Dynamic characteristic of gastro-oesophageal reflux in ambulatory patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and normal control subjects

B L Weusten, L M Akkermans, G P vanBerge-Henegouwen, A J Smout

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the dynamic characteristics of pathologic gastro-oesophageal reflux.

METHODS: Five-channel ambulatory 24-h oesophageal pH monitoring was performed in 19 gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients (age, 21-74 years) and in 19 healthy volunteers (age, 21-64 years). The pH was recorded at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 cm from the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS), using a sample frequency of 4 Hz for each channel. Automated analysis included calculation of the ascending velocity of the refluxate and duration and extent (cm above the LOS) of all individual reflux episodes.

RESULTS: In the patients more upright reflux episodes reached the proximal sensor than in the controls (20% and 11%, respectively, P < 0.01). The duration of the reflux episodes (measured at 3 cm above the LOS) was longer in the patients than in controls (P < 0.0001). This effect was independent of the proximal extent of the reflux episodes. Ascending velocities of upright acid reflux were higher in controls (1.8 to 2.7 cm/sec) than in patients (0.7 to 2.2 cm/sec; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: The dynamic characteristics of pathologic reflux differ significantly from those of physiologic reflux.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)731-7
Number of pages7
JournalScandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume30
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 1995

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Algorithms
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Esophagogastric Junction/physiopathology
  • Esophagus/physiopathology
  • Female
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux/diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Monitoring, Ambulatory
  • Posture/physiology

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