[Case-control survey on relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux and vocal fold polyps]

Objective: To investigate whether laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR) is an independent risk factor for vocal fold polyps and to analyze the potential mechanism. Methods: Case control survey was designed. Subjects who came to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from September 2018 to December 2019, including 152 cases with vocal fold polyps and 176 cases with normal vocal folds, were selected. All the subjects filled in a questionnaire and were assessed by the reflux symptom index (RSI) and the reflux finding score (RFS) scale. RSI>13 and(or) RFS>7 were classified as LPR. Chi-square test, univariate and multivariate unconditional logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. Results: The incidence of LPR and throat clearing in vocal fold polyps group (47.37%, 73.68%) was significantly higher than that in control group (27.27%, 59.09%), with statistically significant difference (P<0.001, P=0.005, respectively). The incidence of troublesome cough, indigestion or stomach acid coming up was no difference between the two groups(P=0.672, P=0.099). Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that LPR (OR=1.815, 95%CI:1.061-3.103), occupational exposure(OR=2.655, 95%CI:1.397-5.042), spicy food(OR=1.958, 95%CI:1.142-3.355) were risk factors for vocal fold polyps. Conclusion: LPR, occupational exposure, spicy food are independent risk factors for vocal fold polyps. Frequent throat clearing caused by LPR may be the main cause of vocal ford polyps. In order to prevent vocal fold polyps, we need to take action to treat laryngopharyngeal reflux disease actively.