Quantitative gastrointestinal function and corresponding symptom profiles in autonomic neuropathy.

This study investigates gastrointestinal dysmotility in patients with idiopathic autonomic neuropathy, a condition often seen in autonomic disorders like POTS. Using standardized autonomic nervous system (ANS) assessments and wireless motility capsule testing, researchers assessed the digestive transit and contractility patterns in 20 participants presenting unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms. They found delayed transit times primarily in the foregut and midgut, while contraction issues were more significant in the hindgut. These motility patterns aligned well with patient-reported symptoms using the COMPASS-31 questionnaire. The consistency between motility data and ANS dysfunction marks potential for using such tests to better diagnose and manage gastrointestinal symptoms in autonomic neuropathies.