Abstract
Abstract
Background
The anatomical configuration of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and the thoracoabdominal pressure gradient (TAPG) affect gastric content backflow into the esophagus. A comprehensive antireflux function assessment is needed to identify underlying derangements in patients with gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Herein we propose an objective scoring system for grading EGJ function.
Methods
We analyzed patients who underwent 24-hour pH study and high-resolution manometry in 2017 at our institution. We assessed three factors: EGJ morphology, lower esophageal sphincter pressure integral, and TAPG. Each factor was scored on a scale of 0–2, and a cumulative score was calculated (Table 1). Patients were divided into 3 groups based on cumulative score: 0, competent EGJ function (Grade I); 1–3, moderate incompetency (Grade II); 4–6, poor competency (Grade III).
Results
In total, 140 patients were studied. The mean age was 58.6 years, 75 patients (53.6%) were men, and the mean body mass index was 28.6 kg/m2. Fifty-one patients (36.4%) had an abnormal DeMeester score (ie, > 14.72). A significant, progressive increase was seen in number of reflux episodes (I-25.7, II-36.4, III-50.5, rs = 0.207, P = 0.015), total acid exposure time (I-1.0%, II-2.1%, III-5.0%, rs = 0.312, P < 0.001) and prevalence of abnormal pH score (I-13.0%, II-32.0%, III-57.1%, rs = 0.314, P < 0.001) from Grade I to III.
Conclusion
The proposed grading of the EGJ based on a cumulative score of individual parameters has a good correlation with GER.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.