Gastric accommodation and emptying in evaluation of patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

Background & Aims: Endoscopy-negative dyspepsia is a common symptom that often is difficult to define in pathophysiologic terms. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of disordered gastric accommodation and emptying in patients referred with unexplained upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods: A computerized diagnostic index was used to identify all patients, 18-70 years old, who underwent single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to assess gastric accommodation at Mayo Clinic Rochester over a 3-year period.

Effects of venlafaxine, buspirone, and placebo on colonic sensorimotor functions in healthy humans.

Background & Aims: We have shown that venlafaxine-XR, a serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, enhanced gastric accommodation, whereas buspirone, a 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, reduced postprandial symptoms after a fully satiating meal. Our aim was to compare the effects of venlafaxine, buspirone, and placebo on colonic sensorimotor functions in healthy adults.

Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial of 60 healthy adults, we assessed the effects of oral venlafaxine, 150 mg; buspirone, 20 mg; and placebo on colonic sensorimotor functions.

Independent influences of body mass and gastric volumes on satiation in humans.

Background & Aims: We assessed the association of body mass and gastric volumes (fasting and postprandial) with satiation and postprandial symptoms.

Methods: Healthy obese and nonobese subjects underwent measurement of caloric intake at maximum satiation; postprandial symptoms were measured with visual analogue scales 30 minutes after a meal. Gastric volume during fasting and after 300 mL of Ensure was measured with technetium-99m single-photon emission computed tomography imaging.

Effects of a kappa-opioid agonist, asimadoline, on satiation and GI motor and sensory functions in humans.

To compare the effects of the kappa-opioid agonist asimadoline and placebo on visceral sensation and gastrointestinal (GI) motor functions in humans, 91 healthy participants were randomized in a double-blind fashion to 0.15, 0.5, or 1.

Rumination syndrome in children and adolescents: diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Objectives: To characterize the clinical features, results of diagnostic testing, and treatment outcomes for children and adolescents with rumination syndrome.

Methods: Review of the medical records for all 147 patients ages 5 to 20 diagnosed with rumination syndrome at our institution between 1975 and 2000. Data are presented as mean +/- the standard error of the mean.

Selective effects of serotonergic psychoactive agents on gastrointestinal functions in health.

This study evaluated the effects of serotonergic psychoactive agents on gastrointestinal functions in healthy human subjects. Participants received one of four regimens in a randomized, double-blind manner: buspirone, a 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist (10 mg twice daily); paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (20 mg daily); venlafaxine-XR, a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (75 mg daily); or placebo for 11 days. Physiological testing performed on days 8-11 included scintigraphic assessment of gastrointestinal and colonic transit, the nutrient drink test, and assessment of the postprandial change in gastric volume.

Gender differences in irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort or pain associated with changes in stool frequency and/or stool form. It is the most common gastrointestinal disorder in both primary care and gastroenterology clinics. IBS is associated with high health care costs, disability, work absenteeism, and significant morbidity.

Anorexia nervosa: manifestations and management for the gastroenterologist.

Anorexia nervosa is a complex psychiatric disorder with significant morbidity and mortality. It is important for gastroenterologists to be aware of the physiological effects and potential complications of anorexia nervosa, as they are frequently involved in treating patients with this disorder. We review the classic, GI, and neuroendocrinological features of anorexia nervosa.