Differences in oesophageal bolus transit between patients with and without erosive reflux disease

Dig Liver Dis. 2008 May;40(5):348-54. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2007.12.017. Epub 2008 Mar 4.

Abstract

Background: We determined any difference in oesophageal function between reflux patients with and without erosive esophagitis by the application of concurrent manometry and impedance.

Methods: Twenty patients with erosive esophagitis, 20 patients with non-erosive reflux disease, and 15 controls were included in this study. All subjects underwent studies with a catheter containing four impedance-measuring segments and five solid-state pressure transducers. Each subject received 10 liquid and 10 viscous boluses to be swallowed.

Results: Healthy controls had greater distal oesophageal peristaltic amplitude than both patient groups (p < 0.05). Normal oesophageal peristalsis was found more frequently in healthy controls than either of the patient groups (p < 0.05). Patients with erosive esophagitis exhibited a lower percentage of complete bolus transit compared to healthy controls and non-erosive reflux disease patients (both p < 0.05). Patients with erosive esophagitis had a longer total bolus transit time compared to healthy controls and non-erosive reflux disease patients (both p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Erosive esophagitis is characterized by longer oesophageal bolus transit and fewer complete bolus transit than non-erosive reflux disease. The noted differences in oesophageal bolus transit may reflect a continuum of dysfunction secondary to increasing oesophageal mucosal damage.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Electric Impedance
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders / etiology
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders / physiopathology
  • Esophagitis, Peptic / complications
  • Esophagitis, Peptic / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gastrointestinal Transit / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Manometry
  • Middle Aged
  • Peristalsis / physiology*
  • Pressure
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index