Gender variation in oesophageal motor function: Analysis of 129 healthy individuals

Background: Oesophageal manometry is the standard for diagnosis of oesophageal motor disorders. Minimal data exist assessing the effect of gender on normal oesophageal manometry values. Aim: Evaluate the impact of gender on normal oesophageal manometry values. Methods: Healthy volunteers were recruited from the Jacksonville metropolitan area. Exclusion criteria were symptoms suggestive of oesophageal disease, medication use or concurrent illness that could affect oesophageal manometry. All underwent oesophageal manometry using a solid-state system with wet swallows. Results: Sixty-three males and 66 females were enrolled. All completed oesophageal manometry without difficulty. Resting lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, distal oesophageal contraction duration and distal oesophageal body contraction amplitude values were significantly higher in females while distal oesophageal body contraction velocity was significantly lower in females (p<0.05). No differences were seen in other oesophageal manometry parameters. Conclusion: Significant gender differences exist in normal oesophageal manometry. Gender-specific reference values for oesophageal manometry are needed for accurate diagnosis of oesophageal motility disorders.