A comprehensive analysis of pediatric gastroparesis hospitalizations has revealed a substantial increase in admission rates following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to research presented at the 2024 Annual North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) Meeting in Hollywood, Florida.
The groundbreaking study, conducted by researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, analyzed data from 42 pediatric hospitals spanning January 2014 to September 2023, encompassing 20,293 gastroparesis admissions. The findings highlight a concerning trend in both the frequency and severity of cases.
Sharp Rise in Hospital Admissions
Monthly hospitalizations for pediatric gastroparesis showed a marked increase from pre-pandemic levels of 161 admissions to 194 admissions after February 2020 (P = .002). The peak was observed in 2022, with 2,497 annual admissions. Geographic analysis revealed the highest admission rates in the South (31.5%), followed by the Midwest (28.5%), West (22.3%), and Northeast (17.8%).
COVID-19's Unique Impact on Gastroparesis
Dr. Christian Sadaka, the study's lead researcher, noted a significant departure from typical viral-induced gastroparesis patterns. "While viral infections commonly cause gastroparesis, they usually present in milder forms with resolution within 6 weeks to 1 year," explained Dr. Sadaka. "However, post-COVID cases are showing more severe symptoms with extended duration, with some patients still experiencing symptoms to date."
Hospital Stay Patterns and Risk Factors
The study revealed an average hospital stay of 6 days (IQR, 4-12 days), with notable regional variations showing longer durations in the Northeast. Through multivariate analysis, researchers identified four critical factors associated with extended hospitalizations:
- Age less than 5 years
- Presence of anxiety, depression, or eating disorders
- Higher number of chronic comorbid conditions
- Malnutrition
Clinical Implications for Patient Care
These findings have significant implications for personalizing patient care. "Understanding the factors contributing to longer hospital stays enables more targeted and individualized treatment approaches," Dr. Sadaka emphasized. "This knowledge helps direct management strategies toward our ultimate goal of precision medicine."
The research underscores the need for healthcare providers to adapt their approach to pediatric gastroparesis in the post-COVID era, particularly for patients presenting with risk factors for extended hospitalization.
