RESUMO
Objective To explore the features of autonomic nerve function in reflux esophagitis (RE) patients, and the role of abnormal function in the pathogenesis of RE. Methods Twenty RE patients (RE group) and 18 healthy controls (HS group) all underwent heart rate variability (HRV) with meal stimulation to test the function of autonomic nerve. At same time, the endoscopic Los Angeles (LA) Classification, RE symptom score, Gastroesophageal reflux disease-health related quality of life (GERD-HRQL), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were evaluated in the RE patients. Of those, 12 RE patients were re-examined the function of autonomic never after 2 to 4 months [mean (3.7±0.8) months] of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) treatment. Results In fasting state, the sympathetic activity was higher in RE group than in HS group, while the parasympathetic activity was lower in HS group (P=0.022 and 0.034). Postprandial, the trend of autonomic functional change was the same in RE group and HS group. Postprandial, the sympathetic activity was negatively correlated with symptom score in RE patients; however, the parasympathetic activity was positively correlated with RE symptom score. The influence of meal on the balance of sympathetic and parasympathetic was negatively correlated with RE symptom score (r=-0.48, P=0.022). The influence of meal on the parasympathetic nerve was positively correlated with RE symptom score and GERD-HRQL score. After PPI treatments, RE symptom score, GERD-HRQL score, SAS score and SDS score were all significantly decreased in RE patients. There was no significant difference in autonomic nerve function before and after PPI treatment. Conclusions There is abnormal autonomic nerve function in RE patients, characterized by higher sympathetic activity and lower parasympathetic activity in fasting state. The autonomic nerve function is correlated with RE symptom score. The abnormal autonomic nerve function may be one of the causes of RE.