Correlation between reflux symptom index and reflux finding score in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux: Our experience

Background: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) also known as extraesophageal reflux disease refers to retrograde flow of gastric contents to the upper aero-digestive tract. Belafsky, Postma, and Koufman have developed the reflux symptom index (RSI) and the reflux finding score (RFS) to diagnose LPR. Although both have been widely used, there is some controversy about their sensitivity and specificity in LPR diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Patients who presented with symptoms of LPR were prospectively evaluated to study the correlation between scoring systems of RSI and RFS and also to assess the change in scores of RSI and RFS following 1 month of treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Wilcoxon signed rank test and Student’s t-test (paired) have been used to find the significance of RSI and RFS components at baseline and follow-up. Pearson correlation of RSI and RFS scores are done at baseline and follow-up. Results: In our study, we found no correlation between the RSI and RFS at baseline (P = 0.501) as well as on follow-up after treatment (P = 0.136). A significant improvement was noted in the RSI following treatment with PPIs for 1 month but no improvement was noted in the signs following treatment. Conclusion: Based on our analysis, RSI scoring alone is fast and convenient to start treatment for patients with LPR medically along with lifestyle modifications.