Proximal Esophageal Impedance Contour Predicts Increased Reflux Burden in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Symptoms

Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Daniel R. Sikavi, Jennifer X. Cai, Ryan Leung, Thomas L. Carroll, Walter W. Chan
DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000994
Cited by: 1
References: 15

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The value of esophageal baseline impedance (BI) in assessing proximal reflux and laryngopharyngeal symptoms (LPSs) is unclear. METHODS: Two hundred eighteen patients with LPS underwent 24-hour combined hypopharyngeal-esophageal impedance-pH monitoring. Proximal/distal BI was obtained, and a slope-and-intercept model of proximal BI contour was constructed. RESULTS: Proximal BI correlated with proximal/pharyngeal reflux (r = -0.21, P < 0.01) and reflux symptom index (r = -0.14, P = 0.08). The proximal BI contour model incorporating both the BI change (slope) and BI just below upper esophageal sphincter (intercept) outperformed models using individual BI measures in predicting proximal (Akaike information criterion: 110 vs 251-253) or pharyngeal (akaike information criterion: 32 vs 141-148) reflux. DISCUSSION: Proximal esophageal impedance contour predicts proximal reflux in patients with LPS.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Gastroesophageal reflux and treatments Respiratory and Cough-Related Research Dysphagia Assessment and Management

Publication details

Journal / source
Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Volume
17
Issue
4
Pages
e00994–e00994
Publication date
4 February 2026
Language
EN