry studies, performed in patients with suspected colonic dysmotility. This review highlights the physiologic basis of GCR as well as its clinical and diagnostic features and implementation in variable pathological conditions and clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS: GCR has a role in patients with constipation, diabetes, dumping syndrome, bowel hyper and hypomotility and irritable bowel syndrome. Novel sensory triggers for GCR were recently recognized. GCR is a physiological response which is evaluated during colonic manometry studies. Abnormal GCR is a marker of an underlying pathology, which can provide a potential target for treatment.