Emory University Study On Restech Airway PH Probe Shows Promising Outlook

San Diego, CA - Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) was among the most discussed issues at April's worldwide Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meeting (COSM) in San Diego. The only medical device designed to detect LPR, the Restech Dx-pH Measurement System was featured in a comparative study presented during a poster session of the American Bronchoesophagological Association (ABEA) by the Emory University Voice Center.

Justin Golub, M.D., Michael Johns, III, M.D., John DelGaudio, M.D., and Adam Klein, M.D. displayed the poster "Preliminary Comparison of an Oropharyngeal pH Probe and a Traditional Dual Channel Probe for Diagnosis of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux."

Dr. Golub presented the preliminary study findings and answered questions at COSM on Friday, April 27, posed by Otolaryngologists from around the world. The head of Emory's Voice Center, Dr. Michael Johns, III, summarized his experience with the device and the preliminary outcome of the study:

"Initial data using the oropharyngeal pH probe are promising. There was a high correlation to acid reflux events above the upper esophageal sphincter as measured by a traditional probe, and patient comfort and tolerance were much higher."

The study commenced in early 2006 after Emory researchers were granted funds from AstraZeneca through their Investigator Initiated Research program. The overall study will include sixty-five patients whose laryngopharyngeal reflux activity will be monitored with the Dx-System for a period of twenty-four hours. Through this study, the researchers hope to further establish the value of the Dx-pH Measurement System as a diagnostic modality for LPR.

Restech's Dx-pH Measurement System is a promising device for Otolaryngology practice due to the absence of a specific test for LPR. While current technology has been useful for diagnosing esophageal reflux, it is incapable of measuring aerosolized supraesophageal reflux, which can have deleterious effects on the very sensitive laryngeal tissue.

SOURCE: Restech