Description

Gastroparesis is a chronic digestive condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying, where the stomach muscles do not contract effectively to move food into the small intestine. As a result, food remains in the stomach for prolonged periods, leading to uncomfortable and often debilitating symptoms. The condition is frequently associated with nerve dysfunction, particularly involving the vagus nerve, which helps regulate stomach contractions.

Common Symptoms of Gastroparesis

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Belching
  • Upper abdominal pain
  • Stomach pain
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Feeling full quickly or early satiety

Potential Causes of Gastroparesis

  • Diabetes mellitus (especially long-standing or poorly controlled)
  • Post-surgical complications (stomach or small intestine)
  • Bacterial or viral infections that impact nerve or muscle function
  • Autoimmune or idiopathic conditions (in some cases, no clear cause is found)

Included Biomarkers in This Panel

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Assesses overall blood health by measuring biomarkers related to red and white blood cells and platelets.

  • Clinical relevance: Helps detect anemia (often caused by malnutrition or chronic GI bleeding), infection, or inflammation, which may accompany or result from gastroparesis.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Provides insight into electrolyte balance, kidney and liver function, and blood glucose levels.

  • Clinical relevance: Electrolyte disturbances, dehydration, or liver abnormalities may occur due to vomiting or poor nutrient absorption.

Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c)

Measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2–3 months.

  • Clinical relevance: Elevated HbA1c is often seen in diabetic gastroparesis, and this biomarker helps assess long-term glycemic control, which is critical in managing disease progression.

Magnesium

A vital electrolyte and enzyme cofactor involved in neuromuscular function.

  • Clinical relevance: Low magnesium levels can impair muscle contraction and worsen gastric motility. It’s commonly depleted in individuals with vomiting or malabsorption.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Screens for thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, which can cause delayed gastric emptying.

  • Clinical relevance: Abnormal thyroid hormone levels may mimic or contribute to gastroparesis-like symptoms.

Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid

These B vitamins are essential for nerve function, cell metabolism, and red blood cell production.

  • Clinical relevance: Deficiencies are common in individuals with poor absorption or altered digestion and may contribute to neuropathy, including dysfunction of the vagus nerve.

Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D)

An important fat-soluble vitamin involved in immune regulation, muscle function, and overall health.

  • Clinical relevance: Vitamin D deficiency may indicate malnutrition or poor GI absorption, often seen in chronic digestive conditions.

Fasting Requirements:

  • Fasting: Not required for this panel.

Purpose of the Panel:

This blood panel is designed to:

  • Identify underlying causes or contributing factors to gastroparesis
  • Evaluate for diabetic complications
  • Detect nutritional deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances
  • Guide clinical decision-making for further diagnostic testing or treatment