The application progress on diagnostic scales of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

At present, objective methods for diagnosing laryngopharyngeal reflux disease(LPRD) are not minimally invasive, effective, and economical. Diagnostic scales are widely used worldwide due to the advantages of inexpensive, noninvasive, and easy to operate. The reflux symptom index(RSI) and the reflux finding score(RFS) are preferred to use in clinical diagnosis. However, many controversies have appeared in the application of RSI and RFS in recent years, causing many troubles to clinical diagnosis. Therefore, this review briefly discusses the problems of RSI and RFS in clinical applications to provide reference for diagnosing LPRD accurately.

Treating laryngopharyngeal reflux with proton-pump inhibitors - An observational study

Background: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) refers to the backflow of stomach contents into the throat, that is, into the hypopharynx. LPR is different from classical gastroesophageal reflux disease. Majority of such patients present with globus pharyngeus, cough, foreign body sensation in throat, and hoarseness. Objectives: Conflicting results appear in literature for the role of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) in LPR. Our aim in this study is to evaluate the role of PPI based on their effect on reflux finding score (RFS) and reflux symptom index (RSI). Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of ENT and HNS of Government Medical College, Srinagar, for 3 years from 2015 to 2018. The materials for the present study were 70 patients of different age groups attending the ENT Outpatient Department (OPD) having different symptoms of LPR diagnosed on the basis of RFS >7 and RSI >13. Of them, 20 lost to follow up, and finally, 50 patients were followed as per the protocol. Patients were divided into different age groups. Results: A total number of patients included in the study were 50; 35 (70%) cases were females and 15 (30%) were males. A maximum number of patients were in the age group 31–40 years forming about 40% of the study group. Mean RSI of all patients was 24.4 before treatment with PPIs. Significant change in RSI occurred after the first 8 weeks of therapy, and no further significant change occurred in the next 16 weeks. Mean RFS of the patients was 13.2 before treatment with PPIs. There was a slight response after 8 weeks of therapy in physical findings and significant response after 16 weeks of therapy. Conclusion: PPIs are treatment of choice in patients with LPR and treatment should be continued for at least 4 months.

Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitor for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Comorbid Chronic Rhinosinusitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a prevalent condition with an increasing incidence, and several recent studies have reported the association of LPR with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). In this study, we studied the effect of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) on symptom improvement for LPR and comorbid CRS. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Enrolled in the study from January 2017 to December 2017 were 164 patients (54 male, 110 female, mean age 48.8 years) who were diagnosed as LPR by reflux symptom index (RSI) or reflux finding scores (RFS) and comorbid CRS. Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-20 and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores were evaluated for CRS severity. The study group was divided into PPI treatment group (Ilaprazole 20 mg, once a day for 8 weeks) and non-treatment group. The RSI, RFS, SNOT-20, and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores were repeated at the end of treatment. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients were prescribed PPI and 72 patients were not. Initial RSI, RFS, SNOT-20, and Lund-Kennedy score did not differ between the two groups. RSI and RFS decreased significantly after eight weeks of PPI medication (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). In the non-treatment group, only RFS showed statistically significant decrease. SNOT-20 and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores decreased significantly in the treatment group (p=0.005 and p<0.001, respectively) compared to the non-treatment group. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that PPI treatment for 8 weeks was effective in reducing signs and symptoms of both LPR and CRS.

Analysis of mental state in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

OBJECTIVE To identify the mental state of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) patients by analyzing anxiety scale and depression scale. METHODS The LPRD patients who received treatment in Fuzhou General Hospital were studied. The healthy volunteers were recruited as control group. Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to get the individual scores. Mental states of LPRD patients were finally studied through statistical analysis. RESULTS The scores of anxiety and depression in patients with LPRD were significantly higher than those in control group (anxiety score 50.59±7.24 vs 38.76±7.70, depression score 52.90±7.14 vs 40.63±8.17). The incidence of anxiety and depression in patients with LPRD were significantly higher than that in control group (anxiety rate 56.68％ vs 9.80％, depression rate 50.98％ vs 11.76％). Significant association was detected between ref lux symptom index score and anxiety or depression score in patients with LPRD(r =0.786, r =0.736, P ＜0.05). Significant association between LPRD and anxiety and depression were concluded. CONCLUSION The results showed that the patients with LPRD are more prone to be anxiety and depression mental state than healthy control group, and the severity of LPRD symptoms is significantly correlated with the anxiety and depression. This suggests that the patient's mental state should also be emphasized as well as antacids treatment.

Correlation between Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Secretory Otitis Media in Adults / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To study the correlation between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and secretory otitis media (SOM).Methods A total of 294 adult patients with reflux-related symptoms were recruited in this study.The patients were evaluated with reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS).Tympanometry was conducted to all the patients.The 54 patients with the otitis media effusion with type B tympanograms were tested by auripuncture.Results Among the 294 patients,168 cases showed RSI＜13,in which 128 cases,31 cases and 9 cases had type A,type C,and type B tympanograms,respectively.The other 126 patients showed RSI＞13 in which 52 cases,29 cases and 45 cases had type A,type C,and type B tympanograms,respectively.Among the 294 patiems,172 patients showed RFS＜7,in which 131,32 and 9 cases had type A,type C,and type B tympanograms,respectively.The left 122 patients showed RFS＞7,in which 49,28 and 45 cases had type A,type C,and type B tympanograms,respectively.The ratio of type B tympanograms in the patients with RSI＞13 and RFS＞7 were both significantly higher than those in the patients with RSI＜13 and RFS＜7 (P＜0.05).The RSI scores of patients with type A,C,and B tympanogram were 8.6± 3.8,15.9±7.5,and 23.9±8.6,respectively,and the RFS score were 5.6±2.6,9.6±4.7,and 15.3±6.6,respectively.Compared with type A and C,the patients with type B tympanogram had significantly higher RSI and RFS score (P＜ 0.05).Among the 54 patients of type B tympanograms,those with RSI＜13 were found to have serous fluid,grume fluid,glue fluid as in 6 cases,2 cases,and 1 case,while the patient of the RSI＞ 13 had serous fluid,grume fluid,glue fluid in 13 cases,23 cases,and 9 cases,respectively.The otitis media effusion of the patients with the RSI＜13 were mainly serous,while those with the RSI＞13 were mainly sticky.Conclusion The correlation between LPR and SOM was significant.LPRmay accelerate the progress of SOM.

The study of salivary pepsin content and laryngopharyngeal reflux scale in 91 asymptomatic volunteers / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the content of pepsin in salivary, and to assess the laryngophargeal lesions based on the reflux founding score (RFS) scale in asymptomatic volunteers, in order to provide a reference for the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux.@*METHODS@#A total of 91 asymptomatic subjects were recruited in this study. Participants provided a fasting saliva specimen for pepsin measurement using enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay, completed the reflux symptom index (RSI) assessment and underwent laryngostroboscopic examination using a rigid endoscope. Their RFS were graded according to the laryngeal findings.@*RESULTS@#The median concentration of pepsin in 91 asymptomatic volunteers was 55.5 μg/L (range 3.53-191.64 μg/L). The mean individuals RSI was 2.24±2.34, and the mean individuals RFS was 5.78±1.74.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our data demonstrate that certain concentration of pepsin was detected and showed a higher RFS score in asymptomatic volunteers.

Reflux finding score: análisis de la concordancia inter-observador / Reflux finding score: analysis of the interobserver concordance / Reflux finding score: análise de concordância interobservador

Introducción: el reflujo laringofaríngeo (RLF) es una manifestación extradigestiva del Reflujo Gastroesofágico (RGE). Actualmente, el algoritmo diagnóstico usado en la mayoría de los Servicios de Otorrinolaringologìa (ORL) consiste en identificar los síntomas sugestivos de reflujo laringofaríngeo y realizar una fibronasolaringoscopia flexible para determinar si existen cambios estructurales identificables en la laringe o en los tejidos vecinos. Se ha desarrollado una escala subjetiva para cuantificar la severidad de los cambios inflamatorios de la laringe, identificando los hallazgos laringoscópicos asociados con reflujo laringofaríngeo. Los mismos son clasificados por el índice de hallazgos de reflujo “Reflux Finding Score” (RFS), desarrollado por Belafky y cols. El puntaje máximo es de 26 y un puntaje de 7 o mayor a 7 es considerado altamente sospechoso de RLF. Objetivos: Determinar el índice Kappa de Resultados Interobservador usando el RFS en pacientes con RLF en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Sanatorio Allende. Determinar las características de los pacientes con diagnóstico de RLF según: Sexo, edad, síntomas presentes y tratamiento indicado en pacientes que consultaron ambulatoriamente en el Servicio de ORL del Sanatorio Allende sucursal Nueva Córdoba. Material y método: Se determinó el índice Kappa de Resultados entre observadores usando el RFS en paciente con RLF entre 2 médicos del staff de Servicio de ORL del Sanatorio Allende, se analizó frecuencia de sexo, edad, síntomas, conducta médica. Conclusión: El índice Kappa del RFS para cada uno de los 8 ìtems del RFS es leve, medido como < 0,2.

Introduction: the Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) is recognized as an extra-digestive manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). At present, the diagnostic algorithm used in most of the otorhinolaryngology (ORL) services involves identifying suggestive symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux and carrying out a flexible fibronasolaryngoscopy to determine if there are identifiable structural changes in the larynx or neighboring tissues. A subjective scale has been developed to quantify the severity of inflammatory changes in the larynx by identifying endoscopic findings related to laryngopharyngeal reflux. These subjective findings for patients with LPR are classified using the “Reflux Finding Score” (RFS) developed by Belafsky et al.The maximum score is 26 and a score of 7 or greater is considered to indicate that LPR is highly likely. Objetive: To determine the Kappa Coefficient of the interobserver agreement using the RFS in patients with LPR in the Otorhinolaryngology Service of the Allende Hospital. To determine the characteristics of patients with LPR diagnosis according to: Gender, age, manifested symptoms and treatment indicated in patients that were treated as an outpatient in the ORL Service of the Allende Hospital, Nueva Córdoba’s branch. Material and method: The Kappa Coefficient was determined by the interobserver agreement using the RFS in patients with LPR between two Staff doctors of the ORL Service of the Allende Hospital; it was investigated the sex frequency, age, symptoms and medical behavior. Conclusions: The Kappa Coefficient of LPR for each of the eight items of LPR is poor, valued as < 0.2.

Introdução: o refluxo laringofaríngeo (RFL) é uma manifestação extra-digestiva do refluxo gastroesofágico (RGE). Atualmente o algoritmo diagnóstico usado pela maioria dos Serviços de Otorrinolaringología (ORL) consistem em identificar os sintomas sugestivos do RFL e realizar uma fibronasolaringoscopia flexível para determinar se existem mudanças estruturais identificáveis na laringe ou nos tecidos vizinhos. Existe uma escala subjetiva para quantificar a severidade das alterações inflamatórias na laringe, identificando os achados laringoscópicos que têm relação com o RFL. Eles são classificados pelo índice de achados de refluxo “Reflux Finding Score” (RFS), desenvolvido por Belafky e cols. A pontuação maxima é de 26 e uma pontuação de 7 ou maior é considerado quase sugestivo de RFL. Objetivos: Determinar o índice Kappa dos resultados interobservador usando o RFS em pacientes com RFL no Serviço de Otorrinolaringologia do Sanatorio Allende. Determinar as características dos pacientes com diagnóstico de RFL Segundo: Sexo, idade, sintomas presentes e tratamento indicado em pacientes que fizeram consultas externas no Serviço de ORL do Sanatorio Allende em Nueva Córdoba. Material e método: Determinou-se o índice Kappa dos resultados entre observadores usando o RFS em pacientes com RFL entre 2 médicos do staff do Serviço de ORL do Sanatorio Allende. Analizou-se a frequência entre o sexo, a idade, os sintomas, as doenças associadas e a terapeútica médica. Conclusões: O índice Kappa do RFS para cada item do RFS é insuficiente, medida como < 0,2.

Voice characteristics and changes before and after treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux patients diagnosed by two diagnostic methods / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

[ABSTRACT]OBJECTIVETo diagnose laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) by using two methods: 24h pH monitoring and RSI combined with RFS scales. To research the voice characteristics of patients with LPR and changes of voice parameters before and after PPIs therapy, and to use voice parameters to help diagnosing and evaluating treatment effect of LPR.METHODSThe patients visited department of Otolaryngology head & neck surgery of Peking University Third Hospital from August 2012 to August 2013 were included in this study. There were 26 LPR patients diagnosed by 24 hr pH-MII monitoring (pH group) and 26 LPR patients diagnosed by RSI combined with RFS (questionnaire group). Another 52 subjects without laryngeal or pharyngeal symptoms were as control group. All subjects underwent MDVP examination. The patients from pH group and questionnaire group took esomeprazole 20 mg bid for one month, afterwards MDVP was examined again. The voice related parameters were compared before and after medication therapy.RESULTSComparing data between LPR patients and normal subjects, Jitter, Shimmer, NHR had significant difference (P0.05) before treatment. After PPIs therapy there was no significant difference between each group (P>0.05).CONCLUSIONAbnormal voice parameters were existed in LPR patients. After PPIs treatment, voice related parameters improved apparently.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease treated by combination of Chinese and western medicine / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

[ABSTRACT]OBJECTIVETo assess the clinical effects of proton pump inhibitor(PPI) combined with traditional Chinese medicine for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease(LPRD).METHODSA total of 74 LPRD patients with laryngopharyngeal signs and symptoms confirmed by reflux symptom index(RSI) and reflux finding score(RFS) were enrolled. All patients received PPI combined with traditional Chinese medicine therapy. Effect evaluation was conducted at 2, 6, 12, and 18 months after the beginning of therapy.RESULTSThe relief rate was 74.3%, 90.5%, 87.8%, and 86.5% at the 2, 6, 12, and 18 months after the beginning of treatment respectively.CONCLUSIONPPI combined with traditional Chinese medicine therapy is safe and effective for LPRD and worthy of wide application.

Correlation of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Voice Disorders / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To study the correlation between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and voice disorders . Methods One hundred and three patients with reflux -related symptoms were recruited .The patients were evalu-ated with reflux symptom index (RSI) ,reflux finding score (RFS) evaluation and 24-hour dural-probe pH moni-toring .Eighty -nine cases with voice disorders were divided into 5 groups :vocal process granuloma (n=18) chron-ic pharyngolaryngitis (n=19) ,vocal polyps (n=15) ,vocal fold leukoplakia (n=21) and Reinke's edema (n=16) . The other 14 patients without voice disorders were the control subjects .Results According 24-hour dural -probe pH monitoring assessments ,48 .3% of the patients with voice disorders showed LPR positive .The positive rate in the vocal fold leukoplakia group (71 .4% ) and Reinke's edema group (75 .0% ) were significantly higher than the control group (35 .7% ) .RSI and RFS of the patients with Reinke's edema were both significantly higher than the control group(P=0 .020 ,P=0 .009) .RSI of the patients with chronic pharyngolaryngitis were significantly higher than the control group (P=0 .019) .The acid reflux episodes ,acid reflux time which except in the supine position of the vocal fold leukoplakia group were significantly higher than the control group .The acid reflux episodes ,acid ex-posure and acid reflux time which all except in the supine position of the Reinke's edema group were significantly higher than the control group .Conclusion The correlations between Reinke's edema ,vocal fold leukoplakia and LPR were stronger .In these two groups ,the acid reflux episodes were higher and acid reflux times were longer .

Optimal Regimen and Period for the Treatment of Patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Various drugs can be used for treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD). However, the optimal medical treatment regimen is still controversial. This study was performed to determine the optimal medical treatment regimen and duration for LPRD. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We studied 172 patients who were diagnosed as LPRD by reflux symptom index (RSI) or reflux finding scores (RFS). The study group was divided into 4 groups according to the medication regimen: proton pump inhibitor (PPI), PPI and prokinetics, PPI and H2 blocker, and double dose PPI groups. All patients took medicines for 3 months or more. Clinical remission was defined as 70% improvement of initial RSI scores. RESULTS: 36 (20.9%) patients were prescribed PPI only, 65 (37.8%) patients PPI with prokinetics, 51 (29.6%) patients PPI with H2 blocker, 20 (11.6%) patients double dose PPI. Pretreatment with RSI and RFS did not differ among the four groups. RSI was improved after one month of medication in all of the groups. RSI and RFS tended to decrease during the treatment in all groups (p for trend <0.001). The mean clinical remission time was 2.3 months in patients receiving PPI alone, 2.6 months in PPI and prokinetics group, 2.5 months in the PPI and H2 blocker group and 1.8 months in the double dose PPI group. About 70% of patients reached clinical remission within 3 months. CONCLUSION: PPI with or without prokinetics or H2 blocker is effective treatment for LPRD, and the appropriate duration of medication seems to be about 3 months. Double dose PPI can be used for those whom normal dose PPI is ineffective.