J Neurogastroenterol Motil.  2018 Jul;24(3):387-394. 10.5056/jnm17126.

Chronic Cough Is Associated With Long Breaks in Esophageal Peristaltic Integrity on High-resolution Manometry

• Bennett MC
• Patel A
• Sainani N
• Wang D
• Sayuk GS
• Gyawali CP

• KMID: 2417382
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5056/jnm17126

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
Breaks in the peristaltic contour on esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM) may be associated with bolus retention in the esophagus. We evaluated the relationship between peristaltic breaks and esophageal symptoms, reflux exposure, and symptom outcomes in a prospective patient cohort.
METHODS
Two hundred and eighteen patients (53.2 ± 0.9 years, 68.3% female) undergoing both pH-impedance testing and HRM over a 5-year period were prospectively evaluated. Demographics, symptom presentation, acid exposure time, symptom association probability, and symptom burden scores were collected. Outcomes were assessed on follow-up using changes in symptom scores. Presence of long breaks (≥ 5 cm) on HRM was assessed by a blinded author. Relationships between breaks, reflux parameters, presenting symptoms, and outcomes were assessed.
RESULTS
Patients with long breaks were more likely to have cough as a presenting symptom than those without (43.4% vs 28.6%, P = 0.024); statistical differences were not demonstrated with other symptoms (P ≥ 0.3). Numbers of swallows with long breaks were higher in patients with cough compared to those without (2.4 ± 0.3 vs 1.6 ± 0.2, P = 0.021); differences were not found with other symptoms (P ≥ 0.4). Long breaks were not associated with age, gender, race, reflux burden, symptom association, or changes in symptom metrics (P ≥ 0.1 for all comparisons). Among patients with cough, the presence of long breaks predicted suboptimal symptom improvement with antireflux therapy (P = 0.018); this difference did not hold true for other symptoms (P ≥ 0.2).
CONCLUSIONS
Long breaks in esophageal peristaltic integrity are associated with cough. The presence of long breaks is associated with suboptimal benefit from antireflux therapy.

Keyword

Cough; Esophageal motility disorders; Esophageal pH monitoring; Gastroesophageal reflux

MeSH Terms

Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Cough*
Demography
Esophageal Motility Disorders
Esophageal pH Monitoring
Esophagus
Follow-Up Studies
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Humans
Manometry*
Prospective Studies
Swallows