Gastroparesis means the stomach empties too slowly, causing nausea, vomiting, bloating, and unpredictable blood sugar in people with diabetes. Current treatment includes dietary changes, medications like metoclopramide, and sometimes gastric electrical stimulation. Many people cycle through options without finding lasting relief.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing ghrelin agonists that stimulate stomach contractions, new prokinetic drugs that work differently than metoclopramide, stem cell injections into the stomach wall, and newer forms of gastric electrical stimulation. Researchers are also studying the role of the vagus nerve and testing devices that stimulate it to restore normal stomach function.
Ghrelin agonists
Drugs like relamorelin mimic ghrelin, a hormone that triggers hunger and stomach movement. Early trials show they can speed gastric emptying and reduce vomiting in people who haven't responded to standard treatments.
Vagal nerve stimulation
Implanted devices that stimulate the vagus nerve are being tested to restore normal stomach signals. This approach may help people whose gastroparesis stems from nerve damage, particularly from diabetes.
Stem cell therapy
Injecting stem cells into the stomach wall aims to repair damaged nerves and pacemaker cells that control contractions. Small studies suggest this may improve symptoms when medications have failed.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on how severe your symptoms are, how long you've had gastroparesis, what treatments you've already tried, and whether diabetes or another condition is the underlying cause.
What types of trials are currently open
- Drug trials — Testing new prokinetic medications or ghrelin-based drugs to speed stomach emptying and reduce symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
- Device trials — Testing implantable or external devices that use electrical stimulation to improve stomach muscle contractions.
- Stem cell trials — Injecting stem cells into the stomach wall to see if they can repair nerve damage and restore normal emptying.
- Diet and lifestyle studies — Testing specific meal patterns, nutritional formulas, or dietary approaches to manage symptoms without medication.
- Symptom management trials — Testing treatments for specific symptoms like nausea, pain, or nutritional deficiency rather than trying to speed stomach emptying directly.
Recently added Gastroparesis trials
Receive a wearable nausea-relief band to wear daily
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a wearable transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device called EmeTerm can help reduce nausea in adults who have had nausea for 2 months or longer and who receive care at The Ohio State University. The study will also evaluate whether use of the device affects other symptoms and aspects of wellbeing, including vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, appetite, sleep, mood, stress, fatigue, quality of life, and hope. \[34\_Emeterm...rotocol\_v3 \| Word\] The main questions it aims to answer are: Does using the EmeTerm device reduce the average weekly frequency of moderate to severe nausea compared with symptoms during a baseline observation period? \[34\_Emeterm...rotocol\_v3 \| Word\] Does using the EmeTerm device reduce the duration of nausea, frequency of vomiting, and use of anti-nausea medications, and improve other gastrointestinal symptoms, wellbeing, and quality of life? \[34\_Emeterm...rotocol\_v3 \| Word\] This is a single-arm study. Participants will serve as their own comparison by comparing symptoms during device use with symptoms recorded during the baseline period before using the device. \[34\_Emeterm...rotocol\_v3 \| Word\] Participants will: Complete a screening survey and provide electronic informed consent if eligible. \[34\_Emeterm...rotocol\_v3 \| Word\] Complete baseline questionnaires and record daily gastrointestinal symptoms for a 2-week baseline period. \[34\_Emeterm...rotocol\_v3 \| Word\] Receive an EmeTerm wearable TENS device and instructions for its use. \[34\_Emeterm...rotocol\_v3 \| Word\] Use the EmeTerm device for 12 weeks while continuing to record nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. \[34\_Emeterm...rotocol\_v3 \| Word\] Complete weekly and monthly surveys about symptoms, stress, sleep, appetite, fatigue, quality of life, anxiety, depression, autonomic symptoms, device experience, and any adverse events.
Try virtual poetry workshops designed to ease anxiety and boost well-being
This study examines whether participating in poetry workshops can improve emotional well-being among patients with chronic digestive symptoms. Many individuals with long-standing digestive conditions experience distress, anxiety, isolation, and difficulty expressing their emotions in clinical settings. These emotional challenges can negatively affect daily life, relationships, and overall health. Poetry writing offers a creative and supportive way for participants to explore their feelings, express their experiences, and build emotional resilience. It also allows individuals to focus on aspects of their identity beyond their illness. The purpose of this research is to evaluate whether poetry workshops can reduce anxiety, lessen feelings of isolation, and strengthen participants' sense of community and well being. 1\. Why is this study being done? The purpose of this research study is to offer a creative outlet for patients to explore their identity and story, build resilience, and seek hope. This study is being done because we understand that the psychological discomfort that can come upon hearing a diagnosis can lead to increased anxiety levels, negatively impacting a patient's well-being and relationships. Often healthcare practitioners may merely view a patient through the lens of their diagnosis, neglecting other aspects of their identity and humanity. Through reading various poems, crafting their own poems, and sharing their work with their peers, we hope the workshops offer a comforting opportunity for the participants to explore their identities and creativity.
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