1.Semaglutide Induces Changes in Gastric Electrical Activity in Patients WithOverweight and Obesity: A Pilot Study
Ryan ABRAHAM ; Daphne FOONG ; Milan PIYA ; Kathy GRUDZINSKAS ; Vincent HO
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2026;32(2):237-243
Background/Aims:
Semaglutide is associated with gastroduodenal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. This pilot study used body surface gastric mapping (BSGM) to measure the effect of semaglutide on gastric function and associated symptoms.
Methods:
Patients without gastrointestinal symptoms (n = 8) underwent BSGM at baseline and on 1 mg semaglutide, as per standard subcutaneous dosing. Spectral metrics included Principal Gastric Frequency, Gastric Alimetry Rhythm Index (GA-RI), body mass index-adjusted amplitude, fed:fasted amplitude ratio, and meal response ratio. Symptoms were assessed using validated questionnaires. Data were compared using paired t tests.
Results:
Body mass index-adjusted amplitude showed a significant decrease on the drug (P = 0.04). Five patients (63%) developed spectral abnormalities on the drug, with 2 displaying a low or undetectable GA-RI (< 0.25). The patient assessment of upper gastrointestinal disorders-symptom severity index fullness/early satiation subscale significantly increased on the drug (P = 0.005).
Conclusions
Semaglutide appears to alter gastric electrical activity on BSGM and increase early satiation, offering potential biomarkers for detecting drug effects. Further studies are needed.
2.Combined Gastric Alimetry and Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy Testing Increases Clinician Certainty in the Diagnosis and Management of Suspected Gastroparesis
Ryan ABRAHAM ; Daphne FOONG ; Vincent HO
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2026;32(1):61-70
Background/Aims:
Gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) is the reference standard test for diagnosing gastroparesis. Body surface gastric mapping (BSGM) via Gastric Alimetry is a new test of gastric function that combines non-invasive assessment of gastric electrophysiology and validated symptom profiling. This randomized, prospective pilot study evaluated the impact of GES vs BSGM test results on clinical decision-making.
Methods:
Patients with chronic gastroduodenal symptoms from a tertiary center referred for GES were recruited. Subjects separately underwent baseline assessment with GES and BSGM testing. Two motility-specialists were first asked to devise a management plan after reviewing a test result (GES or BSGM, in random order). They were then asked to repeat the management plan after reviewing the other test result (BSGM or GES). Clinician-perceived certainty measures were assessed.
Results:
Sixteen patients, 13 (81.0%) female, median age 30 years, median body mass index 22.5 kg/m2 , were recruited.At baseline, a diagnosis was established in 2/16 (12.5%) and increased to 8/16 (50.0%) with both tests. Abnormal test results were found in 11 patients. In patients with normal results, BSGM symptom profiling phenotyped 5 additional patients. All patients received an intervention following the first unblinding, with subsequent management changes made in 75.0% (BSGM) and 62.5% (GES) of patients. The combined GES and BSGM results significantly increased diagnostic and management certainty (P < 0.05), with both tests having similar influence on management (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
The combined GES and BSGM test results significantly enhanced diagnostic and management confidence in patients with suspected gastroparesis within a tertiary center.

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