Esophageal motility and gastric emptying in PSS patients, correlation with symptoms

Progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) commonly involves the esophagus. Dysphagia and heartburn are the most common esophageal symptoms. In this study we evaluated the relationship between esophageal symptoms and esophago-gastric motility. On esophageal manometry, loss of peristalsis, peristaltic contraction amplitude of distal esophagus less than 30 mmHg and decreased LES pressure were critical for esophageal symptoms. The degree of symptoms correlated to esophageal dysmotility. The gastric emptying in PSS patients was delayed, but there was no significant difference in gastric emptying between the patients with and without reflux esophagitis. Esophageal dysmotility is considered to be much responsible for the reflux esophagitis in PSS patients than gastric emptying.     

Trypsin Activity and Bile Acid Concentrations in the Esophagus After Distal Gastrectomy

The pathogenesis of reflux esophagitis is not well understood and remains controversial. Distal gastrectomy serves as a model to assess the role of duodenal reflux with low gastric acidity in the development of reflux esophagitis. We investigated the relationship between the severity of esophagitis and gastroduodenal juice reflux, with particular focus on trypsin and bile acids after distal gastrectomy reconstructed with Billroth I anastomosis. Twenty-eight patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease after distal gastrectomy were enrolled. Esophageal and duodenal contents were aspirated under endoscopical examination, and their trypsin activity and bile acid concentrations were measured. The grade of reflux esophagitis was assessed by endoscopy and the symptoms were scored. Moreover, the grade of infiltration of inflammatory cells and the expression of COX-2 mRNA in the esophageal epithelium were evaluated. Patients with severe esophagitis had a higher amount of trypsin activity and bile acid concentrations in the esophagus, but not in the duodenum, compared to patients with mild esophagitis (P < 0.05). There was a strong positive correlation between the trypsin activity and the bile acid concentrations in the esophagus (r = 0.743, P = 0.0001). Moreover, the COX-2 mRNA expression and the grade of infiltrating inflammatory cells in the esophageal mucosa significantly correlated with the trypsin activity and bile acid concentrations in the esophagus. Thus, duodenogastroesophageal reflux with low gastric acidity is one of the pathogeneses in the development of reflux esophagitis from the present clinical study with patients after distal gastrectomy reconstructed with Billroth I anastomosis.     

Postoperative evaluation of pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There have been many reports proposing some advantages of pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for gastric ulcer compared to the conventional distal gastrectomy. However, it is not clear whether similar results will be obtained from the patients with early gastric cancer. METHODOLOGY: Of 50 patients with early gastric cancer, 25 underwent pylorus-preserving gastrectomy under strict criteria and the other 25 underwent distal gastrectomy with Billroth I anastomosis by the same surgeon. The subjects were then interviewed and examined periodically to assess symptoms, food intake, body weight and serum nutritional parameters. Endoscopy and a radioisotope gastric emptying test was performed 1 year after the operation. RESULTS: Many of the patients with pylorus-preserving gastrectomy complained of gastric fullness after meals, resulting in poor food intake; a significant between-group difference was found up to 1 year after the operation. A low incidence of reflux gastritis and slow gastric emptying were confirmed in the patients after pylorus-preserving gastrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy has advantages over distal gastrectomy in terms of the avoidance of dumping syndrome and protection against duodeno-gastric reflux. However, more time was necessary for improved gastric fullness or food intake. Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy should be applied in younger patients with early gastric cancer expecting long survival.     

Preserved esophagogastric manometric motility in patients after distal gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A prospective study resolved whether commonly employed distal gastrectomies could influence the esophagogastric manometric measurements and the role of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in mediating motility after surgery. METHODOLOGY: Studied groups consisted of 20 patients following radical subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer, 20 patients after subtotal gastrectomy for duodenal ulcer and 20 controls. Fasting blood was obtained to measure serum vasoactive intestinal polypeptide levels. A pneumohydraulic infusion system measured esophagogastric motility parameters. RESULTS: Measured lower esophageal sphincter pressures in subjects of gastric cancer surgery, duodenal ulcer surgery and controls were 15.3 +/- 4.7, 13.1 +/- 5.3 and 12.6 +/- 5.0 mmHg, respectively (NS), while the sphincter lengths were 3.15 +/- 0.81, 3.22 +/- 0.79 and 2.86 +/- 0.85 cm, respectively (NS). In addition, other parameters including lower esophageal body remained unchanged. The serum vasoactive intestinal polypeptide levels of three groups were 24.1 +/- 10.8, 22.5 +/- 9.5 and 21.3 +/- 7.8 pg/ml, respectively (NS). CONCLUSIONS: Neither gastric cancer nor duodenal ulcer in distal stomach removal can alter the lower esophageal body and LES manometric motilities. Unchanged serum VIP levels after gastric surgery are likely one of the mechanisms preserving esophagogastric integrity.     

Healing of severe reflux esophagitis with PPI does not improve esophageal dysmotility

Esophageal dysmotility is frequently associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the severity of reflux esophagitis and esophageal dysmotility and evaluate the effect of prolonged treatment with proton pump inhibitor (lansoprazole 30 mg/day) on esophageal motility in patients with severe reflux esophagitis associated with esophageal motility disorder. Twelve healthy subjects (HS) and 100 patients with reflux disease were involved in the study consisting of two parts: (i) comparison of esophageal motility in HS and patients with non-eroseive reflux disease (NERD), mild esophagitis and severe esophagitis; (ii) effect of 3-6 months lansoprazole therapy on esophageal motility in 23 patients with severe esophagitis, pathologic acid reflux and esophageal peristaltic dysfunction. Results included the following. (i) Esophageal dysmotility was noted in both patients with NERD and erosive GERD. (ii) Severe esophagitis was associated with severe esophageal dysmotility. (iii) Healing of severe esophagitis did not improve esophageal dysmotility. The resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure was 3.9 mmHg (range 1.7-20) before treatment and 4.8 mmHg (range 1.2-18.3) after esophagitis healing (P = 0.23, vs. before treatment), the amplitude of distal esophageal contraction was 28.8 mmHg (range 10.9-80.6) before treatment and 33.3 mmHg (range 10.0-72.5) after esophagitis healing (P = 0.59, vs. before treatment) and the frequency of failed peristalsis was 70% (range 0-100%) before treatment and 70% (range 0-100%) after esophagitis healing (P = 0.78, vs. before treatment). Both esophageal motility disorders and acid reflux play important roles in the mechanism of GERD, especially in severe esophagitis. Esophageal dysmotility is not secondary to acid reflux and esophagitis; it should be a primary motility disorder.     

Impact of endoscopic suturing of the gastroesophageal junction on lower esophageal sphincter function and gastroesophageal reflux in patients with reflux disease

OBJECTIVES: Plication of the gastroesophageal junction by endoscopic suturing has been reported to improve symptoms and reduce acid exposure in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The mechanisms underlying these effects are not well defined. The aims of our study were to determine the impact of endoscopic suturing of the gastroesophageal junction on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function in patients with GERD. METHODS: In 15 patients (7 males) with GERD (heartburn, % time esophageal pH < 4 greater than 4%, +/- history of erosive esophagitis within 6 months), two plications were performed circumferentially 1 cm below the gastroesophageal junction. Endoscopy and combined postprandial esophageal manometry and pH monitoring were performed before and 6 months after treatment; 24-h ambulatory pH monitoring and symptom assessment were also performed before, and at 6 and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: Six months after treatment, the rate of transient LES relaxations (tLESRs) was decreased by 37% (p < 0.05) and basal LES pressure had increased from 4.3 +/- 2.2 mmHg to 6.2 +/- 2.1 mmHg (p < 0.05). The rate of postprandial reflux events and acid exposure time were not altered. Endoscopic suturing significantly reduced 24-h esophageal acid exposure from 9.6% (9.0-12.1) to 7.4% (3.9-10.1) at 6 months, due predominantly to a reduction in upright acid exposure. The reduction in total 24-h acid exposure was sustained to 12 months. At repeat endoscopy, only one plication was evident in 6 patients (40%) at 6 months. Seven patients (47%) remained off medications at 6 and 12 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with GERD, endoscopic suturing of the gastroesophageal junction results in a reduction in the rate of tLESRs, and an increase in basal LES pressure. These changes in LES function result in only a modest reduction in gastroesophageal reflux.     

胆碱能神经对反流性食管炎食管动力的影响

目的研究内源性胆碱能神经在反流性食管炎食管动力机制异常中的作用.方法经下食管括约肌切开制备反流性食管炎的猫模型,用连续水灌注测压系统检测正常猫及反流性食管炎的猫食管体部动力;用分光光度法分别测定正常猫及反流性食管炎的猫食管中段、远段肌组织中的乙酰胆碱转移酶和乙酰胆碱酯酶活力.结果反流性食管炎组食管远段平均收缩波幅度明显低于正常对照组(P＜0.0001),食管远段传导速度低于正常对照组(P＜0.05);反流性食管炎时食管中段及远段肌组织中乙酰胆碱转移酶活力均低于正常对照组的中段及远段(P＜0.05及P＜0.0001),以远段更明显(P＜0.0001).反流性食管炎组食管中段及远段肌组织中的乙酰胆碱酯酶活力与对照组比较差异均无显著性(P＞0.05).结论反流性食管炎可导致食管远段动力低下,内源性胆碱能神经功能异常是其重要机制之一.     

Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on gastroesophageal function

BACKGROUND: To elucidate the cause of possible occurrence of reflux esophagitis after Helicobacter pylori eradication, gastric and esophageal function among H. pylori infected Japanese patients were evaluated both before and after eradication therapy. METHODS: Nine H. pylori-positive patients were studied before and 6 months after successful H. pylori eradication. Studies included gastric emptying, esophageal manometry, gastric and esophageal pH monitoring as well as measuring serum levels of gastrin, pepsinogen I and pepsinogen II. RESULTS: Helicobacter pylori eradication was associated with a significant change in serum gastrin and pepsinogen levels, consistent with the improvement in mucosal inflammation. There was no significant change in gastric emptying, fasting or postprandial lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, esophageal primary peristaltic contractions, frequency of transient LES relaxation, or gastroesophageal reflux, as assessed by 24 h pH monitoring. The percent time of the gastric pH>4 at night decreased significantly. A 41-year-old male developed erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (Los Angeles Classification Grade A) after eradication. Physiological studies showed he had abnormal esophageal motility prior to H. pylori eradication. CONCLUSIONS: With the exception of gastric pH at night, most patients did not experience a significant change in gastric or esophageal function after H. pylori eradication. Development of GERD post H. pylori eradication likely reflects an increase in the acidity of the refluxate superimposed on pre-existing abnormalities in gastroesophageal motility.     

Reflux esophagitis in patients with partial gastrectomy and Billroth I or II reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Data on the occurrence of reflux esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus in patients with Billroth I or II resection is sparse. For this reason a cross-sectional study was done in order to assess reflux disease in Billroth resection. METHODS: Consecutive patients were included in the study. Coincidental pathology (hiatus hernia, ulcer, esophagitis, and cancer) was noted. RESULTS: Over a period of 12 years, 370 consecutive patients with a partial gastrectomy were seen (268 Billroth II, 102 Billroth I) and three groups of patients were identified. Group 1 included 64 patients (17%) with a hiatus hernia; group 2, 16 patients (4%) with reflux esophagitis; and group 3, 290 patients (78%) with only a Billroth resection. Reflux disease occurred significantly more often in men than in women (7.5% vs. 2%, p<0.05). There was no difference in type of resection or in the presence of reflux esophagitis. Four patients had an esophageal cancer (only one adenocarcinoma). CONCLUSION: Only a minority of patients with partial gastrectomy has signs of esophagitis in the long term.     

Clinical significance of hiatal hernia in the development of gastroesophageal reflux after distal gastrectomy for cancer of the stomach

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and sliding hernia is controversial, especially following distal partial gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and sliding hernia of the esophagus after distal gastrectomy using the gastroesophageal scintigraphy and endoscopy. METHODS: Forty-five distal gastrectomy patients diagnosed with cancer of the stomach were studied. Twenty-five patients presented with reflux symptoms, such as heartburn and/or regurgitation and 20 patients exhibited no reflux symptoms. All of the patients were examined by gastroesophageal scintigraphy and their reflux indices were determined. Thirty-eight of the patients underwent upper endoscopy and both sliding hernias and reflux symptoms were classified as mild or severe. RESULTS: Sliding hernias were diagnosed in all of the subjects and 65.8% of the patients exhibited reflux symptoms. Evidence of endoscopic esophagitis was noted in only 39.5% of the patients. The reflux indices for the mild and severe hernia groups were 5.03 +/- 2.2 and 10.3 +/- 6.4, respectively (P < 0.05). More severely symptomatic esophagitis was prevalent in the severe hernia group in comparison to the mild group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the onset of gastroesophageal reflux after distal gastrectomy is induced by the surgical procedures and that hiatal hernia may be an important factor in the etiology of reflux esophagitis.     

Esophageal cancer after distal gastrectomy

The effect of gastrectomy on the subsequent development of esophageal cancer was investigated. Duodenogastroesophageal reflux is thought to be common in patients after distal gastrectomy, but whether this contributes to the development of esophageal cancer in such patients is controversial. We retrospectively evaluated 153 patients who underwent subtotal esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer between January 2002 and July 2005. They were divided into two groups, according to whether or not they had previously undergone a gastrectomy: group 1, comprising 14 patients who had undergone gastrectomy and group 2, comprising 139 patients who had not. Clinical profiles of the patients were obtained from the medical records and the whole resected esophagus was histopathologically examined. The interval between gastrectomy and esophagectomy in group 1 was significantly shorter in the patients who had undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer (10.5 +/- 4.2 years) than in those who had undergone gastrectomy for a peptic ulcer (28.9 +/- 3.0 years). The interval was also somehow shorter in the patients for whom anastomosis had been performed by Billroth I (21.3 +/- 5.6 years) compared with Billroth II (29.7 +/- 3.2 years), although the difference did not reach its statistical significance (P = 0.11). Moreover, the proportion of lower third tumors in patients after gastrectomy was significantly higher compared with that of the patients with intact stomach. These findings suggest that a history of gastrectomy is associated with more lower-third squamous cell esophageal carcinoma.     

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

Motility abnormalities, common in gastroesophageal reflux disease, are likely to be related to endoscopic esophagitis. We studied pH and manometry parameters in relation to the severity of esophagitis. Forty-seven patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease for > 3 months were evaluated by: (i) endoscopy (grading of esophagitis by Savary-Miller classification); (ii) mucosal biopsy; (iii) manometry; and (iv) 24-h pH-metry. We found Savary-Miller's grades of: 0 (9 patients out of 47), I (16/47), II (16/47), III (4/47), IV (2/47). Distal esophageal contraction amplitude was lower in severe (grade II to IV) as compared with mild (grade 0 and I) esophagitis (49 [7-182] versus 83 [27-196] mmHg [P = 0.001]). The length and pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), duration and velocity of contraction in the body, number of episodes of reflux and long-duration reflux, longest reflux, median pH, per cent of time with pH < 4 and DeMeester scores were not significantly different between the two groups. The area under pH 4 showed a negative correlation with LES pressure and amplitude of distal esophageal contractions. We conclude that higher endoscopic grades of esophagitis are associated with lower amplitude of contraction in distal esophagus. Lower LES pressure and distal esophageal contraction amplitude are associated with greater area under curve for pH below 4.     

Jejunal interposition helps prevent reflux gastritis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Jejunal interposition after distal gastrectomy is reported to prevent both duodenogastric reflux and rapid gastric emptying. However, comparing primary reconstruction with this procedure and Billroth-I in terms of clinical evaluation by the same surgeon is rare. In this study, the benefit of this procedure was retrospectively evaluated as compared to the Billroth-I method. METHODOLOGY: Of 30 patients with early gastric cancer located at the middle third of the stomach, 15 underwent distal gastrectomy with jejunal interposition and the other 15 underwent Billroth-I gastrectomy by the same surgeon. Isoperistaltic jejunal interposition measuring 10-12 cm was used. All the anastomoses without jejunojejunostomy were performed using auto-suture staplers. Assessment of postoperative symptoms and functions was performed one year after surgery. RESULTS: The mean operation time was significantly longer after jejunal interposition (p < 0.01). No serious complications occurred in either group, and the hospital stay after operation was also similar. There were no significant differences in terms of postoperative symptoms, food intake, and recovery of body weight. The incidence of bile regurgitation and reflux gastritis was very low or zero in the jejunal interposition group, which indicated differences (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). Reflux esophagitis was not found in jejunal interposition, but two patients after Billroth I showed grade B esophagitis. As regards gastric emptying, the retention capacity was very poor and there was no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Jejunal interposition after distal gastrectomy was superior to the Billroth-I procedure in terms of reflux gastritis prevention. However, dumping syndrome and rapid gastric emptying were not prevented.     

Postoperative evaluation of the jejunal pouch reconstruction following proximal and distal gastrectomy for cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of the jejunal pouch reconstruction following subtotal proximal and distal gastrectomy, a retrospective study examining the postoperative condition of patients who underwent different methods of reconstruction after gastrectomy for cancer was undertaken. METHODOLOGY: Various parameters indicative of postoperative function were evaluated at one year postoperatively, and two major groups were examined. The "proximal gastrectomy" group was composed of patients who underwent either 1) proximal gastrectomy with an interposed jejunal pouch (PG-pouch), 2) proximal gastrectomy with simple jejunal interposition (PG-inter), or 3) total gastrectomy with simple jejunal interposition (TG). The "distal gastrectomy" group was composed of patients who underwent either 4) distal gastrectomy with an interposed jejunal pouch (DG-pouch), 5) distal gastrectomy with simple jejunal interposition (DG-inter), or 6) distal gastrectomy with Billroth 1 reconstruction (B-1). RESULTS: Volume of meal intake was better preserved and the incidence of abdominal symptoms were less frequent in the PG-pouch and DG-pouch groups. In the PG-inter, DG-inter and DG-pouch groups, none of the patients experienced heartburn or had endoscopic findings consistent with reflux esophagitis, while 2 patients (20.0%) in the PG-pouch group complained of heartburn with evidence of reflux esophagitis on endoscopy. Increase in blood acetaminophen level was milder in both the PG-pouch and DG-pouch groups, signifying improved gastric emptying. CONCLUSIONS: The jejunal pouch interposition following proximal and distal gastrectomy seems to confer clinical benefit in terms of postoperative function, especially in the form of meal intake, abdominal symptoms, and gastric emptying. The side effect of an improved reservoir may be the incidence of reflux esophagitis seen in 2 patients in the PG-pouch group.     

The effect of laparoscopic partial fundoplication on dysphagia, esophageal and lower esophageal sphincter motility

It has been suggested that dysphagia is less common after partial versus complete fundoplication. The mechanisms contributing to postoperative dysphagia remain unclear. The objective of the present prospective study was to investigate esophageal motility and the prevalence of dysphagia in patients who have undergone laparoscopic partial fundoplication. Symptoms, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) characteristics and esophageal body motility were evaluated prospectively in 62 patients before and after laparoscopic partial fundoplication: 33 women and 29 men with a mean age of 44 +/- 1.5 years (range, 21-71). The patients filled in symptom questionnaires and underwent stationary and ambulatory manometry and 24-h pH-metry before and after operation. A small but significant increase in LES pressure from 14.8 +/- 0.9 to 17.8 +/- 0.8 mmHg was seen after laparoscopic partial fundoplication. Further, LES characteristics and esophageal body motility were not different post- versus preoperation. Three months after surgery, dysphagia was present in eight patients. No differences in LES characteristics or body motility were present between patients with and without dysphagia. Six months after the operation dysphagia was present in only three patients (3.2% mild and 1.6% severe dysphagia). Adequate reflux control was obtained in 85% of the patients. Laparoscopic partial fundoplication offers adequate reflux control without affecting esophageal body motility and with a very low incidence of postoperative dysphagia.     

Reconstructive procedure after distal gastrectomy to prevent remnant gastritis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastroduodenostomy (Billroth I) or gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II) after distal gastrectomy is associated with duodenogastric reflux and remnant gastritis. This study sought to determine which reconstructive procedure is least likely to cause remnant gastritis and to determine the correlation between duodenogastric reflux and remnant gastritis. METHODOLOGY: Sixty patients who underwent curative distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer were classified into three groups by reconstructive procedure: group A, Roux-Y (n=18); group B, Billroth I (n=25); group C, Billroth II (n=17). Intragastric bile reflux was monitored using the Bilitec 2000 14 days after surgery, and endoscopy was performed and a patient questionnaire was completed 12 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Bile reflux occurred in 23.9%, 40.4%, and 73.4% of the time (p<0.001), and remnant gastritis developed in 33%, 76%, and 100% of patients (p<0.001), in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Helicobacter pylori infection did not correlate with remnant gastritis (p=0.57). Symptoms following Roux-Y reconstruction were comparable to those following Billroth I and II reconstructions. CONCLUSIONS: Roux-Y reconstruction following distal gastrectomy is superior to Billroth I and II reconstruction in preventing remnant gastritis because it reduces duodenogastric reflux.     

Manometric study of the lower esophageal sphincter and esophagus in subtotal gastrectomy patients

SUMMARY.  There is controversy in the literature regarding the motor function behavior of the lower esophageal sphincter and esophagus following partial gastrectomy. We studied 26 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma of the distal corpus and/or antrum who underwent radical subtotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. There were 15 women (57.69%) and 11 men (42.31%) with a mean age of 57.2 years; 21 were White (80.8%) and five were of African descent (19.2%). Before the surgery and 3 months afterwards, every patient underwent manometric and endoscopic examinations. The lower esophageal sphincter showed reductions in mean respiratory pressure (19.41–15.59 mmHg, P = 0.02) and maximum expiratory pressure (8.13–5.54 mmHg, P = 0.02) without significant alteration in diaphragmatic crura pressure (32.92–30.64 mmHg, P = 0.37). An increase in peristaltic wave amplitude (91.43–124.86 mmHg, P < 0.01) and peristaltic wave conduction velocity (3.29 cm/s to 4.23 cm/s; P = 0.024) were detected in esophageal function. The presence of erosive esophagitis decreased from 10 (38.46%) patients to none ( P = 0.002). We concluded that following surgery the lower esophageal sphincter function was impaired, through decreased pressure in the esophageal component without alteration in diaphragmatic crura pressure. On the other hand, there was significant increase in peristaltic wave amplitude and velocity, and improvement of the erosive esophagitis. The authors suggest that subtotal gastrectomy, with gastroesophageal junction preservation, and Roux-en-Y reconstruction should be the preferred operation for distal gastric cancer to minimize esophageal dysfunction and gastroesophageal reflux disease.     

Effects of Omeprazole on Mechanisms of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Childhood

Prolonged recordings of esophageal motility haveshown that dynamic changes of lower esophageal sphincter(LES) pressure such as transient LES relaxation and LESpressure drifts are the most common mechanisms underlying gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Thecoexistence of a delayed gastric emptying has also beenreported in a high proportion of patients with refluxdisease. However, not much information is available on the effects of antireflux therapy on thepathogenetic mechanisms of GER. The purpose of thisstudy was to determine in a group of children withsevere reflux disease the effect of omeprazole therapy on motor changes of LES underlying GER as wellas on gastric emptying time. Twenty-two children (medianage: 6.6 years) with GER disease, refractory to combinedranitidine and cisapride administration, entered into an eight-week omeprazole course.Ten subjects with moderate GER disease served ascontrols (median age: 6.0 years). Before and afteromeprazole administration, the following variables were assessed: esophagitis grading, fasting and fedsimultaneous prolonged recording of distal esophagealsphincter pressure (with a sleeve catheter) andintraesophageal pH, LES and esophageal peristalsisamplitude, and gastric emptying time of a mixedsolid-liquid meal (measured with gastric ultrasound). Ascompared to controls, patients showed a higher rate oftransient LES relaxation and LES pressure drift (P <0.01), a reduced amplitude of basal sphincter pressure(P < 0.01) and peristalsis (P < 0.05), and a moreprolonged gastric emptying time (P < 0.05). Afterending omeprazole, there was no significant change inany of the motor abnormalities of the esophagus and ingastric emptying time despite a marked improvement ofsymptoms and esophagitis in all patients. Sixteenpatients were symptomatic when reevaluated on a clinical basis two months after ending therapy. Weconclude that in children with severe GER disease, anabnormally high rate of both transient LES relaxationand LES pressure drift and slow gastric emptying are not affected by omperazole treatment, eventhough esophageal mucosal damage is markedly improved orcured. These abnormalities represent a primary motordisorder and can be implicated in the refractoriness of reflux disease.     

正常人和胃食管反流病人的昼夜食管pH和动力变化

目的:为探讨正常人和胃食管反流病(gastroesophageal reflux disease,GERD)病人昼夜食管运动规律以及食管运动与酸反流的关系。方法:45例GERD病人和10名正常人均接受食管测压和动态食管pH及压力同步监测。结果:(1)下食管括约肌压、远端食管蠕动压及有效食管蠕动百分比在酸反流DeMeester高计分组明显低于低计分组(P<0.05),在反流性食管炎组也明显低于非反流性食管炎组(P<0.05)。(2)有GERD症状或食管炎的卧位有效蠕动百分比明显低于立位(P<0.05)。反流性食管炎组80％有夜间或伴有夜间反流,而不伴反流性食管炎的GERD无1例出现夜间反流。结论:昼夜食管pH和压力动态监测有利于进一步探讨GERD的运动病理,除LES功能外,食管清除功能在GERD发病中起重要作用。     

Ambulatory esophageal pressure and pH monitoring in patients with high-grade reflux esophagitis

Using conventional manometry and 24-hr ambulatory pressure and pH monitoring, we investigated esophageal motility and the esophageal motor response to reflux in 11 patients with reflux esophagitis Savary-Miller grade III and IV, and an age- and sex-matched group of 11 healthy controls. The patients had a significantly increased esophageal acid exposure. Conventional manometry showed a significantly decreased LES pressure and distal peristaltic amplitude in patients. The 24-hr monitoring yielded a significant decrease in peristaltic contraction duration and peristaltic propagation velocity in the patient group. Distal peristaltic amplitude was not decreased. Analysis of the contractions occurring in the 2-min period after each reflux episode showed a reduced number of contractions during the upright period, caused by a significantly decreased number of peristaltic contractions. During the supine period, there was a trend towards an increased number of contractions. It is concluded that esophageal motor activity and the response to reflux are impaired in patients with high-grade reflux esophagitis. However, the abnormalities found are only minor and are unlikely to play an important role in the pathogenesis of reflux esophagitis.