Comparison of eotaxin-3 biomarker in patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis, proton pump inhibitor-responsive oesophageal eosinophilia and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitor-responsive oesophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE) is a recently described entity which resembles oeosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE), yet responds to acid suppressive treatment. AIM: To determine whether EoE shares similar staining features with PPI-REE or with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: This retrospective study consisted of patients with an established diagnosis of EoE, PPI-REE, or GERD identified from a database during a 1-year period. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis was performed specifically targeting eotaxin-3 antibodies. All sections were qualitatively (intensity) and quantitatively (percentage of cells stained) assessed independently by two blinded pathologists. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of three groups of patients: EoE (n = 22), PPI-REE (n = 23) and GERD (n = 23) for a total of 68 patients. Study demographics included mean age 39 (14) years, 75% male and 77% Caucasian. There was a significant difference in the eotaxin-3 staining among EoE, PPI-REE and GERD groups [mean score (s.d.): 1.2 (1.2), 0.8 (1.0), 0.3 (0.7), P = 0.006]. Staining scores of EoE patients were significantly higher compared with GERD (P = 0.002) and a trend towards significance was seen between EoE and PPI-REE (P = 0.054). There was also a significant difference in EoE staining intensity score among the three groups (P = 0.006). Intensity scores of EoE were significantly higher compared with GERD [1.0 (0.9) vs. 0.22 (0.52), P < 0.001]. There was no significant difference between EoE and PPI-REE groups [1.0 (0.0) vs. 0.52 (0.75) P = 0.094]. CONCLUSIONS: A difference in eotaxin-3 staining was seen in the three groups of patients with oesophageal eosinophilia. Eotaxin-3 can distinguish EoE from GERD, but not from proton pump inhibitor responsive-oesophageal eosinophilia.

Prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in a United States military health-care population.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a rapidly emerging chronic immune-mediated condition affecting children and adults, both genders, and all races. A large variation in the prevalence of EoE exists in the literature. The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence of EoE in a military health-care population in the United States using a comprehensive electronic medical record search. Using the International Classification for Diseases-9 code for EoE (530.13), the total number of EoE patients enrolled in the military health-care system from October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009 including active-duty military, dependents of military personnel, and retirees were identified. For each case of EoE identified, demographic data (age, gender, and race) and geographic location was obtained. The overall prevalence of EoE was calculated as well as the prevalence within subgroups. The geographic regional locations were reported per the U.S. Census Bureau regions (Northeast, South, Midwest, and West). A total of 987 EoE patients were identified from 10,180,515 military health-care beneficiaries, establishing an overall prevalence of 9.7 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.1-10.3). Seven hundred twenty-eight out of 7,707,372 adult patients were identified, establishing a prevalence of 9.5 per 100,000 (95% CI 8.8-10.1). Two hundred fifty-nine out of 2,473,143 pediatric patients were identified, establishing a prevalence of 10.5/100,000 (95% CI 9.2-11.8). EoE was more prevalent in males (odds ratio [OR] 2.03 [95% CI 1.78-2.32]) and higher in Caucasian versus African Americans (18.1 vs. 5.2/100,000, OR 3.47 [95% CI 2.40-5.03]). EoE was more prevalent in the Western region of the United States compared with the Northeast, South, and Midwest regions, with a prevalence of 11.9 versuss 5.2, 9.6, and 9.2 per 100,000, respectively. When comparing Northern with Southern states, there was an increased prevalence in the North (10.9 vs. 7.2/100,000, P < 0.05). In this large nationwide study, increase in prevalence of EoE was seen in younger adults, with a higher prevalence in Caucasians. Geographically, the western United States had a significantly higher prevalence with a slightly higher prevalence in the Northern latitude.

Eosinophilic oesophagitis and proton pump inhibitor-responsive oesophageal eosinophilia have similar clinical, endoscopic and histological findings.

BACKGROUND: Some patients with a phenotypic appearance of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) respond histologically to PPI, and are described as having PPI-responsive oesophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE). It is unclear if PPI-REE is a GERD-related phenomenon, a subtype of EoE, or a completely unique entity. AIM: To compare demographic, clinical and histological features of EoE and PPI-REE. METHODS: Two databases were reviewed from the Walter Reed and Swiss EoE databases. Patients were stratified into two groups, EoE and PPI-REE, based on recent EoE consensus guidelines. Response to PPI was defined as achieving less than 15 eos/hpf and a 50% decrease from baseline following at least a 6-week course of treatment. RESULTS: One hundred and three patients were identified (63 EoE and 40 PPI-REE; mean age 40.2 years, 75% male and 89% Caucasian). The two cohorts had similar dysphagia (97% vs. 100%, P = 0.520), food impaction (43% vs. 35%, P = 0.536), and heartburn (33% vs. 32%, P = 1.000) and a similar duration of symptoms (6.0 years vs. 5.8 years, P = 0.850). Endoscopic features were also similar between EoE and PPI-REE; rings (68% vs. 68%, P = 1.000), furrows (70% vs. 70%, P = 1.000), plaques (19% vs. 10%, P = 0.272), strictures (49% vs. 30%, P = 0.066). EoE and PPI-REE were similar in the number of proximal (39 eos/hpf vs. 38 eos/hpf, P = 0.919) and distal eosinophils (50 vs. 43 eos/hpf, P = 0.285). CONCLUSIONS: EoE and PPI-responsive oesophageal eosinophilia are similar in clinical, histological and endoscopic features and therefore are indistinguishable without a PPI trial. Further studies are needed to determine why a subset of patients with oesophageal eosinophilia respond to PPI.

Reflux episodes detected by impedance in patients on and off esomeprazole: a randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Combined with 24-h pH monitoring, the use of impedance is the most sensitive method available for detecting oesophageal reflux. Normal values for impedance have been previously established in healthy controls studied on and off proton pump inhibitors (PPI). AIMS: To determine the effects of PPIs on the total number of reflux episodes in the distal oesophagus measured by impedance in patients with and without gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: In this prospective randomised double-blinded placebo controlled crossover study, all patients underwent two 24-h pH with impedance studies at least 2 weeks apart. Based on a randomisation scheme, patients received either 40 mg of esomeprazole twice daily for 1 week or identical capsule placebo for 1 week, then all patients were crossed over to the other treatment arm. GERD was defined by the validated Johnson-DeMeester score. Reflux by impedance was defined as a 50% decrease from baseline in retrograde movement of liquid between two impedance sites. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were enrolled and 41 patients completed the study [mean age 52 ± 12 years, 42% (17/41) men, 56% (23/41) Caucasian and 34% (14/41) African American]. Overall, there was no significant decrease in the total number of distal impedance episodes with esomeprazole compared with placebo (mean change 6.1 ± 22, P = 0.100). When analysed separately by GERD status, among GERD-positive patients, there was a significant decrease in distal impedance episodes while on esomeprazole compared with placebo (mean change -16 ± 22, P = 0.023), but not in GERD-negative patients (mean change -0.35 ± 20, P = 0.872). CONCLUSION: Esomeprazole decreases significantly the number of reflux episodes detected by impedance, but only in patients with GERD.

Safety of dilation in adults with eosinophilic esophagitis.

Esophageal dilation is an effective therapy for dysphagia in patients with stenosing eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Historically, there have been significant concerns of increased perforation rates when dilating EoE patients. More recent studies suggest that improved techniques and increased awareness have decreased complication rates. The aim of this study was to explore the safety of dilation in our population of EoE patients. A retrospective review of all adult EoE patients enrolled in a registry from 2006 to 2010 was performed. All patients who underwent esophageal dilation during this time period were identified and included in the analysis. Our hospital inpatient/outpatient medical records, radiology reports, and endoscopy reports were searched for evidence of any complication following dilation. Perforation, hemorrhage, and hospitalization were identified as a major complication, and chest pain was considered a minor complication. One hundred and ninety-six patients (41 years [12]; mean age [standard deviation], 80% white, 85% male) were identified. In this cohort, 54 patients (28%) underwent 66 total dilations (seven patients underwent two dilations, one patient underwent three dilations, and one patient underwent four dilations). Three dilation techniques were used (Maloney [24], Savary [29] and through-the-scope [13]). There were no major complications encountered. Chest pain was noted in two patients (4%). There were no endoscopic features (rings, furrows, plaques) associated with any complication. Type of dilator, size of dilator, number of prior dilations, and age of patient were also not associated with complications. Endoscopic dilation using a variety of dilators can be safely performed with minimal complications in patients with EoE.

Correlation between eosinophilic oesophagitis and aeroallergens.

BACKGROUND: Aeroallergens have been implicated in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic oesophagitis. AIM: To determine whether a seasonal variation exists in the diagnoses of eosinophilic oesophagitis and whether there is a correlation with seasonal pollen count. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed from January 2006 to November 2008 to identify eosinophilic oesophagitis patients. Cases were classified by endoscopic date. Daily pollen counts for grass, trees and weeds were obtained from a certified counting station. Per cent of eosinophilic oesophagitis cases were collated seasonally and compared with mean pollen counts for grass, trees and weeds during the same time period. RESULTS: A total of 127 eosinophilic oesophagitis cases were identified (median age 41, range 19-92 years, 84% men). The highest percentage of cases (33.0%; Binomial P = 0.022) was diagnosed in the spring, while the least percentage (16%; Binomial P = 0.0.010) occurred in the winter. There was a significant association between per cent eosinophilic oesophagitis cases diagnosed seasonally and mean grass pollen count (r(s) = 1.000, P < 0.01), but not with trees (r(s) = 0.400, P = 0.600) or weeds (r(s) = 0.800, P = 0.200). CONCLUSIONS: A seasonal variation was seen in the diagnosis of eosinophilic oesophagitis which correlated with pollen counts. These findings have important implications regarding the pathogenesis of eosinophilic oesophagitis, suggesting a potential role for aeroallergens.

Characterization of esophageal striated muscle in patients with achalasia.

Many studies have been conducted analyzing the manometric properties of patients with achalasia, but the striated portion of the esophagus has never been analyzed and is often overlooked. We retrospectively reviewed 120 manometric tracings (20 achalasia, 100 controls) performed between 1994 and 1997 and excluded tracings from patients with chronic cough and nutcracker esophagus. The data were assessed for age, sex, symptoms, duration of symptoms, lower esophageal sphincter pressure, gastroesophageal gradient, upper esophageal sphincter pressure, smooth muscle contraction amplitude and duration, striated muscle contraction amplitude and duration, length from upper esophageal sphincter to maximal striated muscle contraction, and esophageal length. The maximum striated muscle contraction amplitude was significantly decreased in achalasia patients with a median amplitude of 45 mm Hg (range 12-95) vs 76 mm Hg (range 30-210) in the control group (P = 0.002). Although the wave forms were similar, the maximum striated muscle contraction duration and the distance from the upper esophageal sphincter in achalasia patients was not significantly different from controls. The length of the esophagus was significantly longer in achalasia patients with a median value of 25 cm (range 21-30) vs 21 cm (range 17-26) in the control group (P < 0.001). Patients with achalasia have significantly lower maximum striated muscle contraction amplitudes and longer esophagi, but the duration of the contractions and the configuration of the wave forms are not different.

The effect of oral decontamination with clindamycin palmitate on the incidence of bacteremia after esophageal dilation: a prospective trial.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent bacterial endocarditis is recommended in high-risk patients undergoing esophageal dilation, a high-risk procedure. Some studies suggest that the oropharynx is the source of bacteremia. A topical antibiotic mouthwash, which reduces bacterial colonization of the oral flora, might decrease bacteremia rates and would be an attractive alternative to systemic administration of antibiotics. METHODS: Adults undergoing outpatient bougienage for a benign or malignant esophageal stricture were randomized in a clinician-blinded fashion to either pre-procedure clindamycin mouthwash or no treatment. Subjects were stratified by type of dilator used. Blood cultures were obtained immediately after the first esophageal dilation and 5 minutes after the last dilation. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were enrolled: 30 in the treatment arm and 29 in the no-treatment arm. There were 7 positive blood cultures: 5 in the treatment arm and 2 in the no-treatment arm. The identified organisms were Streptococcus viridans (2), Staphylococcus mucilaginous (2), Lactobacillus (2), and Actinomyces odontolyticus (1). Patients with bacteremia reported greater subjective difficulty with dysphagia (p = 0.01) irrespective of stricture diameter, procurement of biopsies, or dilator type. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of cases with bacteremia for all dilations performed in this manner was 12% (95% CI [5.3, 23.6]), much lower than previously cited. All organisms in this study were oral commensals. There appears to be no effect of a clindamycin mouthwash on reducing bacteremia after esophageal dilation.

Lectin binding to human colonocytes is predictive of colonic neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether lectin binding to exfoliated human colonocytes could be used as a noninvasive test for colorectal polyps or cancer. METHODS: Colonocytes were harvested from 31 patients (10 controls, 10 with adenomatous polyps, and 11 with cancer), incubated with a panel of fluorescent-labeled lectins, and assayed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The lectins jacalin (JAC) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) were useful in predicting the presence of a colorectal neoplasm (p = 0.0018 for JAC and p = 0.0099 for WGA). For JAC, sensitivity reached 81% with a specificity of 80%, and for WGA the sensitivity and specificity were both 75%. CONCLUSIONS: Lectin binding to human colonocytes can predict the presence of malignant and premalignant lesions of the colon, and has potential as a noninvasive screening tool for colorectal neoplasms.

Specialized intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and cancer of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction: prevalence and clinical data.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) is increasing, the earliest lesion being specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM). This study determined the prevalence and demographic features of patients with SIM, dysplasia, and cancer in the esophagus and EGJ. METHODS: Two antegrade biopsy specimens were taken distal to the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) and any tongues of pink mucosa proximal to the SCJ. Patients were categorized endoscopically and histologically as having long-segment (LSBE) or short-segment Barrett's esophagus (SSBE), EGJ-SIM, or a normal EGJ. RESULTS: Of 889 patients studied, 56 were undergoing esophagoduodenoscopy screening or surveillance and were not included in the prevalence calculation. The overall prevalence of SIM was 13.2%, with 1.6% LSBE, 6.0% SSBE, and 5.6% EGJ-SIM. Dysplasia or cancer was noted in 31% of LSBE, 10% of SSBE, and 6.4% of EGJ-SIM patients (P

Esophageal manometry and ambulatory 24-hour pH monitoring in patients with short and long segment Barrett's esophagus.

OBJECTIVE: Short segment Barrett's esophagus (SSBE) is defined as the presence of specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) in the distal 2-3 cm of the esophagus. Although gastroesophageal reflux and heartburn is very common in these patients, the pathophysiology of the development of a short segment of SIM versus a longer segment of Barrett's epithelium is not clear. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of gastroesophageal reflux in short versus long segments of SIM. METHODS: Of 203 consecutive patients undergoing endoscopy with two biopsies performed just distal to the squamocolumnar junction, 28 patients were identified as having SSBE as evidenced by SIM on biopsy. Twenty-two SSBE patients underwent esophageal manometry and 24-h dual pH monitoring, and the results were compared with 18 long segment Barrett's esophagus (LSBE) patients and 15 patients with normal 24-h pH studies. RESULTS: SSBE and LSBE patients were significantly older than normal subjects (p < 0.0001). Also, lower esophageal sphincter pressure was significantly greater in SSBE patients compared with LSBE patients (12.3 +/- 1.6 vs 5.2 +/- 1.0 mm Hg,p < 0.0008). LSBE patients had a significantly lower distal esophageal peristaltic amplitude as compared with normals (p < 0.012). At 5 cm proximal to the LES, SSBE patients had significantly lower total 24-h pH scores, percent upright and percent supine reflux as compared with LSBE patients. Similarly, when measured at the proximal LES (0 cm), SSBE patients had significantly lower 24-h pH scores when compared with LSBE patients (p < 0.03), whereas percent upright and percent supine reflux were not significantly different. Both LSBE and SSBE patients had a greater degree of GER measured at 5 cm above and just proximal to the LES when compared with normals. CONCLUSION: As a group, SSBE patients have more competent LES sphincters and less gastroesophageal reflux at 0 and 5 cm above the LES as compared with patients with LSBE. These data indicate that the degree and length of acid exposure in the esophagus are important factors in the pathogenesis of SIM involvement of the esophagus.

Evaluation of liver histology, ALT elevation, and HCV RNA titer in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatic histological evaluation is currently the gold standard to determine the degree of liver injury in chronic hepatitis C. It is unclear whether degree of serum ALT elevation or quantitative hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA can predict level of histological damage. METHODS: Fifty nine biopsies from 44 patients with chronic hepatitis C were reviewed. The amount of liver damage was quantified using the Histology Activity Index (HAI) and was compared with serum ALT and, in 26 biopsies, quantitative HCV RNA (branched DNA amplification, Quantiplex, Chiron). RESULTS: A statistically significant linear relationship was noted between degree of ALT elevation and amount of liver injury based on HAI score (p < 0.05) although this relationship was not statistically strong (rs = 0.4900). No significant correlation was noted between serum ALT and HCV RNA titer (rs = 0.4044) or between quantitative HCV RNA titer and HAI score (rs = 0.3506). No individual component of the HAI correlated with ALT or HCV RNA. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is a correlation between serum ALT and degree of hepatic injury based on HAI score, this relationship is weak and probably of no clinical use. There is no significant correlation between HCV RNA and serum ALT or HCV RNA and degree of hepatic injury in individual patients. Hepatic histological evaluation continues to be required for clinical assessment of patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Serum and tissue zinc concentrations in patients with endoscopic esophagitis.

Because zinc is an important metabolic requirement for growth and repair of squamous tissue, we questioned whether changes in serum and esophageal tissue zinc were present in patients with reflux esophagitis. To investigate this question, we prospectively studied 49 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for symptoms of abdominal pain and discomfort; 19 patients were taking H2 antagonists at the time of the study. Blood was obtained to measure serum zinc concentrations prior to endoscopy and tissue zinc levels were obtained from esophageal biopsies from the distal, middle, and proximal esophagus in patients who were either endoscopically normal or who exhibited endoscopic esophagitis. Serum zinc concentrations were significantly lower in patients with endoscopic esophagitis compared to the endoscopically normal group (77 +/- 3.8 micrograms/dl vs 88 +/- 2.4 micrograms/dl, P less than 0.02). Distal esophageal tissue concentrations were significantly higher in patients with endoscopic esophagitis compared to the endoscopically normal group (200 +/- 30 micrograms/liter vs 135 +/- 15 micrograms/liter, P less than 0.05); whereas there were no differences between values obtained in the proximal or middle esophagus. Serum and tissue zinc concentrations in patients with esophagitis receiving H2 antagonists were more similar to values obtained in patients who were endoscopically normal than to patients with endoscopic esophagitis without treatment. This study suggests that in endoscopic esophagitis: (1) greater amounts of zinc are concentrated in the rapidly proliferating distal esophageal epithelium, (2) the serum zinc pool may serve as a major zinc source, and (3) decreasing esophageal mucosal inflammation with H2 antagonists may decrease zinc loss via the esophageal epithelium.

Evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux as a cause of idiopathic hoarseness.

Eleven patients presenting to an ear, nose, and throat specialist were diagnosed as having idiopathic hoarseness and prospectively evaluated for evidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) to determine if an association existed. Testing for GER included voice analysis, EGD, esophageal manometry, Bernstein test, and ambulatory 24-hr pH monitoring. Six of the 11 (55%) hoarse patients studied had GER by pH monitoring (mean score 105 +/- 23), and most reflux episodes were supine and prolonged (20.9 +/- 8.2% supine pH less than 4.0, longest 129 min). All patients with abnormal pH monitoring had endoscopic esophagitis (Barrett's esophagus in two, peptic stricture in one, and erosive esophagitis in three), while none of the patients with normal scores had esophagitis. Symptoms of throat pain or nocturnal heartburn were more common in the GER-positive patients (6 of 6 vs 1 of 5), and clinically helpful in discriminating which hoarse patients had pathologic GER. Treatment with ranitidine 150 mg per os twice a day for 12 weeks improved esophagitis in all patients, but the voice improved in only one of the two patients with completely healed esophagitis. This study suggests that (1) GER is frequently seen in patients with idiopathic hoarseness (55%), (2) hoarse patients with throat pain or nocturnal heartburn are likely to have severe esophagitis and should be evaluated by EGD, and (3) additional antireflux and voice therapy may be necessary to heal esophagitis and improve the voice.

The effect of simethicone on colonic visibility after night-prior colonic lavage. A double-blind randomized study.

We prospectively studied 26 patients receiving simethicone (n = 14) or placebo (n = 12) in Colyte (Edlaw Preparations. Inc., Farmingdale, NY, U.S.A.) to determine if the addition of simethicone could improve visibility when administered the night before colonoscopy. Two parameters of visibility were assessed: amount of bubbles and degree of haziness. The effectiveness of a night-prior administration of Colyte to clean the colon of feculent debris was also examined. Patients receiving simethicone had significantly less bubbles (p less than 0.02), but haziness was not improved (p = 0.9). The presence of feculent debris that interfered with the colonoscopic examination was similar in both groups: simethicone 5 of 14 or 35% and placebo 7 of 12 or 58%. Eighty percent (four of five) of patients with feculent debris in the rectosigmoid colon had diverticulosis, and 50% (four of eight) patients with diverticulosis had feculent debris in the rectosigmoid. These data indicate that (a) the combination of simethicone plus Colyte administered the night before colonoscopy improves visibility by diminishing bubbles; (b) this dosage of simethicone is not effective in diminishing haziness when administered the night before colonoscopy; and (c) patients with diverticulosis are likely to have feculent debris in the rectosigmoid colon, and a precolonoscopy enema may be helpful when the diagnosis is known.

Significant DQw1 association in achalasia.

Achalasia is a neuromuscular disorder of the esophagus with unknown etiology. There have been suggestions that this disorder is immunologically mediated. To examine this possibility, HLA phenotyping was prospectively performed on 40 patients with documented achalasia (24 Caucasian, 16 blacks). Results showed a positive association for the class II HLA antigen, DQw1, with 83% of Caucasians (P less than 0.02) and 86% of blacks having the antigen (NS). The relative risk for developing achalasia with the presence of DQw1 was 4.2 in Caucasians and 3.6 in blacks. A negative correlation for the DRw53 antigen was noted in Caucasian patients with a relative risk of 0.23. These results indicate an immunogenetic association for achalasia and provide insight into the pathogenesis of this disorder.

The effectiveness of simethicone in improving visibility during colonoscopy: a double-blind randomized study.

The effect of simethicone in improving visibility during colonoscopy was randomly studied in 97 patients receiving either simethicone (N = 49) or placebo (N = 48) in a colon lavage solution. Visibility was assessed by the amount of bubbles and the degree of haziness noted during colonoscopy. The degree of bubbles was scored on a scale of 0 to 3, and haziness was scored on a scale of 0 to 2. Patients receiving simethicone had significantly less bubbles (p less than 0.001) and less haziness (p less than 0.01) in the colon when compared to placebo-treated patients. These data indicate that the addition of simethicone to the colonic lavage solution results in improved colonic visibility and may result in technically easier and more accurate colonoscopy.

Comparison of stationary vs ambulatory 24-hour pH monitoring recording systems.

Twenty-four-hour pH monitoring of the esophagus is frequently performed to assess gastroesophageal reflux. We performed a prospective study to determine if results obtained from stationary and ambulatory pH recording systems are comparable. Two groups of patients were studied. Group I consisted of 12 patients monitored simultaneously by both a stationary and an ambulatory pH recording system, each system having a separate pH and reference electrode. In group II, in order to eliminate electrode variability, 10 patients were monitored simultaneously with both systems and a common single pH and reference electrode. In group I, significant correlations were found in six reflux parameters measured and in the 24-hr composite score (r greater than or equal to 0.8722). However, in three of the 12 patients, marked discrepancies were noted in the composite score calculated by the stationary and ambulatory recording systems. Small variations in the pH level recorded by different pH electrodes may have accounted for the discrepancies. In group II, where electrode variability was eliminated, a better correlation was noted between all parameters measured (r greater than or equal to 0.991), and no discrepancies were noted between calculated composite scores. We concluded that the stationary and ambulatory recording systems tested are comparable in measuring 24-hr esophageal pH.

Sex differences in gastric mucosal protection after 16, 16-dimethyl PGE2 and lithium chloride.

While the incidence of duodenal ulcer disease has been documented to be greater in men than in women, this observation has not been previously noted in animal studies of the upper gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we questioned whether the cytoprotective properties of 16, 16-dimethyl PGE2 were sex-related by comparing the degree of ethanol-induced hemorrhagic gastritis in male and female rats pretreated with 16,16-dimethyl PGE2 or lithium chloride. Animals receiving 16,16-dimethyl PGE2 or lithium chloride had significantly less ethanol-induced hemorrhagic gastritis (1.17 +/- 0.15 and 1.24 +/- 0.13, respectively, p less than 0.001) when compared with controls (2.69 +/- 0.10). Female rats treated with 16,16-dimethyl PGE2 had 59% less hemorrhagic gastritis than male rats treated similarly (0.76 +/- 0.14 vs 1.86 +/- 0.19 respectively, p less than 0.001). This sex-related difference in hemorrhagic gastritis was not noted in male and female rats receiving lithium chloride (1.24 +/- 0.15 vs 1.23 +/- 0.27, respectively). However, female rats treated with 16, 16-dimethyl PGE2 had significantly less hemorrhagic gastritis when compared with female rats receiving lithium chloride (0.76 +/- 0.14 vs 1.24 +/- 0.15 respectively, p less than 0.05).