Abstract
Esophageal and gastric functions were assessed in patients who reported chronic unidentified upper abdominal complaints despite the absence of evidence of any organic disease in examinations and tests, including endoscopy, CT scan, and ultrasound. Determination of gastric emptying by the acetaminophen method, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring were determined, and lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) was measured in these patients. In the determination of gastric emptying, blood concentrntaios after acetaminophen administration were significantly lower in NUD patients than in normal volunteers. In 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, postprandial gastric pH in the daytime remained above 4 significantly longer in NUD patients than in normal volunteers. Esophageal pH values decreased to less than 4 in normal volunteer, but remained at 4 or lower for min in NUD patients, and the length of time during which esophageal pH values remained below 4 was correlated with heat-burn symptoms. LESP was significantly lower in NUD patients than in normal volunteers. These finding suggest that NUD is caused by impaired gastro-esophageal function assosciated with decrease in gastric emptying and LESP. Therapy for NUD is corrects the esophageal and gastric function.
