Esophageal body and lower esophageal sphincter function in healthy premature infants
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Premature infants often have abnormal esophageal motility, with non-peristaltic waves being common, potentially hindering reflux clearance. However, their lower esophageal sphincter function appears well-developed.
Area Of Science
- Neonatal Physiology
- Gastrointestinal Motility
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background
- Gastroesophageal reflux is a prevalent issue in premature infants.
- Understanding esophageal function is crucial for managing reflux in neonates.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate esophageal body and lower esophageal sphincter pressures in premature infants.
- To utilize a novel manometric technique for precise pressure measurements.
Main Methods
- Employed micromanromanometric feeding assemblies with 4-9 channels in 27 premature neonates.
- Recorded esophageal body motility and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressures before and after feeding.
- Stimulated swallowing reflex via facial stimulation (Santmyer reflex).
Main Results
- Non-peristaltic motor patterns (73.4%) were significantly more common than peristaltic patterns (26.6%).
- Reflex swallowing was more frequent in infants >34 weeks postconceptional age.
- Mean LES pressure decreased post-feeding (20.5 to 13.7 mm Hg).
Conclusions
- Premature infants exhibit non-peristaltic esophageal motility, potentially impairing reflux clearance.
- Lower esophageal sphincter mechanisms appear to be well-developed in this population.
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