A simple qualitative scale for diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux: high correlations with pH measurements and disease severity. The usefulness of the Warsaw Scale in LPR diagnostics compared to other diagnostic tools.

PURPOSE: Diagnosis and monitoring of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a constant challenge in otolaryngological practice, chiefly because there are no specific symptoms characteristic of the disease. In this paper, we present the validation of a simple, 6-level qualitative scale to gauge the clinical findings of LPR. It has been previously published in Polish as the Warsaw Scale. METHODS: In the study, we enrolled 100 patients with voice problems who had registered in our clinic, and we performed an extended battery of diagnostic tests for LPR, together with 24-h pH monitoring. RESULTS: The Warsaw Scale significantly outperformed other instruments in both predicting LPR status and correlating with pH measurements. Moreover, the rating provided by the scale showed a strong association with patient-reported symptoms. CONCLUSION: The data indicate that the Warsaw Scale could be used as an affordable, consistent, and effective diagnostic and monitoring tool for LPR.

Electroglottography in the diagnosis of functional dysphonia.

INTRODUCTION: Electroglottography (EGG) is the most commonly used method of indirect visual examination of vocal fold vibration. AIM: The study was conducted with an aim of assessing EGG quasi open quotient (QOQEGG) in different functional dysphonias to develop a differential diagnosis. The second aim was to check the influence of articulation on QOQEGG values. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 20 people without voice problems, 20 patients with hypofunctional dysphonia and 20 patients with hyperfunctional dysphonia included in the study. Electroglottography was recorded during comfortable sustained phonation of [a], [e], [i], [o], [u]. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in QOQEGG observed during phonation of different vowels in the control group and patients with hyperfunctional dysphonia. In patients with hypofunctional dysphonia, significantly higher values of QOQEGG were observed during [a] and [e]. Both in the control and in studied groups vowel [i] was vocalized significantly quieter. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, EGG can be useful in differential diagnosis of functional dysphonia. QOQEGG is a parameter differentiating hypofunctional dysphonia from hyperfunctional dysphonia. Dissimilarities in articulation of different vowels in patients with various types of dysphonia influence values of QOQEGG. EGG study protocol in cases of functional dysphonia should include a comparison of [a], [e], [i] vowels.