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Delayed gastric emptying in children with poor appetite

Journal Volume 68 - 2005
Issue Fasc.2 - Original articles
Author(s) B. Buyukgebiz, O. Bekem, Y. Ozturk, A. Aydin, C. Tasci, N. Arslan, H. Durak
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(1) Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Inciralti-35340, Izmir, Turkey ; (2) Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inciralti-35340, Izmir, Turkey.

Background : In this study we aimed to evaluate gastric empty- ing time in children with poor appetite. Methods : Anthropometrical measurements, daily energy intakes and gastric emptying times were determined in 36 children with poor appetite. The children were grouped as those with nor- mal and delayed gastric emptying. These groups were then com- pared with respect to age and nutritional status. Results : Malnutrition was found in 63.9% and gastric emptying was delayed in 58.3% of all cases. Children with delayed gastric emptying were significantly older and malnutrition was signifi- cantly higher in this group (7.2 ± 3.1 vs 3.9 ± 1.5 years, P : 0.001 and 81.0% vs 40.0%, P : 0.017, respectively). Daily mean energy intake was significantly lower than daily mean energy require- ment in children with delayed and normal gastric emptying (P = 0.002 and 0.026 respectively). Conclusion : In children with poor appetite, probability of gas- tric motility disorders should be taken into consideration. Especially in children with failure to thrive at preschool and early school years gastric motility studies should be undertaken. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2005, 68, 230-232).

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