Abstract
Significantly delayed gastric emptying may be seen in 30 - 40% of infants with GER. The mechanism(s) responsible for this abnormality are presently unknown.
Gastric motility was studied in 8 infants (ages: 2-7 mo) with GER and normal (N = 3) or delayed (N = 5) gastric emptying of formula as defined by Tc99m milk scans. Antral and fundal contractions and gastric pacesetter potentials were measured using perfused catheters with intragastric electrodes for 40 - 50 min following a formula meal of 5 cc/kg. Motility indices (M1) were calculated from pressure tracings. Results: 1) In both groups, gastric motor activity was insignificant following a formula meal. 2) Antral and fundal M1 (mmHg / sec / 5 min) were similar in all patients studied. 3) Gastric pacesetter potentials were observed a frequency of 3 cpm. 4) No gastric dysmotility was documented in either patient group.
Conclusions: In infants with GER, formula is emptied as a liquid meal without significant gastric motor activity. Postprandial gastric motility is similar in patients with normal and delayed emptying; differences in motility patterns do not appear to be a mechanism for the delayed emptying. Other variables, such as position or caloric density of feedings may be more important.
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Cannon, R. GASTRIC MOTILITY IN INFANTS WITH GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX (GER). Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 265 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00589
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00589