Analysis of Pepsin Levels in Tonsil Swab Patients of Chronic Tonsillitis on Larynx Pharynx Reflux

Abstract

Background: Chronic tonsillitis is a condition of tonsil inflammation. There is some evidence that the condition laryngeal pharyngeal reflux (LPR) causes chronic tonsillitis, through pepsin which can be found in upper and lower throat secretions.

Objective: To analyze the pepsin levels of tonsil swab from chronic tonsillitis patients on LPR

Method: This research used a cross-sectional design which was conducted at Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital in June 2023 until the sample was met. The research sample is chronic tonsillitis patients and will be divided into two groups (chronic tonsillitis with LPR and without LPR). Both groups underwent pepsin examinations from tonsil swab. All data was tested using SPSS version 25.

Results: 51 subjects with chronic tonsillitis were included. The LPR group consisted of 11 subjects and the non-LPR group consisted of 40 subjects. Pepsin levels were found in all chronic tonsillitis subjects. Pepsin levels were higher in the LPR group compared to without LPR group with median (min-max) 335.16(23.46-399.21) vs 330.06(15.68-407.90), but statistically not significant (p=0.663,p>0.05)

Conclusion: Pepsin levels were higher in the chronic tonsillitis group with LPR compared to without LPR.