Association Between Helicobacter pylori and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

J Voice. 2024 Apr 20:S0892-1997(24)00114-0. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2024.03.036. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Background: It is controversial that Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) is involved in the pathogenesis or development of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD).

Objective: To investigate the potential association between LPRD and H pylori infection.

Material and methods: A systematic review was performed of studies assessing the diagnosis or treatment of LPRD among patients with H pylori infection. Data sources are PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE[Ovid], Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov.

Results: Fifteen studies were analyzed in the review, with all eligible for the meta-analysis. A significant association between H pylori infection and LPRD was detected for higher rates of H pylori infection in patients with LPRD than in non-LPRD patients (relative risk (RR), 1.35; 95% CI, 1.12-1.63; P = 0.002), and H pylori-positive patients had a higher prevalence of LPRD than H pylori-negative patients (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.07-1.31; P = 0.001). The prevalence of H pylori among patients with LPRD was 49% (95% CI, 36-61), the prevalence of H pylori among patients with non-LPRD was 35% (95% CI, 23-49).

Conclusion and significance: The limited evidence indicated the association between LPRD risk and increased H pylori infection. Different population races, diagnostic approach to LPRD, variant H pylori testing methods, age and sex may contribute to the heterogeneity. Further well-designed studies regarding the efficacy of H pylori eradication in the treatment of LPRD are strongly recommended in the future.

Keywords: Gastroesophageal; Helicobacter pylori; Infection; Laryngopharyngeal reflux; Meta-analysis.

Publication types

  • Review