Clinical evaluation of pepsin for laryngopharyngeal reflux in children with otitis media with effusion

Role of laryngopharyngeal reflux in the etiology of otitis media with effusion in children

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) represented by pepsin and trypsin, and pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME) in children with adenoid hypertrophy.

METHODS

Children with OME who required adenoidectomy and tympanostomy/tympanostomy tubes placement were enrolled in OME group, whereas children with adenoid hypertrophy (AH) who only required adenoidectomy were enrolled in AH group, respectively. Pepsin and trypsin concentrations were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in adenoid tissue from the OME and AH groups. Pepsin and trypsin concentrations were also evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in middle ear effusion (MEE) and plasma from the OME group.

RESULTS

The size of adenoids and the concentrations of pepsin and trypsin in the adenoid tissue between the OME group and the AH group had no statistically significant differences. The concentrations of pepsin and trypsin in MEE were 157.30 ± 182.59ng/mL and 1144.79 ± 1302.85ng/mL, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the serum (P <.05). Furthermore, the concentration of trypsin in MEE was significantly higher than that of pepsin (P <.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The concentrations of pepsin and trypsin in adenoids cannot be used as separate evaluation indicators for whether OME will be concurrented. In addition, pepsin and trypsin in MEE are probably caused by LPR and may be involved in the pathogenesis of OME. And, trypsin may have a greater destructive effect on the middle ear cavity.

Causal relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and the risk of chronic suppurative otitis media: a mendelian randomization analysis

Objectives

While existing research has indicated a potential link between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), these findings primarily stem from observational studies, which are inherently limited by confounding variables and methodological biases, thereby reducing their reliability. This research sought to elucidate the causative link between GERD and CSOM.

Methods

A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted using genetic data to assess the causal relationship between GERD and CSOM. Pooled genetic data for GERD and CSOM were obtained from published genomewide association studies. Independent single nucleotide polymorphisms, rigorously screened as instrumental variables, were used in the analysis. The primary analytical method was inverse variance weighting (IVW), with additional sensitivity analyses performed to assess the robustness and reliability of the results.

Results

Per MR analysis, genetically predicted GERD positively associated with an increased CSOM risk (IVW: p = 0.001, odds ratio = 2.08, 95% confidence interval: 1.33-3.27). Per reverse MR analysis, genetically predicted CSOM did not associate with an increased GERD risk. Sensitivity analyses did not identify horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity.

Conclusions

For the first time, GERD was identified as a risk factor for CSOM through a bidirectional MR study. This finding provides high-level causal evidence for the prevention and management of CSOM and forms a basis for future clinical and mechanistic studies. Clinicians should consider the potential impact of GERD when treating patients with CSOM, as GERD may be an important risk factor.

Associations between gastroesophageal reflux disease and otolaryngological diseases

In this study, we conducted a 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and 16 common otolaryngological diseases. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms that are strongly associated with GERD were used as instrumental variables. The primary estimation of the causal effect utilized the inverse variance weighting method, supplemented by MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode as alternative methods for estimating the causal effect. Then, sensitivity analyses, including heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and leave-one-out analyses, were performed to verify the robustness of the results. The analysis of MR showed that genetically predicted GERD was associated with an increased risk of acute upper respiratory infection (odds ratios [OR] = 1.1418, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.0664-1.2225, P = 1.00 × 10-4), chronic pharyngitis (OR = 1.483, 95% CI = 1.1495-1.9132, P = 2.40 × 10-3), vocal cord dysfunction (OR = 2.2963, 95% CI = 1.4174-3.7201, P = 7.00 × 10-4), sleep apnea (OR = 1.0022, 95% CI = 1.0009-1.0035, P = 8.00 × 10-4), acute sinusitis (OR = 1.3247, 95% CI = 1.1774-1.4905, P = 2.94 × 10-6), chronic sinusitis (OR = 1.3649, 95% CI = 1.1854-1.5715, P = 1.52 × 10-6), chronic suppurative otitis media (OR = 2.085, 95% CI = 1.3292-3.2704, P = 1.40 × 10-3). Further sensitivity analyses showed no evidence of pleiotropy. The results of this study indicate that GERD may contribute to the development of some otolaryngological diseases. Further research and mechanistic investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying connections and potential therapeutic implications.

Pediatric Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: An Evidence-Based Review

Purpose: Pediatric laryngopharyngeal reflux (P-LPR) is associated with the development of common otolaryngological symptoms and findings. In the present study, the findings about epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes of pediatric population were reviewed. Methods: A PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus literature search was conducted about evidence-based findings in epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes of P-LPR. Findings: The prevalence of LPR remains unknown in infant and child populations. The clinical presentation depends on age. Infants with LPR symptoms commonly have both gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux and related digestive, respiratory and ear, nose and throat symptoms. The GERD prevalence appears to decrease over the growth, and the clinical picture is increasingly associated with LPR symptoms and findings without GERD. The prevalence of LPR and proximal acid and nonacid esophageal reflux events may be high in some prevalent otolaryngological conditions (chronic otitis media, laryngolomalacia and apnea). However, the lack of use of hypopharyngeal–esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring (HEMII-pH) limits the establishment of etiological associations. Proton pump inhibitors are less effective in P-LPR patients compared to GERD populations, which may be related to the high prevalence of weakly or nonacid reflux events. Conclusions: Many gray areas persist in P-LPR and should be not resolved without the establishment of diagnostic criteria (guidelines) based on HEMII-pH. The unavailability of HEMII-pH and the poor acid-suppressive therapeutic response are all issues requiring future investigations. Future controlled studies using HEMII-pH and enzyme measurements in ear, nose or throat fluids may clarify the epidemiology of P-LPR according to age and its association with many otolaryngological conditions.

Pediatric Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in the Last Decade: What Is New and Where to Next?

BACKGROUND

Laryngopharyngeal reflux may affect people of any age; still, most of the accumulated knowledge concerns adults, and evidence regarding pediatric populations remains relatively restricted. This study aims to review the most recent and emerging aspects of pediatric laryngopharyngeal reflux from the last ten years. It also attempts to identify gaps in knowledge and highlight discrepancies that future research should urgently address.

METHODS

An electronic search of the MEDLINE database was conducted, limited to January 2012 through December 2021. Non-English language articles, case reports, and studies that concerned a purely or predominantly adult population were excluded. The information from the articles with the most relevant contribution was initially categorized by theme and subsequently synthesized into a narrative form.

RESULTS

86 articles were included, of which 27 were review articles, eight were surveys, and 51 were original articles. Our review systematically maps the research done in the last decade and provides an updated overview and the current state-of-the-art in this subject.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite discrepancies and heterogeneity in accumulating research, evidence gathered so far endorses a need for refining an escalating multiparameter diagnostic approach. A step-wise therapeutic plan appears to be the most reasonable management approach, starting with behavioral changes for mild to moderate, uncomplicated cases and escalating to personalized pharmacotherapy options for severe or nonresponsive cases. Surgical options could be considered in the most severe cases when potentially life-threatening symptoms persist despite maximal medical therapy. Over the past decade, the amount of available evidence has been gradually increasing; however, its strength remains low. Several aspects remain markedly under-addressed, and further adequately powered, multicenter, controlled studies with uniformity in diagnostic procedures and criteria are urgently needed.

Correlation between cough and gastroesophageal reflux in children

For many decades, the scientific community of medical professionals has wondered if there is a correlation between cough and gastroesophageal reflux. This problem is relevant for doctors of various specialties. The importance of this issue is due to practical application since it determines the tactics of diagnosis and treatment both for cough and gastroesophageal reflux. The article provides an analysis of Russian and foreign literature data, based on which we can conclude that there is a correlation between gastroesophageal reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and cough.

Association Between Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Media Otitis: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and recurrent (ROM) or chronic otitis media with effusion (COME).

DATABASES

PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library.

METHODS

Three authors searched articles published between January 1980 and September 2020 about the association between LPR and the development of recurrent or chronic otitis media. Inclusion, exclusion, diagnostic criteria, and clinical outcome evaluation of included studies were analyzed using PRISMA criteria. The bias analysis of included studies was evaluated with the Tool to assess Risk of Bias of the CLARITY group.

RESULTS

Twenty-six clinical and three experimental articles met our inclusion criteria, accounting for 1,624 children and 144 adults with COME or ROM. According to the pH study type, the prevalence of LPR and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in OM patients were 28.7% (range, 8-100%) and 40.7 (range, 18-64%), respectively. The majority of studies identified pepsin or pepsinogen in middle ear effusion, with a range of mean concentrations depending on the technique used to measure pepsin. There was an important heterogeneity between studies regarding definition of COME, ROM, and LPR, exclusion criteria, methods used to measure pepsin/pepsinogen in middle ear secretions and outcome assessments.

CONCLUSION

The association between LPR and OM is still unclear. Future clinical and experimental studies are needed to investigate the association between LPR and OM in both children and adults through extensive gastric content analysis in middle ear suppurations and impedance-pH monitoring considering acid, weakly acid, and alkaline reflux events.

Association of Pepsin With Inflammatory Signaling and Effusion Viscosity in Pediatric Otitis Media

OBJECTIVE

Otitis media (OM) is a common inflammatory disease spectrum. Cytokine signaling, neutrophil activity, and mucin hypersecretion during recurrent and chronic OM contribute to persistent, viscous middle ear (ME) effusions, hearing loss, and potential for developmental delay. Extraesophageal reflux (EER), specifically pepsin, triggers inflammatory signaling in respiratory mucosa and is associated with OM. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of pepsin with ME inflammatory signaling and the outcomes and examine causality in vitro.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

ME fluid (MEF) and preoperative audiometric data were collected from 30 pediatric subjects undergoing tympanostomy tube placement for recurrent OM or OM with effusion. MEF viscosity was characterized by the surgeon. Pepsin, inflammatory molecules, and mucin were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ME epithelial primary culture was exposed to 0.1 to 1 mg/ml pepsin at pH 5, 6, and 7 for 30 minutes, and cytokine expression was assayed via qPCR.

RESULTS

Pepsin was observed in the MEF of 77% of patients (range 71-2,734 ng/ml). Pepsin correlated with effusion viscosity, interleukins -6 and -8, neutrophil elastase, and mucin 5B (P < .05). Pepsin-negative MEF was more frequently absent of interleukin 8 or mucin 5B (P < .05). Weak acid was generally insufficient to elicit cytokine expression in ME cells in vitro, however, pepsin induced IL6, IL8, and TNF at pH 7 (P < .05) and weak acid (pH 6) facilitated a response at lower pepsin concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Pepsin may contribute to inflammatory signaling, persistent viscous effusion, and poorer OM outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 2021.

The Relationship Between Otitis Media With Effusion and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have investigated the mechanism by which refluxed gastric materials reach the middle ear, to establish otitis media with effusion (OME) causal relation between them in both children and adults. Therefore, the relationship between OME and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) should be further studied extensively.

METHODS

To identify eligible original articles, we searched a range of computerized databases, including Medline via PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, and Web of Science with a systematic searching strategy. Subgroup analysis was performed to analyze heterogeneity and Egger and Begg funnel plot to assess the publication bias of the included articles.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis had an overall sample size of 1961. We identified a significant relationship between OME and GERD, with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 4.52 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.42-8.44; p < 0.001). The pooled data were calculated with the random-effects model as a high significant heterogeneity was found among the studies and there was no significant publication bias observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis suggested that there was a significant association between otitis media with effusion and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Impact of subspecialty training on management of laryngopharyngeal reflux: results of a worldwide survey

OBJECTIVE

To study the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) among the subspecialties of practicing otolaryngology-head and neck surgeons and their trainees.

METHODS

A survey was sent to over 8000 otolaryngologists (OTOHNS) over 65 countries, utilizing membership lists of participating otolaryngological societies. The outcomes were answers to questions regarding LPR knowledge and practice patterns, and included queries about its definition, prevalence, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 824 respondents, 658 practiced in one specific otolaryngologic subspecialty. The symptoms and findings thought to be the most related to LPR varied significantly between subspecialists. Extra-laryngeal findings were considered less by laryngologists while more experienced OTOHNS did not often consider digestive complaints. Compared with colleagues, otologists, rhinologists and laryngologists were less aware of the involvement of LPR in otological, rhinological and laryngological disorders, respectively. Irrespective of subspecialty, OTOHNS consider symptoms and signs and a positive response to empirical therapeutic trial to establish a LPR diagnosis. Awareness regarding the usefulness of impedance pH-studies is low in all groups. The therapeutic approach significantly varies between groups, although all were in agreement for the treatment duration. The management of non-responder patients demonstrated significant differences among laryngologists who performed additional examinations. The majority of participants (37.1%) admitted to being less than knowledgeable about LPR management.

CONCLUSIONS

LPR knowledge and management vary significantly across otolaryngology subspecialties. International guidelines on LPR management appear necessary to improve knowledge and management of LPR across all subspecialties of otolaryngology.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Inflammatory Responses in Mucosal Barrier Dysfunction of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract

The upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) is the first line of defense against environmental stresses such as antigens, microbes, inhalants, foods, etc., and mucins, intracellular junctions, epithelial cells, and immune cells are the major constituents of this defensive mucosal barrier. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is recognized as an independent risk factor for UAT mucosal disorders, and in this review, we describe the components and functions of the mucosal barrier and the results of LPR-induced mucosal inflammation in the UAT. We discuss the interactions between the refluxate and the mucosal components and the mechanisms through which these damaging events disrupt and alter the mucosal barriers. In addition, we discuss the dynamic alterations in the mucosal barrier that might be potential therapeutic targets for LPR-induced disorders.

Management of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Around the World: An International Study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate worldwide practices of otolaryngologists in the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

METHODS

An online survey was sent on the management of LPR to members of many otolaryngological societies. The following aspects were evaluated: LPR definition, prevalence, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 824 otolaryngologists participated, spread over 65 countries. The symptoms most usually attributed to LPR are cough after lying down/meal, throat clearing and globus sensation while LPR-related findings are arytenoid erythema and posterior commissure hypertrophy. Irrespective to geography, otolaryngologists indicate lack of familiarity with impedance pH monitoring, which they attribute to lack of knowledge in result interpretation. The most common therapeutic regimens significantly vary between world regions, with a higher use of H2 blocker in North America and a lower use of alginate in South America. The duration of treatment also significantly varies between different regions, with West Asia/Africa and East Asia/Oceania otolaryngologists prescribing medication for a shorter period than the others. Only 21.1% of respondents are aware about the existence of nonacid LPR. Overall, only 43.2% of otolaryngologists believe themselves sufficiently knowledgeable about LPR.

CONCLUSIONS

LPR knowledge and management significantly vary across the world. International guidelines on LPR definition, diagnosis, and treatment are needed to improve knowledge and management around the world.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N.A. Laryngoscope, 131:E1589-E1597, 2021.

Can Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux Finding Score Be Used to Guide the Treatment of Secretory Otitis Media in Adults?

BACKGROUND

At present more attention is paid to the treatment of secretory otitis media in children, but there is also a high incidence of adult patients. The etiology of secretory otitis media in adults is complex and related to many factors.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI)/Reflux Finding Score (RFS) and secretory otitis media in adults, and to explore further treatment methods.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Taking outpatients in the otology department from January 2017 to May 2019 as the object of study, acoustic immittance tests were performed and the results analyzed. Patients with secretory otitis media received tympanocentesis or tympanotomy and the related components were analyzed.The patients were followed up and the curative effects of different treatment schemes were compared.

RESULTS

There were 67 patients with secretory otitis media. The prevalence of secretory otitis media in patients with RSI >13 was significantly higher than that in patients with RSI <13. The prevalence of secretory otitis media in patients with RFS >7 was significantly higher than that in patients with RFS <7 (p < 0 05). The RSI/RFS score of B tympanogram was significantly higher than that of A and C maps (p < 0.05). Among the patients with type B, the serous type was higher in those with an RSI score <13, and the mucus was higher in those with an RSI score >13 (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the proportion of glue patients (p > 0.05). In type B patients, the detection rate of pepsin in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05), and the scores of RSI/RFS in the pepsin-positive group were significantly higher than those in the negative group (p < 0.05). Treatment with acid-suppressive drugs in patients with abnormal RSI/RFS achieved better results (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

RSI/RFS may be related to the development of secretory otitis media in adults, and could play a guiding role in its treatment.

Do Laryngologists and General Otolaryngologists Manage Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Differently?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate current practices of laryngologists and non-laryngologists in management of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR).

METHODS

An online survey was sent to members of otolaryngology societies about LPR, and subgroup analysis was performed between laryngologists and non-laryngologists. This survey was conducted by the LPR Study Group of Young Otolaryngologists of the International Federation of Otolaryngological Societies.

RESULTS

A total of 535 otolaryngologists completed the survey. Among them, 127 were laryngologists and 408 were non-laryngologists. Collectively, symptoms most commonly attributed to LPR are cough after lying down/meal, throat clearing, and acid brash; most common findings are thought to be arytenoid erythema and posterior commissure hypertrophy. Respectively, 12.5% and 5% of non-laryngologists and laryngologists believe that ≥50% of LPR patients suffer from heartburn (P = .010). Non-laryngologists are more aware about some extra-laryngeal findings associated with LPR (eg, pharyngeal erythema) than laryngologists. Neither laryngologists nor non-laryngologists associated development of benign lesions of the vocal folds with reflux. The management of LPR substantially differs between groups, with laryngologists indicating increased awareness of (impedance)-pH monitoring as well as the prevalence and treatment of nonacid/mixed LPR. Conversely, non-laryngologists are much more likely to include gastroenterology referral in their management of presumed LPR. Respectively, 44.8% and 27.6% of non-laryngologists and laryngologists believe themselves not sufficiently knowledgeable about LPR.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences exist between laryngologists and non-laryngologists in diagnosis and treatment of LPR. Overall only one-third of responders believe themselves to be sufficiently educated about LPR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 130:E539-E547, 2020.

[Investigation of laryngopharyngeal reflux prevalence and risk factors in otolaryngology]

Objective:To investigate the prevalence and related risk factors of laryngopharyngeal reflux in otolaryngology. Method:During January 2019 to March 2019, the inpatients in otolaryngology were investigated by the questionnaire of reflux symptom index scale and the laryngopharyngeal reflux related risk factors were analyzed. Result:Among the 227 patients, 33 patients with suspected LPR contained 19 patients（20.7%） of 92 patients in the laryngopharyngeal group, 10 patients（16.1%） of 62 patients in the nasal group, and 4 patients（5.5%） of 73 patients in the ear group. LPR prevalence in the laryngopharyngeal group was statistically different from that in the ear group（P<0.05）. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, smoking, drinking and BMI were risk factors of LPR（P<0.01）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that BMI was an independent risk factor of LPR（P<0.01）. Conclusion:LPR had a high prevalence rate in otolaryngology related diseases, and appropriate synergistic anti-LPR treatment could be carried out while treating otolaryngology related diseases.

Characteristics of laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with chronic otitis media

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the characteristics of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with chronic otitis media.

METHODS

This was a prospective study in which 31 patients with chronic otitis media were enrolled. General patient information, reflux symptom index (RSI), reflux finding scores (RFSs), and Ryan scores were summarized.

RESULTS

Most (29/31, 93.5%) patients had a negative RSI (RSI ≤ 13). The most common symptoms of these patients were throat clearing (22/31, 71.0%), symptoms of the stomach and esophagus (19/31, 61.3%), and excess throat mucus or postnasal drip (14/31, 45.2%). In contrast to the RSI, most patients (22/31, 71.0%) had a positive RFS (RFS > 7). Among all of the signs found under the transnasal fiber-optic laryngoscope, erythema was the most frequent symptom (31/31, 100.0%), followed by vocal cord edema (27/31, 87.1%), and posterior commissure hypertrophy (27/31, 87.1%). Most cases (24/31, 77.4%) had a positive Ryan score, and most positive scores were upright scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with chronic otitis media had LPR simultaneously. The LPR in these patients manifested mainly by a positive RFS under a laryngoscope and not by symptoms of the larynx and pharynx. This suggests that LPR may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of COM and anti-reflux treatment may play a significant role in the management of chronic otitis media.

Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Clinical Practice Guidelines: Joint Recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition

This document serves as an update of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) 2009 clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants and children and is intended to be applied in daily practice and as a basis for clinical trials. Eight clinical questions addressing diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic topics were formulated. A systematic literature search was performed from October 1, 2008 (if the question was addressed by 2009 guidelines) or from inception to June 1, 2015 using Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials. The approach of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was applied to define and prioritize outcomes. For therapeutic questions, the quality of evidence was also assessed using GRADE. Grading the quality of evidence for other questions was performed according to the Quality Assessment of Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy (QUADAS) and Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tools. During a 3-day consensus meeting, all recommendations were discussed and finalized. In cases where no randomized controlled trials (RCT; therapeutic questions) or diagnostic accuracy studies were available to support the recommendations, expert opinion was used. The group members voted on each recommendation, using the nominal voting technique. With this approach, recommendations regarding evaluation and management of infants and children with GERD to standardize and improve quality of care were formulated. Additionally, 2 algorithms were developed, 1 for infants <12 months of age and the other for older infants and children.

An updated review on gastro-esophageal reflux in pediatrics

Comprehensive guidelines for the diagnosis and management of gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) and GER disease (GERD) were developed by the European and North American Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. GERD is reflux associated with troublesome symptoms or complications. The recognition of GER and GERD is relevant to implement best management practices. A conservative management is indicated in infants with uncomplicated physiologic reflux. Children with GERD may benefit from further evaluation and treatment. Since the publications of the European and North American Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines in 2009, no important novelties in drug treatment have been reported. Innovations are mainly restricted to the management of regurgitation in infants. During the last 5 years, pros and cons of multichannel intraluminal impedance have been highlighted. However, overall 'not much has changed' in the diagnosis and management of GER and GERD in infants and children.

Extra-Esophageal Pepsin from Stomach Refluxate Promoted Tonsil Hypertrophy

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux is associated with numerous pathologic conditions of the upper aerodigestive tract. Gastric pepsin within reflux contributes to immunologic reactions in the tonsil. In this study, we aimed to find the relationships between pepsin and tonsillar hypertrophy.

Methods and finding

We explored the notion whether tonsillar hypertrophy was due to pepsin-mediated gastric reflux in tonsil hypertrophy. Fifty-four children with tonsil hypertrophy and 30 adults with tonsillitis were recruited before surgical treatment. Blood and tonsil tissues from each patient were harvested for analysis of changes in lymphocyte and macrophage numbers coupled with histological and biochemical analysis. Pepsin was expressed at different levels in tonsil tissues from each tonsillar hypertrophy. Pepsin-positive cells were found in the crypt epithelium, surrounding the lymphoid follicle with developing fibrosis, and also surrounding the lymphoid follicle that faced the crypt. And also, pepsin staining was well correlated with damaged tonsillar squamous epithelium and TGF-β1 and iNOS expression in the tonsil section. In addition, pepsin and TGF-β1-positive cells were co-localized with CD68-positive cells in the crypt and surrounding germinal centers. In comparison of macrophage responsiveness to pepsin, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) were noticeably larger in the presence of activated pepsin in the child group. Furthermore, CD11c and CD163-positive cells were significantly increased by activated pepsin. However, this was not seen for the culture of PBMNCs from the adult group.

Conclusions

The lymphocytes and monocytes are in a highly proliferative state in the tonsillar hypertrophy and associated with increased expression of pro-inflammatory factors as a result of exposure to stomach reflux pepsin.

Investigation of pepsin in tears of children with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease

OBJECTIVES

Numerous investigations postulated that laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is implicated in the pathogenesis of various upper airway inflammatory diseases as sinusitis or dacryostenosis. The presence of pepsin in tears might be confirmed the presuntive hypothesis of the arrival in the nasolacrimal ducts and precorneal tears film through the laryngopharyngeal reflux of either gastric acid or stomach secretions (pepsin) with inflammatory potentialities. The aim of this preliminary study was to identify the presence or absence of pepsin in the tears collected from children with a high suspicion of LPR who underwent 24-h pH (MII-pH) monitoring to confirm the disease.

METHODS

This study enrolled 20 patients suffering from symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux that underwent 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII)-pH monitoring to confirm the disease. The findings of the study group were compared with those of a control group of patients with negative pH monitoring. The quantitative analysis of human pepsin concentration in the tear samples was performed by ELISA method in both groups.

RESULTS

Four children (20%) of the study group showed pepsin in the tears. All of the subjects belonging to the control group were negative for its presence. No difference differences in the total number of reflux episodes and the number of weakly basic reflux in the pepsin positive patients vs. pepsin negative children were present.

CONCLUSIONS

20% of the children with diagnosed LPR showed pepsin in the tears. Our specific investigation might provide information regarding sinusitis or dacryostenosis.

The assessment of children with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux: An Otorhinolaringological perspective

The assessment of pediatric laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is controversial. Otorhinolaryngologists may play a role in the evaluation of children with suspected LPR detecting typical airway endoscopic findings and/or associated diseases and may help in the selection of children to be subjected to further instrumental tests. In this perspective the present review aims at examining the available evidence in the literature regarding the assessment of LPR in children. After careful literature search there are no current validated symptoms assessment questionnaires for LPR evaluation in children; flexible fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopy remains controversial as a diagnostic tool in suspect LPR cases; even though the multichannel intraluminal impedance with pH monitoring has been proposed as the instrumental gold standard, further evidence need to be found for validation in children with typical features of LPR.

Pepsin deteriorates prognosis of children with otitis media with effusion who undergo myringotomy or tympanostomy tube insertion

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the concentrations of pepsin and pepsinogen within the middle ear cavity and determine whether pepsin and pepsinogen affect the prognosis of children with otitis media with effusion (OME).

METHODS

All middle-ear lavage fluid from patients with OME undergoing myringotomy (M subgroup) or tympanostomy tube insertion (T subgroup) was collected and pepsin and pepsinogen were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After close follow-up over 2 years, the effects of pepsin and pepsinogen on the prognosis of the patients with OME in the M and T subgroups were analyzed.

RESULTS

The average pepsin and pepsinogen concentrations were significantly lower in the M subgroup (n=54; 24.38±16.10mg/mL and 286.49±91.95mg/mL, respectively) than in the T subgroup (n=55; 45.56±16.60mg/mL and 664.92±107.06mg/mL; t=2.484, P=0.018 and t=2.670, P=0.011, respectively). In the M subgroup, the average time to tympanic membrane healing and tympanic pressure restoration to normal was much longer in pepsin(+) patients (17.0±2.0 days and 26.0±2.5 days, respectively) than in pepsin(-) patients (14.0±1.1 days and 22.0±1.0 days; t=3.871, P=0.001 and t=5.734, P=0.000, respectively), and the hearing level of pepsin(+) patients with OME ascended to 13.08±1.19dB, which was much lower than that of pepsin(-) patients (18.29±1.27dB; t=11.001, P=0.000). In the T subgroup, the complication rate including otorrhea and myringosclerosis was much higher in patients with high pepsin concentrations than in those with low pepsin concentrations (P<0.05). Finally, in both subgroups, the recurrence rates of OME in pepsin(+) or patients with high pepsin concentrations (34.6% [9/26] and 28.6% [10/35]) were significantly higher than those in pepsin(-) or low pepsin concentrations (10.7% [3/28] and 5.0% [1/20]; χ(2)=4.456, P=0.035 and χ(2)=4.420, P=0.036). However, pepsinogen had no significant effect on OME prognosis or recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Pepsin but not pepsinogen could postpone tympanic membrane healing and pressure restoration in children with OME undergoing myringotomy and increase the incidence of recurrence and complications including otorrhea and myringosclerosis for those undergoing tympanostomy tube insertion. Therefore, pepsin could be considered a poor prognostic factor for OME, further emphasizing the important role of pepsin in OME pathogenesis.