The study of salivary pepsin content and laryngopharyngeal reflux scale in 91 asymptomatic volunteers

Abstract

To investigate the content of pepsin in salivary, and to assess the laryngophargeal lesions based on the reflux founding score (RFS) scale in asymptomatic volunteers, in order to provide a reference for the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux. A total of 91 asymptomatic subjects were recruited in this study. Participants provided a fasting saliva specimen for pepsin measurement using enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay, completed the reflux symptom index (RSI) assessment and underwent laryngostroboscopic examination using a rigid endoscope. Their RFS were graded according to the laryngeal findings. The median concentration of pepsin in 91 asymptomatic volunteers was 55.5 μg/L (range 3.53-191.64 μg/L). The mean individuals RSI was 2.24±2.34, and the mean individuals RFS was 5.78±1.74. Our data demonstrate that certain concentration of pepsin was detected and showed a higher RFS score in asymptomatic volunteers.