Gastric sensory and motor dysfunction in adolescents with functional dyspepsia

Objectives: Validated, noninvasive studies were used to compare sensation and motor function of the upper gastrointestinal tract in adolescents with functional dyspepsia (FD) and in control subjects. Study design: Fifteen adolescents with FD and 15 healthy participants underwent standardized symptom assessment, a satiation nutrient drink test, and ¹³C-Spirulina platensis breath test for gastric emptying of solids. Adolescents with FD also underwent measurements of fasting and postprandial gastric volume by means of single-photon emission computed tomography, and their results were compared with those from 15 healthy volunteers (age, 18 to 25 years). Results: Compared with control subjects, adolescents with FD had significantly higher postprandial symptoms 30 minutes after reaching maximum satiation with the nutrient drink test and significant delay in the T_1/2 for gastric emptying of solids. Compared with healthy 18- to 25-year-old adults, adolescents had a diminished postprandial gastric volume response. By means of single-photon emission computed tomography, frequent baseline dyspeptic symptoms were associated with prolonged T_1/2 for gastric emptying and higher postprandial aggregate symptom score. A baseline increased severity of dyspepsia symptoms was associated with prolonged T_1/2 for gastric emptying. Conclusions: Adolescents with FD demonstrate increased postprandial symptoms after challenge, delayed gastric emptying, and a reduced gastric volume response to feeding.