Correlation between reflux symptom index and reflux finding score in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux: Our experience

Abstract

Background: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) also known as extraesophageal reflux disease refers to retrograde flow of gastric contents to the upper aero-digestive tract. Belafsky, Postma, and Koufman have developed the reflux symptom index (RSI) and the reflux finding score (RFS) to diagnose LPR. Although both have been widely used, there is some controversy about their sensitivity and specificity in LPR diagnosis. Materials and Methods:Patients who presented with symptoms of LPR were prospectively evaluated to study the correlation between scoring systems of RSI and RFS and also to assess the change in scores of RSI and RFS following 1 month of treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Wilcoxon signed rank test and Student's t-test (paired) have been used to find the significance of RSI and RFS components at baseline and follow-up. Pearson correlation of RSI and RFS scores are done at baseline and follow-up. Results: In our study, we found no correlation between the RSI and RFS at baseline (P = 0.501) as well as on follow-up after treatment (P = 0.136). A significant improvement was noted in the RSI following treatment with PPIs for 1 month but no improvement was noted in the signs following treatment. Conclusion: Based on our analysis, RSI scoring alone is fast and convenient to start treatment for patients with LPR medically along with lifestyle modifications.

Correlation of Voice Handicap Index 10 with Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux Finding Score in Patients with Dysphonia

“…The reflux finding score (RFS) is an eight-item index designed to assess clinical severity based on laryngoscopy findings, a score of 7 or more being considered an LPR. 3,4 The RSI was designed to raise the clinical suspicion of LPR in patients with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) symptoms, whereas the RFS was designed to characterize morphological lesions thought to be VHI score was reported to be significantly higher in clinically diagnosed LPR patients than in healthy controls. 7 This study aims to determine the correlation of voice handicap index-10 with reflux symptom index and reflux finding score in patients with dysphonia complaints.…”