Gastroparesis:New insights into an old disease

Gastroparesis(Gp)is a chronic disease characterized by a delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction.Although this condition has been reported in the literature since the mid-1900s,only recently has there been renewed clinical and scientific interest in this disease,which has a potentially great impact on the quality of life.The aim of this review is to explore the pathophysiological,diagnostic and therapeutical aspects of Gp according to the most recent evidence.A comprehensive online search for Gp was carried out using MEDLINE and EMBASE.Gp is the result of neuromuscular abnormalities of the gastric motor function.There is evidence that patients with idiopathic and diabetic Gp may display a reduction in nitrergic inhibitory neurons and in interstitial cells of Cajal and/or telocytes.As regards diagnostic approach,99-Technetium scintigraphy is currently considered to be the gold standard for Gp.Its limits are a lack of standardization and a mild risk of radiation exposure.The C13 breath testing is a valid and safe alternative method.13C acid octanoic and the 13C Spirulina platensis recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration are the most commonly used diagnostic kits.The wireless motility capsule is a promising technique,but its use is limited by costs and scarce availability in many countries.Finally,therapeutic strategies are related to the clinical severity of Gp.In mild and moderate Gp,dietary modification and prokinetic agents are generally sufficient.Metoclopramide is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for Gp.However,other older and new prokinetics and antiemetics can be considered.As a second-line therapy,tricyclic antidepressants and cannabinoids have been proposed.In severe cases the normal nutritional approach can be compromised and artificial nutrition may be needed.In drug-unresponsive Gp patients some alternative strategies(endoscopic,electric stimulation or surgery)are available.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Beyond the natural history

BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a frequently reported condition in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Both intestinal inflammation and metabolic factors are believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of IBDassociated NAFLD.AIM To evaluate the prevalence of steatosis and liver fibrosis(LF)in a cohort of IBD patients and the identification of metabolic-and IBD-related risk factors for NAFLD and LF.METHODS IBD patients were consecutively enrolled from December 2016 to January 2018.Demographic,anthropometric and biochemical data were collected so as eating habits.Abdominal ultrasound and transient elastography were performed to evaluate the presence of NAFLD and LF respectively.RESULTS A total of 178 consecutive patients were enrolled and included in the analysis(95 Ulcerative colitis,83 Crohn’s disease).NAFLD was detected by imaging in 72(40.4%)patients.Comparison between patients with and without NAFLD showed no significant differences in terms of IBD severity,disease duration,location/extension,use of IBD-related medications(i.e.,steroids,anti-TNFs,and immunomodulators)and surgery.NAFLD was significantly associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome[MetS;odds ratio(OR):4.13,P=0.001]and obesity defined by body mass index(OR:9.21,P=0.0002).IBD patients with NAFLD showed higher caloric intake and lipid consumption than those without NAFLD,regardless disease activity.At the multivariate analysis,male sex,advanced age and high lipid consumption were independent risk factors for the development of NAFLD.An increased liver stiffness was detected in 21 patients(16%)and the presence of MetS was the only relevant factor associated to LF(OR:3.40,P=0.01).CONCLUSION In this study,we demonstrate that risk factors for NAFLD and LF in the IBD population do not differ from those in the general population.

Clinical and epidemiological features of ulcerative colitis patients in Sardinia,Italy:Results from a multicenter study

BACKGROUND There are little data on the epidemiological and clinical features of adult patients with ulcerative colitis(UC) in the different Italian regions,mainly derived from the absence of a national registry.This prevents correct interpretation of the disease burden.AIM To assess the main clinical and epidemiological features of adult patients diagnosed with UC in Sardinia,Italy.METHODS We performed a multicenter,observational,cross-sectional study that included adult patients with UC enrolled in seven gastroenterology unit centers in Sardinia.Data were obtained from the patients’ medical records and from a questionnaire administered at the inclusion visit.RESULTS Four hundred and forty-two patients with UC were included.The median age at diagnosis was 39years(interquartile range 28-48).After a median disease duration of 10 years,53 patients experienced proximal extension of proctitis or left-sided colitis.Seventy-five patients developed extraintestinal manifestations.Nineteen patients(4.3%) developed cancer:two with colorectal cancer and seventeen with extracolonic cancers.Mesalazine(5-ASA) remains the mainstay of treatment for UC.Overall,95 patients(21.5%) were treated with one or more biologic agents,whereas 15 patients(3.4%) underwent surgery,mostly colectomy.CONCLUSION Our results provide important insights into the clinical and epidemiological features of patients with UC,and while waiting for a national Italian registry,present eligible data on the UC population in Sardinia.