Gastroparesis in pregnancy

Gastroparesis is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that more commonly affects women, with most cases being diagnosed during childbearing age. However, there is a paucity of data and guidelines to specifically highlight the epidemiology, disease course, maternal and fetal impact, and the management of existing gastroparesis during pregnancy. Apart from metoclopramide, there is no approved therapy specifically indicated for gastroparesis. More importantly, pregnant and breastfeeding women are excluded from clinical trials evaluating pharmacologic agents in the management of gastroparesis. This poses a real challenge to healthcare providers in counseling and managing patients with gastroparesis. In this systematic review, we summarize the current available literature and the knowledge gaps in the impact of pregnancy on gastroparesis and vice versa. We also highlight the efficacy and safety profiles of available pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies in the management of patients with gastroparesis, with emphasis on judicious use of dietary approaches that are deemed relatively safe during pregnancy.

Automated summary

Gastroparesis is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that primarily affects women during childbearing age, but there is a lack of data and guidelines for managing it during pregnancy. Despite the absence of approved therapies, healthcare providers must navigate the challenge of counseling and managing gastroparesis patients. This systematic review aims to fill the knowledge gaps regarding the impact of pregnancy on gastroparesis and vice versa, while highlighting the available therapies and safe dietary approaches during pregnancy.