Esophageal motor abnormalities in children with gastroesophageal reflux and peptic esophagitis

Review of paediatric gastrointestinal physiology relevant to the absorption of orally administered medicines

Despite much progress in regulations to improve paediatric drug development, there remains a significant need to develop better medications for children. For the design of oral dosage forms, a detailed understanding of the specific gastrointestinal (GI) conditions in children of different age categories and how they differ from GI conditions in adults is essential. Several review articles have been published addressing the ontogeny of GI characteristics, including luminal conditions in the GI tract of children. However, the data reported in most of these reviews are of limited quality because (1) information was cited from very old publications and sometimes low quality sources, (2) data gaps in the original data were filled with textbook knowledge, (3) data obtained on healthy and sick children were mixed, (4) average data obtained on groups of patients were mixed with data obtained on individual patients, and (5) results obtained using investigative techniques that may have altered the outcome of the respective studies were considered. Consequently, many of these reviews draw conclusions that may be incorrect. The aim of the present review was to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the available original data on the ontogeny of GI luminal conditions relevant to oral drug absorption in the paediatric population. To this end, the PubMed and Web of Science metadatabases were searched for appropriate studies that examined age-related conditions in the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon. Maturation was observed for several GI parameters, and corresponding data sets were identified for each paediatric age group. However, it also became clear that the ontogeny of several GI traits in the paediatric population is not yet known. The review article provides a robust and valuable data set for the development of paediatric in vitro and in silico biopharmaceutical tools to support the development of age-appropriate dosage forms. In addition, it provides important information on existing data gaps and should provide impetus for further systematic and well-designed in vivo studies on GI physiology in children of specific age groups in order to close existing knowledge gaps and to sustainably improve oral drug therapy in children.

Impact of Feeding Strategies With Acid Suppression on Esophageal Reflexes in Human Neonates With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Single-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

Aims were to test hypothesis that esophageal provocation-induced reflexes are superior with acid suppression plus feeding modifications vs acid suppression alone among infants treated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS

Infants (N = 49, 41.3 ± 2.6 of postmenstrual age) with acid reflux index >3% underwent longitudinal motility testing (weeks 0 and 5) with graded midesophageal provocation to test randomly allocated therapies (4 weeks' proton pump inhibitor [PPI] ± feeding modifications) on sensory-motor aerodigestive reflexes. Feeding modification included restricted fluid volume <140 mL/kg per day, fed over 30 minutes in right lateral position and supine postprandial position. Primary motility outcome was frequency-occurrence of peristaltic reflex. Secondary outcomes included upper esophageal sphincter contractile reflex, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation reflex, respiratory change, and symptom characteristics.

RESULTS

Treatment groups did not differ for primary outcome (odds ratio = 0.8, 95% confidence interval 0.4-1.6, P = 0.99) or secondary outcomes (all P > 0.05). For both treatment groups at follow-up, distal esophageal contraction and LES tone decreased, and LES relaxation reflex occurrence is less frequent (all P < 0.05). In a subgroup analysis, comparing infants with PPI washout (N = 40) vs with continued (N = 9) PPI therapy, no differences were noted for aerodigestive reflex response frequency-occurrence (all P > 0.05).

DISCUSSION

In infants with GERD, feeding modification with acid suppression is not superior to acid suppression alone in modifying aerodigestive reflexes (frequency, sensation, or magnitude). Contiguous areas targeted by GER, i.e., LES and distal esophageal functions, worsened at follow-up for both groups despite PPI therapy. Maturation is likely the key factor for GERD resolution in infants, justifying the use of placebo in clinical trials for objectively determined GERD.

Oesophageal atresia

Oesophageal atresia (EA) is a congenital abnormality of the oesophagus that is caused by incomplete embryonic compartmentalization of the foregut. EA commonly occurs with a tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TEF). Associated birth defects or anomalies, such as VACTERL association, trisomy 18 or 21 and CHARGE syndrome, occur in the majority of patients born with EA. Although several studies have revealed signalling pathways and genes potentially involved in the development of EA, our understanding of the pathophysiology of EA lags behind the improvements in surgical and clinical care of patients born with this anomaly. EA is treated surgically to restore the oesophageal interruption and, if present, ligate and divide the TEF. Survival is now ~90% in those born with EA with severe associated anomalies and even higher in those born with EA alone. Despite these achievements, long-term gastrointestinal and respiratory complications and comorbidities in patients born with EA are common and lead to decreased quality of life. Oesophageal motility disorders are probably ubiquitous in patients after undergoing EA repair and often underlie these complications and comorbidities. The implementation of several new diagnostic and screening tools in clinical care, including high-resolution impedance manometry, pH-multichannel intraluminal impedance testing and disease-specific quality of life questionnaires now provide better insight into these problems and may contribute to better long-term outcomes in the future.

Gastroesophageal reflux in young children and adolescents: Is there a relation between symptom severity and esophageal histological grade?

BACKGROUND

The pediatric literature about the correlation between symptoms and histological lesions in patients investigated for gastroesophageal reflux disease is scarce and inconclusive. The primary aim of the present study was to assess the relation between the complained symptom severity and the esophageal histological grade, through the use of validated and reliable scores.

METHODS

All children ages between 2 and 17 years referred to perform upper gastrointestinal endoscopy because of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms were asked to complete the Pediatric Gastroesophageal Symptom and Quality of Life validated questionnaire, investigating the main symptoms complained and their impact on daily life and school activities. Esophageal mucosal samples taken during the procedure were analyzed and scored according to the Yerian-Fiocca classification.

RESULTS

A total of 164 children were included in the study. No significant association was found between symptomatic score and histological score (r(s): 0.05, P: 0.49). Even when focusing only on adolescents with heartburn or chest pain, no correlation between symptom severity and esophageal lesions was found (r(s): -0.18, P: 0.264). Intercellular space diameter values did not mirror symptom severity.

CONCLUSIONS

The main finding of this study on children with reflux symptoms is the lack of correlation between symptom severity and esophageal histological grade. The magnitude of intercellular spaces was found not to be related with the clinical score as well.

Caustic injury of the oesophagus

Caustic ingestion continues to be a significant problem world-wide especially in developing countries and particularly in the under 6 years age group. The presence or absence of symptoms or oral lesions does not reliably predict the existence or severity of oesophageal lesions. Upper endoscopy remains the mainstay diagnostic modality for evaluation to define the extent and severity of the injury. The best predictor of morbidity and mortality is the extent of injury as assessed during initial evaluation. Early management strategies for caustic ingestion are well defined. Controversy still surrounds the use of steroids, antibiotics, antacid therapy in the acute phase, and the use of oesophageal stents and the frequency, timing and method of dilatation in the prevention and management of oesophageal strictures. There is a pressing need for non-invasive diagnostic modalities and effective therapeutic options to evaluate and treat the complications associated with caustic ingestion. Indications for definitive surgery or bypass and the type of procedure to use are also subject to ongoing debate.

Clinical applications of gastrointestinal manometry in children

Manometry is a noninvasive diagnostic tool for identifying motility dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite the great technical advances in monitoring motility, performance of the study in pediatric patients has several limitations that should be considered during the procedure and interpretation of the test results. This article reviews the clinical applications of conventional esophageal and anorectal manometries in children by describing a technique for performing the test. This review will develop the uniformity required for the methods of performance, the parameters for measurement, and interpretation of test results that could be applied in pediatric clinical practice.

Evaluation of gastroesophageal function and mechanisms underlying gastroesophageal reflux in infants and adults born with esophageal atresia

PURPOSE

To evaluate the mechanisms underlying gastroesophageal reflux (GER) following esophageal atresia (EA) repair and gastroesophageal function in infants and adults born with EA.

METHODS

Ten consecutive infants born with EA as well as 10 randomly selected adult EA patients were studied during their first postoperative follow-up visit and a purposely planned visit, respectively. A (13)C-octanoate breath test and esophageal pH-impedance-manometry study were performed. Mechanisms underlying GER and esophageal function were evaluated.

RESULTS

Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) was the most common mechanism underlying GER in infants and adults (66% and 62%, respectively). In 66% of all GER episodes, no clearing mechanism was initiated. On EFT, normal motility patterns were seen in six patients (four infants, two adults). One of these adults had normal motility overall (>80% of swallows). Most swallows (78.8%) were accompanied by abnormal motility patterns. Despite this observation, impedance showed normal bolus transit in 40.9% of swallows. Gastric emptying was delayed in 57.1% of infants and 22.2% of adults.

CONCLUSIONS

TLESR is the main mechanism underlying GER events in patients with EA. Most infants and adults have impaired motility, delayed bolus clearance, and delayed gastric emptying. However, normal motility patterns were seen in a minority of patients.

Esophageal dysmotility: characterization and pathophysiology

Esophageal dysmotility is a considerable long-term issue in patients born with esophageal atresia (EA). To better characterize it, the normal esophageal motility is briefly reviewed with emphasis on the specific defects in EA. Multiple studies attempted to describe the dysmotility seen in patients with operated EA using esophageal manometry. Recently, high-resolution manometry has improved our understanding of normal esophageal motility. Using this new technology, it is now possible to better characterize the esophageal motility of patients operated on for EA. Three different patterns are described and presented: aperistalsis, pressurization, and distal peristalsis. Up to now, it has not been possible to find a correlation between the dysmotility severity and the patient's symptomatology. Different pathophysiological hypotheses of esophageal dysmotility in that population are discussed. Developmental neuronal defects are certainly present from the beginning. Surgical trauma can also contribute to the dysmotility. Finally, defective esophageal acid clearance capacity is a cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease, but the resultant esophagitis can also impair the normal esophageal function. The evolution of esophageal dysmotility in patients with repaired EA is not known and further studies will be necessary to clarify it.

Pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease

This article reviews the mechanisms responsible for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), available techniques for diagnosis, and current medical management. In addition, it extensively discusses the surgical treatment of GERD, emphasizing the use of minimally invasive techniques.

Role of gastroesophageal reflux in children with unexplained chronic cough

OBJECTIVE

The relation between respiratory symptoms and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a matter of contention and debate, with limited data in children to substantiate or refute cause and effect. Moreover, there are few data on the relation between nonacid reflux and chronic cough in childhood. We aimed to describe the type and physical characteristics of reflux episodes in children with unexplained chronic cough.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-five children with chronic cough underwent 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH monitoring). Symptom association probability (SAP) characterized the reflux-cough association. Twenty children with erosive reflux disease (ERD) served as controls.

RESULTS

Twenty-four children had cough-related reflux (CRR), with 19 having no gastrointestinal symptoms. Twenty-one had cough-unrelated reflux (CUR). CRR and ERD had increased acid (AR), weakly acidic (WAc), and weakly alkaline (WAlk) reflux. Esophageal acid exposure time and acid clearance time were higher in ERD than in CRR and CUR. In the CRR group, of 158 cough episodes related to reflux episodes, 66% involved AR, 18% WAc, and 16% WAlk. Seventeen children had positive SAP, 7 for AR, 5 for both AR and WAc, 4 for both WAc and WAlk, and 1 for WAlk.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with unexplained chronic cough, asymptomatic acid and nonacid GER is a potential etiologic factor. The increased acid exposure time and delayed acid clearance characteristic of ERD are absent in cough-related GER. MII-pH monitoring increases the likelihood of demonstrating a temporal association between the cough and all types of reflux.

Evaluation of esophageal motility using multichannel intraluminal impedance in healthy children and children with gastroesophageal reflux

OBJECTIVE

Multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) directly evaluates esophageal bolus transport. There is a good correlation between MII and manometry in healthy adults, but there are no reports concerning children.The aim of the present study was to determine normal values of esophageal motility using only impedance measurements in healthy children and in a pediatric population with gastroesophageal reflux (GER).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We described in the present study 60 children submitted to pH-MII for 24 hours for suspected GER. Patients were divided into 2 different groups on the basis of their pH-MII report. Group 1 patients showed acid GER, whereas group 2 patients had negative pH-MII analysis for GER despite symptoms. We described impedance reflux and motility parameters on 10 standardized swallows: number of reflux, mean acid clearing time, median bolus clearing time, bolus presence time, total bolus transit time, segmental transit time, and total propagation velocity.

RESULTS

In group 1, the median mean acid clearing time was 151 seconds, whereas the median mean bolus clearing time was 25 seconds. In group 2 patients, all of the reflux parameters were normal. In group 1 the median bolus presence time at each measuring site, the median total bolus transit time, and the median segmental transit time were significantly greater and total propagation velocity lower than values reported in group 2 (P < 0.001), if compared with those described for adult patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The pH-MII is an ideal test in children because it studies GER with its characteristics and motility pattern. Our report summarizes for the first time impedance motility parameters in healthy children.

Esophageal motility in children with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Motility abnormalities in adults with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include nontransmitted contractions, reduced distal esophageal contraction amplitude, and simultaneous contractions. Information on esophageal body motility in children with GERD is scarce. Our aim was to study esophageal motility patterns in children with GERD, taking into account the presence of anatomical abnormalities and neurological impairment, the effect of age on esophageal motility in GERD, and the relation between esophageal manometry and GERD severity parameters (acid exposure and presence of esophagitis).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive children referred for severe GER(D) symptoms underwent a barium swallow, upper endoscopy, pH monitoring, and stationary water-perfused esophageal manometry.

RESULTS

Mean lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and velocity of propagation in the proximal and distal esophagus decreased with age in this group of children with GERD (all P < 0.01). Severely disturbed esophageal motility was found in children with previous esophageal atresia. Patients with psychomotor retardation had significantly lower occurrence of peristaltic waves (94% +/- 21% vs 79% +/- 38%; P = 0.001), distal propagation velocity (0.8 +/- 0.4 vs 0.6 +/- 0.5 cm/s; P = 0.05), and distal contraction duration (3.1 +/- 0.8 vs 3.4 +/- 1 seconds; P = 0.05). None of the manometric characteristics differed between patients with normal or abnormal esophageal pH monitoring or with or without erosive esophagitis.

CONCLUSIONS

LES pressure and esophageal velocity decreased with increasing age. Esophageal manometry is severely impaired in children with esophageal atresia and psychomotor retardation. No specific esophageal motor abnormalities related to the presence of endoscopic esophagitis or abnormal pH monitoring were found.

Esophageal dysmotility in children with eosinophilic esophagitis: a study using prolonged esophageal manometry

OBJECTIVES

The pathophysiology of dysphagia in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is unknown but may be related to abnormal esophageal motor function. Symptoms rarely occur during stationary esophageal manometry, so it has been difficult to establish an association between symptoms and motor events. Our aim was to evaluate esophageal motor function in children with EoE with the use of stationary manometry and ambulatory prolonged esophageal manometry and pH-metry (PEMP).

METHODS

PEMP was performed in children with EoE and compared with controls and children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Peristalsis was considered effective when the esophageal contractions had a normal amplitude and propagation. Results are expressed as mean+/-s.e.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients with EoE, 13 with GERD, and 11 controls were studied. Values are expressed as mean+/-s.e. Stationary manometry identified abnormal peristalsis in 41% of children with EoE. During PEMP, children with EoE had an increased number of isolated (16.7+/-3.8 vs. 9.5+/-1.6 vs. 6.5+/-1.1; P<0.03) and high-amplitude contractions (4.1+/-1.2 vs. 1.8+/-0.8 vs. 0.1+/-0.1; P<0.03), and higher percentage ineffective peristalsis both during fasting (70.5%+/-2.5 vs. 57.8%+/-3.0 vs. 53.8%+/-1.9; P<0.05) and during meals (68.4+/-3.4 vs. 55.3+/-2.8 vs. 48.1+/-2.8; P<0.05) when compared with children with GERD and controls. Thirteen patients with EoE experienced 21 episodes of dysphagia, and all correlated with simultaneous abnormal motor function.

CONCLUSIONS

PEMP allowed the detection of ineffective peristalsis in children with EoE. Symptoms observed in children with EoE may be related to esophageal motor dysfunction.

Role of the multichannel intraluminal impedance technique in infants and children

Recently, multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) was added to the repertoire of tests available to study esophageal (patho)physiology in children. MII has since been used in 2 major areas. First, it has been used as a diagnostic test for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The main advantage over traditional pH monitoring is its ability to detect both acid and nonacid gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and to discern between liquid and gas GER.Although feasible with multiple pH sensors, the MII technique routinely detects the proximal extent of a GER episode. When a pH sensor is added to the MII-catheter, important information about the acidity of a GER event can be gathered.The second area in which the role of MII has been investigated is that of esophageal function testing. Manometry classically reveals information about esophageal pressure patterns and sphincter function, but does not inform us about bolus flow. MII not only detects the presence of esophageal flow but also adds information on the direction of flow, duration of bolus presence, completeness of bolus clearance, and composition of a bolus.The combination of MII with manometry enables determination of the relationship between esophageal pressures and flow and, therefore, enhances evaluation of esophageal function in terms of assessment of mechanisms of esophageal volume clearance. In addition, this technique will improve our understanding of (patho)physiological mechanisms in pediatric GERD and other esophageal motility disorders.

Segmental characteristics of oesophageal peristalsis in paediatric patients

High-resolution manometry (HRM) in adults identifies a sequential chain of pressure segments that together form normal oesophageal peristalsis. HRM was performed in 40 neonates, infants/toddlers and children (age 1 day-14 years) to see if a similar segmental pattern could be identified in paediatric subjects. A chain of three pressure segments was found with inter-segmental troughs at 27.4 +/- 1.1%, 62.6 +/- 1.3% and 94.9 +/- 0.8% oesophageal length. The first and second pressure troughs were similarly distributed along the oesophagus across age groups; the third was 7.6-8.9% oesophageal length further from the lower oesophageal sphincter in neonates (P < 0.05 compared with other age groups). There were no significant differences in trough locations between subjects with or without oesophageal disease, controlling for age. Consistent presence of all three segments was less common in neonates, primarily because of fewer swallows demonstrating the first (proximal) and third (distal) segments compared with children. HRM in paediatric patients demonstrates, from neonates to children, the distinctive chain of pressure events that also characterizes oesophageal peristalsis in adults. The segmental character to oesophageal peristalsis should be taken into consideration in manometric investigation of all age groups - for example, in testing pharmacological responses and evaluating clearance mechanisms.

Reflux oesophagitis in children; the role of endoscopy. A multicentric Italian survey

BACKGROUND

The decision whether to perform endoscopy in children with suspected reflux oesophagitis is not a straightforward one. Few symptoms are specific for oesophagitis and the diagnosis is not always correlated even to visual findings on endoscopy.

AIM

The aim of this study was to define the role of endoscopy and especially of histology in the diagnosis of reflux oesophagitis and to examine the correlations between symptoms, endoscopic findings and histology in children with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and thirty-six patients with a clinical diagnosis of reflux oesophagitis, aged 1-18 years (mean 8.43; standard deviation +/-4.4), were enrolled from 12 Italian Paediatrics Gastroenterology Centres; symptom score, endoscopic and histologic oesophagitis scores were observed before and after therapy with proton pump inhibitors.

RESULTS

Before therapy, a high correlation between the prevailing symptom score and endoscopic score was demonstrated, but not with histologic score: there was a significant tendency for histologic grade to exceed visual findings. After therapy, endoscopic score and histologic score were significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Oesophageal biopsies increase the diagnostic accuracy of upper endoscopy. Histologic grading is often much more important than the endoscopic appearance, so that endoscopic oesophageal biopsies are very important aids in the diagnosis of oesophagitis. Appropriate clinical evaluation of symptoms must occur before endoscopic examination.

Gastrointestinal complications of fundoplication

In children with medically refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), fundoplication is effective and safe. However, in a subset of patients, gastrointestinal dysfunction occurs postoperatively. Symptoms include chest pain, persistent dysphagia in 5%, gas bloat in 2% to 4%, diarrhea in up to 20%, and dumping syndrome in up to 30%. Symptoms are often nonspecific, arising from recurrent or persistent GERD, anatomic complications such as disrupted or herniated wrap, functional disturbances such as rapid gastric emptying or altered gastric accommodation, or alternative diagnoses such as cyclic vomiting syndrome or food allergy. Detailed investigation, including various combinations of pHmetry, videofluoroscopy, endoscopy, motility studies, and dumping provocation testing, may be required to clarify pathophysiology and guide management.

Effect of reflux and esophagitis on esophageal volume and acid clearance in piglets

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The study investigates esophageal motor function and esophageal clearance immediately after surgical induction of reflux in piglets and 8 weeks later after peptic esophagitis has developed.

METHODS

Twenty-four sedated, nonintubated piglets were divided into three groups: sham (laparotomy only), reflux (distal esophageal myotomy), and reflux + esophagitis (8 weeks after myotomy). All animals underwent stationary manometry of the esophagus with a four-lumen perfused assembly after injection of 1-, 2-, and 3-mL boluses of saline and acid into the proximal esophagus. Simultaneous pH monitoring allowed assessment of acid clearance. Wave features and clearance times after saline and acid were compared among groups.

RESULTS

There were minor changes in peristaltic activity of the esophagus after saline boluses in animals with reflux. Acid clearance time was prolonged, especially the time to re-establish resting esophageal pH, in animals with esophagitis. These changes, which were volume-dependent, were related to the loss of peristaltic organization of the esophageal waves. The esophageal wave frequency, amplitude, and duration were only slightly changed by the induction of reflux and by esophagitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The esophagus affected by acid reflux, with or without esophagitis, was capable of near-normal motor responses after boluses of saline. Reflux impaired the peristaltic response to acid, and the effect was more pronounced when reflux and esophagitis were both present. The acid clearance time was also strikingly prolonged in the presence of reflux and esophagitis. The results suggest that long episodes of reflux seen on pH tracings from individuals with esophagitis might be secondary both to acid-related motor dysfunction and large volumes of refluxate.

Pathophysiological mechanisms of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is an extremely common pediatric problem, but only in the past few years have we developed a better understanding of its pathophysiology. This is related to the wider use of investigative tools such as flexible endoscopy, 24-hour pH monitoring, and more recently, micromanometric methods and noninvasive breath tests, which have been particularly useful in infants. This paper reviews our current understanding of the esophageal and gastric mechanisms contributing to the pathophysiology of GER. In this context, we also highlight areas where new therapeutic approaches may be beneficial.

Esophageal motility changes in acute and late periods of caustic esophageal burns and their relation to prognosis in children

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Esophageal burns as a result of accidental swallowing of caustic material are seen frequently in children. Severe motor function disorders of the esophagus after caustic burns are already reported covering the late periods. The aim of this study was to detect, follow, and report the clinical results of esophageal motility changes in acute as well as the late periods of caustic esophageal insult and its relation with prognosis in children.

METHODS

Esophageal motility was studied in 20 children aged 1.5 to 11 years (mean, 3.8). In the study group, motility of the esophagus was investigated on the fifth day of the burn (after decrease of the edema) and repeated at the end of the third month. To standardize the results, the amplitude and the duration of the pressure waves were recorded at 3 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and the velocity in the distal esophagus was calculated. Then the mean values of amplitude, duration, and velocity of 15 swallows were obtained for each patient.

RESULTS

At the end of the fifth day, peristaltic response of the esophagus to swallowing was followed in 13 patients. Seven patients were able to swallow water, but no peristaltic response was detected. Therefore, the subjects were divided into 2 groups as motility (+) and motility (-), and each were compared with the control group separately. The amplitude of the pressure wave in the motility (-) group was significantly low when compared with the control group. All the subjects in this group had NaOH burns, and development of severe strictures was detected at the endoscopic examinations after 3 weeks. In motility (+) group, no pathologies were detected except significant decrease in the velocity of the peristaltic wave. Eleven of the subjects in this group had acid burns, and 2 had NaOH burns, and, at the follow-up endoscopic examination after 3 weeks, only one acid burn patient had a slight stricture. Motility measurements conducted at the end of the third month showed that the initial motility (-) group had no changes. No peristaltic response was detected after swallowing, and amplitude of the pressure wave measured at the distal esophagus was significantly lower than the controls. However, in the motility (+) group, decrease in the velocity of the peristaltic wave had disappeared, and there were no differences when compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that the manometric studies of the esophagus give important data about the severity of the initial esophageal injury and have an important role in determining the prognosis.

Esophageal motor dysfunction persists in children after surgical cure of reflux: an ambulatory manometric study

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Esophageal dysmotility shown by perfusion manometry in children with gastroesophageal reflux can be primary or acquired. This study examines by combined ambulatory pH-metry and manometry the nature of motor dysfunction and whether it improves after surgical cure of reflux.

METHODS

Sixteen refluxing children aged 131 +/- 54 months were studied by combined ambulatory pH-metry and manometry before and more than 6 months after successful fundoplication. pH-metric and manometric variables were compared at both time end-points by paired statistical tests accepting a significance level of P less than.05.

RESULTS

Operation cured all patients clinically and pH-metrically, but, in spite of this, only the frequency of motor sequences decreased significantly after the operation from 1 (0.45) to 0.8 (0.6) waves per minute (median [interquartile range]). Wave amplitude and duration were similar in both conditions; the proportion of peristaltic waves was normal and did not change before and after the operation (79.5% [17.25] v 81.4% [21.5]; not significant), whereas the proportions of complete (63.2% [17.5] v 67.8% [19.3]; not significant) and effective (32.4% [31.95] v 27.25% [22.5]; not significant) waves were definitely low and remained so after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The esophagus of children with GER has mild disturbances of peristaltic activity with waves often incomplete, weak, and scarcely effective. Dismotility does not improve after successful fundoplication suggesting that it could be a primary phenomenon.

Oroesophageal motor disorders in Pierre Robin syndrome

BACKGROUND

Feeding disorders are one of the main clinical features in PRS, which combines a posterior U-shaped cleft palate, retrognathia, and glossoptosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral and esophageal motor function of children with PRS without additional neurologic symptoms.

METHODS

All children hospitalized with Pierre Robin syndrome either isolated (n = 27) or associated with Stickler syndrome (n = 8) were included. Clinical evaluation of their oroesophageal disorders and systematic esophageal manometry were performed.

RESULTS

Feeding disorders were always present, but type of disorder varied from one child to another. Esophageal disorders were frequent and seemed to be resistant to classic gastroesophageal reflux treatment. Eighty-six percent of the children required nasogastric tube feeding for a mean duration of 8.6 months. Esophageal manometric abnormalities were noted in 50% of the children: lower esophageal sphincter hypertonia, failure of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation at deglutition, and esophageal dyskinesia. These clinical and manometric disorders showed a trend to spontaneous regression after 12 months.

CONCLUSION

In the current Pierre Robin syndrome series, clinical and manometric anomalies of oroesophageal motility were always present. The authors identified an unusual manometric pattern that has also been described in situations of neurovegetative instability. It could reflect dysregulation of the control of the central pattern generators of swallowing in the brain stem.

Dysphagia in children with a 22q11.2 deletion: unusual pattern found on modified barium swallow

OBJECTIVES

To delineate feeding dysfunction in a population of children with a 22q11.2 deletion and report the associated findings noted during the modified barium swallow (MBS).

STUDY DESIGN

Seventy-five children with a chromosome 22q11.2 deletion and history of persistent feeding difficulty received a feeding evaluation, including an MBS for those children for whom there was concern about airway penetration.

RESULTS

A consistent pattern of feeding difficulty, independent of palatal or cardiac involvement, emerged from the evaluations. This group typically has trouble coordinating the suck/swallow/breath pattern, resulting in slow nipple feedings interrupted by gagging or regurgitation. Recurrent vomiting and constipation are common. With advancement to chewable table foods, gagging or refusal develops, related to an immature oral transport pattern. The MBS studies demonstrate pharyngeal hypercontractility, cricopharyngeal prominence, and/or diverticula.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the consistency of dysphagic symptoms and MBS findings, we propose that dysmotility, especially through the pharyngoesophageal segment, is central to the dysphagia affecting this group. Dysphagia related to dysmotility may be underdiagnosed in this population or erroneously attributed to cardiac disease. Therefore attention to feeding status and investigation with MBS and gastrointestinal studies as warranted are recommended for all patients with a 22q11.2 deletion and feeding problems.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux in infancy

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is a common phenomenon in infants, which may occur with or without accompanying symptoms. Although most infants presenting with regurgitation have a normal physical examination, it is now recognized that infants may also present with a wide variety of symptoms. Oesophagitis is associated with increased oesophageal acid exposure. The determination of cause and effect is difficult, as there are many aspects of reflux disease where cause and effect relationships are cyclic. Reflux disease is present when there is an imbalance between a number of factors that can contribute to a decrease, as well as an increase, of GOR. Oesophageal pH monitoring with a semi-disposable monocrysant antimony pH catheter with three sensors is very good at documenting oesophageal acidification and gastric buffering and, therefore, quantifies acid reflux frequency and duration. However, the interpretation of the data is complex as they are influenced by numerous factors, such as position, activity (sleep, crying), feeding (frequency and composition) or medication. The duration of buffering of gastric acidity during pH monitoring might, in the future, appear to be a relevant factor in the interpretation of oesophageal pH data.

Nutritional management of regurgitation in infants

Infantile regurgitation is a frequently occurring problem. Throughout the world, anxious parents are imploring physicians to eliminate their infant's regurgitation. General practitioners, pediatricians and pediatric gastroenterologists strive to alleviate infantile regurgitation and its related parental stress. In this paper we define the scope of the problem and analyze the optimal, cost-efficient management approach to simple regurgitation in infants. The intent of this paper is to disseminate this information to practicing physicians and other health care professionals in an attempt to minimize the impact of this annoying problem of infancy and to eliminate confusion and expensive diagnostic tests and use of sub-optimal treatment modalities. Parental reassurance and dietary management by feeding thickened formula are important components in managing regurgitation in infants while maintaining optimal nutritional intake for adequate growth and development.

Gastroesophageal reflux in children

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common disorder in infants and children with a high rate of spontaneous resolution. Some children, however, will continue to have problems and progress from functional GER to pathogenic GER. In children with functional GER, diagnostic testing and pharmacologic treatment is unnecessary. In more involved cases, there are a number of tests available that help to quantify and qualify the extent of disease. Treatment begins with conservative measures and progresses to acid neutralization/supression and medications to enhance motility. Should medical management fail to control the consequences of reflux disease, surgical intervention is warranted.

Is a gastric drainage procedure necessary at the time of antireflux surgery?

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux is part of a generalized foregut motility disorder, which may also include delayed gastric emptying. With persistence of gastroesophageal reflux, or the presence of complications, including recurrent aspiration syndrome and esophageal stricture formation, surgical correction may be indicated. It is uncertain whether a procedure to resolve delayed gastric emptying is indicated at this time as well.

METHODS

Sixty-seven children with proven gastroesophageal reflux had preoperative gastric emptying assessed using 99Technetium-Sn-colloid labelled milk. Delayed gastric emptying was defined as a gastric residual activity of more than 40% at 2 hours after feeding. The antireflux operation was a partial anterior fundoplication. Postoperative milk scans assessed the effect of surgery on gastric emptying.

RESULTS

Gastric emptying at 2 hours improved overall from a median of 22% before surgery to 17% after surgery. In 17 patients delayed gastric emptying was identified before surgery; in 15 of those it returned to within normal limits after surgery. In 50 children with normal gastric emptying before surgery (gastric residual activity at 2 hours 16%), 14 (28%) showed delayed gastric emptying in the postoperative scan.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed gastric emptying is common in children who undergo surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease. A partial anterior fundoplication antireflux operation improves gastric emptying to within normal limits in the majority (88%) in this group, rendering a synchronous gastric drainage procedure unnecessary.

Disorders of the oesophagus and stomach in infants

Pathological processes and disease entities in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, specifically those of the oesophagus and the stomach in infancy, have received a disproportionately small amount of attention until recently when appreciation of their pathophysiology and concordant importance in terms of symptomatology has been highlighted. This is probably a phenomenon secondary to improved diagnostic yield from the recent technical advances in areas such as infant endoscopy and a shift in opinion regarding the pathophysiological origin of ubiquitous symptoms of infancy such as feeding disorders, colic and irritability. In addition, the apparently complex interactions of various aetiological factors such as pH-independent gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR), cow's milk protein intolerance (CMPI), Helicobacter pylori gastritis and upper GI motor disorders have in the past 1-2 years become underlined in terms of aetiopathogenesis and have radically changed thinking regarding diagnosis and therapy of infants with apparent upper-GI-associated symptoms. The contribution to comprehension of infant upper GI disorders of inflammatory paradigms and ontogeny of the upper GI tract is also a recent area worthy of mention. The recent advances in all of these areas and their contribution to the understanding, and subsequent diagnosis and therapy, of upper GI symptoms and their explanation by way of aetiopathogenesis will be explored in this chapter.

[Gastroesophageal reflux and esophageal motility disorders in infants with vagal hyperreflectivity presenting severe syncope]

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux and abnormalities of esophageal motility in a population of neonates referred for apparently life threatening event (ALTE) and presenting vagal hyperreflectivity.

POPULATION AND METHODS

The study included 17 infants, who were examined after an ALTE. They were admitted at a mean age of 11.7 weeks (range 1-40 weeks). Vagal hyperreflectivity was confirmed in each infant by oculocardiac reflex. Before treatment, 24-hour intraesophageal pH-monitoring and esophageal manometry were performed.

RESULTS

pH-monitoring and esophageal manometry were both normal in only two patients. pH-monitoring showed pathological reflux (% of time with pH < 4 more than 4.8%) in 10/17 (59%) patients. Manometric studies showed esophageal dysmotility in 12/17 (71%) of patients. Hypertensive lower sphincter was noted in 11/17 (65%) infants. Patients with normal manometry were older than patients presenting with esophageal dysmotility (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study shows a high frequency of gastroesophageal reflux and dysmotility in infants with vagal hyperreflectivity. Hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter as well as vagal hyperreflectivity may correspond to dysmaturity of autonomous nervous system and facilitate the occurrence of ALTE.

Care-giver evaluation of anti-gastroesophageal reflux procedures in neurologically impaired children: what is the real-life outcome?

Although the pediatric surgical literature is replete with reports of the success of operations for gastroesophageal reflux, postoperative complications are being reported with increasing frequency for the neurologically impaired subpopulation. Because a large portion of a care-giver's life is involved in attending to a neurologically impaired child, parental satisfaction with the outcome of these operations should be an important consideration when the use of such procedures is contemplated. The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of antireflux operations with respect to care-giver opinions regarding the procedure. The authors retrospectively reviewed 25 charts (of 13 girls and 12 boys; age range, 3 months to 18 years) and documented (through survey results) perceived child well-being, objective care requirements, and overall care-giver satisfaction with the procedure. Results indicate there was significant improvement in feeding indexes, care-giver perception of the child's comfort, and quality of life postoperatively. Moreover, there was significant improvement in the care-givers' attitudes regarding their child, including the level of frustration in caring for the child, and the parents' overall quality of life. Care-givers also believed that the operation's result was about or better than what they had expected. In conclusion, the study documents care-giver satisfaction with antireflux procedures. Postoperatively, child care is easier and the quality of time spent with the child is better. The impression of better quality of life postoperatively for a neurologically impaired child may be the greatest success in this sometimes frustrating endeavor.

Respiratory manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease in pediatric patients

Respiratory manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being recognized with increasing frequency. We present the evaluation and management of four infants and children with unusual respiratory symptoms attributed to GERD. The advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic studies of GERD are discussed, and an evaluation and treatment protocol is presented. Treatment must be tailored to the nature and severity of the patient's presenting symptoms and includes conservative, pharmacologic, and/or surgical management.

Macroscopic healing of esophagitis does not improve esophageal motility

The purpose of the present study was to prospectively determine if healing of esophagitis as assessed by endoscopy results in improved esophageal motility. Thirty-one patients with erosive esophagitis who were randomized to receive either omeprazole 20 mg once daily or placebo completed the double-blind study. All patients underwent endoscopy and esophageal motility before treatment and at four weeks after treatment. Twenty-two healthy volunteers underwent esophageal manometry and served as normal controls. Manometric tracings were coded, randomized, and analyzed blindly. Compared to normal controls, patients with esophagitis had significantly lower LESP, decreased amplitude of peristaltic contractions, and increased occurrence of abnormal contractions. Omeprazole was superior to placebo in healing of esophagitis. However, healing of esophagitis was not associated with any improvement in esophageal motility. The manometric data suggest that the motility disturbance seen in esophagitis is not secondary to the esophagitis but rather a primary phenomenon. The lack of improvement of esophageal motility with healing may explain the high recurrence of esophagitis in clinical trials following discontinuation of omeprazole.

Operation for gastro-oesophageal reflux associated with severe mental retardation

One hundred and seventy six children with severe mental retardation underwent a fundoplication for considerable gastro-oesophageal reflux. There were six 'early' (3%) deaths and five 'late' deaths. Major complications developed in 17 (10%) children whereas 86 (49%) had 'minor' complications. A revision operation was required in 27 patients. Overall 142 (81%) children achieved a good result. In spite of the high complication rate and the need for a secondary operation in 15% of the patients, the quality of life for these children and their parents and carers is greatly improved by antireflux surgery.

Upper gastrointestinal tract motility in children with progressive muscular dystrophy

Gastric emptying was evaluated in 15 children (mean age, 8.0 years) with progressive muscular dystrophy to detect early gastrointestinal smooth muscle involvement; 10 of the children also underwent esophageal manometry. Clinical evidence of skeletal muscle dysfunction was minimal in 14 of the 15 patients; 10 of them had no gastrointestinal symptoms. Gastric emptying studies were performed by using 500 muCi of technetium 99m-sulfur colloid bound to a scrambled egg, and scintigraphic measurements were made continuously for 60 to 90 minutes. Gastric emptying studies and manometric tracings were compared with those from 11 children (mean age, 8.4 years) without gastrointestinal or muscular disorders. Mean (+/- SD) percentage retention of gastric isotope was significantly greater in patients with muscular dystrophy than in control subjects. No differences were found between the two groups in distal esophageal motility or in upper and lower esophageal sphincter pressures or relaxation. Contraction amplitudes in the upper portion of the esophagus, however, were significantly lower in patients with myopathy than in control subjects. These data suggest that dysfunction of smooth muscle of the upper gastrointestinal tract is detectable in children with muscular dystrophy early in the course of the disease, even when gastrointestinal symptoms are absent and skeletal muscle symptoms are minimal.

Gaviscon and Carobel compared with cisapride in gastro-oesophageal reflux

We compared the efficacy of the prokinetic agent cisapride with that of Gaviscon (an alginate/alkaline compound) plus Carobel (carob seed flour) in the treatment of gastrooesophageal reflux (GOR). Fifty infants with confirmed GOR received either oral cisapride (0.8 mg/kg/day) or Gaviscon plus Carobel for one month in a randomised, parallel group study. Parental evaluations, diary scores, and 24 hour lower oesophageal pH recordings before and at the end of each treatment were compared. In the cisapride group 14/26 (53%) were considered better by their parents compared with 19/24 (79%) of those who received Gaviscon plus Carobel. Diary scores, range (0.00-1.00), improved in both groups with the median change being greater in the Gaviscon plus Carobel group (-0.21) than the cisapride group (-0.15). Five of 17 pH variables had significantly improved from baseline in infants who had received cisapride compared with 11/17 in those receiving Gaviscon plus Carobel. However, unpaired analysis of diary and pH data showed no significant differences between the two groups. We conclude that first line treatment of GOR with cisapride is no more effective than conventional treatment with Gaviscon plus Carobel.

Gastroesophageal reflux in children with recurrent abdominal pain

In this study we investigated the presence of gastroesophageal reflux in children with recurrent abdominal pain and its possible relationship to food intolerance-associated duodenal inflammation. Twenty-four-hour intra-esophageal pH monitoring, an endoscopic duodenal biopsy and a small bowel 51Cr-EDTA permeability test were performed in 25 children with recurrent abdominal pain. In 14 cases (56%) the pH monitoring was abnormal, pointing to the presence of pathological gastroesophageal reflux. Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in the latter patients resulted in resolution or improvement of abdominal pain in 10 cases (71%). Gastroesophageal reflux did not appear to be associated with either intestinal permeability to 51Cr-EDTA or duodenal biopsy findings. We conclude that pathological gastroesophageal reflex is a frequent finding in children with recurrent abdominal pain, that it is unrelated to duodenal inflammation and that there might be a causal relationship between pathological gastroesophageal reflux and recurrent abdominal pain in children.

Impact of sleep and movement on gastro-oesophageal reflux in healthy, newborn infants

Seventy four normal, healthy newborn babies were studied to examine the relationship between gastro-oesophageal reflux, sleep state, and movement. Multichannel pen recordings were made to determine sleep state, movement, breathing, and reflux. The mean number of reflux episodes per hour was highest in wakefulness, followed by active and indeterminate sleep. In quiet sleep reflux rarely occurred. The mean duration of reflux episodes per hour was longest in active sleep followed by wakefulness, indeterminate and quiet sleep. There was a strong positive correlation between duration of reflux and movement time for wakefulness, active and indeterminate sleep. Movement preceded 88% of all reflux episodes. Physiological reflux occurs in most newborn infants but is clinically inapparent. The results suggest that state and movement are related to the incidence and duration of reflux. Sleep state is therefore an important variable in determining normal values for reflux in infancy since developmentally the amount of sleep time lessens but quiet sleep proportionally increases.

Disorders of oesophageal motility in children with psychomotor retardation and gastro-oesophageal reflux

A group of 25 children affected by different degrees of psychomotor retardation (severe (n = 13); mild-moderate (n = 12)) and symptoms suggesting gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) underwent oesophageal manometry and oesophageal pH monitoring. Of these patients, 21 (84%) were affected by GOR. In all children with severe brain damage and GOR (12/13), oesophageal manometry showed marked motility abnormalities that persisted after cure of GOR. In patients with minor retardation and GOR (9/12), oesophageal manometry showed normal motility or a less severe degree of oesophageal motor dysfunction which improved after curing the GOR. These results suggest that oesophageal motor dysfunction is a frequent occurrence in children affected by severe psychomotor retardation and GOR.

Evaluation of Nissen fundoplication in neurologically impaired children

The value of performing Nissen fundoplication in neurologically impaired children is a controversial issue. To evaluate the benefit of fundoplication in these children, hospital records were reviewed for 77 children who underwent fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Fifty-two children were neurologically impaired; 25 children had no neurological impairment. Impaired children had significantly fewer hospital admissions (1.8 v 0.7; P less than .005) and total days of hospitalization (36 v 14; P less than .005) during the first postoperative 6 months, compared with the immediate preoperative 6-month period. Normal children had fewer hospital admissions and days postoperatively, but the difference was not significant. Impaired children with preoperative failure to thrive (FTT had significantly increased average monthly weight gain over the first 6-month period postoperatively, compared with preoperative growth rate (3.0% v 0.9% of total body weight; P less than .05). Average monthly weight gain at 1 and 2 years postoperatively was not significantly different from preoperative values for impaired children. Growth rate of normal children with FTT did not change significantly postoperatively. Symptomatic relief was comparable in the normal and impaired children. Perioperative mortality was 0% in the normal children and 6% in the impaired children. This study demonstrates that Nissen fundoplication in neurologically impaired children with GER can be performed safely, reduces the frequency of hospitalization, and improves short-term weight gain.

Sucralfate versus cimetidine in reflux oesophagitis. The effect on oesophageal pH and motility

Sixty patients with endoscopically verified oesophagitis entered a double-blind study comparing the effect of 1 g of sucralfate granulate given four times a day and cimetidine, 400 mg twice a day. Fifty-two patients, 26 treated with cimetidine and 26 with sucralfate, were examined with short-term pH monitoring before and after 12 weeks of treatment. In about half of the patients, 19 treated with cimetidine and 11 treated with sucralfate, the oesophageal motility was studied with a radionuclide test before and after treatment. The sucralfate treatment did not affect either mean pH or the emptying rate but reduced the number of spikes. The cimetidine treatment increased mean pH and reduced the number of spikes but did not affect emptying rates. Both groups had significantly prolonged mean transit time (MTT) compared with healthy volunteers. MTT did not change after either treatment. The residual activity in the sitting position was significantly increased after cimetidine. It is concluded that the pharmacodynamic effect on oesophageal motility is different for the two drugs in question. Primary dysmotility might be involved in the pathogenesis of oesophagitis.

Value of the 24 hour intraoesophageal pH monitoring in children

Twenty four hour oesophageal intraluminal pH probe studies were performed in 114 children (range age: one month-12 years) referred for symptoms or signs compatible with gastroesophageal reflux. Forty five patients had reflux disease alone, 69 had evidence of oesophagitis which was assessed endoscopically and histologically. Recordings were also performed in 63 control patients. The occurrence of reflux was analysed for the total study period and particularly while awake, asleep, fasting, and during postcibal periods. Oesophageal acid exposure time and the number of reflux episodes lasting greater than five minutes during the total study period provided the best discrimination between patients and controls; however, 20% and 30% of all reflux patients had both normal (with 2 SD of control) acid exposure time and number of long lasting reflux episodes, respectively. Patients with oesophagitis had significantly more acid reflux than those with simple uncomplicated disease during postcibal, fasting, awake periods, but not during sleep; however, increasing severity of oesophagitis was not associated with increasing acid exposure. The ability of the intraluminal oesophageal pH test to discriminate patients with various degrees of reflux disease decreased if only postprandial pH variables were taken into account. We conclude that: (1) the 24 hour intraoesophageal pH monitoring may present false negative results that limit overall sensitivity of the test; (2) the presence of oesophagitis does not seem to be associated with increased oesophageal acid exposure during sleep; (3) limiting the pH recording to postprandial periods reduces the discriminatory power of the test.

Effect of dystonic movements on oesophageal peristalsis in Sandifer's syndrome

A 5 year old girl with gross gastrooesophageal reflux had pronounced dystonic neck movements that resolved after fundoplication and resolution of the oesophagitis (Sandifer's syndrome). Oesophageal manometry before operation showed that peristalsis improved when she tilted her head to one side. Dystonic posturing may promote acid clearance from the distal oesophagus.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux in preterm infants

Gastro-oesophageal reflux in very low birthweight infants was studied using a new 1 mm monocrystalline antimony oesophageal pH electrode. Gastro-oesophageal reflux was detected in 30 (85%) subjects. The mean (SEM) number of episodes of reflux in 24 hours was 12.1 (2.1), and 3.2 (0.6) lasted over five minutes. The mean reflux index was 4.5 (1.0)%, and the longest episode 17.1 (4.6) 17.1. Reflux was unrelated to postconceptional age or to resting lower oesophageal sphincter pressure. The mean reflux index was low at rest before feeds, being 1.8 (0.6)%, and increased slightly after feeds (3.8 (1.0)%), but was significantly increased after nursing care to 16.4 (3.0)%, and while xanthines were being given (5.9 (1.6)%. A subgroup of seven infants with xanthine resistant apnoea had severe gastro-oesophageal reflux that was not clinically apparent (reflux index 27.4 (3.6)%). Successful treatment of the reflux (reflux index: 3.6 (1.2)%) was associated with cessation of the apnoea. We conclude that gastro-oesophageal reflux is common, and is usually not clinically apparent, even when severe. It is important to consider gastro-oesophageal reflux in the differential diagnosis of xanthine resistant apnoea in preterm infants.

Oesophageal motor activity and sleep state in the newborn human infant

Oesophageal pressure and ventilation were recorded during sleep in healthy full-term neonates with sleep state defined by one of two methods; in 35 infants by combined behavioural and electroencephalographic criteria, and in a further 13 infants by behavioural criteria alone. Spontaneous oesophageal contractions occurred in all infants during active sleep but rarely during quiet sleep. The transition from active to quiet sleep was accompanied by a gradual reduction in the frequency of these contractions. Oesophageal contractions associated with sighs and contractions shortly following interruption of breathing suggestive of swallowing were also significantly more common in active sleep. In 13 infants who showed periodic breathing the same differences in prevalence of spontaneous oesophageal contractions in each sleep state were observed.

Motor disorders of the oesophagus in gastro-oesophageal reflux

Mechanisms of gastro-oesophageal reflux were studied by oesophageal manometry and pH monitoring in 33 children: nine controls, 15 with gastro-oesophageal reflux alone, and nine with reflux oesophagitis. A total of 122 episodes of reflux were analysed in detail: 82 (67%) were synchronous with swallowing and 40 (33%) asynchronous. Infants with trivial symptoms had gastro-oesophageal reflux synchronous with swallowing, whereas those with serious symptoms had slower acid clearance and asynchronous reflux. There were significant differences in lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and amplitude of oesophageal contractions between controls and patients with both gastro-oesophageal reflux and reflux oesophagitis. In reflux oesophagitis there was a decrease in lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and the contractions had a bizarre waveform suggesting a neuropathic process.