Prospective, observational study using rabeprazole in 455 patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease

Efficacy and safety of fexuprazan in patients with symptoms and signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease: a randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is mainly treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) such as esomeprazole, which have shortcomings like delayed absorption and increased osteoporosis. Fexuprazan is a novel potent potassium-competitive acid blocker that inhibits gastric acid secretion with rapid onset and long duration of action. To assess the efficacy and safety of fexuprazan compared to esomeprazole in patients with LPRD.

METHODS

This prospective, randomized, double-blinded, multicenter, active-controlled trial was conducted in nine otolaryngologic clinics. Patients with reflux symptom index (RSI) ≥ 13 and reflux finding score (RFS) ≥ 7 were randomly assigned to the fexuprazan or esomeprazole groups, and received fexuprazan 40-mg or esomeprazole 40-mg once daily for 8 weeks. The outcomes were (1) mean change, change rate, and valid rate in RSI, RFS, and LPR-related questionnaires; and (2) adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 136 patients (fexuprazan n = 68, esomeprazole n = 68) were followed up for ≥ 1 month. Each parameter significantly improved after 4 and 8 weeks in each group, with no significant differences between the two groups. For those with severe symptoms (RSI ≥ 18), the fexuprazan group (n = 32) showed more improvement in the mean change and change rate in the RSI than esomeprazole group (n = 31) after 4 weeks (p = .036 and .045, respectively). This phenomenon was especially observed in hoarseness and troublesome cough.

CONCLUSION

Fexuprazan improved symptoms and signs without no serious adverse events in patients with LPRD. In patients with severe symptoms, fexuprazan resulted in a faster symptom improvement than PPI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

KCT0007251, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?seq=22100 .

Image analysis in laryngopharyngeal reflux disease: A road less traveled

Background

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is a common condition affecting patients reporting to an otolaryngologist. However, the diagnosis of this condition is usually hinged on the combination of largely non-specific symptoms, and clinical findings on laryngoscopy. This study aimed at evaluating the utility of digital image analysis to quantitatively evaluate the severity of signs as recorded with laryngoscopy in patients of LPRD.

Methods

The study group included individuals who were aged between 18 and 65 years and reported to the ENT OPD. These were then divided into two groups depending on symptoms and laryngoscopic findings. The LPRD group had symptomatic patients with an Reflux finding score (RFS) score >7. Those with an RFS of <6 were designated as the 'Normal group'. The Laryngoscopic images were recorded and analyzed using Image J software as per the set protocol. The Red Green Blue (RGB) values of the laryngoscopic images of each group were obtained and subjected to statistical analysis.

Results

200 participants were enrolled in the study with 100 participants in the LPRD group (mean age = 46.2, 40 males, 60 females) and 100 in the control group (mean age = 43.6, 55 males, 45 females). The measured RGB values were more in the LPRD group as compared to the control group and the results were statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

By providing an objective value to the degree of inflammation, RGB value measurement provides a quick, economical, adaptable tool for auxiliary and corroborative information for the diagnosis of LPRD.

Effect of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker (P-CAB) on the Microbiological Comprise of the Laryngopharynx

OBJECTIVE

To probe the microbiota composition progressing from healthy individuals to those with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) and subsequently undergoing potassium-competitive acid inhibitor (P-CAB) therapy.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective case-control study.

SETTING

Academic Medical Center.

METHODS

Forty patients with LPRD and 51 patients without LPRD were recruited. An 8-week P-CAB therapy was initiated (post-T-LPRD), and 39 had return visits. In total, 130 laryngopharyngeal saliva samples were collected and sequenced by targeting the V3-V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene using an Illumina MiSeq. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and clinical indices were analyzed.

RESULTS

Alpha and beta diversities were compared among the non-LPRD, LPRD, and post-T-LPRD groups, and the Observed_ASVs were not significantly different. At the same time, the Shannon and Simpson indices, unweighted Unifrac, weighted Unifrac, and binary Jaccard distance were significantly different between non-LPRD and LPRD groups. In addition, significant differences were found in the abundance of Streptococcus, Prevotella, and Prevotellaceae in the LPRD versus non-LPRD groups, and Neisseria, Leptotrichia, and Allprevotella in the LPRD versus post-T-LPRD groups. The genera model was used to distinguish patients with LPRD from those without, and a better receiver operating characteristic curve was formed after combining the clinical indices of reflux symptom index, reflux finding score, and pepsin, with an area under the curve of 0.960.

CONCLUSION

Laryngopharyngeal microbial communities changed after laryngopharyngeal reflux and were modified further after P-CAB treatment, which provides a potential diagnostic value for LPRD, especially when combined with clinical indices.

Tonghua Liyan granules in the treatment of Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease with stagnation of phlegm and qi syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Background: Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is an extraesophageal syndromic manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Despite the increasing incidence of and concern about LPRD, treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is unsatisfactory. Here, LPRD was treated with Tonghua Liyan (THLY) granules in combination with PPIs to evaluate treatment efficacy and possible adverse reactions. Methods: Seventy-six LPRD patients with stagnation of phlegm and qi syndrome (SPQS) were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received THLY granules combined with rabeprazole capsules. The control group received THLY granule placebo combined with rabeprazole capsules. A parallel, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with these two groups. The treatment cycle was 8 weeks. The reflux symptom index (RSI), clinical symptom score, salivary pepsin content, reflux finding score (RFS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GerdQ) were used to evaluate clinical efficacy. The final efficacy rate was evaluated according to the RSI and clinical symptom score. Results: Compared with those at baseline, all the indicators in the experimental group and control group significantly improved (p < 0.01). In terms of the RSI, clinical symptom score, and RFS, the experimental group had a higher degree of improvement (p < 0.05), and the overall efficacy rate was higher (p < 0.05). In terms of the salivary pepsin concentration and GerdQ, there was no significant difference between the test group and the control group (p > 0.05). Both groups of safety indicators showed no abnormalities and did not cause any allergic reactions in the body. Conclusion: Compared with PPIs alone, THLY granules combined with PPIs are more effective in the treatment of LPRD patients with SPQS in terms of symptoms and signs. This combination treatment, because of its higher clinical efficacy and lack of obvious adverse reactions, is worthy of clinical promotion and further in-depth study. Clinical Trial Registration: www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2100046614.

Outpatient Clinical Markers for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease: A Correlational Study

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is the result of retrograde flow of gastric contents to the laryngopharynx which comes in contact with tissues of the upper aerodigestive tract. Due to ill defined criteria for diagnosis & followup, LPRD patients are underdiagnosed & undertreated. Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and the Reflux Finding Score (RFS) are two clinical methods which can be utilised especially in the outpatient setup. This study was done with the aim to assess various laryngoscopic findings in patients with LPRD diagnosed symptomatically and examine the correlation between the RSI & RFS by comparing these two indices. This prospective analytical study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in Bangalore in the Department of ENT for a period of 24 months between Dec 2020 to Dec 2022. The study included patients aged 18 to 60 years diagnosed with LPRD based on symptoms as per RSI score (> 13). RSI & RFS were assessed on diagnosis and patients were followed up for 1, 3 & 6 months for assessment. Total 96 patients were enrolled, with mean age of be 42.49 ± 11.33 years. Prevalence was found to be more in females (61.5%). The most common symptom according to RSI was frequent throat clearing & globus sensation (sensation of something sticking in throat) and most common finding according to RFS was erythema/hyperemia. The mean score of RSI and RFI was found to reduce with treatment at different intervals in follow-up visits. There was a significant strength of association between the RSI and RFS at baseline, 1st month, 3rd month and 6th month of follow-up (r = 0.568, r = 0.684, r = 0.774, r = 0.736 respectively) (p < 0.001).The RFS and RSI showed statistically significant strong relationships between total scores and sign and symptom characteristics. On follow-up, there was a significant reduction in the RSI which was also correlated with a reduction in RFS.

The role of pH-impedance monitoring in swallowing disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the current evidence about the usefulness and the place of pH study in the management of patients with swallowing disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) are found in approximately 30% of patients with esophageal or oropharyngeal dysphagia. Patients with suspected GERD may benefit from gastrointestinal endoscopy and proton pump inhibitors according to guidelines. The diagnosis of LPR in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia is more controversial because there are no gold standard and diagnostic guidelines. The clinical diagnosis based on empirical therapeutic trial is a reasonable first-line strategy, but many dysphagic patients should not respond to treatment. These patients require hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (HEMII-pH), which is the most effective examination providing important information on GERD and LPR features. At the HEMII-pH, GERD patients often report upright (daytime) and supine (nighttime) liquid acid esophageal events with significant esophageal distal acid exposure time. LPR patients have more frequently upright (daytime) gaseous weakly acid or nonacid pharyngeal reflux events without distal esophageal acid exposure abnormalities in many times. The features of reflux at the HEMII-pH may indicate a personalized treatment for dysphagic patients combining proton pump inhibitors, alginate/magaldrate or gastroprokinetic in cases of esophageal dysmotility.

SUMMARY

GERD and LPR are prevalent causes of dysphagia. The large number of reflux patients who do not respond to empirical treatment makes important the awareness of otolaryngologists about pH-impedance monitoring indication, features, and interpretation.

Treating and Managing Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease in the Over 65s: Evidence to Date

Purpose

The clinical presentation and therapeutic outcomes of elderly patients may be different from those in younger populations, leading to additional diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. The present study reviewed the findings on the epidemiology, and clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic outcomes of elderly patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

Methods

A PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus literature search was conducted on the epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic findings of elderly LPR patients.

Findings

The prevalence of LPR in the elderly population remains unknown. From a clinical standpoint, older LPR patients report overall lower symptom scores and related quality-of-life outcomes at the time of the diagnosis. The required treatment time to obtain symptom relief appears to be longer in older compared with younger patients. Particular attention needs to be paid to prolonged medication use because the elderly population is characterized by polypharmacy and there is a higher risk of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) interactions and adverse events. The plasma clearance of most PPIs is reduced with age, which must be considered by practitioners in the prescription of antireflux therapy.

Conclusion

The clinical presentation and treatment efficacy of elderly LPR patients differ from those in younger patients. Practitioners need to carefully consider the risk of drug interactions and adverse events in elderly patients.

Sensitivity, Specificity, and Predictive Values of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Symptoms and Signs in Clinical Practice

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), and positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV) of symptoms and signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective controlled.

SETTING

University medical center.

METHODS

Patients presenting with LPR symptoms and signs were consecutively included after diagnosis confirmation through 24-hour hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring. Healthy individuals were recruited to compose a control group. Symptoms and signs were evaluated with the reflux symptom score and reflux sign assessment. The SE, SP, PPV, and NPV of symptoms and signs were assessed.

RESULTS

The study included 403 patients with LPR and 144 healthy individuals. Throat clearing, globus sensation, heartburn, and excess throat mucus were symptoms with the highest SE (67.5%-69.7%), SP (12.5%-20.8%), and NPV (48.3%-49.2%). The combination of throat clearing, heartburn, globus sensation, and excess throat mucus led to a high SE (96.0%) and NPV (85.2%). Anterior pillar erythema, tongue tonsil hypertrophy, and posterior commissure hypertrophy resulted in the highest SE (75.5%-83.5%). The highest SP was found for uvula erythema/edema, epiglottis erythema, and interarytenoid granulatory tissue (97.1%-97.2%). The association of nonendoscopic signs (anterior pillar erythema, uvula erythema/edema, and coated tongue) had an SE and SP of 80.1% and 47.2%, respectively. The association of throat clearing, heartburn, globus, anterior pillar erythema, and uvula erythema/edema had the highest SE (98.8%), SP (33.3%), PPV (94.3%), and NPV (70.6%).

CONCLUSION

LPR symptoms and signs reported low SP and NPV. The SE, SP, PPV, and NPV may be maximized with the association of throat clearing, heartburn, globus sensation, anterior pillar erythema, and uvula erythema/edema.

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Short Version of the Reflux Symptom Score: Reflux Symptom Score-12 into Brazilian Portuguese

OBJECTIVE

To describe the process of translation into Brazilian Portuguese and cross-cultural adaptation of the French Reflux Symptom Score-12 questionnaire used for the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux.

METHODS

This was a cross-cultural translation and adaptation study of a health instrument, with a cross-sectional design. It was carried out in eight stages: translation from French into Brazilian Portuguese, cultural adaptation by a panel of experts, application of the first version (pilot test 1), adaptation by a panel of experts, application of the second version (pilot test 2), back translation, reviewing by a committee in conjunction with the author of the original instrument and, application of the final version. The Brazilian Portuguese versions of the questionnaire were applied to individuals with symptoms and signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux who underwent pHmetry and esophageal manometry at the study site.

RESULTS

In pilot test 1, the first version of the RSS-12 in Brazilian Portuguese was applied to 30 patients. The patients had no difficulty to understand any of the 12 symptom items, but 15 patients (50%) had difficulty interpreting the symptom frequency score. After adapting the format of the frequency score, a version 2 of the RSS-12 in Brazilian Portuguese was applied to another 23 patients, who completed the questionnaire in full without any difficulty. Along with the review committee, the author of the original RSS-12 considered the version 2 to be adequate and did not propose any changes, so it was approved as the final version of the Brazilian Portuguese RSS-12.

CONCLUSION

The Brazilian Portuguese version of the instrument, called Reflux Symptom Score-12 PT-BR, shows good understanding and linguistic, conceptual and content equivalence, in relation to the original Reflux Symptom Score-12.

Use of proton pump inhibitors to treat persistent throat symptoms: multicentre, double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to treat persistent throat symptoms.

DESIGN

Pragmatic, double blind, placebo controlled, randomised trial.

SETTING

Eight ear, nose, and throat outpatient clinics, United Kingdom.

PARTICIPANTS

346 patients aged 18 years or older with persistent throat symptoms who were randomised according to recruiting centre and baseline severity of symptoms (mild or severe): 172 to lansoprazole and 174 to placebo.

INTERVENTION

Random blinded allocation (1:1) to either 30 mg lansoprazole twice daily or matched placebo twice daily for 16 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was symptomatic response at 16 weeks measured using the total reflux symptom index (RSI) score. Secondary outcomes included symptom response at 12 months, quality of life, and throat appearances.

RESULTS

Of 1427 patients initially screened for eligibility, 346 were recruited. The mean age of the study sample was 52.2 (SD 13.7) years, 196 (57%) were women, and 162 (47%) had severe symptoms at presentation; these characteristics were balanced across treatment arms. The primary analysis was performed on 220 patients who completed the primary outcome measure within a window of 14-20 weeks. Mean RSI scores were similar between treatment arms at baseline: lansoprazole 22.0 (95% confidence interval 20.4 to 23.6) and placebo 21.7 (20.5 to 23.0). Improvements (reduction in RSI score) were observed in both groups-score at 16 weeks: lansoprazole 17.4 (15.5 to19.4) and placebo 15.6 (13.8 to 17.3). No statistically significant difference was found between the treatment arms: estimated difference 1.9 points (95% confidence interval -0.3 to 4.2 points; P=0.096) adjusted for site and baseline symptom severity. Lansoprazole showed no benefits over placebo for any secondary outcome measure, including RSI scores at 12 months: lansoprazole 16.0 (13.6 to 18.4) and placebo 13.6 (11.7 to 15.5): estimated difference 2.4 points (-0.6 to 5.4 points).

CONCLUSIONS

No evidence was found of benefit from PPI treatment in patients with persistent throat symptoms. RSI scores were similar between the lansoprazole and placebo groups after 16 weeks of treatment and at the 12 month follow-up.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN38578686 and EudraCT 2013-004249-17.

Lansoprazole for persistent throat symptoms in secondary care: the TOPPITS RCT

BACKGROUND

Persistent throat symptoms are commonly attributed to 'laryngopharyngeal reflux'. Despite a limited evidence base, these symptoms are increasingly being treated in primary care with proton pump inhibitors.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of proton pump inhibitor therapy in patients with persistent throat symptoms.

DESIGN

This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised Phase III trial.

SETTING

This was a multicentre UK trial in eight UK ear, nose and throat departments.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 346 participants aged ≥ 18 years with persistent throat symptoms and a Reflux Symptom Index score of ≥ 10, exclusive of the dyspepsia item, were recruited.

INTERVENTION

Random allocation (1 : 1 ratio) to either 30 mg of lansoprazole twice daily or matched placebo for 16 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Symptomatic response (i.e. total Reflux Symptom Index score after 16 weeks of therapy).

RESULTS

A total of 1427 patients were screened and 346 were randomised. The mean age was 52 years (standard deviation 13.7 years, range 20-84 years); 150 (43%) participants were male and 196 (57%) were female; 184 (53%) participants had a mild Reflux Symptom Index minus the heartburn/dyspepsia item and 162 (47%) had a severe Reflux Symptom Index minus the heartburn/dyspepsia item. A total of 172 patients were randomised to lansoprazole and 174 were randomised to placebo.

MAIN OUTCOMES

A total of 267 participants completed the primary end-point visit (lansoprazole, n = 127; placebo, n = 140), of whom 220 did so between 14 and 20 weeks post randomisation ('compliant' group); 102 received lansoprazole and 118 received placebo. The mean Reflux Symptom Index scores at baseline were similar [lansoprazole 22.0 (standard deviation 8.0), placebo 21.7 (standard deviation 7.1), overall 21.9 (standard deviation 7.5)]. The mean Reflux Symptom Index scores at 16 weeks reduced from baseline in both groups [overall 17.4 (standard deviation 9.9), lansoprazole 17.4 (standard deviation 9.9), placebo 15.6 (standard deviation 9.8)]. Lansoprazole participants had estimated Reflux Symptom Index scores at 16 weeks that were 1.9 points higher (worse) than those of placebo participants (95% confidence interval -0.3 to 4.2; padj = 0.096), adjusted for site and baseline severity.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

Ninety-five (43%) participants achieved a Reflux Symptom Index score in the normal range (< 12) at 16 weeks: 42 (41%) in the lansoprazole group and 53 (45%) in the placebo group. A total of 226 participants completed the end-of-trial follow-up visit (lansoprazole, n = 109; placebo, n = 117), of whom 181 were 'compliant'. The mean Reflux Symptom Index scores at 12 months reduced from baseline in both groups [lansoprazole 16.0 (standard deviation 10.8), placebo 13.6 (standard deviation 9.6), overall 14.7 (standard deviation 10.2)]. A total of 87 (48%) participants achieved a Reflux Symptom Index score in the normal range at 12 months: 33 (40%) in the lansoprazole group and 54 (55%) in the placebo group. Likewise, the Comprehensive Reflux Symptom Score and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux - Health Related Quality of Life total scores and subscales all showed very similar changes in the lansoprazole and placebo cohorts at both 16 weeks and 12 months.

LIMITATIONS

Drop-out rate and compliance are issues in pragmatic clinical trials. The Trial Of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Throat Symptoms (TOPPITS) aimed to detect clinically relevant difference with 90% power. The 346 randomised participants reduced to 283 at the primary end point; 267 completed the primary outcome measure, 220 within the protocol time scale. Despite this, the powers to detect the clinically relevant difference in Reflux Symptom Index score at 16 weeks were 82% (compliant comparison) and 89% (pragmatic comparison). The lack of difference between lansoprazole and placebo is generalisable across NHS clinics.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants on lansoprazole did not report significantly better outcomes than participants on placebo on any of the three patient-reported outcome tools (Reflux Symptom Index, Comprehensive Reflux Symptom Score and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux - Health Related Quality of Life). This multicentre, pragmatic, powered, definitive Phase III trial found no evidence of benefit for patients by treating persistent throat symptoms with lansoprazole.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN38578686 and EudraCT number 2013-004249-17.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 3. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Evaluation of the Reflux Symptom Index and the Endolaryngeal Findings Scale after Treatment in Individuals with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Introduction  Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a prevalent condition in outpatients visiting the otorhinolaryngological clinic, with many controversies regarding its diagnosis and follow-up. Therefore, there is a need for clinical instruments that can diagnose individuals and monitor the results of their treatment. Objective  To evaluate the applicability of the scores translated and adapted to Brazilian Portuguese: Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Endolaryngeal Reflux Findings Scale (ERFS), as instruments for post-treatment follow-up of LPR. Method  A total of 35 individuals with atypical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and with an objective diagnosis of LPR, confirmed by high digestive endoscopy and 24-hour esophageal pH-metry dual probe test were submitted to the RSI and ERFS questionnaires, used in the pre- and post-treatment of 90 days with a Proton Pump Inhibitor. Result  The evaluation of RSI and ERFS in the pre- and post-treatment showed a reduction in the results of the two scores, with a higher drop in the RSI ( p  < 0.001) than in the ERFS ( p  = 0.014). Although there was an improvement in the values in 23.9% of the individuals in the ERFS, there was no change in the category ( p  = 0.057), different from the RSI ( p  < 0.001), where there was a 67.4% improvement in values, as well as change in category (score went from positive to negative). There was a correlation between RSI and ERFS, moderate in the pretreatment and strong in the post-treatment. Conclusion  The RSI and ERFS scores, when translated and adapted for Brazilian Portuguese and applied simultaneously, can be considered a good tool for post-treatment LPR follow-up.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease: Outcome of Patients After Treatment in Otolaryngology Clinics

Introduction Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a different entity from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Patients with LPR usually present with a variety of symptoms such as hoarseness, voice fatigue, burning sensation in the throat, persistent cough, sore throat, dysphagia, a sensation of a lump in the throat, and chronic throat clearing. The management of LPR is based on medications (proton pump inhibitors) along with lifestyle and dietary modifications. It has been suggested that the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Reflux Finding Score (RFS) are useful parameters to assess patients with LPR. The aim of this study is to assess the subjective and objective benefits of RFS and RSI for diagnosing and management of LPR in the tertiary care center and to find the difference in RSI and RSI scoring with respect to gender. Methods A prospective study was performed and 102 patients were included according to inclusion criteria. RFS and RSI questionnaires were filled on the first visit of patients and then treatment with proton pump inhibitors was started along with lifestyle modification instructions. Questionnaires were filled after four weeks and then 12weeks post-treatment. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare the mean RFS and RSI from baseline to the end of treatment. The post hoc analysis was done using the Bonferroni test of multiple comparisons. An independent sample t-test was also used to compare the mean RFS and RSI between genders. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant Results RFS and RSI were found to be significantly decreased post-treatment after four weeks and 12 weeks post-treatment (p-value- <0.01). Eight point eight percent (8.8%) side effects were observed in the study, the change in quality of life after a three-month treatment was significantly improved among 62.7% patients, and 75.5% did lifestyle modifications. In the mean comparison of RFS and RSI with respect to gender, it was observed that the mean RFS of females samples after one month and three months of treatment were significantly less as compared to male samples, p<0.01. There was no significant mean difference observed for RSI after one month and three months of treatment with respect to gender (p>0.05). Conclusion RFS and RSI are convenient and helpful for diagnosing LPR, and they can be easily implemented in ear, nose, throat (ENT) clinics for the subjective and objective assessment of LPR. Females showed greater improvement on laryngoscopy findings (RFS scores) post-treatment as compared to males.

Management of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Around the World: An International Study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate worldwide practices of otolaryngologists in the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

METHODS

An online survey was sent on the management of LPR to members of many otolaryngological societies. The following aspects were evaluated: LPR definition, prevalence, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 824 otolaryngologists participated, spread over 65 countries. The symptoms most usually attributed to LPR are cough after lying down/meal, throat clearing and globus sensation while LPR-related findings are arytenoid erythema and posterior commissure hypertrophy. Irrespective to geography, otolaryngologists indicate lack of familiarity with impedance pH monitoring, which they attribute to lack of knowledge in result interpretation. The most common therapeutic regimens significantly vary between world regions, with a higher use of H2 blocker in North America and a lower use of alginate in South America. The duration of treatment also significantly varies between different regions, with West Asia/Africa and East Asia/Oceania otolaryngologists prescribing medication for a shorter period than the others. Only 21.1% of respondents are aware about the existence of nonacid LPR. Overall, only 43.2% of otolaryngologists believe themselves sufficiently knowledgeable about LPR.

CONCLUSIONS

LPR knowledge and management significantly vary across the world. International guidelines on LPR definition, diagnosis, and treatment are needed to improve knowledge and management around the world.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N.A. Laryngoscope, 131:E1589-E1597, 2021.

Changes of Laryngeal and Extralaryngeal Symptoms and Findings in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Patients

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To assess the evolution of laryngeal and extralaryngeal symptoms and findings of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) throughout a 3-month to 9-month treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective Controlled Study.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-seven LPR patients and 123 healthy individuals were enrolled from four European hospitals. Patients were managed with a 3-month personalized treatment considering the LPR characteristics at the impedance-pH monitoring. Regarding the clinical therapeutic response, treatment was adapted for 3 to 6 additional months. Symptoms and findings were assessed throughout the therapeutic course with the Reflux Symptom Score (RSS) and the short version of the Reflux Sign Assessment (sRSA). The relationship between patient and reflux characteristics, symptoms, and findings was assessed.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-one LPR patients completed the study. LPR patients exhibited more laryngeal and extralaryngeal symptoms and findings than healthy individuals. RSS significantly improved from baseline to 6 weeks posttreatment and continued to improve from 3 months to 6 months posttreatment. sRSA significantly improved from baseline to 3 months posttreatment. No further improvement was noted at 6 months posttreatment for pharyngeal and oral findings. Laryngeal findings continued to improve from 3 months to 6 months posttreatment. There was a significant association between patient stress level and RSS (P = .045). At 3 months posttreatment, 28.1% of patients had high or complete response, whereas 47.1% required 6 months or 9 months of treatment. Overall, 24.8% of patients had an LPR chronic course.

CONCLUSIONS

Laryngeal and extralaryngeal symptoms and findings significantly improved throughout treatment in LPR patients. The improvement of laryngeal findings was slower. Regarding the low prevalence of some digestive or otolaryngological symptoms, a short version of the RSS could be developed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 131:1332-1342, 2021.

Narrow band imaging might contribute to the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux

PURPOSE

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) accounts for 4-10% of outpatient visits. The standard domestic LPR diagnostic tools are the reflux finding score (RFS) and reflux symptom index (RSI). Narrow band imaging (NBI) can identify previously unknown characteristic microvessel features. Our aim was to explore the role of NBI in LPR diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We recruited 56 LPR outpatients and 41 symptom-negative controls. All individuals received RSI and RFS scores and underwent 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-PH (MII-pH) monitoring and endoscopic NBI before and after treatment. The positivity rates in the study and control groups, before and after treatment, and using NBI and the conventional method were evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifty-one LPR and six control patients had sparse light brownish dots or tufted light brownish dots in the postcricoid region. The RSI and RFS positivity rates were 31.3% and 87.1%, respectively. NBI is as effective as the RFS (P < 0.05), and has poor consistency with the RSI (P < 0.05). Fifty-three LPR patients underwent posttreatment laryngoscopy. The positivity rate decreased to 17.0% (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

NBI has good value for LPR diagnosis.

[Investigation of laryngopharyngeal reflux prevalence and risk factors in otolaryngology]

Objective:To investigate the prevalence and related risk factors of laryngopharyngeal reflux in otolaryngology. Method:During January 2019 to March 2019, the inpatients in otolaryngology were investigated by the questionnaire of reflux symptom index scale and the laryngopharyngeal reflux related risk factors were analyzed. Result:Among the 227 patients, 33 patients with suspected LPR contained 19 patients（20.7%） of 92 patients in the laryngopharyngeal group, 10 patients（16.1%） of 62 patients in the nasal group, and 4 patients（5.5%） of 73 patients in the ear group. LPR prevalence in the laryngopharyngeal group was statistically different from that in the ear group（P<0.05）. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, smoking, drinking and BMI were risk factors of LPR（P<0.01）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that BMI was an independent risk factor of LPR（P<0.01）. Conclusion:LPR had a high prevalence rate in otolaryngology related diseases, and appropriate synergistic anti-LPR treatment could be carried out while treating otolaryngology related diseases.

Treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUNG

For a long time, laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) has been treated by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with an uncertain success rate.

AIM

To shed light the current therapeutic strategies used for LPRD in order to analysis the rationale in the LPRD treatment.

METHODS

Three authors conducted a PubMed search to identify papers published between January 1990 and February 2019 about the treatment of LPRD. Clinical prospective or retrospective studies had to explore the impact of medical treatment(s) on the clinical presentation of suspected or confirmed LPRD. The criteria for considering studies for the review were based on the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome framework.

RESULTS

The search identified 1355 relevant papers, of which 76 studies met the inclusion criteria, accounting for 6457 patients. A total of 64 studies consisted of empirical therapeutic trials and 12 were studies where authors formally identified LPRD with pH-monitoring or multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH). The main therapeutic scheme consisted of once or twice daily PPIs for a duration ranged from 4 to 24 wk. The most used PPIs were omeprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole with a success rate ranging from 18% to 87%. Other composite treatments have been prescribed including PPIs, alginate, prokinetics, and H₂ Receptor antagonists.

CONCLUSION

Regarding the development of MII-pH and the identification of LPRD subtypes (acid, nonacid, mixed), future studies are needed to improve the LPRD treatment considering all subtypes of reflux.

The management of suspected or confirmed laryngopharyngeal reflux patients with recalcitrant symptoms: A contemporary review

OBJECTIVE

To summarise current knowledge about the prevalence, aetiology and management of recalcitrant laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) patients-those who do not respond to anti-reflux medical treatment.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines to identify studies that reported success of anti-reflux medical treatment with emphasis on studies that attempted to be rigorous in defining a population of LPR patients and which subsequently explored the characteristics of non-responder patients (ie aetiology of resistance; differential diagnoses; management and treatment). Three investigators screened publications for eligibility from PubMED, Cochrane Library and Scopus and excluded studies based on predetermined criteria. Design, diagnostic method, exclusion criteria, treatment characteristics, follow-up and quality of outcome assessment were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 139 articles screened, 45 met the inclusion criteria. The definition of non-responder patients varied substantially from one study to another and often did not include laryngopharyngeal signs. The reported success rate of conventional therapeutic trials ranged from 17% to 87% and depended on diagnostic criteria, treatment scheme, definition of treatment failure and treatment outcomes that varied substantially between studies. The management of non-responders differed between studies with a few differential diagnoses reported. No study considered the profile of reflux (acidic, weakly acid, non-acid or mixed) or addressed personalised treatment with the addition of alginate or magaldrate, low acid diet, or other interventions that have emerging evidence of efficacy.

CONCLUSION

To date, there is no standardised management of LPR patients who do not respond to traditional treatment approached. A diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm is proposed to improve the management of these patients. Future studies will be necessary to confirm the efficacy of this algorithm through large cohort studies of non-responder LPR patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2a.

Validity and reliability of the reflux symptom score

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To develop and validate the Reflux Symptom Score (RSS), a self-administered patient-reported outcome questionnaire for patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective controlled study.

METHODS

A total of 113 patients with LPR were enrolled and treated with diet and 3 months of pantoprazole, alginate, and/or magaldrate depending on the LPR characteristics (acid, nonacid, or mixed). Eighty asymptomatic individuals completed the study. Patients and controls completed the RSS twice within a 7-day period to assess test-retest reliability. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's α for the RSS items in patients and controls. Validity was assessed by comparing the baseline RSS with the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Seventy-seven patients completed the RSS at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment to assess responsiveness to change. The RSS cutoff for determining the presence and absence of LPR was examined by receiver operating characteristic analysis.

RESULTS

Test-retest reliability (r_s = 0.921) and internal consistency reliability (α = 0.969) were high. RSS exhibited high external validity indicated by a significant correlation with the RSI (r_s = 0.831). Internal validity was excellent based on the higher RSS in patients compared with controls (P = .001). RSS, RSI, and VHI scores significantly improved from pre- to posttreatment, indicating a high responsiveness to change. RSS >13 can be considered suggestive of LPR-related symptoms. RSS was not influenced by the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, LPR subtypes, or patient characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

RSS is a self-administered patient-reported outcome questionnaire that demonstrates high reliability and excellent criterion-based validity. RSS can be used in diagnosing and monitoring LPR disease.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3b Laryngoscope, 130:E98-E107, 2020.

Perceptual, Aerodynamic, and Acoustic Characteristics of Voice Changes in Patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is an inflammatory condition suspected to be associated with dysphonia. In this study, we investigated multidimensional perceptual, aerodynamic, and acoustic voice changes in patients with clinically diagnosed LPR compared to healthy participants. We prospectively included 80 outpatients with Reflux Finding Score (RFS) >7 and Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) >13 from September 2013 to April 2016 and we compared clinical and voice quality assessments of these patients with 80 healthy participants. Statistically significant differences were found between groups with regard to Voice Handicap Index, perceptual voice quality (grades of dysphonia, roughness, strain, breathiness, asthenia, and instability), phonatory quotient, percentage jitter, percentage shimmer, peak-to-peak amplitude variation, standard deviation of fundamental frequency, and noise to harmonic ratio. Granulation score of RFS was found to affect the highest number of acoustic parameters. We did not identify significant correlation between vocal fold edema and objective voice quality measurements. This study supports that patients with LPR have significant deterioration of both subjective and objective voice quality compared to healthy participants.

Evaluation and Management of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease: State of the Art Review

OBJECTIVE

To review the current literature about the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature on LPR epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment was conducted. Using the PRISMA statement, 3 authors selected relevant publications to provide a critical analysis of the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

The important heterogeneity across studies in LPR diagnosis continues to make it difficult to summarize a single body of thought. Controversies persist concerning epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. No recent epidemiologic study exists regarding prevalence and incidence with the use of objective diagnostic tools. There is no survey that evaluates the prevalence of symptoms and signs on a large number of patients with confirmed LPR. Regarding diagnosis, an increasing number of authors used multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring, although there is no consensus regarding standardization of the diagnostic criteria. The efficiency of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy remains poorly demonstrated and misevaluated by incomplete clinical tools that do not take into consideration many symptoms and extralaryngeal findings. Despite the recent advances in knowledge about nonacid LPR, treatment protocols based on PPIs do not seem to have evolved.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The development of multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring and pepsin and bile salt detection should be considered for the establishment of a multiparameter diagnostic approach. LPR treatment should evolve to a more personalized regimen, including diet, PPIs, alginate, and magaldrate according to individual patient characteristics. Multicenter international studies with a standardized protocol could improve scientific knowledge about LPR.

Clinical outcomes of laryngopharyngeal reflux treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the therapeutic benefit of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) over placebo in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and to analyze the epidemiological factors of heterogeneity in the literature.

METHODS

An electronic literature search was conducted to identify articles published between 1990 and 2018 about clinical trials describing the efficiency of medical treatment(s) on LPR. First, a meta-analysis of placebo randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PPIs versus placebo was conducted according to diet. The heterogeneity, response to PPIs, and evolution of clinical scores were analyzed for aggregate results. Second, a systematic review of diagnosis methods, clinical outcome of treatment, and therapeutic regimens was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.

RESULTS

The search identified 1,140 relevant publications, of which 72 studies met the inclusion criteria for a total of 5,781 patients. Ten RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The combined relative risk was 1.31 in favor of PPIs and increased to 1.42 when patients did not receive diet recommendations. Randomized controlled trials were characterized by a significant heterogeneity due to discrepancies in clinical therapeutic outcomes, diagnosis methods (lack of gold standard diagnostic tools), and therapeutic scheme. The epidemiological analysis of all articles supports the existence of these discrepancies in the entire literature. In particular, many symptoms and signs commonly encountered in LPR are not assessed in the treatment effectiveness. The lack of diagnosis precision and variability of inclusion criteria particularly create bias in all reported and included articles.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis supports a mild superiority of PPIs over placebo and the importance of diet as additional treatment but demonstrates the heterogeneity between studies, limiting the elaboration of clear conclusions. International recommendations are proposed for the development of future trials. Laryngoscope, 129:1174-1187, 2019.

Vocal Tract Discomfort and Dysphonia in Patients Undergoing Empiric Therapeutic Trial with Proton Pump Inhibitor for Suspected Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

INTRODUCTION

the aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation among dysphonic and vocal tract discomfort symptoms in patients who underwent empiric therapeutic trial with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for a suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 34 patients with suspected LPR were enrolled in this study. All of them were evaluated using the reflux finding score, the reflux symptom Index (RSI), the vocal tract discomfort scale (VTDS), and the voice symptom scale (VoiSS) before and after the PPI treatment.

RESULTS

A significant difference was found between pretreatment and posttreatment reflux finding score, RSI, VTDS, and VoiSS scores. Significant correlations among RSI, VTDS, and VoiSS before the PPI treatment were found.

CONCLUSION

PPI treatment determined a significant improvement of symptoms related to dysphonia and vocal tract discomfort in patients with suspected LPR, in addition, significant correlations among the RSI, VTDS, and VoiSS scores were demonstrated thus suggesting that LPR might influence the response of questionnaires not specifically developed in order to assess the complains in LPR patient.

Comparison of Characteristics According to Reflux Type in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

OBJECTIVES

To analyze laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) as an acidic, nonacidic, or mixed type according to 24-hour multi-channel intraluminal impedance (MII) pH monitoring and the clinical characteristics of each type.

METHODS

Ninety patients were prospectively enrolled in this study. All patients underwent 24-hour MII pH monitoring as a diagnostic tool. Eighty-three patients were diagnosed with LPR. The patients were classified into three groups according to the pH of the hypopharyngeal probe: the acid reflux group, nonacid reflux group, and mixed reflux group. Subjective symptoms and objective findings were evaluated based on patients' responses to the Short Form 12 Survey (SF-12), LPR health-related quality of life (LPR-HRQOL), reflux symptom index, and reflux finding score.

RESULTS

The results of each group were compared. As a result, 34 patients were classified into the nonacid reflux group and 49 into the mixed reflux group. There were no patients classified as having acid reflux alone. There was no significant difference between the two groups when comparing the reflux symptom index, reflux finding score, LPR-HRQOL, or the mental component score of the SF-12. However, the physical component score of the SF-12 was higher in the nonacid reflux group (P=0.018). The DeMeester composite score (P=0.015) and total number of LPR events (P=0.001) were lower in the nonacid reflux group than in the mixed reflux group.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, no LPR patient had only acid reflux. The nonacid reflux LPR patients showed similar clinical characteristics and findings compared to the mixed reflux group, but exhibited significantly fewer LPR episodes.

Impact of laryngopharyngeal reflux on subjective and objective voice assessments: a prospective study

Background

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a prevalent, not well-understood disease affecting a high proportion of patients who seek laryngology consultation. The objective of this prospective case series is to explore the subjective and objective voice modifications in Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), especially the usefulness of acoustic parameters as treatment outcomes, and to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of voice disorder.

Methods

Forty-one patients with a reflux finding score (RFS) > 7 and a reflux symptom index (RSI) > 13 were enrolled and treated with pantoprazole 20 mg twice daily for three months. RSI, RFS, Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain and Instability (GRBASI) were assessed at baseline and after three months post-therapy. Acoustic parameters were measured by selecting the most stable interval of the vowel /a/. A study of correlations between acoustic measurements and laryngoscopic signs was conducted in patients with roughness. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results

Significant improvement in RSI, RFS, VHI, jitter, percent jitter, relative average perturbation (RAP), shimmer, percent shimmer, and amplitude perturbation quotient (APQ) was found at 3 months of treatment (p < .05). A correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between the grade of dysphonia, breathiness, asthenia, instability and jitter, percent jitter, RAP, shimmer, percent shimmer and APQ. In dividing our cohort into two groups of patients according to the presence of roughness, shimmer, percent shimmer and APQ significantly improved in patients with roughness, but no positive correlation was found between acoustic parameters and laryngoscopic signs.

Conclusion

Acoustic parameters can help to better understand voice disorders in LPR and can be used as treatment outcomes in patients with roughness.

TOPPITS: Trial Of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Throat Symptoms. Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Persistent throat symptoms and Extra Oesophageal Reflux (EOR) are among the commonest reasons for attendance at a secondary care throat or voice clinic. There is a growing trend to treat throat symptom patients with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to suppress stomach acid, but most controlled studies fail to demonstrate a significant benefit of PPI over placebo. In addition, patient views on PPI use vary widely.

METHODS/DESIGN

A UK multi-centre, randomised, controlled trial for adults with persistent throat symptoms to compare the effectiveness of treatment with the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) lansoprazole versus placebo. The trial includes a six-month internal pilot, during which three sites will recruit 30 participants in total, to assess the practicality of the trial and assess the study procedures and willingness of the patient population to participate. If the pilot is successful, three additional sites will be opened to recruitment, and a further 302 participants recruited across the six main trial sites. Further trial sites may be opened, as necessary. The main trial will continue for a further 18 months. Participants will be followed up for 12 months from randomisation, throughout which both primary and secondary outcome data will be collected. The primary outcome is change in Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) score, the 'area standard' for this type of assessment, after 16 weeks (four months) of treatment. Secondary outcomes are RSI changes at 12 months after randomisation, Quality of Life assessment at four and 12 months, laryngeal mucosal changes, assessments of compliance and side effects, and patient-reported satisfaction.

DISCUSSION

TOPPITS is designed to evaluate the relative effectiveness of treatment with a proton pump inhibitor versus placebo in patients with persistent throat symptoms. This will provide valuable information to clinicians and GPs regarding the treatment and management of care for these patients, on changes in symptoms, and in Quality of Life, over time.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN38578686 . Registered 17 April 2014.

Clinical effects of mosapride plus ranitidine vs mosapride plus rabeprazole for treatment of esophageal reflux laryngitis

AIM: To investigate the clinical effects of mosapride plus rabeprazole in patients with esophageal reflux laryngitis.

METHODS: One hundred and thirty esophageal reflux laryngitis patients treated at the Affiliated People's Hospital of Hubei Medical College from July 2011 to July 2014 were randomly divided into either a control group to receive mosapride plus ranitidine or a study group to receive mosapride and rabeprazole, with 65 cases in each group. The total response rate, percentage of time with pH < 4, and clinical symptom score were compared for the two groups.

RESULTS: The total response rate was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (95.38% vs 67.69%, P < 0.05). After treatment, percentage of time with pH < 4 and clinical symptom score were significantly improved in both groups compared with pretreatment values, and the improvement was more significant in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of adverse reactions (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Mosapride plus rabeprazole has a significant therapeutic effect in treating esophageal reflux laryngitis, and the combination therapy can reduce symptoms and has high safety.

Prevalence of voice & swallowing complaints in Pre-operative thyroidectomy patients: a prospective cohort study

Background

Compressive symptoms are common in patients with thyroid disease and are an accepted indication for thyroidectomy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of voice and swallowing complaints in pre-operative thyroidectomy patients and to compare these with thyroid volume, thyroid pathology and laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Methods

A consecutive case series design was performed. All patients undergoing a thyroidectomy (partial or total) at a tertiary care centre during a 2 year period were invited to participate. Fifty nine (10 male, 49 female) aged 19–73 were enrolled (59.3% total thyroidectomy, 40.7% partial thyroidectomy). Voice and swallowing complaints were subjectively evaluated using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the Modified Swallowing Impairment Score (MSIS), respectively. All patients completed the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and underwent videostroboscopy. Vocal function was objectively evaluated using perceptual ratings (GRBAS) and acoustic voice analysis (jitter, shimmer, maximum phonation time, maximum fundamental frequency range). The relationship between voice and swallowing symptoms was compared with thyroid volume and surgical pathology.

Results and discussion

The average VHI score was 8.39, representing normal voice scores. Of the objective voice measures, only jitter and a subset of GRBAS measures were slightly elevated. Swallowing complaints were reported at least “some of the time” by 25 patients (41.7%), and “often or always” by 16 patients (26.7%). Of the patients with voice and swallowing complaints, 68.4% and 56%, respectively, had elevated RSI scores consistent with laryngopharyngeal reflux. No correlation was found with thyroid volume or thyroid pathology.

Conclusions

Swallowing complaints appear to be common in pre-operative thyroidectomy patients. A large percentage, however, have associated laryngopharyngeal reflux which may in part account for these symptoms. Patients presenting with compressive thyroid symptoms should be evaluated for laryngopharyngeal reflux, and treated where appropriate.

The complexity of globus: a multidisciplinary perspective

Globus is a topic of interest for many specialties including otorhinolaryngology, gastroenterology and psychiatry/psychosomatic medicine, but, although many hypotheses have been suggested, key questions about its aetiology remain. This Review provides an overview of the extensive literature concerning this topic and discusses the quality of the evidence to date. Globus has been associated with oropharyngeal structural lesions, upper oesophageal sphincter disorders, oesophageal disorders, GERD, psychosocial factors and psychiatric comorbidity. However, findings are often contradictory and the literature remains highly inconclusive. Indeed, with the exception of patients with structural-based globus, the Rome III criteria for functional globus only apply to a subgroup of patients with idiopathic globus. In clinical reality, there exists a group of patients who present with idiopathic (nonstructural) globus, but nevertheless have dysphagia, odynophagia or GERD-exclusion criteria for globus diagnosis according to Rome III. The symptomatology of patients with globus might be broader than previously thought. It is therefore crucial to approach globus not from one single perspective, but from a multifactorial point of view, with focus on the coexistence and/or interactions of different mechanisms in globus pathogenesis. This approach could be translated to clinical practice by adopting a multidisciplinary method to patients presenting with globus.

Clinical predictors for response to proton pump inhibitor treatment in patients with globus

Background/Aims

Globus is a persistent or intermittent non-painful sensation of a lump or foreign body in the throat. Given the benign nature of the condition and the association of gastroesophageal reflux disease, empirical therapy with proton pump inhibitor seems reasonable for patients with typical globus. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical predictors for symptom response to short-term proton pump inhibitor treatment in patients with globus symptom.

Methods

Fifty-four patients with globus symptom were enrolled prospectively. All patients were treated with pantoprazole 40 mg daily for 4 weeks. Treatment response was defined as a > 50% reduction in symptom scores between symptom assessments. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis between responders and non-responders was performed to identify variables predicting response to pantoprazole treatment.

Results

Of the 54 consecutive patients considered, 13 were excluded on the basis of exclusion criteria and/or refusal to participate in the study. Finally, 41 patients were included in this study. After 4-week pantoprazole treatment, 22 patients (53.7%) were classified as responders. On multivariate analysis, the presence of reflux symptom was associated with a higher response rate to 4-week pantoprazole treatment (OR, 68.56; P = 0.043), and long symptom duration (≥ 3 months) were associated with a lower response rate to pantoprazole treatment (OR, 0.03; P = 0.034).

Conclusions

Presence of reflux symptom and short symptom duration were independent predictors of responsiveness to 4-week pantoprazole treatment in patients with globus.

Prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms: comparison between health checkup examinees and patients with otitis media

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms in health checkup examinees and in patients with otitis media with effusion (OME) of undetermined etiology and the significance of age, body mass index (BMI), and pepsinogen (PG) concentration in middle ear effusions (MEEs).

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Health checkup and private clinics.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 410 subjects who had undergone a health checkup were asked to respond to the reflux symptom index (RSI) to identify the distribution of the RSI score, and the results were compared with 62 patients with OME by BMI and PG concentration in the MEEs.

RESULTS

The RSI-positive (score >13) rate was 7.1% in the health checkup examinees. The highest rate was observed in men in their 40s, who had the highest average BMI. None of the men in their 80s were RSI positive. The RSI-positive rate in patients with OME was 21.0%. None of the male patients ≥ 70 years of age were RSI positive, whereas the average PG concentration was significantly higher in this group.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of LPR symptoms evaluated by the RSI was significantly higher in OME patients than in the health checkup examinees; however, a similar pattern in which LPR symptoms were prominent in middle-aged men with a high BMI and much less in elderly men was observed. Middle-aged men with a high BMI might be diagnosed as having LPR disease based on the relevant symptoms. LPR findings would be more sensitive than symptoms in elderly men.