The importance of laryngoscopic findings as predictors of the treatment outcomes of laryngopharyngeal reflux: a retrospective review of 143 cases

Abstract

Abstract Background Laryngopharyngeal reflux can be described as even a single episode of reflux of gastric acid peptic contents into the larynx and hypopharynx. A large number of new researches show non-acid reflux to be an important cause of LPR symptoms. The present study explores the role of laryngoscopic findings in predicting the treatment outcomes of empirical PPI therapy for LPR. Methods A total of 143 patients diagnosed clinically with LPR were evaluated by rigid laryngoscopy and classified into 3 groups based on the Belafsky reflux findings score, as normal (0–7), mild to moderate (8–16), and moderate to severe (17–26). Results Twelve out of 39 patients in the normal group, 44 out of 61 patients in the mild to moderate group, and 31 out of 43 patients in the moderate to severe group reported symptomatic improvement after 3 months of PPI therapy and lifestyle modifications. The results were statistically significant. Conclusion Pretherapy laryngoscopic findings can be an important predictor of successful treatment outcomes of empirical PPI therapy for LPR.

Keywords

• Laryngopharyngeal reflux
• LPR
• Reflux laryngitis
• Reflux finding score