Subjects and study design
In this study, we retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with LPR
via 24hr MII-pH monitoring. Examiners advised to all patients to keep
their common diet during 24hr MII-pH monitoring. Patients with typical
reflux symptoms and ≥ 1 objective pharyngeal reflux episode were
classified as LPR patients.11 LPR symptoms were
assessed using the reflux symptom index (RSI).12 The
objective pharyngeal reflux episode was assessed using 24hr MII-pH
monitoring.13 Finally, we enrolled 69 LPR patients
whose test time of 24-hour MII-pH monitoring could be estimated, and raw
recording files could be accessible. Additionally, we recruited normal
controls without reflux-related symptom. 24hr MII-pH monitoring was
performed on the healthy controls. The time of pharyngeal reflux
episodes in the healthy controls was analyzed and compared with the LPR
patients. This study was approved by Institutional Review Board of OOO.