[Laryngopharyngeal reflux: correlation between symptoms and signs by means of clinical assessment questionnaires and fibroendoscopy. Is this sufficient for diagnosis?].
OBJECTIVE
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (RFL) is diagnosed by the presence of laryngeal signs and symptoms. Some studies have noted that signs and symptoms may be non- specific and may have poor correlation. The goal of this study was to assess correlation of the reflux finding score (RFS) and reflux symptom index (RSI) as a fibroendoscopic assessment protocol.


METHODS
A sample of 34 consecutive volunteers with no prior history of voice disorders were enrolled. All completed a self-administered laryngeal symptom questionnaire (amended RSI) and underwent a comprehensive transnasal fiberoptic laryngoscopy to document RFL findings in a reflux finding score (RFS).


RESULTS
We found a statistically significant correlation between RSI and RFS. This correlation is greater when the RFS score reaches 7 or more points.


CONCLUSIONS
In view of the cost and system overload implied by the use of pH-metry, empiric pharmacological therapy is warranted on the basis of a diagnosis of RFL based on RFS and RSI.
Vázquez de la Iglesia
Francisco
F
Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Arquitecto-Marcide, Ferrol, A Coruña, España. fvazquez74@yahoo.es
Fernández González
Secundino
S
Gómez
María de la Cámara
Mde L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires