Recumbent Reflux Research Articles

Review of management of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease

This review was conducted according to the Patient/problem Intervention Comparison Outcome (PICO) Statements. Some studies reported that 10–30% of patients consulting in ENT come with presenting symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), but the exact prevalence of LPR is still unknown. Management has not changed in 20 years despite a significant increase in the number of publications on epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment. The development of hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring (HEMII-pH) and saliva pepsin detection now allow a new multidimensional diagnostic approach associating clinical scores to HEMII-pH and saliva pepsin detection. This new approach may enable personalized treatment according to LPR profile on HEMII-pH (acid, non-acid, mixed; upright, recumbent reflux episodes). Updated treatment of LPR could consist in a 3-month association of dietary measures, proton pump inhibitors, alginate and magaldrate, followed by treatment adaptation.

The evaluation of recumbent reflux by multichannel intraluminal impedance pH testing for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep disturbance.

The relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep disturbance has recently been pointed out and is garnering substantial attention. Although there are reports that point out the effectiveness of medical treatment for sleep disturbance associated with GERD, examinations of the pathological condition, including reflux during sleep, are inadequate. In the present study, we evaluated the recumbent reflux in patients with GERD and sleep disturbance using multichannel intraluminal impedance pH (MII-pH), and attempted to suppress recumbent reflux by surgical treatment to examine the pathophysiology of patients with GERD and sleep disturbance. Of the 47 patients with GERD-related diseases in whom laparoscopic fundoplication was performed at The Jikei University Hospital from January 2016 to June 2017, 31 patients (average age: 55.9 ± 13.8years, male in 25), excluding 9 with surgical indications only for esophageal hiatal hernia and 7 without postoperative evaluation, were the subjects of this study. All surgical procedures were performed by the Toupet method. We used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to evaluate sleep disturbance, setting 5.5 as the cut-off value, based on the report by Doi et al., with any conditions beyond this value deemed sleep disturbance. The evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux was carried based on the MII-pH using the Sleuth, manufactured by Sandhill Corporation, with an automatic analysis carried out by computer. Furthermore, recumbent abnormal reflux was defined as recumbent all reflux (times) > 7. All evaluations were performed preoperatively and at 3months after the operation. The data were expressed in medians and interquartile ranges, with p < 0.05 defined as statistically significant by the Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, or Chi-squared test. Although sleep disturbance was found in 19 cases (61%), 8 (42%) of which were actually confirmed as nighttime abnormal reflux, of whom 5 cases (63%) showed significant improvement in their sleep disturbance following the operation, with a PSQI score of lower than 5.5. Among these 5 cases, postoperative recumbent abnormal reflux was also significantly reduced as compared with the preoperative condition (17 vs. 2 times/day, p = 0.042). Furthermore, sleep disturbance improved and recumbent abnormal reflux also decreased in two cases, with sleep disturbance improved by controlling the nighttime reflux via surgery in a total of 7 cases (87.5%). Although the PSQI score was as high as 14 points before and after the operation in one case, the rate of recumbent abnormal reflux was remarkably reduced, with sleep disturbance and recumbent reflux considered irrelevant. Furthermore, regarding the frequency of recumbent acid/non-acid reflux, while non-acid reflux was significantly more frequent in the patients with recumbent reflux complications (9 vs. 1 time/day, p < 0.001), there was no marked difference in the frequency of acid reflux. Among cases with GERD and sleep disturbance, approximately one-third of them showed findings suggestive of the involvement of recumbent reflux in sleep disturbance, with reflux characterized by non-acid reflux.

Correlation of salivary and nasal lavage pepsin with MII-pH testing.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a common upper airway disease. Salivary pepsin is a proposed marker for LPR; however, the optimal time for collection of specimens for pepsin detection and pepsin's presence in the oral and nasal secretions relative to concurrent multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring are unknown. Prospective case-control study with an experimental design. Patients undergoing MII-pH testing for evaluation of LPR and asymptomatic control subjects were selected. Nasal lavage and saliva samples were collected in the clinic prior to MII-pH probe placement. Additional saliva samples were obtained an hour after each meal and upon waking the following morning. Nasal lavage and salivary pepsin were measured by ELISA. Twenty-six patients undergoing MII-pH testing and 13 reflux-free control patients were enrolled. Salivary pepsin was detected in 11 of 26 patients with suspected LPR and 0 of 13 controls. Pepsin was most frequently detected in the specimen provided upon waking at an average concentration of 186.9 ng/mL. A significant correlation was observed between salivary pepsin in waking samples to MII-pH measurements, including reflux bolus duration, and proximal and distal recumbent reflux episodes (P < 0.05). A significant correlation was also observed between salivary pepsin upon waking or sinus lavage and reflux symptom index (P < 0.05). Pepsin in salivary and nasal lavage samples demonstrated an association with MII-pH-documented LPR. Pepsin detection was most frequent in morning samples, supporting use of morning salivary pepsin levels as a potential noninvasive technique for LPR diagnosis. 2 Laryngoscope, 130:961-966, 2020.

Pre-lung transplant measures of reflux on impedance are superior to pH testing alone in predicting early allograft injury.

To evaluate pre-lung transplant acid reflux on pH-testing vs corresponding bolus reflux on multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) to predict early allograft injury. This was a retrospective cohort study of lung transplant recipients who underwent pre-transplant combined MII-pH-testing at a tertiary care center from January 2007 to November 2012. Patients with pre-transplant fundoplication were excluded. Time-to-event analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards model to assess associations between measures of reflux on MII-pH testing and early allograft injury. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (c-statistic) of the Cox model was calculated to assess the predictive value of each reflux parameter for early allograft injury. Six pH-testing parameters and their corresponding MII measures were specified a priori. The pH parameters were upright, recumbent, and overall acid reflux exposure; elevated acid reflux exposure; total acid reflux episodes; and acid clearance time. The corresponding MII measures were upright, recumbent, and overall bolus reflux exposure; elevated bolus reflux exposure; total bolus reflux episodes; and bolus clearance time. Thirty-two subjects (47% men, mean age: 55 years old) met the inclusion criteria of the study. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (46.9%) represented the most common pulmonary diagnosis leading to transplantation. Baseline demographics, pre-transplant cardiopulmonary function, number of lungs transplanted (unilateral vs bilateral), and post-transplant proton pump inhibitor use were similar between reflux severity groups. The area under the ROC curve, or c-statistic, of each acid reflux parameter on pre-transplant pH-testing was lower than its bolus reflux counterpart on MII in the prediction of early allograft injury. In addition, the development of early allograft injury was significantly associated with three pre-transplant MII measures of bolus reflux: overall reflux exposure (HR = 1.18, 95%CI: 1.01-1.36, P = 0.03), recumbent reflux exposure (HR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.04-1.50, P = 0.01) and bolus clearance (HR = 1.09, 95%CI: 1.01-1.17, P = 0.02), but not with any pH-testing parameter measuring acid reflux alone. Pre-transplant MII measures of bolus reflux perform better than their pH-testing counterparts in predicting early allograft injury post-lung transplantation.

Reply to: “Comparison of results from a randomized trial 1 year after laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplications”

The fundoplication of choice for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) still is debated. Multichannel intraluminal impedance monitoring (MII) has not been used to compare objective data, and comparative subjective data on laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplications are scarce.This study randomly allocated 125 patients with documented chronic GERD to either laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication (LNF; n = 62) or laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF; n = 63). The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), symptom grading, esophageal manometry, and MII data were documented preoperatively and 1 year after surgery. The pre- and postprocedure data were compared. Statistical significance was set at a p value lower than 0.01 (NCT01321294).Both procedures resulted in significantly improved GIQLI and GERD symptoms. Preoperative dysphagia improved in both groups, but the improvement reached significance only in the LTF group. The ability to belch was shown to be significantly more decreased after LNF than after LTF. Gas-bloat and "atypical" extraesophageal symptoms also were decreased after surgery (p < 0.01). However, bowel symptoms were virtually unchanged in both groups. Both procedures resulted in significantly improved lower esophageal sphincter pressures. The improvement was greater in the LNF group than in the LTF group (p < 0.01). The DeMeester score and the numbers of total, acid, proximal, upright, and recumbent reflux episodes decreased in both groups after surgery (p < 0.01). No significant difference between the procedures in terms of MII data was found. Six patients (4.8 %) had to undergo reoperation because of intrathoracic slipping of the wrap. All the patients had undergone LNF.Both procedures proved to be equally effective in improving quality of life and GERD symptoms. However, the reoperation and dysphagia rates were lower and the ability to belch was higher after LTF than after LNF.

A Randomized Trial on Endoscopic Full-Thickness Gastroplication Versus Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery in GERD Patients Without Hiatal Hernias

Endoscopic full-thickness gastroplication by the Plicator instrument has proven to be a safe and effective method to improve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. This is the first comparative objective data study for endoscopic versus laparoscopic antireflux procedures. In this single-center controlled open trial in 70 adult patients with documented gastroesophageal reflux disease without hiatal hernias, objective and subjective outcome parameters were evaluated prospectively and compared. Patients were randomly assigned to either endoscopic full-thickness gastroplication or laparoscopic antireflux surgery. Patients in the Plicator group received between 1 and 3 transmural-pledgeted sutures to the gastric cardia. Patients in the laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS) group underwent Nissen or Toupet fundoplication. Esophageal manometry, 24-hour impedance pH monitoring, Gastrointestinal Quality-of-Life Index, and symptom questionnaires were evaluated at baseline and at the 3-month follow-up for significant (P<0.05) changes and differences. Lower esophageal sphincter pressures were increased in the LARS group and unchanged in the Plicator group. Total reflux numbers, acid, nonacid, proximal, upright, and recumbent reflux events were reduced in both groups, significantly more in the LARS group. Reductions in reflux-related esophageal acid scores were significant only in the LARS group. Similar improvements of Gastrointestinal Quality-of-Life Index were found in both groups. General and gas-related symptom scores were comparably reduced. Greater Reductions in reflux-specific symptom scores were found after LARS. Bowel dysfunction symptom scores were lower after LARS. Improvements in the general subjective outcome parameters were similar after endoscopic full-thickness gastroplication compared with LARS despite a stronger reflux control provided by LARS. More effective relief of reflux-related symptoms favors LARS, and differences in side effect symptoms favor endoscopic full-thickness gastroplication.

Comparison of results from a randomized trial 1 year after laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplications

The fundoplication of choice for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) still is debated. Multichannel intraluminal impedance monitoring (MII) has not been used to compare objective data, and comparative subjective data on laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplications are scarce. This study randomly allocated 125 patients with documented chronic GERD to either laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication (LNF; n = 62) or laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF; n = 63). The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), symptom grading, esophageal manometry, and MII data were documented preoperatively and 1 year after surgery. The pre- and postprocedure data were compared. Statistical significance was set at a p value lower than 0.01 (NCT01321294). Both procedures resulted in significantly improved GIQLI and GERD symptoms. Preoperative dysphagia improved in both groups, but the improvement reached significance only in the LTF group. The ability to belch was shown to be significantly more decreased after LNF than after LTF. Gas-bloat and "atypical" extraesophageal symptoms also were decreased after surgery (p < 0.01). However, bowel symptoms were virtually unchanged in both groups. Both procedures resulted in significantly improved lower esophageal sphincter pressures. The improvement was greater in the LNF group than in the LTF group (p < 0.01). The DeMeester score and the numbers of total, acid, proximal, upright, and recumbent reflux episodes decreased in both groups after surgery (p < 0.01). No significant difference between the procedures in terms of MII data was found. Six patients (4.8 %) had to undergo reoperation because of intrathoracic slipping of the wrap. All the patients had undergone LNF. Both procedures proved to be equally effective in improving quality of life and GERD symptoms. However, the reoperation and dysphagia rates were lower and the ability to belch was higher after LTF than after LNF.

Full-thickness Gastroplication for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

This was a prospective study that evaluates subjective and objective patient parameters 3 months after full-thickness gastroplication. Forty-one patients with documented gastroesophageal reflux disease and persistent symptoms despite medical treatment, without radiologic visible hiatal hernia, were enrolled in the study and underwent endoscopic full-thickness gastroplication with one or more plicator implants. Evaluation of Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index, symptoms typically related to reflux, gas bloat, and bowel dysfunction and esophageal manometry, and impedance-pH monitoring were performed at baseline and 3 months after the procedure. The mean Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index score, and general and reflux-specific scores improved significantly (P<0.01), and gas bloat-specific symptom scores and bowel dysfunction-specific symptom scores were reduced (P<0.05) on follow-up. The numbers of total, acid, proximal, upright, and recumbent reflux episodes were all reduced (P<0.01). Manometric data remained almost unchanged. DeMeester score reduced nonsignificantly (P<0.098). 21.6% of the patients were on proton-pump inhibitor medication on a daily basis after the procedure. There was only 1 postprocedure incident (bleeding) that required intervention. In conclusion, endoscopic full-thickness plication is a safe and well-tolerated procedure that significantly improves quality of life and eliminates gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms in the majority of patients, without side effects seen after laparoscopic fundoplication.

Subjective and objective data on esophageal manometry and impedance pH monitoring 1 year after endoscopic full-thickness plication for the treatment of GERD by using multiple plication implants

Subjective and especially objective data after endoluminal full-thickness gastroplication are scarce. To evaluate symptoms and reflux activity 12 months after gastroplication by using multichannel intraluminal impedance monitoring. Open-label, prospective, single-center study. Tertiary referral hospital in Zell am See, Austria. Subjects without hiatal hernias with documented GERD and persistent or recurrent symptoms despite treatment with a proton pump inhibitor. A total of 36 patients underwent endoscopic full-thickness gastroplication with 1 or more Plicator implants. Mean Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index and reflux-specific symptom scores significantly improved on follow-up (P < .01). Atypical reflux, gas/bloating, and bowel dysfunction-specific symptom scores as well as belching and dysphagia scores improved. Twenty-two patients returned for esophageal manometry and multichannel intraluminal impedance testing 1 year after surgery. DeMeester scores decreased from 20 to 10 (P < .029). The median numbers of total, acid, proximal, upright, and recumbent reflux episodes were all significantly reduced (P < .05). Manometric data were virtually unchanged. The percentage of patients taking proton pump inhibitors on daily basis after the procedure was 11.5%. There was only 1 postprocedure incident (bleeding) that required intervention. Three of 36 patients (8.3%) were considered treatment failures because of persistent symptoms and were assigned to undergo laparoscopic fundoplication. No randomized comparison with a sham procedure or laparoscopic fundoplication; follow-up interval. Endoscopic plication is safe and improves objective and subjective parameters at 1-year follow-up, without side effects seen after laparoscopic fundoplication. Further studies on the clinical merit of this procedure in specific patient populations are warranted.

Effect of bed head elevation during sleep in symptomatic patients of nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux

Nocturnal gastro-esophageal reflux causes heartburn and sleep disturbances impairing quality of life. Lifestyle modifications, like bed head elevation during sleep, are thought to alleviate the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. We tested the hypothesis that bed head elevation might decrease recumbent acid exposure compared to sleeping in a flat bed. Patients of symptomatic nocturnal reflux and documented recumbent (supine) reflux verified by esophageal pH test entered the trial. On day 1, baseline pH was measured while the patient slept on a flat bed. Then patients slept on a bed with the head end elevated by a 20-cm block for the next 6 consecutive days from day 2 to day 7. The pH test was repeated on day 2 and day 7. Each patient acted as his own control. Twenty of 24 (83.3%) patients with mean age of 36 ± 5.5 years completed the trial. The mean (± SD) supine reflux time %, acid clearance time, number of refluxes 5 min longer and symptom score on day 1 and day 7 were 15.0 ± 8.4 and 13.7 ± 7.2; P = 0.001, 3.8 ± 2.0 and 3.0 ± 1.6; P = 0.001, 3.3 ± 2.2 and 1.0 ± 1.2; P = 0.001, and 2.3 ± 0.6 and 1.5 ± 0.6; P = 0.04, respectively. The sleep disturbances improved in 13 (65%) patients. Bed head elevation reduced esophageal acid exposure and acid clearance time in nocturnal (supine) refluxers and led to some relief from heartburn and sleep disturbance.

Twice-daily proton pump inhibitor therapy does not decrease the frequency of reflux episodes during nocturnal recumbency in patients with refractory GERD: analysis of 200 patients using multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH testing

Over half of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) report nocturnal symptoms. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the main medications used to treat GERD. Multichannel intraluminal impedance with pH (MII-pH) monitoring is the most sensitive method for detection and characterization of GERD. The aim of this study was to assess and compare reflux frequency in patients with refractory GERD symptoms on and off PPI therapy during the nocturnal recumbent period, as assessed by MII-pH testing. We analyzed 24-hour MII-pH studies performed in 200 patients monitored either on twice-daily (n = 100) or off (n = 100) PPI therapy. Demographic analysis of the on-therapy group revealed a mean age of 52 years (24-78 years) with 37% males, and the off-therapy group revealed a mean age of 49 years (18-84 years) with 40% males. All studies were interpreted to assess and characterize the number of acid and nonacid reflux episodes in the nocturnal recumbent period identified by each patient on an overnight recorder (Zephyr, Sandhill Scientific, Inc., Highlands Ranch, CO, USA). The nocturnal recumbent period was the period documented by patients during which they lie in the recumbent period at night to sleep with average periods lasting 456 and 453 minutes for patients on and off PPI therapy. There were more mean recumbent reflux episodes in the on-therapy group in comparison with the off-therapy group (3.76 mean reflux episodes [mre] per patient in the recumbent vs. 2.82 mre); the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.187). When the reflux events are classified into acid and non-acid reflux episodes, the relative occurrence of acid reflux events is less in the on-therapy group (P = 0.047), while the off-therapy group have fewer nonacid reflux episodes (P = 0.003). PPIs decrease the acidity of esophageal refluxate but do not decrease the relative frequency of reflux episodes in the recumbent position in patients with refractory GERD despite twice-a-day treatment with PPI therapy. The explanation for the finding of numerically increased, although not statistically significant, amount of reflux episodes in the PPI treatment group in this study, and previous studies is unclear and warrants further evaluation.

Characteristics of Upright and Recumbent Reflux in Patients on PPI Thearpy

Characteristics of Upright and Recumbent Reflux in Patients on PPI Thearpy

PH studies: Clinical Indications

PH studies: Clinical Indications

Nighttime Reflux Is Primarily an Early Event

Our clinical impression gleaned from reading large numbers of ambulatory pH studies is that recumbent reflux episodes mostly occur in the early part of the nighttime period. In this study, we propose to test this hypothesis. A total of 201 consecutive pH studies performed in our laboratory between November 2001 and October 2002 were analyzed. Population characteristics: 75 males and 126 females; mean age, 50.4 yrs (range, 16-88 years). Reflux was defined by a drop in pH to less than 4. Abnormal total recumbent reflux was defined as >1.2% time pH < 4. For patients with abnormal recumbent reflux, the recumbent period was divided into two halves and the reflux time in each period was calculated. In all patients, ingestion of a meal within 2 hours of retiring was also identified. A total of 59 patients had abnormal recumbent reflux: 24 males and 35 females; mean age, 48.9 years. In patients with abnormal recumbent reflux, acid reflux was significantly more frequent in the first half of the recumbent period compared with the second half (median, 6.3%; vs. 0.3%, respectively; P < 0.001; Wilcoxon signed rank test, two-tailed analysis). Those patients (N = 118) having had a meal within 2 hours of retiring were 2.46 times more likely to develop recumbent reflux than those whose last meal was more than 2 hours earlier (N = 83). These results support our hypothesis that nighttime reflux occurs primarily during the first half of the recumbent period. In addition, they reinforce the concept of maintaining control of early nighttime reflux and the importance of counseling patients with nocturnal symptoms against late meals and snacks.

DYSPHAGIA IN EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS RESPONDS TO GERD THERAPY

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (Eo E) is a rare disorder defined by the presence of more than 24 eosinophils per high-powered field within the esophageal squamous epithelium or deeper tissue levels, typically presenting with dysphagia in young adult males. There appears to be a possible relationship between Eo E and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, there is no data concerning Eo E and esophageal motility and function. Objective: Identify a possible esophageal motility pattern for Eo E. Methods: 2 patients with histologically proven Eo E, evaluated with barium swallow (BS), 24-hr esophageal p H monitoring (24-hr p H) and MII-EM. Results: Patient #1: 31 year old male with solid food dysphagia. EGD showed a mildly narrowed distal esophageal lumen and friable mucosa with slight corrugated appearance. On pathology of esophageal biopsies, there were 34 eosinophils per high powered field. BS was normal. 24-hrp H showed abnormal recumbent reflux (3.2%). MII-EM found ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) with complete bolus transit. Maximal acid suppression therapy with PPI twice a day plus H2 antagonist at bedtime. Patient #2: 42 year old male with solid food dysphagia. EGD showed a corrugated esophagus. On pathology of esophageal biopsies, there were 29 eosinophils per high powered field. BS found a diffusely narrowed distal esophagus. 24-hr p H showed abnormal esophageal acid exposure in upright (9.4%) and recumbent positions (2.8%). MII-EM found IEM with incomplete bolus transit. Maximal acid suppression therapy with PPI twice a day plus H2 antagonist at bedtime. Follow-up: Both patients were followed 1 year after starting acid suppression therapy. They both report no dysphagia within 2 months of starting acid suppression therapy. Conclusion: These 2 cases reinforce the probable link between Eo E and GERD, since both patients had GERD, and their dysphagia responded to maximal acid suppression therapy. They both had IEM, which may be a factor in their dysphagia.

Ineffective esophageal motility is a primary motility disorder in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The relationship between esophageal motor abnormalities and GERD has been widely studied. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) in patients with GERD. In addition, we also evaluated esophageal acid exposure, acid clearance, and endoscopic esophagitis in GERD patients with IEM. Of 89 patients enrolled in this study, 47 (52.8%) were found to have nonspecific esophageal motility disorder (NEMD). Forty-four of the 47 (93.6%) patients with NEMD met the diagnostic criteria for IEM. The overall incidence of IEM in GERD patients was 49.4%. Patients with IEM had significant increases in upright and recumbent mean fraction of time pH < 4 (6.70% and 4.38%) and mean recumbent esophageal acid clearance (12.45 min/reflux) when compared to those with other motility findings. Seventeen of the 44 (39%) IEM patients did not have endoscopic esophagitis. On the other hand, 26 of the 39 (67%) patients with normal manometry had endoscopic esophagitis. We concluded that not only is the prevalence of IEM high in GERD, but also that IEM patients have more recumbent gastroesophageal reflux and delayed acid clearance. Combined with endoscopic findings, we propose that IEM can be viewed as a specific entity of primary esophageal motility disorder in patients with GERD.

Influence of spontaneous sleep positions on nighttime recumbent reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

OBJECTIVE: Body position has been shown to influence postprandial and fasting gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in patients and normal volunteers when they are assigned to lie in a prescribed position. No published studies have evaluated the effect of spontaneous sleeping positions on recumbent reflux in patients with GER. METHODS: Ten patients, three female and seven male (mean age 47.6 yr, range 30–67 yr) with abnormal recumbent esophageal pH <4 on 24-h pH-metry participated. A standardized high fat dinner (6 PM) and a bedtime snack (10 PM) were administered to all patients. GER during spontaneous sleep positions was assessed with a single channel pH probe placed 5 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and with a position sensor taped to the sternum. Data were recorded with a portable digital data logger (Microdigitrapper-S, Synectics Medical) and analyzed for recumbent percent time pH <4 and esophageal acid clearance time in each of four sleeping positions. Time elapsed between change in sleeping position and GER episodes was also calculated. RESULTS: Right lateral decubitus was associated with greater percent time pH <4 ( p < 0.003) and longer esophageal acid clearance ( p < 0.05) compared to the left, supine, and prone. GER episodes were more frequent in the supine position ( p < 0.04) and occurred within 1 min after change in sleeping position 28% of the time. CONCLUSIONS: The left lateral decubitus position is preferred in patients with nocturnal GER. Measures to aid patients in sleeping in this position should be developed.

Influence of spontaneous sleep positions on nighttime recumbent reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Body position has been shown to influence postprandial and fasting gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in patients and normal volunteers when they are assigned to lie in a prescribed position. No published studies have evaluated the effect of spontaneous sleeping positions on recumbent reflux in patients with GER. Ten patients, three female and seven male (mean age 47.6 yr, range 30-67 yr) with abnormal recumbent esophageal pH <4 on 24-h pH-metry participated. A standardized high fat dinner (6 PM) and a bedtime snack (10 PM) were administered to all patients. GER during spontaneous sleep positions was assessed with a single channel pH probe placed 5 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and with a position sensor taped to the sternum. Data were recorded with a portable digital data logger (Microdigitrapper-S, Synectics Medical) and analyzed for recumbent percent time pH <4 and esophageal acid clearance time in each of four sleeping positions. Time elapsed between change in sleeping position and GER episodes was also calculated. Right lateral decubitus was associated with greater percent time pH <4 (p < 0.003) and longer esophageal acid clearance (p < 0.05) compared to the left, supine, and prone. GER episodes were more frequent in the supine position (p < 0.04) and occurred within 1 min after change in sleeping position 28% of the time. The left lateral decubitus position is preferred in patients with nocturnal GER. Measures to aid patients in sleeping in this position should be developed.

Influence of body position on nightime recumbent reflux in patients with GERD

Influence of body position on nightime recumbent reflux in patients with GERD

Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM): the primary finding in patients with nonspecific esophageal motility disorder.

Nonspecific esophageal motility disorder (NEMD) is a vague category used to include patients with poorly defined esophageal contraction abnormalities. The criteria include "ineffective" contraction waves, ie, peristaltic waves that are either of low amplitude or are not transmitted. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) found during manometry testing and to evaluate esophageal acid exposure and esophageal acid clearance (EAC) in patients with IEM compared to those with other motility findings. We analyzed esophageal manometric tracings from 600 consecutive patients undergoing manometry in our laboratory following a specific protocol from April 1992 through October 1994 to identify the frequency of ineffective contractions and the percentages of other motility abnormalities present in patients meeting criteria for NEMD. Comparison of acid exposure and EAC was made with 150 patients who also had both esophageal manometry and pH-metry over the same time period. Sixty-one of 600 patients (10%) met the diagnostic criteria for NEMD. Sixty of 61 (98%) of these patients had IEM, defined by at least 30% ineffective contractions out of 10 wet swallows. Thirty-five of these patients also underwent ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring. Patients with IEM demonstrated significant increases in both recumbent median percentage of time of pH <4 (4.5%) and median distal EAC (4.2 min/episode) compared to those with normal motility (0.2%, 1 min/episode), diffuse esophageal spasm (0%, 0.6 min/episode), hypertensive LES (0%, 1.8 min/episode), and nutcracker esophagus (0.4% 1.6 min/episode). Recumbent acid exposure in IEM did not differ significantly from that in patients with systemic scleroderma (SSc) for either variable (5.4%, 4.2 min/episode). We propose that IEM is a more appropriate term and should replace NEMD, giving it a more specific manometric identity. IEM patients demonstrate a distinctive recumbent reflux pattern, similar to that seen in patients with SSc. This finding indicates that there is an association between IEM and recumbent GER. Whether IEM is the cause or the effect of increased esophageal acid exposure remains to be determined.