Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Sleep-Disordered Breathing Patients.

Introduction: Our study aims to evaluate the distribution of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) via the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and to describe the sleep architecture in SDB patients with and without LPR.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted. Patients with SDB were identified via the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and STOP-BANG questionnaire; they were then screened with the RSI and physical examination for LPR. PSG was performed to evaluate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Results: Of 45 patients, 15 were scored as having LPR via the RSI. Utilizing the Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI), patients were further classified into four groups: 9 non-LPR with non-OSA SDB, 21 non-LPR with OSA, 4 LPR with non-OSA SDB, and 11 LPR with OSA. The prevalence of LPR was 30.8% in the non-OSA SDB group and 34.4% in the OSA group. All SDB parameters in both groups were similar. SDB patients with high body mass index tended to have LPR and/or OSA. Average ESS scores in the four groups suggested excessive daytime sleepiness, and patients with LPR had higher ESS scores. Regardless of LPR status, SDB patients had a lower percentage of REM sleep and a higher percentage of light sleep.

Conclusions: The incidence of LPR in OSA patients was similar in non-OSA SDB patients. REM sleep percentage decreased in the four groups, with the non-OSA SDB group having the lowest percentage of REM sleep; light sleep percentage increased in the four groups, with the OSA group having the highest percentage of light sleep.