[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.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

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.