Frequency of Delayed Gastric Emptying Time and Its Associated Risk Factors in Adult Dyspeptic Patients Attending at Gastroenterology Department BSMMU

Background: Dyspepsia, a common symptom with a broad differential diagnosis, involves various pathophysiologic mechanisms, including delayed gastric emptying, which causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Gastric emptying time is essential for dyspepsia evaluation. Objective: The study aimed to measure gastric emptying time in adult dyspeptic patients using Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy (GES) and identify associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Gastroenterology at BSMMU, Dhaka, from January to December 2022. A total of 35 dyspeptic patients meeting the selection criteria were evaluated through detailed history taking, physical examination, laboratory tests, and upper GI endoscopy. GES was performed to assess gastric emptying. Results: The majority of patients were aged 41-50 years (51.4%), with a mean age of 43.7 ± 8.5 years. Females were predominant, and 51.3% had a high BMI. Delayed gastric emptying was observed in 8 (22.8%) patients. GES revealed that 27 patients (77.2%) had normal gastric emptying (<10% retained meal), while 8 patients (22.8%) exhibited delayed emptying (>10% retained meal). Delayed emptying had 27.5% emptied at 60 minutes, 32.0% at 120 minutes, and 70.0% at 240 minutes. Statistically significant risk factors for delayed emptying included age (>50 years, p=0.017), diabetes mellitus (p=0.007), smoking (p=0.001), and hypothyroidism (p=0.007), but no significant difference was observed for gender and hypertension. Conclusion: Delayed gastric emptying is common in dyspeptic patients, with significant predisposing factors including age, obesity, smoking, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. Early identification and management of these risk factors are crucial for effective treatment.