Correlation of esophageal pH and motor abnormalities with endoscopic severity of reflux esophagitis

Esophageal manometry findings in patients with refractory symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder. High-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) and 24-h pH study help to properly evaluate GERD patients. The aim of the present study was to classify patients with refractory GERD symptoms into various groups based on endoscopic and physiological testing. The present study is a retrospective analysis of patients referred for HREM and 24-h pH recording between 2019 and 2021. We included all adult patients (age > 18 years) who were referred for evaluation of refractory GERD symptoms. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings, HREM, and 24-h pH findings were noted. Patients were divided into erosive reflux disease (ERD), non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), reflux hypersensitivity (RH), and functional heartburn (FH) based on test results. Demographic details and HREM parameters were compared in the four groups. Statistics used are one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-squared tests. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 144 patients were included-NERD (56, 38.9%), ERD (42, 29.2%), RH (28, 19.5%), and FH (18, 12.5%). Age (p 0.74), and sex distribution (p 0.47), and symptom profile (p 0.12) were similar. The presence of type 2/3 esophagogastric junction (EGJ) morphology was commoner in ERD and NERD (p <0.001). Moreover, the esophagogastric junction contractile integral (EGJ-CI) and basal inspiratory pressures were significantly lower in these two groups (p<0.05). EGJ-CI was low in 32 cases of ERD (76.2%), 41 cases with NERD (73.2%), 7 cases with RH (25%), and 3 cases with FH (16.7%), respectively (p-value < 0.00001). FH and RH account for 32% of cases with refractory GERD symptoms. Impaired EGJ function was  more common in ERD and NERD patients compared to FH and RH patients.

Basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure in gastroesophageal reflux disease: An ignored metric in high-resolution esophageal manometry

Manometry and 24-h pH interpretation have seldom been studied. Our aim was to study these parameters as gold standard in reflux disease and to identify predictors of pathological acid reflux. Retrospective case record review of all patients with reflux disease evaluated using endoscopy, manometry, and 24-h pH testing from 2010 to 2016. Patients were categorized using Johnson-DeMeester score into two groups-group I (score > 14.7, normal study) and group II (< 14.7, normal study). These groups were compared for the above-mentioned parameters. Appropriate statistical tests were applied. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. The study group includes 94 patients (median age 44 years, 63.8% males). Sixty (63.8%) and 34 patients belonged to groups I and II, respectively, 76.6% patients had normal endoscopy while the remaining had mild esophagitis. Peristalsis was normal in 66%, followed by ineffective esophageal motility (19.1%) and fragmented peristalsis (14.9%). Demography, symptoms, endoscopy findings, and peristalsis characteristics were similar between the two groups. Group II patients had significantly lower basal lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure (11.9 vs. 16.6; p < 0.02), lower integrated relaxation pressure (5.7 vs. 7.4; p < 0.01), and larger separation between LES and crural diaphragm (1.7 vs. 1.4 cm; p < 0.003). Basal LES pressure < 10 mmHg had the highest likelihood ratio (2.2) to predict an abnormal pH study. Basal LES pressure, integrated relaxation pressure, and hiatus size correlated with pathological acid reflux. Hypotensive basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure was the best predictor of an abnormal pH study but with negative linear correlation.

Esophageal motility disorders-Symptomatic and manometric spectrum in Punjab, northern India

BACKGROUND

Data on the spectrum of esophageal motility disorders in Indian population are scarce. We aimed to study the symptomatic and manometric profile of patients with suspected esophageal motility disorders.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with esophageal symptoms who underwent esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM) from January 2010 to December 2014 were included in this retrospective analysis of prospectively acquired data. HRM was performed with 22-channel water-perfusion system and patients classified using Chicago classification v3.0.

RESULTS

Of the 401 patients studied [median age 43 (18-85) years; 61% males], 217 presented with dysphagia, 157 with predominant retrosternal discomfort and 27 with predominant regurgitation. Among patients with dysphagia, 43.8% had ineffective esophageal motility [IEM], 26.3% had achalasia cardia [AC], 6.9% had distal esophageal spasm [DES] and 19.4% had normal manometry [NM]. Among patients with retrosternal discomfort, 42.7% had IEM, 5.7% had AC, 4.5% had DES and 42% had NM. AC was significantly more common among patients presenting with dysphagia compared to those with retrosternal discomfort [p< 0.001] or regurgitation [p< 0.001]. NM was significantly more common among patients presenting with retrosternal symptoms compared to those with dysphagia [p< 0.001]. AC patients had longer duration of dysphagia, more frequent bolus obstruction and more weight loss compared to those with IEM or NM [p< 0.05].

CONCLUSION

Dysphagia was the commonest presenting symptom followed by retrosternal discomfort. Ineffective esophageal motility (not achalasia cardia) was the commonest manometric finding both among patients with dysphagia and retrosternal discomfort. This study highlights the high prevalence of IEM among patients with esophageal symptoms, which can present with dysphagia or retrosternal discomfort due to poor bolus transit.

The role of the 5-hydroxytryptamine pathway in reflux-induced esophageal mucosal injury in rats

BACKGROUND

Dysfunction of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) signaling pathway can lead to gastrointestinal motility and secretion abnormalities and to visceral hypersensitivity. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of 5-HT in reflux-induced esophageal mucosal injury.

METHODS

Fifty 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a gastroesophageal reflux (GER) model group (30 rats) and a sham surgery control group (20 rats). Four weeks after surgery, the esophageal mucosa was collected for histological evaluation, 5-HT concentrations, and 5-HT selective reuptake transporter (SERT) mRNA and 5-HT4 receptor (5-HT4R) protein expressions.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven rats in the GER model group survived, and three rats died. Histologically, in the GER model group, 20 rats had reflux esophagitis (RE group), and 7 rats had non-erosive reflux disease (NERD group). The 5-HT levels in the esophageal tissue from the RE group were significantly higher than those from the control and NERD groups. Both the RE and NERD groups showed significant increases in SERT mRNA expression of the esophageal mucosa than that of the controls, and the SERT mRNA level in the RE group was significantly higher than that in the NERD group. The 5-HT4R protein level of the esophageal mucosa in the RE group was significantly lower than that in the controls and the NERD group.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that a 5-HT signaling pathway disorder could be a major factor in the pathogenesis of GER and RE.

Managing gastroesophageal reflux disease in children: The role of endoscopy

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a growing problem in the pediatric population and recent advances in diagnostics and therapeutics have improved their management, particularly the use of esophago-gastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Most of the current knowledge is derived from studies in adults; however there are distinct features between infant onset and adult onset GERD. Children are not just little adults and attention must be given to the stages of growth and development and how these stages impact the disease management. Although there is a lack of a gold standard test to diagnose GERD in children, EGD with biopsy is essential to assess the type and severity of tissue damage. To date, the role of endoscopy in adults and children has been to assess the extent of esophagitis and detect metaplastic changes complicating GERD; however the current knowledge points another role for the EGD with biopsy that is to rule out other potential causes of esophagitis in patients with GERD symptoms such as eosinophilic esophagitis. This review highlights special considerations about the role of EGD in the management of children with GERD.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and vocal disturbances

CONTEXT

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic disease in which gastroduodenal contents reflux into the esophagus. The clinical picture of gastroesophageal reflux disease is usually composed by heartburn and regurgitation (typical manifestations). Atypical manifestations (vocal disturbances and asthma) may also be complaint.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the clinical, endoscopic, manometric and pHmetric aspects of patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease associated with vocal disturbances.

METHODS

Fifty patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease were studied, including 25 with vocal disturbances (group 1 - G1) and 25 without these symptoms (group 2 - G2). All patients were submitted to endoscopy, manometry and esophageal pHmetry (2 probes). The group 1 patients were submitted to videolaryngoscopy.

RESULTS

Endoscopic findings: non-erosive reflux disease was observed in 95% of G1 patients and 88% of G2. Videolaryngoscopy: vocal fold congestion, asymmetry, nodules and polyps were observed in G1 patients. Manometric findings: pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter (mm Hg): 11.6 ± 5.2 in G1 and 14.0 ± 6.2 in G2 (P = 0.14); pressure in the upper esophageal sphincter (mm Hg): 58.4 ± 15.9 in G1 and 69.5 ± 30.7 in the controls. pHmetric findings: De Meester index: 34.0 ± 20.9 in G1 and 15.4 ± 9.4 in G2 (P<0.001); number of reflux episodes in distal probe: 43.0 ± 20.4 in G1 and 26.4 ± 17.2 in G2 (P = 0.003); percentage of time with esophageal pH value lower than 4 units (distal sensor): 9.0% ± 6.4% in G1 and 3.4% ± 2.1% in G2 (P<0.001); number of reflux episodes in proximal probe: 7.5 ± 10.9 in G1 and 5.3 ± 5.7 in G2 (P = 0.38); percentage of time with esophageal pH values lower than 4 units (Proximal probe): 1.2 ± 2.7 in G1 and 0.5 ± 0.7 in G2 (P = 0.21).

CONCLUSIONS

1) The clinical, endoscopic, and manometric findings observed in patients with vocal disturbance do not differ from those without these symptoms; 2) gastroesophageal reflux intensity is higher in patients with vocal disturbance; 3) patients without vocal disturbance can also present reflux episodes in the proximal probe.

Role of the lower esophageal sphincter on acid exposure revisited with high-resolution manometry

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) length and pressure on acid exposure with high-resolution manometry (HRM).

STUDY DESIGN

After Institutional Review Board approval, a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database identified patients who had undergone HRM and 24-hour pH studies. Abdominal LES length (AL) ≤1 cm and overall LES length ≤2 cm were considered inadequate. A new parameter called lower esophageal sphincter pressure integral (LESPI) was analyzed in this study. Distal esophageal acid exposure was analyzed in relation to LES parameters.

RESULTS

One hundred eight patients (inadequate AL, n = 54; inadequate overall LES length, n = 54) satisfied study criteria. Patients with inadequate AL had considerably lower LESPI and LES pressure. They also had more severe acid exposure and higher DeMeester score. However, inadequate overall LES length was not associated with abnormal acid exposure. Patients with a positive pH study had considerably lower LESPI than patients with a negative pH study. Inadequate AL and low LESPI (<400 mmHg/s/cm) had a synergistic effect on acid reflux. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified inadequate AL, low LESPI, and male sex as predictors of a positive pH study.

CONCLUSIONS

Using HRM, inadequate AL (≤1cm) and low LESPI (<400 mmHg/s/cm) are associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease and appear to have a synergistic effect on the severity of distal esophageal acid exposure. LESPI, which is a function of both sphincter length and pressure, appears to be the most sensitive HRM parameter for distal esophageal acid exposure.

Epidemiology and symptom profile of gastroesophageal reflux in the Indian population: report of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology Task Force

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its complications are thought to be infrequent in India; there are no data from India on the prevalence of and risk factors for GERD. The Indian Society of Gastroenterology formed a task force aiming to study: (a) the frequency and profile of GERD in India, (b) factors including diet associated with GERD.

METHODS

In this prospective, multi-center (12 centers) study, data were obtained using a questionnaire from 3224 subjects regarding the frequency, severity and duration of heartburn, regurgitation and other symptoms of GERD. Data were also obtained regarding their dietary habits, addictions, and lifestyle, and whether any of these were related or had been altered because of symptoms. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate methods.

RESULTS

Two hundred and forty-five (7.6%) of 3224 subjects had heartburn and/or regurgitation at least once a week. On univariate analysis, older age (OR 1.012; 95% CI 1.003-1.021), consumption of non-vegetarian and fried foods, aerated drinks, tea/coffee were associated with GERD. Frequency of smoking was similar among subjects with or without GERD. Body mass index (BMI) was similar in subjects with and without GERD. On multivariate analysis, consumption of non-vegetarian food was independently associated with GERD symptoms. Overlap with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome was not uncommon; 21% reported difficulty in passage of stool and 9% had mucus in stools. About 25% of patients had consulted a doctor previously for their gastrointestinal symptoms.

CONCLUSION

7.6% of Indian subjects have significant GERD symptoms. Consumption of non-vegetarian foods was an independent predictor of GERD. BMI was comparable among subjects with or without GERD.

Evaluation of esophageal motility and reflux in children treated for esophageal atresia with the use of combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and dysmotility are frequent in patients treated for esophageal atresia (EA). This aim of this study is to evaluate GER and dysmotility in young EA patients using pH-multichannel intraluminal impedance (pH-MII).

METHODS

Fifteen patients with a mean age of 7.5 years (group 1) have been studied and compared with 15 children without congenital malformation, submitted to pH-MII for suspected GER (group 2). These latter patients serve as a control group of healthy subjects. The following impedance reflux and motility parameters have been studied on 10 standardized swallows: number of reflux episodes, mean acid clearing time, median bolus clearing time, bolus presence time, total bolus transit time, segmental transit time, and total propagation velocity.

RESULTS

In the group of EA patients, mean acid clearing time and median bolus clearing time were pathological. In the control group, all reflux parameters were normal. Patients with EA had significantly longer median bolus presence time at each measuring site, median total bolus transit time, and median segmental transit time and slower total propagation velocity (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

pH-multichannel intraluminal impedance evaluates both GER and motility patterns. Our report studies impedance parameters of esophageal motility in healthy children and in EA patients using only pH-MII.

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.

Manometric and symptomatic spectrum of motor dysphagia in a tertiary referral center in northern India

BACKGROUND

We studied the spectrum of motor dysphagia in a northern Indian tertiary referral center.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, consecutive patients with motor dysphagia referred to the Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology and Motility Laboratory from 2002 to 2007 were evaluated clinically and with eight-channel water-perfusion manometry. Causes of dysphagia were diagnosed using standard criteria.

RESULTS

Of 250 patients (age 41.3 [15.0] years, 146 men), 193 (77%) had achalasia cardia (AC) and 57 (23%) had other causes (11, 4.4%: diffuse esophageal spasm [DES]; 9, 3.6%: hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter [Hy LES]); manometry was normal in 37 patients. Twenty-seven patients (14%) had vigorous AC. Duration of dysphagia at presentation was longer in those with AC and Hy LES than in normal manometry (NM) (21 months [1-180] vs. 6 [1-360], p = 0.000; 24 months [7-48] vs. 6 [1-360], p = 0.015). Regurgitation and bolus obstruction were more frequent in those with AC than in NM (89/154, 57.79% vs. 3/27, 11.11%, p = 0.000001). Heartburn was less frequent in patients with AC than in others (AC: 4/146, 2.73% vs. normal: 4/27, 14.8% [p = 0.02] and others: 3/15, 20% [p = 0.018]). Chest pain was reported by 74/135 (54.8%) classic and 12/19 (63.2%) vigorous AC (p = NS). Patients with NM had lower LES pressure than those with classic AC, Hy LES and vigorous AC (p < 0.0001 in each case). Patients with DES had lower LES pressure than in classic AC, Hy LES and vigorous AC (p = 0.043, p < 0.0001, and p = 0.002, respectively). Patients with classic AC had lower LES pressure than in Hy LES and vigorous AC (p = 0.024, p = 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Classic AC was the commonest cause of motor dysphagia in our center. AC was associated with higher LES pressure, longer duration of dysphagia, frequent regurgitation and bolus obstruction.

Manometric findings in patients with isolated distal gastroesophageal reflux

AIM: To analyze manometric abnormalities in patients with isolated distal reflux and compare these findings in patients with erosive and non-erosive disease.

METHODS: Five hundred and fifty patients who presented to the outpatient clinic of Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital with gastroesophageal reflux disease-like symptoms were enrolled. Each individual was evaluated with esophageal manometry, 24-h ambulatory pH monitoring, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Manometric findings for the patients with isolated distal reflux were compared to findings in controls who were free of reflux disorders or hypersensitive esophagus. Findings for isolated distal reflux patients with and without erosive reflux disease were also compared.

RESULTS: Of the 550 subjects enrolled, 97 (17.6%, mean age 48 years) had isolated distal reflux and 100 had no abnormalities on ambulatory pH monitoring (control group, mean age 45 years). There were no significant differences between the isolated distal reflux group and control group with respect to age, body mass index, and esophageal body contraction amplitude (EBCA). Mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure was significantly higher in the control group (12.7 ± 10.3 mmHg vs 9.6 ± 7.4 mmHg, P = 0.01). Fifty-five (56.7%) of the 97 patients with isolated distal reflux had erosive reflux disease. There were no statistical differences between the erosive reflux disease and non-erosive reflux disease subgroups with respect to mean EBCA, lower esophageal sphincter pressure, or DeMeester score. However, 13% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease had distal wave amplitudes ≤ 30 mmHg, whereas none of the patients with non-erosive reflux disease had distal wave amplitudes in this low category.

CONCLUSION: Patients with erosive and non-erosive disease present with similar manometric abnormalities. The only striking difference is the observation of very low EBCA exclusively in patients with erosive disease.

[Study in oral cavity alterations in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease]

BACKGROUND

The gastroesophageal reflux disease, which has become highly and increasingly incident, may be manifested by typical (pyrosis and regurgitation) and atypical (pulmonary, otorhinolaryngological and buccal) symptoms.

AIM

To analyze alterations in the oral cavity patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

METHODS

One hundred patients were studied being 50 gastroesophageal reflux disease patients (group 1) and 50 controls (group 2). All patients were submitted to an oral clinical exam and specific survey. Patients in group 1 were submitted to upper endoscopy, manometry and esophageal pH monitoring.

RESULTS

The upper endoscopy revealed esophagitis in all patients, 20 erosive esophagitis, 30 no-erosive esophagitis and 38 hiatal hernia. Average pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter was 11 +/- 4,8 mm Hg and of the upper esophageal sphincter 75 +/- 26,5 mm Hg. In 42 patients of group 1 (84%) pathological gastroesophageal reflux was observed. Clinical exams revealed: dental erosions in group 1: 273 faces and in group 2: 5 tooth decays in group 1: 23 and 115 in group 2; abrasion in group 1: 58 and in group 2: 95; attrition wear: 408 in group 1 and 224 in group 2. The most damages was the palatine face. In group 1, 21 patients complained about frequent episodes of canker sores, 35 of tooth sensibility, 26 of burning mouth and 42 of sour taste in the mouth. In group 2 the complaints were observed in lower number of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease present higher incidence of dental erosion, canker sores, mouth burning sensation, sensitivity and sour taste than controls. Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease show lower incidence of tooth decays as compared to controls.

Prevalence of bile reflux in gastroesophageal reflux disease patients not responsive to proton pump inhibitors

AIM: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of bile reflux in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients with persistent symptoms who are non-responsive to medical therapy.

METHODS: Sixty-five patients (40 male, 25 female; mean age, 50 ± 7.8 years) who continued to report symptoms after 8 wk of high-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, as well as 18 patients with Barrett’s esophagus, were studied. All patients filled out symptom questionnaires and underwent endoscopy, manometry and combined pH-metry and bilimetry.

RESULTS: There were 4 groups of patients: 22 (26.5%) without esophagitis, 24 (28.9%) grade A-B esophagitis, 19 (22.8%) grade C-D and 18 (21.6%) Barrett’s esophagus. Heartburn was present in 71 patients (85.5%) and regurgitation in 55 (66.2%), with 44 (53%) reporting simultaneous heartburn and regurgitation. The prevalence of pathologic acid reflux in the groups without esophagitis and with grades A-B and C-D esophagitis was 45.4%, 66.6% and 73.6%, respectively. The prevalence of pathologic bilirubin exposure in these 3 groups was 53.3%, 75% and 78.9%, respectively. The overall prevalence of bile reflux in non-responsive patients was 68.7%. Pathologic acid and bile reflux was observed in 22.7% and 58.1% of non-esophagitic patients and esophagitic patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The high percentage of patients poorly responsive to PPI therapy may result from poor control of duodenogastroesophageal reflux. Many patients without esophagitis have simultaneous acid and bile reflux, which increases with increasing esophagitis grade.

[Feeding disorders in children with gastro-esophageal reflux disease]

BACKGROUND

feeding/eating disorders are frequent in pediatric patients and, in some cases, can be associated to an upper digestive motility disorder. Gastro-esophageal reflux is, nowadays, considered a risk factor for the development of feeding/eating disorders.

AIM

to verify the occurrence of feeding/eating disorders in patients with Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) determined by the 24-H esophageal pH monitoring evaluation.

METHOD

an analytical observational cross-sectional study of the stomathognatic system and feeding/eating behavior in healthy children and in children with GERD.

RESULTS

25 children (ages 45,68 +/- 34,22 months; mean +/- SD) with the diagnosis of GERD determined by the 24-H esophageal pH monitoring evaluation and 40 children (ages 60,65 + 36,07 months; mean + SD) randomized from their school group. The criteria for the pH monitoring were: vomiting, regurgitation, wheezing and recurrent pneumonia. There was no significant difference in age mean between groups. Children with GERD presented an significantly higher frequency (p<0.05) of feeding/eating problems (F/EP) and of oral motor-sensory disturbances (sucking, chewing and swallowing). Behavioral F/EP was present in 44% of the cases and oral motor-sensory F/EP in 80%. About 64% of the children had a history of feeding/eating complaints, 36% presented an extended feeding/eating time, 68% presented problems in the development of the oral feeding patterns and 60% presented alterations in the nasal breathing pattern.

CONCLUSION

children with GERD presented a higher prevalence of behavioral and stomathognatic feeding/eating problems when compared to healthy children.

Esophageal smooth muscle reactivity is impaired in chronic reflux esophagitis by both receptor- and nonreceptor-mediated mechanisms

AIM

Esophagitis is associated with an impaired esophageal peristalsis. A few studies have been aimed at understanding the pathophysiology of abnormal peristaltic activity. The mechanism of impaired esophageal smooth muscle reactivity in the chronic gastroesophageal reflux (GER) model is investigated in vitro for the first time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chronic GER rat model was created by partial gastric outlet obstruction. The histopathological findings related to esophagitis were evaluated. Smooth muscle strips of the tunica muscularis mucosa of esophagus were studied in standard organ chambers. Carbachol- and KCl-induced contractile responses and serotonin- and papaverine- induced relaxant responses in both reflux and sham-operated control groups were determined.

RESULTS

Histopathologically, chronic reflux esophagitis was observed in all specimens of the reflux group. Contractile (carbachol- and KCl-induced) smooth muscle responses were significantly decreased in the reflux group. When compared to control group, relaxant response of smooth muscle to serotonin was also significantly decreased in the reflux group. However, there was no difference in papaverine-induced relaxant responses between 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study describes the effects of chronic GER on rat esophageal smooth muscle contractility in vitro. We found that both receptor- (carbachol, serotonin) and nonreceptor-mediated (KCl) esophageal smooth muscle reactivity were impaired in chronic reflux esophagitis. These changes may correspond to the functional motor abnormalities of the esophagus seen in patients with chronic reflux esophagitis.

Esophageal acid exposure in upright and recumbent postures: roles of lower esophageal sphincter, esophageal contractile and transport function, hiatal hernia, age, sex, and body mass

This study aimed to assess, using multiple regression analyses, the roles of lower esophageal sphincter, esophageal contractile and transport function, hiatal hernia, age, sex, and body mass for esophageal acid exposure in upright and recumbent postures and for esophagitis. In 116 patients with reflux symptoms, acid exposure was recorded by 24-hr pH monitoring, motility manometrically, bolus transport scintigraphically, hiatal hernia and esophagitis endoscopically. In upright posture, the percentage time at pH <4 increased significantly with higher body mass index and lower distal esophageal amplitude, the number of episodes >5 min at pH <4 with lower distal amplitude, slower transport, and higher body mass, and the longest episode at pH <4 with lower distal amplitude. In recumbency, the percentage time at pH <4 increased with lower percentage of effective esophageal contraction waves and male sex, and the number of episodes and the longest episode with lower percentage effective waves. The severity of esophagitis augmented with slower supine transport and male sex. In both postures, acid exposure and esophagitis seem to be determined primarily by impaired esophageal motility and the ensuing slow bolus transport rather than by compromised lower esophageal sphincter function and the presence and size of a hiatal hernia.

Effect of repeated cycles of acute esophagitis and healing on esophageal peristalsis, tone, and length

Severe esophagitis is associated with motor abnormalities in the esophageal body and lower esophageal sphincter. Reflux disease involves repeated episodes of mucosal inflammation and spontaneous or treatment-induced healing. The aims of this study were 1) to further assess changes induced by acute esophagitis on esophageal peristalsis, tone, and shortening and 2) to assess the effect of repeated sequences of acute esophagitis-healing on these motor parameters. Experiments were performed on adult cats. Esophageal manometry and barostat were performed before, 24 h after, and every 7 days after intraesophageal acid perfusion (0.1 N HCl, 80 min). Esophageal length was measured during manometry, and compliance of the esophageal body was assessed with barostat. The identical protocol was performed 8 and 16 wk after the first acid perfusion. The degree of esophageal mucosal damage was evaluated by endoscopy, histopathology, and myeloperoxidase activity. Acid perfusion induced severe esophagitis. At 24 h, distal peristaltic contractions disappeared, lower esophageal sphincter pressure was reduced by 60%, the esophagus length was 1-2 cm shorter, and esophageal compliance was reduced by 30%. Most parameters recovered in 4 wk. Subsequent repeated acute injuries induced similar endoscopic esophagitis but a different pattern of inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis in the mucosa and muscle layers, resulting in milder motor disturbances. Acute experimental esophagitis provokes severe but reversible hypomotility. Spaced repeated acute injuries provoke milder motor effects, suggesting an adaptive response.