What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• AGID (Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility)

What is Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility? (Definition/Background Information)

• Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility (AGID) is a type of dysautonomia that may be idiopathic (cause unknown) or associated with cancer elsewhere in the body, most commonly small cell lung cancer
• Signs and symptoms may include early satiety (feeling full quickly), nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and involuntary weight loss
• Management options for AGID include treating specific symptoms, treatment of any underlying cancer if necessary, and/or immunotherapy
• Nutrition and hydration therapy are important supportive treatment measures

(Source: Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility; Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS), USA.)

Who gets Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility is a rare disorder. The presentation of symptoms may occur at any age
• Both males and females may be affected
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility? (Predisposing Factors)

• Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility is associated with the presence of cancer in the body, and therefore, cancer may be a risk factor for the condition
• Presently, no other risk factors are identified for AGID

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility? (Etiology)

Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility can occur due to unknown causes (idiopathic AGID).

• The condition can also occur in a paraneoplastic context, in association with cancers in the body, such as the following:
  • Small cell lung cancer
  • Colon cancer
  • Ovarian carcinoma
• In addition, certain other pre-existing disorders may cause Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility, including:
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  • Scleroderma

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility?

The signs and symptoms of Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility may include the following:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling full after a small amount of food
• Unintended weight loss

How is Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility Diagnosed?

Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Complete physical examination
• Thorough medical history evaluation
• Assessment of signs and symptoms
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging studies
• Biopsy studies, if necessary
• Diagnostic tests to identify an underlying cancer (if any)

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility?

The complications of Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility may include:

• Severe dehydration
• Severe weight loss
• Anemia
• Anal rupture due to constipation
• Fecal impaction (accumulation of hard stools in the intestine)

Complications may occur with or without treatment, and in some cases, due to treatment also.

How is Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility Treated?

Treatment options for Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility are limited and generally aim to relieve specific symptoms in each person.

• Therapies that may be useful include:
  • Anti-emetics (drugs that relieve nausea and vomiting)
  • Prokinetic agents (such as erythromycin) to enhance motility
  • Cholinesterase inhibitors
• Improvement of symptoms has also been reported with immunotherapy (intravenous immune globulin) and plasma exchange
• Other types of treatments may be useful depending on symptoms and severity
• Maintenance of nutrition and hydration, treatment of small-bowel bacterial overgrowth, and management of abdominal pain are important supportive measures

(Source: Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility; Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS), USA.)

How can Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility be Prevented?

The cause of the idiopathic Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility is not known, and therefore, no guidelines or methods are available for its prevention.

• Seeking prompt medical attention for pre-existing conditions or at the onset of concerning symptoms may help avoid complications
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of disorders such as Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended

What is the Prognosis of Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility is dependent upon the severity of the signs and symptoms and associated complications (if any), as well as the severity of the condition (if known) that caused AGID 
• Individuals with mild conditions have better prognosis than those with severe symptoms and complications
• Typically, the prognosis may be assessed on a case-by-case basis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/