B. G. Prakash1, S. Basavaraj2, Sandhya D3, Babu A. R4
ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of cases of acid laryngitis with empirical trial of Pantoprazole as a diagnostic tool after clinical assessment by RSI and RFS is one such cheaper, simple and readily available option, which needs to be explored. METHODS: 100 patients were selected by non-probability convenience method of sampling, which were divided into experimental group (RSI≥13 and RFS≤7) and control group (RSIË?13 and RFSË?7) with sample size of 50 in each group. Pantoprazole trial was given to experimental group and all the patients assessed for RSI and RFS within the group and between the groups. RESULTS: The response rate to Pantoprazole at 04 and 08 weeks interval (RSIË? 13 and/or RFSË?7) was 60% and 76% respectively. The response to Pantoprazole given to the experimental group with RSI≥13 andRFS≥7 was significant at 04 weeks and 08 weeks duration (pË?0.0001). The response however increased with increasing duration of treatment. The change in RSI and RFS in the control group at 04 and 08 weeks was significant (pË?0.0001). The change in RSI and RFS in the experimental group getting Pantoprazole was significantly more than the control group (pË?0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Reflux symptom index(RSI) and Reflux finding score(RFS) are good clinical tools to assess and diagnose patients with acid laryngitis, based on the clinical diagnosis an empirical trial of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) can be given to patients for duration of 02 months or more resulting in a good response and thus confirming the diagnosis.
