Clinical Trial: Salivary Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) Concentration Before and After Treatment of Reflux Laryngitis

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational



Official Title: Salivary Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) Concentration Before and After Treatment of Reflux Laryngitis: Final Results

Brief Summary:

  • Saliva plays a key role in the homeostasis of the digestive tract
  • The reflux of gastroesophageal contents may cause damage to the esophageal, laryngeal and pharyngeal mucosas
  • There seems to be no correlation between the severity of reflux episodes and the intensity of inflammatory changes, suggesting individual protective mechanisms to refluxate exposure
  • Inorganic and Organic Salivary changes have been associated to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and its supraesophageal manifestations, especially reflux laryngitis (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux- LPR)
  • Decreased salivary Epidermal Growth factor (EGF) concentrations have been found in patients with GERD and LPR, but it is unclear if these are primary or secondary to the disease.
  • Hypothesis: The decreased salivary EGF concentrations in patients with reflux laryngitis is primary and therefore would not change after treatment and control of the disease