NORMATIVE VALUES FOR A NEW WATER-PERFUSED HIGH RESOLUTION MANOMETRY SYSTEM

Esophageal manometry is the most reliable method to evaluate esophageal motility. High resolution manometry (HRM) provides topographic contour colored plots (Clouse Plots) with simultaneous analysis from the pharynx to the stomach. Both solid state and water-perfused systems are available.

This study aims to determinate the normative data for a new water-perfused HRM.

HRM was made in 32 healthy volunteers after 8 hours fasting. HRM system used consisted of a 24-channel water-perfused catheter (Multiplex, Alacer Biomedica, São Paulo, Brazil). The reusable catheter is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with 4.7 mm of diameter. Side holes connected to pressure transducers are spaced 2 cm for the analysis from the pharynx to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Holes are spaced 5 mm and 120° in a spiral disposition in the LES area. The sensors encompass 34 cm in total. Upper esophageal sphincter (UES) parameters studied were basal and relaxation pressures. Esophageal body parameters were distal contractile integral (DCI), distal latency (DL) and break. LES parameters studied were basal pressure, integrated residual pressure (IRP), total and abdominal length. Variables are expressed as mean ± standard deviation, median (interquartile range) and percentiles 5-95th.

All volunteers (17 males, aged 22-62 years) completed the study and tolerated the HRM procedure well. Percentiles 5-95th range were calculated: Upper Esophageal Sphincter (UES) basal pressure 16.7-184.37 (mmHg), DL: 6.2-9.1 (s), DCI: 82.72-3836.61 (mmHg.s.cm), break: <7.19 (cm), LES basal pressure: 4.89-37.16 (mmHg), IRP: 0.55-15.45 (mmHg).

The performance and normative values obtained for this low-cost water-perfused HRM seems to be adequate for clinical use.