[Relationship between vocal fold leukoplakia and gastropharyngeal reflux:analysis of 15 cases]

To explore the possible relationship between vocal fold leukoplakia and gastropharyngeal reflux.

Fifteen patients with vocal fold leukoplakia confirmed by pathology, all males, aged (53 +/- 14) (20-88), underwent esophageal and laryngopharyngeal 24-hour pH monitoring before operation. The rate and characteristics of reflux were recorded. Semi-open-ended questionnaire was used to assess the symptoms.

Nine of the 15 patients (60%) showed pathologic intra-esophageal reflux. The time of total acid reflux of the positive re intra-esophageal reflux group was 104.6 min +/- 42.1 min, significantly longer than that of the negative group [(10.9 min +/- 11.5 min), P = 0.001]. The frequencies of intra-esophageal acid reflux of the positive group was (30.1 +/- 16.2) times, significantly higher than that of the negative group [(4.8 +/- 3.4) times, P = 0.006]. The intra-esophageal acid reflux percentage of the positive group was 7.9% +/- 2.9%, significantly higher than that of the negative group [(1.0% +/- 0.6%), P = 0.01]. and the rate in esophageal pH <4 of total fraction time between reflux positive and negative patients (P < 0.01). The scores of heartburn and acid regurgitation of the positive group were significantly higher than those of the negative group (both P < 0.05). Two of 15 patients (13.3%) had pathologic laryngopharyngeal reflux. One patient also had obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome.

The patients with vocal fold leukoplakia had more pathologic intra-esophageal reflux compared to the normal individuals. Reflux may be a risk factor of mucosa leukoplakia. Leukoplakia;