The Dubai Definition and Diagnostic Criteria of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: The IFOS Consensus.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to gather an international consensus group to propose a global definition and diagnostic approach of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) to guide primary care and specialist physicians in the management of LPR. METHODS: Forty-eight international experts (otolaryngologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, and physiologists) were included in a modified Delphi process to revise 48 statements about definition, clinical presentation, and diagnostic approaches to LPR. Three voting rounds determined a consensus statement to be acceptable when 80% of experts agreed with a rating of at least 8/10. Votes were anonymous and the analyses of voting rounds were performed by an independent statistician. RESULTS: After the third round, 79.2% of statements (N = 38/48) were approved. LPR was defined as a disease of the upper aerodigestive tract resulting from the direct and/or indirect effects of gastroduodenal content reflux, inducing morphological and/or neurological changes in the upper aerodigestive tract. LPR is associated with recognized non-specific laryngeal and extra-laryngeal symptoms and signs that can be evaluated with validated patient-reported outcome questionnaires and clinical instruments. The hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH testing can suggest the diagnosis of LPR when there is >1 acid, weakly acid or nonacid hypopharyngeal reflux event in 24 h. CONCLUSION: A global consensus definition for LPR is presented to improve detection and diagnosis of the disease for otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, and primary care practitioners. The approved statements are offered to improve collaborative research by adopting common and validated diagnostic approaches to LPR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 Laryngoscope, 134:1614-1624, 2024.

Salivary concentration of epidermal growth factor in adults with reflux laryngitis before and after treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is controversial. There is no correlation between the number of reflux episodes and the severity of the inflammatory response at the esophagus or the laryngopharyngeal segment. Some authors have suggested that decreased salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and LPR point to a breakdown in the local defenses. Our objective was to establish whether treatment of the disease influences low salivary EGF concentrations. METHODS: The spontaneous whole saliva of 20 adults with LPR was sampled at a tertiary teaching hospital before and after a 16-week course of full-dose proton pump inhibitor and compared to that of 12 healthy controls. Salivary EGF concentrations were established with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RESULTS: Although the mean salivary EGF concentrations were higher before treatment than after treatment and control of the disease (25,083 versus 19,359 pg/mL), this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.065). The mean salivary EGF concentration of healthy control subjects was significantly higher (54,509 pg/mL; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Both before and after treatment, patients with reflux laryngitis present lower salivary EGF concentrations than healthy control subjects, suggesting a primary deficit in their protective mechanisms.

Acute, Recurrent, and Chronic Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: The IFOS Classification.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical patterns and disease evolution of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) patients. METHODS: Patients with LPR diagnosed by hypopharyngeal-esophageal impedance-pH monitoring were prospectively followed in three medical centers. Symptoms and findings were assessed with reflux symptom score (RSS) and reflux sign assessment (RSA). Patients were treated with 3-to 9-month diet and combination of proton pump inhibitors, alginate or magaldrate. Patients were followed for 3 years to determine the clinical evolution of symptoms over time. LPR that did not recur was defined as acute. Recurrent LPR consisted of reflux with one or several recurrences yearly despite successful treatment. Chronic LPR was reflux with a chronic course of symptoms. Predictive indicators of clinical evolution were investigated. RESULTS: One hundred forty patients and 82 healthy individuals completed the evaluations. Among patients, 41 (29.3%), 57 (40.7%), and 42 (30.0%) had acute, recurrent, or chronic LPR respectively. Baseline quality of life-RSS (QoL-RSS) and RSS total scores were significantly higher in chronic LPR patients. The post-treatment decrease of QoL-RSS and RSS of acute LPR patients were significantly faster as compared to recurrent and chronic patients. QoL-RSS >5 reported adequate sensitivity (94.2) and specificity (75.3). QoL-RSS thresholds defined acute (QoL-RSS = 6-25), recurrent (QoL-RSS = 26-38), and chronic (QoL-RSS > 38) LPR. CONCLUSION: Baseline QoL-RSS may predict the clinical course of LPR patients: acute, recurrent, or chronic. A novel classification system that groups patients according to the longevity, severity, and therapeutic response of symptoms was proposed: the International Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies Classification of LPR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:1073-1080, 2023.

Management of laryngopharyngeal reflux in Brazil: a national survey.

INTRODUCTION: Studies 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. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the trends in management of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease among Brazilian otolaryngologists. METHODS: A 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. RESULTS: According 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. CONCLUSION: Although 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.

Sensitivity, Specificity, and Reproducibility of the Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Reflux Symptom Index.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux is controversial. There is currently no gold standard, so it relies mainly on suspicious clinical symptoms and videolaryngoscopic findings. Unfortunately these signs and symptoms are common to other causes of chronic laryngitis. Scoring systems have been proposed to reduce subjectivity in clinical diagnosis. The most widely used and accepted is the Reflux Symptom Index, which has already been translated into over 10 other languages. OBJECTIVE: Study the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Reflux Symptom Index (Índice de Sintomas de Refluxo - ISR). METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four adults, 88 with laryngopharyngeal reflux and 66 healthy controls, were studied over a 6-month period, responding to the ISR after thoroughly investigated on possible other causes of chronic laryngitis and the presence of gastroesophageal disease. Test and retest reliability was addressed by reapplying the score to a random subgroup of 101 subjects. RESULTS: The ISR of subjects was significantly higher than that of controls (Student t test for independent samples, P < 0.001). The ISR also showed high temporal stability and reproducibility (ICC of 0.988 with a confidence interval of 0.982-0.992). The ISR at a cutoff of 13 points presented a sensitivity of 78.4%, a specificity of 95.4%, a false negative of 4.55%, a false positive of 21.59%, a positive predictive value of 95.83%, and a negative predictive value of 86.93%. CONCLUSION: The ISR proved to be a valid and reliable diagnostic tool.

Study of wound healing in rats treated with topical and injected mitomycin C.

OBJECTIVES: Mitomycin C, a widely used chemotherapeutic drug, has been proposed as a potential adjuvant for the control of scar tissue in surgical wounds because of its capacity to inhibit fibroblast proliferation. The current study used a combination of topical and injected mitomycin C to slow the healing process of surgical wounds in rats. METHODS: An experimental model of surgical wounding at the dorsum of rats was used. A total of 43 animals were subdivided into 3 groups: control, topical mitomycin C, and a combination of topical treatment and intradermal injections of the drug at 30 and 60 days after the initial topical treatment. After 3 months, the animals were painlessly sacrificed and the surgical scars were removed for microscopic analysis. RESULTS: The group that received only topical mitomycin C presented milder inflammatory signs and consequently had a less intense healing process than the control group. The group treated with a combination of both topical and injected mitomycin C presented results comparable to those of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The toxic characteristics of mitomycin C were most likely responsible for the greater tissue damage that occurred when it was used in the injected form, causing increased scar tissue formation. Mitomycin C slows the healing process of surgical wounds when used topically, but causes enhanced scar tissue formation when injected.

Laryngeal electromyography in adults with Parkinson's disease and voice complaints.

OBJECTIVE: To study the laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) pattern in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and vocal complaints. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Twenty-six adults with PD and vocal complaints and 26 controls with presbyphonia underwent videolaryngoscopy (VL) and LEMG. RESULTS: No tremor was found on LEMG of the cricothyroid and thyroarytenoid muscles, even in cases with clinical and VL tremor. LEMG hypertonicity during voice rest was the typical feature observed in 73% of the patients with PD versus 23% of the controls. This difference was statistically significant. The severity of the disease, diagnosis, and the time of treatment did not correlate with LEMG findings. CONCLUSION: This is the first study reporting the use of LEMG in a large series of patients with PD and vocal complaints. Patients with PD presented spontaneous intrinsic laryngeal muscle activity during voice rest. SIGNIFICANCE: The typical patterns in LEMG suggest this to be a valuable diagnostic tool in PD.

Salivary epidermal growth factor concentrations in patients with Sjögren syndrome and laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Sjögren syndrome was chosen as a clinical model to study acinar salivary deficiencies in the development of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). The objective of this prospective cohort study was to compare salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations of patients with Sjögren syndrome with and without LPR and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with normal controls. LPR was diagnosed with positive scores on the Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux and Reflux Finding Score, corroborated by esophagogastroduodenoscopy and/or 24-hour pH-metry. Salivary EGF concentrations of both unstimulated and mechanically stimulated saliva were established using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the significance level was set at 95%. Twenty-one patients and 19 controls were studied. All patients had LPR and 60% also had GERD. The mean salivary EGF concentration of unstimulated and stimulated saliva in the control group was 1,751.37 pg/ml and 544.76 pg/ml, respectively. Unstimulated and stimulated salivary EGF concentrations in the study group were 2,534.65 pg/ml and 920.69 pg/ml, respectively. These differences were not statistically significant. Body mass index, presence of erosive esophagitis, or severity of hyposalivation did not significantly influence salivary EGF concentrations. LPR and GERD are highly prevalent in patients with Sjögren syndrome. Unlike previous studies in which significant EGF deficiencies were found in patients with reflux laryngitis and GERD, patients with Sjögren syndrome seem to have reflux caused by a decrease in clearance capacity and not in specific salivary components.

Management of laryngopharyngeal reflux in Brazil: a national surveys / Manejo do refluxo laringofaríngeo no Brasil: pesquisa nacional

Abstract Introduction: Studies 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. Objective: To investigate the trends in management of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease among Brazilian otolaryngologists. Methods: A 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. Results: According 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. Conclusion: Although 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.

Resumo Introdução: Estudos que avaliaram o manejo do refluxo laringofaríngeo por otorrinolaringologistas mostraram uma importante heterogeneidade em relação à definição, diagnóstico e tratamento, o que leva a discrepâncias no tratamento do paciente. Faltam informações sobre o conhecimento e as práticas atuais dos otorrinolaringologistas brasileiros sobre o refluxo laringofaríngeo. Objetivo: Investigar as tendências no manejo da doença do refluxo laringofaríngeo entre os otorrinolaringologistas brasileiros. Método: O questionário foi enviado por e-mail aos membros da Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia-Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço. Esta pesquisa foi inicialmente conduzida pelo LPR Study Group of Young Otolaryngologists da International Federation of Otolaryngological Societies. Resultados: De acordo com os respondentes da pesquisa, a prevalência de refluxo laringofaríngeo foi estimada em 26,8% dos pacientes consultados e os sintomas mais comuns foram sensação de globus, pigarro, tosse e refluxo de ácido estomacal. Obstrução nasal, disfunção da trompa de Eustáquio, otite média aguda e crônica, nódulos nas pregas vocais e hemorragia foram considerados como não associados ao refluxo laringofaríngeo pela maioria dos respondentes. Cerca de 2/3 dos otorrinolaringologistas brasileiros basearam o diagnóstico de refluxo laringofaríngeo na avaliação dos sintomas e achados e na resposta positiva a testes terapêuticos empíricos. Inibidores de bomba de prótons uma ou duas vezes ao dia foi o esquema terapêutico mais usado. Somente 21,4% dos otorrinolaringologistas brasileiros já ouviram falar sobre refluxo laringofaríngeo não ácido e misto e o conhecimento sobre a utilidade do monitoramento de pH por impedância intraluminal multicanal foi mínimo; 30,5% dos respondentes não se consideraram tão bem informados sobre o refluxo laringofaríngeo. Conclusão: Embora os sintomas relacionados ao refluxo laringofaríngeo e as principais abordagens diagnósticas e terapêuticas referidas pelos otorrinolaringologistas brasileiros sejam consistentes com a literatura, a pesquisa identificou algumas limitações, como o conhecimento insuficiente do papel do refluxo laringofaríngeo em diversas condições otorrinolaringológicas e da possibilidade de refluxo não ácido ou misto em casos refratários. Estudos futuros são necessários para estabelecer recomendações internacionais para o manejo de doença do refluxo laringofaríngeo.

Oral ivermectin for the treatment and prophylaxis of scabies in prison.

INTRODUCTION: Oral ivermectin has been widely used to treat various human diseases, such as filariasis, myiasis, larva migrans, strongyloidiasis and scabies (both the common and crusted forms). However, there are only a small number of papers on the effects of this drug for the control of scabies in infested environments. The current study shows the results obtained with the collective treatment of inmates of a public jail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 123 inmates living in a restricted and contaminated environment were evaluated clinically by experienced dermatologists for the assessment of the degree of infestation by Sarcoptes scabiei, and were then treated with oral ivermectin (200-300 micorg/kg single dose repeated after 7 days). Both clothing and environment were disinfected. Patients were re-evaluated after 15 days. RESULTS: In all, 78% of the inmates were infected upon initial evaluation. Re-evaluation 15 days after repeat treatment revealed a cure rate of 91.05%. Prophylaxis was also highly effective, where 93.2% of the non-infected inmates and virtually all the house staff remained disease-free throughout the study period. Two of the 29 inmates (6.8%) who showed no apparent lesions upon initial examination were found to be infected upon re-evaluation. These patients responded well to a third dose of ivermectin. CONCLUSIONS: Oral ivermectin at a dose of 300 microg/kg single dose repeated after 7 days proved effective for the treatment and prophylaxis of scabies in an infected institutional environment.

Clinical and histological healing of surgical wounds treated with mitomycin C.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The proven ability of mitomycin C to inhibit fibroblasts in vitro has stimulated its use in research animals and in humans to control healing. The objective of the study was to follow the healing process of surgical wounds in the dorsum of rats treated topically with mitomycin C. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental study. METHODS: Two distinct surgical wounds were made to the dorsum of 10 adult rats. One of the wounds received topical mitomycin C diluted at 0.5 mg/mL during a 5-minute period, and the other wound was used as a control. The healing process was followed clinically and histologically after the rats were killed at different post-treatment periods. The degree of fibrosis was evaluated histologically by two different pathologists. RESULTS: Surgical wounds treated with mitomycin C presented delayed healing when compared with the untreated wounds, with remission of scabs 7 days after the control wounds. Histological analysis at 1 month after treatment revealed a significant reduction in fibrosis of the wounds treated with mitomycin C when compared with the untreated wounds. After the third month the degree of fibrosis was comparable in both wounds. CONCLUSION: Topical mitomycin C delays the healing of surgical wounds in rats up to the fourth week following treatment, but the degree of fibrosis is comparable in both treated and untreated wounds after 12 weeks. In otolaryngology this characteristic of the drug may be useful in the treatment of external ear canal stenosis, choanal atresias, nasal cicatricial stenosis, laryngeal stenosis, and keloids.

Salivary epidermal growth factor concentration in adults with reflux laryngitis.

OBJECTIVE: The mechanisms involved in the mucosal alterations of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) have not been well established. Reports indicate a decrease in the salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) of patients with reflux esophagitis, but there are no reports of its behavior in LPR. Our objective was to determine the salivary concentration of EGF in adults with LPR. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Salivary EGF concentration of 26 patients with LPR and 20 healthy controls was determined using a commercially available ELISA kit. Patients with LPR were graded according to endoscopic and laryngoscopic criteria. RESULTS: Salivary EGF concentration was significantly lower in the LPR group when compared with controls (P = 0.002). No correlation between the severity of laryngeal findings or esophagitis and salivary EGF concentration could be determined. CONCLUSIONS: The decreased salivary concentration of EGF in adults with LPR suggests that a deficiency in this polypeptide could be associated to the disease.

Clinical significance of a hearing and imaging workup in a child with cochlear nerve aplasia and a normal internal auditory canal.

Modern magnetic resonance imaging has significantly improved the diagnosis of cochlear nerve deficiencies. A careful assessment of all clinical, imaging, and auditory data is of utmost importance in such cases in order to properly establish the site of the abnormality. We report the case of a 3-year-old girl with unilateral cochlear nerve aplasia, normal middle and inner ear anatomy, and an absence of otoacoustic emissions, all of which erroneously suggested cochlear damage. We also briefly review the embryogenesis of the inner ear and auditory pathway. A patient with similar findings in the setting of a bilateral hearing loss and insufficient imaging would be at risk of inappropriate cochlear implantation.

Estudo da concentração salivar do fator de crescimento epidérmico em indivíduos com laringite crônica por refluxo laringofaríngeo / Salivary EGF concentration in adults with chronic laryngitis caused by laryngopharyngeal reflux

INTRODUÇÄO: A Doença do Refluxo Gastroesofágico (DRGE), chegando até a faringe e laringe, pode cursar com intensa inflamaçäo local e rica sintomatologia (Refluxo Laringofaríngeo RLF). Os estudos atuais näo foram capazes de provar que o ácido refluído é o causador das alteraçöes visualizadas na laringite crônica. O Fator de Crescimento Epidérmico (EGF) é um polipeptídeo produzido pelas glândulas salivares, sendo implicado na induçäo do crescimento epitelial, na inibiçäo da secreçäo gástrica e na aceleraçäo da cicatrizaçäo. Deficiência salivar deste fator foi encontrada na esofagite de refluxo, mas näo há relatos sobre a concentraçäo salivar de EGF em indivíduos com RLF. OBJETIVO: Determinar a concentraçäo salivar do EGF em indivíduos com RLF. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Caso controle. CASUíSTICA E MÉTODO: A concentraçäo salivar de EGF de 39 indivíduos com RLF e 20 controles normais foi estudada pela técnica de ELISA. O RLF foi diagnosticado por história e exame videolaringoscópico característicos. Os 39 pacientes com RLF foram estratificados de acordo com os achados de endoscopia digestiva (com ou sem esofagite associada) e de acordo com a intensidade da laringite crônica. Foram, também, submetidos a manometria esofágica e pH-metria esofágica de 24 horas com dois canais. RESULTADOS: Constatou-se uma concentraçäo de EGF significativamente menor nos indivíduos com RLF quando comparados aos controles normais (p=0,002). Näo houve diferença estatisticamente significante na concentraçäo salivar de EGF entre os indivíduos com RLF, nem em relaçäo à presença de esofagite, nem quanto à intensidade da laringite. CONCLUSÖES: Este estudo sugere que uma deficiência na concentraçäo salivar do Fator de Crescimento Epidérmico pode estar associada à patogenia da DRGE, e que este polipeptídeo poderia ser um co-fator na gênese do RLF

PH-metria esofágica de 24 horas de duplo canal no diagnóstico da laringite por refluxo / The Use of 24-hour Double Probe Esophageal pH- monitoring for the Diagnosis of Reflux Laryngitis

A doença do refluxo gastroesofágico tem duas manifestações clínicas distintas reconhecidas: o refluxo gastroesofágico clássico e o refluxo laringofaríngeo (RLF) com sintomas respiratórios e/ou laríngeos que acabam trazendo os pacientes à atenção do otorrinolaringologista. O diagnóstico desta modalidade de refluxo é feito pela história e exame laringoscópico sugestivos, podendo ser confirmado pela PH-metria esofágica ambulatorial de 24 horas com dois canais, um distal e um proximal no nível do esfíncter esofagiano superior. No entanto, por não haver padronização adequada para a interpretação deste exame no RU, podem ocorrer falsos negativos. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os exames de pH-metria de pacientes com sintomas e sinais de RLF, para avaliar a sensibilidade deste exame para diagnóstico da doença. Material e método: Foram estudados 20 pacientes adultos com diagnóstico clínico e laringoscópico, de RLF submetidos a PH-metria esofágica de 24 horas de dois canais. Resultados: Apenas 25% dos exames foram positivos, segundo o relatório do examinador. Em análise minuciosa dos traçados do exame, outros nove pacientes mostraram episódios de refluxo proximal que não haviam sido considerados patológicos, perfazendo um total final de 70% de positividade. Os seis pacientes com PH-metria normal tinham grau leve ou moderado de RLF. Discussão e conclusões: Os autores discutem as dificuldades de interpretação da PH-metria esofágica de 24 horas de dois canais e alertam para a importância de uma padronização deste exame.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease may manifest in two distinct clinical forms: classical gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Diagnosis of the latter form is made by a suspicious history associated to typical laryngeal findings, which may be confirmed by a 24-hour double probe esophageal pH-metry. Aim: This study was designed to compare the results of the above mentioned diagnostic test on patients with clinical and laryngoscopic suspicion of LPR. Material and methods: Twenty adult patients with clinical and laryngoscopic diagnosis of reflux laryngitis were submitted to 24-hour ambulatory double probe esophageal PH-monitoring for confirmation of the diagnosis. Results: It was found that only 25% of patients presented with a positive test according to the interpretation of the examiner, but when careful review of the, tracings was carried out an additional nine cases of pathological reflux at the proximal probe were found, totaling 70% of confirmed proximal reflux. The remaining patients were those with-mild or moderate symptoms and laryngeal-findings. Discussion and conclusions: The authors discuss the possible reasons for such a high rate of false-negative 24-hour double probe esophageal pH-metry in the current study and the need of creating parameters for the interpretation of this test.

Doença do refluxo gastroesofágico: análise de 157 pacientes / Gastroesophaeal reflux disease: analysis of 157 patients

O refluxo gastroesofágico e o refluxo laringofaríngeo säo definidos, respectivamente, como o movimento do conteúdo gástrico para dentro do esôfago e para dentro da área laringofaríngea. Pacientes com Doença do Refluxo Gastroesofágico (DRGE) têm queixas otorrinolaringológicas como rouquidäo, tosse crônica, pigarro, globus faríngeo, odinofagia, estridor, disfagia, entre outras, além de azia. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Clínico retrospectivo. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de 157 pacientes portadores de sinais de refluxo laringofaríngeo na videolaringoscopia no período de março de 1998 a maio de 2000. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: refluxo leve, moderado e severo; avaliados segundo a idade, sexo, queixas principais nos diferentes grupos, principal queixa nos diferentes grupos, e segundo queixas digestivas em cada grupo. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÖES: Havia 110 pacientes do sexo feminino e 47 do masculino. A faixa etária estendia-se de 21 a 85 anos. As queixas principais foram disfonia (69,42 por cento), pigarro (52,86 por cento), globus faríngeo (65,60 por cento), azia (33,12 por cento), tosse (18,97 por cento), odinofagia (11,46 por cento), disfagia (10,82 por cento) e engasgos (2,54 por cento). Trinta e quatro pacientes apresentavam RLF leve, 60 moderado e 63 severo. A principal queixa de todos os grupos foi a disfonia, seguida pelo globus para os refluxos leve e moderado, e pigarro para o severo. A queixa gástrica, azia, foi mais freqüente nos grupos moderado e severo. Das queixas principais nos diferentes grupos, a disfonia foi a mais freqüente nos três grupos, seguida pelo pigarro e globus faríngeo nos grupos de refluxo moderado e severo. A azia esteve presente numa freqüência semelhante nos três grupos

Análise comparativa de laringectomias parciais com e sem realização de traqueostomia / Comparative analysis of partial laringectomies with and without tracheostomy

A laringectomia parcial é uma alternativa no tratamento do câncer de laringe. Este tipo de cirurgia tem vantagens na qualidade de vida do paciente, pois permite a não realização de traqueostomia permanente. OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados das laringectomias parciais com e sem realização de traqueostomia. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Caso-controle. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram estudados 22 pacientes submetidos a laringectomias parciais, sendo 11 sem traqueostomia e 11 com traqueostomia no intra-operatório. RESULTADOS: O grupo de pacientes sem traqueostomia apresentou vantagens quanto ao tempo de cirurgia, de internação e de permanência da sonda nasoenteral. CONCLUSÃO: A laringectomia parcial sem traqueostomia é um procedimento vantajoso para o paciente, diminuindo a morbidade e não apresentando diferença quanto a positividade das margens das lesões.

Paralisia laríngea na infância / Vocal Fold Paralysis in Children

A paralisia laríngea na infância apresenta-se de forma bastante distinta da forma como ela se apresenta nos adultos, devido às menores dimensões laríngeas e as etiologias mais relacionadas a malformações congênitas ou traumatismos de parto ou peri-natais. É a segunda causa mais freqüente de estridor no lactente, sendo imperativo um diagnóstico adequado e precoce, para garantir a patência da via aérea e evitar aspiração. Objetivo: Relatar a experiência do serviço no diagnóstico e tratamento deste problema, que constitui um desafio ao laringologista, e discutir as dificuldades comparando-as àquelas descritas na literatura mundial. Material e método: No período de julho de 1994 a fevereiro de 2000, foram diagnosticadas e acompanhadas 17 crianças (sete meninos e 10 meninas, com média de idade de 8,4 anos) com paralisia das pregas vocais em nosso Serviço. O diagnóstico foi feito pela história clínica e o exame nasofibrolaringoscópico. Resultados: Oito pacientes apresentavam paralisia unilateral; e nove, bilateral. A principal causa foi relacionada à correção cirúrgica de malformação cardíaca (40%), seguida de alterações congênitas ou adquiridas do sistema nervoso central (SNC) (30%). Na maioria, as crianças foram tratadas conservadoramente, sendo que três dos quatro casos submetidos à cirurgia laríngea somente foram assim tratados após no mínimo um ano de evolução. Quatro casos apresentaram regressão espontânea parcial ou total da paralisia após 15 meses de seguimento em média. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 3,1 anos. Discussão e conclusões: As fibras ópticas flexíveis viabilizaram o diagnóstico não invasivo das paralisias laríngeas na infância e possibilitaram seu acompanhamento. Sempre que possível, evitamos intervenção cirúrgica nas crianças antes de seis meses a um ano de evolução, devido à chance de regressão espontânea.

Vocal fold (VF) paralysis in childhood presents in a distinctly from that of adults mostly because of the smaller size of the infantile larynx, but also because the causes are frequently related to congenital abnormalities or birth traumas. It is the second most common cause of stridor in childhood, thus it must be diagnosed and treated early and adequately to secure the airway and feeding. Objectives: Report the authors' experience in the diagnosis and treatment of children with uni or bilateral vocal fold paralysis comparing the difficulties encoutered to those reported in literature. Material and methods: Seventeen children (seven boys and 10 girls) were diagnosed and treated for VF paralysis from July,1994 to February, 2000. Diagnosis was made based on history and fibreoptic examination of the larynx and upper airways. Results: Eight patients presented unilateral VF paralysis and nine had bilateral paralysis. Paralysis was mostly secondary to surgical correction of congenital heart deformities (40%) followed closely by congenital or acquired central nervous system abnormalities (30%). The majority of children were treated conservatively. Three of the four patients who eventually were submitted to laryngeal surgery were only operated after a 1-year follow-up period. Four cases resolved spontaneously after a mean 15-month follow-up period. The average follow-up period was 3,1 years. Discussion and conclusions: Flexible endoscopy has made possible a non-invasive diagnosis and follow-up of laryngeal VF paralysis in children. Whenever possible conservative or reversible treatment should be augmented in order to allow spontaneous recovery of the vocal fold paralysis.

Refluxo gastroesofágico: comparaçäo entre os achados laríngeos e digestivos / Gastroesophageal reflux: correlation between laryngeal and digestive finding

O refluxo gastroesofágico é uma condiçäo comumente vista na prática diária do médico e pode manifestar vários sintomas encontrados no quotidiano do otorrinolaringologista. Neste trabalho os autores procuram correlacionar as mudanças que ocorrem na laringe e no aparelho gastrointestinal através da análise de sintomas, laringoscopia direta, endoscopia digestiva e exame anatomopatológico de 27 casos de refluxo gastroesofágico com manifestaçöes otorrinolaringológicas

Emissöes otoacústicas espontâneas em recém-nascido de risco / Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions in high risk newborns

0s autores estudaram as Emissöes Otoacústicas; Espontâneas (EOAE) em 25 recém-nascidos considerados de risco (segundo critérios do Departamento de Neonatologia da Santa Casa de Säo Paulo), com idade cronológica média de até 28 dias; idade gestacional média de 34 semanas (de 28 a 42 semanas); pesando de 900 g a 2.500 g; 10 do sexo feminino e 15 do masculino. Dos 25 pacientes, 18 apresentaram EOA de Produtos de Distorçäo com respostas dentro da normalidade. Nestes 18, foram pesquisadas as Emissöes Otoacústicas Espontâneas (EOAE) e, em 15 RN, isto é, 83,3 por cento, elas foram encontradas. A análise das respostas revelou que, embora tenham sido observadas variaçöes nas suas amplitudes (de -3 a +35 dB NPS) e nas frequências (de 1.424,2 a 5.010 kHz), houve maior concentraçäo de Emissöes Espontâneas com amplitudes de O a 23 dB NPS na faixa entre 3 e 4 Hz. A comparaçäo entre frequência e amplitude nos dois ouvidos através do teste T de Student mostrou que näo foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre um lado e outro. O estudo que realizamos com este grupo de recém-nascidos de risco, em comparaçäo com outros da literatura, com prematuros ou näo (em média 50 por cento), mostrou incidência bastante alta (83,3 por cento) de EOAE, o que pode estar de acordo com a opiniäo de autores que acreditam serem as EOAE produto de microlesöes no epitélio da cóclea, sem presença de alteraçöes auditivas