Analysis of Relationship between Reflux Symptom Index and Psychiatric Problems / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the relationship between reflux symptom index (RSI) and psychiatric problems such as depression, somatization, and anxiety. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We prospectively analyzed 231 patients with symptoms with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) using the RSI and the reflux finding score. RESULTS: Seventy nine patients (34.2%) were diagnosed with LPR. A significant correlation was detected between the RSI and depression (18.4±8.3 vs. 12.3±7.0, p < 0.001), anxiety (19.5±8.5 vs. 13.0±7.3, p < 0.001), and somatization (19.2±9.1 vs. 13.6±7.5, p < 0.001). A multivariate analysis confirmed a significant association between heartburn and depression [odds ratio (OR): 1.241, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.003–1.537, p=0.047], choking and anxiety (OR: 1.747, 95% CI: 1.297–2.352, p < 0.001), and choking and somatization (OR: 1.707, 95% CI: 1.248–2.336, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results suggest that patients with high RSI may need to be carefully evaluated for psychiatric problems.

Assessment of Age-Related Dimensions of the Salivary and Thyroid Glands Using Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography in Children / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the dimensions of normal salivary and thyroid glands and assess their relationship with respect to age and sex using three-dimensional imaging in children. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: One hundred twenty patients were divided into four age groups: group 1 (0-5 years), group 2 (6-10 years), group 3 (11-15 years), and group 4 (16-20 years). The volume, thickness, width, and length of the each gland were measured. RESULTS: The parotid glands exhibited a growth spurt in group 2. There were no differences between genders for parameters of the parotid gland in groups 1, 2, and 3 except in group 4. The length of submandibular gland exhibited a monomodal growth pattern, which increased until 20-years-of-age. There was a significant difference of volume and thickness between the right and left thyroid gland in all groups. CONCLUSION: Volume and other parameters of the salivary and thyroid gland increase with age.