OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to characterize the motor events responsible for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and esophageal acid clearance in a cohort of healthy preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: Esophageal motility was recorded for 2 to 3 hours after a feeding in 24 preterm infants, 31 to 38 weeks' postmenstrual age, by using a sleeveside hole micromanometric assembly incorporating a pH probe. RESULTS: Sixty acid GER episodes were recorded by pH probe, and 133 non-acid GER episodes were recorded manometrically by the presence of esophageal common cavities. Of the 193 GER episodes, 159 (82%) were associated with transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR). TLESRs were significantly longer in duration than single swallows (15.1 seconds vs 5.6 seconds, P < .001) and had lower nadir pressures (0.8 mm Hg vs 2.3 mm Hg, P < .001). A total of 3216 esophageal body pressure waves were analyzed; 70% of swallow-induced pressure waves were peristaltic in sequence compared with 5% of swallow-unrelated pressure waves. During periods of esophageal acidification (pH below 4), peristaltic esophageal body pressure wave sequences cleared acid refluxate more effectively than nonperistaltic pressure wave sequences. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy preterm infants, TLESRs are the predominant mechanism underlying GER, and esophageal clearance mechanisms are well developed by at least 31 weeks' postmenstrual age.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to characterize the motor events responsible for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and esophageal acid clearance in a cohort of healthy preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: Esophageal motility was recorded for 2 to 3 hours after a feeding in 24 preterm infants, 31 to 38 weeks' postmenstrual age, by using a sleeveside hole micromanometric assembly incorporating a pH probe. RESULTS: Sixty acid GER episodes were recorded by pH probe, and 133 non-acid GER episodes were recorded manometrically by the presence of esophageal common cavities. Of the 193 GER episodes, 159 (82%) were associated with transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR). TLESRs were significantly longer in duration than single swallows (15.1 seconds vs 5.6 seconds, P < .001) and had lower nadir pressures (0.8 mm Hg vs 2.3 mm Hg, P < .001). A total of 3216 esophageal body pressure waves were analyzed; 70% of swallow-induced pressure waves were peristaltic in sequence compared with 5% of swallow-unrelated pressure waves. During periods of esophageal acidification (pH below 4), peristaltic esophageal body pressure wave sequences cleared acid refluxate more effectively than nonperistaltic pressure wave sequences. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy preterm infants, TLESRs are the predominant mechanism underlying GER, and esophageal clearance mechanisms are well developed by at least 31 weeks' postmenstrual age.
Authors: Sudarshan R Jadcherla; Vanessa N Parks; Juan Peng; Samuel Dzodzomenyo; Soledad Fernandez; Reza Shaker; Mark Splaingard Journal: Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol Date: 2011-08-18 Impact factor: 4.052
Authors: Frankie B Fike; Vincent E Mortellaro; Janine N Pettiford; Daniel J Ostlie; Shawn D St Peter Journal: Pediatr Surg Int Date: 2011-04-06 Impact factor: 1.827
Authors: T I Omari; C P Barnett; M A Benninga; R Lontis; L Goodchild; R R Haslam; J Dent; G P Davidson Journal: Gut Date: 2002-10 Impact factor: 23.059
Authors: B B Hassan; R Butler; G P Davidson; M Benninga; R Haslam; C Barnett; J Dent; T I Omari Journal: Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed Date: 2002-09 Impact factor: 5.747