Gastroesophageal and laryngopharyngeal reflux detected by 24-hour combined impedance and pH monitoring in healthy Chinese volunteers

Abstract

Objective: To define the normative data of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in healthy Chinese volunteers.

Methods: Healthy volunteers without gastrointestinal and throat disease and symptoms were enrolled and underwent 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring.

Results: A total of 37 healthy volunteers completed all the tests (female 54.1%; age 38.0±15.2 years). Of 1862 GER, 49.6% were mixed, 40.9% were liquid and 9.5% were gas. More than half (54.9%) were acid. The median and 95th percentile numbers of GER were 52 and 71, respectively. The number of LPR was eight, of which two were mixed and the others were liquid. Only one episode of reflux was classified as acid LPR. The median and 95th percentile numbers of LPR were 0 and 2, respectively. More liquid reflux were associated with LPR (P=0.02). Age had no influence on GER and LPR reflux profiles.

Conclusions: Few LPR occurred in healthy Chinese volunteers and they were rarely acid when they reached the larynx. LPR was mostly associated with liquid reflux.