Gastric secretion in cystic fibrosis in relation to the migrating motor complex.

Background: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have been claimed to have defect intestinal motility and gastric acid secretion. The aim of this work was to study the interdigestive motility and the motility-related secretions in the upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with CF compared to healthy controls.

Methods: Concomitant gastroduodenal manometry combined with intragastric perfusion was performed in 12 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with CF.

Results: Eight CF patients showed a normal migrating motor complex. Motility-related gastric secretion of acid and bicarbonate was evaluated in six patients and did not differ from healthy subjects. Gastric net fluid secretion was significantly decreased in the CF patients and bilirubin reflux was significantly increased. The CF patients with pancreatic insufficiency lacked motility-related variations in plasma levels of motilin and pancreatic peptide.

Conclusions: No defect in fasting motility or gastric secretion of acid or bicarbonate could be seen in well-nourished adult CF patients. The main finding was a significantly lower net fluid secretion and higher bilirubin reflux compared to healthy subjects. Indications of a genetic relationship could be seen.