Analysis of effects of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease and proton pump inhibitor treatment on Eustachian tube function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the effects of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment on Eustachian tube function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

The Eustachian tube score-7 (ETS-7) was observed before and after PPI treatment in the control group, OSA only group, and OSA + LPRD group.

RESULTS

Age, sex, smoking history, and drinking history showed no differences among 3 groups (P > .05). The body mass index (BMI) in the control group was lower than that in other groups (P < .017). Before PPI treatment, the abnormality rate of ETS-7 in the OSA + LPRD group statistically differed from that in the control group and the OSA only group (P < .017). After PPI treatment, the abnormality rate of ETS-7 in the OSA + LPRD group exhibited no significant differences compared with that in the control group and the OSA only group (P > .017), and it declined remarkably compared with that before PPI treatment (75% vs 35%, χ2 = 13.334, P = .001). Moreover, the multivariate analysis revealed that only LPRD had an independent correlation with the abnormality of ETS-7 (OR = 1.245, 95% CI: 1.759-6.861, P = .000).

CONCLUSION

In view of its high incidence in OSA patients, LPRD may be a considerable factor for the high incidence of abnormality rate of ETS-7 in OSA patients, and PPI therapy is of significant value in improving Eustachian tube function in OSA patients with LPRD.