title: The use of nifedipine for the treatment of achalasia in children.
abstract: Four adolescents with achalasia were treated with nifedipine. All the patients' symptoms improved dramatically. On manometric evaluation, following oral nifedipine, the lower esophageal sphincter pressure decreased approximately 50%. No change in esophageal peristaltic activity was noted. Side effects were minimal; two patients had mild headache initially. Nifedipine, which is commonly used in adult patients with achalasia, may be beneficial for short-term symptomatic relief in children until more definitive therapy can be performed.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004947:Esophagus / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D009543:Nifedipine