The validity and reliability of the reflux finding score (RFS)

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of medical and surgical outcomes relies on methods of accurately quantifying treatment results. Currently, there is no validated instrument whose purpose is to document the physical findings and severity of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity and reliability of the reflux finding score (RFS). METHODS: Forty patients with LPR confirmed by double-probe pH monitoring were evaluated pretreatment and 2, 4, and 6 months after treatment. The RFS was documented for each patient at each visit. For test-retest intraobserver reliability assessment, a blinded laryngologist determined the RFS on two separate occasions. To evaluate interobserver reliability, the RFS was determined by two different blinded laryngologists. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 50 years (+/- 12 standard deviation [SD]). Seventy-three percent were women. The RFS at entry was 11.5 (+/- 5.2 SD). This score improved to 9.3 (+/- 4.7 SD) at 2 months, 7.3 (+/- 5.5 SD) at 4 months, and 6.1 (+/- 5.2 SD) at 6 months of treatment (P <.001 with trend). The mean RFS for laryngologist no. 1 was 10.8 (+/- 4.1 SD) at the initial screening and 10.8 (+/- 4.0 SD) at the repeat evaluation (r = 0.95, P <.001). The mean RFS for laryngologist no. 2 was 11.1 (+/- 3.8 SD) at the initial screening and 10.9 (+/- 3.7 SD) at the repeat evaluation (r = 0.95, P <.001). The correlation coefficient for interobserver variability was 0.90 (P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: The RFS accurately documents treatment efficacy in patients with LPR. It demonstrates excellent inter- and intraobserver reproducibility.     

Do the laryngopharyngeal symptoms and signs ameliorate by empiric treatment in patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux?

Objectives

In clinical practice, antireflux medication is given almost always empirically without pH monitorization. We aimed to evaluate the improving effect of empiric antireflux treatment on layngopharyngeal symptoms and signs in patients with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) according to reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS).

Methods

GER was determined by esophagogastroduedonoscopy and biopsy in 127 patients. RSI and RFS were calculated for each patient. The patients with a pathology other than LFR which may be responsible from laryngopharyngeal symptoms and signs were excluded from the study. Fifty patients whom were thought to have LPR according to RSI and RFS comprised the study group. After 12-weeks of antireflux treatment, RSI and RFS were calculated again. The statistical analyses were made according to the changes in the severity and frequency of each symptom and sign.

Results

There was statistically significant improvement in RSI and RFS after treatment when compared with initial scores. There was statistically significant improvement in severity of all symptoms and signs. Although there was quantitively decrease in frequency of some signs and symptoms, complete resolution of the disease was not observed generally.

Conclusion

Empiric antireflux treatment according to RSI and RFS is an effective method. Antireflux treatment has a significant improving effect on laryngopharyngeal symptoms and signs. There may be needed longer times of treatment for complete resolution of symptoms and signs.     

The influence of laryngopharyngeal reflux in the healing of laryngeal trauma

The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the effect of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) on the healing process of surgical laryngeal trauma. A total of 112 consecutive patients, who suffered from LPR and were scheduled for operation of Reinke edema or laryngeal polyps/nodules (40 and 72 patients, respectively) during a period of 5 years, were included. Diagnosis of LPR was made on the basis of both history and dual pH probe recording during 24 h in the inferior esophagus and the hypopharynx. The reflux finding score (RFS) and the reflux symptom index (RSI) were used to estimate the clinical severity of LPR. In patients with LPR, proton pump inhibitors (PPI) were initiated in half of them, randomly chosen. Fifty LPR-free subjects operated for Reinke edema or laryngeal polyps during the same time period (19 and 31 patients, respectively) were used as controls. In six patients who had been administered PPI, resolution of the disease was observed and no surgical treatment was undertaken. The remaining patients were operated on under general anesthesia by a single surgeon. All patients had 1-year postoperative follow-up. Epithelization was complete in all vocal cords of both the control group and the group of patients who had been administered PPI. Within the group of patients who had not taken PPI, six patients presented granulation tissue or recurrence of the polyps and in two of them revision surgery was needed. RFS and RSI scores showed significant improvement postoperatively, across all the three groups of patients, with major differences observed in the group treated by PPI. Comparison of the postoperative RFS and RSI scores between the two groups of patients with LPR showed statistically significant differences in both, indicating better treatment outcome in those patients who had received PPI. It may be thus concluded that LPR influences epithelization and recurrence of laryngeal polyps or Reinke edema in vocal cords, after partial or total decortication. Surgical outcome is superior in patients with LPR with preoperative and postoperative anti-reflux treatment.     

The value of a liquid alginate suspension (Gaviscon Advance) in the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) refers to the backflow of stomach contents into the laryngopharynx. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that LPR is a contributing factor in some cases of hoarseness, vocal fatigue, voice breaks, cough and globus and chronic throat clearing. However, several randomised placebo-controlled trials of proton pump inhibitors in the treatment of LPR have been reported with the majority showing no significant benefit in patient symptom scores over placebo. The aim of this pilot clinical study was to investigate whether any improvement in LPR-related symptoms, using the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), and clinical findings, using the Reflux Finding Score (RFS), could be achieved with treatment with a liquid alginate suspension compared to control (no treatment). Patients presenting with the symptoms of LPR to the Otorhinolaryngology Outpatient Department at the Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK were considered eligible if they had an RSI of greater than 10 and an RFS greater than 5 based on a fibreoptic examination of the larynx. A total of 49 patients were randomised into the open, parallel group study; 24 patients were randomised to receive 10 ml liquid alginate suspension (Gaviscon^® Advance) four times daily after meals and at bedtime, and 25 patients into the control group (no treatment). Patients were assessed pre-treatment and at 2, 4 and 6 months post treatment. Mean (SD) RSI and RFS pre-treatment scores were 23.9 (7.0) and 10.4 (3.6) for the treatment group and 24.6 (7.4) and 10.3 (3.3) for the control group, respectively. Significant differences between treatment and control were observed for RSI at the 2-month (11.2 (7.0) vs. 16.8 (6.4), P = 0.005) and 6-month (11.2 (8.1) vs. 18.3 (9.4), P = 0.008) assessments and for RFS at the 6-month (7.1 (2.8) vs. 9.5 (3.4), P = 0.005) assessment. Significant improvement in symptom scores and clinical findings were achieved with liquid alginate suspension (Gaviscon^® Advance) compared to control and further evaluation for the management of patients presenting with LPR is warranted.     

唾液胃蛋白酶检测在反流性咽喉炎诊断中的价值

目的 评估口腔中唾液胃蛋白酶检测对反流性咽喉炎(LPR)患者的诊断价值。 方法 选取25例LPR患者,反流症状指数量表(RSI)>13分,反流体征指数量表(RFS)>7分,治疗前采用蛋白印迹法检测患者唾液胃蛋白酶,之后口服埃索美拉唑肠溶片+2.5%碳酸氢钠雾化吸入治疗2个月,治疗完成后再次行RSI及RFS量表评分并行唾液中胃蛋白酶检测。 结果 治疗前唾液胃蛋白酶检测结果阳性12例,阴性13例。治疗后PPI实验结果阳性10例,阴性15例。唾液胃蛋白酶检测结果与PPI实验结果同为阳性9例,同为阴性12例;PPI实验结果阳性而唾液胃蛋白酶结果阴性1例,PPI实验结果阴性而唾液胃蛋白酶结果阳性3例。以PPI实验阳性作为本研究的诊断标准,胃蛋白酶检测结果诊断LPR的敏感度为90.00%,特异度为80.00%。25例患者均能完成所有检查和治疗,症状得到改善19例,症状未见明显改善6例。治疗前后RSI量表症状评分分别为(19.84±3.96)、(7.00±2.84)分,治疗前后RSI量表症状评分差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。25例患者体征均得到明显改善,治疗前后RFS量表体征评分分别为(14.08±3.51)、(5.44±3.07)分,治疗前后的RFS量表体征评分差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。 结论 唾液中胃蛋白酶的检测可用于辅助诊断LPR。     

咽喉反流与发声障碍的相关性研究

目的:探讨咽喉反流的嗓音学特征及其对患者生活质量的影响,分析主客观评估方法的相关性。方法:对196例可疑有咽喉反流的患者行一般情况调查、电子鼻咽喉镜检查、反流症状指数量表(RSI)和反流检查计分量表(RFS)评估,将其中RSI评分>13分、RFS评分>7分定为阳性。将2个量表评分均为阳性的100例患者作为研究对象,进一步进行嗓音障碍指数量表(VHI)评估、嗓音声学分析及电声门图检查,并与健康对照组比较。结果:男女基频均比健康对照组降低,基频微扰、振幅微扰及标准化噪声能量增高,接触率降低,最大发声时间缩短,与健康对照组比较,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.01)。VHI量表评估生理P评分最高,其次为功能F评分,情感E评分最低。咽喉反流患者的RSI与VHI有一定相关性(P<0.05),而RFS与RSI、VHI无明显相关性(P>0.05)。咽喉反流患者的嗓音障碍指数评估示生理、功能和情感之间明显相关。结论:嗓音声学分析及电声门图检测从客观上提示咽喉反流相关的嗓音障碍疾病严重影响了喉的发声功能,使基频下降、声带振动不稳定、声门闭合不良及声门接触时间缩短。主客观评估方法的相关性结果提示具有明显咽喉反流症状的患者并不一定具有明显的咽喉反流体征。     

Open-Label Observational Study for Evaluating the Short-term Benefits of Rabeprazole Medication on Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Objectives

The aims of this study were to determine the benefits of short-term empirical proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication on laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and to determine whether scores on the reflux symptom index (RSI) and the reflux finding score (RFS) could be combined to identify subgroups of patients that will more likely to improve with this medication.

Methods

Fifty-one Korean Otolaryngology Board-certified specialists joined this prospective, multi-center, and open-label observational study. A total of 1,142 adult patients with LPR was enrolled for 12 weeks of rabeprazol medication. According to pre-treatment scores on RSI and RFS, patients were divided into 4 subgroups. RFS and RSI were measured repeatedly with a month interval along the treatment period. Changes of RSI and RFS were analyzed in an overall study cohort as well as in each subgroup.

Results

Approximately 40% (n=455) of enrolled patients were followed up until 12 weeks of PPI treatment. Significant improvement in RSI was obtained in 29%, 58%, and 75% of patients after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of PPI medication. RFS was improved in 16%, 42%, and 57% of the patients with 4, 8, and 12 weeks of PPI medication. All subgroups showed improvement regardless of their pre-treatment scores on the RSI and RFS.

Conclusion

Even though RSI and RFS may be used as a general guideline for LPR management, pre-treatment RSI and RFS are not useful in predicting the patients'' response to short-term PPI medication in the usual pattern of practice for LPR, which is mostly based on the physical evaluation and history taking.     

咽喉反流伴阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征患者的治疗及其咽喉反流体征评分、症状指数特点

目的 分析咽喉反流病(LPRD)伴阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征(OSAS)患者的咽喉反流体征评分(RFS)和咽喉反流症状指数(RSI)特点,探讨临床治疗效果。 方法 抽取100例LPRD患者,将其中合并有OSAS的患者作为观察组(n=39),其余作为对照组(n=61),观察两组RFS、RSI及呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)、血氧饱和度(SaO₂)、反流总数、总反流时间;比较治疗2个月后RSI、RFS评分。 结果 观察组RFS和RSI评分总分显著高于对照组,RFS体征差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),咽喉反流伴OSAS患者声门下水肿、喉室消失、杓会厌襞红斑/充血、喉黏膜水肿、后联合肥厚或肿胀评分显著高于单纯的咽喉反流患者(P<0.05),RSI评分中咽喉反流伴OSAS患者呼吸困难、烧心胸痛胃酸反流评分显著高于单纯的咽喉反流患者(P<0.05);治疗后,观察组RSI评分总分高于对照组(P均<0.05),对照组在呼吸困难、烧心胸痛胃酸反流方面明显优于观察组(P<0.05)。治疗前后,两组AHI、SaO₂、反流总数比较均差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,观察组AHI、SaO₂均明显改善,与治疗前比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),两组反流总数、总反流时间改善显著,对照组优于观察组(P<0.05)。 结论 伴OSAS会加重LPRD患者咽喉反流相关症状,可能是LPRD患者治疗效果和症状改善较差的原因。     

The effect of itopride combined with lansoprazole in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease

The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of adding a prokinetic agent to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) disease. A prospective, randomized open trial comparing lansoprazole plus itopride to lansoprazole single therapy was performed for 12 weeks. Sixty-four patients with a reflux finding score (RFS) >7 and a reflux symptom index (RSI) >13 were enrolled and received either lansoprazole 30 mg once daily with itopride 50 mg three times daily or lansoprazole 30 mg once daily for 12 weeks. RSI and RFS were completed at baseline, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks. During the treatment period, RSI and RFS were significantly improved compared with the pretreatment scores in both study groups. Reductions of total RSI and globus symptom were significantly higher in the lansoprazole plus itopride group compared to the lansoprazole group. In the RFS, however, there were no significant differences between the two groups. In conclusion, itopride in addition to PPI did not show any superior RFS improvement compared to PPI single therapy, but was helpful in speeding up relief of reflux symptoms in LPR patients. Thus, itopride may be considered as the secondary additive agent in the PPI treatment of LPR patients.     

Laryngopharyngeal reflux in chronic rhinosinusitis patients and the role of endoscopic sinus surgery

ObjectivesLatest literature proposes laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) as the underlying contributory factor for chronic inflammation in both upper and lower airways. In this study, we investigated LPR symptoms and signs of CRS patients and the various factors on their LPR symptoms and signs. We also evaluated the effect of the LPR symptoms and signs of CRS patients after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis from 91 patients who underwent primary ESS. They were assessed for LPR symptoms with Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Reflux Finding Scores (RFS) before ESS. Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-22, Lund–Mackay (LM) scoring system, and Lund-Kennedy (LK) scoring system were evaluated for CRS severity. They had to fulfill SNOT-22, RSI, and RFS at 6 months after surgery.ResultsNasal polyps, smoking, asthma, allergy, LM scores and LK scores didn't have significant correlations with preoperative RSI and RFS (P > .05 for all). RSI had significant correlations with SNOT-22 preoperatively and postoperatively (P < .05 for all). RFS had a significant correlation with postoperative SNOT-22 (P = 0.034). RSI and RFS decreased significantly more after ESS (P < 0.001 for both). Smoking had a significant effect on the postoperative RFS (P = 0.003). Non-smoker showed significantly lower scores of postoperative RFS (P = .0.003).ConclusionOur study suggests that subjective CRS symptoms were related with subjective LPR symptoms and ESS was effective in reducing signs and symptoms of LPR in CRS patients. Especially, smoking was associated with less improvement of laryngoscopic findings after ESS.     

悬雍垂腭咽成形术对OSAHS患者咽喉反流的影响

目的探讨悬雍垂腭咽成形术(uvulopalatopharyngoplasty,UPPP)对阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome,OSAHS)患者咽喉反流(layrngopharyngeal relfux, LPR)的影响。方法对62例确诊为OSAHS的患者行UPPP手术,分别在术前、术后6个月时填写反流症状指数(reflux symptom index,RSI)和反流体征评分(reflux fineling score,RFS)量表,比较患者手术前后的症状及RSI、RFS评分结果。结果术后6个月时,患者睡眠打鼾、呼吸暂停和白天嗜睡等症状较术前均有明显改善。术前RSI>13分和/或RFS>7分的患者共24例(38.71%,24/62),术后6个月仅5例(8.06%,51/62)。术后6个月时,RSI和RFS量表总分较术前显著降低(P<0.01),除了吞咽困难和肉芽肿2个分项外,其余各分项评分差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 UPPP手术可明显缓解OSAHS患者咽喉反流症状。     

Relationship between history, laryngoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy for diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with typical GERD

The techniques used in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have insufficient specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and laryngological examination in the diagnosis of LPR. A total of 684 diagnosed GERD and suspected LPR patients were prospectively scored by the reflux finding score (RFS) which was suggested by Koufman. A total of 484 patients with GERD who had RFS ≥7 were accepted as having LPR. 248 patients with GERD plus LPR on whom an endoscopic examination was performed were evaluated. As a control group, results from 82 patients with GERD who had RFS <7 were available for comparison. The GERD symptom score (RSS) was counted according to the existence of symptoms (heartburn/regurgitation) and frequency, duration, and severity. The reflux symptom index (RSI) suggested by Belafsky et al. was also evaluated. The relationship between esophageal endoscopic findings, RSS, RFS and RSI was investigated. Mean age was 46 ± 12 (19–80). The mean values of RSS, RFS, and RSI were 18.9 ± 7.7, 10 ± 2.2, 16.6 ± 11.9, respectively. Erosive esophagitis was detected in 75 cases (30%). Hiatus hernia was observed in 32 patients (13%). There was no correlation between RSS and RFS, RSI. The severity of esophagitis did not correlate with the severity of the laryngeal findings. LPR should be suspected when the history and laryngoscopy findings are suggestive of the diagnosis. EGD has no role in the diagnosis of LPR.     

咽喉反流性咽异感症的研究分析

目的：探讨咽异感症与咽喉反流的关系。方法将2013年3月～2014年1月在我院门诊就诊的400例咽异感症患者,可疑有咽喉反流性疾病患者,对其应用反流症状指数量表（RSI）和反流检查积分量表（RFS）评估,并结合电子纤维喉镜检查,将其中RSI评分＞13分、RSF评分＞7分定为阳性,获得阳性患者共计185例,随机分为实验组（95例）和对照组（90例）,实验组应用奥美拉唑联合常规咽喉炎治疗,对照组仅应用常规咽喉炎治疗,6个月后再次接受RSI和RFS评估,咽异感症基本消失或完全消失为有效。结果①对400例咽异感症患者通过反流症状指数量表（RSI）和反流检查积分量表（RFS）评估,得到有咽喉反流的185例,占46.3%。给予6个月的奥美拉唑治疗后,再次接受RSI和RFS评分后比较,治疗前后差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.01）。②治疗2个月实验组有效率：51.6%,对照组有效率：47.8%,两者比较P＞0.05,差异无统计学意义;治疗4个月实验组有效率：70.5%,对照组有效率：54.4%,两者比较P＞0.05,差异无统计学意义;治疗6个月实验组有效率：85.3%,对照组有效率：70.0%,两者比较P＜0.01,差异有统计学意义。随治疗2、4个月,无统计学差异,但有实验组有效率明显高于对照组有效率。结论①RSI和RFS两个量表可作为临床评估咽喉反流性疾病的有效方法。②应用质子泵抑制剂可有效的治疗咽喉反流性疾病引起的咽异感症。③咽异感症与咽喉反流有密切联系。     

The effect of obstructive sleep apnea surgery on laryngopharyngeal reflux with obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may play a role in the occurrence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). OSA surgery also may have a significant curative effect on LPR with OSA.

Objectives: To analyze the role of OSA in LPR and the effect of OSA surgery on LPR with OSA.

Methods: Forty-five OSA patients with LPR symptoms were enrolled and were divided into the LPR positive group (RSI > 13) and the LPR suspicious group (1?≤?RSI ≤ 13) based on reflux symptom index (RSI). All the patients underwent OSA surgery. The RSI scores at three different time points postoperatively were compared with that preoperatively.

Results: In the LPR positive and LPR suspicious group, the result revealed that there were significant differences in RSI score between one month, three months, six months after surgery and before surgery (p?<?.001 for all). Moreover, in the LPR positive group, there was a significant difference in RSI score among one month, three months and six months after surgery (p?=?.01).

Conclusions and significance: The effect of OSA on LPR exists and OSA surgery can improve the symptoms of LPR with OSA obviously. For some LPR patients with OSA, the combination therapy of OSA and LPR is needed.     

Pachydermia is not diagnostic of active laryngopharyngeal reflux disease

OBJECTIVE: To determine the change in pachydermia/posterior commissure hypertrophy in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR) on long-term acid-suppressive therapy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: Seventeen patients with LPR who were compliant with long-term acid-suppressive treatment and had good control of their symptoms for at least 20 months were examined. Pre- and posttreatment still laryngeal images from these patients were analyzed by five otolaryngologists blinded to patient information and were scored for pachydermia/posterior commissure hypertrophy according to the Reflux Finding Score (RFS) subset. Test-retest intraobserver reliability, intergrader correlations, as well as a paired t test for means of the data sets were then calculated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the grading scores between the pre- and posttreatment group for degree of pachydermia/posterior commissure hypertrophy despite a prolonged treatment interval (mean = 32 months) (P = .25). CONCLUSIONS: There is no statistically significant difference in the degree of pachydermia/posterior commissure hypertrophy found at diagnosis and after long-term acid suppressive therapy in patients with LPR. Therefore, it appears that pachydermia, as an isolated finding, is unreliable in determining the presence of active LPR.     

伴咽喉反流的难治性鼻窦炎术后应用质子泵抑制剂的疗效观察

目的 探讨伴咽喉反流(LPR)的难治性鼻窦炎(DTRS)术后应用质子泵抑制剂(PPI)的临床疗效。 方法 收集42例合并咽喉反流的难治性鼻窦炎患者案例,其中21例给予术后规范质子泵抑制剂治疗8周+常规围手术期处理(实验组),21例给予常规围手术期处理(对照组)。对比分析两组患者术前的一般资料、外周血嗜酸性粒细胞计数、视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分、外周血IgE、Lund-Kennedy鼻内镜评分、Lund-Mackay 鼻窦CT评分及反流症状指数量表(RSI)、反流体征评分量表(RFS)等的差异;收集两组患者术后第1、3、6及12个月复查时的鼻内镜评分、鼻窦CT评分、VAS评分、RSI及RFS评分结果,对两组患者的咽喉症状评分及客观检查结果较基线的变化及组间差异进行分析,评估质子泵抑制剂治疗对伴咽喉反流的难治性鼻窦炎的术后临床疗效。 结果 对两组患者术后1年的持续随访,最终实验组患者RFS、RSI、VAS评分、鼻内镜评分、鼻窦CT评分较对照组患者均显著降低［(2.57±1.54)分vs(3.57±1.60)分,P=0.045<0.05;(2.86±1.59)分vs(4.62±1.77)分,P=0.002<0.05;(3.43±1. 93)分vs(5.43±3.11)分,P=0.017<0.05;(1.00±0.78)分vs(2.10±1.09)分,P=0.018;(0.67±0.66)分vs(1.24±0.83)分,P=0.001<0.05］。 结论 伴咽喉反流的难治性鼻窦炎术后行质子泵抑制剂治疗可明显改善患者的鼻部症状、提高患者生活质量,降低咽喉反流相关症状体征,可作为该类患者的个体化治疗手段。     

Reflux symptom index and reflux finding score in 91 asymptomatic volunteers

Background: The primary goal of this study was to investigating the symptoms, in addition to the reflux-related laryngopharynx inflammation performance of asymptomatic, volunteers, and verified the ‘normal point’.

Methods: A total of 91 asymptomatic subjects were recruited for this cross-sectional study between March 2016 and September 2016. Participants completed the reflux symptom index (RSI) assessment and underwent laryngostroboscopic examination using a rigid endoscope. Their RFS were graded according to the laryngeal findings. The distribution and the relationship of the RSI and the RFS were analyzed.

Results: The mean RSI of individuals was 2.24?±?2.34 [95% confidence interval (CI)?=?1.75, 2.72], and the mean RFS of individuals was 5.78?±?1.74 (95% CI?=?5.42, 6.15). The Pearson product–moment correlation coefficient of the RSI and RFS scores was –0.084 (n?=?91, p?=?.428).

Conclusions: Asymptomatic people could present relatively high RFS scores, and no linear relationship existed between RSI and RFS.     

窄带成像技术在咽喉反流诊断中的优势应用

目的 探讨窄带成像技术(NBI)在咽喉反流(LPR)诊断中的作用.方法 根据我国2015年咽喉反流性疾病诊断与治疗专家共识的标准招募39例咽喉反流阳性患者(LPR组)和19例阴性对照,参与者均完成反流症状指数评分量表(RSI)和反流体征评分量表(RFS)评分及NBI下的电子喉镜检查.结果 39例LPR患者中2例失访.与...     

Using RSI and RFS scores to differentiate between reflux-related and other causes of chronic laryngitis

ObjectiveTo establish if the Reflux Symptom Index (RFI) and the Reflux Finding Score (RFC) can help establish the differential diagnosis in patients with distinct causes of chronic laryngopharyngitis.MethodsA group of 102 adult patients with chronic laryngopharyngitis (Group A – 37 patients with allergic rhinitis; Group B – 22 patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA); Group C – 43 patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)) were prospectively studied. Chronic laryngitis was diagnosed based on suggestive symptoms and videolaryngoscopic signs (RSI ≥ 13 and RFS ≥ 7). Allergies were confirmed by a positive serum RAST, OSA was diagnosed with a positive polysomnography, and LPR with a positive impedance-PH study. Discriminant function analysis was used to determine if the combination of RSI and RFS scores could differentiate between groups.ResultsPatients with respiratory allergies and those with LPR showed similar and significantly higher RSI scores when compared to that of patients with OSA (p < 0.001); Patients with OSA and those with LPR showed similar and significantly higher RFS scores when compared to that of patients with Respiratory Allergies (OSA vs. Allergies p < 0.001; LPR vs. Allergies p < 0.002). The combination of both scores held a higher probability of diagnosing OSA (72.73%) and Allergies (64.86%) than diagnosing LPR (51.16%).ConclusionsRSI and RFS are not specific for reflux laryngitis and are more likely to induce a false diagnosis if not used with diligence.     

Paradoxical vocal fold motion: a sensory-motor laryngeal disorder

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to determine the laryngeal sensitivity (LS) thresholds and the ratings of laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms in patients with paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM). METHODS: This is a chart review following Institutional Review Board approval of 75 patients from January 2006 to June 2007. The patients were diagnosed with PVFM following case history, transnasal flexible laryngoscopy and spirometric testing. The data analyzed consisted of the reflux symptom index (RSI) and laryngopharyngeal sensitivity (LS). Laryngeal sensitivity and RSI were graded according to mild, moderate, or severe. RESULTS: There were 12 (16%) patients with normal RSI scores, 37 patients (49.3%) with moderate RSI (RSI 11-22), and 26 patients (34.7%) with severe RSI (RSI >22). The right LS was normal in 11 patients (14.7%), moderately impaired in 16 patients (21.3%), and severely impaired in 48 (64%) patients. The left LS showed normal sensation in 11 patients (14.7%), moderately impaired LS in 13 patients (17.3%), and severe impairment in 51 patients (68%). Only one patient had both normal sensation and normal RSI, and 70.4% of patients had abnormal RSI and sensation thresholds. CONCLUSIONS: Patients diagnosed with PVFM had a high prevalence of symptoms related to LPR and markedly reduced LS. These findings suggest that PVFM may be triggered by reduced peripheral sensation or laryngeal inflammation.