Does the duration of gastroesophageal reflux disease and degree of acid reflux correlate with esophageal function? A retrospective analysis of 768 patients

To reconfirm that the duration of symptoms is not associated with esophagea l motility in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophag eal manometric data from 768 patients with GERD were retrospectively analyz ed with relation to the duration of symptoms. GERD was defined by positive acid reflux test results monitored by ambulatory 24-hour pH monitoring. Cor relation of the duration of symptoms with esophageal body pressures, the pr esence of dysmotility determined by simultaneous waves, average resting pre ssure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and abdominal and overall le ngths of the LES were statistically analyzed. The median duration of the sy mptoms was 60 months (range, 1-600). Duration of symptoms was not associate d with contraction pressures of the esophageal body at 3 and 8 cm above the LES (r = -0.070 and -0.063, respectively). There was no correlation betwee n LES pressures, LES lengths, or the percentage of simultaneous waves and d uration of symptoms. Stricture formation is related to decreased distal eso phageal function in GERD patients. In conclusion, the duration of GERD has little influence on esophageal body and LES function.