Systemic disorders that affect gastrointestinal motility

Systemic disorders including endocrine, connective tissue and infiltrative disorders can affect motility of any part of the gastrointestinal tract. The prevalence and severity of dysmotility often vary, depending on the disease etiology, activity and progression. The current chapter provides an overview of relevant systemic diseases with disturbed motility, how to approach and manage these conditions. Pathogenesis is not entirely understood but altered gut-brain axis plays an important role. Management is usually symptom-based and is dependent on control of underlying disease activity. Future therapies will depend on a greater understanding of underlying pathophysiology and may be targeted on the influence of gut-brain axis.