Objective
To analyze the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and the Voice‐Related Quality of Life (V‐RQOL) scores based on the perceptual and analytical parameters in primary MTD patients with no reflux.
Study Design
Cross‐sectional study.
Methods
One hundred and eighteen participants, that is, sixty patients with normal voices and fifty‐eight patients with primary MTD were recruited in this study. The diagnosis of primary MTD was made by perceptual voice analysis, neck palpation, video‐laryngoscopic examination, and exclusion of other etiologies. Acoustic analysis and the GRBAS (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, and Strain) scale were evaluated for all participants. The V‐RQOL and RSI questionnaires were then given to all participants.
Results
This study included 118 participants of 29 males (48.3%) and 31 females (51.7%) in the normal group. MTD group also included 27 males (46.6%) and 31 (53.4%) female patients. Mean (SD) RSI and V‐RQOL scores were 12.35 (3.84) and 11.09 (2.20) for the normal group, and 22.87 (6.97) and 22.89 (7.94) for the MTD group (P = .000). In the MTD group, V‐RQOL had a positive correlation with jitter for /i/ and /u/, Noise to Harmonic Ratio (NHR) for /i/, /a/, and /u/, and Grade, Roughness, and Strain of GRBAS scale (P < .05). In addition, RSI had a positive correlation with Strain in the MTD group (P < .05).
Conclusion
MTD patients in the absence of laryngopharyngeal reflux findings may have high RSI scores. Hence, patients with high RSI scores and disproportionate acoustic and perceptual analysis would require a thorough evaluation of MTD.
Level of Evidence
4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1573–E1579, 2021