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Esophageal function and Sjögren's syndrome.
Françoise Volter1, Olivier Fain, Emmanuel Mathieu
1Laboratoire de Physiologie Digestive and Service de Medecine Interne, AP-HP, Hôpital Jean-Verdier, 93143 Bondy Cedex, France. francoise.volter@cch.ap-hop-paris.fr
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|April 24, 2004
Summary
Sjögren's syndrome (SS) patients often experience esophageal motility issues and gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Early GER diagnosis is crucial due to reduced saliva impairing acid clearance.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder affecting exocrine glands, leading to symptoms like xerostomia.
- Esophageal dysmotility and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) are reported in SS patients but require further characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate esophageal function and GER in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.
- To correlate symptoms with objective manometric and pH monitoring findings.
Main Methods:
- Esophageal manometry and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring were performed on 21 SS patients.
- Patient-reported symptoms (xerostomia, dysphagia, heartburn) were recorded.
- Data were compared to control groups and analyzed using ANOVA.
Main Results:
- SS patients showed significantly lower lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressures and abdominal length compared to controls.
- Pathological GER was detected in 67% of SS patients; dysphagia was not linked to esophageal impairments.
- Heartburn correlated significantly with GER severity; prolonged acid exposure occurred with distal tertiary waves.
Conclusions:
- Sjögren's syndrome patients exhibit nonspecific esophageal motility disorders and a high prevalence of GER disease.
- Reduced saliva in SS diminishes esophageal acid clearance, increasing the risk of acid reflux complications.
- Early diagnosis and management of GER are vital for SS patients to prevent adverse outcomes.