# Gastric Myoelectric Activity in Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Case-Control Study

## TL;DR

This study finds that patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease may have gastric motility issues, suggesting a broader impact on the digestive system.

## Contribution

The study introduces electrogastrography as a potential tool to detect gastric dysfunction in MASLD patients.

## Key findings

- MASLD patients consumed significantly more water during the test, indicating altered gastric accommodation.
- Trends toward hyponormal gastric myoelectric activity were observed in MASLD patients.
- Dysfunctional patterns related to interstitial cells of Cajal were similarly distributed in both groups.

## Abstract

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly recognized for its extrahepatic manifestations, including gastrointestinal dysfunctions such as gastroparesis. This case-control study aimed to determine whether patients with MASLD exhibit gastric myoelectric abnormalities using electrogastrography (EGG).

Methodology

A case-control study was conducted with 16 MASLD patients and 16 healthy controls. Participants underwent EGG recordings in fasting and post-prandial states, including a water load standard test (WLST). Demographic data and gastric myoelectric parameters were collected and analyzed using paired Student’s t-tests and chi-square analysis.

Results

MASLD patients and controls were demographically well-matched. MASLD patients exhibited significantly higher water ingestion volumes during WLST (987.5 ± 222.5 mL vs. 656.3 ± 405.7 mL; p = 0.002), suggesting altered gastric accommodation. Trends toward hyponormal 3 cpm gastric myoelectric activity were observed in MASLD patients, though not statistically significant. Dysfunctional patterns related to interstitial cells of Cajal and antral pacemaker dysfunction were similarly distributed across both groups.

Conclusions

MASLD is associated with impaired gastric accommodation and possible myoelectric abnormalities, supporting its role as a multisystem disorder with gastrointestinal involvement. EGG may offer objective insights into gastric dysfunction in MASLD. Further large-scale studies are warranted to confirm these findings and integrate advanced motility testing.