Chronic Bacterial and Sicca Laryngitis: A Retrospective Cohort and Systematic Review

Chronic bacterial laryngitis (CBL) and sicca laryngitis (SL) are difficult to differentiate as they present and respond to treatment similarly. There are no standardized diagnostic or treatment guidelines. This study aims to better define CBL and SL through a systematic review and retrospective cohort analysis.

PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL.

A systematic review was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL following PRISMA guidelines. Additionally, a retrospective chart review was conducted at a tertiary laryngology clinic, collecting data on symptoms, laryngoscopy findings, treatment, and outcomes.

Fourteen studies (n = 718 patients) met inclusion criteria. There were no studies regarding sicca laryngitis; thus, the review reflects patients with CBL. Dysphonia was the most common presenting symptom (85.3%, 95% CI: 63.6-98.1). Common patient factors included proton pump inhibitor use (75.3%) and smoking (57.8% current or former). Frequently isolated pathogens included methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (40.3%), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (25.6%), and Klebsiella (33.3%). Among treated patients, complete symptom resolution was reported in 48.6%, while 50.2% required retreatment. In the retrospective cohort (n = 21), complete resolution occurred in only 9.5% of patients, with a 38% retreatment rate and 32% recurrence rate. Diabetes was associated with a higher likelihood of retreatment (P = .04). Antibiotics were the primary treatment strategy (71%), but outcomes were variable.

CBL and SL are overlapping conditions that present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The variability in diagnosis and management highlights the need for standardized guidelines and targeted treatment strategies to improve patient care.