Abstract

Purpose: Hispanics, the rapidly growing minority in U.S. society, remain an understudied, and underrepresented ethnic group in regards to health related issues and treatment options. GI conditions such as gastroparesis (GP) or dumping syndrome, can be complications of longstanding diabetes mellitus which is highly prevalent among Hispanic population. Some genetic predispositions, certain diet, cultural habits and life style with socio-economical status could play role in clinical outcome in this group of patients. The aim of our study was to identify the most evident differences of clinical presentation between racial groups of patients with similar complains of nausea and vomiting (N/V) in a predominantly Hispanic population in West Texas. Methods: Study was designed as a retrospective chart review of patients referred to GI motility clinic with the chief complaint of N/V. All patients were evaluated by one physician from October 2009 to October 2010. All clinically relevant GI tests including endoscopy, 4-h scintigraphy gastric emptying test (GET), radiological tests, extensive laboratory work (including HbA1c) and careful clinical assessment were performed before patients received final diagnosis. Results: Overall, 125 patients presenting with N/V were seen and evaluated at the tertiary Motility GI Clinic. Sixty three (51%) were Hispanics (H), 58 (47%) were Caucasians (C) and 4 (3.3%) were African Americans. The gender was similarly distributed in both major groups with 46 (73%) females in H and 45 (76%) of F in C population; the mean age was 51 (range 19-78). Forty(32%) of patients were diagnosed with GP.The major etiologies of N/V were as follows: 18 (29%) of H and 7 (12%) of C had diabetic gastroparesis (DGP), while 5 (8%) of H and 10 (17%) of C were diagnosed with idiopathic gastroparesis (IGP). Dumping syndrome was present in 9 (14%) of Hispanic and in 10 (17%) of Caucasian patients. Five (8%) of H and 2 (3%) of C were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, with majority 23 (36%) of H and 10 (17%) of C having DM Type 2. Mean Hb A1c level was almost 1.5 times higher in H then in C (8.7 vs. 5.98 respectively). See Table for the results of GET with 4h data showing 18% retention in H vs. 41% in C patients (p = 0.04).Table: Comparison of GET between hispanics and caucasiansConclusion: In the tertiary Motility Clinic in West TX Hispanics have a higher frequency of gastroparesis secondary to diabetes with a higher mean HbA1c level, when compared to Caucasians. Hispanic patients also showed the lower retention rate at all points of gastric emptying test. Caucasians retained in a stomach almost 3 times more of study meal at 4 hour GET when compared with Hispanics. Interestingly, Hispanics also have lower retention rates in the IGP subgroup of patients suffering with symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.