Changes in the laryngopharyngeal reflux After UPPP for OSA: A Clinical
Observational Study
Abstract
Objectives. The study used re¬flux symptom index (RSI) and Reflux
Finding Score (RFS) questionnaire to estimate laryngopharyngeal reflux
(LPR) change after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for obstructive
sleep apnea (OSA). Design. An observational, retrospective study.
Setting. University, tertiary level hospital. Participants. 91 subjects
were recruited and divided into three groups: control group (n=27), OSA
mild to moderate group (n=29) and OSA severe group (n=35) according to
polysomnography. All subjects completed preoperative RSI and RFS under
electronic laryngoscope. 34 OSA patients with UPPP surgery completed
postoperative polysomnography, again after 6-month follow-up. Main
outcome measures. Polysomnography, RSI and RFS questionnaire. Results.
RSI and RFS in OSA patients were higher than non-OSA patients. Severe
OSA patients also had higher RSI and RFS than mild to moderate OSA. LPR
symptoms had positive and L-SpO2 had negative correlation with AHI and
CT90. The mean RSI and RFS before UPPP surgery were 15.88±4.85 and
13.18±4.80; these number decreased to 9.53±4.16 and 8.65±4.87 after
surgery (P<0.05). In 25 successful-surgery patients, RSI and
RFS scores and individual variables of RSI were downward after surgery.
Conclusion. LPR symptoms are common among OSA patients, the coexistence
of OSA and LPR cannot be ignored. Successful UPPP surgery as a treatment
for OSA patients, poten¬tially reduces laryngeal reflux symptoms and
improves laryngoscope signs by alleviating sleep respiratory disorder.