Is ambulatory 24-h dual-probe pH monitoring useful in suspected ENT manifestations of GERD?

Abstract

Background and aims. The present study is aimed at assessing the relationship between ear, nose and throat manifestations and proximal reflux in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease by using 24-h dual-probe pH monitoring. Patients and methods. Fifty-eight patients were included: (i) 28 patients with suspected ear, nose and throat manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease; (ii) 18 patients with typical symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease without extraoesophageal manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease; (iii) 12 healthy volunteers. Ambulatory 24-h dual-probe pH monitoring was performed in all patients. Oesophagogastroscopy was performed in all patients of groups I and II. Ear, nose and throat examination was performed in all patients with ear, nose and throat complaints. Results. At the upper oesophageal sphincter, results of pH monitoring were significantly different between groups I and III (0.009< P<0.02) and between groups I and II (0.008< P<0.03). When comparing data at the lower oesophageal sphincter, we found a significant difference between groups II and III (0.002< P<0.009) and between groups I and III (0.001< P<0.002). Endoscopic examination of the oesophagus did not show any significant difference between groups I and II. Laryngoscopy was abnormal in 86% of the patients with ear, nose and throat symptoms. Conclusions. Ambulatory 24-h dual-probe pH monitoring is useful in the assessment of patients with suspected ear, nose and throat manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, especially in the case of abnormal laryngoscopy.