Does the duration of gastroesophageal reflux disease and degree of acid reflux correlate with esophageal function? A retrospective analysis of 768 patients.

To reconfirm that the duration of symptoms is not associated with esophageal motility in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal manometric data from 768 patients with GERD were retrospectively analyzed with relation to the duration of symptoms. GERD was defined by positive acid reflux test results monitored by ambulatory 24-hour pH monitoring. Correlation of the duration of symptoms with esophageal body pressures, the presence of dysmotility determined by simultaneous waves, average resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and abdominal and overall lengths of the LES were statistically analyzed. The median duration of the symptoms was 60 months (range, 1-600). Duration of symptoms was not associated with contraction pressures of the esophageal body at 3 and 8 cm above the LES (r = -0.070 and -0.063, respectively). There was no correlation between LES pressures, LES lengths, or the percentage of simultaneous waves and duration of symptoms. Stricture formation is related to decreased distal esophageal function in GERD patients. In conclusion, the duration of GERD has little influence on esophageal body and LES function.