NORMAL VALUES FOR 24-HOUR MANOMETRY OF THE ESOPHAGUS

Objective: To obtain normal values of 24-hour manometry of the oesopha gus. Subjects and methods: Oesophageal pressures were measured in 41 h ealthy volunteers who had given informed consent. Recordings were made for 24 hours via a two-channel catheter in 27 and via a 4-channel one in 14 subjects. The catheter orifices were 5 and 15 cm respectively 5 , 10, 15 and 20 cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter. Results: Med ian of contractions was 1523 at 5 cm and 1500 at 15 cm (1635 at 10 cm and 2135 at 20 cm) contraction amplitudes were 31 mm Hg at 5 cm, 26 mm Hg at 15 cm; 26 mm Hg at 10 cm and 37 mm Hg at 20 cm. On average 44% of the contractions were propulsive, 17% simultaneous and 30% nonpropu lsive, the remainder not clearly defined. Neither age nor sex had a si gnificant influence on the results. Motor activity was reduced during sleep. During eating the number of contractions, their amplitude and p ropulsive force increased. Conclusion: The listed measurements, by def ining normal values, make it possible to diagnose hypo-and hypermotili ty of the oesophagus during long-time manometry. Two-point measurement is sufficient for assessing the smooth-muscle component.