Effect of ageing on the upper and lower oesophageal sphincters

Objective To determine the effect of ageing on length and resting pressure of the upper and lower oesophageal sphincters (UOSs, LOSs). Background The effectiveness of upper and lower oesophageal sphincters (UOS s and LOSs, respectively) in the control of retrograde trans-sphincteric fl ow is influenced by sphincteric pressure and length. Methods Nine young and nine elderly healthy volunteers were studied. Restin g UOS and LOS pressures were measured by sleeve devices and lengths were me asured by the station pull-through technique, Results The length of the UOS high pressure zone in the elderly(2.1 +/- 0.7 cm posterior; 1.9 +/- 0.1 cm anterior) was significantly shorter than that of the young (2.9 +/- 0.1 cm posterior; 3.1 +/- 0.2 cm anterior) (P < 0.01 ), Resting UOS pressure in the elderly (42 +/- 5 mmHg) was significantly lo wer than that of the young (62 +/- 7 mmHg) (P < 0.05). The intersphincteric length of the oesophagus in the elderly (21 +/- 0.2 cm) was similar to tha t of the young (21 +/- 0.4 cm). Total length of the LOS high pressure zone in the young (4.0 +/- 0.1 cm) was similar to that of the elderly (4.1 +/- 0 .1 cm). LOS resting pressure was similar between young and elderly subjects (17 +/- 5 mmHg and 15 +/- 3 mmHg, respectively). Conclusions Ageing affects the UOS and LOS differently. With regard to rest ing pressure and length, ageing weakens the UOS, but has no significant eff ect on the LOS. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.