Vocal quality of life improves with treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux

Abstract

Objectives: To determine if vocal quality of life improves with treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD). Methods: A prospective case series study was performed on patients with a diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease at a tertiary center of laryngology from 6/01 to 12/03. Pre- and posttreatment reflux symptoms, physical examination scores, and vocal quality of life scores were assessed using validated and standardized instruments (Voice Handicap Inventory-10 [VHI-10], Reflux Symptom Index [RSI], and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease Index [LRDI]). Results: A significant improvement in posttreatment vocal quality of life as measured by the VHI-10 was noted (mean score, 8.3) as compared to pretreatment (mean score 13.48, P < 0.001). This improvement correlated significantly with improvement in the RSI (posttreatment 12.56 vs pretreatment 18.10, P < 0.001, Pearson correlation coefficient 0.359). Physical examination score as measured by the LRDI improved with treatment but the degree of improvement did not correlate with improvement in the VHI-10 or the RSI. Conclusions: Treatment of LPRD significantly improves vocal quality of life. Laryngeal reflux symptoms improve with treatment and this improvement correlates with improvement in vocal quality of life.