Comparison of an Oropharyngeal pH Probe and a Standard Dual pH Probe for Diagnosis of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Abstract

The OP probe reliably documented LPR events when meals and sleep were eliminated and was better tolerated than the standard dual probe.

A pilot study on diagnosing laryngopharyngeal reflux disease by pharyngeal pH probe monitoring

“…When data retrieved from Dx pH probe are transferred into a computerized system, any desired value can be determined as a baseline pH and relevant calculations can be performed. [3][4][5][6][17][18][19][20] In an investigation performed on 55 asymptomatic volunteers, Gloub et al [5] reported parallelism between data obtained by Dx pH and standard dualprobe monitorization technique. In another study conducted in Emory University (Atlanta, 2007) Dx pH probe was compared to gold standard dual-probe 24-hour and detected mean pH measurements at the end of a 24-hour monitorization period (excl.…”

“…Currently, practical algorithms of history taking and differential diagnosis to be used for the diagnosis of LPR are needed. [5,8,10,13,15] In order to be able to evaluate LPR symptoms and their severity Belafsky et al [3] described a reflux finding scoring (RFS) system which interrogated frequently encountered 8 symptoms of LPR. Scores of RFS ranges from 0 to 26 points.…”

“…Despite all of these diagnostic tests, a 100 % sensitive and specific single method leading to correct diagnosis is lacking. [4][5][6][7] Thanks to scoring system for symptomatic severity and endoscopic findings in LPR, difference between posttreatment state and baseline has become apparent. Belafsky et al [2,3] formulated reflux finding scoring (RFS) system based on reflux symptom index (RSI) and fiberoptic laryngoscopic findings and conducted investigations on its applicability as a diagnostic tool in LPR.…”

“…Its easy applicability and more specific identification of pseudoreflux episodes are among advantages of Dx pH. [4][5][6] In our study we applied Dx pH probe for cases evaluated by RSI and RFS and aimed to share information related to its diagnostic efficacy in LPR and our clinical outcomes.…”

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux : Larynx on Fire

“…A meta-analysis which tested the role of upper probe measurements across 16 studies and concluded it to be a reliable and consistent method worldwide [8]. Recently probes have been designed for more accuracy (four channels) and better tolerance (aerosol detecting pH probes for oropharyngeal use) [9,10].…”