Usefulness of Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux Finding Score in the diagnosis of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is a common condition with an estimated prevalence between 8-30% in the general population. The complaints of LPRD are non-specific and may overlap with many other common conditions leading to misdiagnosis. Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) is a 9-item patient response based questionnaire developed to diagnose LPRD. Similarly, Reflux Finding Score (RFS) is an 8-item based scoring system created to diagnose LPRD based on endoscopic findings during laryngoscopy. The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of the two scoring systems in identifying patients with LPRD.

Patients with features suggestive of LPRD were considered for participation as per strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The RSI and RFS was calculated in each case and result was analyzed for statistical significance.

Total of 150 patients were identified with 37.38 years as mean age of presentation. M:F ratio was 1:1.88. 111 cases (74%) had RSI score above 13 suggestive of LPRD with mean RSI of 19.58. 84 cases (56%) had RFS above 7 suggestive of LPRD with mean RFS of 7.29. There was a positive correlation between RSI score and RFS.

There was positive correlation between RSI score and RFS in our study (p<0.0001) and the correlation was stronger with RSI scores above 13. This corroborates with the findings of most studies although some authors have inferred otherwise. Using both RSI score and RFS may be useful and complimentary to each other for the correct diagnosis of LPRD.