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Objective:To analyze the characteristics and electrogastrogram features of patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) overlapping lower gastrointestinal symptoms (LGS).Methods:The clinical data of 61 patients with FD from January 2018 to December 2020 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, FD overlapping LGS was in 33 cases (FD overlapping LGS group), and simple FD in 28 cases (simple FD group). The manifestations of patients with FD overlapping LGS were recorded. The dyspeptic symptom score was assessed using the Rome Ⅳ criteria. Anxiety and depression status were evaluated using the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and sleep disorder was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). The electrogastrogram was performed, and the normal slow wave percentage (N%), bradygastria percentage (B%), tachygastria percentage (T%), arrhythmia percentage (A%), dominant frequency, dominant power and postprandial-to-fasting power ratio (PR) were recorded.Results:The most common symptom in FD patients overlapping LGS was lower abdomen distention, the incidence was 84.85% (28/33). The upper abdominal bloating score in FD overlapping LGS group was significantly higher than that in simple FD group: 7.00 (6.50, 7.00) scores vs. 5.00 (0.50, 7.00) scores, and there was statistical difference ( P<0.01); there were no statistical differences in other dyspeptic symptoms scores and total score between the two groups ( P>0.05). The incidences of depression and sleep disorder in FD overlapping LGS group were significantly higher than those in simple FD group: 42.42% (14/33) vs. 14.29% (4/28) and 69.70% (23/33) vs. 39.29% (11/28), and there were statistical differences ( χ2 = 5.77 and 5.68, P<0.05); there was no statistical difference in the incidence of anxiety between the two groups ( P>0.05). In FD overlapping LGS group, the postprandial T% in the gastric fundus and postprandial A% in the gastric body were significantly lower than those before meal: 13.79% (6.79%, 21.46%) vs. 20.69% (12.45%, 27.59%) and 3.45% (0, 6.90%) vs. 6.90% (3.45%, 13.79%), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). In simple FD group, the postprandial N% in the gastric fundus was significantly lower than that before meal: 55.92% (43.71%, 70.02%) vs. 69.27% (48.07%, 78.45%), and there was statistical difference ( P<0.05). In the gastric fundus, the preprandial N% in FD overlapping LGS group was significantly lower than that in simple FD group, preprandial B% and T% were significantly higher than those in simple FD group, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01 or <0.05). In the gastric body, the preprandial N% in FD overlapping LGS group was significantly lower than that in simple FD group, and there was statistical difference ( P<0.05). In the pyloric region, the PR in FD overlapping LGS group was significantly lower than that in simple FD group, and there was statistical difference ( P<0.05). In the overall stomach, the preprandial N% in FD overlapping LGS group was significantly lower than that in simple FD group, the preprandial B% and T% were significantly higher than those in simple FD group, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01 or <0.05). Spearman correlation analysis result showed that the disease course was not correlated with electrogastrogram parameters in patients with FD overlapping LGS ( P>0.05); the total score of dyspeptic symptoms was positively correlated with postprandial A% in the overall stomach ( r = 0.345, P<0.05), and negatively correlated with postprandial dominant frequency in the overall stomach and pyloric region ( r = -0.357 and -0.473, P<0.05 or <0.01). Conclusions:FD patients can overlap with various LGS. The patients with FD overlapping LGS have more severe dyspepsia symptoms, higher proportions of comorbid depression and sleep disorders, and more severe abnormalities in fasting proximal gastric electrical rhythm and emptying function. The severity of dyspeptic symptoms in patients with FD overlapping LGS is correlated with postprandial gastric electrical rhythm abnormalities.
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Objective:To explore the clinical application value of salivary pepsin test (Peptest) in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Methods:From April to October 2022, at the Department of Gastroenterology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, a total of 81 patients with typical reflux and (or) heartburn symptoms for more than 1 month, who were diagnosed with GERD and completed 24-hour esophageal pH impedance monitoring (24 h MII-pH) and high-resolution esophageal manometry were enrolled. Salivary samples were collected after lunch, at the onset of symptoms, and at random time point on the day of intubation, and all patients received standard dose of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for 2 weeks. The 24 h MII-pH results were taken as the gold standard for diagnosing GERD. The optimal time point of Peptest and the diagnostic value of combination of Peptest and PPI test in GERD diagnosis were analyzed. The 24 h MII-pH negative patients were further divided into Peptest-positive group and Peptest-negative group. The heartbrun scores, gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GERD-Q), reflux characteristics, and esophageal motility between the 2 groups were compared and to investigate the differential diagnostic value of Peptest in 24 h MII-pH negative patients. Chi-square test and non-parametric test were used for statistical analysis.Results:The results of 24 h MII-pH indicated that 21 patients (25.9%, 21/81) were diagnosed GERD and 60 patients were negative for 24 h MII-pH. The onset of symptoms was the optimal time point for Peptest, with a sensitivity of 80.9%, a specificity of 50.0%, and an accuracy of 58.0%. The specificity and accuracy of Peptest at the onset of symptoms combined with PPI test in GERD diagnosis were higher than those of Peptest at the onset of symptoms alone (75.0% vs. 50.0%, 74.1% vs. 58.0%), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=8.00 and 4.65, P=0.005 and 0.031). Among 60 cases of 24 h MII-pH negative patients, 30 were positive for Peptest at the onset of symptoms and 30 were negative for Peptest at the onset of symptoms. The heartburn scores and GERD-Q scores of Peptest-positive group were both higher than those of Peptest-negative group (3.0 (2.0, 3.0) vs. 1.0 (0.0, 2.3), 12.0 (9.8, 13.0) vs. 9.0 (6.0, 11.0) ); the clearance time of acid reflux of Peptest-positive group was longer than that of Peptest-negative group (57.0 s (22.3 s, 88.0 s) vs. 18.3 s (9.6 s, 32.1 s) ); the lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure and integrated relaxation pressure were lower than those of Peptest-negative group (10.40 mmHg (5.75 mmHg, 18.95 mmHg) vs. 21.45 mmHg (10.65 mmHg, 31.70 mmHg), 3.90 mmHg (2.05 mmHg, 5.35 mmHg) vs. 4.90 mmHg (3.76 mmHg, 8.25 mmHg); 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa); the distal mean nocturnal baseline impedance, the distal contractile integral and esophagogastric junction contractile integral were all lower than those of Peptest-negative group ( 1 783 Ω (1 660 Ω, 2 157 Ω) vs. 2 300 Ω(1 805 Ω, 2 370 Ω), 1 416 mmHg·s·cm (919 mmHg·s·cm, 2 176 mmHg·s·cm) vs. 1 858 mmHg·s·cm (1 395 mmHg·s·cm, 2 880 mmHg·s·cm), 27.7 mmHg·cm (19.8 mmHg·cm, 39.5 mmHg·cm) vs. 52.6 mmHg·cm (27.7 mmHg·cm, 74.6 mmHg·cm) ), and the differences were statistically significant ( Z=-4.00, -3.53, -3.31, -2.34, -2.13, -2.75, -2.14 and -2.43; P<0.001, <0.001, =0.001, =0.019, =0.033, =0.006, =0.032 and =0.015). Conclusions:Peptest may be better at diagnosing GERD at the onset of symptoms compared to postprandial, random time points, and the accuracy of diagnosing GERD further improves when combined with PPI test. Peptest at the onset of symptoms may have differential diagnostic value for GERD patients in 24 h MII-pH negative patients.
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Objective:To explore the efficacy and influencing factors of linaclotide in patients with functional defecation disorder (FDD).Methods:From June 1, 2021 to February 28, 2023, at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 160 patients with FDD were enrolled and randomly divided into linaclotide group and polyethylene glycol group by using a random number table method, with 80 cases in each group, and the treatment course both was 4 weeks. The efficacy, weekly complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM), patient assessment of constipation symptom (PAC-SYM), numerical rating scale (NRS), Zung′s self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and Zung′s self-rating depression scale (SDS) before and after treatment of linaclotide group and polyethyetylene glycol group were recorded and compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the factors affected linaclotide in the treatment of FDD (including anorectal manometry). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze the predictive value of risk factors on the efficacy of linaclotide in FDD. Independent sample t-test, paired t-test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results:After treatment, the weekly CSBM frequencies of linaclotide group and polyethylene glycol group were both higher than those before treatment in the same group (3.20±2.03 vs. 2.44±2.09, 3.10±2.26 vs. 2.58±2.06), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=-4.85 and -5.91, both P<0.001). After treatment, PAC-SYM score of stool shape, rectal symptom, abdominal symptom and total score, NRS score, SAS score and SDS score of linaclotide group and polyethylene glycol group were all lower than those before treatment in the same group (1.41±0.96 vs. 1.89±1.13, 0.95±0.49 vs. 1.14±0.46, 0.69±0.57 vs. 1.00±0.58, 0.96±0.43 vs. 1.23±0.40, 1.54±1.11 vs. 2.48±1.24, 43.54±6.26 vs. 45.13±7.30, 42.10±7.95 vs. 43.78±9.15 and 1.36±1.09 vs. 1.88±1.17, 0.83±0.40 vs. 1.10±0.45, 0.81±0.60 vs. 1.01±0.69, 0.91±0.42 vs. 1.21±0.41, 1.90±1.17 vs. 2.23±1.27, 43.55±7.72 vs. 44.61±8.51, 40.00±6.71 vs. 41.18±7.50), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=7.08, 7.73, 7.15, 9.26, 7.66, 7.96, 8.46, 7.26, 7.16, 5.78, 8.37, 6.17, 4.67 and 7.13, all P< 0.001). After treatment, the NRS score of linaclotide group was lower than that of polyethylene glycol group, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-2.01, P=0.046). The total effective rate of linaclotide group was higher than that of polyethylene glycol group (77.5%, 62/80 vs. 62.5%, 50/80), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=4.29, P=0.038). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the threshold of initial sensory volume and maximum tolerable volume were independent risk factors for linaclotide treatment of FDD ( OR=0.965, 95% confidence interval 0.936 to 0.995, P=0.022; OR=0.980, 95% confidence interval 0.962 to 0.999, P=0.041). The results of ROC analysis showed that the efficacy of linaclotide was poor in FDD patients with the threshold of initial sensory volume >67.5 mL or maximum tolerable volume > 117.5 mL. The combined predictive value of initial sensory volume and maximum tolerable volume threshold was higher than that of individual prediction, with an area under the curve of 0.722, sensitivity of 79.0% and specificity of 55.6%. Conclusions:Linaclotide can improve CSBM, constipation symptoms, abdominal pain and psychological status of FDD patients. The initial sensory volume threshold and maximum tolerable volume threshold are independent risk factors of the efficacy of linaclotide in FDD treatment and have certain predictive value in efficacy.
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Background/Aims@#The efficacy and safety of anti-reflux mucosectomy (ARMS) or radiofrequency energy delivery in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been reported, but the difference between the 2 remains unclear. @*Methods@#This was a single center, randomized, comparative clinical study. Patients with symptoms of heartburn and/or regurgitation despite proton pump inhibitor treatment were randomly assigned to either ARMS group (n = 20) or radiofrequency group (n = 20).Primary outcome was the standardized GERD questionnaire (GERDQ) at 2 years after the procedures. Secondary outcomes were the proportions of patients with complete proton pump inhibitor (PPI) cessation and patients satisfied with the treatment. @*Results@#A total of 18 patients randomized to ARMS and 16 to radiofrequency were analyzed in this study. The operation success rate of the 2 groups was 100%. In both ARMS and radiofrequency groups, GERDQ scores at 2 years after the procedures were significantly lower than that before operation (P = 0.044 and P = 0.046). At 2 years postoperatively, the scores of GERDQ did not differ between the 2 groups (P = 0.755). There was no significant difference in the rate of discontinuation of PPIs and patient satisfaction in the ARMS and radiofrequency groups (P = 0.642 and P = 0.934). @*Conclusions@#The clinical efficacy of ARMS and radiofrequency for the PPI-refractory GERD is equivalent. ARMS, the efficacy of which could be maintained for at least 2 years, is promising endoscopic management for the treatment of refractory GERD.
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Background: Diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), and its main symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, etc. Gastric hypersensitivity is the main pathogenesis of DGP. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is the initiating factor of chronic complications of DM, and its relationship with gastric hypersensitivity has not yet been clear. Kv4.2 channel plays an important role in regulating visceral sensation. Subunit inactivation of Kv4.2 can reduce potassium current, enhance pain sensation, and increase gastric sensitivity. Aims: To investigate the mechanism of AGEs participating in gastric hypersensitivity by regulating the expression or activity of Kv4.2 channel in DM rat model. Methods: Fifty⁃four rats were randomly divided into control group, DM group and DM+AG group. Streptozocin (STZ) was intraperitoneally injected to induce DM rat model. Blood glucose, body weight, gastric sensitivity and gastric emptying rate were monitored. Western blotting and ELISA were used to detect CML content in stomach tissue and serum, respectively. The expression of RAGE and its co⁃expression with Kv4.2 in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons were detected by immunofluorescence. Western blotting was used to detect RAGE expression and phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and Kv4.2 in DRG neurons. Results: Compared with control group, gastric sensitivity was significantly increased in DM group (P<0.01), gastric emptying rate was significantly decreased (P<0.05), AGEs marker CML content in serum and gastric tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05), co ⁃ expression rate of RAGE and Kv4.2 in DRG neurons was significantly increased (P<0.01), and phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and Kv4.2 were up⁃regulated (P<0.05). After intervention with AG, above⁃mentioned indices were significantly ameliorated (P<0.05). Conclusions: AGEs is an upstream factor leading to gastric hypersensitivity in DM rat model. AGEs increases the excitability of DRG neurons by inhibiting Kv4.2 channel, leading to gastric hypersensitivity. RAGE and ERK1/2 signal may be involved in the above process.
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The vagus nerve serves as an important part of the gut-brain axis, which regulates intestinal movement and secretion, emotional and immune response, and is involved in gut-brain interaction disorder in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This article provides an overview of the vagus nerve function, the relationship between vagus nerve dysfunction in gut-brain axis and pathogenesis of IBS, and the application of vagus nerve in IBS treatment, with the aim for helping clinicians to better understand the correlation between vagus nerve and gut - brain interaction disorder, and shedding light on potential treatment in IBS.
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by repeated abdominal pain and changes in defecation habits, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. The occurrence and development of IBS are affected by many factors. As an inherent component of the gastrointestinal tract, eosinophils play a role in maintaining the local homeostasis of intestine. The activation of intestinal eosinophils plays a direct or indirect role in the occurrence and development of IBS. This article reviewed the progress of research on the potential role of eosinophils in IBS.
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Background: The laryngopharyngeal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include hoarseness, foreign body sensation, chronic cough, dysphagia, etc. Its pathogenic mechanisms and reflux characteristics may be different from those of GERD patients simply with typical esophageal symptoms. Aims: To explore the clinical characteristics of GERD patients complicated with laryngopharyngeal symptoms. Methods: Fifty-nine patients having a gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GerdQ) score ≥8 and abnormal reflux identified by 24 h esophageal impedance-pH monitoring were selected from the outpatients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2019 to December 2021. Twenty-nine cases simply with typical esophageal symptoms were allocated into typical symptom group, and 30 cases complicated with laryngopharyngeal symptoms were allocated into laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) group. The general information, results of gastroscopy, 24 h esophageal impedance - pH monitoring and esophageal manometry, as well as the efficacy of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) were collected and compared between the two groups. Results: The proportion of esophagitis in GERD patients in typical symptom group was significantly increased than that in LPR group (P<0.05), while the values of mean nocturnal baseline impedance at 7-3 cm above lower esophageal sphincter (LES) were significantly lower (all P<0.05). Compared with typical symptom group, increased frequency of weak acid reflux, prolonged mean acid clearance time, higher LES relaxation rate, lower velocity of peristaltic waves at 11-7 cm above LES, and poor efficacy of PPI treatment were observed in LPR group (all P<0.05). The severity of heartburn was positively correlated with the percentage of total acid exposure time and DeMeester score (all P<0.05); while the severity of foreign body sensation was positively correlated with the frequency of weak acid reflux and mean time of acid clearance (all P<0.05). Conclusions: The esophageal mucosal injury was mild in GERD patients complicated with laryngopharyngeal symptoms. Laryngopharyngeal symptoms are more likely to be associated with the decreased acid clearance capacity due to esophageal body dysmotility. Strengthened acid suppression therapy should be recommended.
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At present,many studies showed that food intolerance (FI) is one of the important factors for the occurrence and aggravation of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The FI in IBS patients is related to low grade inflammation of intestine. Fermentable oligo‑,di‑,monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) diet can improve the symptoms of IBS and provide a new idea for exploring the pathogenesis and treatment of IBS. This article reviewed the advances in study on role of FI in pathogenesis of IBS.
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Background : Studies showed that esophageal body dysmotility is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), however, their interactions are still unclear. Aims: To explore the influence of proportion of ineffective swallows on esophageal motility and gastroesophageal reflux in esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM). Methods: Patients who completed esophageal HRM and 24 h esophageal impedanee-pH monitoring and were identified as normal esophageal motility or mild dysmotility from March 2018 to December 2019 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were recruited retrospectively. According to the times of ineffective swallows in 10 warm water swallows in HRM, these patients were allocated into four groups; Group A (0 times), Group B (1-4 times), Group C (5-7 times), Group D (8-10 times). The parameters of esophageal HRM and 24 h esophageal impedance-pH monitoring were analyzed, and the value of ineffective swallows for assistant diagnosis of pathological acid reflux was assessed. Results: A total of 142 patients were included. There were no significant differences in abnormal manometric parameters between the four groups (all P > 0. 05). In Group D, the number of weak and non-peristalsis were increased, while the mean and maximum value of distal contractile integral (DCI) were decreased as compared with those in Group A and Group B (all P 70 % might be most significant, and to a certain extent, can predicts pathological acid reflux.
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Background/Aims@#Achalasia is a rare disease, but the incidence is increasing recently. Peroral esophageal myotomy (POEM) is an effective treatment.Regurgitation is a common symptom before and after POEM. Our aim is to investigate the factors related to preoperative and postoperative reflux symptoms. @*Methods@#Our study was retrospective. The achalasia patients diagnosed by high-resolution manometry and gastroscopy were divided into reflux group and non-reflux group before and after POEM, respectively. General information, symptoms, POEM information, and manometric results were compared. @*Results@#(1) Ninety-six of 130 patients had reflux symptoms before POEM. The lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) in the reflux group was significantly higher than the non-reflux group (P = 0.023), while integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) was similar. The reflux group had longer esophagus than the non-reflux group (P = 0.006). Reflux symptoms were not related to subtypes of achalasia.(2) Twenty-five of 84 patients had reflux symptoms after POEM. Postoperative Eckardt scores, LESP, and 4-second IRP (4sIRP) were significantly lower than the preoperative values (P < 0.001). The preoperative values and POEM information were similar between the postoperative 2 groups and there was no significant difference in the presence of preoperative reflux symptoms between 2 groups.The postoperative LESP and 4sIRP were similar between the 2 groups, however, the postoperative UESP was significantly higher in the reflux group than the non-reflux group (P = 0.042). The non-reflux group had more declines in Eckardt scores and LESP than the reflux group. @*Conclusions@#The reflux symptoms of achalasia patients without treatment were mainly due to food retention. The postoperative reflux symptoms were not the sign of the excessive relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter.
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Background/Aims@#Esophageal mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) levels and post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index could increase the diagnostic value of 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. This study aims to compare the MNBI and PSPW index in patients with no evidence of erosive reflux disease. @*Methods@#Impedance-pH monitoring tracings from 70 patients, 50 with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and 20 with functional heartburn (FH), were reviewed. According to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) treatment response, NERD patients were divided into NERD/PPI responders and NERD/PPI nonresponders. MNBI, PSPW index, and intercellular spaces were measured and compared among each group. @*Results@#MNBI values and PSPW index were lower in NERD patients than in FH (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). MNBI positively correlated with PSPW index (r = 0.525, P < 0.001). NERD/PPI responders had lower MNBI values and PSPW index compared to NERD/PPI nonresponders (both P < 0.01). MNBI and PSPW index distinguished NERD from FH patients with an area under the curve of 0.914 and 0.677, respectively. Wider intercellular space could be identified in patients with NERD (P < 0.01). @*Conclusion@#MNBI and PSPW index may differentiate NERD from FH patients and relate to PPI treatment efficacy in patients with NERD.
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Objective:To evaluate the role of esophagogastric junction contractile index (EGJ-CI) in distinguishing patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (RGERD) from functional heartburn (FH).Methods:From March 2014 to January 2018, 82 patients with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) refractory heartburn and/or regurgitation, who visited the Outpatient Department of Gastroenterology at The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University were enrolled, among them 50 patients with RGERD (RGERD group) and 32 patients with FH (FH group). EGJ-CI of RGERD group and FH group were compared. The sensitivity and specificity of EGJ-CI to distinguish RGERD from FH patients. The correlation between EGJ-CI and high resolution esophageal manometry parameters, baseline impedance level and 24 h impedance-pH monitoring parameters were analyzed. Mann-Whitney U test, receiver operator characteristic curve analysis and Spearman correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results:The EGJ-CI of RGERD group was lower than that of FH group (25.8 mmHg·cm (14.1 mmHg·cm, 35.9 mmHg·cm)(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs. 39.2 mmHg·cm (23.0 mmHg·cm, 60.8 mmHg·cm)), and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.833, P=0.005). When the cut-off value of EGJ-CI was 35.8 mmHg·cm, the sensitivity and specificity to distinguish RGERD from FH were 76.0% and 62.5%, respectively; area under the curve was 0.69 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.81). EGJ-CI was positively correlated with lower sphincter resting pressure, integrated relaxation pressure, distal contractile integral, distal esophageal pressure, and mean nocturnal baseline impedance ( r=0.812, 0.631, 0.451, 0.490 and 0.401, all P<0.01). EGJ-CI was negatively correlated with DeMeester score, acid exposure time, total reflux episodes, acid reflux episodes, long reflux episodes and longest reflux time ( r=-0.363, -0.372, -0.346, -0.318, -0.300 and -0.291, all P<0.01). Conclusions:EGJ-CI can help to distinguish patients with FH from RGERD.
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Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of functional esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) and to improve the knowledge of functional EGJOO.Methods:From January 2015 to December 2019, at the Gastrointestinal Motility Center of The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, 91 patients who underwent high resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) and met the EGJOO criteria of Chicago Classification for esophageal motility disorders, 3rd edition and excluded organic diseases by examination such as gastroscopy or upper gastrointestinal radiography were collected. The clinical manifestations, treatment methods, effect and clinical outcome of patients with functional EGJOO, the HREM parameters of patients with different clinical manifestations as well as symptoms and HREM parameters of patients with different treatments were analyzed. Least significant difference test or Tamhanes T2 test, Mann-Whitney U or Wilcoxon test, chi-square test or Fisher exact test were used for statistical analysis. Results:The most common symptom of 91 functional EGJOO patients was dysphagia (34/91, 37.4%). The lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) and the intrabolus pressure during relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (IBP LESR) of patients with dysphagia were both higher than those of patients without dysphagia (30.95 mmHg (26.27 mmHg, 39.37 mmHg) (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs. 27.35 mmHg (24.60 mmHg, 34.87 mmHg); (8.25±4.64) mmHg vs. (5.69±4.65) mmHg), and the differences were statistically significant ( Z=2.076, t=2.539; P=0.038, 0.013). Thirty patients (33.0%) had no special treatment, 52 patients (57.1%) were treated with medication, and nine patients (10.0%) underwent peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). The incidence of dysphagia before treatment and maximum intrabolus pressure of patients who underwent POEM were both higher than those of patients without special treatment and medication treatment (8/9 vs 43.3%, 13/30 and 25.0%, 13/52; 21.80 mmHg (15.45 mmHg, 28.95 mmHg) vs. 12.20 mmHg (10.00 mmHg, 18.10 mmHg) and 13.70 mmHg (11.07 mmHg, 17.82 mmHg)), and the differences were statistically significant (Fisher exact test, Fisher exact test; Z=2.814, 2.390; P=0.023, P<0.01, P=0.005, 0.017). The incidences of delayed esophageal emptying or esophageal dilation of patients who underwent POEM, without special treatment and with medication treatment was 6/9, 5/14 and 3/18, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant among three groups (Fisher exact test, P=0.039). Among them, the incidence of delayed esophageal emptying or esophageal dilation of patients received POEM before treatment was higher than that of patients with medication treatment (Fisher exact test, P=0.026). The symptoms of 24.2% (22/91) was spontaneously relieved, and two patients (2.2%) developed type Ⅱ achalasia during follow-up. Conclusions:The main manifestation of patients with functional EGJOO is dysphagia. Patients with significantly increased LESP and IBP LESP are more likely to have dysphagia. Patients with obvious signs of esophageal gastric junction obstruction are more inclined to choose POEM treatment. Some patients with functional EGJOO can relieve themselves, and a few patients can develop achalasia.
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Background/Aims@#Achalasia is a rare disease, but the incidence is increasing recently. Peroral esophageal myotomy (POEM) is an effective treatment.Regurgitation is a common symptom before and after POEM. Our aim is to investigate the factors related to preoperative and postoperative reflux symptoms. @*Methods@#Our study was retrospective. The achalasia patients diagnosed by high-resolution manometry and gastroscopy were divided into reflux group and non-reflux group before and after POEM, respectively. General information, symptoms, POEM information, and manometric results were compared. @*Results@#(1) Ninety-six of 130 patients had reflux symptoms before POEM. The lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) in the reflux group was significantly higher than the non-reflux group (P = 0.023), while integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) was similar. The reflux group had longer esophagus than the non-reflux group (P = 0.006). Reflux symptoms were not related to subtypes of achalasia.(2) Twenty-five of 84 patients had reflux symptoms after POEM. Postoperative Eckardt scores, LESP, and 4-second IRP (4sIRP) were significantly lower than the preoperative values (P < 0.001). The preoperative values and POEM information were similar between the postoperative 2 groups and there was no significant difference in the presence of preoperative reflux symptoms between 2 groups.The postoperative LESP and 4sIRP were similar between the 2 groups, however, the postoperative UESP was significantly higher in the reflux group than the non-reflux group (P = 0.042). The non-reflux group had more declines in Eckardt scores and LESP than the reflux group. @*Conclusions@#The reflux symptoms of achalasia patients without treatment were mainly due to food retention. The postoperative reflux symptoms were not the sign of the excessive relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter.
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Background/Aims@#Esophageal mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) levels and post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index could increase the diagnostic value of 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. This study aims to compare the MNBI and PSPW index in patients with no evidence of erosive reflux disease. @*Methods@#Impedance-pH monitoring tracings from 70 patients, 50 with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and 20 with functional heartburn (FH), were reviewed. According to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) treatment response, NERD patients were divided into NERD/PPI responders and NERD/PPI nonresponders. MNBI, PSPW index, and intercellular spaces were measured and compared among each group. @*Results@#MNBI values and PSPW index were lower in NERD patients than in FH (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). MNBI positively correlated with PSPW index (r = 0.525, P < 0.001). NERD/PPI responders had lower MNBI values and PSPW index compared to NERD/PPI nonresponders (both P < 0.01). MNBI and PSPW index distinguished NERD from FH patients with an area under the curve of 0.914 and 0.677, respectively. Wider intercellular space could be identified in patients with NERD (P < 0.01). @*Conclusion@#MNBI and PSPW index may differentiate NERD from FH patients and relate to PPI treatment efficacy in patients with NERD.
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Visceral hypersensitivity is one of the pathogenesis of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) including irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia. In recent years, more and more studies have suggested that the occurrence of gastrointestinal hypersensitivity is related to the changes of neuronal plasticity in the intestinal nervous system or afferent pathway, and potassium channels play a crucial role in controlling neuronal excitability. Lots of studies have shown that decreased expressions or activities of voltage-gated potassium channels, calcium-activated potassium channels, and two-pore domain potassium channels in nociceptors can increase the excitability of neurons, increase visceral pain, and participate in the occurrence of FGIDs. This article reviewed the research progress on relationship between potassium channels and visceral hypersensitivity.
ABSTRACT
Background: The occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms in cirrhotic patients with gastroesophageal varices (GOV) after endoscopic treatment is obvious, and the role of gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) and autonomic nerve function imbalance in the development of gastrointestinal symptoms has not been clarified. Aims: To investigate the changes of GMA and autonomic nerve function in cirrhotic patients with GOV after endoscopic treatment. Methods: Twenty-five cirrhotic patients with GOV from May 2019 to October 2019 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were enrolled, and 10 patients with gastric polyp were served as controls. Electrogastrogram (EGG) and heart rate variability (HRV) were detected before the operation, 1 day after the operation and 5 days after the operation in GOV group. For the gastric polyp group, EGG and HRV were detected before the operation and 1 day after the operation. Changes of GMA and autonomic nerve function were compared between the two groups. Results: No significant differences in GMA and autonomic nerve function were found between GOV group and gastric polyp group before and 1 day after the operation (P>0.05). LF, LF/HF were significantly increased 1 day after the operation in GOV group (P0.05). There were no significant differences in GMA and autonomic nerve function 1 day after the operation compared with pre-operation in gastric polyp group (P>0.05). Compared with Child-Pugh A group, Child-Pugh B group had more obvious GMA abnormalities, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: In cirrhotic patients with GOV, the percentage of bradygastria and the sympathetic activity increased, and the vagal activity decreased 1 day after the operation. These results suggest that GMA and autonomic nerve dysfunction may be related to the gastrointestinal symptoms after endoscopic treatment.
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Background: Achalasia patients may have reflux symptoms before and after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), the mechanism is not completely consistent. Aims: To investigate the effect of POEM on reflux symptoms in patients with achalasia. Methods: Eighty-four achalasia patients underwent POEM from May 2011 to July 2018 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were enrolled. According to whether they had reflux symptoms before or after POEM, the patients were divided into preoperative reflux group, preoperative non-reflux group or postoperative reflux group, and postoperative non-reflux group. Symptoms and parameters of high-resolution manometry before or after POEM were compared, respectively. Results: After POEM, the lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), Eckardt score in patients with achalasia were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with preoperative non-reflux group, length of esophagus was significantly longer (P<0.001) and postoperative Eckardt score was significantly decreased (P=0.039) in preoperative reflux group. However, no significant differences in preoperative or postoperative LESP and IRP were found between the two groups. No significant differences in the incidence of preoperative reflux, postoperative LESP and IRP were found between postoperative reflux group and postoperative non-reflux group. Conclusions: The preoperative reflux symptom of achalasia patients may be caused by retention of food in esophagus. The preoperative reflux symptom may predict the better efficacy of POEM. Postoperative reflux symptom may be not correlated with LESP, but related with dysmotility of esophageal body or esophageal hypersensitivity.
ABSTRACT
Background/Aims@#It is known that post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index represents the chemical clearance of the esophagus. However, few studies have explored why some reflux episodes could induce PSPW while others in the same patient could not. The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of reflux episodes which could elicit PSPW. @*Methods@#In this study, 269 reflux episodes were detected, of which 90 with a PSPW and 179 without a PSPW. Comparisons were made between the characteristics of reflux episodes with a PSPW and without a PSPW. The characteristics were including nadir pH, pH drop, proximal extent (cm, sec), ascending velocity (cm/sec), volume clearance time, acid clearance time, percentage acidic (%), 15 to 60-minute acid burden (seconds), and 15- to 60-minute volume burden (seconds). The characteristics between the 2 groups were compared through performing Wilcoxon signed rank test. @*Results@#Reflux episodes followed by a PSPW were significantly associated with a higher proximal extent than those without a PSPW. After the reflux episodes, higher volume clearance time and larger volume burden were more likely to trigger a PSPW. However, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in nadir pH, pH drop, ascending velocity, acid clearance time, percentage acidic, or acid burden. @*Conclusions@#The role of acid seems to be less important in a reflux episode inducing a PSPW. Proximal reflux episodes are more likely to induce a PSPW. The depression of volume clearance may also be an important factor in eliciting a PSPW.