Abstract
The contribution of abnormal gastric motility to GER has not been established to date. 14 children (ages: 2 mo to 3 yr) with GER diagnosed by standard criteria (2 or more (+) studies: UGI, esophageal manometry, acid reflux studies, radionuclide reflux study or endoscopy) were evaluated for delayed gastric emptying using an isotope-labeled formula technique. Emptying curves and T½ values were computed using Tc-99mSC in cow's milk or soy formula (0.67 cal/cc) administered as a single bolus of 300 cc/1.73m2 in the supine position. Normal T½ values were established in patients without GER. 9/14 patients with GER demonstrated significantly delayed gastric emptying:
The patients with delayed emptying had “flat” curves compared to biphasic curves in normals. Therapy with urecholine in selected patients had variable effects on emptying studies. 6/9 GER patiients with delayed emptying required surgery due to failure of medical management; 1/5 GER patients with normal emptying required surgery.
Conclusion: Delayed gastric emptying appears to be a contributing factor to GER in children and may be associated with a poor response to medical therapy.
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Cannon, R., Swanson, M., Cox, K. et al. 526 DELAYED GASTRIC EMPTYING IN CHILDREN WITH GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX (GER). Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 528 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00539
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00539