Laryngeal inflammation assessed using the reflux finding score in obstructive sleep apnea.
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.
Payne
Richard J
RJ
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. rkpayne@sympatico.ca
Kost
Karen M
KM
Frenkiel
Saul
S
Zeitouni
Anthony G
AG
Sejean
George
G
Sweet
Robert C
RC
Naor
Naftaly
N
Hernandez
Lourdes
L
Kimoff
R John
RJ
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