Bolus transit of upper esophageal sphincter on high-resolution impedance manometry study correlate with the laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms

Laryngopharyngeal reflux symptom is a troublesome upper esophageal problem, and reflux symptom index (RSI) is commonly applied for the assessment of clinical severity. We investigated the relationship between the upper esophageal sphincter impedance integral (UESII) and RSI scores in this study. Totally 158 subjects with high-resolution esophageal impedance manometry (HRIM) with RSI questionnaire assessment were recruited. There are 57 (36.08%), 74 (46.84%), 21 (13.29%), and 6 (3.79%) patients were categorized as normal, ineffective esophageal motility disorder, absent contractility, and achalasia by HRIM examination, respectively. Subjects with RSI > 13 were noted to have lower UESII than others with RSI ≦ 13 (7363.14 ± 1085.58 vs. 11,833.75 ± 918.77 Ω s cm; P < 0.005). The ROC analysis yielded a UESII cutoff of < 2900 Ω s cm for the best prediction of subjects with RSI > 13 (P = 0.002). Both female gender and UESII cutoff of < 2900 Ω s cm were significant predictors of RSI > 13 in logistic regression analysis (OR = 3.84 and 2.83; P = 0.001 and 0.01; respectively). Lower UESII on HRIM study, indicating poor bolus transit of UES during saline swallows, is significantly associated with prominent laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms scored by RSI score.

Correlation between Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux Finding Score in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Introduction: Laryngopharyngeal reflux is an extra esophageal variant of gastro esophageal reflux disease and is characterized by change in voice, recurrent throat clearing, chronic cough, discomfort in throat, globus. The larynx and pharynx are devoid of the normal acid clearance mechanism even three episodes of reflux per week seems to be associated with a significant disease. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between the reflux symptom index and reflux finding score in patients with Laryngopharyngeal reflux. Methods: This prospective analytical study was conducted from November 2019 to October 2020 in total of 65 patients presented in department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nepalgunj Medcial College and Teaching Hospital, Nepalgunj. Reflux symptom index questionnaire with nine Questions were answered by patients on a 5 point scale. Reflux symptom index of more than 13 out of total score of 45 was considered to indicate Laryngopharyngeal reflux were as, reflux finding score was based on laryngoscopic findings after evaluating 8 items. Score more than 7 out of 26 was taken as an indicator for presence of Laryngopharyngeal reflux. Results: The reflux symptom index was more than 13 on 22 patients withmean11.85±3.48 and reflux finding score was more than 7 on 11 patients with mean 5.02±3.23 with statistically moderate correlation between reflux symptom index and reflux finding score (p=0.000,r=0.595). Conclusion: There is moderate correlation between the reflux symptom index and reflux finding score. The combined use of these questionnaires and laryngoscopic findings can be more precise, practical and cost effective in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Dietary risk factors and therapy outcomes of swallowing-related problems in laryngopharyngeal reflux: patients’ perspectives

Background This was a prospective cohort that included 60 gastro-esophageal reflux disorder patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux-related symptoms (e.g., sore throat, throat clearing, globus sensation, cough, dysphonia, and dysphagia). The diagnosis was confirmed using history taking, clinical laryngoscopic examination, and upper endoscopy guided by the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI). Patients were treated with proton pump inhibitors and prokinetics for 12 weeks. The aim of the current study was to explore the dietary risk factors in laryngopharyngeal reflux patients and to assess the response to therapy on swallowing-related problems by comparing the baseline pre-treatment and post-treatment values of RSI and Dysphagia Handicap index (DHI). Results Analysis of data regarding the role of diet as a risk factor for reflux revealed that 33 patients (55%) are eating meat, 56 patients (93.3%) eating fat, 45 patients (75%) eating sweet, 55 patients (91.7%) eating spicy food, 52 patients (96.7%) eating fried food, 34 patients (56.7%) drinking tea, 51 patients (85%) eating big meals, 21 patients (35%) drinking fruit juices, 54 patients (90%) eating sour foods, 51 patients (85%) eating citrus fruits, and 22 patients (36.7%) smokers. There was a statistically significant decrease in Reflux Symptom Index scores and an increase of Dysphagia Handicap Index scores after 12 weeks on proton pump inhibitors and prokinetics. Conclusion Different dietary factors were present in LPR patients. A short period of empiric anti-reflux treatment has a significant improving effect on Reflux Symptom Index and Dysphagia Handicap Index scores from baseline to 12 weeks post-treatment. Further research is needed to investigate longer times of treatment for the complete resolution of symptoms.

Pendekatan Diagnostik Refluks Laring Faring

Lifestyle and behavior changes can have bad impacts on our health. One of the diseases that can be caused by lifestyle changes is pharyngeal larynx reflux. Pharyngeal laryngeal reflux is a state of return of the contents of the stomach to the larynx and pharynx causing an inflammatory reaction to the mucous membranes of the larynx and pharynx. In an attempt to diagnose pharyngeal larynx reflux, a follow-up examination is required. In this case there are several examinations that can be done to confirm the diagnosis of pharyngeal larynx reflux. This study was aimed to obtain the diagnostic approaches in laringopharyngeal reflux cases. This was a literature review study using two databases namely PubMed and ClinicalKey. The keywords used were laringophaingeal reflux and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. After being selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine literatures using experimental research methods. were obtained. The results showed that several examinations that could be performed in diagnosing laringofaringeal reflux, as follows: anamnesis, physical examination, pH-monitoring, reflux findings score, reflux symptom score, PEP-test, reflux sign assessment, reflux symptom score, immunohistochemistry, and fiber-optic laryngoscopy. In conclusion, supporting examinations are needed to confirm the diagnosis of pharyngeal larynx reflux.Keywords: refluks laring faring; laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. Abstrak: Perubahan gaya hidup dan perilaku dapat berdampak pada kesehatan tubuh. Salah satu penyakit yang dapat diakibatkan oleh perubahan gaya hidup yaitu refluks laring faring. Refluks laring faring merupakan keadaan kembalinya isi lambung ke laring dan faring sehingga menyebabkan reaksi inflamasi pada selaput lendir laring dan faring. Untuk menegakkan diagnosis refluks laring faring dibutuhkan pemeriksaan lanjutan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pendekatan diagnosis yang dapat dilakukan dalam pemeriksaan kasus refluks laring faring. Jenis penelitian ialah literature review dengan pencarian data menggunakan dua database yaitu PubMed dan ClinicalKey. Kata kunci yang digunakan yaitu refluks laring faring and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. Setelah diseleksi berdasarkan kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi, didapatkan sembilan literatur yang menggunakan metode penelitian eksperimental. Hasil peneli-tian mendapatkan pemeriksaan-pemeriksaan yang dilakukan dalam menegakkan diagnosis refluks laring faring ialah: anamnesis, pemeriksaan fisik, pH-monitoring, skor temuan refluks, skor gejala refluks, PEP-test, reflux sign assessment, reflux symptom score, immunohistochemistry, dan fiber-optic laryngoscopy. Simpulan penelitian ini ialah pemeriksaan penunjang perlu dilakukan untuk menegakkan diagnosis refluks laring faring.Kata kunci: refluks laring faring; laryngopharyngeal reflux disease

A Prospective Study of Clinical Outcomes in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Diseases Following Treatment with Proton Pump Inhibitors in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kerala

BACKGROUND Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is found to be a common disease encountered in Otolaryngology practice. LPR presents clinically with symptoms of laryngeal irritation, frequent throat clearing, cough, and hoarseness of voice. The main diagnostic methods currently used are Fiber-optic laryngoscopy and in some centers pH monitoring. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used and found to be cost-effective and useful for the treatment of LPR. The main objective of this study was to study the effectiveness of PPIs in alleviating the symptoms assessed using Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) score and Reflux Finding Scores (RFS). METHODS A prospective study was carried out on 100 patients attending the ENT OPD of Government Medical College and Hospital, Thrissur, Kerala. Patients were evaluated for improvement in symptoms of Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease following use of proton pump inhibitors, using Reflux symptom index and Reflux finding scores using 70 degree / flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy. Patients with clinical findings of LPRD with RSI score > 13 and RFS score > 7 were given a standard treatment protocol followed in our ENT department using Tab. Pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily before food and the treatment response was assessed by proper follow up at 6 weeks and 12 weeks. On each follow up visit, improvement in RSI and RFS scores with Proton pump inhibitor therapy was assessed. Data collected was then tabulated and analysed. RESULTS The study was conducted in 100 patients, 59 % of whom were females and 41 % males. Mean RSI score changed from 18.9 at the beginning to 14.5 at 6 weeks of treatment and 9.0 at 12 weeks of treatment with Proton pump inhibitor. Mean RFS score changed from 10.7 at the beginning to 8.7 at 6 weeks of treatment and to 5.9 at 12 weeks of treatment. Comparison of mean Reflux Symptom Index and mean Reflux Finding Scores before and after treatment revealed improvement and the result was statistically significant (p value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The use of RSI and RFS scores in the assessment of PPIs at fixed intervals is cost effective and avoids time consuming and cost intensive examinations. These scores also help in early diagnosis and long term follow up of LPR patient. Fixed time interval PPI treatment significantly improved RSI and RFS scores in LPR patients. The mean RSI score changed from 18.9 at the beginning of treatment to 14.5 at 6 weeks after treatment (p value < 0.001) and 9.0 after 12 weeks of treatment; (p value < 0.001) The mean RFS score changed from 10.7 at the beginning of treatment to 8.7 at 6 weeks after treatment (p value < 0.001) and 5.9 after 12 weeks of treatment; (p value < 0.001). KEYWORDS Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, Reflux Symptom Index, Reflux Finding Score

Prevalence and Symptomatology of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease in a Medical College Hospital in Kerala

BACKGROUND Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a common clinical condition encountered in Otolaryngology practice. It is one of the major causes of laryngeal inflammation. It presents with a constellation of symptoms making the diagnosis difficult. Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux Finding Score are two tools which aid in diagnosis of Laryngopharyngeal reflux. The main objective of this study was to study the agent, host and environment factors of epidemiology of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease using Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux Finding Score. METHODS A descriptive study was conducted on 100 patients attending the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Thrissur, Kerala. The study period was for one year from December 2017 to December 2018. Demographic data of the patients was recorded, and patients were evaluated for Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease using Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux Finding Score using 70 degree / flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy. The clinical data collected was then tabulated and analysed. RESULTS From the study conducted in 100 patients, 59 % were females and 41 % males. Most common symptom noted was frequent clearing of throat which was present in 88 % cases. Least frequent symptom was choking episode (in 5 %). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease was commonest in the 31 to 40 years age group with mean age was 37.8 ± 2.35 years. The male to female ratio were 1:1.43. The disease was common in labourers and housewives. Risk factors were consumption of tea/coffee, inadequate sleep of less than 6 hrs. Lower socioeconomic group populations were more vulnerable than higher income group. The RSI score was between 13 and 15 in 53 % of the patients. KEYWORDS Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, Reflux Symptom Index, Reflux Finding Score