Effects of gastroesophageal reflux on esophageal motility

Esophageal characteristics during swallowing in individuals with reflux are not well known. This study aimed to compare manometric esophageal characteristics between a group of individuals with gastroesophageal reflux and a group without these symptoms.

A stationary esophageal manometry and a questionnaire of gastrointestinal symptoms were performed on 41 individuals, of whom 13 (31.7%) complained of gastroesophageal reflux.

The following data were obtained in cases of non-reflux vs. reflux: mean wave amplitude, 53.4 +/- 17.9 mm Hg vs. 48.6 +/- 11.8 mm Hg; similar mean upstroke; and lower esophageal sphincter pressure of 16.7 +/- 6.4 mm Hg vs. 17.9 +/- 4.9 mm Hg (p = 0.5). The relaxing degree and duration were similar. In the analysis according to the severity of the symptoms, we verified the following differences between cases of slight and severe reflux: amplitude in proximal esophagus, 40.75 +/- 13.1 mm Hg sec vs. 23.0 +/- 9.2 mm Hg sec (p = 0.02); mean average upstroke, 36.6 +/- 8.2 mm Hg sec vs. 24.8 +/- 7.3 mm Hg sec (p = 0.02); mean maximum upstroke, 61.4 +/- 10.4 mm Hg sec vs. 47.0 +/- 12.4mm Hg sec (p = 0.04); and relaxing duration, 5.36 +/- 2.0 sec vs. 8.76 +/- 1.6 sec (p = 0.01).

1. No differences in the manometric characteristics of the esophagus were found between individuals with and without reflux. 2. The wave amplitude and the upstroke were significantly higher in the proximal esophagus of patients with less severe complaints. 3. The mean and maximum upstroke of the esophageal wave were lower in individuals with severe reflux. 4. The relaxation duration was higher in patients with severe complaints.