Gastric pH and motility in a porcine model of acute lung injury using a wireless motility capsule

BACKGROUND Evaluation of gastric pH and motility in a porcine model of acute lung injury using a novel, wireless motility capsule. MATERIAL/METHODS A motility capsule was applied into the stomach of 7 Pietrain pigs with acute lung injury induced by high volume saline lavage. Wireless transmission of pH, pressure and temperature data was performed by a recorder attached to the animal's abdomen. Gastric motility was evaluated using pH and pressure values, and capsule location was confirmed by autopsy. RESULTS Gastric pH values were statistically significantly different (P<0.003) in the animals over time and ranged from 1.15 to 9.94 [5.73 ± 0.47 (mean ± SD)] with an interquartile range of 0.11 to 2.07. The capsule pressure recordings ranged from 2 to 4 mmHg [2.6 ± 0.5 mmHg (mean ± SD)]. There was no change in pressure patterns or sudden rise of pH >3 pH units during 24 hours. All animals had a gastroparesis with the capsules located in the stomach as indicated by the pressure and pH data and confirmed by necropsy. CONCLUSIONS The preliminary data show that Pietrain pigs with acute lung injury have a high variability in gastric pH and severely disturbed gastric motility.