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Biomedical subjects

C P Barham

Publications and source records attributed to C P Barham.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Ambulatory measurement of oesophageal function: clinical use of a new pH and motility recording system.

Conventional oesophageal manometric studies are open to criticism in that they take place on fasted immobile subjects in the artificial setting of a motility laboratory. A new 24-h pH and motility recording system combined with computerized data analysis was used to study patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and oesophageal motor abnormalities under ambulant conditions. Acid reflux episodes were found to be precipitated by a variety of events with recognizable pressure patterns. Acid clearance abnormalities were demonstrated in patients with erosive oesophagitis but were confined to those with abnormal oesophageal motor function. Improved diagnostic accuracy was demonstrated in the recognition of oesophageal motor disorders.

Circadian Rhythm↗
PubMed1991

The sphinctometer: a new device for measurement of lower oesophageal sphincter function.

Current evidence suggests that lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) competence depends upon both pressure and length. Existing devices can measure length and pressure, but not simultaneously. This methodological problem is a fundamental drawback to understanding LOS function and its role in oesophageal disease. A 'sphinctometer' has been developed, consisting of an oil-filled 3-mm diameter Silastic chamber, 6 cm in length, incorporating a pressure microtransducer designed to provide an integrated pressure reading as a function of length. Its performance has been tested in vitro using human cadaver oesophagus in a specially constructed chamber in which sphincter length and pressure can be varied independently. Comparisons were made with a conventional pull-through technique. Sphinctometer response was linear throughout the LOS pressure range of 0 to 50 mmHg at a fixed LOS length (RS = 0.99; P less than 0.001). Sphinctometer response was also linear at fixed LOS pressure for sphincter lengths from 1 to 6 cm (RS = 0.99; P less than 0.001). This device thus appeared suitable for monitoring function of the human LOS, and has subsequently been successfully incorporated into an ambulatory system for patient use.

Biometry↗