Gastroesophageal reflux and bleeding esophageal varices.
The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux was evaluated with the use of a pH probe in 12 patients with cirrhosis and recent variceal hemorrhage and in 15 healthy control subjects. Short episodes of reflux occurred in 42% of the patients and in 47% of the controls. During an observation period of 1 hr, the cumulative duration of reflux was similar in patients (2.5 +/- 1.3 min) and controls (3.1 +/- 1.4 min). Mean lower esophageal sphincter pressures were normal in both groups but did not show a significant correlation with the duration of reflux. These data support previous observations that gastroesophageal reflux dose not appear to be a contributing factor in the development of variceal hemorrhage.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000150:complications*; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000503:physiopathology; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged