Double-blind, placebo-controlled study with alginate suspension for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease

Review article: Diagnosis and management of laryngopharyngeal reflux

BACKGROUND

Laryngopharyngeal reflux has classically referred to gastroesophageal reflux leading to chronic laryngeal symptoms such as throat clearing, dysphonia, cough, globus sensation, sore throat or mucus in the throat. Current lack of clear diagnostic criteria significantly impairs practitioners' ability to identify and manage laryngopharyngeal reflux.

AIMS

To discuss current evidence-based diagnostic and management strategies in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux.

METHODS

We selected studies primarily based on current guidelines for gastroesophageal reflux disease and laryngopharyngeal reflux, and through PubMed searches.

RESULTS

We assess the current diagnostic modalities that can be used to determine if laryngopharyngeal reflux is the cause of a patient's laryngeal symptoms, as well as review some of the common treatments that have been used for these patients. In addition, we note that the lack of a clear diagnostic gold-standard, as well as specific diagnostic criteria, significantly limit clinicians' ability to determine adequate therapies for these patients. Finally, we identify areas of future research that are needed to better manage these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with chronic laryngeal symptoms are complex due to the heterogenous nature of symptom pathology, inconsistent definitions and variable response to therapies. Further outcomes data are critically needed to help elucidate ideal diagnostic workup and therapeutic management for these challenging patients.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Extraesophageal Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Expert Review

DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Clinical Practice Update is to review the available evidence and expert advice regarding the clinical management of patients with suspected extraesophageal gastroesophageal reflux disease.

METHODS

This article provides practical advice based on the available published evidence including that identified from recently published reviews from leading investigators in the field, prospective and population studies, clinical trials, and recent clinical guidelines and technical reviews. This best practice document is not based on a formal systematic review. The best practice advice as presented in this document applies to patients with symptoms or conditions suspected to be related to extraesophageal reflux (EER). This expert review was commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee (CPUC) and the AGA Governing Board to provide timely guidance on a topic of high clinical importance to the AGA membership and underwent internal peer review by the CPUC and external peer review through standard procedures of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. These Best Practice Advice (BPA) statements were drawn from a review of the published literature and from expert opinion. Because systematic reviews were not performed, these BPA statements do not carry formal ratings of the quality of evidence or strength of the presented considerations. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: Gastroenterologists should be aware of potential extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and should inquire about such disorders including laryngitis, chronic cough, asthma, and dental erosions in GERD patients to determine whether GERD may be a contributing factor to these conditions. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2: Development of a multidisciplinary approach to extraesophageal (EER) manifestations is an important consideration because the conditions are often multifactorial, requiring input from non-gastroenterology (GI) specialties. Results from diagnostic testing (ie, bronchoscopy, thoracic imaging, laryngoscopy, etc) from non-GI disciplines should be taken into consideration when gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is considered as a cause for extraesophageal symptoms. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 3: Currently, there is no single diagnostic tool that can conclusively identify GER as the cause of EER symptoms. Determination of the contribution of GER to EER symptoms should be based on the global clinical impression derived from patients' symptoms, response to GER therapy, and results of endoscopy and reflux testing. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 4: Consideration should be given toward diagnostic testing for reflux before initiation of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in patients with potential extraesophageal manifestations of GERD, but without typical GERD symptoms. Initial single-dose PPI trial, titrating up to twice daily in those with typical GERD symptoms, is reasonable. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 5: Symptom improvement of EER manifestations while on PPI therapy may result from mechanisms of action other than acid suppression and should not be regarded as confirmation for GERD. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 6: In patients with suspected extraesophageal manifestation of GERD who have failed one trial (up to 12 weeks) of PPI therapy, one should consider objective testing for pathologic GER, because additional trials of different PPIs are low yield. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 7: Initial testing to evaluate for reflux should be tailored to patients' clinical presentation and can include upper endoscopy and ambulatory reflux monitoring studies of acid suppressive therapy. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 8: Testing can be considered for those with an established objective diagnosis of GERD who do not respond to high doses of acid suppression. Testing can include pH-impedance monitoring while on acid suppression to evaluate the role of ongoing acid or non-acid reflux. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 9: Alternative treatment methods to acid suppressive therapy (eg, lifestyle modifications, alginate-containing antacids, external upper esophageal sphincter compression device, cognitive-behavioral therapy, neuromodulators) may serve a role in management of EER symptoms. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 10: Shared decision-making should be performed before referral for anti-reflux surgery for EER when the patient has clear, objectively defined evidence of GERD. However, a lack of response to PPI therapy predicts lack of response to anti-reflux surgery and should be incorporated into the decision process.

Diagnosis of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: Past, Present, and Future-A Mini-Review

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a variant of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in which gastric refluxate irritates the lining of the aerodigestive tract and causes troublesome airway symptoms or complications. LPR is a prevalent disease that creates a significant socioeconomic burden due to its negative impact on quality of life, tremendous medical expense, and possible cancer risk. Although treatment modalities are similar between LPR and GERD, the diagnosis of LPR is more challenging than GERD due to its non-specific symptoms/signs. Due to the lack of pathognomonic features of endoscopy, mounting evidence focused on physiological diagnostic testing. Two decades ago, a dual pH probe was considered the gold standard for detecting pharyngeal acidic reflux episodes. Despite an association with LPR, the dual pH was unable to predict the treatment response in clinical practice, presumably due to frequently encountered artifacts. Currently, hypopharygneal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH catheters incorporating two trans-upper esophageal sphincter impedance sensors enable to differentiate pharyngeal refluxes from swallows. The validation of pharyngeal acid reflux episodes that are relevant to anti-reflux treatment is, therefore, crucial. Given no diagnostic gold standard of LPR, this review article aimed to discuss the evolution of objective diagnostic testing and its predictive role of treatment response.

Laryngeal and Esophageal Mucosal Protection Using the Angico Gum Biopolymer in a Mouse Model of Reflux

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo protective effect of the angico gum biopolymer in reducing the inflammatory response and preserving the integrity of the laryngeal and esophageal mucosa.

STUDY DESIGN

Animal study.

METHODS

A murine surgical model of gastroesophageal reflux disease was accomplished and subsequently treated with angico gum or omeprazole. On days 3 and 7 post surgery, samples of the larynx and esophagus, respectively, were collected to measure the level of inflammation (wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity) and mucosal integrity (transepithelial electrical resistance and mucosal permeability to fluorescein).

RESULTS

Angico gum and omeprazole decreased laryngeal inflammation (wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity) and dramatically improved the integrity of the laryngeal mucosa. It also reduced inflammation (decreased wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity) of the esophagus and preserved the barrier function (inferred by assessing the integrity of the mucosa).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the protective effect of angico gum in an experimental gastroesophageal reflux disease model. Angico gum attenuates inflammation and impairment of the mucosal barrier function not only in the larynx but also in the esophagus.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 133:162-168, 2023.

Is Adjunctive Alginate Therapy Beneficial in the Treatment of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease in a Rural Indian Population? A Prospective Randomized Study

To assess the benefit of adjunctive alginate therapy in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) in a rural population in south India, by comparing the outcome of alginate plus proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy versus PPI monotherapy. 100 consenting adults of both sexes, with LPRD symptoms for ≥ 1 month, with both Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) > 13 and Reflux Finding Score (RFS) > 7, were included in a randomised prospective analytical clinical study. Patients were randomised into two treatment groups for 8 weeks. Group A received oral pantoprazole (40 mg, twice a day),and Group B received oral pantoprazole (40 mg) and oral alginate (500 mg/10 ml) twice a day each. Treatment outcome was assessed with RSI and RFS at 4 and 8 weeks. On follow-ups, both groups showed significant improvement in RSI. At 4 weeks, significant improvement in RFS was seen in Group B, but not in Group A; both groups showed improvement at 8 weeks. The improvement was significantly better in Group B RSI and RFS on both follow ups. On analysis of each RSI item at 8 weeks, choking sensation showed no significant improvement in Group A. All other items showed significant improvement in both groups, with all items except difficulty swallowing and choking sensation showing significantly better improvement in Group B. Analysis of each RFS item at 8 weeks, showed significant improvement in Group B but not in Group A. The addition of alginate to PPI shows greater definitive improvement in both symptoms and signs of LPRD within a short period of 8 weeks, compared to PPI monotherapy, making it a feasible treatment option with good results in routine practice in a rural set-up. Adjunctive alginate therapy enhances the resolution of clinical features of LPRD and is thus beneficial in its routine treatment in all populations.

Magnesium alginate versus proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), but their efficacy remains debated. Alginates is an option for the treatment of LPR with few adverse effects. The study aimed to investigate the non-inferiority of an alginate suspension (Gastrotuss^®) compared to PPIs (Omeprazole) in reducing LPR symptoms and signs.

METHODS

A non-inferiority randomized controlled trial was conducted. Fifty patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms (Reflux Symptom Index -RSI- ≥ 13) and signs (Reflux Finding Score -RFS- ≥ 7) were randomized in two treatment groups: (A) Gastrotuss^® (20 ml, three daily doses) and, (B) Omeprazole (20 mg, once daily). The RSI and the RFS were assessed at baseline and after 2 months of treatment.

RESULTS

Groups had similar RSI and RFS scores at baseline. From pre- to 2-month posttreatment, the mean RSI significantly decreased (p = 0.001) in alginate and PPI group (p = 0.003). The difference between groups in the RSI change was not significant (95%CI:  - 4.2-6.7, p = 0.639). The mean RFS significantly decreased in alginate (p = 0.006) and PPI groups (p = 0.006). The difference between groups in the mean change RFS was not significant (95%CI:  - 0.8; 1.4, p = 0.608).

CONCLUSION

After 2 months of treatment, LPR symptoms and signs are significantly reduced irrespective of the treatment. Alginate was non-inferior to PPIs and may represent an alternative treatment to PPIs for the treatment of LPR.

An update on current treatment strategies for laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a syndrome caused by reflux of gastric contents into the pharynx or larynx, which leads to symptoms of throat clearing, hoarseness, pain, globus sensation, cough, excess mucus production in the throat, and dysphonia. LPR is a challenging condition, as there is currently no gold standard for diagnosis or treatment, and thus this presents a burden to the healthcare system. Strategies for treatment of LPR are numerous. Medical therapies include proton pump inhibitors, which are first line, H2 receptor antagonists, alginates, and baclofen. Other noninvasive treatment options include lifestyle therapy and the external upper esophageal sphincter compression device. Endoscopic and surgical options include antireflux surgery, magnetic sphincter augmentation, and transoral incisionless fundoplication. Functional laryngeal disorders and laryngeal hypersensitivity can present as LPR symptoms with or without gastroesophageal reflux disease. Though there are minimal studies in this area, neuromodulators and behavioral interventions are potential treatment options. Given the complexity of these patients and numerous available treatment options, we propose a treatment algorithm to help clinicians diagnose and triage patients into an appropriate therapy.

Bolus transit of upper esophageal sphincter on high-resolution impedance manometry study correlate with the laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms

Laryngopharyngeal reflux symptom is a troublesome upper esophageal problem, and reflux symptom index (RSI) is commonly applied for the assessment of clinical severity. We investigated the relationship between the upper esophageal sphincter impedance integral (UESII) and RSI scores in this study. Totally 158 subjects with high-resolution esophageal impedance manometry (HRIM) with RSI questionnaire assessment were recruited. There are 57 (36.08%), 74 (46.84%), 21 (13.29%), and 6 (3.79%) patients were categorized as normal, ineffective esophageal motility disorder, absent contractility, and achalasia by HRIM examination, respectively. Subjects with RSI > 13 were noted to have lower UESII than others with RSI ≦ 13 (7363.14 ± 1085.58 vs. 11,833.75 ± 918.77 Ω s cm; P < 0.005). The ROC analysis yielded a UESII cutoff of < 2900 Ω s cm for the best prediction of subjects with RSI > 13 (P = 0.002). Both female gender and UESII cutoff of < 2900 Ω s cm were significant predictors of RSI > 13 in logistic regression analysis (OR = 3.84 and 2.83; P = 0.001 and 0.01; respectively). Lower UESII on HRIM study, indicating poor bolus transit of UES during saline swallows, is significantly associated with prominent laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms scored by RSI score.

Effect of Sodium Alginate on Gastrointestinal Symptoms after Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with Biopsy: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Aims

After esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy, some patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms. This study investigated the effect of sodium alginate on biopsy-related gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods

In this open-label, randomized, controlled trial, patients undergoing EGD with biopsy were randomly assigned to a treatment or control group. In the treatment group, sodium alginate was orally administered for 3 days after EGD. Patients completed questionnaires about their gastrointestinal symptoms at baseline (past week), the day after returning home, and after another 3 days. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, epigastric pain/soreness, heartburn, acid reflux, nausea/vomiting, borborygmus, abdominal distension, and belching, were rated using an upper gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS).

Results

A total of 210 persons (138 men) who underwent EGD with biopsy were enrolled and allocated to the treatment (n=104) or control (n=106) group. At baseline, the demographic factors and GSRS scores were not different between the control and treatment groups. The epigastric pain/soreness score increased in the control group after endoscopic biopsy (+0.056), whereas the score was decreased in the treatment group (-0.067) (p=0.042). In the treatment group, the scores for acid regurgitation and epigastric soreness decreased during follow-up from those at baseline (p<0.05), whereas there were no significant reductions in the control group. The scores for belching and borborygmus decreased during follow-up only in the treatment group. Abdominal bloating decreased in both the control and treatment groups.

Conclusions

Sodium alginate reduced epigastric pain/soreness after EGD with biopsy. Therefore, the prescription of sodium alginate should be considered after endoscopic biopsy.

Comparison of the efficiency of two different proton pump inhibitor formula in treatment of patients with atypical gastroesophageal reflux disease: a prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The prospective, open-label, randomized study aims to compare the efficacy of lansoprazole, a fast orally disintegrating proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and dexlansoprazole, a dual delayed release PPI, in patients with atypical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS

Patients with atypical GERD symptoms with a total reflux symptom index score > 10 were eligible for enrollment. From February 2018 to December 2019, 232 subjects were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive oral lansoprazole, Takepron OD 30 mg, once daily before breakfast or oral dexlansoprazole, Dexilant 60 mg, once daily before breakfast for 8 weeks. The primary end-point is to compare the symptoms response rate after an 8-week PPI therapy between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were 232 study subjects enrolling in this study. After the 8-week PPI therapy, dexlansoprazole-treated group had a significantly higher response rate than lansoprazole-treated group in cough (76.5% vs 38.0%) and globus (69.7% vs 30.8%) (P all < 0.05 by intention-to-treat). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the use of dexlansoprazole, presence of dyslipidemia, and typical GERD symptoms (acid reflux and heartburn) were predictors for symptom response for cough; the use of dexlansoprazole and presence of erosive esophagitis were predictors for symptom response for globus (P all < 0.05). No predictor for therapy response to hoarseness was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a higher response rate for cough and globus symptoms in patients with atypical GERD after the 8-week PPI therapy with dexlansoprazole rather than lansoprazole.

What is the truth about proton pump inhibitors?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review explores the recent evidence and established scientific literature surrounding proton pump inhibitors in the context of laryngology.

RECENT FINDINGS

Proton pump inhibitors are often associated with gastroenterology; however, they also have a place in laryngology. Several laryngopharyngeal disorders are treated with proton pump inhibitors, though limited evidence regarding effectiveness, dosing and length of treatment exists. With the recent influx of articles reporting possible adverse effects of proton pump inhibitors, the appropriate prescribing of them has come under scrutiny. These reported risks include cancer, stroke, myocardial infarction, kidney disease and cognitive decline. It should be noted though that many of these studies by nature, are fraught with potential confounding. Regardless, clinicians ought to be aware of any risks associated with treatment regimens and prescribe the optimal dosage and duration.

SUMMARY

Proton pump inhibitor treatment should be dose-appropriate and for a limited duration. Concerning potential adverse effects, the limitations of retrospective cohort studies must be taken into consideration when reviewing the evidence.

Alternatives to Acid Suppression Treatment for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

OBJECTIVE

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and associated symptoms can be refractory to treatment with acid suppressing medication. We investigated the role and evidence for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for LPR in this systematic review.

REVIEW METHODS

Complementary and alternative treatment was defined in this systematic review as any non-acid suppressing medication, treatment, or therapy. A literature search was performed by two authors in consultation with a medical librarian using controlled vocabulary for "complementary and alternative medicine" and "laryngopharyngeal reflux" in the databases PubMed and EMBASE, with supplemental searches with Google Scholar.

RESULTS

Twenty articles were included in this review for the modalities: alginate, diet modification, prokinetics, respiratory retraining, voice therapy, rikkunshito (RKT), hypnotherapy, and sleep positioning. The studies were analyzed for bias based on the Cochrane criteria for RCTs and Methodological Index for non-RCT (MINORS) criteria for all other studies. For each modality a level of evidence was assigned to the current body of evidence using the GRADE approach.

CONCLUSION

There is mixed evidence with a high degree of bias and heterogeneity between studies for the modalities presented in the paper. Based on this review, an anti-reflux diet is recommended for all patients and there is some low-quality evidence to support alkaline water. For patients with predominant vocal symptoms there is evidence that supports voice therapy. There is insufficient evidence to recommend prokinetics at this time. For patients with predominant globus symptoms, alginate, RKT, and relaxation strategies may be used in conjunction with acid suppressing medications for symptom relief.

The role of nonacid reflux in laryngopharyngeal reflux diseases

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the role of nonacid reflux in laryngopharyngeal reflux diseases (LPRD).

METHODS

From January 2014 to April 2019, 344 patients associated with LPRD underwent 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring, and their reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) were recorded. The numbers of acid, weakly acidic and alkaline reflux events in the laryngopharynx were counted, and the consistency analysis of the results with the results of the RSI and RFS was conducted.

RESULTS

Among the 344 patients, nonacid reflux events accounted for 74.1% (1367/1845) of the all reflux events. There were 111 patients with ≥ 3 acid reflux events, 218 patients with ≥ 3 any kinds of reflux events, and 257 patients with positive results of RSI or RFS. Taking the results of the RSI and or RFS as a reference, the sensitivity, specificity and consistency test Kappa value for the diagnosis of LPRD according to the existence of ≥ 3 acid reflux events were 41.2%, 94.2% and 0.228, respectively. With the existence of three or more all kinds of reflux events as the standard, the sensitivity, specificity and consistency test Kappa value were 76.7%, 74.7% and 0.449, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The nonacid reflux events account for the highest proportion of laryngopharyngeal reflux events, and the consistency of the results of RSI and or RFS with all reflux events is higher than that with only acid reflux events, that indicates nonacid reflux may play an important role in LPRD.

Laryngeal Mucosa Alterations in Mice Model of Gastroesophageal Reflux: Effects of Topical Protection

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The objectives of this study were to evaluate laryngeal inflammation and mucosal integrity in a murine model of reflux disease and to assess the protective effects of topical agents including alginate, hyaluronic acid, and cashew gum.

STUDY DESIGN

Animal study.

METHODS

A surgical murine model of reflux disease was evaluated at 3 or 7 days postsurgery, and laryngeal samples were collected to measure inflammation (wet weight and myeloperoxidase [MPO]) and mucosal integrity (transepithelial resistance [TER] and mucosal permeability to fluorescein). Additional groups of animals were administered one of several topical agents (alginate, hyaluronic acid, or cashew gum) daily, and laryngeal inflammation and mucosal integrity were evaluated at 3 days postsurgery.

RESULTS

At 3 days, and not 7 days postsurgery, we observed increased laryngeal wet weight and MPO, decreased laryngeal TER, and increased laryngeal mucosa permeability. Alginate partially decreased laryngeal inflammation (wet weight and not MPO) and dramatically improved laryngeal mucosal integrity. Conversely, hyaluronic acid eliminated the inflammation; however, it had no effect on laryngeal mucosal integrity impairment. Cashew gum eliminated laryngeal inflammation as well as the impairment in laryngeal mucosal integrity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that a surgical model of reflux disease induced laryngeal inflammation and impairment in laryngeal barrier function. These observed alterations were partially attenuated by alginate and hyaluronic acid and completely reversed by cashew gum.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 2020.

Treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUNG

For a long time, laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) has been treated by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with an uncertain success rate.

AIM

To shed light the current therapeutic strategies used for LPRD in order to analysis the rationale in the LPRD treatment.

METHODS

Three authors conducted a PubMed search to identify papers published between January 1990 and February 2019 about the treatment of LPRD. Clinical prospective or retrospective studies had to explore the impact of medical treatment(s) on the clinical presentation of suspected or confirmed LPRD. The criteria for considering studies for the review were based on the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome framework.

RESULTS

The search identified 1355 relevant papers, of which 76 studies met the inclusion criteria, accounting for 6457 patients. A total of 64 studies consisted of empirical therapeutic trials and 12 were studies where authors formally identified LPRD with pH-monitoring or multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH). The main therapeutic scheme consisted of once or twice daily PPIs for a duration ranged from 4 to 24 wk. The most used PPIs were omeprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole with a success rate ranging from 18% to 87%. Other composite treatments have been prescribed including PPIs, alginate, prokinetics, and H₂ Receptor antagonists.

CONCLUSION

Regarding the development of MII-pH and the identification of LPRD subtypes (acid, nonacid, mixed), future studies are needed to improve the LPRD treatment considering all subtypes of reflux.

Evaluation and Management of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease: State of the Art Review

OBJECTIVE

To review the current literature about the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature on LPR epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment was conducted. Using the PRISMA statement, 3 authors selected relevant publications to provide a critical analysis of the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

The important heterogeneity across studies in LPR diagnosis continues to make it difficult to summarize a single body of thought. Controversies persist concerning epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. No recent epidemiologic study exists regarding prevalence and incidence with the use of objective diagnostic tools. There is no survey that evaluates the prevalence of symptoms and signs on a large number of patients with confirmed LPR. Regarding diagnosis, an increasing number of authors used multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring, although there is no consensus regarding standardization of the diagnostic criteria. The efficiency of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy remains poorly demonstrated and misevaluated by incomplete clinical tools that do not take into consideration many symptoms and extralaryngeal findings. Despite the recent advances in knowledge about nonacid LPR, treatment protocols based on PPIs do not seem to have evolved.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The development of multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring and pepsin and bile salt detection should be considered for the establishment of a multiparameter diagnostic approach. LPR treatment should evolve to a more personalized regimen, including diet, PPIs, alginate, and magaldrate according to individual patient characteristics. Multicenter international studies with a standardized protocol could improve scientific knowledge about LPR.

Clinical outcomes of laryngopharyngeal reflux treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the therapeutic benefit of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) over placebo in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and to analyze the epidemiological factors of heterogeneity in the literature.

METHODS

An electronic literature search was conducted to identify articles published between 1990 and 2018 about clinical trials describing the efficiency of medical treatment(s) on LPR. First, a meta-analysis of placebo randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PPIs versus placebo was conducted according to diet. The heterogeneity, response to PPIs, and evolution of clinical scores were analyzed for aggregate results. Second, a systematic review of diagnosis methods, clinical outcome of treatment, and therapeutic regimens was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.

RESULTS

The search identified 1,140 relevant publications, of which 72 studies met the inclusion criteria for a total of 5,781 patients. Ten RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The combined relative risk was 1.31 in favor of PPIs and increased to 1.42 when patients did not receive diet recommendations. Randomized controlled trials were characterized by a significant heterogeneity due to discrepancies in clinical therapeutic outcomes, diagnosis methods (lack of gold standard diagnostic tools), and therapeutic scheme. The epidemiological analysis of all articles supports the existence of these discrepancies in the entire literature. In particular, many symptoms and signs commonly encountered in LPR are not assessed in the treatment effectiveness. The lack of diagnosis precision and variability of inclusion criteria particularly create bias in all reported and included articles.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis supports a mild superiority of PPIs over placebo and the importance of diet as additional treatment but demonstrates the heterogeneity between studies, limiting the elaboration of clear conclusions. International recommendations are proposed for the development of future trials. Laryngoscope, 129:1174-1187, 2019.