Comparisons with other studies
In a previous study, most parameters of 24-h MII-pH monitoring did not
reflect subjective symptoms in the RSI questionnaire in patients with
LPR.10 This seems to be due to the non-specificity of
LPR-related symptoms, which may be associated with allergy, smoking,
environment, toxic inhalant, infection, or voice
abuse.18 However, RSI is a validated patient-reported
outcome measure and can be used to measure responsiveness to treatment
during follow-up in patients with LPR.8,19 Therefore,
we investigated RSI continuously during treatment periods to classify
patients with LPR into non-responders and responders.
In this study, proximal all reflux time and proximal longest reflux time
were significantly higher in responders than in non-responders.
Considering that there were no significant differences in the proximal
reflux episode according to the reflux type between two groups, the
duration of reflux into the pharynx seems to be more important for
response to PPI therapy in patients with LPR. Moreover, there were no
significant differences in distal MII parameters between two groups.
Although the relationship between LPR and GERD is controversial, studies
have considered LPR and GERD as different
diseases.13,20 Our study indirectly showed that the
degree and type of gastroesophageal reflux do not significantly
influence the response to PPI therapy in patients with LPR.