Introduction

Gastroparesis is a chronic gastric disorder of delayed gastric emptying occurring in the in absence of mechanical gastric outlet obstruction[1]. Although far more extensively characterized in adults, the condition affects children of all ages, and both hospitalizations and healthcare expenditures attributed to pediatric gastroparesis have risen in parallel with adult trends[2]. A recurring theme across the pediatric literature is that childhood gastroparesis is a biologically and clinically distinct entity from its adult counterpart, warranting age-specific study rather than extrapolation from adult paradigms[3]. It is also felt that many children with gastroparesis may be misdiagnosed and thus mismanaged [4]. This problem emphasizes the importance of pediatric practitioners to be aware of the diagnosis and management of gastroparesis. Management is often frustrating for practitioners and patients alike as treatment options are imperfect.

see also Gastric Disorders