A simple qualitative scale for diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux: high correlations with pH measurements and disease severity. The usefulness of the Warsaw Scale in LPR diagnostics compared to other diagnostic tools

E Wlodarczyk,B Miaskiewicz,P H Skarzynski,A Domeracka-Kolodziej,H Skarzynski

doi:10.1007/s00405-021-06989-x

Abstract

PurposeDiagnosis and monitoring of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a constant challenge in otolaryngological practice, chiefly because there are no specific symptoms characteristic of the disease. In this paper, we present the validation of a simple, 6-level qualitative scale to gauge the clinical findings of LPR. It has been previously published in Polish as the Warsaw Scale.MethodsIn the study, we enrolled 100 patients with voice problems who had registered in our clinic, and we performed an extended battery of diagnostic tests for LPR, together with 24-h pH monitoring.ResultsThe Warsaw Scale significantly outperformed other instruments in both predicting LPR status and correlating with pH measurements. Moreover, the rating provided by the scale showed a strong association with patient-reported symptoms.ConclusionThe data indicate that the Warsaw Scale could be used as an affordable, consistent, and effective diagnostic and monitoring tool for LPR.

Highlights

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR) was introduced as a medical term by the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery in 2002 [1]
The pharynx and the larynx were assessed using video laryngostroboscopy, and the Reflux Finding Score (RFS) and the Warsaw Scale was completed by an otolaryngologist
As the last step of our considerations, we examined the relation of the Warsaw Scale to LPR pathology

Summary

Introduction

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR) was introduced as a medical term by the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery in 2002 [1]. It describes a chronic condition involving a retrograde movement of fluid or gaseous contents of the stomach through the esophagus to the throat and larynx, causing acute or chronic symptoms of laryngitis. Research has shown that factors such as sex and social or cultural conditions significantly affect its results [5]. Another patient and symptom-oriented questionnaire is the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). The Reflux Symptom Score (RSS), developed and proposed by Lechien, appears promising and

Methods

Results

Conclusion