Evaluation of Swallowing Function in Relation to Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Patients with Operated Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the occurrence of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) signs and symptoms in patients with operated unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 15 adolescents with operated unilateral CLP (CLP group) and 15 non-cleft volunteers (control group). Initially, the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) questionnaire was administered to subjects. OD signs and symptoms such as coughing, the sensation of choking, globus sensation, the need to clear the throat, nasal regurgitation, difficulties of bolus control multiple swallowing were evaluated by patient complaints and physical examination of swallowing function. Also, the Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale was used to determine the severity of the OD. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) with water, yogurt, and crackers was performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of OD signs and symptoms based on patient complaints and physical examination of swallowing was low (range, 6.7 to 26.7%), and nonsignificant differences were observed between the groups for these parameters as well as for EAT-10 scores. According to the Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale findings, 11 of 15 patients with CLP were asymptomatic. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing indicated that post-swallow pharyngeal wall residues with yogurt were significant in the CLP group with a prevalence of 53% ( P < 0.05), whereas differences between the groups in terms of cracker and water residues were nonsignificant ( P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: OD in patients with repaired CLP was manifested mainly in the form of pharyngeal residue. However, it did not appear to cause significant increases in patient complaints compared with healthy individuals.

Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Patients with Dysphagia: A Delphi-Based Consensus Study of Experts in Turkey-Part I: Management, Diagnosis, and Follow-up.

Dysphagia is one of the most common and important complications of stroke. It is an independent marker of poor outcome after acute stroke and may become chronic after the acute period and continues to affect all aspects of the patient's life. Patients with stroke may encounter any of the medical branches in the emergency room or outpatient clinic, and as in our country, there may not be specialists specific for dysphagia, such as speech-language pathologists (SLP), in every hospital. This study aimed to raise awareness and create a common opinion of medical specialists for stroke patients with dysphagia. This recommendation paper has been written by a multidisciplinary team and offers 45 recommendations for stroke patients with dysphagia. It was created using the eight-step Delphi round via e-mail. This study is mostly specific to Turkey. However, since it contains detailed recommendations from the perspective of various disciplines associated with stroke, this consensus-based recommendation paper is not only a useful guide to address clinical questions in practice for the clinical management of dysphagia in terms of management, diagnosis, and follow-up, but also includes detailed comments for these topics.

Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) study: the first report in children to evaluate the oropharyngeal dysphagia after esophageal atresia repair.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the swallowing problems by fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) study in both short- and long-gap patients after esophageal atresia (EA) repair. METHODS: Hospital records of patients who had undergone surgery for EA were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups as short-gap (SG) group (n:16) and long-gap (LG) group (n:10) to compare the swallowing problems. FEES study was performed, and the results were discussed in detail. RESULTS: There were twenty-six (16 M/10 F) patients with a mean age at evaluation was 7.52 ∓ 3.68 years. Mean follow-up period was 75.35 ∓ 44.48 months. In FEES study, pharyngeal phase abnormalities were detected in 10 patients (38.4%). Pharyngeal phase abnormalities were detected significantly higher in LG group (p:0.015). Laryngeal penetration/aspiration was seen in four patients on FEES study (15.3%). All of them was in LG group (40%). Laryngeal penetration/aspiration was seen significantly higher in LG group (p:0.014). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to conduct FEES study in children after esophageal atresia repair to evaluate their swallowing conditions. Even though our sample is small, swallowing problems are more common than expected in the cases of LG when compared to SG.

Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Patients with Dysphagia: A Delphi-Based Consensus Study of Experts in Turkey-Part II: Rehabilitation.

Dysphagia is one of the most common and important complications of stroke. It is an independent marker of poor outcome following acute stroke and it continues to be effective for many years. This consensus-based guideline is not only a good address to clinical questions in practice for the clinical management of dysphagia including management, diagnosis, follow-up, and rehabilitation methods, but also includes detailed algorithms for these topics. The recommendation paper has been written by a multidisciplinary team and offers 117 recommendations for stroke patients with dysphagia. While focusing on management principles, diagnosis, and follow-up in the 1st part (45 items), rehabilitation details were evaluated in the 2nd part (72 items).

Delayed Reconstruction with Full-Thickness Skin Grafts Following Defect Size Reduction in Head and Neck Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer.

Different treatment modalities have been applied for nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) of the head and neck area. One of the most important points after surgical treatment is the selection of appropriate reconstruction methods. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of the use of both defect size reduction with sutures and secondary healing with delayed reconstruction with full-thickness skin grafts in NMSC patients. In total, 18 (42.8%) male and 24 (57.2%) female patients with NMSC were operated. Defect size was measured both after excision and just before repair, and the approximate defect area was calculated with ImageJ software. Reconstruction was performed after 14 days in all patients in the second session, using free skin grafts. There were 18 (42.8%) male and 24 (57.2%) female patients. The mean age was 70.5 (45-82) years. The mean follow-up period was 40.3 (16-68) months. The mean defect area measured after excision was 8.44 ± 1.91 cm2. After 14 days of delay, the mean defect area was 5.51 ± 1.28 cm2 (34.8% reduction) (p < 0.05). Defect-reduction methods applied during the first session, together with proper interval prior to placement of graft, have been shown to be beneficial and acceptable methods, providing an advantage in reconstruction with free skin graft.

PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy regulator genes in paranasal squamous cell carcinoma metastasis.

Although there are many studies on the role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy genes in the mechanism of head and neck cancer formation and prognostic significance, there is no study investigating the role of the genes in paranasal sinus carcinomas. The aim of the study was to assess the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy related gene expression changes in squamous cell carcinoma of paranasal sinuses with and without neck metastasis. Eight paranasal squamous cell carcinoma patients (five without and three with neck metastasis) were included. Tissues were obtained during the surgery. Total RNA was isolated from the tissues and cDNA synthesis was performed. Expression levels of the genes were determined using qRT-PCR method. The results were evaluated using the 2-∆∆Ct method, and fold changes of the gene expression levels in primary tumor and neck metastasis tissues were calculated according to the normal tissue. Expression levels of both PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and positive regulators of autophagy were significantly increased in metastasis-related two groups, especially in neck metastasis tissues. The increase in PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy related gene expression levels may support the metastatic character in paranasal squamous cell carcinomas. This is the first study to assess autophagy related genes in paranasal sinus cancer at transcriptome-level. Support of the transcriptome-level findings by the further protein analyses will contribute to the illumination of the rare paranasal sinus cancer molecular biology.

Evaluation of significant gene expression changes in congenital and acquired cholesteatoma.

Etiopathogenesis of acquired and congenital cholesteatoma is still unclear. The clinical behavior of adult acquired, pediatric acquired and congenital cholesteatomas show differences. The scope of the this study was to detect the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene expression changes in cholesteatoma perimatrix and to compare these changes among congenital cholesteatoma, adult acquired cholesteatoma and pediatric acquired cholesteatoma. A total of 16 genes including MMPs, TIMPs and EGFR were analyzed in the samples of 32 cholesteatoma tissues. Real-time PCR was used for detection of the gene expression levels. Data analyses were achieved by ΔΔCT method (Light Cycler 480 Quantification Software) and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. The expression levels of MMP-2, -9, -10, -11, -13, -14, -15, -16 and EGFR genes were significantly higher in acquired cholesteatoma than healthy tissue (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease (3.34 times more) in the mean TIMP-2 gene expression level in acquired cholesteatoma compared to healthy tissue (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in the mean expression level of MMP-7 gene and a decrease in the mean expression level of TIMP-1 gene (3.12 times more) in congenital cholesteatoma compared to healthy tissue (p < 0.05). This study indicates that increased expression levels of some particular MMP genes and EGFR gene and decreased expression levels of TIMP genes may play an important role in the development of cholesteatoma. Further, MMP-9, MMP-13 and MMP-14 genes may have a remarkable role in the development of more aggressive cholesteatoma forms. The authors concluded that overexpression of MMP-9, MMP-13 and MMP-14 may cause stronger inflammation associated with cholesteatoma.

The effect of "xanthan gum-based fluid thickener" on hydration, swallowing functions and nutritional status in total maxillectomy patients.

PURPOSE: Swallowing functions are affected after total maxillectomy operations and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The purpose of our study is to assess the role of xanthan gum based thickening agents on swallowing and hydration of maxillectomy patients on a randomized controlled fashion. METHODS: 12 of the 22 patients diagnosed with maxillary carcinoma and planned to undergo total maxillectomy was identified as study group and 10 of them were identified as control group. The study group used "xantham based liquid thickener" for liquid foods up to 3 months postoperatively and the control group did not use. Dysphagia-related quality of life, bioimpedance analysis, EAT-10 scores, swallowing functions were evaluated both preoperative and postoperative period. RESULTS: The mean age of the study group was 56 ± 9.87, and 41.6% were women. The mean age of control group was 60 ± 15.63, and 50% were women. Postoperative EAT-10 scores were statistically significant higher than preoperative scores in both groups (p < 0.05). In both of the study and control groups, a statistically significant reduction in dysphagia related quality of life was detected postoperatively (p < 0.05). Intracellular water, extracellular water and total body water detected statistically significant higher in study group at postoperative month three. CONCLUSION: Swallowing functions are affected due to total maxillectomy and radiotherapy. With this study, it has been shown that, total maxillectomy and radiotherapy reduce dysphagia-related quality of life. Swallowing dysfunction and dehydration has been shown to affect total maxillectomy patients. Using of 'xanthan gum-based fluid thickener' helps to maintain intracellular water, extracellular water, and total body water.

Evaluation of Swallowing Functions in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome.

Patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) manifest symptoms such as dry eyes, dry mouth, and dysphagia. This study aims to evaluate the swallowing functions of the patients with SS. 69 patients with SS (65 females, 4 males) and 40 healthy individuals (33 females, 7 males) were included as study and control groups, respectively. Mean ages were 52.86 and 48.25 years for study and control groups, respectively. Swallowing functions were evaluated by fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). All the patients underwent FEES and were given 3, 5, and 10 ml water, yogurt, and fish-shaped crackers twice, respectively. The presence of bolus control, residue, penetration, and aspiration were evaluated. Additionally, certain types of foods triggering the dysphagia, any difficulties in bolus control, need to clean the throat, sensation of having a lump in the throat, sensation of choking, and xerostomia were included in the questionnaire. The MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory were administered to patients. Considering the presence of residue with yogurt and fish cracker, there was a significant difference between groups (P < 0.05). Penetration was present in two patients in the study group; however, the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Regarding the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory, the average scores were 48.18 ± 13.21 and 87.6 ± 10.67 for study and control groups, respectively, and a statistically significant difference was detected (P < 0.05). Regarding the Beck Depression Inventory, the average scores were 11.83 ± 9.37 and 8.03 ± 6.84 for study and control groups, respectively (P < 0.05). SS affected the swallowing functions significantly. The presence of residue with yogurt and cracker was the most obvious finding, whereas penetration/aspiration was not clinically significant. Swallowing dysfunction reduced the quality of life in patients with SS.

Endoscopic versus microscopic type 1 tympanoplasty in the same patients: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to compare the audiologic outcomes of the patients who underwent endoscopy on one ear and microscopic tympanoplasty on the other, and to investigate the operative time, graft success, postoperative pain and health status. This prospective randomized controlled study was carried out in Ege University ENT Department between February 2015 and September 2016. The patients who had bilateral chronic otitis media, normal middle ear mucosa and a hearing loss difference of 10 dB or less between the two ears randomly underwent microscopic tympanoplasty in one ear and endoscopic tympanoplasty in the contralateral ear, with 6-month intervals. 13 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 36.17 ± 3.61 years (range 17-53 years, 7 female, 6 male). The improvement in air-bone gap for groups 1 (endoscopic) and 2 (microscopic) was 9.48 ± 5.23 and 9.89 ± 2.79 dB, respectively. The duration of the surgery in group 1 was significantly lower than that in group 2 (p < 0.01). VAS scores were 2.15 ± 0.37 and 3.76 ± 1.64 cm for groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.006). The endoscopic approach for type 1 tympanoplasty offers shorter surgery time, better health status and lower postoperative pain than microscopic surgery. In addition, endoscopic surgery offers comparable improvement in air-bone gap and similar graft success. The endoscopic approach has comparable audiological and morphological graft outcomes with the microscopic one. The endoscopic approach yielded better health and pain status for the same patients. Level of evidence This is an individual randomized controlled trial. The level of evidence is 1b.

The Comparison of Electroacoustic and Subjective Voice Quality in Type 3 and 4 Transoral Laser Cordectomy for Early-Stage Glottic Carcinoma.

One of the main issues in early-stage glottic carcinoma management is the voice quality following different types of treatment modalities. In type 3 and 4 transoral laser cordectomies, the voice outcomes can show significant differences due to the extent of the vocal muscle resection. This study aims to compare the voice quality in patients who underwent type 3 and 4 laser cordectomy for early-stage glottic carcinoma. A total of 30 patients who underwent type 3 (15 patients) and type 4 (15 patients) laser cordectomy for T1a glottic carcinoma between May 2018 and 2020 were included in this retrospective comparative study. Electroacoustic voice analysis and Voice Handicap Index-10 were performed in the postoperative twelfth month and the outcomes were compared between two laser cordectomy groups. The mean age of all patients was 48.6 ± 4.2 years. Noise-to-harmonic ratio, jitter, shimmer, pitch perturbation quotient and amplitude perturbation quotient values were significantly different between two groups (p < 0.05). Fundamental frequency and Voice Handicap Index-10 scores showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). This study reports significantly better results for type 3 against type 4 laser cordectomy by means of objective voice analysis outcomes, except fundamental frequency. On the other hand, self-reported subjective analysis showed very similar results for both groups. Further studies combining data with multiple objective and subjective analyses with larger patient series and longer follow-up are warranted.

Evaluation of swallowing in transverse maxillary deficiency patients before and after rapid maxillary expansion.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate swallowing function in relation to oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in adolescents who had transverse maxillary deficiency with posterior crossbite and high-arched palate, before, and after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (mean age: 13.0 ± 3.1) with bilateral posterior crossbite and high-arched palate (RME group: RMEG) and 20 volunteers (mean age: 13.4 ± 2.6) with Class I crowding without posterior crossbite or high-arched palate (control group: CG) were recruited. OD signs and symptoms were evaluated using the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) questionnaire, patient complaints, and physical examination of swallowing function before (T1) and 7 months after (T2) RME. Additionally, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) with water, yogurt, and cracker was performed. In CG, evaluation of swallowing was performed only once, corresponding to T1 of RMEG. RESULTS: Prevalence of OD signs and symptoms based on patient complaints and physical examination of swallowing was low (5%-15%), and nonsignificant differences were observed between CG and RMEG at T1 for these parameters as well as for EAT-10 scores. Total post-swallow pharyngeal residue with yogurt was significantly different between CG and RMEG at T1, with a prevalence of 60% in RMEG (P < .05). There was no significant difference regarding residue with yogurt between T1 and T2 in RMEG (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Patients with a maxillary transverse deficiency were affected by pharyngeal residue as indicated by FEES, but it did not appear to improve in short-term follow-up in patients treated with RME.

The role of the WNT signaling pathway in the maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma.

Paranasal sinus tumors are a rare type of cancer. Most of these tumors are of epithelial origin and 80% of them are maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma. The WNT signaling pathway is an essential embryonic regulatory pathway known to play an important role in many cancers, including head and neck cancers. However, the effect of this pathway in maxillary sinus tumors has not been studied before. The aim of the study was to determine the changes in the regulatory genes of the WNT signaling pathway in maxillary sinus tumors. For this purpose, total RNA was isolated from the pathological preparations of 85 patients who had previously been operated on for squamous cell maxillary sinus tumor, and gene expression changes were evaluated by real-time RT-qPCR. The interactions among proteins encoded by genes, whose expression levels were found to be decreased and increased, were determined by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis using string database, and signaling pathways that they are involved in were examined by Reactome database. A significant decrease in the expression of 28 genes compared to the control (fold change < 2.00 and p-value < 0.05) and a significant increase in the expression of 23 genes (fold change < 2.00 and p-value < 0.05) were detected. According to in silico analysis results, Signal Transduction (REACTOME:R-HSA-162582) and Signaling by WNT (REACTOME:R-HSA-195721) pathways were determined as most regulated pathways and FZD4-LRP5 and BCL9-CTNNB1 were determined as the strongest interactions. The current study contributes to illuminating the genetic regulation of maxillary sinus carcinoma in which genetic knowledge is limited. Our findings take attention to the dysregulations of the WNT signaling pathway that may support maxillary sinus carcinogenesis. The results will pave the way for further studies that investigate the therapy target potential of the WNT signaling pathway in this rare cancer.

Orbital complications of pediatric rhinosinusitis: A single institution report.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rhinosinusitis is one of the most common infections of childhood. Rhinosinusitis usually limits itself in the pediatric age group, however orbital and intracranial complications may arise in some of the patients. The purpose of the study was to retrospectively analyse the previous treatments and outcomes in pediatric rhinosinusitis patients with orbital complications. METHODS: The effect and prognosis of medical treatment and endoscopic sinus surgery are reported in this study. Twenty-five pediatric patients diagnosed with complicated rhinosinusitis between January 2008 - February 2016 were included in the study. Orbital complications, examination findings, radiological imaging and blood counts were retrospectively collected from patient files. The duration of hospitalization, source of the infection, complications, previous medical and surgical treatments were also retrospectively assessed. RESULTS: Average age of the patients were 8.84 ± 4.02 years (range: 1-16 years). The mean length of stay in hospital was 6.72 ± 3.28 days. Hospitalization in surgically treated group was higher than primarily medically treated group. However this difference could not reach to a statistically significant level (p > 0.05). Mean hospitalization time was found 5.21 ± 2.51 and 8.43 ± 2.87 days in patients diagnosed with preseptal cellulitis and subperiosteal abscess respectively. Hospitalization in patients with subperiosteal abscess was higher than preseptal cellulitis and a statistically significant difference was detected (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Morbidity and mortality of orbital complications which are the most common complications of pediatric rhinosinusitis, could significantly be reduced by using appropriate treatment methods and an early diagnosis. Conservative therapy is an effective method for patients with preseptal cellulitis and most cases of orbital cellulitis in children.

Objective analysis of swallowing and functional voice outcomes after thyroidectomy: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Impairment in voice and swallowing functions are common after thyroidectomy. We aimed to evaluate the objective functional voice and swallowing outcomes in a series of patients undergoing thyroidectomy. METHODS: A total of 43 consenting patients who underwent thyroidectomy were prospectively recruited. Subjective evaluation of swallowing was assessed with 'Swallowing Impairment Score' and 'MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory'. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was applied for objective evaluation. Also, functional oral intake scale (FOIS) and functional outcome swallowing scale (FOSS) were used for swallowing assessment. Voice evaluation was assessed with videostrobolaryngoscopy (VSL) and 'The Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP)' was used for capturing and analyzing the voice samples. All evaluations were performed preoperatively and on 1st day, 2nd week and 6th months postoperatively. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03436186. RESULTS: According to the objective analyses there was no difference between pre- and post-operative scores for the intake of fluid and thickened liquid food. There was a significant difference regarding light and moderate residual accumulation in solid food intake (p = 0.013). FOSS showed no difference, but FOIS revealed specific functional limitation (p = 0.034). Subjective data showed no correlation with objective findings (p > 0.05). Regarding voice evaluation, a significant increase was observed in standard deviation of average fundamental frequency and degree of subharmonics (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Even in the absence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, subjective and objective swallowing and voice alterations do occur after thyroidectomy.

The role of EGFR overexpression on the recurrence of basal cell carcinomas with positive surgical margins.

BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression may have role on recurrence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with positive surgical margin(s). OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the role of genetic expression changes of EGFR on recurrence rates in patients in follow up with surgically excised BCC with positive surgical margin(s). METHODS: Thirty-four surgical margin-positive BCC lesions that were closely followed up without an immediate reoperation were included in this study. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed from the both healthy and tumoral tissue samples. RESULTS: EGFR was expressed at a significantly higher rate in tumoral tissues compared to healthy tissues (p < 0,05). In patients with recurrence lesions, EGFR expression was 6,66 times higher compared to patients with non-recurrent. Also, there was statistically significant difference EGFR expression for infiltrative subtypes (p < 0,05). CONCLUSION: Our study focuses on the role of EGFR overexpression specifically and outcomes for recurrent and infiltrative subtyped lesions are significant for both clinic and pathogenesis of BCC. Similar studies have to be performed with high numbered patient groups.

Malignant Otitis Externa: A Retrospective Analysis and Treatment Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze previous treatments and outcomes in patients with malignant otitis externa (MOE) retrospectively. The efficacy of medical and surgical treatments was also evaluated. METHODS: This study included 25 patients diagnosed with MOE and treated at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ege University School of Medicine between 2006 and 2017. The duration of hospitalization, Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels of the patients, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), source of the infection, complications, and previous medical and surgical treatments were also retrospectively assessed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients (7 females and 18 males) was 69.68±11.29 years. The mean length of hospital stay in patients with HbA1c levels ≤6 and in patients with HbA1c levels >6 was 26.86 and 33.39 days, respectively. The mean hospitalization time was significantly longer in patients with HbA1c levels >6 (p<0.05). Additionally, elderly patients (age>65 years) had a significantly longer hospital stay in our study (p<0.05). ESR was found to be 52.76±32.49 (9-108) mm/h at the first examination and 14.92±1.22 (4-32) mm/h at the time of discharge. CONCLUSION: MOE is an aggressive disease that requires conservative management, and ESR proved to be a good indicator of treatment response. Long-term antibiotherapy are recommended for treatment.

The diagnostic value of 24-hour ambulatory intraesophageal pH-impedance in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms comparable with typical symptoms.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux is currently based on a combination of the patient history of multichannel intraluminal impedance and ambulatory pH (MII-pH); however, none of these findings alone is specific for the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux. We aimed to compare the baseline characteristics and esophageal baseline impedance values between patients with and without laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from two groups of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux according to their reflux finding score (RFS) as scored by ENTs. Control patients were nonerosive reflux disease patients without laryngopharyngeal reflux. All MII-pH parameters and baseline impedance were analyzed from six levels and the proximal and distal baseline impedance and the ratio of the proximal to distal baseline impedance levels was calculated. RESULTS: Altogether 123 patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux and 49 control patients were included. A total of 81 of 123 patients had RFS ≥ 7, and 42 of 123 patients had RFS < 7. Baseline impedance analysis showed that patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms had significantly lower proximal baseline impedance values (1997 ± 51 vs 2245 ± 109, p < 0.05) than the control group. Additionally, patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms had a significantly lower proximal-to-distal ratio (1.28 ± 0.05 vs 1.53 ± 0.09, p < 0.05). In the subgroup analysis, patients with RFS < 7 were found to have a significantly lower acid exposure time than either the patients with RFS ≥ 7 (3.85 ± 0.65 vs 8.2 ± 1.52, p < 0.05) or the control group (3.85 ± 0.65 vs 6.1 ± 0.81, p < 0.05). Additionally, patients with RFS ≥ 7 had significantly lower proximal baseline impedance levels than the control group (1970 ± 63 vs 2245 ± 109, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pathologic laryngopharyngeal reflux symptom scores had lower proximal baseline impedance levels and lower proximal-to-distal ratios, which may reflect the proximal mucosal noxious effect of the refluxate. These results may indicate that laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms may be due to chronic acid exposure in the proximal segments of the esophagus, and the proximal-to-distal ratio may be used as a new metric for diagnosis.