Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Inclusion criteria for the study design were not defined. Prospective uncontrolled and double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) were included.
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies that evaluated PPIs as an empirical treatment, either alone or combined with an acid suppressant and/or placebo, were eligible for inclusion. The included studies evaluated lansoprazole (15 to 30 mg twice daily), omeprazole (20 or 40 mg once or twice daily), pantoprazole (40 mg once or twice daily), rabeprazole (20 mg twice daily) or esomeprazole (40 mg twice daily). Controlled studies compared PPIs with placebo. The duration of treatment ranged from 4 to 24 weeks.
Participants included in the review
Studies of participants with suspected LPR were eligible for inclusion. No further details about the participants were reported.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Inclusion criteria for the outcomes were not defined. The review assessed symptom scores, laryngoscopic scores, health status, and changes in video-laryngeal grading scores and appearance. Complete symptomatic response was defined by the total resolution of all presenting symptoms of LPR; nonresponse was defined by the persistence of one or more of the initial laryngitis symptoms.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors did not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many reviewers performed the selection.