title: Evaluation of gastroesophageal function and mechanisms underlying gastroesophageal reflux in infants and adults born with esophageal atresia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the mechanisms underlying gastroesophageal reflux (GER) following esophageal atresia (EA) repair and gastroesophageal function in infants and adults born with EA.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten consecutive infants born with EA as well as 10 randomly selected adult EA patients were studied during their first postoperative follow-up visit and a purposely planned visit, respectively. A (13)C-octanoate breath test and esophageal pH-impedance-manometry study were performed. Mechanisms underlying GER and esophageal function were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) was the most common mechanism underlying GER in infants and adults (66% and 62%, respectively). In 66% of all GER episodes, no clearing mechanism was initiated. On EFT, normal motility patterns were seen in six patients (four infants, two adults). One of these adults had normal motility overall (>80% of swallows). Most swallows (78.8%) were accompanied by abnormal motility patterns. Despite this observation, impedance showed normal bolus transit in 40.9% of swallows. Gastric emptying was delayed in 57.1% of infants and 22.2% of adults.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TLESR is the main mechanism underlying GER events in patients with EA. Most infants and adults have impaired motility, delayed bolus clearance, and delayed gastric emptying. However, normal motility patterns were seen in a minority of patients.
authors: Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Emma Children's Hospital AMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Electronic address: m.p.vanwijk@amc.nl.
authors: Michiel
authors: M
authors: van Wijk
authors: Fransje
authors: F
authors: Knüppe
authors: Taher
authors: T
authors: Omari
authors: Justin
authors: J
authors: de Jong
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: Benninga
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000601:surgery*; D015154:Esophageal Motility Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D050782:Esophageal pH Monitoring; D004947:Esophagus / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005746:Gastric Emptying / Q000502:physiology; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D010992:Plethysmography, Impedance; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*
keywords: Esophageal atresia; Esophageal function test; Gastric emptying; Gastroesophageal reflux; Impedance; Manometry