Esophageal motility patterns are altered in older adult patients

• Published in: Revista de Gastroenterología de México (English Edition) 2020-07, Vol.85 (3), p.264-274
• Main Authors: Kunen, L.C.B., Fontes, L.H.S., Moraes-Filho, J.P., Assirati, F.S., Navarro-Rodriguez, T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adultos mayores; Adultos no mayores; Esophageal motility; Manometry; Manometría; Motilidad esofágica; Non-older adults; Older adults
• ISSN: 2255-534X; 2255-534X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmxen.2019.07.006

Since the 1960s, several studies have shown the effect of aging on esophageal motility, with inconsistent results. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the manometric results in older adult patients (≥ 60 years of age) with an esophageal disorder and compare them with adults under 60 years of age. A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted that included a sample of 1,175 patients (936 older adults and 239 non-older adults). The patients were evaluated and compared with respect to (i) sex, (ii) main complaint for which esophageal manometry was indicated, (iii) comorbidities, (iv) current medications, (v) smoking, and (vi) manometry results. Patient age ranged from 19 to 92 years (women made up 76.5% of the older adults and 72.8% of the non-older adults). Normal lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and normal peristalsis were more frequent in the non-older patient group (91.1% vs. 84.8% and 87.4% vs. 76%, respectively). The manometry results for the non-older adults vs. the older adults, respectively, were: achalasia (2.9% vs. 5.9%); hypercontractile disorder (9.2% vs. 10.4%); hypocontractile disorder (38.5% vs. 47.6%); and normal values (49.4% vs. 36.1%). After excluding the variables that could change esophageal motility, the results revealed significant differences between the two study groups. Esophageal manometry demonstrated statistically significant differences between the older adult and non-older adult study population evaluated. Desde los años 60 s varios estudios han mostrado el efecto del envejecimiento sobre la motilidad esofágica, con resultados inconsistentes. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar los resultados manométricos en pacientes adultos mayores (≥ 60 años) con una enfermedad del esófago y compararlos con los de adultos menores de 60 años. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo transversal que incluyó una muestra de 1, 175 pacientes (936 adultos mayores y 239 adultos no mayores). Los pacientes fueron evaluados y comparados por (i) sexo, (ii) queja principal por la que se indicó la manometría esofágica, (iii) comorbilidades, (iv) medicación al momento, (v) tabaquismo y (vi) resultados de manometría. La edad de los pacientes tuvo un rango de 19 a 92 años (76.5% de los adultos mayores y 72.8% de los adultos no mayores fueron mujeres). La relajación de esfínter esofágico bajo normal y la peristálsis normal fueron más frecuentes en los adultos no mayores que en los adultos mayores (91.1% vs 84.8% y 87.4% vs 76%, respe