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[Esophageal function in chronic alcohol abuse]
V Schmehl1, M E von Gynz-Rekowski
1II. Innere Abteilung, St.-Hedwig-Krankenhauses Berlin.
Zeitschrift Fur Die Gesamte Innere Medizin Und Ihre Grenzgebiete
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Chronic alcohol abuse increases pathological gastroesophageal reflux, particularly in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Manometric findings did not explain this reflux, and alcohol did not cause erosive esophageal damage.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Alcohol-related liver disease
Context:
- Chronic alcohol consumption is a significant public health concern with widespread systemic effects.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract.
- The relationship between alcohol abuse, liver disease severity, and esophageal function requires further elucidation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the impact of chronic alcohol overindulgence on the occurrence and severity of pathological gastroesophageal reflux.
- To correlate manometric findings of the esophageal sphincter with observed reflux patterns in alcohol abusers.
- To assess whether chronic alcohol abuse leads to erosive changes in the distal esophagus.
Summary:
- Chronic alcohol overindulgence is associated with an increased incidence of pathological gastroesophageal reflux.
- Patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis exhibit more severe pathological reflux compared to those with normal liver findings or steatosis.
- Decreased lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure and altered esophageal motility, while observed, did not functionally explain the pathological reflux behavior.
Impact:
- This study highlights a significant link between alcohol consumption, liver status, and esophageal reflux, suggesting potential clinical implications for managing GERD in alcohol-dependent individuals.
- Findings indicate that esophageal manometry may not fully capture the functional abnormalities contributing to reflux in this population.
- The absence of erosive esophageal changes underscores that alcohol's impact on reflux is likely multifactorial and not solely due to direct mucosal injury.