Validity and Reliability of the Filipino Reflux Symptom Index.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to establish validity and reliability of the Filipino Reflux Symptom Index (FRSI) and to test it among patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) before and after 6 months' trial of rabeprazole. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study was carried out. METHODS: There were 35 LPR patients and 30 controls who were twice-administered the FRSI and Filipino Voice Handicap Index (FVHI) for test-retest reliability, and videostroboscopy was performed to obtain baseline reflux finding scores (RFSs). Patients took rabeprazole 20 mg twice daily for 6 months. The FRSI and FVHI were readministered a third time, repeat videostroboscopy was performed, and repeat RFS was obtained. Reliability, validity, and internal consistency were computed. RESULTS: A total of 58 participants, 29 patients and controls each, aged 22-65 years completed the study. FVHI 2:1 and FRSI 2:1 significantly correlated with no significant differences between FRSI 2:1. FRSI had good item-total correlations indicating psychometrically sound items. There were significant differences between patients and controls for FRSI scores and mean scores. FRSI 3 scores were significantly lower than FRSI 1 scores, suggesting symptoms improved after treatment. There were no significant differences between RFS 2 and 1. Significant differences between FRSI 3 and 1, but not between FVHI 3 and 1, suggest the FRSI was more sensitive to changes in reflux after 6 months' intervention than the FVHI. CONCLUSIONS: The FRSI is a valid and reliable tool for assessing LPR symptoms and may be used for primary care screening among Filipinos. Initial response to a 2-week empirical proton pump inhibitor trial may support an impression of LPR; non-response warrants specialist referral for further investigation.

Extended transpalatine approach for excision of juvenile angiofibroma

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To describe the extended transpalatine approach (ETPA) with transection of the ipsilateral greater palatine artery and extension of the ipsilateral retromolar incision and its corresponding surgical outcomes and present it as an option in the excision of juvenile angiofibroma (JA).<br /><br /><strong>METHODS:</strong> <br /><strong>Design:</strong> Descriptive case series<br /><br /><strong>Setting:</strong> Tertiary Public University Hospital<br /><br /><strong>Subjects:</strong> 13 JA cases undergoing ETPA<br /><br /><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Records of JA in a tertiary hospital from 2007 - 2013 were reviewed. Out of 35 JA patients, 13 underwent excision via extended transpalatine approach. Preoperative work-up included CT scan with contrast with or without preoperative embolization. In all patients, the wide field allowed easy tumor excision and facilitated inspection and hemostasis. There was only one recurrence in our series compared to 1 each for 4 endoscopic and 18 transmaxillary approaches. Not one of the patients developed a fistula or hypernasal speech. All patients had minimal palatal scarring, symmetric alveolar growth and palatal function.<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> The ETPA is a robust technique. It provides good exposure of JA with minimal preoperative requirements and postoperative complications.</p>