Relieving laryngopharingeral reflux (RELIEF) survey in otolaryngology - II the viewpoint of the patient

As LPR diagnostic work-up is complex in the absence of a definitive gold standard diagnostic test, patient symptoms have become a primary method to identify those with LPR. In this regard, Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) is a reliable self-administered questionnaire useful also to monitor changes after treatment. An Italian survey on patients with LPR evaluated the effect of treatments for LPR that were prescribed in a real-world setting, such as Otolaryngological clinics. In this part of the survey, 1,680 subjects [45.2% males, 54.8% females, 50.4 (14.7) years] were visited in the 86 Italian ORL centers. About 70% of patients were treated with Marial® alone, 27% with PPI plus add-on. RSI change assessment was the primary outcome. Both therapeutic options significantly (p<0.0001) reduced RSI score interestingly since the second week. The inter-group comparison demonstrated the Marial® monotherapy induced a greater reduction of RSI than PPI plus add-on since the second week. In conclusion, the present survey reported that a new medical device (Marial®) may be considered a valid option for the treatment of LPR

Relieving laryngopharingeral reflux (RELIEF) survey in otolaryngology - the viewpoint of the otorhinolaryngologist

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) should be considered as part of extraesophageal reflux (EER). This reflux involves respiratory structures other than, or in addition to, the oesophagus. A new medical device for the treatment of gastric reflux, including LPR, has been launched in Italy: Marial®. Therefore, the aim of the present survey was to analyse the prescriptive behaviour both considering the past or current treatments and clinical features during a specialist routine visit. The current survey was conducted in 86 Otorhinolaryngological centers, distributed in all of Italy. Globally, 4.418 subjects [47% males and 53% females, 50.1 (14.5) years-of-age] were visited. The visits included laryngoscopy, Reflux Finding Score (RFS) and Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) questionnaires. The total RSI median score was 15 (12-19) and the total median RFS value was 10 (8-12). Interestingly, a significant change in the new drug prescription was observed (p<0.0001): over two-third of patients (67%) received Marial® as monotherapy, whereas PPI plus add-on were prescribed to almost one-third of the patients. PPI alone was prescribed in less than 1%. In conclusion, LPR is a common disorder characterized by typical signs and symptoms; LPR patients may be correctly identified and scored by evidence-based criteria. In addition, the present survey reported that LPR treatment has been considerably changed by the introduction of a new medical device