The Incidence and Implication of Helicobacter pylori Infection in the Setting of Reinke's Edema.

OBJECTIVE(S): To assess the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Reinke's edema patients. To evaluate and compare the disease severity of patients who are H. pylori positive with those who are H. pylori negative.

METHODS

In this prospective study, subjects were recruited at the time of Reinke's edema diagnosis using flexible laryngoscopy between March of 2022 through August of 2022. Participants completed a Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) survey and then underwent a H. pylori IgG blood test to identify infection. The severity of Reinke's edema, grade, and type were determined by a fellowship trained laryngologist.

RESULTS

Thirty one patients participated. The cohort was 19% male. 38.7% of the cohort had a positive H. pylori test. Men had significantly greater smoking exposure in pack years than women (P = 0.003). Interestingly, the total VHI-10 score was significantly greater in patients negative for H. pylori (P = 0.05). This was also true for four of the VHI-10 domains. Patients positive for H. pylori had significantly more severe Reinke's edema in terms of type (P = 0.03) and grade (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant relationship between H. pylori status and the severity of Reinke's edema, with patients H. pylori positive having a greater grade and type of Reinke's edema. There is also a significant inverse relationship between H. pylori status and dysphonia, a subjective Reinke's symptom.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.