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Buspirone for Early Satiety and Symptoms of Gastroparesis

Buspirone for Early Satiety and Symptoms of Gastroparesis: A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Masked Trial (BESST)

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03587142
Acronym
BESST
Enrollment
96
Registered
2018-07-16
Start date
2019-08-27
Completion date
2022-04-30
Last updated
2023-06-15

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Gastroparesis

Keywords

gastroparesis, early satiety, stomach, buspirone, 5-HT 1a receptor agonist

Brief summary

This study evaluates whether the study medication, buspirone, an antianxiety drug, improves the symptoms of gastroparesis in patients with gastroparesis symptoms and at least moderately severe symptoms of fullness and/or inability to eat a full meal. Half the patients will receive buspirone and half the patients will receive a placebo.

Detailed description

This is a multi-center, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, parallel treatment groups phase 2 trial to determine the effect of buspirone, a 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 1a receptor agonist, on early satiety and postprandial fullness in participants with symptoms of gastroparesis and with at least moderately severe symptoms of early satiety and/or postprandial fullness. After enrollment, participants aged 18-75 years will be treated with buspirone (10 mg three times per day) or a matching placebo for 4 weeks, followed by a 2-week post-treatment washout period. The primary outcome for the study is 4-week change (week 4 minus baseline) in the 4-item postprandial fullness/early satiety subscore (higher scores indicate worse symptoms) from the Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Disorders Symptom Severity Index (PAGI-SYM) Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI). We hypothesize that buspirone treatment will improve symptoms of postprandial fullness/early satiety compared to treatment with placebo, as indicated by a lower (smaller, more negative) 4-week change in the postprandial fullness/early satiety subscore in the buspirone arm compared to the placebo arm; change for a participant will be calculated as subscore at 4-weeks minus subscore at baseline.

Interventions

DRUGBuspirone

Buspirone tablet

DRUGPlacebo

Sugar pill manufactured to mimic buspirone 10 mg tablet

Sponsors

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
CollaboratorNIH
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso
CollaboratorOTHER
Johns Hopkins University
CollaboratorOTHER
Temple University
CollaboratorOTHER
University of Louisville
CollaboratorOTHER
Wake Forest University
CollaboratorOTHER
Massachusetts General Hospital
CollaboratorOTHER
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator)

Masking description

Participants, all clinic staff and the investigators will be masked as to whether the participant is receiving buspirone or the placebo. The study drug will be over encapsulated in a size 0 gelatin capsule with partial filler to be identical to the placebo capsule, which contains only filler. The random treatment assignment will consist of a numbered study drug bottle; each bottle number will be unique and each participant will be assigned a specific bottle number, which is labelled: Buspirone or placebo 10 mg. with directions. The randomization scheme will assign participants in randomly permuted blocks of assignments stratified by clinical center. The randomization plan will be prepared and administered centrally via a secure web application by the Scientific Data Research Center.

Intervention model description

BESST is a multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked, parallel treatment groups phase 2 trial with half the participants receiving the study drug, buspirone, and half receiving the placebo.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 85 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Age 18 to 85 years of age at initial screening interview * Symptoms compatible with gastroparesis or other functional gastric disorder for at least 3 months (does not have to be contiguous) prior to initial screening interview * Diagnosis of either diabetic or idiopathic gastroparesis * Delayed or normal gastric emptying retention on screening 4-hour Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy test * Symptoms of gastroparesis measured by the 9-item PAGI-SYM Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) total score \> 2.0 at enrollment * Symptomatic with postprandial fullness/early satiety severity at enrollment using the PAGI-SYM GCSI post-prandial fullness/early satiety subscore ≥ 3 * Upper endoscopy or upper GI series without ulcers or mass lesions in the 2 years prior to enrollment

Exclusion criteria

* Post-surgical gastroparesis, including prior pyloromyotomy, pyloric resection, vagotomy, bariatric surgery or post-Nissen fundoplication * Another active disorder which could explain symptoms in the opinion of the investigator * Concurrent use of opiate narcotic analgesics more than 3 days per week * Significant hepatic injury as defined by alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation of greater than twice the Upper Limit of Normal (ULN) or a Child-Pugh score of 10 or greater * Significant renal impairment as defined by serum creatinine \> 3.0 * Uncontrolled diabetes defined as HbA1c (%) of 10% or more within 60 days of enrollment * Allergy to buspirone * Concurrent or prior use (within 30 days) of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors * Concurrent or prior use (within 30 days) of benzodiazepines * Concurrent or prior use (within 30 days) of buspirone, warfarin, haloperidol, and drugs to treat seizures (e.g., phenytoin and carbamazepine) * Women breast feeding or known to be pregnant * Any other condition, which in the opinion of the investigator would impede compliance or hinder completion of the study * Failure to give informed consent

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
4-Week Change in the Postprandial Fullness and Early Satiety Symptoms Severitybaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using the self-reported early satiety/postprandial fullness subscore (ES/PPF), which is computed as the average of 4 scores for 4-items on the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey: stomach fullness, inability to finish a normal-sized meal, feeling excessively full after meals, and loss of appetite. Each item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms in the past 2-weeks; the subscore ranges from 0 to 5. The change is computed as the subscore at 4-weeks minus the baseline subscore.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
4-Week Change in Vomiting Symptom Severitybaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using self-reported assessment of vomiting severity in the prior 2-weeks using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey. The item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms; the change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates improvement in vomiting severity.
4-Week Change in Participant's Rating of Symptom Reliefbaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using the participant-rated Clinical Patient Grading Assessment Scale (CPGAS) score which is scored from -3 (very considerably worse) to 3 (completely better) in the past week compared to the way the participant usually feels. The change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A positive change indicates patient feeling better.
4-Week Change in Severity of Somatic Symptomsbaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using the self-reported Patient Health Questionnaire 15 Somatic Symptom Severity Scale (PHQ-15) total somatization score (ranges from 0 -30, with 30 being most bothered by symptoms in prior 4-weeks), calculated as the sum of 15-items, each scored from 0 (not bothered at all) to 2 (bothered a lot) by somatic symptoms in the prior 4-weeks. The change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates being less bothered by the symptoms.
4-Week Change in Depressionbaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using the self-reported Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) depression subscore, calculated as the sum of 7 items, each scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (most of the time). The change is computed as the subscore at 4-weeks minus the baseline subscore. A negative change indicates reduced depression.
4-Week Change in Anxietybaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using the self-reported Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) anxiety subscore, calculated as the sum of 7-items, each scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (most of the time). The change is computed as the subscore at 4-weeks minus the baseline subscore. A negative change indicates reduced anxiety at 4-weeks.
4-Week Change Overall Quality of Health Due to Gastroparesis Issuesbaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using the self-reported Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders-Quality of Life (PAGI-QOL) total score which comprises 30 items scored from 0 (none of the time) to 5 (all of the time) the participant's QOL has been affected by their gastrointestinal issues in the prior two weeks. The total score is the mean of the 5 subscale scores and ranges from 0 (lowest QOL) to 5 (highest QOL) in past 2-weeks. The change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A positive change indicates improved QOL.
4-Week Change in Overall Mental Quality of Life (QOL)baseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using the self-reported 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36v2) mental health QOL component score. The score ranges from 0 (poorest) to 100 (highest) QOL. The change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A positive change indicates improved mental QOL.
4-Week Change in Overall Physical Quality of Life (QOL)baseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using the self-reported 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36v2) physical health QOL component score. The score ranges from 0 (poorest) to 100 (highest) QOL. The change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A positive change indicates improved Physical QOL.
4-Week Change in Gastric Retentionbaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using the percent of gastric retention at 4-hours from the Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy (GES) test. The change is computed as the percent retention at 4-weeks minus the baseline percent retention. % retention is the amount of food remaining in the stomach at 4-hours of the GES test and ranges from 0% (no food) to 100% (all of the food).
Change at 4-weeks in the Intragastric Meal Distribution (IMD)baseline and 4-weeksThe Intragastric meal distribution (IMD) is assessed at baseline and 4-weeks during the Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy Test. The ratio of gastric counts of the meal in the proximal stomach to the distal stomach is used to compute the Intragastric meal distribution (IMD) which can be used as an indirect measure of Fundic Accommodation.
Change From Baseline at 4-weeks in the Water Load Satiety Test (WLST)baseline and 4-weeksThe Water Load Satiety Test (WLST) is the amount of water a patient can consume until full in 5 minutes. The volume of water is recorded. The change is computed as the volume of water ingested at baseline subtracted from the amount of water ingested at 4-weeks. A positive change indicates that the patient can ingest more water at 4-weeks than at baseline.
4-Week Change in Stomach Fullness Symptom Severitybaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using self-reported assessment of stomach fullness severity in the prior 2-weeks using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptoms Index (GCSI) survey. The item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms; the change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score.
4-Week Change in Excessive Fullness Symptom Severitybaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using self-reported assessment of feeling excessively full after meals severity in the prior 2-weeks using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey. The item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms; the change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score.
4-Week Change in Inability to Finish a Normal-sized Meal Symptom Severitybaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using self-reported assessment of inability to finish a normal-sized meal severity in the prior 2-weeks using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey. The item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms; the change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates symptom improvement.
4-Week Change in Loss of Appetite Symptom Severitybaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using self-reported assessment of loss of appetite severity in the prior 2-weeks using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey. The item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms; the change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates symptom improvement.
4-Week Change in Total Overall GCSI Symptom Severitybaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using the self-reported Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) total score, which is computed as the average of the 3 subscores on the GCSI survey: 3-item early satiety/postprandial fullness subscore, the nausea/vomiting subscore (average of 3-items: nausea, retching, vomiting), and bloating subscore (average of 2-items: bloating, stomach visibly larger). Each item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms in the past 2-weeks; the total score ranges from 0 to 5. The change is computed as the total score at 4-weeks minus the baseline total score. A negative change indicates improved symptoms.
4-Week Change in Nausea, Vomiting and Retching Symptoms Severitybaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using the self-reported nausea/vomiting subscore, which is computed as the average of 3 scores for 3-items on the Gastrointestinal Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey: nausea, retching, vomiting. Each item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms in the past 2-weeks. The change is computed as the subscore at 4-weeks minus the baseline subscore. Negative change indicates improvement in symptoms.
4-Week Change in Nausea Symptom Severitybaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using self-reported assessment of nausea severity item from the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders Symptom Severity Index (PAGI-SYM) in the prior 2-weeks using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey. The item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms; the change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score.
4-Week Change in Bloating and Stomach Distention Symptoms Severitybaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using the self-reported bloating subscore, which is computed as the average of 2 scores for 2-items on the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey: bloating, stomach visibly larger. Each item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms in the past 2-weeks; the subscore ranges from 0 to 5. The change is computed as the subscore at 4-weeks minus the baseline subscore. A negative value for change indicates improvement in symptoms.
4-Week Change in Bloating Symptom Severitybaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using self-reported assessment of bloating severity in the prior 2-weeks using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey. The item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms; the change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates symptom improvement.
4-Week Change in Upper Abdominal Pain and Discomfort Symptoms Severitybaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using the self-reported upper abdominal pain subscore, which is computed as the average of 2 scores for 2-items on the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders-Symptom Severity Index (PAGI-SYM) survey: upper abdominal pain, upper abdominal discomfort. Each item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms in the past 2-weeks; the subscore ranges from 0 to 5. The change is computed as the subscore at 4-weeks minus the baseline subscore.
4-Week Change in Upper Abdominal Pain Symptom Severitybaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using self-reported assessment of upper abdominal pain severity in the prior 2-weeks using the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders Symptom Severity Index (PAGI-SYM) survey. The item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms; the change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates symptom improvement.
4-Week Change in Gastroesophageal (GERD) Symptoms Severitybaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using the self-reported GERD subscore, which is computed as the average of 7 scores for 7-items on the Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Disorders Symptom Severity Index (PAGI-SYM) survey: heartburn during the day, heartburn when lying down, feeling of discomfort inside chest during the day, feeling of discomfort inside chest during sleep, regurgitation or reflux during the day, regurgitation when lying down, bitter, acid or sour taste in mouth. Each item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms in the past 2-weeks; the subscore ranges from 0 to 5. The change is computed as the subscore at 4-weeks minus the baseline subscore.
4-Week Change in Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS) Global Scorebaseline and 4-weeksThe outcome is assessed using the self-reported GSRS total score which is computed as the mean of the 15 item scores on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) survey. Each item is scored from 1 (no discomfort) to 7 (very severe discomfort) of the symptom in the past week. The change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates symptom improvement.

Other

MeasureTime frameDescription
4-Week Change in Aspartate Aminotransferase (ALT)baseline and 4-weeksThis safety outcome is computed by subtracting the baseline level of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) (U/L) from the 4-week level.
4-Week Change in Creatininebaseline and 4-weeksThis safety outcome is computed by subtracting the baseline level of creatinine (mg/dL) from the 4-week level.
4-Week Change in Fasting Glucosebaseline and 4-weeksThis safety outcome is computed by subtracting the baseline level of glucose (mg/dL) from the 4-week level.
Assessment of Adverse Events Over 4-Weeksover 4-weeksThis safety outcome is the frequency over the 4-weeks of the study of all reported adverse events using the v5.0 CTCAE classification system.
Assessment of the Severity of Adverse Events Over 4-Weeksover 4-weeksThis safety outcome is the frequency over the 4-weeks of the study of all reported adverse events' severity grade as classified by the NCI's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v5.0). For the patient with 2 AE's, the AE with the maximum severity is reported.
Serious Adverse Eventsover 4 weeks of treatmentSerious Adverse Event (SAE) defined by the FDA as an event meeting one or more of the following criteria; inpatient hospitalization or prolonged existing hospitalization; persistent or significant incapacity or substantial disruption of ability to conduct normal life functions; jeopardized patient and required medical or surgical intervention to prevent a serious event; or congenital anomaly or birth defect.
Total Number of Hospitalizations Over 4-weeks of Treatmentover the 4-weeks of the trialHospitalization events by treatment arm were reported on the Adverse Event Case-Report form at each visit and also at time of occurrence and tabulated at end of treatment visit for comparison between placebo and buspirone arms.
Adverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the Trialover 4-weeks of treatmentAdverse events were reported on the Adverse Event Report form by the principal investigator at each clinic site using the CTCAE v5 classification system.
4-Week Cardiac Rhythmbaseline and 4-weeksThis safety outcome is computed from the results of an electrocardiogram (ECG) QTc interval at 4-weeks measured in milliseconds (msec).
4-Week Change in Weightbaseline and 4-weeksThis safety outcome is computed by subtracting the weight (kg) at baseline from the weight (kg) at 4-weeks

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

131 adult participants with gastroparesis or gastroparesis-like 28, symptoms with at least moderately severe symptoms of early satiety and post-prandial fullness and a normal endoscopy were recruited at 6 tertiary clinic sites located in the U.S. between August 2019 and February 2022. The first participant was enrolled August 27, 2019 and the last participant was enrolled February 28, 2022.

Pre-assignment details

Of the 131 participants assessed for eligibility, 96 met eligibility criteria and provided informed consent and were randomized to treatment (47 to Buspirone arm and 49 to Placebo arm).

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Buspirone
Buspirone HCl 10 mg capsule orally three times daily, 30 minutes before each meal, for 4-weeks Buspirone: Buspirone tablet
47
Placebo
Placebo capsule orally three times daily, 30 minutes before each meal, for 4-weeks; manufactured to look identical to buspirone capsule Placebo: Sugar pill manufactured to mimic buspirone 10 mg tablet
49
Total96

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyDid not complete the f4 visit37
Overall StudyLost to Follow-up53

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicBuspironePlaceboTotal
Age, Continuous43.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 15.8
44.2 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 15
43.6 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 15.3
ANMS Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index Daily Diary
Early satiety severity
2.56 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.78
2.59 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.86
2.57 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.94
ANMS Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index Daily Diary
Excessive fullness severity
2.40 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.98
2.77 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.98
2.74 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.94
ANMS Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index Daily Diary
Fullness/early satiety subscale
2.62 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.94
2.68 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.86
2.65 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.9
Anti-depressant22 Participants22 Participants44 Participants
Antiemetic31 Participants25 Participants56 Participants
Anxiolytic1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Bloating severity4.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.9
4.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.1
4.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1
Bloating subscale4.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1
3.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1
4.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1
Body Mass Index (BMI)29.5 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.5
29.8 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.3
29.7 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.4
Diabetes Type 13 Participants6 Participants9 Participants
Diabetes Type 213 Participants15 Participants28 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
13 Participants17 Participants30 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
34 Participants32 Participants66 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Excessive fullness severity4.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.9
4.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.7
4.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.8
Fullness/early satiety subscale4.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.6
4.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.6
4.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.6
Gastric Emptying scintigraphy (GES)
Delayed gastric emptying
26 Participants22 Participants48 Participants
Gastric Emptying scintigraphy (GES)
Not delayed gastric emptying
20 Participants25 Participants45 Participants
Gastric Emptying scintigraphy (GES)
Rapid gastric emptying
1 Participants2 Participants3 Participants
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) subscale2.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.4
2.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.2
2.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.3
Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)3.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1
3.7 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.1
3.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1
Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI), total score3.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.7
3.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.6
3.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.6
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
HADS-A total score
9.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.5
9.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.8
9.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.6
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
HADS-D total score
6.7 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.1
6.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.7
6.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.9
Intra-gastric meal distribution (IMD)
Borderline (0.568 - 0.643)
0 Participants3 Participants3 Participants
Intra-gastric meal distribution (IMD)
Impaired (<0.568)
4 Participants5 Participants9 Participants
Intra-gastric meal distribution (IMD)
Normal (0.644 - 1.00)
27 Participants25 Participants52 Participants
Loss of appetite severity3.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.3
3.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.2
3.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.2
Married16 Participants21 Participants37 Participants
Narcotic (3X/week or less)2 Participants4 Participants6 Participants
Nausea severity3.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.3
3.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.2
3.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.3
Nausea/vomiting subscale2.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.3
2.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.3
2.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.3
Neuropathic or pain modulator, anti-seizure, or other psychiatric medication28 Participants31 Participants59 Participants
Overweight to obese (BMI>/=25 kg/m^2)31 Participants37 Participants68 Participants
PAGI-QOL disease-specific Quality of Life (QOL) Total Score2.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.1
2.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.1
2.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.1
Patient Health Questionnaire somatization severity scale (PHQ-15)14.7 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5
14.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.1
14.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.5
Predominant symptom cluster
Bloating or distended stomach
14 Participants10 Participants24 Participants
Predominant symptom cluster
Early satiety or loss of appetite
2 Participants4 Participants6 Participants
Predominant symptom cluster
Excessive fullness
4 Participants13 Participants17 Participants
Predominant symptom cluster
Lower abdominal pain or discomfort
4 Participants1 Participants5 Participants
Predominant symptom cluster
Nausea or vomiting or retching
15 Participants13 Participants28 Participants
Predominant symptom cluster
Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
5 Participants1 Participants6 Participants
Proton pump inhibitors35 Participants34 Participants69 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
2 Participants5 Participants7 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
43 Participants41 Participants84 Participants
Retching severity2.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.7
1.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.6
2.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.6
Sex: Female, Male
Female
43 Participants45 Participants88 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
4 Participants4 Participants8 Participants
SF-36 Quality of Life (QOL)
Mental component summary score
37.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 15.6
41.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.8
39.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 14.7
SF-36 Quality of Life (QOL)
Physical component summary score
33.7 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.2
33.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9
33.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.6
Stomach distention severity4.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.2
3.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.1
4.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.1
Stomach fullness severity4.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.8
4.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.7
4.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.7
Unable to finish meal severity4.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1
4.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.9
4.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.9
Upper abdominal pain subscale3.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.3
3.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.2
3.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.2
Vomiting severity1.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.8
1.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.7
1.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.7
Waist circumfence98.1 centimeter
STANDARD_DEVIATION 22.2
98.2 centimeter
STANDARD_DEVIATION 19.6
98.1 centimeter
STANDARD_DEVIATION 20.8
Water load test, consumed low volume (<238 mL)9 Participants10 Participants19 Participants
Water load test, volume consumed415.9 mL
STANDARD_DEVIATION 217
401.7 mL
STANDARD_DEVIATION 198
408.5 mL
STANDARD_DEVIATION 206.3
Weight78.1 kilogram
STANDARD_DEVIATION 21.2
80.2 kilogram
STANDARD_DEVIATION 22.2
79.2 kilogram
STANDARD_DEVIATION 21.6

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 470 / 49
other
Total, other adverse events
11 / 477 / 49
serious
Total, serious adverse events
1 / 471 / 49

Outcome results

Primary

4-Week Change in the Postprandial Fullness and Early Satiety Symptoms Severity

The outcome is assessed using the self-reported early satiety/postprandial fullness subscore (ES/PPF), which is computed as the average of 4 scores for 4-items on the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey: stomach fullness, inability to finish a normal-sized meal, feeling excessively full after meals, and loss of appetite. Each item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms in the past 2-weeks; the subscore ranges from 0 to 5. The change is computed as the subscore at 4-weeks minus the baseline subscore.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with data for the outcome available at 4-weeks.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in the Postprandial Fullness and Early Satiety Symptoms Severity-1.16 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.25
Placebo4-Week Change in the Postprandial Fullness and Early Satiety Symptoms Severity-1.03 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.19
Comparison: Primary outcome analysis uses a difference of differences analysis between Buspirone compared to the Placebo arm in which the adjusted mean difference of differences, Wald 95% Confidence interval and 2-sided P values are determined from a Wald Chi-Square test. Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Negative change indicates symptom improvement.p-value: 0.6995% CI: [-0.68, 0.45]ANCOVA
Comparison: Sensitivity analysis of change from a baseline in ES/PPF (Early Satiety/Postprandial Fullness subscore) using all completers: 39 participants in Buspirone arm, 39 participants in placebo arm.p-value: 0.6295% CI: [-0.65, 0.39]ANCOVA
Comparison: Sensitivity analyses: change in ES/PPF in treatment adherent patients: 23 participants in Buspirone arm, 29 patients in placebo arm.p-value: 0.6295% CI: [-0.89, 0.38]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Anxiety

The outcome is assessed using the self-reported Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) anxiety subscore, calculated as the sum of 7-items, each scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (most of the time). The change is computed as the subscore at 4-weeks minus the baseline subscore. A negative change indicates reduced anxiety at 4-weeks.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: Participants in each arm with HADS anxiety data at 4-weeks. 1 Placebo patient did not report a HADS anxiety subscale score at 4 -weeks.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Anxiety-1.27 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.82
Placebo4-Week Change in Anxiety-2.03 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.94
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the HADS anxiety total score. 95% Wald Confidence Intervals are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square testp-value: 0.495% CI: [-1.02, 2.54]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Bloating and Stomach Distention Symptoms Severity

The outcome is assessed using the self-reported bloating subscore, which is computed as the average of 2 scores for 2-items on the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey: bloating, stomach visibly larger. Each item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms in the past 2-weeks; the subscore ranges from 0 to 5. The change is computed as the subscore at 4-weeks minus the baseline subscore. A negative value for change indicates improvement in symptoms.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with a 4-week visit data for the bloating subscore.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Bloating and Stomach Distention Symptoms Severity-1.36 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.42
Placebo4-Week Change in Bloating and Stomach Distention Symptoms Severity-0.95 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.27
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits (CI) are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.1695% CI: [-0.99, 0.16]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Bloating Symptom Severity

The outcome is assessed using self-reported assessment of bloating severity in the prior 2-weeks using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey. The item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms; the change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates symptom improvement.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the treatment arm with a 4-week visit and data for bloating severity.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Bloating Symptom Severity-1.34 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.46
Placebo4-Week Change in Bloating Symptom Severity-0.69 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.18
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits (CI) are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.0395% CI: [-1.23, -0.08]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Depression

The outcome is assessed using the self-reported Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) depression subscore, calculated as the sum of 7 items, each scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (most of the time). The change is computed as the subscore at 4-weeks minus the baseline subscore. A negative change indicates reduced depression.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: Participants in each arm with HADS data at 4-weeks. 1 Placebo patient did not have HADS data at 4-weeks.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Depression0.42 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.06
Placebo4-Week Change in Depression-1.43 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.91
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the HADS depression score.p-value: 0.0295% CI: [0.33, 3.38]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Excessive Fullness Symptom Severity

The outcome is assessed using self-reported assessment of feeling excessively full after meals severity in the prior 2-weeks using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey. The item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms; the change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with a 4-week visit and data for excessive fullness severity.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Excessive Fullness Symptom Severity-1.14 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.56
Placebo4-Week Change in Excessive Fullness Symptom Severity-0.99 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.3
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits (CI) are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.6495% CI: [-0.76, 0.47]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Gastric Retention

The outcome is assessed using the percent of gastric retention at 4-hours from the Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy (GES) test. The change is computed as the percent retention at 4-weeks minus the baseline percent retention. % retention is the amount of food remaining in the stomach at 4-hours of the GES test and ranges from 0% (no food) to 100% (all of the food).

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm that had 4 week visit data for the GES test at 4-hours.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Gastric Retention4.24 units on a percentage scaleStandard Deviation 21.19
Placebo4-Week Change in Gastric Retention2.87 units on a percentage scaleStandard Deviation 21.8
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Intervals are reported. P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.7695% CI: [-7.51, 10.25]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Gastroesophageal (GERD) Symptoms Severity

The outcome is assessed using the self-reported GERD subscore, which is computed as the average of 7 scores for 7-items on the Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Disorders Symptom Severity Index (PAGI-SYM) survey: heartburn during the day, heartburn when lying down, feeling of discomfort inside chest during the day, feeling of discomfort inside chest during sleep, regurgitation or reflux during the day, regurgitation when lying down, bitter, acid or sour taste in mouth. Each item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms in the past 2-weeks; the subscore ranges from 0 to 5. The change is computed as the subscore at 4-weeks minus the baseline subscore.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with 4-week visit data for the GERD subscore.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Gastroesophageal (GERD) Symptoms Severity-0.36 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.44
Placebo4-Week Change in Gastroesophageal (GERD) Symptoms Severity-0.45 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.01
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits (CI) are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.7395% CI: [-0.42, 0.59]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS) Global Score

The outcome is assessed using the self-reported GSRS total score which is computed as the mean of the 15 item scores on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) survey. Each item is scored from 1 (no discomfort) to 7 (very severe discomfort) of the symptom in the past week. The change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates symptom improvement.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with a 4-week visit and data for the GSRS total score.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS) Global Score-0.63 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.09
Placebo4-Week Change in Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS) Global Score-0.49 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.9
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits (CI) are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.595% CI: [-0.55, 0.27]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Inability to Finish a Normal-sized Meal Symptom Severity

The outcome is assessed using self-reported assessment of inability to finish a normal-sized meal severity in the prior 2-weeks using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey. The item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms; the change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates symptom improvement.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with a 4-week visit.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Inability to Finish a Normal-sized Meal Symptom Severity-1.27 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.55
Placebo4-Week Change in Inability to Finish a Normal-sized Meal Symptom Severity-1.12 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.63
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits (CI) are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.6695% CI: [-0.79, 0.5]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Loss of Appetite Symptom Severity

The outcome is assessed using self-reported assessment of loss of appetite severity in the prior 2-weeks using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey. The item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms; the change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates symptom improvement.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with a 4-week visit and values for loss of appetite severity.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Loss of Appetite Symptom Severity-1.09 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.64
Placebo4-Week Change in Loss of Appetite Symptom Severity-0.96 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.62
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits (CI) are reported; P (s-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.795% CI: [-0.75, 0.5]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Nausea Symptom Severity

The outcome is assessed using self-reported assessment of nausea severity item from the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders Symptom Severity Index (PAGI-SYM) in the prior 2-weeks using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey. The item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms; the change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with a 4-week visit and data for the nausea severity.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Nausea Symptom Severity-0.75 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.4
Placebo4-Week Change in Nausea Symptom Severity-0.70 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.51
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits (CI) are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald-Chi Square test.p-value: 0.8595% CI: [-0.64, 0.53]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Nausea, Vomiting and Retching Symptoms Severity

The outcome is assessed using the self-reported nausea/vomiting subscore, which is computed as the average of 3 scores for 3-items on the Gastrointestinal Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey: nausea, retching, vomiting. Each item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms in the past 2-weeks. The change is computed as the subscore at 4-weeks minus the baseline subscore. Negative change indicates improvement in symptoms.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with a 4-week visit and data for the nausea/vomiting subscore.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Nausea, Vomiting and Retching Symptoms Severity-0.65 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.4
Placebo4-Week Change in Nausea, Vomiting and Retching Symptoms Severity-0.60 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.26
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits (CI) are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Squares test.p-value: 0.8695% CI: [-0.58, 0.48]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Overall Mental Quality of Life (QOL)

The outcome is assessed using the self-reported 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36v2) mental health QOL component score. The score ranges from 0 (poorest) to 100 (highest) QOL. The change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A positive change indicates improved mental QOL.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants in the treatment arm with baseline and mental QOL data at 4-weeks.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Overall Mental Quality of Life (QOL)1.19 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 10.54
Placebo4-Week Change in Overall Mental Quality of Life (QOL)3.17 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 11.83
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) of change in outcome from baseline and 95% Confidence Intervals were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of outcome. P (2-sided) were determined from a Wald-Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.3695% CI: [-6.2, 2.24]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Overall Physical Quality of Life (QOL)

The outcome is assessed using the self-reported 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36v2) physical health QOL component score. The score ranges from 0 (poorest) to 100 (highest) QOL. The change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A positive change indicates improved Physical QOL.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with a 4-week visit and data for the Physical QOL summary score.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Overall Physical Quality of Life (QOL)1.10 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.18
Placebo4-Week Change in Overall Physical Quality of Life (QOL)3.17 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.95
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits (CI) are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.1595% CI: [-4.91, 0.76]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Participant's Rating of Symptom Relief

The outcome is assessed using the participant-rated Clinical Patient Grading Assessment Scale (CPGAS) score which is scored from -3 (very considerably worse) to 3 (completely better) in the past week compared to the way the participant usually feels. The change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A positive change indicates patient feeling better.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with a 4-week visit and data for CPGAS score.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Participant's Rating of Symptom Relief0.69 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.03
Placebo4-Week Change in Participant's Rating of Symptom Relief0.37 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.1
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits (CI) are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.1895% CI: [-0.15, 0.79]ANOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Severity of Somatic Symptoms

The outcome is assessed using the self-reported Patient Health Questionnaire 15 Somatic Symptom Severity Scale (PHQ-15) total somatization score (ranges from 0 -30, with 30 being most bothered by symptoms in prior 4-weeks), calculated as the sum of 15-items, each scored from 0 (not bothered at all) to 2 (bothered a lot) by somatic symptoms in the prior 4-weeks. The change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates being less bothered by the symptoms.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: Participants in each arm with the total somatization score at 4-weeks.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Severity of Somatic Symptoms-0.99 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.88
Placebo4-Week Change in Severity of Somatic Symptoms-2.00 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.93
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference from differences (DoD) from the baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Intervals are reported; P value (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.1995% CI: [-0.49, 2.51]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Stomach Fullness Symptom Severity

The outcome is assessed using self-reported assessment of stomach fullness severity in the prior 2-weeks using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptoms Index (GCSI) survey. The item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms; the change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with 4-week visit data

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Stomach Fullness Symptom Severity-1.16 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.55
Placebo4-Week Change in Stomach Fullness Symptom Severity-1.07 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.34
Comparison: The mean difference of differences (DoD) between Buspirone and Placebo, 95% confidence interval and P (2-sided) were derived from an ANCOVA, regressing an indicator for treatment group on fullness severity score, adjusting for the baseline value of fullness severity score.p-value: 0.7695% CI: [-0.69, 0.5]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Total Overall GCSI Symptom Severity

The outcome is assessed using the self-reported Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) total score, which is computed as the average of the 3 subscores on the GCSI survey: 3-item early satiety/postprandial fullness subscore, the nausea/vomiting subscore (average of 3-items: nausea, retching, vomiting), and bloating subscore (average of 2-items: bloating, stomach visibly larger). Each item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms in the past 2-weeks; the total score ranges from 0 to 5. The change is computed as the total score at 4-weeks minus the baseline total score. A negative change indicates improved symptoms.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All patients with 4-week visit data for GCSI.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Total Overall GCSI Symptom Severity-1.06 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.16
Placebo4-Week Change in Total Overall GCSI Symptom Severity-0.86 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) of change in outcome from baseline and 95% Confidence Intervals were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. P (2-sided) were determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.495% CI: [-0.66, 0.27]ANCOVA
Comparison: GCSI symptomatic improvement of 1+ points in total GCSI symptom score defined as change in GCSI total score at week 4 from baseline being a decrease of 1 or more points. This is a binary variable where 1=1+ reduction in change in GCSI total score, 0=change in GCSI total score from baseline at 4-weeks is \< 1.0.p-value: 0.5695% CI: [0.53, 3.21]Regression, Logistic
Secondary

4-Week Change in Upper Abdominal Pain and Discomfort Symptoms Severity

The outcome is assessed using the self-reported upper abdominal pain subscore, which is computed as the average of 2 scores for 2-items on the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders-Symptom Severity Index (PAGI-SYM) survey: upper abdominal pain, upper abdominal discomfort. Each item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms in the past 2-weeks; the subscore ranges from 0 to 5. The change is computed as the subscore at 4-weeks minus the baseline subscore.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with a 4-week visit and values for the upper abdominal pain subscore.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Upper Abdominal Pain and Discomfort Symptoms Severity-0.78 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.55
Placebo4-Week Change in Upper Abdominal Pain and Discomfort Symptoms Severity-0.95 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.63
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits (CI) are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.5995% CI: [-0.44, 0.77]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Upper Abdominal Pain Symptom Severity

The outcome is assessed using self-reported assessment of upper abdominal pain severity in the prior 2-weeks using the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders Symptom Severity Index (PAGI-SYM) survey. The item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms; the change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates symptom improvement.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with a 4-week visit and upper abdominal pain severity data.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Upper Abdominal Pain Symptom Severity-0.69 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.73
Placebo4-Week Change in Upper Abdominal Pain Symptom Severity-0.93 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.63
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits (CI) are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.4695% CI: [-0.39, 0.88]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change in Vomiting Symptom Severity

The outcome is assessed using self-reported assessment of vomiting severity in the prior 2-weeks using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) survey. The item is scored from 0 (no) to 5 (very severe) symptoms; the change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates improvement in vomiting severity.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with a 4-week visit and data for vomiting severity.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Vomiting Symptom Severity-0.71 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.81
Placebo4-Week Change in Vomiting Symptom Severity-0.57 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.47
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits (CI) are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square testp-value: 0.6595% CI: [-0.76, 0.47]ANCOVA
Secondary

4-Week Change Overall Quality of Health Due to Gastroparesis Issues

The outcome is assessed using the self-reported Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders-Quality of Life (PAGI-QOL) total score which comprises 30 items scored from 0 (none of the time) to 5 (all of the time) the participant's QOL has been affected by their gastrointestinal issues in the prior two weeks. The total score is the mean of the 5 subscale scores and ranges from 0 (lowest QOL) to 5 (highest QOL) in past 2-weeks. The change is computed as the score at 4-weeks minus the baseline score. A positive change indicates improved QOL.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: Participants with available PAGI-QOL data at 4-weeks. 1 Placebo patient did not have values for PAGI-QOL total score.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change Overall Quality of Health Due to Gastroparesis Issues0.43 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.81
Placebo4-Week Change Overall Quality of Health Due to Gastroparesis Issues0.64 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.95
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of PAGI-QOL total score.p-value: 0.2595% CI: [-0.57, 0.15]ANCOVA
Secondary

Change at 4-weeks in the Intragastric Meal Distribution (IMD)

The Intragastric meal distribution (IMD) is assessed at baseline and 4-weeks during the Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy Test. The ratio of gastric counts of the meal in the proximal stomach to the distal stomach is used to compute the Intragastric meal distribution (IMD) which can be used as an indirect measure of Fundic Accommodation.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: Patients in each treatment arm with measurements for IMD at 4-weeks.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
BuspironeChange at 4-weeks in the Intragastric Meal Distribution (IMD)-0.04 ratioStandard Deviation 0.13
PlaceboChange at 4-weeks in the Intragastric Meal Distribution (IMD)0.02 ratioStandard Deviation 0.13
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change in IMD from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and the baseline value of IMD. Wald 95% Confidence Intervals are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.195% CI: [-0.12, 0.01]ANCOVA
Secondary

Change From Baseline at 4-weeks in the Water Load Satiety Test (WLST)

The Water Load Satiety Test (WLST) is the amount of water a patient can consume until full in 5 minutes. The volume of water is recorded. The change is computed as the volume of water ingested at baseline subtracted from the amount of water ingested at 4-weeks. A positive change indicates that the patient can ingest more water at 4-weeks than at baseline.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: Participants in each treatment arm with a volume of water measured at both baseline and 4-weeks.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
BuspironeChange From Baseline at 4-weeks in the Water Load Satiety Test (WLST)-43.3 mlStandard Error 219.1
PlaceboChange From Baseline at 4-weeks in the Water Load Satiety Test (WLST)-21.8 mlStandard Error 145.6
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of teh outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.2995% CI: [-99.4, 56.4]ANCOVA
Other Pre-specified

4-Week Cardiac Rhythm

This safety outcome is computed from the results of an electrocardiogram (ECG) QTc interval at 4-weeks measured in milliseconds (msec).

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with 4-week visit data for the Electrocardiogram QTc interval.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Cardiac Rhythm-2.80 milliseconds (msec)Standard Deviation 19.18
Placebo4-Week Cardiac Rhythm3.63 milliseconds (msec)Standard Deviation 23.42
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits (CI) are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.2795% CI: [-17.9, 5.03]ANCOVA
Other Pre-specified

4-Week Change in Aspartate Aminotransferase (ALT)

This safety outcome is computed by subtracting the baseline level of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) (U/L) from the 4-week level.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with a 4-week visit and a measurement for ALT.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Aspartate Aminotransferase (ALT)0.32 U/LStandard Deviation 15.93
Placebo4-Week Change in Aspartate Aminotransferase (ALT)1.34 U/LStandard Deviation 9.57
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Intervals are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.7495% CI: [-6.93, 4.89]ANCOVA
Other Pre-specified

4-Week Change in Creatinine

This safety outcome is computed by subtracting the baseline level of creatinine (mg/dL) from the 4-week level.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with a 4-week visit and a measurement for Creatinine.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Creatinine0.02 mg/dLStandard Deviation 0.07
Placebo4-Week Change in Creatinine-0.01 mg/dLStandard Deviation 0.11
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. 95% Wald Confidence Intervals are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.1895% CI: [-0.01, 0.08]ANCOVA
Other Pre-specified

4-Week Change in Fasting Glucose

This safety outcome is computed by subtracting the baseline level of glucose (mg/dL) from the 4-week level.

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with a 4-week visit with a measurement for glucose.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Fasting Glucose10.30 mg/dLStandard Deviation 38.1
Placebo4-Week Change in Fasting Glucose10.69 mg/dLStandard Deviation 42.21
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to 4-weeks on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. 95% Wald Confidence Intervals are reported; P (2-sided) determined from a Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.9795% CI: [-20.42, 19.64]ANCOVA
Other Pre-specified

4-Week Change in Weight

This safety outcome is computed by subtracting the weight (kg) at baseline from the weight (kg) at 4-weeks

Time frame: baseline and 4-weeks

Population: All participants assigned to the arm with a 4-week visit and a measurement for weight.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Buspirone4-Week Change in Weight-0.34 kilogramStandard Deviation 1.36
Placebo4-Week Change in Weight-0.43 kilogramStandard Deviation 1.99
Comparison: Adjusted mean difference of differences (DoD) from baseline were computed using ANCOVA, regressing change from baseline to week 4 on treatment group and baseline value of the outcome. Wald 95% Confidence Limits (CI) are reported: P (2-sided) determined from Wald Chi-Square test.p-value: 0.8495% CI: [-0.78, 0.95]ANCOVA
Other Pre-specified

Adverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the Trial

Adverse events were reported on the Adverse Event Report form by the principal investigator at each clinic site using the CTCAE v5 classification system.

Time frame: over 4-weeks of treatment

Population: All patients randomized into each treatment group.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
BuspironeAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialImmune system1 events by body classification
BuspironeAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialInfections & infestations3 events by body classification
BuspironeAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialTotal12 events by body classification
BuspironeAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialGastrointestinal3 events by body classification
BuspironeAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialInvestigations0 events by body classification
BuspironeAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialMetabolic & nutrition1 events by body classification
BuspironeAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialNervous system3 events by body classification
BuspironeAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialRenal & urinary1 events by body classification
BuspironeAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialSurgical & medical0 events by body classification
BuspironeAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialMusculoskeletal & connective tissue disorders0 events by body classification
PlaceboAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialRenal & urinary1 events by body classification
PlaceboAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialImmune system0 events by body classification
PlaceboAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialMetabolic & nutrition0 events by body classification
PlaceboAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialMusculoskeletal & connective tissue disorders1 events by body classification
PlaceboAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialTotal9 events by body classification
PlaceboAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialNervous system0 events by body classification
PlaceboAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialGastrointestinal3 events by body classification
PlaceboAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialInfections & infestations1 events by body classification
PlaceboAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialSurgical & medical1 events by body classification
PlaceboAdverse Events by Body Classification System by Treatment Group During the TrialInvestigations2 events by body classification
p-value: 0.52Binomial probability test
Other Pre-specified

Assessment of Adverse Events Over 4-Weeks

This safety outcome is the frequency over the 4-weeks of the study of all reported adverse events using the v5.0 CTCAE classification system.

Time frame: over 4-weeks

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
BuspironeAssessment of Adverse Events Over 4-Weeks12 events
PlaceboAssessment of Adverse Events Over 4-Weeks8 events
Comparison: Event rates are computed by treatment arm by dividing the total adverse events over 4-weeks by the number of patient-months of follow-up to 4-weeks. Event rates are compared by treatment arm using an exact poisson regression for event rates.p-value: 0.6495% CI: [0.57, 2.82]Exact poisson regression
Other Pre-specified

Assessment of the Severity of Adverse Events Over 4-Weeks

This safety outcome is the frequency over the 4-weeks of the study of all reported adverse events' severity grade as classified by the NCI's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v5.0). For the patient with 2 AE's, the AE with the maximum severity is reported.

Time frame: over 4-weeks

Population: All participants randomized in the trial with events occurring over the 4 weeks of follow-up.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
BuspironeAssessment of the Severity of Adverse Events Over 4-Weeks2-moderate severity6 Participants
BuspironeAssessment of the Severity of Adverse Events Over 4-Weeks3-severe1 Participants
BuspironeAssessment of the Severity of Adverse Events Over 4-WeeksNo Adverse events35 Participants
BuspironeAssessment of the Severity of Adverse Events Over 4-Weeks1-mild severity5 Participants
BuspironeAssessment of the Severity of Adverse Events Over 4-Weeks4-life threatening0 Participants
BuspironeAssessment of the Severity of Adverse Events Over 4-Weeks5-death0 Participants
PlaceboAssessment of the Severity of Adverse Events Over 4-Weeks4-life threatening0 Participants
PlaceboAssessment of the Severity of Adverse Events Over 4-Weeks2-moderate severity6 Participants
PlaceboAssessment of the Severity of Adverse Events Over 4-Weeks1-mild severity2 Participants
PlaceboAssessment of the Severity of Adverse Events Over 4-Weeks3-severe0 Participants
PlaceboAssessment of the Severity of Adverse Events Over 4-Weeks5-death0 Participants
PlaceboAssessment of the Severity of Adverse Events Over 4-WeeksNo Adverse events41 Participants
Comparison: A Fisher's Exact test was used for comparisons of events by treatment by severity grade. One patient in the Buspirone arm had 2 AEs during the trial; for analysis by severity grade the maximum severity grade was used.p-value: 0.5495% CI: [0.35, 2.62]Fisher Exact
Other Pre-specified

Serious Adverse Events

Serious Adverse Event (SAE) defined by the FDA as an event meeting one or more of the following criteria; inpatient hospitalization or prolonged existing hospitalization; persistent or significant incapacity or substantial disruption of ability to conduct normal life functions; jeopardized patient and required medical or surgical intervention to prevent a serious event; or congenital anomaly or birth defect.

Time frame: over 4 weeks of treatment

Population: All patients randomized into each treatment arm

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
BuspironeSerious Adverse Events1 Serious adverse events
PlaceboSerious Adverse Events1 Serious adverse events
p-value: 1Fisher Exact
Other Pre-specified

Total Number of Hospitalizations Over 4-weeks of Treatment

Hospitalization events by treatment arm were reported on the Adverse Event Case-Report form at each visit and also at time of occurrence and tabulated at end of treatment visit for comparison between placebo and buspirone arms.

Time frame: over the 4-weeks of the trial

Population: all participants by treatment arm randomized into the trial

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
BuspironeTotal Number of Hospitalizations Over 4-weeks of Treatment1 hospitalizations
PlaceboTotal Number of Hospitalizations Over 4-weeks of Treatment0 hospitalizations
Comparison: Event rates were computed by dividing the number of hospitalizations over 4-weeks by the number of person-years. An exact poisson regression was used to compare events by treatment group.p-value: 195% CI: [0, 40.36]Exact poisson regression

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 9, 2026