Abstract
BACKGROUND: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is among the most common complications associated with modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT). The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of LPR among patients undergoing MECT and to identify risk factors for LPR within this population. METHODS: This observational prospective study enrolled 107 consecutive patients who underwent MECT at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Data regarding potential risk factors for LPR in patients undergoing MECT were collected. The salivary pepsin test was used to diagnose LPR. RESULTS: The incidence of LPR was 39.3% in this study. On univariate analysis, height (p = 0.040), history of acid regurgitation (p = 0.19), number of MECT session number (p = 0.014), succinylcholine dose (p = 0.032), and oral secretion volume (p = 0.01) were significantly associated with LPR. Outcomes from the multivariate analysis are shown as odds ratio (OR [95% confidence interval (CI)]), >3 MECT sessions (3.02 [1.20-7.58]), history of acid regurgitation (3.90 [1.20-12.70]), succinylcholine dose > 50 mg (2.54 [1.04-6.22]), oral secretion volume > 3 mL (3.66 [1.50-8.97]) were significantly and independently associated with the development of LPR. CONCLUSION: A history of acid regurgitation, >3 MECT sessions, succinylcholine dose > 50 mg, oral secretion volume > 3 mL was significantly associated with an increased risk of LPR in patients undergoing MECT.