Dietary Interventions for Gastroparesis in Pediatric and Adult Populations: A Systematic Review Protocol

Abstract Background: Dietary interventions are the first-line treatment for patients with gastroparesis. It is unclear which diets are the most efficacious as well as clear guidance as to which diets should be recommended to adult versus pediatric patients. We plan to conduct this systematic review to assess the literature on the efficacy and effectiveness of dietary interventions on clinical outcomes in adult and pediatric patients with gastroparesis. Methods: We will search PubMed and EMBASE databases, evaluating randomized control trials and cohort studies that reported dietary interventions in gastroparesis. Our primary outcomes are to evaluate changes in symptom-specific patient-reported outcomes, changes in perception of quality of life, and changes in gastric emptying time. Data collected from the studies will be analyzed using meta-analysis. Depending on the outcome, we will use quantitative summary estimates (e.g., standardized mean difference with 95% Confidence Intervals, 95%CI) or dichotomous outcomes (e.g., odds ratio and 95%CI).Discussion: This review will explore the use of dietary interventions in the treatment of both adult and pediatric patients with gastroparesis, which has yet to be published in the literature. By assessing what has been investigated by researchers as effective non-pharmacologic treatments in patients, and providing a comprehensive overview of treatment options, healthcare providers will be able to better guide patient care. Furthermore, this review will act as a means to provide direction for future research. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42020210536.