Leg raise increases pressure in lower and upper esophageal sphincter among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between posturally increased intra-abdominal pressure and lower/upper esophageal sphincter pressure changes in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. We used high resolution manometry to measure pressure changes in lower and upper esophageal sphincter during bilateral leg rise.
We also examined whether the rate of lower and upper esophageal sphincter pressure would increase during leg raise differentially in individuals with versus without normal resting pressure. Fifty eight patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease participated in the study.
High resolution manometry was performed in relaxed supine position, then lower and upper esophageal sphincter pressure was measured. Finally, the subjects were instructed to keep their legs lifted while performing 90-degree flexion at the hips and knees and the pressure was measured again.
Paired t-test and independent samples t-test were used. There was a significant increase in both lower (P 10 mmHg) exhibited a greater pressure increase during leg raise than those with initially lower pressure (pressure LESS-THAN OR EQUAL TO10 mmHg; P = 0.002).
Similarly individuals with higher resting upper esophageal sphincter pressure (>44 mmHg) showed a greater pressure increase during leg raise than those with lower resting pressure (LESS-THAN OR EQUAL TO44 mmHg; P < 0.001). The results illustrate the influence of postural leg activities on intraesophageal pressure in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, indicating by means of high resolution manometry that diaphragmatic postural and sphincter function are likely interrelated in this population.