Does Apnea cause laryngopharyngeal reflux? A study of the temporal correlation between sleep Apnea and proximal reflux episodes

• Grant number: 11/21316-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2012
• End date: September 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Claudia Alessandra Eckley
• Grantee: Daniela Marinho Tridente
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo (FCMSCSP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) has been correlated to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and its atypical forms (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux LPR). It is, however, unclear if the apneic episodes are a cause or consequence of reflux, or even if there is a temporal connection between both pathologies. Esophageal pH-impedanciometry is currently considered the most sensitive and specific method to assess both acid and non-acid reflux, as well as liquid, gaseous and mixed types of reflux. To our knowledge, there are no similar studies in the Western literature that have systematically used this methodology to try to establish a temporal correlation between OSAS and LPR.(AU)