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Esophageal motor activity in children with gastro-esophageal reflux disease and esophagitis

Denesh K Chitkara1, Christine Fortunato, Samuel Nurko

  • 1The Motility Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02111, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|December 31, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Children with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) exhibit fewer and abnormal esophageal contractions during reflux episodes. This indicates impaired esophageal acid clearance in pediatric GERD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Background:

  • Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in children.
  • Understanding esophageal motor function during reflux is crucial for GERD management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate esophageal body motor contractions during reflux in pediatric GERD patients.
  • To determine if motor function differs in children with and without esophagitis.

Main Methods:

  • Combined 24-hour pH probe and esophageal manometry (MP24) were used.
  • Patients were grouped based on pH probe and EGD findings (normal, abnormal pH, esophagitis).
  • Esophageal motor function was analyzed during reflux episodes.

Main Results:

  • Patients with GERD (Groups 1 and 2) showed significantly more reflux than controls (Group C).
  • GERD patients had fewer contractions per minute during and after reflux.
  • Abnormalities in contraction patterns were observed during prolonged GERD episodes.

Conclusions:

  • Children with GERD demonstrate reduced and abnormal esophageal body contractions during reflux.
  • These findings suggest impaired esophageal acid clearance in pediatric GERD patients, regardless of esophagitis presence.
Abstract

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