Value of esophageal manometric studies in the gastroesophageal reflux of infancy.

Fifteen infants with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) were evaluated with esophageal manometric studies. Six infants failed on a medical regimen of frequent thickened feedings and an upright position 24 hours per day for three weeks. These infants had Nissen fundoplications. Their mean lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was 12.7 mm Hg. The nine infants who did well on the medical regimen had a mean LES pressure of 19.6 mm Hg. These means are significantly different (P less than .001). Esophageal manometric studies should be included in the evaluation of all infants with symptoms of chronic GER.