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Lechien JR, Bobin F. Diagnostic Value of Fasting and Bedtime Saliva Pepsin Measurements in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. Biomedicines 2024; 12:398. [PMID: 38398000 PMCID: PMC10886472 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pepsin test is an emerging non-invasive diagnostic approach for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of multiple salivary pepsin tests for detecting LPR. METHODS Patients with suspected LPR and asymptomatic individuals were consecutively recruited from January 2020 to November 2022. Patients benefited from hypopharyngeal-esophageal impedance-pH monitoring (HEMII-pH) and fasting and bedtime saliva collections to measure oral pepsin. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values were calculated considering fasting, bedtime, and the highest values of the pepsin tests at ≥16, ≥36, ≥45, and ≥100 ng/mL cutoffs. RESULTS The pepsin test was adequately performed in 147 LPR patients and 32 controls. The pepsin tests were 81.6%, 74.8%, and 61.5% sensitive at cutoffs of ≥16, ≥45, and ≥100 ng/mL, respectively. The PPVs were 93.0%, 94.0%, and 94.8%, respectively. The highest specificity (81.8%) was found for the fasting pepsin test at a cutoff of 100 ng/mL. The highest sensitivity (81.6%) was found by considering the highest measured pepsin test at the ≥16 ng/mL threshold. The measurement of fasting saliva pepsin was associated with the highest sensitivity and specificity value. At ≥16 ng/mL, 27 patients had negative findings, indicating that 18.4% (27/147) of the true positive cases were missed by considering the highest pepsin test. The receiver operating characteristic curve reported that a cutoff of 21.5 was 76.9% sensitive and 62.5% specific, while the PPV and NPV were 91.1% and 38.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The consideration of the highest concentration of the fasting and bedtime saliva pepsin collections at a cutoff of 21.5 was associated with the best detection rate and sensitivity of the pepsin tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome R. Lechien
- Division of Laryngology and Broncho-Esophagology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery, EpiCURA Hospital, B7000 Baudour, Belgium
- Department of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, UMONS Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMons), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 6, B7000 Mons, Belgium
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Foch Hospital, School of Medicine, UFR Simone Veil, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (Paris Saclay University), 92150 Paris, France
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Bruxelles, CHU Saint-Pierre, School of Medicine, F64000 Brussels, Belgium
- Polyclinique Elsan de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France;
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Lechien JR, Bobin F. Variability and accuracy of multiple saliva pepsin measurements in laryngopharyngeal reflux patients. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 52:66. [PMID: 37794462 PMCID: PMC10548621 DOI: 10.1186/s40463-023-00670-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the variability and diagnostic value of multiple salivary pepsin measurements in the detection of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). METHODS Patients with LPR symptoms were consecutively recruited from December 2019 to Augustus 2022. Twenty-one asymptomatic individuals completed the study. The diagnostic was confirmed with hypopharyngeal-esophageal impedance-pH monitoring (HEMII-pH). Patients collected three saliva samples during the 24-h testing period. Symptoms and findings were studied with reflux symptom score-12 and reflux sign assessment. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of pepsin measurements were calculated considering morning, post-lunch and post-dinner samples. The consistency and relationship between HEMII-pH, pepsin measurements, and clinical features were investigated. RESULTS Morning, post-lunch and post-dinner saliva pepsin concentrations were measured in 42 patients. Pepsin measurements were 64.9%, 59.5%, and 59.0% sensitive for morning, post-lunch and post-dinner collections at cutoff ≥ 16 ng/mL. Considering the highest concentration of the three pepsin saliva collections, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and PPV were 70.5%, 73.0%; 66.7% and 78.9%, respectively. Morning pepsin measurements reported higher consistency, sensitivity, and specificity than post-dinner and post-lunch pepsin measurements. CONCLUSION The collection of several saliva pepsin samples improves the detection rate of LPR. In case of high clinical LPR suspicion and negative pepsin test, a HEMII-pH study could provide further diagnostic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome R Lechien
- Division of Laryngology and Broncho-Esophagology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery, EpiCURA Hospital, Baudour, Belgium.
- Department of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, UMONS Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMons), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 6, 7000, Mons, Belgium.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Foch Hospital, School of Medicine, UFR Simone Veil, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (Paris Saclay University), Paris, France.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Bruxelles, CHU Saint-Pierre, School of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
- Polyclinique Elsan de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.
- Research Committee of Young Otolaryngologists of the International Federation of Oto-Rhinolaryngological Societies (YO-IFOS), Paris, France.
| | - Francois Bobin
- Polyclinique Elsan de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
- Research Committee of Young Otolaryngologists of the International Federation of Oto-Rhinolaryngological Societies (YO-IFOS), Paris, France
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Rameau A, Lee M, Andreadis K, Sulica L. Perception of Proton Pump Inhibitor Side Effects Among Members of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association. J Voice 2023; 37:757-763. [PMID: 34154915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate awareness of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) side effects and the resulting changes in reflux mana management among members of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA) caring for adult patients in light of increasing concern for PPIs long-term adverse effects. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional survey study METHODS: Online surveys were electronically distributed to ABEA members assessing awareness of PPI side effects and current practice in reflux management. RESULTS 374 ABEA members were contacted, of whom, 43 (11.5%) completed the survey. The majority of respondents (94.1%) selected laryngology as their principal focus. The entire cohort warned their patients about PPI side effects, with highest concern for osteoporotic risk. Most respondents (88.2%) had changed their PPI prescription frequency in light of recent studies on PPI side effects, with 55.9% avoiding PPI prescription and 94.1% limiting the duration of PPI courses. Instead of PPIs, 73.5% of responders prescribe H2-receptor blockers. The primary reasons for starting patients on PPIs were typical gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (47.1%), followed by laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms (41.2%), and endoscopic findings suspicious for reflux (11.8%). Finally, the majority of respondents (82.4%) had referred at least one patient for surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux in the past year. CONCLUSIONS The majority of surveyed ABEA members were concerned about reports of PPI adverse effects and had modified their prescription patterns as a result. Avoidance of PPI recommendation was common, along with the preference for H2 blockers in the management of GERD and LPR. PPI side effects of greatest concern to broncho-esophagologists treating adult patients were osteoporosis, renal dysfunction and dementia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Rameau
- Sean Parker Institute for the Voice, Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY.
| | - Mark Lee
- Sean Parker Institute for the Voice, Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Katerina Andreadis
- Sean Parker Institute for the Voice, Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Lucian Sulica
- Sean Parker Institute for the Voice, Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
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Shoowit P, Wanichakorntrakul P, Wongwattana P. The Efficacy of Transnasal Esophagoscopy in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Patients at HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center (MSMC), Thailand. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 74:4906-4910. [PMID: 36742942 PMCID: PMC9895211 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-02425-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the positive pathological findings, patient satisfaction, pain, and complications of transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) in laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) patients at HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center (MSMC), Thailand. A descriptive cross-sectional study. Forty adult LPR patients who had failed 3-months proton-pump inhibitor therapy were recruited to undergo TNE at Otolaryngology department, MSMC from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. Data including demographics, Reflux Finding Score, Reflux Symptom Index, Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) scores, and endoscopic findings were recorded and compared between patients who had positive pathological findings and those who had negative findings. Sixteen patients (40%) had positive findings, which led to the changes in management of their conditions. Most positive findings included multiple esophageal and gastric ulcers (4/16), gastric ulcer (3/16), esophagitis (2/16), and esophageal candidiasis (2/16). There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline data between patients in the TNE positive and the TNE negative groups. The average patient satisfaction on VAS was 8.60 ± 1.43. Most patients were in the mild pain score group (18/40). Complications were not encountered. TNE is an efficient tool for evaluating LPR in Thai patients. The procedure was proven to be safe, well tolerated, and highly satisfied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parkkapus Shoowit
- Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Sukhumvit 23, Watana, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand
| | - Pisit Wanichakorntrakul
- Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Sukhumvit 23, Watana, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand
| | - Panuwat Wongwattana
- Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Sukhumvit 23, Watana, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand
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Verhasselt M, Rodriguez A, Dequanter D, Lechien JR. Chronic Course, Weaning, and Awareness of Patients With Reflux Toward Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy. J Voice 2021:S0892-1997(21)00098-9. [PMID: 33795183 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the feasibility of middle-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) weaning in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and evaluate patient awareness of PPI adverse events. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 100 LPR patients treated with an association of diet, PPIs, and alginate. Patients were followed from September 2016 to May 2020. At the end of the initial 3-to-6 months therapeutic period, LPR patients were weaned from PPIs and instructed to respect diet and stress management over the long-term. The 3-year symptom recurrence rate, PPI use, and patient awareness of PPI adverse events were assessed. RESULTS Sixty-seven patients completed the evaluation. Twenty-seven patients (40.3%) reported a chronic course of LPR-symptoms, requiring chronic or occasional PPI use. LPR symptom recurrence occurred 1-to-2 or 3-to-5 times yearly in 8.9% and 20.9% of patients, respectively. Recurrences were managed by short-term diet, alginate, or PPI intake. The remaining patients (29.9%) did not report middle-term LPR recurrence. The 3-year weaning rate of occasional or chronic use of PPIs was 64.2%. Among participants, 26.8% were aware of PPI-related adverse events, most frequently through physicians (33%), online sources (17%), and friends or family (17%). Nonresponder patients were significantly more aware of PPI adverse events than responders (P = 0.029). PPI-attributed adverse events occurred in 29.8% of patients. CONCLUSION Sixty-four percent of LPR patients treated with PPIs were weaned at 3-year posttreatment time. Different forms of LPR may exist regarding symptom relief, recurrences, and chronic course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Verhasselt
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, CHU de Bruxelles, CHU Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alejandra Rodriguez
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Foch Hospital, Paris Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Didier Dequanter
- Department of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Jerome R Lechien
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, CHU de Bruxelles, CHU Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
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Impact of subspecialty training on management of laryngopharyngeal reflux: results of a worldwide survey. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 278:1933-1943. [PMID: 33638681 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-021-06710-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) among the subspecialties of practicing otolaryngology-head and neck surgeons and their trainees. METHODS A survey was sent to over 8000 otolaryngologists (OTOHNS) over 65 countries, utilizing membership lists of participating otolaryngological societies. The outcomes were answers to questions regarding LPR knowledge and practice patterns, and included queries about its definition, prevalence, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. RESULTS Of the 824 respondents, 658 practiced in one specific otolaryngologic subspecialty. The symptoms and findings thought to be the most related to LPR varied significantly between subspecialists. Extra-laryngeal findings were considered less by laryngologists while more experienced OTOHNS did not often consider digestive complaints. Compared with colleagues, otologists, rhinologists and laryngologists were less aware of the involvement of LPR in otological, rhinological and laryngological disorders, respectively. Irrespective of subspecialty, OTOHNS consider symptoms and signs and a positive response to empirical therapeutic trial to establish a LPR diagnosis. Awareness regarding the usefulness of impedance pH-studies is low in all groups. The therapeutic approach significantly varies between groups, although all were in agreement for the treatment duration. The management of non-responder patients demonstrated significant differences among laryngologists who performed additional examinations. The majority of participants (37.1%) admitted to being less than knowledgeable about LPR management. CONCLUSIONS LPR knowledge and management vary significantly across otolaryngology subspecialties. International guidelines on LPR management appear necessary to improve knowledge and management of LPR across all subspecialties of otolaryngology.
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Lechien JR, Saussez S, Muls V, Barillari MR, Chiesa-Estomba CM, Hans S, Karkos PD. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: A State-of-the-Art Algorithm Management for Primary Care Physicians. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E3618. [PMID: 33182684 PMCID: PMC7697179 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a common disease in the general population with acute or chronic symptoms. LPR is often misdiagnosed in primary care because of the lack of typical gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and findings on endoscopy. Depending on the physician's specialty and experience, LPR may be over- or under-diagnosed. Management of LPR is potentially entirely feasible in primary care as long as General Practitioners (GPs) are aware of certain "red flags" that will prompt referral to a Gastroenterologist or an Otolaryngologist. The use of patient-reported outcome questionnaires and the consideration of some easy ways to diagnose LPR without special instrumentation oropharyngeal findings may help the GP to diagnose and often manage LPR. In this review, we provide a practical algorithm for LPR management for GPs and other specialists that cannot perform fiberoptic examination. In this algorithm, physicians have to exclude some confounding conditions such as allergy or other causes of pharyngolaryngitis and "red flags". They may prescribe an empirical treatment based on diet and behavioral changes with or without medication, depending on the symptom severity. Proton pump inhibitors and alginates remain a popular choice in order to protect the upper aerodigestive tract mucosa from acid, weakly acid and alkaline pharyngeal reflux events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome R. Lechien
- Department of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Mons School of Medicine, UMONS Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMons), B7000 Mons, Belgium;
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Foch Hospital, School of Medicine, UFR Simone Veil, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (Paris Saclay University), 92150 Paris, France;
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Ambroise Paré Hospital, APHP, Paris Saclay University, 92150 Paris, France
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, CHU Saint-Pierre, Faculty of Medicine, University Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, CHU Ambroise Paré, 92150 Paris, France
| | - Sven Saussez
- Department of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Mons School of Medicine, UMONS Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMons), B7000 Mons, Belgium;
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, CHU Saint-Pierre, Faculty of Medicine, University Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, CHU Ambroise Paré, 92150 Paris, France
| | - Vinciane Muls
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, CHU Saint-Pierre, Faculty of Medicine, University Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Maria R. Barillari
- Division of Phoniatrics and Audiology, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Naples SUN, 34103 Naples, Italy;
| | - Carlos M. Chiesa-Estomba
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Donostia, 00685 San Sebastian, Spain;
| | - Stéphane Hans
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Foch Hospital, School of Medicine, UFR Simone Veil, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (Paris Saclay University), 92150 Paris, France;
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Ambroise Paré Hospital, APHP, Paris Saclay University, 92150 Paris, France
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, CHU Ambroise Paré, 92150 Paris, France
| | - Petros D. Karkos
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki Medical School, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece;
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Dabirmoghaddam P, Rahmaty B, Erfanian R, Taherkhani S, Hosseinifar S, Satariyan A. Voice Component Relationships with High Reflux Symptom Index Scores in Muscle Tension Dysphonia. Laryngoscope 2020; 131:E1573-E1579. [PMID: 33135806 DOI: 10.1002/lary.29220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) scores based on the perceptual and analytical parameters in primary MTD patients with no reflux. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS One hundred and eighteen participants, that is, sixty patients with normal voices and fifty-eight patients with primary MTD were recruited in this study. The diagnosis of primary MTD was made by perceptual voice analysis, neck palpation, video-laryngoscopic examination, and exclusion of other etiologies. Acoustic analysis and the GRBAS (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, and Strain) scale were evaluated for all participants. The V-RQOL and RSI questionnaires were then given to all participants. RESULTS This study included 118 participants of 29 males (48.3%) and 31 females (51.7%) in the normal group. MTD group also included 27 males (46.6%) and 31 (53.4%) female patients. Mean (SD) RSI and V-RQOL scores were 12.35 (3.84) and 11.09 (2.20) for the normal group, and 22.87 (6.97) and 22.89 (7.94) for the MTD group (P = .000). In the MTD group, V-RQOL had a positive correlation with jitter for /i/ and /u/, Noise to Harmonic Ratio (NHR) for /i/, /a/, and /u/, and Grade, Roughness, and Strain of GRBAS scale (P < .05). In addition, RSI had a positive correlation with Strain in the MTD group (P < .05). CONCLUSION MTD patients in the absence of laryngopharyngeal reflux findings may have high RSI scores. Hence, patients with high RSI scores and disproportionate acoustic and perceptual analysis would require a thorough evaluation of MTD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1573-E1579, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payman Dabirmoghaddam
- Associate Professor of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Amir Alam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Benyamin Rahmaty
- Resident of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Amir Alam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Erfanian
- Assistant Professor of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Amir Alam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Safa Taherkhani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (Center of Excellence), Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shamim Hosseinifar
- Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Amir Alam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Adnan Satariyan
- College of Arts, Law, and Education, University of Tasmania (UTAS), Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
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