Gender variation in oesophageal motor function: analysis of 129 healthy individuals.
BACKGROUND
Oesophageal manometry is the standard for diagnosis of oesophageal motor disorders. Minimal data exist assessing the effect of gender on normal oesophageal manometry values.


OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the impact of gender on normal oesophageal manometry values.


METHODS
Healthy volunteers were recruited from the Jacksonville metropolitan area. Exclusion criteria were symptoms suggestive of oesophageal disease, medication use or concurrent illness that could affect oesophageal manometry. All underwent oesophageal manometry using a solid-state system with wet swallows.


RESULTS
Sixty-three males and 66 females were enrolled. All completed oesophageal manometry without difficulty. Resting lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, distal oesophageal contraction duration and distal oesophageal body contraction amplitude values were significantly higher in females while distal oesophageal body contraction velocity was significantly lower in females (p<0.05). No differences were seen in other oesophageal manometry parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant gender differences exist in normal oesophageal manometry. Gender-specific reference values for oesophageal manometry are needed for accurate diagnosis of oesophageal motility disorders.
Vega
Kenneth J
KJ
Division of Gastroenterology, University of Florida College of Medicine/Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA. kenneth.vega@jax.ufl.edu
Palacio
Carlos
C
Langford-Legg
Tracy
T
Watts
Janet
J
Jamal
M Mazen
MM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology*; D049630:Esophageal Sphincter, Lower / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D010528:Peristalsis / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult