Gastroesophageal reflux and laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with sleep‐disordered breathing

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) patients underwent polysomnography (PSG) and dual-channel pH probe testing. LPR was defined as greater than 6.9 proximal reflux episodes or reflux area index (RAI) greater than 6.3. GER was defined as greater than 4% of time below pH 4.0. RESULTS: OSA was present in 28 patients. Twenty-three patients had LPR (66.7% of snorers, 60.7% of OSA patients). Twenty-one patients had GER (33.3% of snorers, 64.3% of OSA patients). Body mass index (BMI) correlated positively with respiratory disturbance index (RDI) (r = 0.67, P < 0.001). BMI did not correlate with pH probe parameters. OSA presence/severity did not correlate with LPR or GER. Supine LPR and GER events did not correlate with OSA presence/severity. CONCLUSION: Gastric acid reflux is prevalent in SDB patients. Direct correlations between reflux and PSG parameters were not identified. EBM RATING: B-2b.