New Study Reveals Association Between CKD and Gastroparesis

A recent cohort study found an association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) severity and gastroparesis prevalence.

The pattern aligns with prior clinical expectations that systemic metabolic disturbance impairs gastrointestinal motility. Uremia, autonomic neuropathy, and polypharmacy (notably opioids and some antihypertensives) are plausible contributors. Metabolic toxins and vagal neuropathy can slow gastric peristalsis, while medication effects and fluid–electrolyte shifts further compound motility dysfunction.

In a retrospective analysis of large inpatient and outpatient registries, there was a graded increase in gastroparesis prevalence and odds with worsening renal function, with the highest relative risk concentrated among patients with end-stage disease and those who are dialysis-dependent.

Importantly, CKD stage functions as an actionable risk stratifier. Patients with advanced CKD (stage 4–5 or dialysis-dependent) and those presenting with chronic nausea, early satiety, or unexplained weight loss are most likely to benefit from earlier gastric-emptying assessment or targeted symptom surveillance.

Key Takeaways:

• The analysis documents a severity-dependent rise in gastroparesis prevalence tied to worsening CKD, highlighting an underrecognized comorbidity in advanced renal disease.
• Patients with advanced CKD—particularly stage 4–5 and those on dialysis—are at highest risk and merit heightened clinical vigilance for delayed gastric emptying.
• Integrating gastroenterology strategies that account for CKD severity—targeting symptom surveillance, nutrition support, and medication review—may reduce symptom burden and improve nutritional and functional outcomes in patients with suspected gastroparesis.