Continued PPI use and gastrointestinal evaluations after a negative pH study in patients with throat symptoms from possible extraesophageal GERD

Background: Recent guidelines have advocated for upfront pH testing in patients with isolated symptoms of extra-esophageal gastrointestinal reflux disease (EE-GERD) under the assumption that a negative pH study will prevent further gastrointestinal (GI) investigations, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, and reduce cost. We sought to evaluate if this actually occurs.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent 24-hour combined pH-impedance testing off PPI for suspected EE-GERD. A negative study was defined as DeMeester score <14.7.

Results: 59 patients were included (mean age 53.2; 50.8% women). Most (38, 64.4%) had a negative study. Findings of laryngopharyngoreflux on laryngoscopy did not predict pH results. Those with a negative study had the same number of followup GI appointments, repeat endoscopies, and repeat pH studies compared to those with a positive study (p=NS). While PPIs were more frequently stopped in those with a negative pH study, still 14 (36.8%) were continued on a PPI. At the end of the follow-up period (mean 43.6 months), 18 (47.4%) subjects with a negative pH study were still prescribed PPIs. Patients who were diagnosed with post-nasal drip or rhinits were significantly less likely to still be receiving a PPI (5.6% vs 35.0%, p=0.045).

Conclusions: Despite a negative pH study, a substantial number of patients with isolated EE-GERD symptoms are continued on a PPI and they undergo GI follow-up at the same rate as those with a positive study. These findings bring into question the recent recommendations for upfront pH testing in suspected EE-GERD and its reported cost savings.

Keywords: gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal pH monitoring, proton pump inhibitors, laryngoscopy, otolaryngology.