Impact of 24-hour intraesophageal pH monitoring with 2 channels in the diagnosis of reflux-induced otolaryngologic disorders

BACKGROUND: Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may suffer from a large variety of symptoms in the upper aerodigestive tract such as globus sensation, chronic cough, hoarseness and many others. Diagnosis and causal therapy may sometimes be difficult with gastroenterologic evaluation sometimes revealing no pathologic result. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of 24-hour intraesophageal pH monitoring with 2 channels (gastric and laryngeal) in the diagnosis of reflux-induced otolaryngologic disorders. METHODS: This study included 22 patients presenting to the Department of Otolaryngology with symptoms like chronic cough (n = 3), globus sensation and dysphagia (n = 11), heartburn (n = 2), hoarseness and dysphonia (n = 2) or burning sensation of the tongue (n = 1). Three patients had a pathologic formation in the glottic area (leukoplakia, granuloma, polyp). All patients underwent a otolaryngological examination, a gastroenterological investigation and a 24-hour intraesophageal pH monitoring with 2 channels. RESULTS: All 22 patients showed laryngeal mucosal lesions (posterior laryngitis). The gastroenterological evaluation with esophagogastroduodenoscopy was normal in 4 cases. 13 patients showed a hiatal hernia, 4 patients were suffering from a reflux-esophagitis grade I and 2 patients from grade II. One patient had an erythema and 5 patients showed erosions of the gastric mucosa. Seven patients had more than one of the above mentioned diagnoses. Intraesophageal pH-monitoring with 2 channels over 24 hours revealed a gastroesophageal reflux of all 22 patients and a high reflux to the laryngeal level of 21 patients, probably causing laryngopharyngeal symptoms. Therapy of the patients consisted of medical antireflux treatment with proton pump inhibitor esomeprazol (Nexium, 40 mg, 1-0-0). Within 4 weeks 15 of 22 patients had no more laryngopharyngeal symptoms or at least a significant reduction. CONCLUSION: Patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms such as hoarseness, globus sensation or dysphagia can suffer from GERD, even if typical symptoms such as heartburn or retrosternal pain do not exist and gastroesophageal intervention reveals a normal result. The best diagnostic instrument for the diagnosis of reflux-induced otolaryngologic disorders is a 24-hour intraesophageal pH-monitoring with 2 channels (measure-points at the distal esophagus and laryngeal level). Medical antireflux treatment should consist of proton pump inhibitors (e. g. Nexium) in a dose of 40 mg per day over at least 4 weeks.     

Optimizing the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux in children with otolaryngologic symptoms

OBJECTIVES: Although many children with otolaryngologic (ENT) symptoms are being treated for gastroesophageal reflux (GER), how to diagnose GER in children with primarily or exclusively ENT symptoms has yet to be determined. This study compares the incidences of pathologic GER in the upper verses the lower esophagus in a cohort of children with ENT symptoms that were screened for GER. METHODS: The results of extended dual channel intraesophageal pH probe monitoring obtained from 14 infants and 14 children with ENT symptoms were retrospectively analyzed. The percent of total monitoring time that the pH was less than 4, reflux index (RI) was determined. The upper limits of normal distal and proximal esophageal RI were based on published data. To evaluate our results, upper esophageal reflux (UER) was also determined in 27 infants and children without ENT or pulmonary symptoms, who had normal lower esophageal reflux (LER) values. RESULTS: Mean upper esophageal RIs in the infants and children with normal LER were similar to previously published values for control infants and adults. Four (29%) of the ENT infants, 11 (79%) of the older ENT children, and 54% of the entire cohort had increased esophageal acid exposure. However, nine (60%) of the 15 pediatric ENT patients with GER had pH abnormalities limited to the upper esophagus. CONCLUSIONS: Standard distal pH probe monitoring alone gives a false negative result in a substantial proportion of the infants and children with ENT symptoms being evaluated for GER. Beyond its value in clinical practice, UER testing should be employed in research studies that evaluate the impact of GER therapy on ENT symptoms.     

Pharyngeal reflux in children with chronic otitis media with effusion

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether there is an association between chronic otitis media (COM) with effusion and pharyngeal reflux in children by using 24-h pH monitoring with a dual probe. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective study. The study group consisted of 25 children with COM with effusion and the control group comprised 12 healthy children. All children underwent 24-h esophageal pH monitoring with a dual probe (distal and proximal esophageal pH monitoring). RESULTS: In the study group, the frequencies of pharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) were 48% and 64%, respectively, and the corresponding values in the control group were 8.3% and 25%. Both of these differences were significant (p <0.05). In the study group, 28% of patients were positive for at least 1 symptom of GER; 72% of the patients did not have any symptoms but 56% of these patients had silent GER. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that pharyngeal reflux may play an important role in the etiology of COM with effusion. If patients have typical symptoms of GER, such as pyrosis, regurgitation, dysphagia and emesis, the presence of GER should be considered. The presence of silent GER and pharyngeal reflux should also be considered.     

Multichannel intraluminal impedance in the evaluation of patients with persistent globus on proton pump inhibitor therapy

OBJECTIVES: Studies suggest an association between globus sensation ("globus") and gastroesophageal reflux. Although globus often persists despite proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, the role of nonacid reflux has never been determined. Our goal was to use 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance (pH/MII) to determine 1) reflux characteristics in patients with globus despite PPI therapy; 2) whether there are differences in reflux patterns between patients with globus and patients with heartburn alone; and 3) whether there are differences in the number of positive symptom indices when standard pH testing is compared to pH/MII. METHODS: Twenty-one adult patients with globus and 12 with heartburn symptoms alone underwent 24-hour pH/MII on PPI therapy. Reflux frequencies and characteristics were compared in both groups. For patients with globus, the symptom index and symptom sensitivity index were calculated. Logistic regression was performed to determine which reflux characteristics correlated with symptoms. RESULTS: With pH/MII, we detected 1,160 reflux episodes; 64.7% were nonacid, and 55% reached the proximal sensor. In identifying patients with positive symptom indices, pH/MII increased the yield of standard pH testing by 27.8%. Proximal reflux was a significant predictor of globus symptoms (p = .04). Nonacid reflux approached significance in predicting globus (p = .08). Compared to patients with heartburn alone, those with globus had a higher mean frequency of proximal reflux (27.76% versus 15.63%; p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: In adults on PPI therapy with refractory globus, acid reflux does not predict globus symptoms. Through detection of nonacid reflux, pH/MII increased the yield of standard pH testing in identifying positive symptom indices. Additionally, pH/MII provided important information regarding reflux-symptom correlation. Proximal reflux may be predictive of globus symptoms.     

Pharyngeal reflux in children with chronic otitis media with effusion

Objective—To investigate whether there is an association between chronic otitis media (COM) with effusion and pharyngeal reflux in children by using 24-h pH monitoring with a dual probe.

Material and Methods—This was a prospective study. The study group consisted of 25 children with COM with effusion and the control group comprised 12 healthy children. All children underwent 24-h esophageal pH monitoring with a dual probe (distal and proximal esophageal pH monitoring).

Results—In the study group, the frequencies of pharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) were 48% and 64%, respectively, and the corresponding values in the control group were 8.3% and 25%. Both of these differences were significant (p<0.05). In the study group, 28% of patients were positive for at least 1 symptom of GER; 72% of the patients did not have any symptoms but 56% of these patients had silent GER.

Conclusions—These findings indicate that pharyngeal reflux may play an important role in the etiology of COM with effusion. If patients have typical symptoms of GER, such as pyrosis, regurgitation, dysphagia and emesis, the presence of GER should be considered. The presence of silent GER and pharyngeal reflux should also be considered.     

Manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux in the otorhinolaryngology tract

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with a wide spectrum of otolaryngologic disorders and extraesophageal complications of the upper aerodigestive tract. Previous studies of patients diagnosed with GERD have reported symptoms such as asthma, chronic cough, pneumonia, laryngitis, but also other oral, rhinopharyngeal and laryngeal disorders, e.g. sore throat, globus sensation, and hoarseness. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of gastroenterologic diseases in patients complaining of upper aerodigestive, pulmonary, laryngeal, pharyngeal, oral, and cervical disorders that are possibly attributable to GERD. PATIENTS: This study included 40 patients, who presented to the department of Otolaryngology with chronic complaints of at least one of the following symptoms or disorders during a minimum period of 3 months: dysphagia (n = 28), sensation of globus pharyngeus (n = 28), hoarseness (n = 20), odynophagia (n = 22), heartburn (n = 16), postnasal drip (n = 15), sore throat (n = 22), cough (n = 14), throat clearing (n = 11), laryngospasm (n = 6), and voice fatigue (n = 6). A complete examination of the head and neck was performed. Inflammatory disorders of the nose and the paranasal sinuses could not be confirmed by history, nasal endoscopy and Water's view x-ray or CT-scan of the paranasal sinuses in all patients. RESULTS: The main otorhinolaryngologic findings were laryngeal lesions (n = 38), including posterior laryngitis, erythema and edema of the interarytenoideal region, and chronic hyperplastic laryngitis. All patients were referred for gastroenterologic evaluation, where esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed with histological examination of biopsy specimens. Different gastroenterologic diseases such as GERD, gastritis and hiatal hernia were confirmed in 30 of 40 cases, and appeared solely or in combination with each other. GERD was the most frequent gastroenterologic disease (48%), followed by hiatal hernia (45%) and Helicobacter pylori positive antrum gastritis (23%). Patients with GERD were treated with medical antireflux therapy, e.g. 20 mg to 40 mg of the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole daily. There was a remarkably good therapeutic outcome, since laryngeal disorders and findings as the result of gastroenterologic diseases resolved in 29 out of 30 patients. To date, these therapeutic results were maintained for the mean follow-up period of 8 months. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that in many patients, suffering from the above-mentioned otolaryngologic symptoms, occult gastroesophageal diseases are present. However, laryngoscopic findings are subtle and meticulous examination is mandatory. Medical antireflux treatment is effective for relief of symptoms and mucosal healing. Thus, extraesophageal otolaryngologic symptoms and laryngeal manifestations are to be considered as extragastrointestinal manifestations mainly of reflux disease.     

经验性治疗与Dx-pH监测诊断咽喉反流的一致性比较

目的探讨经验性治疗及24小时Dx-pH检测诊断以声嘶为主诉者咽喉反流性疾病(laryngopharyngeal reflux disease,LPRD)的一致性。方法对以声嘶为主诉或主诉之一、非首选手术治疗、可疑存在咽喉反流的成年患者50例给予反流症状指数量表(reflux symptom index,RSI)、反流体征评分量表(reflux finding score,RFS)评估并行24小时Dx-pH监测后,建议改善生活方式并给予经验性抗反流药物(质子泵抑制剂+促胃肠动力药物)治疗8周。患者8周后复测RSI,评估治疗效果及经验性药物治疗与Dx-pH监测诊断LPRD的一致性。结果8周经验性药物治疗后,RSI评分提示显效16例,有效13例,无效21例,即所有患者中诊断LPRD 29例,阳性率58.00%。29例患者RSI每项评分治疗后均较治疗前降低(P<0.05)。治疗前Dx-pH监测Ryan指数阳性14例,阳性率28.00%;以治疗效果为标准,Ryan指数诊断LPRD敏感性34.48%,特异性80.95%,阳性预测值71.43%,阴性预测值47.22%,两种诊断方法一致性差(Kappa=0.141,P=0.230)。Ryan阴性,但治疗显效、有效的19例患者中,pH6.0阈值下≥3次反流事件者18例。结论以声嘶为主诉患者中有较高的咽喉反流发生率,Ryan指数诊断LPRD虽然特异性高,但敏感性不足,容易造成漏诊。     

Predictive value of laryngeal pseudosulcus for gastroesophageal reflux in pediatric patients

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the presence of laryngeal pseudosulcus is a good predictor of reflux in children. METHODS: A retrospective review of clinical photographs of 66 children undergoing direct laryngoscopy for airway symptoms for the presence of laryngeal pseudosulcus. Its presence was correlated with positive reflux tests: 24 h pH monitoring, gastric scintiscan, barium swallow, and esophageal biopsy. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients had a positive reflux test, and 89% of these had pseudosulcus. Seventy percent of the reflux-negative group (N=10) had no pseudosulcus. Sensitivity and specificity were 89% and 70%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: On its own the presence of pseudosulcus has marginal predictive use, but it is found more frequently among reflux-positive children and may be a useful marker to add to existing visual scoring systems.     

Dx-pH监测与胃蛋白酶反流试纸条在咽喉反流诊断中的一致性分析

目的分析胃蛋白酶试纸条、Dx-pH监测及RSI（reflux symptom index）与RFS（reflux finding score）量表在咽喉反流性疾病(LPRD)中的一致性。方法回顾性分析2017年8月—2019年2月就诊于解放军总医院第六医学中心耳鼻咽喉科的110例喉科疾病住院患者的临床资料,记录患者的RSI和RSF两类量表的评分数值、Dx pH监测后的Ryan指数, 胃蛋白酶试纸盒的检测结果,用Kappa分析三者间的相关性。结果110例患者中胃蛋白酶反流检测阳性75例,阴性35例,阳性率68.18%;Dx pH检测阳性率22.73%（25/110）,两者间诊断一致率为41.82%;RSI、RFS量表诊断LPRD阳性率90%（99/110）, 与胃蛋白酶反流检测一致率74.55%;且两者间一致性较高（k=0.324）。以Dx-pH监测为参考标准,胃蛋白酶检测的敏感度为72.00% (18/25)、特异度为32.94% (28/85);以RSI、RFS量表诊断为参考标准,敏感度73.73%,特异度为81.82%, 阳性预测值为97.33%。结论RSI、RSF评分与胃蛋白酶反流试纸条结果间的一致性相较于其他检查更高,胃蛋白酶反流试纸虽然不能成为诊断咽喉反流性疾病的金标准,但是作为一项新的无创诊断技术之一, 可以联合Dx pH监测及RSI、RFS量表广泛应用于临床。     

Frequency of pharyngeal reflux in children with adenoid hyperplasia

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study is to investigate whether there is any association between pharyngeal reflux and adenoid hyperplasia by using 24-h esophageal pH monitoring with a dual probe in children. METHODS: The study group consisted of 30 children with adenoid hyperplasia, and the control group consisted of 12 healthy children, studied prospectively. All children underwent 24-h esophageal pH monitoring with a dual probe (distal and proximal esophageal pH monitoring). The results were evaluated by the Measurement and Analysis Software of Medical Measurement System program (Version: 7.2a). RESULTS: In the study group, the frequency of pharyngeal reflux was 46.7% and the gastroesophageal reflux (GER) was 64.5%, while, in the control group, they were 8.3% and 25%, respectively. There was a significant difference between study and control groups for frequencies of pharyngeal reflux and GER. Mean adenoid nasopharyngeal ratio (ANR) was 0.78+/-0.11 in children with adenoid hyperplasia. There was not a significant difference between positive pharyngeal reflux, positive GER and mean ANR (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Children with adenoid hyperplasia had higher frequency of pharyngeal reflux than children at the same age healthy group. These results supported that pharyngeal reflux may play an important role in the etiology of adenoid hyperplasia.     

Clinical evaluation of pepsin for laryngopharyngeal reflux in children with otitis media with effusion

Objective

We sought to evaluate the clinical role of pepsin for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in children with otitis media with effusion (OME).

Methods

Pepsin/pepsinogen and fibrinogen were analyzed in fifty effusion and blood samples of children with OME using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Ambulatory 24-h dual-probe pH monitoring was additionally performed in 31 children divided into two groups according to response of medical treatment.

Results

The effusion levels of pepsin/pepsinogen ranged from 8.5 to 1512 μg/dl and were up to 4–540 times higher than the concentrations found in plasma samples. The effusion levels of fibrinogen ranged from 0.05 to 4.1 g/dl. Some effusion samples showed fibrinogen concentrations did not exceed 10 times higher than the concentrations found in plasma samples and others showed lower concentrations. The pH of effusion samples was 7.13 to 8.72. Dual-probe pH monitoring showed that 22/31 (71%) of the studied children had significant acid reflux documented by either the esophageal probe or the pharyngeal probe and all of them had LPR. There is a significant positive correlation between the level of pepsin assayed in the effusions and the number of pharyngeal reflux episodes measured by pH monitoring.

Conclusions

Analysis of pepsin/pepsinogen in effusion samples of children with OME, using ELISA, can be considered as a reliable biochemical marker for assessment of laryngopharyngeal reflux.     

Laryngopharyngeal reflux identified using a new catheter design: defining normal values and excluding artifacts

OBJECTIVE: To define normal values for laryngopharyngeal reflux using an improved catheter design with adjustable electrode placement for pH monitoring. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study of normal volunteers. METHODS: The setting was an institutional-based gastroenterology practice. Subjects included 20 healthy volunteers with no history of laryngeal, pharyngeal, or reflux symptoms. These included 10 men and 10 women (mean age, 33 y; age range, 26-49 y). Ambulatory 24-hour triple-electrode monitoring of pH in distal esophagus, proximal esophagus, and pharynx using new bifurcated probe was performed. The distal electrode was placed 5 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter, with the proximal two electrodes straddling the upper sphincter. The main outcome measure was the number of true pharyngeal reflux episodes. RESULTS: Sixteen of 20 subjects had no episodes, and 2 subjects had only one episode of pharyngeal reflux. The two subjects exceeding this value (8 and 15 episodes, respectively) had abnormal distal and proximal esophageal reflux. Artifacts for pharyngeal reflux due to acidic meals or "pseudoreflux" were excluded. Subject tolerance of this new probe was excellent. CONCLUSION: The triple-electrode bifurcated adjustable pH probe provides a well-tolerated technique to identify true hypopharyngeal acid reflux episodes. When artifacts produced by meals and pseudoreflux are excluded, 90% of normal subjects show no episodes or a single episode over a 24-hour period.     

Gastroesophagopharyngeal reflux in patients with contact granuloma: a prospective controlled study

The aim of this study was to compare the incidences of gastroesophagopharyngeal reflux in patients with contact granuloma and healthy controls. A 24-hour ambulatory esophagopharyngeal pH monitoring technique was used to measure reflux parameters in the pharynx and distal esophagus. Pharyngeal acid reflux events occurred in 17 of 26 granuloma patients (1 to 20 episodes per patient) and 5 of 19 controls (1 to 8 episodes per patient). The reflux episodes were typically short and occurred predominantly in an upright position. A comparison between the groups showed a significant difference in the number of pharyngeal reflux episodes (p = .009) and in the total time of pH below 4 (p = .006). On the other hand, we found no significant differences in any esophageal reflux parameters, except for the percentage of distal esophageal reflux episodes that reached the pharynx (p = .006). In this study, pharyngeal acid exposure was significantly more prevalent in patients with contact granuloma than in healthy controls.     

Monitoring of gastric acid suppression in patients with extraesophageal reflux disease

OBJECTIVE: Response to acid suppressive therapy varies in patients with extraesophageal esophageal reflux disease (EERD). Inadequate suppression of gastric acid may contribute to the observed differences in the response to the treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate suppression of gastric acid in EERD patients being treated with acid suppressive therapy. METHODS: Charts of patients with EERD who underwent dual channel 24h esophageal pH monitoring while receiving acid suppressive therapy between January 2002 and June 2004 were reviewed. Suppression of gastric acid was determined based on the number of acid reflux episodes, esophageal acid exposure, and acid clearance time. RESULTS: Twenty patients (12 male, 8 female, age range: 2-19 years) were identified. Esophageal pH monitoring was within normal limits, documenting complete acid suppression in nine patients (45%). Increased numbers of acid reflux episodes were observed in seven patients. In four patients, the number of acid reflux episodes was normal in spite of incomplete acid suppression. However, other abnormal pH monitoring parameters included delayed acid clearance in three patients and increased acid exposure time in three. The majority of patients also showed alkaline reflux. CONCLUSION: Esophageal pH monitoring documented incomplete acid suppression in this group of infants, children, adolescents and teens with EERD. Monitoring of gastric acid suppression can be useful in guiding the follow-up of EERD patients who receive acid suppressive therapy.     

Gastroesophageal reflux and pediatric otolaryngologic disease: the role of antireflux surgery

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of antireflux surgery in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux-induced otolaryngologic disease (GEROD). DESIGN: A retrospective medical record analysis was performed. Patient demographics, otolaryngologic disease secondary to gastroesophageal reflux (GER), method of GER diagnosis, medical treatment used before antireflux surgery, and response to surgical intervention were considered. SETTING: Tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: Among patients undergoing antireflux surgery between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 1999, children with GEROD were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Children with GEROD who failed medical therapy underwent antireflux surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The demographics of patients requiring antireflux surgery for treatment of their otolaryngologic disease and their clinical response to surgery were reviewed. RESULTS: Fourteen (17%) of 82 children, ranging in age from 48 days to 3 years (mean age, 9.7 months), who underwent antireflux surgery for GER at our institution between 1996 and 1999 were diagnosed as having GEROD. Twelve (86%) of the 14 patients were found to have upper airway abnormalities, including subglottic edema, fixed subglottic stenosis, reflex apnea, and recurrent croup. Two patients (14%) had severe chronic sinusitis and otitis media. Nine (64%) of the 14 had normal neurologic function for their age vs 5 (36%) who had neurologic impairment. After antireflux surgery, all 14 patients with GEROD had complete resolution of clinical symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Gastroesophageal reflux has an important role in the cause of numerous otolaryngologic disorders. Although medical management should remain the mainstay of GER therapy, antireflux surgery provided definitive and successful treatment of potentially life-threatening manifestations of GEROD.     

Symptoms, quality of life, videolaryngoscopy, and twenty-four-hour triple-probe pH monitoring in patients with typical and extraesophageal reflux

A prospective study was designed to characterize patients with typical and extraesophageal reflux (EER) symptoms and seek predictive patterns for each group. Fifteen subjects without symptoms, 16 patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and 37 patients with symptomatic EER were evaluated with outcomes tools, videolaryngoscopy, and 24-hour triple-probe pH monitoring. Higher symptom scores, Voice Handicap Index scores, and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale scores, as well as similarly decreased quality of life as measured by the Short Form 36, were noted among the two symptomatic groups. Patients with clinically diagnosed EER were more likely to have multiple abnormalities on laryngoscopy. There was a trend toward more pharyngeal reflux episodes in EER patients (6.9 +/- 8.9) as compared to GERD patients (6.0 +/- 9) and asymptomatic subjects (1.1 +/- 1.9). On the basis of the pH monitoring of asymptomatic subjects, we define pathological pharyngeal reflux as more than 5 episodes in 24 hours. Pharyngeal acid exposure is more common in patients presumed to have EER, but some pharyngeal reflux does occur in asymptomatic subjects. Neither symptom scores nor videolaryngoscopic findings were predictive of pathological EER as indicated by pH monitoring.     

Laryngeal pseudosulcus as a predictor of laryngopharyngeal reflux.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Laryngeal pseudosulcus is an accurate prognostic indicator of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) disease. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study of 20 consecutive patients with laryngeal pseudosulcus. Pseudosulcus is infraglottic laryngeal edema that is thought to be secondary to LPR. All patients were evaluated with dual-channel pH probe 24-hour monitoring to evaluate for the presence of laryngopharyngeal reflux. METHODS: Twenty patients identified with laryngeal pseudosulcus on routine physical examination were included in the study. Each patient underwent a 24-hour dual-channel pH probe. The data were analyzed and compared with previously published normative data. The data included the total number of reflux episodes and the percentage of time the pH dropped below 4 at the proximal probe. RESULTS: Eighteen of the 20 patients with laryngeal pseudosulcus were found to have LPR. The mean number of reflux episodes at the proximal probe was 29.4 (range, 3-82). The mean percentage of time the pH dropped below 4 was 1.15%. In the upright position the mean value was 1.59% and in the supine position it was 0.19%. This gives pseudosulcus a positive predictive value for LPR of 90%. CONCLUSION: This study shows laryngeal pseudosulcus to be an accurate predictor of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.     

Airway pathologic abnormalities in symptomatic children with congenital cardiac and vascular disease

OBJECTIVE: To identify the epidemiological profile of airway abnormalities in symptomatic children with cardiac or vascular anomalies. DESIGN: Retrospective medical chart review. SETTING: Tertiary referral pediatric hospital. PATIENTS: Children with airway-related symptoms and coexistent cardiac or vascular abnormality were included. The source for patient identification was a prospectively kept database. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Endoscopic airway diagnoses, presenting airway symptoms, cardiac diagnoses, other comorbid conditions and pertinent diagnoses, patient demographics, source of referral, treatments, and follow-up. RESULTS: The study population comprised 77 patients (45 male and 32 female; mean age, 18.2 months) treated between June 2002 and July 2006. Only 4 patients had no findings. The most common airway abnormality was laryngeal paralysis (n=32), followed by subglottic stenosis (n=18). Congenital and acquired lesions were equally encountered (n=70 and n=64, respectively). The most frequent presentation was intolerance to feed (n=51) (stridor and/or failure of extubation). Of the 77 patients, 32 (42%) required airway surgical intervention (open vs closed); 36 (47%) still require otolaryngologic follow-up; and 32 (42%) had a named syndrome or general multisystem condition. CONCLUSIONS: At least 3% of all children with cardiac disease will harbor airway problems. Laryngeal paralysis was the most common problem encountered. Given the successes achievable in treating children with complex cardiac abnormalities, attention should be paid to concomitant and consequential airway problems. Counseling processes should acknowledge the role of early otolaryngologic involvement.     

Is pseudosulcus alone a reliable sign of gastroesophago-pharyngeal reflux?

To investigate if laryngeal pseudosulcus (bilateral infraglottic oedema) is a reliable sign of pharyngeal reflux, the video recordings of 59 patients and 18 controls were examined off-line by two phoniatricians. Eleven video segments were duplicated for calculation of intrarater reliability. The frequency of pseudosulcus was correlated to the results of 24-h double-probe pH monitoring. The intrarater reliability was moderate (K = 0.582; P = 0.005). The sensitivity of pseudosulcus in the diagnosis of pharyngeal reflux among the patients was 30% and among the controls it was 0%. The positive predictive value (PPV) of pseudosulcus for patients with pharyngeal and laryngeal symptoms was 67%, while for the controls it was 0%. The negative predictive value (NPV) of pseudosulcus for patients with pharyngeal or laryngeal symptoms was 32% and for the controls it was 64%. The single finding of pseudosulcus is not a very sensitive predictor of pharyngeal reflux but if the patient has laryngeal symptoms and a pseudsulcus, the probability that the patient has pharyngeal reflux is almost 70%.     

Therapiekontrolle bei laryngopharyngealem Reflux durch wiederholte 2-Kanal-pH-Metrie

Objectives

The most effective current treatment option for patients suffering from laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Compared to other PPIs, esomeprazole seems to provide best 24-h control of intragastric acid. However, some patients remain resistant to medical acid suppression with PPIs. The aim of this investigation was to identify the number of non-responders among patients suffering from LPR being treated by esomeprazole 40 mg once daily (officially approved maximum dosage).

Patients and methods

Between June 2004 and January 2006, 27 patients suffering from LPR diagnosed by dual-probe pH monitoring were treated with esomeprazole 40 mg once daily. After 13–54 days (mean 28 days) while still under PPI-treatment, the 24-h pH-study was repeated in order to control the effectiveness of therapy. Patients with at least a reduction of the reflux area index (RAI) compared to the result before treatment were categorized as responders. Furthermore, the number of patients with a measurable reduction of proximal reflux episodes under PPI-treatment was quantified.

Results

Repeated pH monitoring during PPI therapy revealed a reduction of the RAI in 22 of 27 patients. Five patients, however, showed a higher RAI despite medical treatment (19%). In 13 patients (48%), treatment with 40 mg esomeprazole once daily reduced the RAI to a normal value (<6.3). In 18 of 27 patients, the number of proximal reflux episodes has decreased (67%).

Conclusion

In a number of patients suffering from LPR, treatment with esomeprazole 40 mg once daily did not provide any measurable proximal acid reduction. Repeated pH monitoring during treatment is an adequate diagnostic tool to control the therapeutic effect of PPIs objectively and to identify non-responders at an early point.