Failure of esophageal peristalsis in older patients: association with esophageal acid exposure.

Objectives: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in all ages, but its prevalence appears to increase with age. Older patients often need aggressive medical therapy and are frequently being considered for antireflux surgery. We sought to evaluate the physiological defect (lower esophageal sphincter [LES] pressures, esophageal motility, and acid exposure) in a group of GERD patients >or= 65 yr old in comparison with a younger population ( View Article and Find Full Text PDF