Search

Objectives: It is thought that esophageal hypersensitivity in combination with an impaired mucosal barrier function contributes to PPI-resistant reflux symptoms. Ziverel, a bioadhesive agent that coats the esophageal wall, was shown to have a positive effect on reflux symptoms. However, the mechanisms of action are unclear. We aimed to assess the effect of Ziverel on esophageal sensitivity to acid and mucosal barrier function., Methods: We performed a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial in PPI-refractory patients with reflux symptoms. Patients were assigned (1:1) to 14 days of Ziverel followed by 14 days of placebo or opposite treatment order. The effect was evaluated using acid perfusion tests, an upper endoscopy with electrical tissue impedance spectroscopy (ETIS) and esophageal biopsies. The primary outcome was the esophageal sensitivity based on perfusion sensitivity score. Secondary outcomes included mucosal barrier function and reflux symptoms and correlations between the different outcomes., Results: Perfusion sensitivity score was not significantly different during treatment with Ziverel (106 (73-115)) and placebo (102 (67-110)) ( p  = 0.508) along with total RDQ score (2.6 (1.9-3.3) vs 2.8 (1.6-3.5) p  = 0.456). ETIS showed comparable values during treatment with Ziverel (13514 (8846-19734)Ω·m) and placebo (13217 (9127-24942)Ω·m ( p  = 0.650)). Comparing Ziverel and placebo no difference was seen in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) 203 (163-267) Ω.cm 2 vs 205 (176-240) Ω.cm 2 ( p  = 0.445) and fluorescein flux 775 (17-6964) nmol/cm 2 /h vs 187 (4-12209) nmol/cm 2 /h ( p  = 0.638)., Conclusion: Ziverel did not show a benefit on acid sensitivity, reflux symptoms or esophageal mucosal integrity compared to placebo in PPI-refractory patients with reflux symptoms. Trial registration : Netherlands Trial Register number: NL7670.

Background/aims: It has been suggested that STW5 (Iberogast) reduces heartburn symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia, but underlying mechanisms of action are unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate whether STW5 affects esophageal sensitivity or esophageal motility, thereby reducing occurrence and perception of reflux events., Methods: We performed a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in patients with functional dyspepsia (Rome IV) and reflux symptoms. After 4 weeks of treatment with either placebo or STW5, patients were studied with an esophageal acid perfusion test and ambulatory 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring., Results: A total of 18 patients (7 men, median age 54, range [19-76]), were included in the study. Although we found no statistical difference in our primary outcome the total Reflux Disease Questionnaire score 2.33 (0.25-4.33) vs 2.67 (1.17-4.00), P = 0.347, "gastroesophageal reflux disease" and "regurgitation" subscale scores were lower after STW5 treatment compared to placebo ( P = 0.049 and P = 0.007). There was no statistical difference in number of reflux events, acid exposure time and acid sensitivity scores between STW5 and placebo. In a subgroup analysis of patients with pH-metry confirmed gastroesophageal reflux disease, treatment with STW5 significantly reduced the total number of acidic reflux events ( P = 0.028). Moreover, in patients with reflux esophagitis, the median lag time to acid perception increased after STW5 treatment ( P = 0.042)., Conclusions: We found some indications pointing towards a beneficial effect of STW5 on reflux symptoms in dyspeptic patients, with reduction of esophageal hypersensitivity as a potential underlying mechanism. Our findings will have to be confirmed in larger studies.

Objectives: Our objective was to investigate if there is a difference in the detection of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) when an anorectal manometry (ARM) is performed awake or under general anesthesia., Methods: A retrospective review of ARM studies was performed to identify children who had undergone ARMs both while awake and under general anesthesia. We compared ARM outcomes including the detection of the RAIR and anal canal resting pressure., Results: Thirty-four children had received ARMs both while awake and under general anesthesia (53% female, median age at first ARM 7.5 years [range 3-18 years]). In 9 of 34 (26%) children the RAIR was solely identified during ARM under general anesthesia and not during ARM while awake. In 6 of 9 (66%) this was unrelated to the balloon volumes used during balloon inflations. In 4 of 34 (12%) children, assessment of the RAIR was inconclusive during ARM under general anesthesia due to too low, or loss of anal canal pressure. In 2 of those children, ARMs while awake showed presence of a RAIR. Anal canal resting pressures were higher during ARM while awake versus ARM under general anesthesia (median 70 [interquartile range, IQR 59-85] vs 46 mmHg [IQR 36-65] respectively, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: General anesthesia may affect the detection of a RAIR in 2 ways. On the one hand, it may facilitate better visualization in children in whom a RAIR could not be visualized while awake. On the other hand, it may cause a loss of anal canal pressure resulting in an inconclusive test result., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer on behalf of European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.)

Introduction: Although inability to belch has previously been linked to dysfunction of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), its underlying pathogenesis remains unclear. Our aim was to study mechanisms underlying inability to belch and the effect of UES botulinum toxin (botox) injections in these patients., Methods: We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with symptoms of inability to belch. Patients underwent stationary high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) with belch provocation and ambulatory 24-h pH-impedance monitoring before and 3 months after UES botox injection., Results: Eight patients (four males, age 18-37 years) were included. Complete and normal UES relaxation occurred in response to deglutition in all patients. A median number of 33(15-64) gastroesophageal gas reflux episodes were observed. Despite the subsequent increase in esophageal pressure (from -4.0 [-7.7-4.2] to 8 [3.3-16.1] mmHg; p < 0.012), none of the gastroesophageal gas reflux events resulted in UES relaxation. Periods of continuous high impedance levels, indicating air entrapment (median air presence time 10.5% [0-43]), were observed during 24-h impedance monitoring. UES botox reduced UES basal pressure (from 95.7[41.2-154.0] to 29.2 [16.7-45.6] mmHg; p < 0.02) and restored belching capacity in all patients. As a result, esophageal air presence time decreased from 10.5% (0-43.4) to 0.7% (0.1-18.6; p < 0.02) and esophageal symptoms improved in all patients (VAS 6.0 [1.0-7.9] to 1.0 [0.0-2.5]; p < 0.012)., Conclusion: The results of this study underpin the existence of a syndrome characterized by an inability to belch and support the hypothesis that ineffective UES relaxation, with subsequent esophageal air entrapment, may lead to esophageal symptoms., (© 2021 The Authors. Neurogastroenterology & Motility published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: Pediatric high-resolution manometry (HRM) and 24-hour pH-impedance with/without ambulatory manometry (pH-MII+/-mano) tests are generally performed using adult-derived protocols. We aimed to assess the feasibility of these protocols in children, the occurrence of patient-related imperfections and their influence on test interpretability., Methods: Esophageal function tests performed between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All tests were subcategorized into uninterpretable or interpretable tests (regardless of occurrence of patient-related imperfections). For HRM, the following patient-related imperfections were scored: patient-related artefacts, multiple swallowing and/or inability to establish baseline characteristics. For pH-MII(+/-mano), incorrect symptom registration and/or premature catheter removal were scored. Results were compared between age-groups (0-3, 4-12, and >12 years)., Results: In total 106 HRM, 60 pH-MII, and 23 pH-MII-mano could be fully analyzed. Of these, 94.8% HRM, 91.9% pH-MII, and 95.7% pH-MII-mano were interpretable. Overall, HRM contained imperfections in 78.3% overall and in 8/8 (100%) in the youngest age group, 36/42 (85.7%) in 4 to 12 years and in 37/56 (66.1%) in children above 12 years; P = 0.011. These imperfections led to uninterpretable results in 4 HRM (3.8%), of which 3 were in the youngest age group (3/8, 37.5%). Imperfections were found in 10% of pH-MII and 17.4% of pH-MII-mano. These led to uninterpretable results in 5.0% and 4.3%, respectively. No age-effect was found., Conclusions: Esophageal function tests in children are interpretable in more than 90% overall. In children under the age of 4 years, all patients had imperfect HRM and 3/8 tests were uninterpretable. HRM in older children and pH-MII+/-mano were interpretable in the vast majority., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.)

Objective: After treatment, achalasia patients often develop reflux symptoms. Aim of this case-control study was to investigate mechanisms underlying reflux symptoms in treated achalasia patients by analysing oesophageal function, acidification patterns and symptom perception., Design: Forty treated achalasia patients (mean age 52.9 years; 27 (68%) men) were included, 20 patients with reflux symptoms (RS+; Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GORDQ) ≥8) and 20 without reflux symptoms (RS-: GORDQ <8). Patients underwent measurements of oesophagogastric junction distensibility, high-resolution manometry, timed barium oesophagogram, 24 hours pH-impedance monitoring off acid-suppression and oesophageal perception for acid perfusion and distension. Presence of oesophagitis was assessed endoscopically., Results: Total acid exposure time during 24 hours pH-impedance was not significantly different between patients with (RS+) and without (RS-) reflux symptoms. In RS+ patients, acid fermentation was higher than in RS- patients (RS+: mean 6.6% (95% CI 2.96% to 10.2%) vs RS-: 1.8% (95% CI -0.45% to 4.1%, p=0.03) as well as acid reflux with delayed clearance (RS+: 6% (95% CI 0.94% to 11%) vs RS-: 3.4% (95% CI -0.34% to 7.18%), p=0.051). Reflux symptoms were not related to acid in both groups, reflected by a low Symptom Index. RS+ patients were highly hypersensitive to acid, with a much shorter time to heartburn perception (RS+: 4 (2-6) vs RS-:30 (14-30) min, p<0.001) and a much higher symptom intensity (RS+: 7 (4.8-9) vs RS-: 0.5 (0-4.5) Visual Analogue Scale, p<0.001) during acid perfusion. They also had a lower threshold for mechanical stimulation., Conclusion: Reflux symptoms in treated achalasia are rarely caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux and most instances of oesophageal acidification are not reflux related. Instead, achalasia patients with post-treatment reflux symptoms demonstrate oesophageal hypersensitivity to chemical and mechanical stimuli, which may determine symptom generation., Competing Interests: Competing interests: FAP: None. JMO: Received speaker and/or consulting fees from Laborie. AJS: None. AJB: Received research funding from Nutricia, Norgine and Bayer and received speaker and/or consulting fees from Laborie, EsoCap, Diversatek, Medtronic, Falk Pharma, Calypso Biotech, Thelial, Robarts, Reckett Benkiser, Regeneron, Celgene, Bayer, Norgine, AstraZeneca, Almirall, Arena and Allergan., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is characterized by the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 8%-33%. The current paradigm in gastroesophageal reflux disease diagnosis relies on recognition of symptoms and/or the presence of mucosal disease at the time of esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Recognition of symptoms, however, can arise with challenges, particularly when patients complain of less typical symptoms. Since first reported in 1969 by Spencer et al., the application of prolonged intraesophageal pH monitoring to identify pathologic reflux has evolved considerably. Utility of pH monitoring aims to investigate the degree of acid burden and frequency of reflux episode, and the relationship between symptoms and acid reflux events. This relationship is represented by either the Symptom Index, Symptom Sensitivity Index, Symptom Association Probability, or Ghillebert Probability Estimate. This article reviews symptom-association analysis during esophageal reflux testing, covering the literature on current methods of reflux testing, interpretation of symptom association, and practical issues that can arise during symptom analysis.

High-resolution manometry revolutionized the assessment of esophageal motility disorders and upgraded the classification through the Chicago Classification. A known disadvantage of standard HRM, however, is the inability to record esophageal motility function for an extended time interval; therefore, it represents only a more snapshot view of esophageal motor function. In contrast, ambulatory esophageal manometry measures esophageal motility over a prolonged period and detects motor activity during the entire circadian cycle. Furthermore, ambulatory manometry has the ability to measure temporal correlations between symptoms and motor events. This article aimed to review the clinical implications of ambulatory esophageal manometry for various symptoms, covering literature on the manometry catheter, interpretation of findings, and relevance in clinical practice specific to the evaluation of non-cardiac chest pain, chronic cough, and rumination syndrome., (© 2020 The Authors. Neurogastroenterology & Motility published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Laparoscopic 270 degree posterior, or Toupet (LTF), and 180 degree anterior partial fundoplication (LAF) ensure equal reflux control and reduce the risk of gas-related symptoms compared to 360 degree (Nissen) fundoplication. It is unclear which type of partial fundoplication is superior in preventing gas-related side-effects. The aim of this study was to determine differences in effect of LTF and LAF on reflux characteristics and belching patterns., Methods: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-h combined pH-impedance monitoring were performed before and 6 months after fundoplication (n = 10, LTF vs. n = 10, LAF). Observed changes after surgery (∆) were compared between the two procedures., Results: Symptomatic reflux control as well as the reduction in the mean number of acid (∆ - 58.5 vs. - 66.5; P = 0.912), liquid (∆ - 17.0 vs. - 43.5; P = 0.247), and mixed liquid gas reflux episodes (∆ - 38.0 vs. - 40.0; P = 0.579) were comparable following LTF and LAF. There were no differences in the mean number of weakly acidic reflux episodes after LTF and LAF (1.0 (0.8-4) vs. 1.0 (0-3), P = 0.436). The reduction in proximal (P = 1.000), mid-esophageal (P = 0.063), and distal reflux episodes (P = 0.315) was comparable. Both procedures equally reduced the number of gastric belches (P = 0.278) and supragastric belches (P = 0.123), with no significant reduction in the number of air swallows after either procedure (P = 0.278)., Conclusion: LTF and LAF provide similar reflux control, with a comparable effect on acidic, liquid, and gas reflux. Both procedures equally reduced the number of belches and supragastric belches. This study provides the physiological evidence for the published randomized trials reporting similar symptomatic outcome after both types of partial fundoplication.

Background: Esophageal stasis is a hallmark of achalasia. Timed barium esophagogram (TBE) is used to measure stasis but exposes patients to ionizing radiation. It is suggested that esophageal stasis can be objectified on high-resolution manometry (HRM) as well using a rapid drinking challenge test (RDC). We aimed to assess esophageal stasis in achalasia by a RDC during HRM and compare this to TBE., Methods: Thirty healthy subjects (15 male, age 40 [IQR 34-49]) and 90 achalasia patients (53 male, age 47 [36-59], 30 untreated/30 treated symptomatic/30 treated asymptomatic) were prospectively included to undergo HRM with RDC and TBE. RDC was performed by drinking 200 mL of water. Response to RDC was measured by basal and relaxation pressure in the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and esophageal pressurization during the last 5 seconds., Key Results: EGJ basal and relaxation pressure during RDC were higher in achalasia compared to healthy subjects (overall P < .01). Esophageal body pressurization was significantly higher in untreated (43 [33-35 mm Hg]) and symptomatic treated patients (25 [16-32] mm Hg) compared to healthy subjects (6 [3-7] mm Hg) and asymptomatic treated patients (11 [8-15] mm Hg, overall P < .01). A strong correlation was observed between esophageal pressurization during RDC and barium column height at 5 minutes on TBE (r = .75, P < .01), comparable to the standard predictor of esophageal stasis, IRP (r = .66, P < .01)., Conclusions & Inferences: The RDC can reliably predict esophageal stasis in achalasia and adequately measure treatment response to a degree comparable to TBE. We propose to add this simple test to each HRM study in achalasia patients., (© 2018 The Authors. Neurogastroenterology & Motility Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: Gastroesophageal reflux is considered to be the most common gastrointestinal cause of non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP). It remains unclear why some reflux episodes in the same patient cause chest pain while others do not. To understand more about the mechanisms by which reflux elicits chest pain, we aimed to identify factors which are important in triggering chest pain., Methods: In this multicenter study, 120 patients with NCCP were analyzed using 24-h pH-impedance monitoring. In the patients with a positive association between reflux and chest pain, the characteristics of the reflux episodes which were followed by a chest pain episode were compared with chest pain-free reflux episodes., Results: Using 24-h pH-impedance monitoring, 40% of the NCCP patients were identified as having reflux as a possible cause of their chest pain. Reflux episodes that were associated with chest pain had a higher proximal extent (P=0.007), a higher volume clearance time (P=0.030), a higher 15-minute acid burden (P=0.041), were more often acidic (P=0.011), had a lower nadir pH (P=0.044), and had a longer acid duration time (P=0.027) than reflux episodes which were not followed by chest pain. Patients who experienced typical reflux symptoms were more likely to have reflux as the cause of their chest pain (52 vs. 31.4%, P=0.023)., Conclusions: The presence of a larger volume of acid refluxate for a longer period of time appears to be an important determinant of perceiving a reflux episode as chest pain. 24-h pH-impedance monitoring is an important tool in identifying gastroesophageal reflux as a potential cause of symptoms in patients with NCCP.

Background: Rumination syndrome is characterized by recurrent regurgitation of recently ingested food into the mouth. Differentiation with other diagnoses and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in particular, is difficult. Recently, objective pH-impedance (pH-MII) and manometry criteria were proposed for adults. The aim of this study was to determine diagnostic ambulatory pH-MII and manometry criteria for rumination syndrome in children., Methods: Clinical data and 24-hour pH-MII and manometry recordings of children with a clinical suspicion of rumination syndrome were reviewed. Recordings were analyzed for retrograde bolus flow extending into the proximal esophagus. Peak gastric and intraesophageal pressures closely related to these events were recorded and checked for a pattern compatible with rumination. Events were classified into primary, secondary, and supragastric belch-associated rumination., Key Results: Twenty-five consecutive patients (11 males, median age 13.3 years [IQR 5.9-15.8]) were included; recordings of 18 patients were suitable for analysis. Rumination events were identified in 16/18 patients, with 50% of events occurring <30 minutes postprandially. Fifteen of 16 patients showed ≥1 gastric pressure peak >30 mmHg, while only 50% of all events was characterized by peaks >30 mmHg and an additional 20% by peaks >25 mmHg. Four patients had evidence of acid GERD, all showing secondary rumination., Conclusions and Inferences: Combined 24-hour pH-MII and manometry can be used to diagnose rumination syndrome in children and to distinguish it from GERD. Rumination patterns in children are similar compared with adults, albeit with lower gastric pressure increase. We propose a diagnostic cutoff for gastric pressure increase >25 mmHg associated with retrograde bolus flow into the proximal esophagus., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: In the past, ambulatory 24-h manometry has been shown useful for the evaluation of patients with non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP). With the diagnostic improvements brought by pH-impedance monitoring and high-resolution manometry (HRM), the contribution of ambulatory 24-h manometry to the diagnosis of esophageal hypertensive disorders has become uncertain. Our aim was to assess the additional diagnostic yield of ambulatory manometry to HRM and ambulatory pH-impedance monitoring in this patient population., Methods: All patients underwent 24-h ambulatory pressure-pH-impedance monitoring and HRM. Patients had retrosternal pain as a predominant symptom and no explanation after cardiologic and digestive endoscopic evaluations. Diagnostic measurements were analyzed by two independent physicians., Key Results: Fifty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria; 37.3% of the patients had their symptoms explained by abnormalities on pH-impedance monitoring and 6.8% by ambulatory manometry. Functional chest pain was diagnosed in 52.5% of the patients. High-resolution manometry, using the Chicago Classification v3.0 criteria alone, did not identify any of the four patients with esophageal spasm on ambulatory manometry. However, taking into account other abnormalities, such as simultaneous (rapid) or repetitive contractions, HRM had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 98.2% for the diagnosis of esophageal spasm., Conclusions & Inferences: In the work-up of NCCP, ambulatory 24-h manometry has a low additional diagnostic yield. However, it remains the best technique to identify esophageal spasm as the cause of symptoms. This is particularly useful when an unequivocal diagnosis is needed before treatment., (© 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: Reflux symptoms are common among athletes and can have a negative impact on athletic performance. At present, the mechanisms underlying excess reflux during exercise are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise on reflux severity and examine the underlying reflux mechanisms., Methods: Healthy sporty volunteers were studied using both high-resolution manometry and pH-impedance monitoring. After a meal and a rest period, subjects ran on a treadmill for 30 min at 60% of maximum heart rate, followed by a short rest period and another 20-min period of running at 85% of maximum heart rate., Results: Ten healthy volunteers were included. Exercise led to a significantly higher percentage of time with an esophageal pH<4 and a higher frequency and duration of reflux episodes. Moreover, exercise resulted in a decrease in contractility and duration of peristaltic contractions. The minimal lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure decreased during exercise, whereas the average and maximum abdominal pressure both increased. Importantly, the percentage of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) that resulted in reflux significantly increased during exercise and all but one reflux episode occurred during TLESRs. In six subjects a hiatus hernia was detected during the exercise period but not during rest., Conclusions: Running induces gastroesophageal reflux almost exclusively through TLESRs. These are not more frequent during exercise but are more often associated with a reflux episode, possibly due to increased abdominal pressure, body movement, a change in esophagogastric junction morphology, and a decreased esophageal clearance during exercise.

Background: According to the Chicago classification of esophageal motility disorders, distal esophageal spasm (DES) is defined as premature esophageal contractions (distal latency [DL] <4.5 s) for ≥20% of swallows, in the presence of a normal mean integral relaxation pressure (IRP). However, some patients with symptoms of DES have rapid contractions with a normal DL. The aim of this study was to characterize these patients and compare their clinical characteristics to those of patients classified as DES., Methods: We retrospectively compared clinical characteristics and high-resolution manometry findings of patients with rapid contractions with normal latency to those meeting the Chicago classification criteria for DES., Key Results: Over a 3-year period, nine patients were diagnosed with DES and 14 showed rapid contractions in the distal esophagus with normal latency. The latter were younger than DES patients (60 ± 4 vs 72 ± 3 years, p < 0.05). Dysphagia and retrosternal pain occurred to a similar degree in both groups. Weight loss and abnormal barium esophagogram tended to be more frequent in DES patients. There was no difference in contractile front velocity (CFV) and in distal contractile integral (DCI) between patients with DES and rapid contractions with normal latency. Lower esophageal sphincter pressures were not different between groups. However, IRP was significantly higher in DES compared to rapid contractions with normal latency (11.7 ± 0.6 mmHg vs 7.6 ± 1.2 mmHg, p < 0.05), albeit still within the normal range., Conclusions & Inferences: These data suggest that patients with simultaneous contractions with normal latency represent a group of patients with many features similar to DES., (© 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Fundoplication is an effective therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but can be complicated by postoperative dysphagia. High-resolution manometry (HRM) can assess esophageal function, but normal values after fundoplication are lacking. Our aim was to obtain normal values for HRM after successful Toupet and Nissen fundoplication., Methods: Esophageal HRM was performed 3 months after Toupet or Nissen fundoplication in 40 GERD patients without postoperative dysphagia and with a normal barium esophagogram. Normal values for all measures of the Chicago classification were calculated as 5th and 95th percentile ranges., Key Results: The normal values (5th-95th percentiles) for integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) were higher after Nissen (5.1-24.4 mmHg) than after Toupet fundoplication (3.1-15.0 mmHg), and upper limit of normal was significantly higher after Nissen fundoplication than observed in the asymptomatic subjects that were described in the Chicago Classification. Distal contractile integral was significantly higher after Nissen (357-4947 mmHg*s*cm) than after Toupet (68-2177 mmHg*s*cm), and transition zone length was significantly shorter after Nissen (0-4.8 cm) than after Toupet fundoplication (0-12.8 cm)., Conclusions & Inferences: HRM metrics for subjects after a Toupet fundoplication are similar to the normal values derived from healthy subjects used for the Chicago classification. However, after Nissen fundoplication a higher esophagogastric junction resting pressure and higher IRP are observed in asymptomatic subjects and this can be considered normal in the postoperative state. In addition, more vigorous contractions and less and smaller peristaltic breaks are normal after Nissen fundoplication., (© 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: During the natural course of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), the risk for esophageal stricture formation increases. It remains unknown whether motility abnormalities in EoE also develop over time. We aimed to determine the relationship between disease duration, clinical characteristics, and manometric pattern of EoE patients., Methods: We compared esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM) measurements of 31 adult EoE patients with HRM data from 31 GERD controls and 31 healthy controls. Subsequently, we assessed differences in disease duration and clinical characteristics between EoE patients with normal and those with abnormal esophageal motility., Key Results: In EoE patients, peristaltic integrity was more frequently failed (12 vs 6%) or weak (27 vs 15%; p < 0.001) compared with healthy controls; however, this pattern was also seen in GERD controls (failed 14%, weak 27%). We found no differences regarding symptoms and signs of EoE between EoE patients with normal (42%) and abnormal motility (58%). However, disease duration was longer in EoE patients with abnormal motility than in those with normal motility (13 (6-18) years vs 4 (1-11) years; p < 0.05). In EoE, but not GERD, disease duration was identified as a risk factor for abnormal motility (OR for each year 1.142; 95% CI 1.004-1.299), and with longer disease duration, the prevalence of abnormal motility increased from 36% (duration 0-5 years) to 83% (duration ≥16 years; p < 0.05)., Conclusions & Inferences: Weak and failed peristaltic integrity are more often present in adult EoE patients than in healthy controls. The prevalence of manometric abnormalities in EoE patients increases with longer disease duration., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: The 5-HT4 receptor agonist prucalopride is a prokinetic drug which improves colonic motility. Animal data and in vitro studies suggest that prucalopride also affects gastric and esophageal motor function. We aimed to assess the effect of prucalopride on gastric emptying, esophageal motility, and gastro-esophageal reflux in man., Methods: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover study, we included 21 healthy volunteers who received 4 mg prucalopride or placebo per day for 6 days. We performed high-resolution manometry (HRM) followed by 120-min HRM-pH-impedance monitoring after a standardized meal, ambulatory 24-h pH-impedance monitoring, and gastric emptying for solids., Key Results: Prucalopride decreased (median [IQR]) total acid exposure time (3.4 [2.5-5.6] vs 1.7 [0.8-3.5] %, p < 0.05). The total number of reflux events was unaffected by prucalopride, however, the number of reflux events extending to the proximal esophagus was reduced by prucalopride (15.5 [9.8-25.5] vs 10.5 [5.3-17.5], p < 0.05). Furthermore, prucalopride improved acid clearance time (77.5 [47.8-108.8] vs 44.0 [30.0-67.8] s, p < 0.05). Prucalopride did not affect the number of transient lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxations or their association with reflux events. Esophageal motility and basal pressure of the LES were not affected by prucalopride. Prucalopride increased gastric emptying (T1/2 ; 32.7 [27.9-44.6] vs 49.8 [37.7-55.0] min, p < 0.05) and decreased residue after 120 min (8.8 [4.4-14.8] vs 2.7 [1.3-5.4] %, p < 0.05)., Conclusions & Inferences: Prucalopride reduces esophageal acid exposure and accelerates gastric emptying in healthy male volunteers. These findings suggest that the drug could be effective for treatment of patients with reflux disease and functional dyspepsia., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: The Chicago classification for esophageal motility disorders was designed for a 36-channel manometry system with sensors spaced at 1 cm. However, many motility laboratories outside the USA use catheters with a lower resolution in the segments outside the esophagogastric junction. Our aim was to investigate the effect of spatial resolution on the Chicago metrics and diagnosis., Methods: In 20 healthy volunteers and 47 patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms, high-resolution manometric studies of the esophagus were retrospectively reanalyzed using the original 1-cm spacing in the segments outside the 7-cm esophagogastric junction segment, and again after manually increasing the spacing between sensors to 2, 3, and 4 cm (above the lower esophageal sphincter region). Measurements were analyzed in random order and the investigator was blinded to the outcome of the analyses performed in another resolution of the same patient. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Kappa values were determined., Key Results: There was a very strong correlation between the 1-cm and 2-cm analysis for all Chicago metrics studied in healthy volunteers (ICCs: distal contractile integral 0.998; contractile front velocity (CFV) 0.964; distal latency 0.919; peristaltic break size 0.941). The 2-cm spacing analysis also correlated very well with the 1-cm analysis for the different Chicago diagnoses obtained in the patients (Kappa values ranging from 0.665 to 1.000). When the sensor spacing was increased to 3 and 4 cm, the correlation was reduced to moderate for the Chicago metrics, especially for break size and CFV of peristalsis., Conclusions & Inferences: The Chicago classification for esophageal motility disorders is still valid and the same normal values can be used when catheters with a slightly lower resolution are used (i.e., 2-cm vs 1-cm spacing). For larger sensor intervals, the classification and the normal values will need to be adjusted., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aim: The study assessed the impact on anorectal function of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) of large rectal adenomas., Method: Patients with a large (≥ 3 cm) rectal adenoma undergoing EMR or TEM were included. Self-reported faecal incontinence was assessed using the Colorectal Functional Outcome (COREFO) questionnaire and the Wexner Incontinence Grading Scale. Anorectal manometry was performed before and at 6 months after treatment to measure anal resting (ARP) and squeeze pressure (SP), squeeze endurance (SE), the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR), rectal volumetry of first sensation (FS), first urge (FU), maximum tolerable volume (MTV) and rectal compliance (RC)., Results: Twenty-four patients were included in the study, of whom 11 underwent EMR and 13 underwent TEM. The mean adenoma size was 51 ± 19 mm and the median distance from the anal verge was 3 cm (interquartile range 1-10 cm). Follow-up data were available from 20 patients; one patient had died and three had undergone total mesorectal excision. Incontinence for liquid stool and Wexner score decreased significantly after treatment. In contrast, none of the measured parameters of anorectal motility (ARP, SP, SE, RAIR, RC) and perception (FS, FU, MTV) was affected by adenoma resection. No differences were found in baseline and follow-up incontinence and functional parameters between intervention groups, except for postprocedural ARP, which was lower after TEM than after EMR., Conclusion: Continence in patients with a large rectal adenoma improved after EMR or TEM, probably due to decreased rectal mucus production. Anal sphincter pressure, rectoanal reflexes, rectal sensation and compliance were not affected by adenoma resection., (Colorectal Disease © 2013 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)