Abstract
Background and Aim:We frequently use continuous nasogastriccatheterization (CNG) as tube feeding for patients with dysphagia. However, the status of acid reflux into the upper esophagus, which might cause reflux pneumonia, is unknown. We thus aimed to investigate the degree and frequencyof acid reflux.
Subjects and Methods:We studied 19 patients (5 men, 14 women) who received nasogastric tube feeding in Yame Rehabilitation Hospital. Employing a pH monitor, we measured 24-h upper esophageal and gastric pH at positions ascertained by X-ray. Acid reflux was diagnosed if pH less than 4.0 was recorded in more than 5% of all esophageal pH readings or if even one pH recording was below 4.0 for more than consecutive 30 seconds.
Results:Acid reflux into the upper esophagus was diagnosed in 3 subjects (15.8%). The median age, tube size, and indwelling-catheter period in patients with acid reflux were 85 years, 12Fr, and 47 days, respectively, and the corresponding values in patients without acid reflux were 84 years, 13Fr, and 47.5 days. These factors did not differ significantly between patients with and without acid reflux.
Conclusion:Those diagnosed with acid reflux into the upper esophagus accounted for 15.8% of our subjects. Further study is needed to clarify the relationship between the acid reflux into the upper esophagus and the occurrence of reflux pneumonia.
