Delayed gastric emptying in human immunodeficiency virus infection - Correlation with symptoms, autonomic function, and intestinal motility

Gastric emptying may be delayed in HIV infection. We aimed to characterize the pattern of gastric emptying in HIV seropositive subjects and correlate the findings with symptoms, as well as to identify possible etiological fac tors. Solid gastric emptying was measured using scintigraphy in 54 HIV sero positive subjects and 12 HIV seronegative controls. Gastrointestinal sympto ms were evaluated using a standardized numerical score, and autonomic funct ion was assessed using spectral analysis of heart rate variability. Fasting and postprandial duodenojejunal activity was recorded using strain gauge m anometry catheters. Gastric emptying rate, but not lag phase, was significa ntly delayed in HIV-infected subjects, particularly those with enteric infe ctions and more advanced disease. Delayed gastric emptying did not correlat e with symptoms, autonomic dysfunction, or small intestinal motility. In co nclusion, abnormalities found in autonomic function and gastric emptying in HIV infection are multifactorial in nature. The contribution of upper gast rointestinal motor dysfunction to gastric symptoms in such individuals is u nclear.