These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: [Quantifying intestino-esophageal reflux with a fiberoptic bilirubin detection probe].
    Author: Stein HJ, Kraemer SJ, Feussner H, Siewert JR.
    Journal: Z Gastroenterol; 1994 May; 32(5):247-51. PubMed ID: 8073796.
    Abstract:
    Currently available methods to assess reflux of duodenal contents into the esophagus are cumbersome, unphysiologic, and inaccurate. The role of intestino-esophageal reflux has therefore been controversial. We assessed intestino-esophageal reflux using a new system which allows prolonged intraesophageal measurement of bilirubin, the major pigment of bile. Measurements were made with a newly developed fiber-optic sensor electrode connected to a portable data processing unit (BILITEC 2000, Synectics Medical Inc., Sweden). Light absorption was measured at the absorption peak of bilirubin and a reference point. Studies were performed in 9 subjects without esophagitis, 9 subjects with esophagitis and primary reflux disease and 7 subjects with erosive esophagitis after a total or subtotal gastrectomy. The fiberoptic electrode was placed 5 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter. In vitro studies showed linear correlations between absorbance measurements obtained with the BILITEC-unit and known bilirubin and bile acid concentrations, respectively (p < 0.01). Compared to both other groups, light absorption was markedly increased in the subjects who had esophagitis after a total or subtotal gastrectomy (p < 0.05) indicating severe biliary reflux. An increase in bilirubin absorption occurred particularly during the post-prandial and supine periodes (p < 0.01). A Roux-en-Y biliary diversion procedure completely abolished bile reflux in 2 of these patients. These data indicate that ambulatory 24-hour fiberoptic measurement of bilirubin in the esophagus is feasible and allows quantitation of intestino-esophageal reflux. Intestino-esophageal reflux occurs particularly during the postprandial period and the early morning hours in patients who had a previous subtotal or total gastrectomy.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]