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Objective: To investigate the voice quality impairments in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) according to the gender.Design: Controlled multi-center study.Materials and methods: 80 LPR patients (40 males and 40 females) with reflux finding score (RFS) > 7 and reflux symptom index (RSI) > 13 were included and clinically compared according to gender. To be considered as LPR patients, subjects responded to an empiric therapeutic trial based on pantoprazole intake and diet recommendations for 3 months or had positive pH/Impedance metry. Voice Handicap Index (VHI); Short Form Healthy Survey 36 (SF36), blinded Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain and Instability (GRBASI); aerodynamic and acoustic measurements were assessed in all patients and compared with 80 healthy controls (40 males and 40 females) according to gender.Results: The most common reasons for the consultation were, respectively, globus sensation in males (22.5%) and dysphonia (27.5%) in female who complained more of breathing difficulties and choking episodes related to LPR than males (p = 0.024). From a quality of life standpoint, female had increased significant impact of LPR disease on vitality and mental health than male. Compared to healthy subjects, both LPR male and female patients had stronger values of G, R, B, S, I, VHI, percent jitter, percent shimmer, and soft palate index than controls. In addition, LPR female had stronger values of lowest fundamental frequency and all aerodynamic measurements than controls.Conclusion: As showed in many other laryngeal conditions, voice quality of female could be more impaired by LPR than male. Some anatomical, histological and functional factors can be suspected and need additional future researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the profile and the therapeutic response of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) at the hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (HEMII-pH) according to the initial pepsin saliva concentration. Methods: From January 2018 to January 2020, patients with positive LPR diagnosis at the HEMII-pH were consecutively recruited from 3 European Hospitals. Saliva pepsin concentration (Peptest™) was measured during the HEMII-pH testing period and patients were classified into 2 groups: negative versus positive Peptest. The clinical outcomes, that is, gastrointestinal and HEMII-pH findings, reflux symptom score-12 (RSS-12), and 3-month therapeutic response, were compared between groups. Results: A total of 124 patients completed the study. Among them, 30 patients had negative Peptest. Pharyngeal reflux events occurred outside 1-hour post-meal time in 74.0%, after the meals in 20.5% and nighttime in 5.5%. The pepsin saliva level was not significantly associated with the reflux events preceding the sample collection. Patients with positive Peptest had better improvement of RSS-12 digestive and respiratory subscores and oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal findings compared with patients with negative Peptest. Conclusion: Patients with high saliva pepsin concentration had no stronger gastrointestinal, HEMII-pH, or clinical outcomes compared with those with low or undetectable saliva pepsin concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the profile of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) at the hypopharyngeal‐oesophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH monitoring (HEMII‐pH) and to compare their reflux findings with LPR patients without OSAS. Design: Prospective controlled study. Methods: Patients with LPR and OSAS were prospectively recruited from August 2019 to June 2020. The profile of hypopharyngeal reflux events (HREs) of patients was studied through a breakdown of the HEMII‐pH findings over the 24 hours of testing. Reflux symptom score (RSS), and gastrointestinal and HEMII‐pH outcomes were compared between LPR patients and patients with LPR and OSAS. Multivariate analysis was used to study the relationship between reflux data and the following sleep outcomes: Apnea Hypopnea Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and paradoxical sleep data. Results: A total of 89 patients completed the study. There were 45 patients with LPR and 44 subjects with both OSAS and LPR. The numbers of upright and daytime HREs and the otolaryngological RSS were significantly higher in patients with LPR compared with those with OSAS and LPR. There was a significant positive association between RSS quality‐of‐life score and ESS (P =.001). The occurrence of HREs in the evening was associated with higher ESS (P =.015). Patients with OSAS, LPR and GERD had higher number of nocturnal HREs compared with those without GERD (P =.001). Conclusion: The presence of OSAS in LPR patients is associated with less severe HEMII‐pH and ear, nose and throat symptoms. There may have different OSAS patient profiles according to the occurrence of GERD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) among the subspecialties of practicing otolaryngology-head and neck surgeons and their trainees. Methods: A survey was sent to over 8000 otolaryngologists (OTOHNS) over 65 countries, utilizing membership lists of participating otolaryngological societies. The outcomes were answers to questions regarding LPR knowledge and practice patterns, and included queries about its definition, prevalence, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. Results: Of the 824 respondents, 658 practiced in one specific otolaryngologic subspecialty. The symptoms and findings thought to be the most related to LPR varied significantly between subspecialists. Extra-laryngeal findings were considered less by laryngologists while more experienced OTOHNS did not often consider digestive complaints. Compared with colleagues, otologists, rhinologists and laryngologists were less aware of the involvement of LPR in otological, rhinological and laryngological disorders, respectively. Irrespective of subspecialty, OTOHNS consider symptoms and signs and a positive response to empirical therapeutic trial to establish a LPR diagnosis. Awareness regarding the usefulness of impedance pH-studies is low in all groups. The therapeutic approach significantly varies between groups, although all were in agreement for the treatment duration. The management of non-responder patients demonstrated significant differences among laryngologists who performed additional examinations. The majority of participants (37.1%) admitted to being less than knowledgeable about LPR management. Conclusions: LPR knowledge and management vary significantly across otolaryngology subspecialties. International guidelines on LPR management appear necessary to improve knowledge and management of LPR across all subspecialties of otolaryngology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this context, we developed a transnational European Reflux Clinic (ERC) dedicated to the management of patient with usual or complicated LPR. HEMII-pH hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring, RSA reflux sign assessment, RSS reflux symptom score, 6-w 6-week Personalized management based on patient features Prior to the consultation The suspected LPR patients are addressed to the reflux consultation. Similarly, patients fulfill electronic version of reflux symptom score (RSS) [[9]], perceived stress scale [[10]], and potential other patient-reported outcome questionnaires depending on the patient characteristics (voice handicap index for voice professionals, singing reflux score for singer, etc.). Regarding the patient evolution (RSS changes), the otolaryngologist may propose a treatment modification to wean the patient from drugs as soon as possible (Fig. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To assess the evolution of symptoms and findings of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) patients according to the type of reflux (acid, non‐acid, mixed and gastro‐oesophageal (GERD)). Design: Prospective uncontrolled multicentre study. Methods: One hundred and six patients with LPR have been recruited from 3 European Hospitals. According to the reflux characteristics at the impedance‐pH monitoring (acid, non‐acid, mixed, GERD), patients received a personalised treatment based on the association of diet, pantoprazole, alginate or magaldrate for 3 months. Reflux Symptom Score (RSS) was assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks post‐treatment. Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA) has been used to rate laryngeal and extra‐laryngeal findings at baseline and 12 weeks post‐treatment. Overall success rate and the evolution of symptoms and findings were evaluated according to the LPR types. Results: One hundred and two LPR patients (42 acid, 33 non‐acid, 27 mixed, including 49 with LPR and GERD) completed the study. RSS and RSA total scores significantly improved from baseline to post‐treatment time in acid, mixed and non‐acid groups. The presence of GERD in addition to LPR did not impact the clinical improvement. The 3‐month success rates of treatment ranged from 62% to 64%, and there were no significant differences between groups. The success rate of patients with non‐acid LPR was similar to those of patients with mixed and acid LPR. Conclusion: MII‐pH is useful to specify the type of LPR and the related most adequate therapeutic regimen. Non‐acid or mixed LPR similarly respond to treatment than acid LPR but require a treatment based on alginate or magaldrate covering the non‐acid proximal reflux events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare symptoms, signs, and acoustical voice quality changes throughout the 6-month course of empirical treatment between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) males and females. Materials and Methods: Forty clinically diagnosed LPR females and 40 males with a reflux finding score (RFS) >7 and a reflux symptom index (RSI) >13 were treated with pantoprazole and diet recommendations during 3 or 6 months according to their evolution. RSI, RFS, and acoustic parameters were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months posttreatment. A correlation analysis between videolaryngostroboscopic findings and acoustic measurements was performed. Results: RSI, RFS, and many acoustic measurements (i.e., percent jitter, percent shimmer, phonatory fundamental frequency range, fundamental frequency variation, and peak-to-peak amplitude variation) significantly improved from baseline to 3 months posttreatment in male group. In female group, RSI and RFS total score significantly improved along the 3 first months of treatment. However, some clinical outcomes (i.e., RSI total score, hoarseness, cough, and globus) continued to improve from 3 to 6 months of treatment. We did not identify significant improvement of acoustic measurements in female group. The correlation study did not reveal significant correlation between videolaryngostroboscopic findings and acoustic measurements. Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests the occurrence of gender-related differences in the LPR therapeutic response. Further studies need to clarify whether females require a longer course of therapy than males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop and validate the Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA), a clinical instrument evaluating the physical findings of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Methods: A total of 106 patients completed a 3-month treatment based on the association of diet, pantoprazole, alginate, or magaldrate with the LPR characteristics (acid, nonacid, mixed). Forty-two asymptomatic individuals completed the study (control group). The RSA results and reflux finding score (RFS) were documented for the LPR patients at baseline and after treatment. Intrarater reliability was assessed through a test-retest blinded evaluation of signs (7-day intervals). Interrater reliability was assessed by comparing the RSA evaluations of three blinded otolaryngologists through Kendall's W. Responsiveness to change was evaluated through a comparison of the baseline and 3-month posttreatment findings. The RSA cutoffs for determining the presence and absence of LPR were examined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: A total of 102 LPR patients completed the study (68 females). The mean age was 53 years. The mean RSA at baseline was 25.95 ± 9.58; it significantly improved to 18.96 ± 7.58 after 3 months of therapy (P <.001). RSA exhibited good intra- (r = 0.813) and interrater (Kendall's W = 0.663) reliabilities (N = 56). There was no significant association between the RSA, gastrointestinal endoscopy findings, and the types of reflux (acid, nonacid, or mixed) according to impedance-pH monitoring. An RSA >14 may be suggestive of LPR. Conclusion: The RSA is a complete clinical instrument evaluating both laryngeal and extralaryngeal findings associated with LPR. The RSA demonstrated high intra- and interrater reliabilities and responsiveness to change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the impact of diet on the occurrence of proximal reflux episodes at the multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH) in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Methods: Patients with LPR symptoms and findings were recruited from three European hospitals. The LPR diagnostic was confirmed through MII-pH and patients were benefited from gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Regarding the types of reflux at the MII-pH (acid, nonacid, mixed), patients received a 3 month-therapy based on the association of alkaline, low-fat and high-protein diet, proton pump inhibitors, alginate or magaldrate. Reflux symptom score (RSS) and reflux sign assessment (RSA) were used to evaluate laryngeal and extra-laryngeal symptoms and findings from pretreatment to posttreatment. The Global Refluxogenic Score (GRES) was used to assess the refluxogenic potential of the diet of the patients at baseline and posttreatment. The relationship between GRES severity; the MII-pH findings; GI endoscopy; and the therapeutic response was explored through multiple linear regression. Results: Eighty-five LPR patients were included. The mean GRES significantly improved from pretreatment (50.7 ± 23.8) to posttreatment (27.3 ± 23.2; P = 0.001). Similarly, RSS and RSA significantly improved from baseline to posttreatment. The baseline GRES was significantly associated with the occurrence of proximal reflux episodes at the MII-pH (P = 0.001). Trends were found regarding the association between GRES and the occurrence of esophagitis (P = 0.06) and between hiatal hernia and DeMeester score (P = 0.06). There was a significant and strong association between the concomitant respect of diet and medication and the improvement of RSS (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The consumption of high-fat, low-protein, high-sugar, acid foods, and beverages is associated with a higher number of proximal reflux episodes at the MII-pH, according to the global refluxogenic score of LPR patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective is to assess the differences in the severity of symptoms, signs, voice quality, and quality of life before and after treatment according to age in suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) patients. The design used in this paper is prospective multi-center study. Eighty clinically diagnosed LPR patients with a reflux finding score (RFS) >7 and a reflux symptom index (RSI) >13 were treated with pantoprazole and diet recommendations for 3 months. Patients were subdivided into three groups according their age: group 1 (18-39 years, N = 21), group 2 (40-59 years, N = 31), and group 3 (≥60 years, N = 28). RSI, RFS, Voice Handicap Index (VHI), Short Form 36 questionnaire (SF36), aerodynamic, and acoustic measurements were evaluated at baseline and after treatment. The response to the empiric treatment was also assessed. Significant improvements in RSI, RFS, and VHI were found in all patient groups. The elderly patients showed a significantly lower RSI score than younger subjects ( p = 0.035) without RFS difference among groups. At baseline, the SF36 score was better in group 3 with respect to social functioning ( p = 0.049). At the 3-month follow-up, we found significant improvement of acoustic parameters only in the younger age groups (group 1 and group 2). The rate of resistant patients to the empiric treatment was higher in the younger group than in the elderly patient group (42.9 versus 28.6%). Age appears to reduce the subjective LPR symptom perception, leading to a lower rate of uncured patients. The utilization of acoustic parameters as an indicator of treatment effectiveness seems less useful for elderly subjects, probably due to an overlap between an aging voice and LPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to explore voice quality modifications in laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) disease and to understand better the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of communicative disability. Biological Abstracts, BioMed Central, Cochrane database, PubMed and Scopus were assessed for subject headings using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) recommendations. Relevant studies published between January 1990 and December 2015 describing the evaluation of voice quality in LPR disease were retrieved. Issues of clinical relevance, such as LPR diagnosis method, treatment efficacy and outcomes, were evaluated for each study. We determined the grade of recommendation for each publication according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine evidence levels. The search identified 145 publications, of which 25 studies met the inclusion criteria for a total of 1483 LPR patients. Data were extracted by 2 independent physicians who identified 16 trials with a IIb evidence level, 7 trials with a IIa evidence level and 2 RCTs with a Ib evidence level where 4 patient-based instruments and 5 clinician-based instruments were used. The main voice assessment outcomes reported were hoarseness assessments by physicians or patients, followed by acoustic parameters; 15 and 14 articles, respectively, demonstrated significant improvements in subjective and objective voice assessments after treatment. The methodology used to measure acoustic parameters (i.e. sustained vowel duration, the sample portion choice for measurement, etc.) varied from one study to another. The majority of studies indicated that voice quality assessments (especially acoustic parameters) remain an interesting outcome to measure the effectiveness of treatment, but further studies using standardised and transparent methodology to measure acoustic parameters are necessary to confirm the place of each tool in the LPR disease evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]