Screening Test for LPRD: History Versus Video Laryngoscopy

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Gastroenterology
• Diagnostic Medicine

Background:

• Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) presents diagnostic challenges.
• Current screening methods include patient history (Reflux Symptom Index - RSI) and objective examination (Reflux Finding Score - RFS via video-laryngoscopy).
• Optimizing diagnostic accuracy for LPRD is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the correlation between the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and the Reflux Finding Score (RFS) in patients with suspected LPRD.
• To determine if RSI and RFS can be used as reliable, standalone screening tools for LPRD.
• To identify the most prevalent symptoms and findings associated with LPRD.

Main Methods:

• Patients with LPRD signs/symptoms were assessed using the RSI.
• Individuals with an RSI > 13 underwent video-laryngoscopy and RFS evaluation.
• Statistical analysis was performed to correlate RSI and RFS scores.

Main Results:

• 107 patients were included; 55% were female, with a mean age in the middle group.
• A positive RFS score (>7) was observed in 58.3% of patients.
• The mean RSI was 18.22 and the mean RFS was 7.45. Heartburn/indigestion was the most common symptom (44.5%), and posterior commissure hypertrophy was the most common finding (95%).
• A non-significant correlation (r=0.184, p=0.159) was found between RSI and RFS.

Conclusions:

• LPRD is more prevalent in females and the middle-aged population.
• The lack of significant correlation suggests that neither RSI nor RFS alone is sufficient for LPRD diagnosis.
• Utilizing both RSI and RFS as complementary, outpatient-based screening tools enhances diagnostic reliability for LPRD.