High-Resolution Manometry Diagnosis of Ineffective Esophageal Motility Is Associated with Higher Reflux Burden

Introduction Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is the most commonly diagnosed abnormality on high-resolution manometry (HRM). However, the clinical significance of IEM and associated reflux burden remains unclear. Aim Our primary aim was to compare reflux patterns between IEM versus normal motility on HRM. Methods HRM and reflux studies in patients with IEM and normal motility were retrospectively reviewed. Esophageal pressure topography parameters, reflux variables, and patient-reported outcome questionnaires were explored. Results A total of 239 patients with IEM were explored. Of these, 146 underwent reflux monitoring. Additionally, 100 patients with normal HRM all of whom had undergone reflux monitoring were included. IEM patients were more likely to have an abnormal number of reflux events compared to normal (22.7% vs. 9.0%, p