Prevalence of gastroesophagopharyngeal acid reflux events: an evidence-based systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To identify variables contributing to discrepant gastroesophagopharyngeal acid reflux (GEPR) findings and to critically assess the prevalence of GEPR in healthy individuals and patients with reflux laryngitis (RL).

STUDY DESIGN

Quantitative systematic review.

METHODS

Pharyngeal pH monitoring studies of healthy individuals and patients with RL were identified through a MEDLINE search of publications between 1966 and 2003. Pooled results of the measured pharyngeal acid exposure characteristics and the prevalence of GEPR events were analyzed. Statistical comparisons were performed using a chi 2 test.

RESULTS

The study included 181 controls and 184 RL patients. Subjects' age ranged from 19 to 85 years. Gastroesophagopharyngeal acid reflux events were detected at 1, 2, and 4 cm above upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and 0.5 cm below arytenoids, with varying rates. The prevalence of GEPR ranged from 0% to 83% in controls and 27% to 86% in RL. After excluding the healthy subjects with abnormal esophageal acid exposure, prevalence of GEPR decreased from 35% to 17% (P<or=.002). Gastroesophagopharyngeal acid reflux in RL was significantly more prevalent than in the entire group of controls as well as in controls without abnormal esophageal acid exposure (P<or=.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of GEPR in controls and patients with RL varies in the studied 4 areas above the UES. The percentage of the subjects with GEPR increased as the probe was located more closely to the UES. Differences in demographic characteristics of the subjects, interventions used to select subjects, and pharyngeal pH monitoring techniques were identified as factors possibly contributing to inconsistent pharyngeal pH monitoring findings. The documented differences in methodology of existing studies make comparison of the studies difficult.

Extraesophageal manifestations of GERD: diagnosis and therapy

Extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can include upper airway disorders, asthma and chronic cough. They have a common pathophysiology, involving microaspiration of acid into the larynx and pharynx, and vagally mediated bronchospasm and laryngospasm. The role of extraesophageal reflux (EER) in such disorders is underdiagnosed due to the often silent symptoms and difficult confirmation of diagnosis. Laryngeal examination and quantitative evaluation of findings using the reflux finding score are essential to diagnosis and treatment. Long-term high-dose proton pump inhibitor therapy is the first-line approach to controlling symptoms. Use of treatment algorithms is necessary to manage and accurately diagnose the cause of nonresponse to treatment.

[Gastroesophageal reflux involvement in ENT disorders]

It is admitted that gastroesophageal reflux patients may presents ear, nose, and throat (ENT) symptoms and signs, condition known as laryngo-pharyngeal reflux. It is estimated that as many as 10% of patients presenting to an ENT specialist have a clinical condition that might be attributed to gastroesophageal reflux. The diagnosis is challenging since no laryngeal signs are pathognomonic. A combination of ENT and esophageal symptoms and signs may suggest the necessity of further investigations. Adapted 24h pH study or better an esophageal impedance study may reveal the involvement of gastroesophageal reflux. Alternatively, a short trial with omeprazole or another proton pump inhibitor may be the simplest way for diagnosis. The standard treatment for gastroesophageal reflux is the valid treatment for these patients.

Ear, nose, and throat manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Complaints can be telltale signs

GERD is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions in the general US population. ENT become more commonly recognized or suspected by physicians, although the direct association between symptoms and acid reflux has been difficult to establish. Most patients with suspected supraesophageal GERD do not have the typical symptoms of heartburn and acid regurgitation. Possible mechanisms of GERD-mediated damage to extraesophageal structures include direct-contact damage of mucosal surfaces by acid-pepsin exposure and a vagal reflex arc between the esophagus and the upper aerodigestive tract, triggered by acid reflux. Dual-channel ambulatory pH monitoring is the most sensitive and specific diagnostic test for determining transient reflux episodes, although demonstrating the presence of acid reflux alone does not prove that it is the cause of suspected GERD-related signs or symptoms. Therefore, physicians must sometimes resort to an empirical treatment strategy for both diagnosis and treatment. High-dose PPI therapy for 9 to 12 weeks is the recognized first-line therapy; operative therapy is reserved for patients who have severe complications or whose condition incompletely responds to treatment. Complete lack of response should prompt reconsideration of alternative diagnoses. Controlled, well-designed clinical trials to assess treatment and more sophisticated techniques to quantify acid reflux are needed to help determine which patients with suspected extraesophageal complications actually have GERD as the primary cause.

Prevalence of extraesophageal reflux in patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux

OBJECTIVES

To compare the prevalence of extraesophageal reflux (EER) in patients with heartburn, posterior laryngitis (PL), and in healthy controls. Study design and setting A retrospective and prospective study including a total of 101 subjects who underwent 24-hour dual-probe pH monitoring.

RESULTS

52% of the subjects with heartburn had EER. No significant differences were found between the PL and heartburn groups for any pharyngeal reflux parameters. However, supine pharyngeal reflux was significantly more prevalent in heartburn patients with GERD than in PL patients and healthy controls (P < 0.05). Significant positive correlation (P < 0.01) was found between the percentage of time pH <4 in the pharynx and in the distal esophagus.

CONCLUSION

EER occurs in the majority of heartburn patients who are lacking laryngeal symptoms. Abnormal distal esophageal acid exposure makes the occurrence of EER more likely.

SIGNIFICANCE

EER appears to be a continuum without clear-cut differences between the groups.

Extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may manifest as laryngitis, asthma, cough, or noncardiac chest pain. Diagnosing these extraesophageal manifestations may be difficult for primary care physicians because most patients do not have heartburn or regurgitation. Diagnostic tests have low specificity, and a cause-and-effect association between GERD and extraesophageal symptoms is difficult to establish. Response to aggressive acid suppression is often the best indication of GERD etiology in a patient with extraesophageal symptoms.

The endoscopic radiofrequency approach to management of GERD

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Endoscopic treatment has been recently introduced as a new option for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease. In this article the authors review the radiofrequency approach known as the Stretta procedure, as more evidence has linked reflux to upper airway disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Since 1968, when laryngeal disorders were linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease, more upper airway diseases such as chronic laryngitis, subglottic stenosis, and even laryngeal carcinoma were found to be occasionally caused by extraesophageal reflux. Most otolaryngologists treat these patients with proton pump inhibitors, which improve symptoms in two thirds of patients. Antireflux surgery remains the treatment of choice, relieving symptoms in more than 90% of patients. Endoscopic treatment has recently emerged as an option for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The Stretta procedure delivers radiofrequency energy to the gastroesophageal junction. This has proved to be effective in controlling reflux by inhibiting transient, inappropriate lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, increasing postprandial lower esophageal spincter pressure, and decreasing lower esophageal sphincter compliance. Stretta is among the earliest endoscopic technologies to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of reflux. It has the longest term follow-up published to this date, and the most durable effect. It is performed under intravenous sedation on an outpatient basis and has a low incidence of complications.

SUMMARY

The Stretta procedure is an endoscopic, noninvasive modality for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. It should be considered in the treatment of reflux-related upper airway diseases.

Traumatic supraglottitis

Traumatic supraglottitis may occur after mechanical, thermal, chemical, or other airway injury. It can be managed following the principles used for managing the airways of patients with infectious supraglottitis. A protocol for evaluation and management is described.

[Gastroesophagopharyngeal reflux in infants and children with recurrent symptoms of the upper respiratory tract]

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) plays an important role in pathogenesis of recurrent/chronic disorders of the respiratory tract. Atypical symptoms of GER can be suggested to be cause of the otorhinolaryngological problems. For these last manifestations no cause-effect relationship has yet been proven. There are many therapeutic studies, in which treatment of GERD is examined for its impact on coexisting respiratory disorders. The aim of our study was to confirm the presence of acid reflux by using 24-hour intraesophageal pH monitoring. From the group of 29 patients with recurrent episodes of the pharyngitis, laryngitis and tracheitis, we evaluated 18 children aged 3 months to 8 years (mean, 4.23 +/- 2.85) with coexisting reflux symptoms. The protocol included a parenteral interview, physical examination, roentgenograms of the chest and larynx, laryngoscopy, as well as 24-hour simultaneous proximal and distal esophageal pH monitoring. The most significant differences between examined patients and control subjects was noted in terms of the lowest pH value, number of reflux episodes and index reflux while pH dropped below 4. Every significant drop under pH 6 recorded in proximal esophagus was simultaneous with reflux episode in distal esophagus. We found increased both sensitivity and specificity of the simultaneous pH monitoring in the distal and proximal part of the esophagus comparing to monitoring by the single probe. We confirmed the presence of gastroesophagopharyngeal reflux in patients with recurrent disorders of pharynx, larynx and/or trachea.

Predictors of outcome in an open label, therapeutic trial of high-dose omeprazole in laryngitis

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux is implicated in some cases of laryngitis. There are no established predictors of response to acid suppression therapy in suspected reflux laryngitis.

AIM

In a population with laryngitis, the aim is to determine whether (a) omeprazole 20 mg tds (3 months) improves symptoms and laryngitis, and (b) the outcome in response to potent acid suppression can be predicted by esophageal and/or pharyngeal parameters during ambulatory pH monitoring or by other pretreatment variables.

METHODS

From the 70 consecutive patients with laryngitis screened, 20 patients met the inclusion criteria (dysphonia >3 months; laryngoscopically demonstrated laryngitis); and 50 patients were excluded because of one or more criteria indicating alternative causes for laryngeal injury. The primary outcome measure was improvement of at least one level in a 4-point laryngitis grading at 3 months. Twenty-four-hour dual, pharyngo-esophageal pH monitoring was performed at baseline. Secondary outcomes (symptom questionnaire; computerized voice analysis) were measured at baseline, and at 6 and 12 wk.

RESULTS

Response rates at 6 and 12 wk were 47% and 63%, respectively. GERD symptoms (heartburn (p= 0.03) and regurgitation (p= 0.0001)) improved. However, neither baseline GERD symptoms nor endoscopic findings predicted laryngoscopic or symptomatic response. Neither baseline laryngitis grade (p= 0.46) nor esophageal acid exposure on pH testing (p= 0.3) predicted outcome. Four of 20 patients demonstrated pharyngeal regurgitation on pH testing, all four of whom responded to potent acid suppression (p= 0.2). Computerized voice measures were not predictive of outcome, although fundamental frequency (Fo) was inversely related to baseline laryngoscopic grade.

CONCLUSION

In a carefully defined population of patients with laryngitis (a) 63% have a laryngoscopic response to 3 months of potent acid suppression without significant improvement in laryngeal symptoms; (b) neither voice measures, esophageal acid exposure time, symptoms nor severity of laryngitis predict outcome; and (c) although numbers were small, all patients with a positive pharyngeal pH study responded to therapy and pharyngeal pH-metry may prove useful; (4) available evidence supports an empiric trial of high-dose proton pump inhibitors (PPI), for at least 12 wk, as the initial diagnostic step for suspected reflux laryngitis.

Stenosierende Laryngitis gastrica im S�uglingsalter

A 2 month old female infant presented an aphonic voice and increasing inspiratory stridor due to a stenosing granulating laryngitis. A pathologically elevated gastroesophageal reflux was measured by means of 24-h pH-metry. After antireflux therapy (Cisaprid, sodium alginate and upright body positioning), the laryngitis was completely healed. This case confirms that an elevated gastroesophageal reflux in infants can cause chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, especially of the larynx.

Multidimensional voice analysis of reflux laryngitis patients

The aim of the study was to analyze and quantify the voice characteristics of reflux laryngitis (RL) patients and to determine the most important voice tests and voice-quality parameters in the functional diagnostics of RL. The voices of 83 RL patients and 31 persons in the control group were evaluated. Vocal function was assessed using a multidimensional set of video laryngostroboscopic, perceptual, acoustic, aerodynamic and subjective measurements according to the protocol elaborated by the Committee on Phoniatrics of the European Laryngological Society. The mean values of the hoarseness visual analogue scale assessment and voice handicap index were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the group of RL patients as compared to the controls. Objective voice assessment revealed a significant increase in mean values of jitter, shimmer and normalized noise energy (NNE), along with a significant decrease in pitch range, maximum frequency, phonetogram area (S) and maximum phonation time (MPT) in RL patients, both in the male and female subgroups. According to the results of discriminant analysis, the NNE, MPT, S and intensity range were determined as an optimum set for functional diagnostics of RL. The derived function (equation) makes it possible to assign the person to the group of RL patients with an accuracy of 86.7%. The sensitivity and specificity of eight voice parameters were found to be higher than 50%. The results of the present study demonstrate a reduction of phonation capabilities and voice quality in RL patients. Multidimensional voice evaluation makes it possible to detect significant differences in mean values of perceptual, subjective and objective voice quality parameters between RL patients and controls groups. Therefore, multidimensional voice analysis is an important tool in the functional diagnostics of RL.

Acute toxicity of adjuvant radiotherapy in locally advanced differentiated thyroid carcinoma. First results of the multicenter study differentiated thyroid carcinoma (MSDS)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The indication for adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) extending beyond the thyroid capsule has been an issue of controversy during the past 2 decades. No randomized studies evaluating the benefit of radiotherapy have been published so far. In the Multicenter Study Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma (MSDS), a randomization has been performed concerning external-beam radiotherapy in patients with DTC extending beyond the thyroid capsule (pT4 pN0/1/x cM0, TNM classification, 5th edition, 1997) following surgery and radioiodine therapy. Radiation-associated toxicity has been prospectively evaluated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Radiotherapy was performed with 50.4 Gy (pN0) or 54.0 Gy (pN1/x) to the cervical, supraclavicular and upper mediastinal lymph nodes. A total dose of 59.4 Gy (R0 resection) or 66.6 Gy (R1) was used to treat the tumor bed. Conventional fractionation was used with 1.8 Gy/d. At the time of the analysis, 36 patients were randomized or allocated to treatment arm A (with external-beam radiotherapy). Of these, 22 were treated with radiotherapy, and documentation of acute toxicity was available. Toxicity was evaluated prospectively according to the RTOG/EORTC criteria.

RESULTS

The maximal acute toxicity observed during radiotherapy was grade I in four patients, grade II in 16 patients, and grade III in two patients (9.1%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.1-29.2%). Toxicity was mainly observed at the pharynx, larynx, and skin. In 19 patients, residual toxicity within 100 days following radiotherapy was evaluated. No residual toxicity was observed in two patients. Maximal residual toxicity was grade I in 13 patients and grade II in four. No further grade III toxicity could be observed.

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients experience mild to moderate side effects from adjuvant external-beam radiotherapy. At the first follow-up examination, most side effects have subsided. Acute toxicity is tolerable in these patients.

Review article: supra-oesophageal manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Supra-oesophageal manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are common and often under-appreciated, in part due to the absence of classic symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation. Patients with supra-oesophageal manifestations of GERD may report symptoms involving the pulmonary, otolaryngologic or pharyngeal systems. Endoscopy is often negative and therefore of limited diagnostic value in these patients, and while laryngoscopy and 24 h dual-channel intra-oesophageal pH-metry may have greater yields they are costly, invasive and time-consuming. Therefore, a trial of proton pump inhibitor therapy is now widely considered a first-line diagnostic test in those with suspected GERD-induced supra-oesophageal symptoms. The dose as well as duration of the proton pump inhibitor trial is dependent upon a patient's presenting symptoms. For example, GERD-related non-cardiac chest pain may be relieved with a short-term (e.g. 1 week) treatment with standard doses of a proton pump inhibitor. The use of high-dose twice daily proton pump inhibitor therapy for an extended period (e.g. 2-3 months) may be required before any discernible improvement in pulmonary symptoms or pharyngo-laryngitis is noted. Patients who do not experience symptom improvement following a proton pump inhibitor trial may require further diagnostic evaluations including 24 h oesophageal pH studies, while on acid anti-secretory therapy, to establish the absence of persistent acid reflux. The role of anti-reflux surgical or endoscopic interventions in those with supra-oesophageal manifestations of GERD remains to be established.

Is ambulatory 24-h dual-probe pH monitoring useful in suspected ENT manifestations of GERD?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The present study is aimed at assessing the relationship between ear, nose and throat manifestations and proximal reflux in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease by using 24-h dual-probe pH monitoring.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-eight patients were included: (;) 28 patients with suspected ear, nose and throat manifestations of gastrooesophageal reflux disease: (ii) 18 patients with typical symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease without extraoesophageal manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease; (iii) 12 healthy volunteers. Ambulatory 24-h dual-probe pH monitoring was performed in all patients. Oesophagogastroscopy was performed in all patients of groups I and II. Ear, nose and throat examination was performed in all patients with ear, nose and throat complaints.

RESULTS

At the upper oesophageal sphincter, results of pH monitoring were significantly different between groups I and III (0.009 < P < 0.02) and between groups I and II (0.008 < P < 0.03). When comparing data at the lower oesophageal sphincter, we found a significant difference between groups II and III (0.002 < P < 0.009) and between groups I and III (0.001 < P < 0.002). Endoscopic examination of the oesophagus did not show any significant difference between groups I and II. Laryngoscopy was abnormal in 86% of the patients with ear, nose and throat symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Ambulatory 24-h dual-probe pH monitoring is useful in the assessment of patients with suspected ear, nose and throat manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, especially in the case of abnormal laryngoscopy.

Extra-esophageal disorders in gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that effects about 10% of the adult population comprising a broad spectrum of symptoms and varying degrees of severity and frequency. Extra-esophageal manifestations are increasingly being recognized. Up to 50% of patients with an endoscopically proven or negative esophagitis suffer from symptoms other than heartburn or acid regurgitation such as laryngitis, hoarseness, chronic cough, asthma, or non-cardiac chest pain. The therapy of choice is proton pump inhibitors.

[Chronic ENT pathology in employees of tobacco and pharmaceutical industries in conditions of small-dispersion pollution of the working zone air]

Incidence rate of chronic ENT diseases was compared in workers of tobacco and pharmaceutical industries. Using representative samples of workers employed in both industries exposed to industrial dust hazards, the rate and structure of chronic ENT pathology were compared. Damage to the upper airways (UA) consists in dystrophic changes in ENT mucosa (subatrophic isolated and combined forms). Chronic combined UA lesions in workers of the tobacco factories occur more frequently than in workers of pharmaceutical factories. It is necessary to conduct ENT examinations in applicants for jobs in factories with industrial dust hazards to detect basic diseases, especially in those with nasal septal defects and related respiratory problems.

Extraesophageal manifestations of GERD

The association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and extraesophageal disease is often referred to as extraesophageal reflux (EER). This article reviews EER, discussing epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment with a focus on the most studied and convincing EER disorders-asthma, cough, and laryngitis. Although EER comprises a heterogeneous group of disorders, some general characterizations can be made, as follows. First, although GERD's association with extraesophageal diseases is well-established, definitive evidence of causation has been more elusive, rendering epidemiological data scarce. Secondly, regarding the pathogenesis of EER, 2 basic models have been proposed: direct injury to extraesophageal tissue by acid and pepsin exposure or injury mediated through an esophageal reflex mechanism. Third, because heartburn and regurgitation are often absent in patients with EER, GERD may not be suspected. Even when GERD is suspected, the diagnosis may be difficult to confirm. Although endoscopy and barium esophagram remain important tools for detecting esophageal complications, they may fail to establish the presence of GERD. Even when GERD is diagnosed by endoscopy or barium esophagram, causation between GERD and extraesophageal symptoms cannot be determined. Esophageal pH is the most sensitive tool for detecting GERD, and it plays an important role in EER. However, even pH testing cannot establish GERD's causative relationship to extraesophageal symptoms. In this regard, effective treatment of GERD resulting in significant improvement or remission of the extraesophageal symptoms provides the best evidence for GERD's pathogenic role. Finally, EER generally requires more prolonged and aggressive antisecretory therapy than typical GERD requires.

Manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux and response to omeprazole therapy in patients with chronic posterior laryngitis: an evaluation based on clinical practice

Our aims were to describe clinical characteristics of patients with chronic posterior laryngitis and to predict the response to omeprazole therapy. Ninety-one patients with posterior laryngitis were evaluated by a questionnaire, esophageal manometry and pH recording, and endoscopy. Patients were treated with omeprazole, 20 mg twice daily for 3 months. Therapy was continued another 3 months if necessary. Clinical manifestations of reflux occurred in 84 (92%) patients, abnormal acid reflux in 53 (65%) cases, and esophagitis in 6 of 50 (12%). After 3 months of therapy significant improvement occurred in 30 of 70 patients (41%). Continuing therapy for 3 more months increased the response to 65% (45 of 69 cases). Response to therapy was associated with lower age and lower duration of laryngeal symptoms, but a consistent prediction of the response could not be made. In conclusion, patients with posterior laryngitis frequently present with manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux. Response to therapy can not be predicted with certainty.

Bile reflux as possible risk factor in laryngopharyngeal inflammatory and neoplastic lesions

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is now of major interest as an aetiologic factor in chronic inflammatory and neoplastic lesions of upper digestive tract. However, reports in the literature refer only to the irritating action of the acid component of reflux, while possible damaging action of other reflux components remains unknown. Aim of this study was to verify the hypothesis that alkaline-bile reflux could also be involved in onset of inflammatory, precancerous and neoplastic laryngeal lesions. A total of 40 consecutive gastrectomized patients coming to our Clinic from Gastroenterology Outpatient Unit for an anamnestic and clinical evaluation with videolaryngoscopy of upper digestive airways, entered the study. All presented bile or alkaline reflux as a direct consequence of gastroduodenal anastomosis (Billroth I) and gastrojejunal anastomosis (Billroth II) performed over a time span > 20 years. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed the presence of bile in the residual gastric cavity in all operated patients objectively confirming duodenogastric reflux. Examination of data showed that 3 patients (7.5%) had undergone CO2 laser cordectomy in the 3 years prior to the study for squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma, 3 patients (7.5%) had leukoplakia, 8 (20%) vocal cord chronic oedema with signs of chronic diffuse laryngitis, 6 (15%) posterior laryngitis, 8 (20%) interarytenoid oedema while only 12 (30%) showed no ENT lesions. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between incidence of inflammatory and neoplastic laryngeal lesions and type of surgery (Billroth II and total gastrectomy) with respect to other types of gastric resection. There was also a significant increase in presence and severity of laryngopharyngeal lesions in relation to time elapsed after surgery. These results, although preliminary, seem to confirm that some components of reflux (duodenal content), other than the acid component, play a damaging role involved in the onset of multiple clinical signs and symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. It is concluded that systematic use of bile measurement, together with 24-hour pH monitoring, is advisable in subjects with clinical signs and symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux, but unresponsive to classic medical treatment, and in gastrectomized patients in order to confirm, on larger series, this fascinating aetiopathogenetic hypothesis.