THE EFFECT OF INTRAVENOUS ERYTHROMYCIN ON ESOPHAGEAL MOTILITY IN HEALTHY-SUBJECTS

BACKGROUND: If has been confirmed that erythromycin has gastrokinetic properties of enhancing gastric emptying both in health and disease, T he objective of the present study was to investigate any possible effe ct of erythromycin on esophageal motility. METHODS: In 14 healthy subj ects, standard esophageal manometry was performed before and after the intravenous administration of 200 mg of erythromycin. The calculated manometric parameters of esophageal motility were the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure; the amplitude and duration of peristalsis a t 5, 10, and 15 cm proximal to the LES; and the velocity and strength of peristalsis at 5 cm proximal to the LES. RESULTS: Erythromycin sign ificantly increased the LES pressure (P <0.001), and the amplitude (P = 0.002), duration (P = 0.003), strength (P = 0.014) and velocity (P = 0.008) of peristalsis at 5 cm proximal to LES. Erythromycin also incr eased the amplitude of peristalsis al 10 cm proximal to the LES (P = 0 .035).CONCLUSION: Erythromycin affects the motility of the distal esop hagus.