The AAO Journal, 2024/06, 34(2):25. doi: 10.53702/i2375-5717-34.2.16, type of study: ,cr,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Keywords:

case report [736]
diabetes [54]
gastroparesis [5]
male [861]
OMT [3925]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3946]

Abstract:

Introduction/Background: Diabetes mellitus is a progressive, systemic disease that can lead to diabetic gastroparesis (DG). DG has various theorized etiologies and is associated with symptoms that could impact a patient’s quality of life. Few treatment options offer temporary relief from DG, including metoclopramide, pyloric botulinum toxin injection, gastric electrical stimulation, and gastrostomy. This case study is part of ongoing research investigating the effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for patients with a confirmed diagnosis of DG and is an IRB-approved study [IRB M-2321]. Case: A 29-year-old male patient, with a confirmed diagnosis of DG, presented to the clinic for 4 OMT visits, scheduled 2 weeks apart. He reported the severity of DG symptoms, as measured by the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI), on visits 1 and 4. OMT techniques used included balanced ligamentous tension, myofascial release, cranial osteopathy, and muscle energy based on the osteopathic structural exam findings each visit. Results: During visit 1, the patient reported the severity of nausea, retching, and loss of appetite were 5/5, with 5 being most severe. He also reported vomiting, stomach fullness, and feeling excessively full were 3/5; inability to finish meals was 4/5; bloating was 4/5. At the fourth visit, he reported an 80% reduction in retching, loss of appetite, and the inability to finish meals. He also reported a 60% reduction in the severity of nausea, vomiting, stomach fullness, bloating, and feeling excessively full. Discussion: This case study suggests OMT may be effective in alleviating the severity of symptoms related to DG and improving the quality of life in patients diagnosed with DG. A limitation includes the lack of objective data from a gastric emptying test.