[Clinical study on abnormalities of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function in infancy and childhood with special reference to gastroesophageal reflux].

For the purpose of clarifying lower esophageal sphincter function, which is representative of antireflux competence, 51 normal newborn and early infants and 28 newborn and infants with gastroesophageal reflux were examined by standardized manometric studies. Barium studies and 24-hour pH monitoring in the distal esophagus were also performed, and the following results were obtained. 1) In normal infants, there was no correlation between LES pressure and age, but LES length increased with age. 2) LES Pressure of GER infants (22.2 +/- 6.4 cmH2O) was lower than normal infants (37.6 +/- 8.8 cmH2O). This indicated LES function was lower in GER infants. 3) In GER infants, LES pressure increased to within normal range with clinical improvement. The critical point of LES pressure was 27 cmH2O. 4) In radiological studies in GER infants there was no correlation between the grade of Barium regurgitation and LES pressure, or between HIS angle, Fornix Index and LES pressure. 5) On 24-hour pH monitoring, pH score of GER infants was very much higher than that of normal infants. LES incompetence din GER infants was also recognized in this investigation. Esophageal manometric study was very useful for diagnosis of LES dysfunction and assessment of therapeutic effect. For evaluation of anti-reflux cardiac function, multiple approaches were valuable, including not only manometric studies but also radiologic studies and 24-hour pH monitoring.