Gastric dysmotility and gastrointestinal symptoms in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

BackgroundGastrointestinal symptoms are common in ME/CFS, but there is a knowledge gap in the literature concerning gastrointestinal motility features and detailed symptom description.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to characterize gastric motility and gastric symptoms in response to a liquid meal.MethodsWe included 20 patients with ME/CFS with abdominal complaints who were recruited to a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial of Rituximab. The patients of this sub study were examined with an ultrasound drink test, and gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated using the Rome III questionnaire and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) questionnaire.ResultsWe found that patients commonly reported fullness/bloating (75%), abdominal pain (45%) and nausea (35%). Ultrasound measurements revealed lower proximal measurements of the stomach after a meal (p < 0.01) and larger fasting antral area (p = 0.019) compared to healthy controls. The patients had a stronger symptomatic response to the liquid meal compared to healthy controls regarding epigastric pain, discomfort and nausea (p < 0.05).Ninety percent of the patients reported bowel movement frequencies within the normal range but scored high on bowel habit dissatisfaction and life disruption.ConclusionThe patients presented with fullness/bloating, nausea and epigastric pain, showed signs of impaired gastric accommodation and visceral hypersensitivity, showing that the gastrointestinal symptoms of ME/CFS patients are similar to functional dyspepsia.Key summary Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in ME/CFS, but there is a knowledge gap in the literature concerning gastrointestinal motility features and detailed symptom description. center dot In this study, patients with ME/CFS had signs of impaired gastric accommodation after a liquid meal. center dot Out of 20 patients, 15 patients reported fullness/bloating, 9 reported abdominal pain, and 7 reported nausea. The patients showed signs of visceral hypersensitivity on a drink test. center dot Our findings suggest that patients with ME/CFS share many similarities with patients with Functional Dyspepsia. The findings were not typical for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Automated summary

This study aimed to characterize gastrointestinal motility and symptoms in patients with ME/CFS. The findings showed that patients commonly experienced fullness/bloating, abdominal pain, and nausea, and exhibited impaired gastric accommodation. These results provide valuable insights into the gastrointestinal symptoms of ME/CFS patients.