title: [Importance of functional endoscopy for diagnostics of extraesophageal reflux : relationship of Belafsky's reflux symptom index and functional endoscopic data].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Extraesophageal reflux exists as shown by scientific data. The underlying pathophysiology is not yet exactly known. Functional endoscopy seems to be a promising new diagnostic instrument. This study determined the relationship between functional endoscopy and Belafsky's reflux symptom index (RSI).
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study 71 patients were prospectively included and underwent a functional endoscopic examination followed by 6 months of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Symptoms were scored using Belafsky's RSI after endoscopic examination (before treatment) and after 3 and 6 months of PPI therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 3 and 6 months of PPI-therapy significant decreases in the RSI were found. The functional endoscopy characteristics which were expected to remain constant were controlled after 6 months and found to be nearly 100 % reproducible. Patients profit from PPI- therapy when reflux is detected by endoscopy even when RSI was initally normal. Functional endoscopy seems to be a useful instrument to detect extraesophageal reflux.
authors.affiliation: HNO- Praxis im Kreiskrankenhaus Seeheim-Jugenheim, Hauptstr. 30, 64342, Seeheim-Jugenheim, Deutschland, ohrweh@me.com.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Michel
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dannesberger
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fritsche
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Stroh
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ahrens
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D057045:Laryngopharyngeal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000187:drug effects; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors