The effect of metoclopramide on the lower oesophageal sphincter in late pregnancy.

The effects of intravenous metoclopramide (Maxolon) on the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) were studied in three groups of patients, one group being normal control and the other two being pregnant females, one without heartburn and the other with. Metoclopramide increases the LOS pressure 20.5, 15.2 and 10.2 cm H2O respectively (p less than 0.005, p less than 0.005 and p less than 0.05). These findings suggest that for patients undergoing elective or emergency obstetrical anaesthesia, intravenous metoclopramide may help reduce the incidence of regurgitation of gastric contents.