Abstract
Introduction Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a prevalent condition in outpatients visiting the
otorhinolaryngological clinic, with many controversies regarding its diagnosis and
follow-up. Therefore, there is a need for clinical instruments that can diagnose individuals
and monitor the results of their treatment.
Objective To evaluate the applicability of the scores translated and adapted to Brazilian Portuguese:
Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Endolaryngeal Reflux Findings Scale (ERFS), as instruments
for post-treatment follow-up of LPR.
Method A total of 35 individuals with atypical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease
and with an objective diagnosis of LPR, confirmed by high digestive endoscopy and
24-hour esophageal pH-metry dual probe test were submitted to the RSI and ERFS questionnaires,
used in the pre- and post-treatment of 90 days with a Proton Pump Inhibitor.
Result The evaluation of RSI and ERFS in the pre- and post-treatment showed a reduction
in the results of the two scores, with a higher drop in the RSI (p < 0.001) than in the ERFS (p = 0.014). Although there was an improvement in the values in 23.9% of the individuals
in the ERFS, there was no change in the category (p = 0.057), different from the RSI (p < 0.001), where there was a 67.4% improvement in values, as well as change in category
(score went from positive to negative). There was a correlation between RSI and ERFS,
moderate in the pretreatment and strong in the post-treatment.
Conclusion The RSI and ERFS scores, when translated and adapted for Brazilian Portuguese and
applied simultaneously, can be considered a good tool for post-treatment LPR follow-up.
Keywords
laryngopharyngeal reflux - proton pump inhibitors - treatment outcome
