Introduction
Almost 80% of individuals with functional dyspepsia report meal-related symptoms and are classified as having postprandial distress syndrome (PDS). However, studies evaluating dietary modifications in PDS are sparse.
Aims & Methods
The aim of this study was to perform a single-centre randomized trial evaluating traditional dietary advice (TDA) in PDS.
Following a normal upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, patients with PDS were randomly assigned to a leaflet providing reassurance and diagnostic explanation (RADE) +/- TDA; the latter recommending smaller, regular meals and reducing the intake of caffeine/alcohol/fizzy drinks, fatty/processed/spicy foods, and fibre. Questionnaires were completed during the 4-week trial, including self-reported adequate relief of dyspeptic symptoms, and the validated Leuven Postprandial Distress Scale (LPDS), Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and Nepean Dyspepsia Index for quality of life. The primary endpoint(s) to define clinical response were i) ≥50% adequate relief of dyspeptic symptoms, and ii) >0.5-point reduction in the PDS subscale of the LPDS (calculated as the mean scores for early satiety, postprandial fullness, and upper abdominal bloating).
Results
Of 53 patients with PDS, 27 were assigned RADE-alone and 26 to additional TDA. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups, with a mean age of 39 years, 70% female, 83% white, and co-existent IBS in 66%. The primary endpoints of i) adequate relief of dyspeptic symptoms was met by 33% (n=9) assigned RADE-alone vs. 39% (n=10) with TDA; p-value=0.70, while ii) a reduction of >0.5 points in the PDS subscale was met by 37% (n=10) assigned RADE-alone vs. 27% (n=7) with TDA; p-value=0.43. Response rates did not alter according to IBS status. There were no significant between-group changes in the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale and dyspepsia quality of life.
Conclusion
The addition of TDA did not lead to greater symptom reduction in PDS compared with reassurance and diagnostic explanation alone. Alternate dietary strategies should be explored in PDS.