An Epidemiological Survey of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease at the Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Clinics in China

Abstract

Background: were few epidemiological surveys of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) in China. Using the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) (Chinese version), this study investigated the incidence, diagnostic status, risk factors, and common symptoms of adult LPRD at otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) clinics in China. Methods: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study with 72 participating medical institutions finally included. The study began at the different medical institutions ranged from July to October 2017, and the study duration was 12 months. Eligible patients completed the questionnaire based on the Chinese version of RSI. LPRD was defined as RSI >13. Findings: A total of 90440 eligible participants were enrolled from 72 institutions, including 9182 (10.15%) with LPRD. were only 1294 (14.09%) with a history of LPRD diagnosis among those with LPRD. was no seasonal difference (P>0.001), but there were regional differences in the frequency of LPRD (P<0.001). The proportions of patients with LPRD in males (vs. females), middle- and old-aged patients (vs. young), with current smoking history (vs. no smoking), and current drinking history (vs. no drinking) were significantly higher (all P<0.001). Middle and old age, current smoking, and drinking history were independent predictors of LPRD (all P<0.001, OR=1.240, 1.261, and 1.481, respectively). The incidences of all nine symptoms illustrated in the RSI were significantly higher in patients with LPRD than in patients with non-LPRD (all P<0.001). Sensations of something stuck in throat or a lump in throat, clearing throat, excess throat mucus or postnasal drip, and troublesome and annoying cough were the most frequent clinical symptoms in patients with LPRD. Interpretation: LPRD has a high incidence at the OHNS clinics in China. were regional differences in the incidence of LPRD. Older age, smoking, and drinking history were risk factors for LPRD. Funding Statement: The authors stated: There was no funding for this study. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: The ethics committees of The Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Peking University First Hospital, and Changhai Hospital approved the study. All enrolled patients were informed of the study details and signed the informed consent form.