Abstract
Objectives. The study used reflux 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, potentially reduces laryngeal reflux symptoms and
improves laryngoscope signs by alleviating sleep respiratory disorder.