Association of laryngopharyngeal manifestations and gatroesophageal reflux

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms, the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and Helicobacter Pylori infection and treatment response to proton pump inhibitors. Forty-five patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux diseases related symptoms (sore throat, throat burning, throat clearing, globus sensation, cough, halitozis, dysphonia, dysphagia, postnasal dripping, vocal fatigue, and sputum) were included in this study. For pre-therapeutic and post-therapeutic comparison, symptoms and laryngological findings were graded on a 4-point scale. The patients underwent upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy. During endoscopy, antral biopsies from the stomach were obtained to detect H. Pylori. Antireflux medication with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and H. Pylori eradication therapy if present were prescribed to the patients. The improvement in symptoms and laryngological findings were evaluated after treatment. By means of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), reflux was detected in only 11% of patients. But there can be reflux patients other than the detected ones. Although, H. Pylori was present in 62% of patients, no correlation was found between H. Pylori positivity and symptoms. All patients responded well to antireflux treatment and H. Pylori eradication therapy. Laryngopharyngeal symptoms and findings can be predictors of gastroesophageal diseases when response to reflux treatment is taken into account.     

耳鼻咽喉科门诊患者咽喉反流性疾病、焦虑抑郁患病率及二者关系

目的获得耳鼻咽喉科门诊中咽喉反流性疾病(laryngopharyngeal reflux disease,LPRD)及焦虑、抑郁患者的患病率;探讨精神心理因素(焦虑和抑郁)在其发病中的作用。方法采用反流症状指数(reflux symptom index,RSI)量表、综合医院焦虑抑郁(hospital anxiety and depression,HAD)量表对2017年7月至2018年6月,北京大学人民医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科门诊的1111例患者进行问卷调查(男486例,女625例,年龄18~96岁,中位年龄38[30,53]岁)。获得LPRD及焦虑、抑郁患病率。病例组选取RSI阳性患者,对照组选择RSI阴性患者,比较两组间HAD评分的差异,并对咽喉反流的危险因素进行分析。采用SPSS 20.0软件进行统计学分析。结果病例组151例,对照组960例,LPRD患病率为13.59%(151/1111)。不同性别LPRD患病率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。18~40岁年龄段患病率最高,各个年龄段(18~40岁、41~65岁、>65岁)患病率比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。吸烟、饮酒者的LPRD患病率均较非吸烟、饮酒者高,两组患病率比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。RSI量表最常见的症状为咽喉异物感(92.72%,140/151)、持续清嗓(88.74%,134/151)、痰过多或鼻涕倒流(82.12%,124/151),两组间各症状差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。焦虑患者共91例,患病率为8.19%(91/1111);抑郁患者共76例,患病率为6.84%(76/1111)。LPRD患者中,综合医院焦虑量表评分阳性占29.14%(44/151),综合医院抑郁量表评分阳性占17.22%(26/151)。LPRD组的焦虑症状、抑郁症状得分均高于非LPRD组,两组间上述各评分差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Logistic回归分析显示吸烟、焦虑、胃食管反流病症状为咽喉反流发病的独立危险因素。结论耳鼻咽喉科门诊中LPRD患病率为13.59%,焦虑患病率为8.19%,抑郁患病率为6.84%。咽喉反流患者中,焦虑患病率为29.14%,抑郁患病率17.22%。年龄、吸烟、饮酒、文化程度、病程、胃食管反流病症状、咽部异物感等与LPRD相关。精神因素(焦虑、抑郁)可能在LPRD中发挥作用。吸烟、焦虑、胃食管反流病症状与LPRD发病有较密切的关系。     

双探头24小时pH监测对咽喉反流的诊断价值及特点

目的对咽喉反流患者用食道测压定位法行双探头24小时pH监测,探讨其诊断价值及特点。方法对53例疑咽喉反流患者用食道测压定位法行双探头24小时pH监测同时用反流症状指数量表(reflux symptom index,RSI)、反流检查计分量表(reflux finding score,RFS)2个量表评估。结果 53例患者中31例咽喉反流阳性,与吸烟有相关性。RSI中以声嘶、咽异物感、持续清嗓为主要症状,RFS中以后连合增生、假声带沟、喉内黏液附着为主要体征。咽喉部酸反流主要发生在直立位,其中9例患者只有咽喉反流性疾病,10例只有胃食管反流性疾病;酸反流次数、酸暴露时间(即pH<4.0的总时间)与2个量表的评估有显著性差异。咽喉部pH监测结果与2个量表评估结果程度一致。结论咽喉反流性疾病可不伴发胃食管反流性疾病,减少酸反流次数及减少酸在咽喉部停留时间在治疗疾病中较为重要,RSI和RFS 2个量表可作为咽喉反流性疾病诊断的初筛。     

Characteristics of upright versus supine reflux pattern in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux

IntroductionMany laryngeal-related problems have been attributed to laryngopharyngeal reflux including dysphonia, frequent throat clearing, chronic cough, and globus sensation. However, there is still controversy regarding diagnosis and clinical presentation of this disorder.ObjectiveThe main objective of this study is to describe laryngopharyngeal reflux characteristics of different reflux position patterns in laryngopharyngeal reflux patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal pH monitoring.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted for 161 laryngopharyngeal reflux patients diagnosed with 24 h oro-pharyngeal pH monitoring. Study subjects were categorized into upright and supine laryngopharyngeal reflux groups based on the pH results. The two groups were compared regarding the clinical presentation and pH characteristics.ResultsSignificant higher rates of upright laryngopharyngeal reflux position than supine laryngopharyngeal reflux position (P < 0.0001) were reported among the study group. Reflux symptoms index results were significantly higher in the upright larybgopharyngeal reflux group compared to the supine laryngopharyngeal reflux group. 24 h oropharyngeal pH measurements composite Ryan score was significantly higher in the upright group compared to the supine group (P < 0.0001). No significant difference was found between the upright and supine laryngopharyngeal reflux groups regarding the frequency of clinical presentation or voice handicap index ratings.ConclusionLaryngopharyngeal reflux was found to be more prevalent occurring in the upright position among the study group. Reflux-related characteristics including pH parameters were more evident in the upright laryngopharyngeal reflux position.     

Laryngopharyngeal reflux in obstructive sleep apnoea patients: Literature review and meta-analysis

Purpose

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a frequent condition in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) patients and different studies have been published in the last years about this topic. A review of the published literature regarding LPR in OSA patients has been reported. A meta-analysis to evaluate the incidence of LPR in OSA patients and correlate LPR positivity with OSA patients' characteristics has been performed.

Clinical and polysomnographic predictors of laryngopharyngeal reflux in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

IntroductionObstructive sleep apnea syndrome and laryngopharyngeal reflux are diseases with a high prevalence in the overall population; however, it remains unclear whether they are diseases with the same risk factors present in the same populations or if there is any association between them.ObjectivesTo evaluate and determine the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with moderate and severe obstructive apnea syndrome and also to determine its predictive factors.MethodsHistorical cohort, cross-sectional study of patients aged 18–70 years, referred to a tertiary service Otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic with a polysomnographic diagnosis of moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The reflux symptom index questionnaire and the reflux finding score at indirect videolaryngoscopy were applied to the assessed population, considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria.ResultsFifty-six patients were evaluated, of which 64.3% had a positive laryngopharyngeal reflux (positive reflux symptom index and/or positive endolaryngeal reflux finding score). Body mass index was a predictor of reflux presence in this group of patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. In patients with positive score for endoscopic findings and reflux symptom index (12.3%), there was a trend toward significance for a higher mean apnea–hypopnea index and a higher percentage of sleep time with oxyhemoglobin saturation below 90% (p = 0.05).ConclusionThe prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux was higher in this group of patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and the body mass index was a predictor of laryngopharyngeal reflux in these patients. There was a trend toward greater oxyhemoglobin desaturation in patients with a positive score for reflux symptoms index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS).     

Characteristics of laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with chronic otitis media

Objective

To summarize the characteristics of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with chronic otitis media.

Management of laryngopharyngeal reflux in Brazil: a national survey

IntroductionStudies assessing the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux by otolaryngologists have reported an important heterogeneity regarding the definition, diagnosis, and treatment, which leads to discrepancies in the management of the patient. Information about the current knowledge and practices of Brazilian otolaryngologists in laryngopharyngeal reflux is lacking.ObjectiveTo investigate the trends in management of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease among Brazilian otolaryngologists.MethodsA survey was sent by email to the members of the Brazilian Association of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery. This survey has initially been conducted by the laryngopharyngeal reflux study group of young otolaryngologists of the International Federation of Otolaryngological Societies.ResultsAccording to the survey responders, the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux was estimated to be 26.8% of patients consulting in otolaryngology and the most common symptoms were globus sensation, throat clearing, cough and stomach acid reflux. Nasal obstruction, Eustachian tube dysfunction, acute and chronic otitis media, vocal fold nodules and hemorrhage were considered not associated with laryngopharyngeal reflux by the majority of responders. About 2/3 of Brazilian otolaryngologists based the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux on the assessment of both symptoms and findings and a positive response to empiric therapeutic trials. Proton pump inhibitor utilized once or twice daily, was the most commonly used therapeutic scheme. Only 21.4% of Brazilian otolaryngologists have heard about nonacid and mixed laryngopharyngeal reflux and the awareness about the usefulness of multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring (MII-pH) was minimal; 30.5% of responders did not consider themselves as well-informed about laryngopharyngeal reflux.ConclusionAlthough the laryngopharyngeal reflux-related symptoms, main diagnostic and treatment approaches referred by Brazilian otolaryngologists are consistent with the literature, the survey identified some limitations, such as the insufficient awareness of the role of laryngopharyngeal reflux in many otolaryngological conditions and of the possibility of non-acid or mixed reflux in refractory cases. Future studies are needed to establish international recommendations for the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.     

Caracterización de la enfermedad por reflujo faringolaríngeo en pacientes de edad avanzada y ancianos

ObjectivesTo characterize laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients over 60 years of age.MethodsRetrospective review of patients over 60 years of age with symptoms suspicious of LPR, seen from 2005 to 2014 at an ENT Department of an academic hospital. Eighty-five consecutive patients (54 females, 31 males) who had completed a dual-sensor 24-hour pH-metry were included (considered “gold-standard” in LPR diagnosis).Body mass index, and reflux information and interventions were revised. pH-metries were evaluated according to DeMeester & Johnson's criteria. Symptoms were assessed according to the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and classified as abnormal if score was ≥13. A naso-fibro-laryngoscopy enabled findings to be documented according to the Reflux Finding Score (RFS), and they were classified as abnormal if the score was ≥7.ResultsThe patients’ mean age was 67 years. A positive pH-metry was present in 70 patients (82.5%). Fifty patients (59%) had abnormal body mass index, and almost 90% of them had an abnormal pH-metry. Mean RSI score was 9.8, with abnormal results in 24 patients (28%). Only 20 patients (23%) with abnormal RSI had a positive pH-metry. Posterior commissure hypertrophy was the most common finding (90% of patients). Mean RFS score was 9.07, with abnormal results in 69 patients (81%). Sixty-one patients (70%) with abnormal RFS had a positive pH-metry. Only 18 patients (20%) had coincidental abnormal pH-metry, RSI, and RFS.ConclusionsIn ageing patients, abnormal body mass index is strongly associated with abnormal pH-metry. RSI is a weak indicator of LPR, whereas RFS has a moderate value.     

慢性咽炎患者喉咽反流分析

目的 探讨慢性咽炎与喉咽反流(laryngopharyngeal reflux,LPR)发生的关系.方法 对112例慢性咽炎患者行24小时双探头(食管和咽部)pH值监测,将检查出的62例LPR患者随机分为两组,实验组:应用抑制胃酸药和清热解毒的咽炎药治疗;对照组:单用清热解毒的咽炎药,对两组咽部症状缓解及病变改善情况进行统计学比较.结果 慢性咽炎的体征多样化,实验组35例,有效率94.29%(33例),对照组27例,有效率77.78%(21例),P＜0.05.结论 LPR是导致慢性咽炎的重要病因,使用抑酸剂可明显改善喉咽反流,从而达到治疗慢性咽炎的目的.     

Acute rhinosinusitis – are we forgetting the possibility of a dental origin? A retrospective study of 385 patients

Abstract

Background: Odontogenic sinusitis (OS) is a common but underdiagnosed form of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS). OS carries no specific characteristics, but unilateral symptoms and certain microbiological as well as radiological findings indicate odontogenic origin.

Aims/objectives: We studied the proportion of OS in ARS patients, the presence and associations of unilateral symptoms, and possible OS microbial and radiological findings. In addition, we investigated how this condition is recognised among ear, nose and throat specialists and radiologists.

Materials and methods: All 676 ARS patients treated in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Helsinki University Hospital in 2013 were retrospectively enrolled. The data were collected from patients’ hospital medical records, the laboratory database and radiological reports.

Results: Odontogenic origin of ARS was suspected in 59 (15.3%) patients. Altogether (29.9%) 115 patients complained of unilateral symptoms and these were found to associate with probable oral microbial findings (p?<?.001). These findings covered 20.2% of isolates. Teeth were mentioned in 89.6% of the radiological reports.

Conclusions and significance: OS is common among patients with ARS, and good diagnostic tools already exist in routine practice. Microbial and radiological findings should be carefully evaluated, especially in cases of unilateral symptoms.     

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.     

儿童咽喉反流性疾病研究进展

咽喉反流性疾病（1aryngopharyngeal reflux disease,LPRD）是指胃内容物反流至食管上括约肌以上部位,流至咽喉部,与呼吸道和消化道上部组织接触,引起一系列症状和体征的总称。据国外研究表明到耳鼻咽喉科就诊的门诊患者约10%患有LPRD。虽然最近几年,耳鼻咽喉科医师逐渐在重视LPRD的诊疗,但LPRD目前仍是一个不明确的疾病,我们对其真实的发病率及重要性知之甚少,尤其在儿童中LPRD的评估仍存在争议。目前仍有许多工作亟待开展。     

咽异物感伴有咽喉反流患者抗反流治疗的临床观察

目的 观察抗反流治疗对咽异物感伴有咽喉反流的临床疗效。 方法 将门诊以咽异物感自评超过3分,患病1个月以上的患者,进行反流症状指数量表(RSI)及反流临床表现量表(RFS)评分,对RSI超过13分及RFS超过7分的患者进行抗反流治疗,以能持续治疗8周以上为有效观察对象,共104例。分析入组患者反流各症状发生率、反流临床表现各体征发生率,并进行疗效评定。 结果 104例咽异物感患者多有反流症状清嗓动作(92/104,88.46%),主要反流体征为后连合肥厚(97/104,93.27%),红斑/充血(89/104,85.57%),喉内黏稠分泌物(87/104,83.65%),喉室阻塞(73/104,70.19%)等,经抗反流治疗,有效61例,有效率为58.65%;RSI治疗前后比较,差异有统计学意义(t=1.975,P<0.05);RFS治疗前后比较,差异无统计学意义(t=1.258,P>0.05)。 结论 咽异物感伴反流症状的患者,通过反流治疗是有效的。对于有咽异物感的患者,经过长期治疗效果不明显,应考虑是否有咽喉反流的可能。     

Mapping Regional Laryngopharyngeal Mechanoreceptor Response

Objectives

To map mechanoreceptor response in various regions of the laryngopharynx.

Methods

Five patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux and six healthy control subjects underwent stimulation of mechanoreceptors in the hypopharynx, interarytenoid area, arytenoids, aryepiglottic folds, and pyriform sinuses. The threshold stimuli evoking sensation and eliciting laryngeal adductor reflex were recorded.

Results

In controls, an air pulse with 2 mmHg pressure evoked mechanoreceptor response in all regions, except bilateral aryepiglottic folds of one control. In patients, stimulus intensity to elicit mechanoreceptor response ranged between 2 mmHg and 10 mmHg and varied among the regions. Air pulse intensity differed between right and left sides of laryngopharyngeal regions in the majority of patients.

Conclusion

Laryngopharyngeal mechanoreceptor response was uniform among regions and subjects in the healthy group. Patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux showed inter- and intra-regional variations in mechanoreceptor response. Laryngopharyngeal sensory deficit in patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux is not limited to aryepiglottic folds.     

Influence of obesity on the correlation between laryngopharyngeal reflux and obstructive sleep apnea

IntroductionThe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by recurrent episodes of partial or total obstruction of the upper airway lasting more than 10 seconds during sleep. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a variant of the disease Gastroesophageal Reflux that affects the larynx and pharynx.ObjectivesEvaluate the influence of obesity on the relationship between RFL and OSAS in patients with OSA.Materials and methodsAn observational retrospective cross. We reviewed care protocol for patients with OSA that includes validated questionnaires for RFL as Sympton Reflux Index (RSI) and Reflux Finding Score (RSI), and polysomnography nasolaringofibroscopia.Results105 patients were divided into obese group (39 patients) and non-obese patients (66 patients). In the evaluation of the mean RSI group of non-obese was similar between patients with mild OSA (11.96) and moderate (11.43). In the obese group the mean RSI was 6.7 in patients with mild OSA and 11.53 in patients with moderate to severe OSA (p < 0.05).DiscussionThe subgroup of patients with OSA and RFL have several factors that promote inflammation of the upper airway. Patients with OSA should be screened and treated as the RFL increasing the quality of life.ConclusionThe RFL are positively correlated and OSAS in obese patients.© 2014 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.     

Narrow band imaging might contribute to the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux

PurposeLaryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) accounts for 4–10% of outpatient visits. The standard domestic LPR diagnostic tools are the reflux finding score (RFS) and reflux symptom index (RSI). Narrow band imaging (NBI) can identify previously unknown characteristic microvessel features. Our aim was to explore the role of NBI in LPR diagnosis.Materials and methodsWe recruited 56 LPR outpatients and 41 symptom-negative controls. All individuals received RSI and RFS scores and underwent 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-PH (MII-pH) monitoring and endoscopic NBI before and after treatment. The positivity rates in the study and control groups, before and after treatment, and using NBI and the conventional method were evaluated.ResultsFifty-one LPR and six control patients had sparse light brownish dots or tufted light brownish dots in the postcricoid region. The RSI and RFS positivity rates were 31.3% and 87.1%, respectively. NBI is as effective as the RFS (P < 0.05), and has poor consistency with the RSI (P < 0.05). Fifty-three LPR patients underwent posttreatment laryngoscopy. The positivity rate decreased to 17.0% (P < 0.05).ConclusionNBI has good value for LPR diagnosis.