Prevalence of extraesophageal reflux in patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux

Analysis of the Correlation Between Dynamic Characteristics and Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the esophageal motility characteristics of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and their relationship with symptoms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We examined 101 patients diagnosed with GERD by endoscopy and divided them into 3 groups as follows: nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), reflux esophagitis, and Barrett esophagus. Esophageal high-resolution manometry and the GERD Questionnaire were used to investigate the characteristics of esophageal dynamics and symptoms. In addition, the reflux symptom index was completed and the patients were divided into 7 groups according to symptoms. We then determined the correlation between dynamic esophageal characteristics and clinical symptoms.

RESULTS

Upper (UES) and lower (LES) esophageal sphincter pressures and the 4-second integrated relaxation pressure in the RE group were lower than those in the NERD group. The 4-second integrated relaxation pressure in the Barrett esophagus group was also lower than that in the NERD group. In the analysis of extraesophageal symptoms, high-resolution manometry showed significant differences in UES pressures among all groups. Further subgroup analysis showed that compared with the group without extraesophageal symptoms, the UES pressure of the groups with pharyngeal foreign body sensation, throat clearing, and multiple extraesophageal symptoms was lower.

CONCLUSIONS

As GERD severity increases, motor dysfunction of the LES and esophageal body gradually worsens, and the LES plays an important role in GERD development. Decreased UES pressure plays an important role in the occurrence of extraesophageal symptoms, which is more noticeable in patients with pharyngeal foreign body sensation and throat clearing.

Esophageal Pressure and Clinical Assessments in the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) might be associated with reflux symptoms, and its severity is correlated with the Reflux Symptoms Index. Diagnosis is often challenging because of a lack of accurate diagnostic tools. Although an association between LPRD and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) exists, the extent to which esophageal pressure changes in patients with LPRD with GERD has been unknown. Therefore, this study surveys the clinical assessments and extent of esophageal pressure changes in LRPD patients with various GERD severities, and compares esophageal sphincter pressures between ages, genders, and body mass index (BMI). This observational study assessed patients with LPRD and GERD. High-resolution esophageal manometry was used to gather data pertaining to the area pressure on the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and the correlation between such pressure and symptom severity was determined. We compared the esophageal pressure of different UES and LES levels in the following categories: gender, age, BMI, and GERD severity. We analyzed correlations between esophageal pressure and clinical assessments among 90 patients with throat globus with laryngitis with LPRD. LPRD was measured using laryngoscopy, and GERD was measured using esophagoscopy and 24 h PH monitoring. There were no significant differences in the clinical assessments among the four grades of GERD. The LPRD patients with serious GERD had a lower UES and LES pressure. The lowest pressure and longer duration of LES and UES were also observed among patients with LPRD of grade D GERD. No significant differences in UES and LES pressures among ages, genders, or BMIs were noted.

Comparative effect of the sites of anterior cervical pressure on the geometry of the upper esophageal sphincter high-pressure zone

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

External cricoid pressure is increasingly used to augment the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). Our objective was to determine the effect of 1) pressures applied to cricoid, supracricoid, and subcricoid regions on the length and amplitude of the UES high-pressure zone (UESHPZ), and 2) the external cricoid pressure on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study.

METHODS

We studied 11 patients with supraesophageal reflux (mean age 58 ± 12 years) and 10 healthy volunteers (mean age 47 ± 19 years). We tested 20, 30, and 40 mm Hg pressures to cricoid, 1 cm proximal and 1 cm distal to the cricoid. In an additional 15 healthy volunteers (mean age 46 ± 23 years), we studied the effect of external cricoid pressure on LES tone. UES and LES pressures were determined using high-resolution manometry.

RESULTS

There was significant increase of UESHPZ length with application of pressure at all sites. The increase of UESHPZ length was relatively symmetric, more orad, and more caudad when the pressure was applied at the cricoid, supracricoid, and subcricoid levels, respectively. The magnitude of pressure increase was greatest at the middle and orad part of the UESHPZ when the pressure was applied at the cricoid and supracricoid levels, respectively. The corresponding magnitude of increase in the caudad part of the UESHPZ was not observed with pressure at the subcricoid level. There was no change of the LES pressure with application of cricoid pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of external pressure on the UESHPZ is site dependent. Subcricoid pressure has the least effect on UESHPZ. External cricoid pressure at 20 to 40 mm Hg has no effect on the LES pressure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3b. Laryngoscope, 127:2466-2474, 2017.

Upper aerodigestive tract disorders and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

A wide variety of symptoms and diseases of the upper aerodigestive tract are associated to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). These disorders comprise a large variety of conditions such as asthma, chronic otitis media and sinusitis, chronic cough, and laryngeal disorders including paroxysmal laryngospasm. Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux disease is an extraoesophageal variant of GORD that can affect the larynx and pharynx. Despite numerous research efforts, the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux often remains elusive, unproven and controversial, and its treatment is then still empiric. Aim of this paper is to review the current literature on upper aerodigestive tract disorders in relation to pathologic gastro-oesophageal reflux, focusing in particular on the pathophysiology base and results of the surgical treatment of GORD.

Endoscopic evidence of reflux disease in the larynx

CONCLUSION

The severity of laryngeal mucosal lesions in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is significantly greater than in controls. A higher degree of laryngeal mucosal injury is documented in patients in whom GERD is associated with more advanced esophageal lesions.

OBJECTIVES

(1) To confirm the presence of inflammatory lesions in the laryngopharynx of patients with GERD. (2) To analyze the relationship between the severity of laryngopharyngeal and esophageal lesions on the basis of the reflux finding score (RFS) and the Los Angeles (LA) scale of esophageal mucosal injury.

METHODS

The study included 92 subjects, among them 46 patients with GERD and 46 individuals without endoscopic evidence of esophageal lesions, qualified for routine endoscopy due to other indications. The endoscopic images of the inferior pharynx, larynx, and esophagus were analyzed during the video-endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The laryngeal images were assessed according to RFS criteria and the numeric value of RFS was calculated. The degree of esophageal mucosal injury was described according to the LA scale.

RESULTS

Both global RFS score and the scores of all RFS parameters except the presence of granulomatous tissue were significantly higher in patients with GERD than in the controls. Patients in whom GERD was associated with more severe esophageal lesions (group B according to the LA scale) had significantly higher global RFS score and scores of all analyzed parameters of laryngeal injury except subglottic edema than individuals in whom the degree of esophageal involvement was classified as group A.

Prevention of esophagopharyngeal reflux by augmenting the upper esophageal sphincter pressure barrier

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Incompetence of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is fundamental to the occurrence of esophagopharyngeal reflux (EPR), and development of supraesophageal manifestations of reflux disease (SERD). However, therapeutic approaches to SERD have not been directed to strengthening of the UES barrier function. Our aims were to demonstrate that EPR events can be experimentally induced in SERD patients and not in healthy controls, and ascertain if these events can be prevented by application of a modest external cricoid pressure.

STUDY DESIGN

Individual case control study.

METHODS

We studied 14 SERD patients (57 ± 13 years, 8 females) and 12 healthy controls (26 ± 3 years, 7 females) by concurrent intraesophageal slow infusion and pharyngoscopic and manometric technique without and with the application of a sustained predetermined cricoid pressure to induce, detect, and prevent EPR, respectively.

RESULTS

Slow esophageal infusion (1 mL/s) of 60 mL of HCl resulted in a total of 16 objectively confirmed EPR events in none patients and none in healthy controls. All patients developed subjective sensation of regurgitation. Sustained cricoid pressure resulted in a significant UES pressure augmentation in all participants. During application of sustained cricoid pressure, slow intraesophageal infusion resulted in only one EPR event (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Slow esophageal liquid infusion unmasks UES incompetence evidenced as the occurrence of EPR. Application of 20 to 30 mm Hg cricoid pressure significantly increases the UES intraluminal pressure and prevents pharyngeal reflux induced by esophageal slow liquid infusion. These techniques can be useful in diagnosis and management of UES incompetence in patients suffering from supraesophageal manifestations of reflux disease.

Helicobacter pyloriinfection and its correlation to extraesophageal and esophageal reflux in contact granuloma patients

To evaluate the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and its correlation to extraesophageal and esophageal reflux, 18 consecutive contact granuloma patients were examined by laryngoscopy, 24-hour double probe pH monitoring and [13C]-urea breath test. Sixteen of the 18 patients (89%) were H. pylori-negative, while 2 patients (11%) showed positive test results. Extraesophageal reflux was detected in 14 patients; one of them was H. pylori-positive. In the ten patients with abnormal distal esophageal reflux, one was H. pylori-positive. The present results do not confirm increased prevalence for H. pylori infection in contact granuloma patients and the occurrence of H. pylori infection was not correlated to the amount of pharyngeal or esophageal acid exposure.

A more than 10-year prospective, follow-up study of esophageal and pharyngeal acid exposure, symptoms and laryngeal findings in healthy, asymptomatic volunteers

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the development of pharyngeal and esophageal acid exposure, symptoms, and laryngeal findings in previously healthy subjects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-three subjects, previously included in a normative pH monitoring study, completed symptom questionnaires, a video laryngoscopic examination, and ambulatory 24-h pharyngeal and esophageal pH monitoring after a mean follow-up of 14 years.

RESULTS

Twenty-four subjects (15 F, 9 M, mean age 57 years) completed the study. The number of subjects with pathological esophageal reflux increased from 5 (21%) at baseline to 8 (33%) at follow-up (p=0.23), whereas the proportion with pharyngeal acid exposure of at least 0.1% decreased from 42% to 13% (p=0.04). Heartburn and/or regurgitation developed in 11 of the 24 (46%) subjects and airway symptoms in 10 (42%) subjects. Laryngeal pathology was found in 9 of 23 subjects (39%). Airway symptoms were equally common among subjects with and those without laryngeal findings or with and without pharyngeal reflux.

CONCLUSIONS

Esophageal acid exposure increases over time in previously symptom-free, healthy subjects. The increase in airway symptoms or laryngeal abnormalities is not directly related to increased acid exposure.

Diagnosis and management of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Laryngopharyngeal reflux should no longer be underestimated because of its negative impact on the lives of patients and its potentially dangerous long-term complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Both laryngopharyngeal reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease are caused by mucosal injury from acid and pepsin exposure, but the esophagus has intrinsic antireflux defenses that prevent mucosal injury (bicarbonate production, mucosal tissue resistance and esophageal motor function with acid clearance) whereas the pharynx and the larynx do not. Symptoms felt to be most related to reflux (>or= 95%) are throat clearing, persistent cough, heartburn/dyspepsia, globus sensation (lump in the throat) and voice-quality change, while the physical examination findings include (>or= 95%) arytenoid erythema, vocal-cord erythema and edema, posterior commissure hypertrophy, and arytenoid edema. In this regard, the reflux symptom index and the reflux finding score are very useful clinical tools. Patients are proposed an empirical therapeutic trial including behavioural and dietary recommendations and a 3-month twice-daily proton-pump inhibitor therapy. The proton-pump inhibitor should be taken 30-60 min before meals. Nonresponders undergo an assessment, ideally based on esogastroduodenoscopy and ambulatory multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring. Transnasal esophagoscopy in the outpatient setting is a safe alternative. When medical management fails, patients with demonstrable high-volume reflux and lower sphincter incompetence are often candidates for surgical intervention.

SUMMARY

The algorithm proposed by Ford has structured and confirmed our attitude on a day-to-day basis.

Symptoms of Extraesophageal Reflux in a Community-Dwelling Sample

OBJECTIVES

Extraesophageal reflux disease (EERD) is linked with serious and varied health concerns. The authors' goal was to determine the prevalence of EERD and the effect on health-related quality of life in adults within a large community-based sample.

STUDY DESIGN

Survey study conducted in a community setting.

METHODS

In the Madison, Wisconsin area, 1845 adult subjects were surveyed. Main outcome measures were frequently of GERD and laryngeal symptoms, the Medical Outcomes Trust Short Form 12 (SF-12), Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD) questionnaires.

RESULTS

More than 66% of subjects reported either GERD or laryngeal symptoms, and 26% reported both GERD and laryngeal symptoms (which reflect symptoms commonly reported for EERD). In addition, 39% of our sample took medicine for heartburn. Forty-four percent of subjects with both GERD and laryngeal symptoms reported occasional breathing difficulties, and 38% of these subjects reported a voice disorder. Significant reductions in perceived quality of general health, digestive health, and voice-related quality of life were found in subjects with both GERD and laryngeal symptoms, in comparison with subjects manifesting each symptom group alone, or in subjects with no symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of GERD and laryngeal symptoms, and their concurrence, was identified in a substantial number of subjects. The GERD and laryngeal symptoms surveyed represent those most commonly reported for EERD. Because EERD has been linked with tissue damage and reductions in health-related quality of life, it is important to identify these persons and provide treatment before progression of the condition.

Silent reflux: ex juvantibus criteria for diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal disorders

CONCLUSIONS

Some primary laryngeal pathologies with specific clinical presentation may be related to silent laryngeal reflux. An ex adjuvantibus proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment may be helpful for showing evidence of such a hidden laryngeal disorder.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the validity of PPI as an ex adjuvantibus criterion for diagnosis and treatment of suspected reflux-associated laryngitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty patients with clinical suspicion of laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) were identified on the grounds of laryngeal symptoms (dysphonia, cough, globus sensation, increased throat clearing, bad taste, and laryngeal spasm), laryngeal features (arytenoid edema/erythema, partial or total vocal fold erythema, and posterior glottic edema) with or without gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD). They were consequently subdivided in three groups: type I, with LPR symptoms and features without GERD; type II with LPR symptoms and features with GERD; and type III with LPR features only. Types I and III were randomly treated with omeprazole (group A) or with immunostimulating vaccine (group B) for 3 months. Pre- and post-treatment laryngeal features and symptoms in all groups were evaluated by laryngo-stroboscopy and analyzed for statistical correlation.

RESULTS

All omeprazole-treated patients showed improvement of laryngeal features and symptoms. With PPI treatment, a more significant improvement was noticed with respect to nonspecific immunostimulant therapy. Also, patients without LPR symptoms showed improvement of laryngeal features.

Pharyngeal and laryngeal symptoms and signs related to extraesophageal reflux in patients with heartburn in gastroenterology practice: a prospective study

OBJECTIVES

To describe pharyngeal and laryngeal symptoms and findings in correlation to extraesophageal reflux (EER) in patients with heartburn.

DESIGN

A prospective study.

SETTING

Patients referred to Department of Gastroenterology, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-three patients with chronic heartburn as the primary symptom, subdivided on the basis of oesophageal manometry to have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) (n = 25) or not (n = 18).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Laryngeal video recordings of 43 patients were examined off-line. The occurrence of symptoms and laryngeal pathology were correlated to the results of 24-h double-probe pH monitoring.

RESULTS

Pharyngeal or laryngeal symptoms occurred often or quite often in 72% (18 of 25) of the GORD patients and 61% (11 of 18) of the patients without GORD. EER occurred in 73% (16 of 22) of the GORD patients with laryngeal symptoms and in 38% (6 of 16) of those without GORD but with laryngeal symptoms (P = 0.047). In the multivariate analysis the odds for hoarseness was 17 times higher if the patient had heartburn more than five times a day, compared with patients with heartburn less than once a day (OR 17.8, CI 1.7-405.9; P = 0.01). Cohen's kappa for intrarater reliability was 0.851 (P = 0.001). Laryngeal pathology was found in 56% of the GORD patients and 44% patients without GORD. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of any specific symptom or finding between the patients with and without GORD, nor with and without EER.

CONCLUSIONS

Although GORD together with laryngeal symptoms seem to be predictive of EER, there are no specific pharyngeal and laryngeal symptoms or findings that would help distinguishing patients with EER from those without. However, the more frequent the heartburn to the more frequent is hoarseness.