Xiaojun Tang

and 9 more

Objectives. The study used re¬flux symptom index (RSI) and Reflux Finding Score (RFS) questionnaire to estimate laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) change after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Design. An observational, retrospective study. Setting. University, tertiary level hospital. Participants. 91 subjects were recruited and divided into three groups: control group (n=27), OSA mild to moderate group (n=29) and OSA severe group (n=35) according to polysomnography. All subjects completed preoperative RSI and RFS under electronic laryngoscope. 34 OSA patients with UPPP surgery completed postoperative polysomnography, again after 6-month follow-up. Main outcome measures. Polysomnography, RSI and RFS questionnaire. Results. RSI and RFS in OSA patients were higher than non-OSA patients. Severe OSA patients also had higher RSI and RFS than mild to moderate OSA. LPR symptoms had positive and L-SpO2 had negative correlation with AHI and CT90. The mean RSI and RFS before UPPP surgery were 15.88±4.85 and 13.18±4.80; these number decreased to 9.53±4.16 and 8.65±4.87 after surgery (P<0.05). In 25 successful-surgery patients, RSI and RFS scores and individual variables of RSI were downward after surgery. Conclusion. LPR symptoms are common among OSA patients, the coexistence of OSA and LPR cannot be ignored. Successful UPPP surgery as a treatment for OSA patients, poten¬tially reduces laryngeal reflux symptoms and improves laryngoscope signs by alleviating sleep respiratory disorder.