Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease:Updated examination of mechanisms,pathophysiology,treatment,and association with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease(LPRD)is an inflammatory condition in the laryngopharynx and upper aerodigestive tract mucosa caused by reflux of stomach contents beyond the esophagus.LPRD commonly presents with symptoms such as hoarseness,cough,sore throat,a feeling of throat obstruction,excessive throat mucus.This complex condition is thought to involve both reflux and reflex mechanisms,but a clear understanding of its molecular mechanisms is still lacking.Currently,there is no standardized diagnosis or treatment protocol.Therapeutic strategies for LPRD mainly include lifestyle modifications,proton pump inhibitors and endoscopic surgery.This paper seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing literature regarding the mechanisms,pathophysiology and treatment of LPRD.We also provide an in-depth exploration of the association between LPRD and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

A combined treatment for patients with dry eye and associated laryngopharyngeal reflux:a real-life approach

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of administering a combined therapy in patients with dry eye syndrome(DES)and associated laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR).METHODS:The study was retrospective,open,observational,and conducted in a real-life setting.Patients had pathological symptom assessment in dry eye(SANDE)and reflux symptom index(RSI)at baseline.Patients were re-assessed after 1mo and at the end of treatment.The treatment consisted of a three-month course based on the combined therapy:Gastroftal eye drops,one drop three times a day,and Gastroftal tablets,two tablets after lunch and two tablets after dinner.Tear break-up-time(TBUT)test,Schirmer test,RSI,and SANDE questionnaire were evaluated.RESULTS:The study included 253 patients.The mean age was 58±11.19y.TBUT test score and Schirmer’s test significantly increased(both P<0.001)after 1mo and at the end of treatment.The RSI score and SANDE scores significantly decreased(both P<0.001)after 1mo and at the end of treatment.CONCLUSION:The current,retrospective,and open study shows that combined therapy using Gastroftal eye drops and tablets could represent a valuable option in managing patients with DES associated with LPR.

中西医联合治疗咽喉反流性疾病

咽喉反流性疾病（laryngopharyngeal reflux disease,LPRD）是耳鼻咽喉头颈外科常见疾病,是指胃内容物经食管突破上括约肌,造成咽喉部黏膜的损伤,引起一组非特异性症状及体征的疾病。咽喉反流不包括气管、肺等反流部位,但包括咽部和喉部两大部分^（[1]）。有研究显示将近10%的耳鼻咽喉科门诊患者以及超过50%的声嘶患者存在咽喉反流相关的疾病,LPRD的发生机制多考虑为胃食道反流物到达咽部,当有足够的动力时便可形成喷射,

声带突肉芽肿的抑酸药物治疗

声带突肉芽肿是发生在杓状软骨声带突的良性增生性病变，目前具体发病机制还不十分明确，但一般认为主要与用声过度、咽喉反流及气管插管损伤有关，且前两者常同时存在，相互影响。对于声带突肉芽肿的治疗，目前主要有嗓音矫正治疗、抑酸药物治疗、手术治疗、肉毒杆菌毒素注射疗法及联合治疗等[1]。近年来随着对声带突肉芽肿病因及发病机制的不断研究，特别是对咽喉反流疾病研究的深入，认为咽喉反流是引起声带突肉芽肿的一个重要原因[2]，故目前普遍认同抑酸疗法是治疗声带突肉芽肿的首选疗法[1，3，4]。

咽喉反流与学龄前儿童分泌性中耳炎的相关性分析

目的分析咽喉反流与学龄前儿童分泌性中耳炎的相关性,为儿童分泌性中耳炎的诊治提供更多思路和方法。方法选取分泌性中耳炎合并咽喉反流的患儿为研究对象。通过反流症状指数评分量表(reflux symptom index,RSI)>13分及反流体征评分量表(reflux fingding score,RFS)≥7分诊断疑似咽喉反流。以病史结合耳内镜、声导抗检查确诊分泌性中耳炎。对患儿同时进行抗反流治疗,随访半年,观察疗效。结果分泌性中耳炎合并咽喉反流的患儿病例资料完整者18例,其中男12例,女6例,年龄3~6岁。1例手术,17例保守治疗。治疗前、治疗1个月、治疗2个月后的RSI评分及各项症状评分,差异有统计学意义。治疗前RSI评分和RFS评分无相关性(r=0.043,P=0.865)。治疗后1个月72%患儿中耳炎症状治愈,RSI>13分的患儿症状缓解率与用药时间呈负相关(r=-0.871,P=0.00);RSI≤13分的患儿症状缓解率与用药时间无相关性(r=-0.676,P=0.21)。治疗前的RFS评分与用药时间呈负相关(r=0.608,P=0.01)。随访半年,1例中耳炎复发,再次抗反流治疗后治愈。结论咽喉反流与儿童分泌性中耳炎有相关性。咽喉反流相关性中耳炎患儿病史长,病情反复,常规治疗无效或频繁发作。结合抗反流治疗可改善患儿的中耳炎症状并减少复发。

Clinical significance of heterotopic gastric mucosal patch of the proximal esophagus

Heterotopic gastric mucosa of the proximal esophagus (HGMPE),also referred to as"inlet patch"or"cervical inlet patch",is a salmon colored patch that is usually located just distal to the upper esophageal sphincter. HGMPE is uncommon with endoscopic studies reporting a prevalence ranging from less than one percent to 18%.Most HGMPE are asymptomatic and are detected incidentally during endoscopy for evaluations of other gastrointestinal complaints.Most consider HGMPE as clinically irrelevant entity.The clinical significance of HGMPE is mainly acid related or neoplastic transformation.The reported prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms varies from less than 20%to as high as 73.1%.However,most of these symptoms are mild. Clinically significant acid related complications such as bleeding,ulcerations,structure and fistulization have been reported.Although rare,dysplastic changes and malignancies in association with HGMPE have also been reported.Associations with Barrett's esophagus have also been reported but the findings so far have been conflicting.There are still many areas that are unknown or not well understood and these include the natural history of HGMPE,risk factors for complications,role of Helicobacter pylori infection and factors associated with malignant transformations.Follow-up may need to be considered for patients with complications of HGMPE and surveillance if biopsies show intestinal metaplasia or dysplastic changes.Despite the overall low incidence of clinically relevant manifestations reported in the literature,HGMPE is a clinically significant entity but further researches are required to better understand its clinical significance.

New aspects in the pathomechanism and diagnosis of the laryngopharyngeal reflux-clinical impact of laryngeal proton pumps and pharyngeal p H metry in extraesophageal gastroesophageal reflux disease

AIM:To determine the laryngeal H+K+-ATPase and pharyngeal p H in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR)-symptoms as well as to assess the symptom scores during PPI therapy.METHODS:Endoscopy was performed to exclude neoplasia and to collect biopsies from the posterior cricoid area(immunohistochemistry and PCR analysis).Immunohistochemical staining was performed with monoclonal mouse antibodies against human H+K+-ATPase.Quantitative real-time RT-PCR for each of the H+K+-ATPase subunits was performed.The p H values were assessed in the aerosolized environment of the oropharynx(Dxp H Catheter) and compared to a subsequently applied combined p H/MII measurement.RESULTS:Twenty patients with LPR symptoms were included.In only one patient,the laryngeal H+K+-ATPase was verified by immunohistochemical staining.In another patient,real-time RT-PCR for each H+K+-ATPase subunit was positive.Fourteen out of twenty patients had pathological results in Dxp H,and 6/20 patients had pathological results in p H/MII.Four patients had pathological results in both functional tests.Nine out of twenty patients responded to PPIs.CONCLUSION:The laryngeal H+K+-ATPase can only be sporadically detected in patients with LPR symptoms and is unlikely to cause the LPR symptoms.Alternative hypotheses for the pathomechanism are needed.The role of pharyngeal p H-metry remains unclearand its use can only be recommended for patients in a research study setting.

Nissen fundoplication vs proton pump inhibitors for laryngopharyngeal reflux based on p H-monitoring and symptom-scale

AIM To compare the outcomes between laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication(LNF)and proton pump inhibitors(PPIs)therapy in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR)and typeⅠhiatal hernia diagnosed by oropharyngeal p H-monitoring and symptom-scale assessment.METHODS From February 2014 to January 2015,70 patients who were diagnosed with LPR and type I hiatal hernia and referred for symptomatic assessment,oropharyngeal p H-monitoring,manometry,and gastrointestinal endoscopy were enrolled in this study.All of the patients met the inclusion criteria.All of the patients underwent LNF or PPIs administration,and completed a2-year follow-up.Patients’baseline characteristics and primary outcome measures,including comprehensive and single symptoms of LPR,PPIs independence,and satisfaction,and postoperative complications were assessed.The outcomes of LNF and PPIs therapy were analyzed and compared. RESULTS There were 31 patients in the LNF group and 39patients in the PPI group.Fifty-three patients(25 in the LNF group and 28 in the PPI group)completed reviews and follow-up.Oropharyngeal p H-monitoring parameters were all abnormal with high acid exposure,a large amount of reflux,and a high Ryan score,associated reflux symptom index(RSI)score.There was a significant improvement in the RSI and LPR symptom scores after the 2-year follow-up in both groups(P<0.05),as well as typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Improvement in the RSI(P<0.005)and symptom scores of cough(P=0.032),mucus(P=0.011),and throat clearing(P=0.022)was significantly superior in the LNF group to that in the PPI group.After LNF and PPIs therapy,13 and 53 patients achieved independence from PPIs therapy(LNF:44.0%vs PPI:7.14%,P<0.001)during follow-up,respectively.Patients in the LNF group were more satisfied with their quality of life than those in the PPI group(LNF:62.49±28.68 vs PPI:44.36±32.77,P=0.004).Body mass index was significantly lower in the LNF group than in the PPI group(LNF:22.2±3.1kg/m^2 vs PPI:25.1±2.9 kg/m^2,P=0.001).CONCLUSION Diagnosis of LPR should be assessed with oropharyngeal p H-monitoring,manometry,and the symptom-scale.LNF achieves better improvement than PPIs for LPR with type I hiatal hernia.

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.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with reflux esophagitis

AIM: To assess the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with reflux esophagitis and dis-close factors contributing to the development of LPR. METHODS: A total of 167 patients who proved to have reflux esophagitis by endoscopy were enrolled. They received laryngoscopy to grade the reflux find-ings for the diagnosis of LPR. We used validated ques-tionnaires to identify the presence of laryngopharyn-geal symptoms, and stringent criteria of inclusion to increase the specificity of laryngoscopic findings. The data of patients were analyzed statistically to find out factors related to LPR. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of LPR in studied sub-jects with reflux esophagitis was 23.9%. Age, hoarse- ness and hiatus hernia were factors significantly as-sociated with LPR. In 23 patients with a hiatus hernia, the group with LPR was found to have a lower trend of esophagitis grading. CONCLUSION: Laryngopharyngeal reflux is present in patients with reflux esophagitis, and three predicting factors were identified. However, the development of LPR might be different from that of reflux esophagi-tis. The importance of hiatus hernia deserves further study.

Scintigraphy in laryngopharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux disease:A definitive diagnostic test?

AIM: To investigate the utility of scintigraphic studies in predicting response to laparoscopic fundoplication(LF) for chronic laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms.METHODS: Patients with upper aero-digestive symptoms that remained undiagnosed after a period of 2 mo were studied with conventional p H and manometric studies. Patients mainly complained of cough, sore throat, dysphonia and globus. These patients were imaged after ingestion of 99m-technetium diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid. Studies were quantified with time activity curves over the pharynx, upper and lower oesophagus and background. Late studies of the lungs were obtained for aspiration. Patients underwent LF with post-operative review at 3 mo after surgery.RESULTS: Thirty four patients(20 F, 14 M) with an average age of 57 years and average duration of symptoms of 4.8 years were studied. Twenty four hour p H and manometry studies were abnormal in all patients. On scintigraphy, 27/34 patients demonstrated pharyngeal contamination and a rising or flat pharyngeal curve. Lung aspiration was evident in 50% of patients. There was evidence of pulmonary aspiration in 17 of 34 patients in the delayed study(50%). Pharyngeal contamination was found in 27 patients. All patients with aspiration showed pharyngeal contamination. In the 17 patients with aspiration, graphical time activity curve showed rising activity in the pharynx in 9 patients and a flat curve in 8 patients. In those 17 patients without pulmonary aspiration, 29%(5 patients) had either a rising or flat pharyngeal graph. A rising or flat curve predicted aspiration with a positive predictive value of 77% and a negative predictive valueof 100%. Over 90% of patients reported a satisfactory symptomatic response to LF with an acceptable sideeffect profile. CONCLUSION: Scintigraphic reflux studies offer a good screening tool for pharyngeal contamination and aspiration in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Prospective study of the prevalence and co-morbidities of obstructive sleep apnea in active-duty army personnel in the three southernmost provinces of Thailand using questionnaire screening

Background: It is crucial for the army to know the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) syndrome in activeduty army personnel. Little information has been reported on the prevalence of OSA and clinical features in activeduty army personnel. This study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of snoring and risk of developing OSA in activeduty army personnel in Thailand and to identify the co-morbidities of OSA. In total, 1107 participants who were aged20–60 years and were deployed to the three southernmost provinces of Thailand were enrolled. All the participants completed the Phramongkutklao(PMK) Hospital OSA Questionnaire that was modified and validated from the Berlin Questionnaire and underwent physical examination. The participants were 1107 active-duty army personnel in the three southernmost provinces of Thailand, both males and females, aged 20–60 years.Methods: The PMK OSA Questionnaire was used to assess the risk of OSA together with interviewing for snoring,fatigue, falling asleep and day-time sleepiness. Physical examination of the neck, chest and hip circumference,and height was performed. Information concerning physical training, co-morbid diseases, smoking and alcoholic consumption was collected.Results: The prevalence of snoring was 58.5, and 4.8% met the PMK OSA Questionnaire criteria, thus indicating a high risk of OSA. The information obtained indicated that laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR), current smoking and alcoholic consumption were significantly higher in the high-risk OSA group.Conclusions: Early detection and treatment of OSA in active-duty army personnel are imperative. Physical examination and polysomnography can be used to reveal the high-risk group. High body mess index(BMI), laryngopharyngeal reflux, current smoking and alcoholic consumption are modifiable factors for OSA and are avoidable. A policy to decrease the BMI and risk of LPR, as well as to stop smoking and alcoholic consumption, should be applied.

Characteristic pathological findings and effects of ecabet sodium in rat reflux esophagitis

AIM： To explore the pathological findings in the entire esophagus in rats with reflux esophagitis, and the effects of ecabet sodium （ES）. METHODS： A rat model of chronic acid reflux esophagitis was used. In the treatment group, ES was administered after surgery （n = 16）. No drug was administered postoperatively to the esophagitis group （n = 9）. Shamoperated rats were used as a control group （n = 5）. Rats were sacrificed on day 7 after the operation. The epithelial thickness and leukocyte infiltration were examined in the upper, middle and lower areas of the esophagus. The survival rate, incidence of esophageal ulcer, and mean surface area and number of esophageal ulcers were determined in the esophagitis and ES groups. Esophageal histology was assessed in all three groups. RESULTS： Leukocyte infiltration in the esophagitis group was 26.3 ± 22.0 in the middle esophagus and 8.2 ± 4.9 in the upper esophagus, which was significantly greater than that in the controls （1.3 ± 1.1 and 1.4 ±1.0, respectively） （P 〈 0.05）. The thickness of the epithelium in the esophagitis group was 210.8 ± 47.7 μm in the lower esophagus and 204.2 ± 60.1 μm in the middle esophagus, which was significantly greater than that in the controls （26.0 ± 5.5 and 21.0 ± 6.5 μm, respectively） （P 〈 0.05）. The mean number of ulcers per animal in the ES group in the entire esophagus was 5.4 =1= 2.5, which was significantly less than that in the esophagitis group （9.0 ± 3.5） （P 〈 0.05）. The epithelial thickness in the ES group was 97.5 ± 32.2 μm in the lower esophagus, which was decreased compared with that in the esophagitis group （210.8 ± 47.7 μm） （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Mucosal inflammation extended to the upper esophagus close to the hypopharynx. Our study suggested that ES may have a useful defensive role in reflux esophagitis.

How many cases of laryngopharyngeal reflux suspected by laryngoscopy are gastroesophageal reflux disease-related?

AIM:To investigate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) in patients with a laryngoscopic diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR).METHODS:Between May 2011 and October 2011,41 consecutive patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms(LPS) and laryngoscopic diagnosis of LPR were empirically treated with proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) for at least 8 wk,and the therapeutic outcome was assessed through validated questionnaires(GERD impact scale,GIS;visual analogue scale,VAS).LPR diagnosis was performed by ear,nose and throat specialists using the reflux finding score(RFS) and reflux symptom index(RSI).After a 16-d wash-out from PPIs,all patients underwent an upper endoscopy,stationary esophageal manometry,24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH(MII-pH) esophageal monitoring.A positive correlation between LPR diagnosis and GERD was supposed based on the presence of esophagitis(ERD),pathological acid exposure time(AET) in the absence of esophageal erosions(NERD),and a positive correlation between symptoms and refluxes(hypersensitive esophagus,HE).RESULTS:The male/female ratio was 0.52(14/27),the mean age ± SD was 51.5 ± 12.7 years,and the mean body mass index was 25.7 ± 3.4 kg/m 2.All subjects reported one or more LPS.Twenty-five out of 41 patients also had typical GERD symptoms(heartburn and/or regurgitation).The most frequent laryngoscopic findings were posterior laryngeal hyperemia(38/41),linear indentation in the medial edge of the vocal fold(31/41),vocal fold nodules(6/41) and diffuse infraglottic oedema(25/41).The GIS analysis showed that 10/41 patients reported symptom relief with PPI therapy(P < 0.05);conversely,23/41 did not report any clinical improvement.At the same time,the VAS analysis showed a significant reduction in typical GERD symptoms after PPI therapy(P < 0.001).A significant reduction in LPS symptoms.On the other hand,such result was not recorded for LPS.Esophagitis was detected in 2/41 patients,and ineffective esophageal motility was found in 3/41 patients.The MII-pH analysis showed an abnormal AET in 5/41 patients(2 ERD and 3 NERD);11/41 patients had a normal AET and a positive association between symptoms and refluxes(HE),and 25/41 patients had a normal AET and a negative association between symptoms and refluxes(no GERD patients).It is noteworthy that HE patients had a positive association with typical GERD-related symptoms.Gas refluxes were found more frequently in patients with globus(29.7 ± 3.6) and hoarseness(21.5 ± 7.4) than in patients with heartburn or regurgitation(7.8 ± 6.2).Gas refluxes were positively associated with extraesophageal symptoms(P < 0.05).Overall,no differences were found among the three groups of patients in terms of the frequency of laryngeal signs.The proximal reflux was abnormal in patients with ERD/NERD only.The differences observed by means of MII-pH analysis among the three subgroups of patients(ERD/NERD,HE,no GERD) were not demonstrated with the RSI and RFS.Moreover,only the number of gas refluxes was found to have a significant association with the RFS(P = 0.028 andP = 0.026,nominal and numerical correlation,respectively).CONCLUSION:MII-pH analysis confirmed GERD diagnosis in less than 40% of patients with previous diagnosis of LPR,most likely because of the low specificity of the laryngoscopic findings.

Rikkunshito improves globus sensation in patients with proton-pump inhibitor-refractory laryngopharyngeal reflux

AIM: To investigate the effect of rikkunshito on laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR) symptoms and gastric emptying in patients with proton-pump inhibitor(PPI)refractory LPR.METHODS: In total,22 patients with LPR were enrolled.Following a 2-wk treatment with PPI monotherapy,PPI-refractory LPR patients were randomly divided into two treatment groups(rikkunshito alone or rikkunshito plus the PPI,lansoprazole).LPR symptoms were assessed using a visual analog scale(VAS) score,gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed using the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale(GSRS),and gastric emptying was assessed using the radio-opaque marker method prior to and 4 wk following treatments.RESULTS: The 4-wk treatment with rikkunshito alone and with rikkunshito plus the PPI significantly decreased the globus sensation VAS scores.The VAS score for sore throat was significantly decreased following treatment with rikkunshito plus PPI but not by rik kunshito alone.Neither treatment significantly changed the GSRS scores.Rikkunshito improved delayed gastric emptying.We found a significant positive correlation between improvements in globus sensation and in gastric emptying(r2= 0.4582,P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Rikkunshito improved globus sensation in patients with PPI-refractory LPR,in part,because of stimulation of gastric emptying.Thus,rikkunshito is an effective treatment for PPI-refractory LPR.

A Case of Simultaneous Triple Primary Cancers of the Hypopharynx, Esophagus, and Stomach Which Were Dissected by Endoscopic Laryngo-Pharyngeal Surgery Combined with Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

A 65-year-old man was admitted to our hospital following 6 months of dysphagia. At first, conventional endoscopy showed a reddish and depressed lesion in the stomach and an elevated lesion in the posterior wall of the hypopharynx. An endoscopic biopsy showed adenocarcinoma in the stomach, and squamous cell carcinoma in the hypopharynx. On the further examination, trans-nasal endoscopy with narrow band imaging (NBI) was performed. During the trumpet maneuver, a huge protruded lesion was observed and it reached to the orifice of the esophagus. Other superficial lesion located at left pyriform sinus was detected by NBI system as brownish area with brown dots. Furthermore, superficial esophageal cancer in the cervical esophagus was detected. Finally, 4 carcinomas in upper gastrointestinal tract were detected. Among them, the hypopharyngeal cancer was the most advanced (T3N0). The patient hoped to preserve his voice and swallowing function, endoscopic laryngo-pharyngeal surgery (ELPS) was performed for the hypopharyngeal cancer. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) was performed for the esophageal cancer, and Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed for the gastric cancer. Under collaboration between a head and neck surgeon and an endoscopist, the tumor was resected en-bloc. The histopathological findings of hypopharyngeal cancer were squamous cell carcinoma, subeipthelial invasion, 29 × 28 × 4.2 mm. The others were diagnosed as mucosal cancers. The patient is currently alive with no recurrence at 28 months after the surgery;there is no stricture at the cervical esophagus. Endoscopic laryngopharyngeal surgery for the tumor of pharyngo-esophageal junction can provide a less invasive treatment.

Laryngopharengeal Reflux in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Does “Silent Laryngopharengeal Reflux” Really Exist?

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder resulting from the reversed flow of gastroduodenal contents into the esophagus, and producing different symptoms, while laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a disorder resulting from the reversed flow of gastric contents into the hypopharynx. The aim of this work is to evaluate LPR in cases of GERD. Methods: The present study was performed on fifty GERD patients diagnosed by gastroscope. LPR was assessed by reflux symptoms score (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS). Accordingly, patients are classified into: Group I = 25 patients with manifest LPR, and Group II = 25 control patients without LPR symptoms. Results: GERD accounts for 17.4% of attendants of gastroscope unit, where manifest LPR accounts for 29.1% of GERD cases recording mean RSI and RFS 16.48 and 8.44 respectively. Silent LPR accounts for 8% recording mean RFS 7. Conclusion: There is a significant direct proportional relationship between severity of GERD and the RSI and RFS (p = 0.015 and 0.005 respectively).

Software improvement for evaluation of laryngopharyngeal pH testing(Restech)——a comparison between Data View 3 and 4

BACKGROUND When gastroesophageal reflux contents reach above the upper esophageal sphincter,patients may,in addition to typical reflux symptoms,present with atypical,extraesophageal symptoms related to laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR).Surgical treatment of LPR has shown to lead to 70%symptom improvement,however no gold standard for the diagnosis of LPR exists.In 2007,the Restech Dx-pH was released as a valid method to measure acid exposure above the upper esophageal sphincter.Recently,a new software update was introduced for analysis of measured pH data and calculation of composite scores.The effect of the changes applied to the new software version have not yet been analyzed.AIM To compare results generated by Data View 3 to the most recently released Data View 4.METHODS All patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms were seen in a specialized surgical outpatient clinic for gastrointestinal function testing.Retrospective chart review was performed of all patients presenting with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease and extraesophageal reflux symptoms,who underwent laryngopharyngeal pH monitoring using the Restech Dx-pH system(Respiratory Technology Corp.,Houston,TX,United States)and simultaneous esophageal pH monitoring.Data View 3 and Data View 4 were used to evaluate Restech studies obtained.Diary entries such as mealtimes,supine and upright periods,and symptoms were entered manually to ensure accuracy and precise conversion of data between both software versions.Paired t test was performed for statistical analysis of results.RESULTS A total of 174 patients(63.8%female)met inclusion criteria,all suffering from extraesophageal reflux symptoms as well as typical gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms.Mean RYAN score upright was 48.77 in Data View 3 compared to 22.17 in Data View 4,showing a significant difference(~aP=0.0001).Similar results were shown for supine period(mean RYAN Score Data View 35.29 vs 1.42 in Data View 4,~cP=0.0001).For upright periods 80 patients showed a decrease of value of the RYAN score with a mean of-58.9(mean 51.1%decrease).For supine position 25 patients showed a decrease of value of the RYAN score with a mean of-15.13[range(-153.44)–(-0.01)],which equals a mean decrease of value of 44.5%.Ten patients showed no oropharyngeal acid exposure in Data View 3,but mild/moderate(n=7)or severe(n=3)acid exposure in Data View 4.Correlation with positive esophageal pH measurement was improved in all 10 patients.CONCLUSION Results of both software versions cannot be compared to each other.However,our data suggests that Data View 4 may be an improvement of the Restech pH measurement in the evaluation of LPR.

重度气管软化致婴儿咽喉反流1例

1 临床资料患者,男,3月龄,因"反复面色青紫1月余"于2018-11-30入院。患儿于入院前1个月持续剧烈哭闹后出现憋气,表现为面色青紫、双眼紧闭、呼吸暂停、四肢苍白,不伴四肢强直抖动,无吐沫,持续约2 min左右,拍背等刺激后可缓解;反复发作十余次,无发热,无咳嗽,无鼻塞、流涕,无呕吐、腹泻,无烦躁、嗜睡。期间曾两次因"面色青紫"于我院住院:2018-11-15第1次入院,疑诊神经及心血管系统疾病。

Review: Current Trends in the Diagnosis and Management of Globus Pharyngeus

Aim: To review recent literature on the diagnosis and management options for globus pharyngeus. Recent Findings: Strong evidence for the cause of globus pharyngeus is lacking however there is some research to suggest a possible link between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and globus pharyngeus. Radiological investigations used to find the cause of globus pharyngeus are often normal with little evidence to support their routine use. There are no long term controlled studies investigating the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) for the treatment of globus pharyngeus however, these are commonly used. A recent nonplacebo-controlled study has shown promising results using liquid alginate suspension to treat laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms. Other treatment modalities used, such as speech and language therapy, have shown some improvement in symptoms but these are often small trials. Summary: Globus pharyngeus is a clinical diagnosis. Investigations should be reserved for those with atypical symptoms. Thorough clinical evaluation and examination, including fibreoptic laryngoscopy, are key points in management.