Acoustic Analysis of Voice and Electroglottography in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

摘要

BackgroundLaryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) refers to the flow of gastric acid content into the laryngopharynx. It has been reported that 10% of the patients consulting an otolaryngologist present with this condition. Signs of LPR can be identified during flexible or rigid laryngoscopy. The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) is a reliable tool for detecting the impact of voice disorders, and acoustic assessment of voice including acoustic analysis of voice (AAV) and electroglottography (EGG) provide objective data of voice production and voice disorders. ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe changes in AAV, EGG, and VHI in patients who present with LPR compared with a matched control group of healthy subjects. Materials and MethodsSeventeen patients with LPR were studied. A group of healthy subjects matched by age and gender without any history of voice disorder, LPR, or gastroesophageal reflux disease was assembled. Both groups of patients were studied by VHI, flexible laryngoscopy, AAV, and EGG. ResultsAll patients with LPR demonstrated abnormal VHI values. Shimmer, jitter, open quotient, and irregularity were significantly increased in the patients with LPR. Nonsignificant correlations were found between VHI scores and abnormal acoustic parameters in patients with LPR. ConclusionsAlthough abnormal acoustic parameters of patients with LPR were not predictive of the overall VHI score, the abnormal acoustic parameters of patients with LPR suggest a decrease in adequate laryngeal control during phonation.