PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Ruth

Publications and source records attributed to M Ruth.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Effects of dietary nitrate on oesophageal motor function and gastro-oesophageal acid exposure in healthy volunteers and reflux patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: High concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), derived from dietary nitrite in an acid environment, have been demonstrated in the gastric fundus and in the oesophagus. The aim of this study was to investigate whether luminal NO can influence oesophageal smooth muscle performance, lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) function or gastric and oesophageal acid exposure. METHODS: Eleven healthy volunteers and 9 patients with chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) received a diet deprived of nitrate/nitrite but supplemented with placebo or potassium nitrate for 4 days in a randomised order. On day 4 in each trial period, manometry was performed including a sleeve sensor registration of the LOS followed by a simultaneous 24-hour intra-gastric and oesophageal pH registration. RESULTS: Nitrate supplementation increased the proportion of effective peristalsis when analysed for the entire study population. No other significant effects of dietary nitrate were found on oesophageal motor variables, on the sphincter resting tone or on the number or duration of transient sphincter relaxations. No effect was found on either gastric acidity or gastro-oesophageal reflux variables. Major reflux symptoms were not influenced by nitrate administration. CONCLUSION: Dietary nitrate did not significantly affect oesophageal motor or LOS function, gastro-oesophageal acid reflux or reflux symptomatology either in healthy volunteers or in GORD patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Baclofen-mediated gastro-oesophageal acid reflux control in patients with established reflux disease.

AIM: To explore the effect of baclofen on oesophageal acid exposure in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty patients with established reflux disease were included in this double-blind, randomized, crossover study. Baclofen, 40 mg, or placebo was given as a single dose with a washout period of 4 weeks. Symptoms were assessed by a visual analogue scale. Oesophageal pH was registered for 12 h and analysed for the whole period and for the 0-4-h, 4-8-h, 8-12-h and 2-h post-prandial periods. RESULTS: Baclofen significantly reduced the number of reflux episodes during the 0-4-h (7.9 vs. 16.5, P < 0.0001; post-prandially: 6.0 vs. 11.2, P < 0.0001) and 0-12-h (46.5 vs. 73, P=0.0001; post-prandially: 18.8 vs. 29.3, P < 0.0001) periods. The fraction of time with pH < 4 was significantly lowered during the 0-4-h period (9.3 vs. 15.6, P=0.0019; post-prandially: 16.1 vs. 23.5, P=0.0083). Similar results were also obtained in patients with a hiatus hernia (n=13). Belching was significantly reduced (32 vs. 69 episodes, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A single oral dose of 40 mg baclofen significantly reduced both the number of reflux episodes and the fraction of time with pH < 4, an effect primarily found during the first 4 h after dosing.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2002

Sources of intra-oesophageal nitric oxide production following intraluminal acid exposure.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess luminal nitric oxide (NO) levels in the oesophagus during baseline and acidic conditions and to clarify the sources of such oesophageal NO formation. METHODS: Healthy volunteers received an intra-oesophageal infusion of either HCl (100 mM) or NaCl (50 mM) on two separate study days. After a low nitrate diet, nitrate load or no dietary restrictions/pretreatment, direct intraluminal measurements of NO formation were performed using a tonometric technique. Endoscopy was performed and mucosal biopsies were taken and analysed by means of immunohistochemistry, Western blot and RT-PCR. RESULTS: No intra-oesophageal NO was detected during baseline conditions with pH neutrality. During the infusion of HCI the NO levels rose dramatically to around 12000 ppb. This high rate of NO formation fell by 95% following deviation of saliva. NO formation after an acute nitrate load was almost doubled during acid perfusion compared to control. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated distinct staining for iNOS in the oesophageal squamous epithelial cells, and Western blot and RT-PCR confirmed the presence of iNOS. CONCLUSION: Two sources exist for intra-oesophageal NO formation, both dependent on the luminal acidity: 1) chemical reduction of salivary nitrite, a mechanism related to dietary intake of nitrate, and 2) NO formation within the oesophageal mucosal epithelium by enzymatic degradation of L-arginine. In the latter case, the NO synthase has antigenic characteristics, indicating the inducible isoform, although a functional behaviour suggests an unconventional subtype.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Preoperative adjuvant radiochemotherapy may increase the risk in patients undergoing thoracoabdominal esophageal resections.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Fatigue and malaise are common symptoms after radiochemotherapy which could affect patients' working capacity and add to the subsequent postoperative risk. The aim of the study was to investigate whether neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy in patients scheduled for a thoracoabdominal resection impairs their working capacity and adds to the postoperative risk. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 29 patients with resectable tumors (T(3) or N(1)) and a working capacity of > or =80 W on a bicycle test were included into the study. The tumor stage was determined by endoscopic ultrasound and computed tomography scan. The patients were given neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy during 38 days, consisting of two cycles of 5-fluorouracil (1,000 mg/m(2)) daily during 5 days and cisplatinum (100 mg/m(2)) on two occasions. Accelerated radiochemotherapy to a total dose of 40.8 Gy was given. Surgery was planned 4-6 weeks after completion of therapy. The patients had a bicycle test before induction of neoadjuvant treatment and 2-5 days prior to the operation. RESULTS: Three patients died already during the course of neoadjuvant treatment. The 26 remaining patients who had a bicycle test decreased their working capacity by a mean of 30 W (p < 0.0001). Ten patients had a decrease of their working capacity to < or = 90 W, of whom 6 died within 3 months postoperatively, and of the patients who had the working capacity decreased to < or = 80 W, 4 out of 5 died during the corresponding postoperative period. None of the patients, who performed >100 W at the second preoperative bicycle test died. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative adjuvant radiochemotherapy, according to the present schedule, clearly exerts a detrimental effect on the patients' working capacity. A physical performance, at the time of the operation, < or = 80-90 W strongly predicts the subsequent postoperative risk. Similar adjuvant therapies may, therefore, in fact be harmful to some patients scheduled for a thoracoabdominal resection.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2000

The 50-millilitre syringe as an inexpensive training aid in the application of cricoid pressure.

A recent study in our department demonstrated that depressing the plunger of a 50-mL syringe was reliably and linearly related to the force applied between 20 N and 50 N. Using a 50-mL syringe we constructed a simple device to help train anaesthetic assistants to apply cricoid pressure correctly. We then tested anaesthetists, operating department practitioners (non-physicians) and nurses in our hospital to see if they could correctly apply forces of 20 and 40 N. All subjects were then trained using this apparatus and once confident were retested immediately afterwards, and again 1 week and 1 month later. The results show a wide variation in the force applied with only 30% of subjects applying appropriate force at 20 N, and 40% at 40 N. Training leads to a significant improvement in performance (P < 0.005 at 20 N and P < 0.001 at 40 N) which is maintained for 1 week for both 20 N (P < 0.05) and 40 N (P < 0.05) but not for 1 month. Therefore training should be practised on a weekly basis. This is an inexpensive and simple device that we believe to be useful in helping anaesthetic assistants to apply effective cricoid pressure.

Anesthesiology↗
PubMed2000

24-H pharyngeal pH monitoring in healthy volunteers: a normative study.

BACKGROUND: Gastropharyngeal reflux has been associated with disorders of the upper and lower airways. It may be shown by pharyngeal pH-metry, but reports on normality in healthy volunteers are scarce. No definite consensus has been reached considering the upper limit of normality (ULN). The aim of the present study was therefore to quantify the occurrence of pharyngeal acid exposure (pH < 4) in healthy volunteers and, further, to examine its relation to acid exposure of the oesophagus and oesophageal motility and its occurrence in relation to age, sex, and body position. METHODS: Forty healthy volunteers underwent ambulatory 24-h pH-metry, using antimony electrodes positioned 2 cm above the upper oesophageal sphincter and 5 cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter on the basis of manometry. Technical artefacts were excluded before calculation of all results. RESULTS: Gastropharyngeal reflux occurred in most healthy volunteers without any significant relation to age, sex, or body weight. Pharyngeal acid reflux occurred mainly in the upright position. The ULN for pharyngeal acid exposure time was assessed to 0.9% (0.2% after exclusion of mealtimes). The ULN for the number of acid events in the pharynx was 18 (6.1). The corresponding ULNs for the oesophagus were 7% and 84. CONCLUSION: Gastropharyngeal reflux may be effectively monitored by ambulatory pH-metry. The present study provides reference limits, a prerequisite for evaluating the pathophysiologic importance of the phenomenon.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Characteristics of secondary oesophageal peristalsis in operated and non-operated patients with chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Secondary oesophageal peristalsis contributes to oesophageal volume clearance and may be impaired in a significant proportion of patients with chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). This study aimed to investigate the triggering of secondary peristalsis in chronic GORD patients compared to those previously operated on with anti-reflux surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Healthy volunteers, chronic GORD patients with proven oesophagitis and patients successfully operated on with anti-reflux surgery (> 3 years ago) were investigated. Secondary peristalsis was elicited by oesophageal distension by a bolus of air (10 ml) injected rapidly into the mid-portion of the oesophagus. The peristaltic characteristics in the distal oesophagus were assessed by use of stationary manometry. RESULTS: The primary peristaltic amplitude in the distal third of the oesophagus was significantly higher (P < 0.002) in the non-operated GORD cases than in those recruited for surgery. Furthermore, a difference in the frequency of failed primary peristalsis was revealed (2.1 versus 8.4%) between the non-operated and operated patients. Secondary peristalsis occurred in 65 +/- 13.2% (mean +/- SE) of the healthy subjects on stimulation, which was a higher figure than in the GORD patients. In patients investigated after successful anti-reflux surgery, a secondary peristaltic wave was elicited in only 26 +/- 7.2% of the attempts, which was significantly lower than the 46 +/- 7.7% seen in non-operated GORD patients (P < 0.05). A direct comparison between motor characteristics of primary and secondary peristalsis revealed that the latter amplitudes were significantly lower both in the non-operated and in the operated cases (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The triggering of secondary peristalsis seems to be impaired in chronic GORD patients. Investigating similar patients > 3 years after successful anti-reflux surgery revealed an even lower prevalence of secondary peristaltic waves, implying persistence of the abnormality after surgery and consistent with other evidence that GORD is associated with a primary defect in oesophageal motor function.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Process Design and Costing of Bioethanol Technology: A Tool for Determining the Status and Direction of Research and Development.

Bioethanol is a fuel-grade ethanol made from trees, grasses, and waste materials. It represents a sustainable substitute for gasoline in today's passenger cars. Modeling and design of processes for making bioethanol are critical tools used in the U.S. Department of Energy's bioethanol research and development program. We use such analysis to guide new directions for research and to help us understand the level at which and the time when bioethanol will achieve commercial success. This paper provides an update on our latest estimates for current and projected costs of bioethanol. These estimates are the result of very sophisticated modeling and costing efforts undertaken in the program over the past few years. Bioethanol could cost anywhere from $1.16 to $1.44 per gallon, depending on the technology and the availability of low cost feedstocks for conversion to ethanol. While this cost range opens the door to fuel blending opportunities, in which ethanol can be used, for example, to improve the octane rating of gasoline, it is not currently competitive with gasoline as a bulk fuel. Research strategies and goals described in this paper have been translated into cost savings for ethanol. Our analysis of these goals shows that the cost of ethanol could drop by 40 cents per gallon over the next ten years by taking advantage of exciting new tools in biotechnology that will improve yield and performance in the conversion process.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

Tailoring antireflux surgery: A randomized clinical trial.

A hypothesis has been formulated that mandates the adjustment of antireflux surgery to either a total or a partial wrap depending on the motor function of the esophagus to avoid dysphagia and other obstructive complaints. This hypothesis has been tested in a randomized, clinical trial where 106 chronic gastroesophageal reflux patients were allocated to either a total Nissen-Rossetti (n = 53) or a Toupet partial posterior (n = 53) fundoplication, irrespective of their preoperative esophageal motor function. All patients were followed at least 3 years, during which time none had a relapse of moderate to severe reflux symptoms. Motor dysfunctions defined as peristaltic amplitude </= 30 mmHg in the distal third and failed primary peristalsis with or without > 20% simultaneous contractions were noted in 67 patients preoperatively, but these patients did not have a specific symptom profile (e.g., dominated by obstructive symptoms) nor did seven patients with "aperistaltic esophagus." The incidence of dysphagia decreased from 20% preoperatively to 8% (mild) at 3 years after the operation with no difference between the surgical procedures. We were unable to demonstrate a relation between preoperative manometric findings and postoperative symptoms when assessed in the total group or when subdivided by the type of fundoplication (r < 0.3). Flatulence occurred more frequently among those with a total fundic wrap (p < 0.01). When patients representing motor dysfunction (see above) were specifically analyzed, we again observed no difference in outcome between those having a total or a partial fundic wrap. In conclusion, the concept of tailoring antireflux surgery based on the preoperative motor function of the esophagus in patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease was not supported by the results of this clinical trial.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Mechanism of action of antireflux procedures.

BACKGROUND: To define the clinical role of antireflux surgical procedures a proper understanding of their mode of action is required. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of total or posterior partial fundoplication on the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) in the basal state as well as during stimulation. METHODS: Patients with chronic reflux (n = 24) were randomized either to a total fundic wrap or to a posterior partial (Toupet) fundoplication. Basal LOS function was investigated as well as the response to inhibitory stimuli 4 years after operation. Inhibitory stimulation was elicited by water swallows and by gas distension (750 ml air insufflation into the stomach). RESULTS: Basal LOS tone was substantially higher (P = 0.01) after a total than a partial wrap, as was the nadir pressure after water swallows (10.1 versus 3.4 mmHg). Body position did not affect this difference. Transient LOS relaxations occurred only occasionally in the basal state. The frequency of transient LOS relaxation increased somewhat during the first 10 min of stomach distension with more occurring in patients who underwent a Toupet procedure. Common oesophagogastric cavities were more often seen in this latter group of patients after gas distension of the stomach. CONCLUSION: These physiological observations on the LOS after total and posterior partial fundoplication explain the observed clinical differences in favour of the latter operation. The partial fundoplication seems to restore the physiology of the gastro-oesophageal junction more adequately, allowing air to be vented from the stomach without jeopardizing the antireflux barrier.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Using Dynamic Modeling to Scope Environmental Problems and Build Consensus

/ This paper assesses the changing role of dynamic modeling for understanding and managing complex ecological economic systems. It discusses new modeling tools for problem scoping and consensus building among a broad range of stakeholders and describes four case studies in which dynamic modeling has been used to collect and organize data, synthesize knowledge, and build consensus about the management of complex systems. The case studies range from industrial systems (mining, smelting, and refining of iron and steel in the United States) to ecosystems (Louisiana coastal wetlands, and Fynbos ecosystems in South Africa) to linked ecological economic systems (Maryland's Patuxent River basin in the United States). They illustrate uses of dynamic modeling to include stakeholders in all stages of consensus building, ranging from initial problem scoping to model development. The resultant models are the first stage in a three-stage modeling process that includes research and management models as the later stages.KEY WORDS: Dynamic modeling; Scoping; Consensus building; Environmental management; Ecosystem management; Policy making; Graphical programming languages

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

The effect of mosapride, a novel prokinetic, on acid reflux variables in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Mosapride is a novel prokinetic agent facilitating acetylcholine release from the enteric cholinergic neurones through a selective 5-HT4 receptor agonistic action. It is also active through its main metabolite M1, which is a 5-HT3 antagonist. The importance of motor dysfunction in the pathogenesis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) makes it interesting to examine the effect of mosapride on oesophageal acid exposure. METHODS: The effect of mosapride on oesophageal 24-h acid reflux variables was studied in 21 patients with GERD symptoms and a pre-entry total acid exposure time (pH < 4) of more than 5%. Ambulatory pH monitoring was performed after treatment with 40 mg mosapride citrate or placebo q.d.s. for 2 days in random order, using a double-blind crossover technique, with a washout period of at least 5 days. RESULTS: Mosapride was significantly more effective than placebo in decreasing the total number of reflux episodes, the total number of reflux episodes lasting more than 5 min and the total time, as well as the amount of day time, of intra-oesophageal pH below 4. Consequently, mosapride also significantly improved total acid clearance time. CONCLUSION: Mosapride 40 mg q.d.s. is effective in decreasing acid reflux in the oesophagus in patients with GERD and therefore has the potential to be effective in the treatment of this disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Does oesophageal motor function improve with time after successful antireflux surgery? Results of a prospective, randomised clinical study.

MAIN OBJECTIVE: There is a continuing debate whether motor abnormalities associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) are primary phenomena or occur as a consequence of repeated injury caused by inflammation. To get new insights into mechanisms involved, patients were studied before and three years after effective and durable reflux control induced by two types of fundoplications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty three consecutive patients with chronic GORD entered the trial. All patients had a clinical history of GORD assessed symptomatically, endoscopically, and by use of 24 hour pH-metry. Eighteen were randomised to a 180 degrees semifundoplication (Toupet) and 15 to a total fundic wrap (Nissen-Rossetti). Manometry was done preoperatively, six months, and three years after the operation assessing motor function in defined areas of the tubular oesophagus and lower oesophageal sphincter. RESULTS: All patients had a proper control of GORD both when objectively and clinically assessed. Postoperatively, the resting tone of the lower oesophageal sphincter was significantly higher in the Nissen-Rossetti group (p < 0.05), and the intra-abdominal portion of the lower oesophageal sphincter was of identical length in the two groups. A significant increase in peristaltic amplitude in the middle and distal third of the oesophagus was recorded at long term follow up compared with the preoperative findings (p < 0.05), but there was no corresponding effect on propagation speed and duration of contraction. However, an increase in peristaltic amplitude and, as a tentative consequence, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the frequency of primary peristalsis was found only in patients operated on with a total fundic wrap. CONCLUSION: Despite adequate and durable reflux control after fundoplication in patients with chronic GORD, no change was found in oesophageal motor function with time. The higher contraction amplitude and decreased frequency of failed primary peristalsis seen in patients having a total fundic wrap were thus most likely due to a mechanical outflow obstruction in the gastro-oesophageal junction. These results could therefore be interpreted in favour of the hypothesis that GORD is pathogenetically linked to a primary defect in oesophageal motor function.

Esophagus↗
PubMed1997

Vertical banded gastroplasty or gastric banding for morbid obesity: effects on gastro-oesophageal reflux.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of vertical banded gastroplasty and gastric banding on the development of gastro-oesophageal reflux using both subjective and objective methods. DESIGN: Prospective, randomised study. SETTING: Teaching hospital, Sweden. SUBJECTS: 50 consecutive, morbidly obese patients (mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) 42.5 (5), 27 women and 23 men; mean age 48 years, range 38-57 years). INTERVENTIONS: Vertical banded gastroplasty (n = 24) or gastric banding (n = 26). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Results of evaluation by standardised questionnaire, 24-hour ambulatory pH-metry, and endoscopy. RESULTS: After six months the mean (SD) BMI had decreased to 34.4 (5.7), with no differences between the groups. Mild dysphagia was somewhat more common (13 compared with 1) but the incidence of heartburn (8 compared with 17), and acid regurgitation (12 compared with 14) were less after the operation; 3 patients developed erosive oesophagitis, two in the vertical banded group and one in the banding group. Ambulatory pH-metry readings did not change significantly from preoperatively and there were no differences between the two operations. One patient developed pathological reflux, and in three the values returned to the normal range. CONCLUSION: Gastric restriction operations including those with a narrow stoma that causes outflow obstruction do not seem to increase the incidence of reflux in patients with functioning antireflux barriers.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Long-term results of a prospective randomized comparison of total fundic wrap (Nissen-Rossetti) or semifundoplication (Toupet) for gastro-oesophageal reflux.

The importance of the extent of the fundic wrap that encircles the distal oesophagus for the establishment of long-term control of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and for the risk of symptoms after fundoplication was evaluated in a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Of 137 consecutive patients with GORD, 72 were allocated to a semifundoplication (180-200 degrees, Toupet) and 65 to a total fundoplication (360 degrees, Nissen-Rossetti). Dysphagia was more common in the early postoperative period after a total fundic wrap, a difference which disappeared with time. This corresponded to a higher resting tone in the lower oesophageal sphincter area. Seven patients (5 per cent) experienced relapse of GORD during follow-up of more than 3 years. Although no difference in the cumulative relapse rate (5 per cent for Nissen-Rossetti versus 6 per cent for Toupet) was found between the two study groups, the total failure rate was higher (P < 0.05) among patients who had a Nissen-Rossetti procedure because of a procedure-specific complication: intrathoracic herniation of the fundoplication in five patients caused obstructive symptoms without reflux (four had no posterior crural repair). In addition, symptoms in the form of flatulence were more frequently seen after Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication (P < 0.05 at 2 years and P < 0.01 at 3 years). Both Nissen-Rossetti and Toupet fundoplication equally well and durably controlled GORD. Fewer symptoms occurred in those having a semifundoplication, both in the early and late postoperative period.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Quality of life assessment after laparoscopic and open fundoplications. Results of a prospective, clinical study.

BACKGROUND: In the evaluation of different treatment alternatives, assessment of the patients' own perceived situation can give important clinical information in addition to the conventional efficacy variables used. METHODS: Fifty patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were operated on with either an open fundoplication (n = 25; 17 men; mean age, 51.5 years) or with a fundoplication through the laparoscope (n = 25; 16 men; mean age, 49.8 years). In each case adequate control of the GERD was achieved with the operation, also when objectively assessed. Twelve months after surgery the quality of life was studied by using a battery of self-administered questionnaires (the Psychological General Well-being (PGWB) index and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), and a visual analogue scale, depicting specific reflux-related symptoms (RVAS). RESULTS: After antireflux surgery the overall PGWB scores were normalized with no obvious difference between the two procedures. In the GSRS scale, however, differences were shown between the two procedures, with more dyspeptic and indigestion symptoms in patients having a laparoscopic total fundic wrap. CONCLUSION: These data emphasize the clinical efficacy of antireflux surgery, with normalization of the quality of life in terms of well-being after these procedures. It should be noted that these instruments are sensitive enough to pick up significant differences between different antireflux procedures and should therefore be frequently used in the attempt to refine and optimize long-term therapeutic alternatives in reflux disease.

Female↗
PubMed1995

Does massive obesity promote abnormal gastroesophageal reflux?

Fifty consecutive massively obese patients referred for gastroplasty operations were prospectively studied to determine the existence of gastroesophageal reflux disease by means of a standardized questionnaire, 24-hr ambulatory pH-metry, and endoscopy (27 females, mean age 48 years, range 38-57 years). These patients had a body mass index (BMI) of 42.5 +/- 5.2 kg/m2 and an actual weight of 125.5 +/- 17 kg. Heartburn and acid regurgitation was reported by 37% and 28%, respectively, mostly of a mild degree (22% and 20%). Dysphagia was reported by 2%, but none had odynophagia. No patient had any macroscopic esophagitis. The pH data were compared with those obtained in 29 age- and sex-matched, symptom-free, healthy controls (15 females, mean age 47.6 years, range 30-63 years). During ambulatory pH-metry, we recorded a predominance of daytime reflux (7.2 +/- 8.2% and total acid exposure of 5.3 +/- 6.4%) in the obese patients, but neither the weight, BMI, nor the waist-hip ratio were significantly correlated with any of the reflux variables. The pH data obtained from these patients did not, however, differ significantly from those recorded in the control population, although a somewhat lower daytime acid reflux was found in the latter group. These results suggest that massive overweight is not associated with an increased prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Adult↗