Antroduodenal manometry in children with no upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

BACKGROUND

The interpretation of antroduodenal manometry in children with gastrointestinal motility disorder has been limited by a paucity of data from normal children. The purpose of this study was to define antroduodenal manometry findings in children with no upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

METHODS

We reviewed 260 consecutive antroduodenal manometries and selected 18 studies from subjects aged 2-12 years with no symptoms referable to a gastrointestinal motility disorder involving the stomach and/or the small bowel.

RESULTS

During fasting, phase 3 of the migrating motor complex (MMC) was present in 14 of 18 children, and it was induced by erythromycin in 4 who failed to have a spontaneous phase 3. Phase 3 propagation velocity increased significantly with age. The cycle length between MMCs showed no age-dependent variation. Phase 3 occupied 3%; phase 1, 10%; and phase 2, 87% of the fasting recording time.

CONCLUSIONS

Antroduodenal manometry findings in children with no upper gastrointestinal symptoms are similar to those in adults.