T1964 Dilation of Intercellular Spaces in Esophageal Epithelium in Non-Erosive and Erosive Reflux Disease Patients and Appropriate Controls

Abstract

and pH recordings. c) sleep stages using standardized EEG, EOG and EMG recording. Results: A total of 96 EPR were recorded only three of which occurred during sleep, therefore, data regarding the remaining 93 episodes were pooled. Of these refluxates, 10 were fluid, 78 were gas and 5 were mixed. UES and esophageal pressure behavior for refluxates of different physical properties were similar and this data was pooled. Two types of UES pressures were identified during pharyngeal reflux. The UES nadir pressure for complete UES relaxation (cUES-R) averaged -2.1±3.0 mmHg. UES nadir pressure for partial relaxation (pUES-R) averaged 9.4±4.0 mmHg. Complete relaxation occurred in 26/93 (28%) of EPR while incomplete relaxation occurred in 67/93(72%). Pharyngeal reflux events occurred within 1-2 seconds of or as late as 10s after GE reflux (GER) (table). Reflux-induced CC pressure was either equal to or significantly greater than UES residual pressure (p<0.01, table). This was also true for the three pharyngeal reflux events during sleep. GER events not associated with EPR had an average CC pressure of 7.5±3.7 mmHg and a UES pressure of 54±27 mmHg. Conclusions: 1) EPR during sleep is rare. 2) EPR is accompanied by either complete or partial relaxation of UES. 3) Reflux-induced CC pressure equals or exceeds UES nadir pressure.