Risk factors for major esophageal motility disorders: A study of selected sisk factors

Abstract

Background: High-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) is the reference standard for the assessment of esophageal motor function and classification of esophageal motility disorders. HREM was introduced into clinical practice in Mongolia in 2022; however, the spectrum of manometric diagnoses and factors associated with major esophageal motility disorders in this population have not been systematically characterized. Aim: To characterize major esophageal motility disorders among adults undergoing HREM and to identify clinical factors independently associated with these disorders. Materials and methods: This retrospective observational study included 1,033 adults who underwent HREM at Intermed Hospital between September 2022 and March 2026. Manometric studies were interpreted according to the Chicago Classification version 4.0 (CCv4.0). Major esophageal motility disorders were defined as achalasia, manometric esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO), distal esophageal spasm, hypercontractile esophagus, and absent contractility. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with major motility disorders. Results: Major esophageal motility disorders were identified in 112 patients (11.2%). Compared with patients with normal motility or ineffective esophageal motility, those with major motility disorders had a significantly lower mean body mass index (BMI) (24.7±4.9 vs. 27.5±4.2 kg/m²; p<0.001) and a higher prevalence of dysphagia (50.5% vs. 21.3%; p<0.001) and referral for suspected esophageal motility disorders (70.5% vs. 25.2%; p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, older age per 10-year increment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–1.61), lower BMI (aOR per 1-kg/m² increase, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85–0.95), dysphagia (aOR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.20–3.15), and referral for suspected motility disorders (aOR, 5.47; 95% CI, 3.22–9.31) were independently associated with major esophageal motility disorders. Conclusions: 1. Major esophageal motility disorders were identified in 11.2% of adults undergoing HREM in this clinical cohort. 2. Referral for suspected motility disorders was the strongest clinical correlate, while older age, lower BMI, and dysphagia were also independently associated with major motility disorders.