Influence of Age and Sex on Clinical and Therapeutic Features of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lechien, Jerome R.; Carroll, Thomas L.; Bobin, Francois; Muls, Vinciane; Rodriguez, Alexandra; Horoi, Mihaela; Dequanter, Didier; Crevier-Buchman, Lise; Hans, Stéphane; Saussez, Sven
• Is Part Of: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery. Volume 166:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 468
• Page End: 476
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: laryngopharyngeal -- reflux -- laryngitis -- pH monitoring -- impedance -- reflux episode -- age -- gender -- sex -- treatment; Head -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Neck -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/01945998211020284
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0194-5998

Abstract

Objective: To explore the influence of age and sex on the clinical presentation and therapeutic response of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Study Design: Prospective study. Setting: Prospective multicenter study of 271 patients with a diagnosis of LPR confirmed by impedance-pH monitoring. Methods: Patients were prescribed 6 months of diet changes and a combination of pantoprazole and/or alginate depending on the results of their impedance-pH results. The Reflux Symptom Score (RSS) and Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA) were collected at baseline and at 3 and 6 months posttreatment. Data were explored according to sex and age. Results: A total of 237 patients completed the evaluations (138 females). On the RSS, patients of the oldest group (>60 years) had lower symptom scores (throat pain, ear pain, odynophagia, chest pain, tongue burning, nausea, halitosis, and indigestion) and lower quality-of-life scores than younger individuals. RSS and RSA outcomes significantly improved from pretreatment to 3 months posttreatment in all groups. Scores on the RSS and RSA continued to improve from 3 to 6 months posttreatment in the elderly group. Females with LPR had a higher score on the RSS at baseline as compared with males. On the RSS, scores significantly improved after 3 months in males and females; however, they continued to improve from 3 to 6 months in the female group. Conclusion: Age and sex may influence the clinical presentation and pre- to posttreatment evolution of symptoms and findings. Age and sex differences could be considered in future therapeutic approaches to guide more effective personalized treatment plans for patients with LPR.