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Upper esophageal sphincter and pharyngoesophageal motor function in infants with and without gastroesophageal reflux

J M Sondheimer

    Gastroenterology
    |August 1, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    Infants with gastroesophageal reflux show normal upper esophageal sphincter and pharyngeal motor function. Esophageal acidification did not significantly alter these functions in infants with or without reflux.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Gastroenterology
    • Swallowing Disorders
    • Infant Motor Function

    Background:

    • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in infants.
    • GER may be associated with upper aerodigestive tract dysfunction.
    • The role of upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and pharyngeal function in infant GER is not fully understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To compare UES and pharyngeal motor function in infants with and without GER.
    • To investigate the effect of esophageal acidification on UES pressure in infants.

    Main Methods:

    • 16 infants with GER and 11 age-matched controls underwent assessment of UES and pharyngeal motor function.
    • Resting UES pressure, pharyngeal contraction parameters, and coordination were measured.
    • Esophageal acidification was induced, and changes in UES pressure were recorded.

    Main Results:

    • Resting UES pressure was similar between GER infants (26.6 cmH2O) and controls (28.9 cmH2O).
    • Pharyngeal contraction amplitude, duration, and velocity were comparable in both groups.
    • Minor incoordination was observed in 2 infants in each group; esophageal acidification increased UES pressure similarly in both groups (+10.0 cmH2O in controls, +11.1 cmH2O in GER infants).

    Conclusions:

    • Infants with GER demonstrate normal resting UES pressure and pharyngeal motor function.
    • Esophageal acidification does not differentially affect UES pressure in infants with or without GER.
    • These findings suggest that primary motor dysfunction of the UES and pharynx is unlikely to be a major factor in infant GER.

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