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Opioids Interfere With Deglutitive Inhibition Assessed by Response to Multiple Rapid Swallows During High-Resolution
Diana L Snyder1, Luis R Valdovinos2, Jennifer Horsley-Silva1
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona.
Introduction:
Normal response to multiple rapid swallows (MRS) during high-resolution esophageal manometry is deglutitive inhibition; opioids may interfere with this. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to MRS in patients on opioids, not on opioids, and healthy controls.
Methods:
Response to MRS was evaluated for complete vs impaired inhibition in 72 chronic opioid users, 100 patients not on opioids, and 24 healthy controls.
Results:
Impaired deglutitive inhibition was significantly more frequent in chronic opioid users compared with patients not on opioids and healthy controls (54% vs 14% vs 0%; P < 0.0001).
Discussion:
Impaired deglutitive inhibition during MRS is frequent in opioid users, supporting that opioids interfere with esophageal inhibitory signals.
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