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Background Gastroparesis, characterized by delayed gastric emptying without mechanical obstruction, is a significant complication, especially in diabetic individuals. It manifests through symptoms such as abdominal bloating, feelings of fullness, and pain. This study investigates the prevalence of gastroparesis among non-diabetic and diabetic patients, exploring associations with demographic data, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels, and symptoms. Methodology This retrospective, observational, cohort study included patients with gastroparesis symptoms who underwent a nuclear gastric emptying study from January 2021 to April 2023. The study analyzed demographic data, symptoms, and HbA1c levels to identify correlations with delayed gastric emptying. Results Of 157 patients, 34.4% exhibited delayed gastric emptying. Diabetic patients comprised 29.3% of the sample, with a notable disease duration of over 10 years in 77.3% of cases. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and early satiety were prevalent, with significant associations between delayed emptying and female gender, higher HbA1c, and vomiting. Conclusions Delayed gastric emptying is significantly associated with female gender, elevated HbA1c levels, and when vomiting is the presenting symptom. Highlighting the importance of awareness among healthcare providers and the community, the findings encourage collaborative efforts for further gastroparesis research to better understand the predictive factors and mechanisms.
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BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement is generally safe but is associated with a range of complications. Minor complications include infections, granuloma formation, leakage, and blockages, while major complications encompass aspiration pneumonia, hemorrhage, and more serious conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis and colonic fistula. AIM: This study aimed to assess the rate of short-term complications within one month of endoscopic PEG insertion, focusing on their correlation with patient characteristics. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from patients who underwent PEG insertion between January 2020 and December 2022. It evaluated the incidence of complications in relation to variables such as the indication for the procedure, the patient's immune status, albumin and CRP levels, and the setting of the procedure (inpatient vs. outpatient). RESULTS: The study included 121 patients, with a mean age of 69.73 years, comprising 71 males (58.7%) and 50 females (41.3%). Neurological indications accounted for 64.5% of the cases. Notably, 67.8% of the patients were immunocompromised. Within 30 days of PEG insertion, 16.5% experienced complications, including GI bleeding (4.1%), infection at the PEG site (11.6%), and peritonitis (0.8%). Complications were significantly higher in immunocompromised patients and those with non-neurological indications. Higher serum albumin and lower CRP levels were associated with fewer complications, though the association was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The study highlights that gastrostomy site infection is the most common short-term complication following PEG insertion. Immune status and the reason for PEG insertion emerged as key factors influencing the likelihood of complications.
