title: Laryngeal inflammation assessed using the reflux finding score in obstructive sleep apnea.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the relationships between laryngeal inflammation assessed using the Reflux Finding Score (RFS), laryngeal sensory function, and apnea severity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Endoscopic sensory testing (EST) was performed with subsequent blinded scoring from video of RFS. An RFS>7 was indicative of increased inflammatory change.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 34 patients evaluated, 29 had OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI]>or=15 events/h) at polysomnography. Increased inflammation was present in 26/29 (90%), with changes suggestive of laryngopharyngeal reflux. There were significant correlations between: inflammation and OSA severity (eg, RFS vs AHI, r=0.57, P<0.001); inflammation and laryngeal sensory impairment (EST detection threshold and pressure required to elicit the laryngeal adductor reflex, LAR); and the degree of sensory impairment and OSA severity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laryngeal inflammation is prevalent among OSA patients and correlates with laryngeal sensory dysfunction, attenuation of the LAR, and apnea severity.
  
  
  METHODS
  C-4.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. rkpayne@sympatico.ca
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Payne
authors.forename: Karen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Kost
authors.forename: Saul
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Frenkiel
authors.forename: Anthony G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Zeitouni
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sejean
authors.forename: Robert C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Sweet
authors.forename: Naftaly
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Naor
authors.forename: Lourdes
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hernandez
authors.forename: R John
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Kimoff
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007827:Laryngitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009960:Oropharynx / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology; D017286:Polysomnography; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology