			Home About us Contact

Sleep Apnea Syndrome (sleep + apnea_syndrome)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Distribution within Medical Sciences

Neurology	13%
Allergy & Clinical Immunology	6%

Kinds of Sleep Apnea Syndrome

obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Selected Abstracts

Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on Right Ventricular Function Assessment by Tissue Doppler Imaging in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 10 2008
Nihal Akar Bayram M.D.
Objectives: The effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on right ventricular (RV) function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has not been previously studied by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). The aim of this study was to assess RV function using TDI in patients with OSAS before and after CPAP therapy. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with newly diagnosed OSAS in the absence of any confounding factors and 18 controls were included in this study. The peak systolic velocity (S,m), early (E,m) and late (A,m) diastolic myocardial peak velocities at tricuspid lateral annulus, isovolumic acceleration (IVA), myocardial precontraction time (PCT,m), myocardial contraction time (CT,m), and myocardial relaxation time (RT,m) were measured. All echocardiographic parameters were calculated 6 months after CPAP therapy. Results: The RV diastolic parameters such as E,m velocity and E,m-to-A,m ratio were significantly lower, RT,m was significantly prolonged, A,m velocity was similar in patients with OSAS compared to controls; and the RV systolic parameters such as IVA and CT,m were significantly lower and S,m was similar in patients with OSAS compared to controls. At the end of the treatment, 20 of 28 patients were compliant with CPAP therapy. E,m velocity, E,m-to-A,m ratio, IVA, and CT,m increased, PCT,m, PCT,m-to-CT,m ratio, and RT,m decreased significantly after therapy, whereas S,m velocity and A,m velocity did not change after CPAP treatment in the compliant patients. Conclusion: OSAS is associated with RV systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and 6 months of CPAP therapy improves the RV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. [source]

Gastric motility and autonomic activity during obstructive sleep apnea

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2006
M. URATA
Summary Background Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) often experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Aim To investigate gastric motility and autonomic nervous activity during sleep apnea. Methods The subjects of this study were 20 individuals with OSAS who experienced 10 or more sleep apnoea events per hour, as measured with a portable sleep polygraph. A percutaneous electrogastrography (EGG) and fast Fourier transformation analysis was carried out on the results. The mean amplitude was compared for bradygastria, normogastria and tachygastria. Spectral analysis of heart rate variability was performed, and low-frequency (LF) power, high-frequency (HF) power and the LF/HF ratio were measured. Oesophagogastroduodenal endoscopy was performed on each subject, and the presence of reflux oesophagitis (RE) was diagnosed according to the Los Angeles (LA) grade classification. Moreover, questionnaire for the diagnosis of reflux disease (QUEST) was carried out. Results Normogastria was significantly decreased, and brady-, tachygastria, or both were increased during sleep apnea (P < 0.01). There was no significant relation between LA grade classification of RE and severity of OSAS. The LF/HF ratio was significantly higher during sleep apnea for patients with RE and OSAS, but the opposite for those with RE without OSAS. Decreased percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation and normogastria were independent risk factors for the severity of RE. Conclusions The present study suggested that, in addition to decreased pressure on the pleural cavity, factors affecting the development of RE might include abnormal gastric motility, low oxygen, and increased sympathetic nervous activity during sleep apnea. [source]

A Comparison of the Long-Term Outcome and Effects of Surgery or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 6 2006
Shih-Wei Lin
Abstract Objectives: To compare the long-term (3-year) outcome and effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and extended uvulopalatoplasty (EUPF) treatment on patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Methods: Eighty-four patients who received CPAP titration and bought a CPAP machine to use from March 2000 to October 2001 were included as the CPAP group. Another 55 patients who underwent EUPF surgery were included as the EUPF group. Overnight polysomnography was performed 6 months and 3 years after CPAP titration or EUPF. The disease-specific questionnaire-Snore Outcome Survey (SOS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the generic health questionnaire-MOSF-36 were administered at the 6-month and 3-year follow-up examinations. Results: The age, body mass index, respiratory disturbance index, and ESS before treatment were higher in the CPAP group. The snore index was higher in the surgery group. Fifty-four patients (64.3%) in CPAP group continued treatment for 6 months; the success rate for EUPF at 6 months was 82%. The polysomnographic variables improved significantly in both groups. Improvements in the SOS and ESS scores were better in surgery group than the CPAP group. The subscales of SF-36 in surgery group were more than those in CPAP group. Conclusions: EUPF had a better effect on snoring than CPAP 6 months after treatment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This effect had gradually declined at the 3-year follow-up examination. Improvement in the quality of life of OSAS patients receiving EUPF is equal to those receiving CPAP treatment. [source]

Hyoidthyroidpexia: A Surgical Treatment for Sleep Apnea Syndrome

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 4 2005
Cindy den Herder MD
Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of primary hyoidthyroidpexia (HTP) and HTP after previous uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Study Design: Prospective case series. Methods: Thirty-one patients with obstruction at tongue base level and moderate to severe sleep apnea syndrome underwent HTP. Seventeen patients underwent surgery after an unsuccessful UPPP (secondary HTP), and in 14 patients, primary HTP was performed. Results: Patients who underwent primary HTP showed a significant decrease in apnea hypopnea index (AHI) (P = .007), whereas those patients who had secondary HTP did not (P = .06). Overall, the AHI significantly changed (P = .0005). Visual analogue scales for snoring and hypersomnolence and the Epworth sleepiness scores showed significant improvement for both groups, without any difference between them. HTP was considerably less painful when compared with UPPP. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that HTP, in particular as primary treatment in cases of obstruction at tongue base level, is a valuable addition to the therapeutic armamentarium of moderate to severe OSAS. Selection criteria are moderate to severe OSAS with preferably a body mass index less than 27, multilevel obstruction with emphasis on the base of tongue, small tonsils, and normal uvula, without a floppy epiglottis or a palatal stenosis after UPPP. [source]

Effectiveness of Multilevel (Tongue and Palate) Radiofrequency Tissue Ablation for Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 12 2004
David L. Steward MD
Abstract Objectives: The primary objective is to determine the effectiveness of multilevel (tongue base and palate) temperature controlled radiofrequency tissue ablation (TCRFTA) for patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The secondary objective is to compare multilevel TCRFTA to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Study Design and Methods: The study is a controlled case series of one investigator's experience with multilevel TCRFTA for patients with OSAS. Twenty-two subjects with mild to severe OSAS, without tonsil hypertrophy, completed multilevel TCRFTA (mean 4.8 tongue base and 1.8 palate treatment sessions) and had both pre- and posttreatment polysomnography. Primary outcomes included change from baseline in apnea/hypopnea index (AHI), daytime somnolence, and reaction time testing measured 2 to 3 months after TCRFTA. Secondary outcomes included change in other respiratory parameters, OSAS related quality of life, and upper airway size. Comparison of 18 patients treated with TCRFTA for mild to moderate OSAS (AHI > 5 and , 40) is made with 11 matched patients treated with nasal CPAP for mild to moderate OSAS. Results: Multilevel TCRFTA significantly improved AHI (P = .001), apnea index (P = .02), as well as respiratory and total arousal indices (P = .0002 and P = .01). Significant improvement with moderate or large treatment effect sizes were noted for OSAS related quality of life (P = .01) and daytime somnolence (P = .0001), with a trend toward significant improvement in reaction time testing (P = .06), with mean posttreatment normalization of all three outcome measures. Fifty-nine percent of subjects demonstrated at least a 50% reduction in AHI to less than 20. The targeted upper airway, measured in the supine position, demonstrated a trend toward significant improvement in mean cross sectional area (P = .05) and volume (P = .10). Side effects of TCRFTA were infrequent, mild, and self-limited. No significant correlation between pretreatment parameters and outcome improvement was noted. Nasal CPAP resulted in significant improvement in AHI (P = .0004) to near normal levels, with an associated improvement in OSAS related quality of life (P = .02) and a trend toward significant improvement in daytime somnolence (P = .06). Reaction time testing demonstrated no significant improvement (P = .75). No significant differences were seen for change in AHI, OSAS related quality of life, daytime somnolence, or reaction time testing between multilevel TCRFTA and CPAP. Conclusion: Multilevel (tongue base and palate) TCRFTA is a low-morbidity, office-based procedure performed with local anesthesia and is an effective treatment option for patients with OSAS. On average, abnormalities in daytime somnolence, quality of life, and reaction time testing demonstrated improvement from baseline and were normalized after treatment. Polysomnographic respiratory parameters also demonstrated significant improvement with multilevel TCRFTA. [source]

Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty and Tonsillectomy for the Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 7 2003
Robert C. Kern MD
Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is a widely accepted procedure for the management of snoring, but its role in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is currently unclear. The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of LAUP in treating moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Study Design Retrospective review of a surgical treatment protocol for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Methods Between October 1993 and January 1999, 80 patients with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and a significant component of retropalatal obstruction were treated with surgery at the Department of Otolaryngology at Northwestern University Medical School (Chicago, IL). Surgery consisted of LAUP with tonsillectomy (if tonsils were present) with the patient under general anesthesia or LAUP alone with local anesthesia (if the tonsils were absent). No patients received traditional uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Sixty-four of the 80 patients underwent both preoperative and postoperative polysomnograms. Surgical "response" was defined as a 50% decrease in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (the total number of apneic and hypopneic events per hour of sleep); surgical "cure" was defined as a 50% decrease in AHI and a final AHI of less than 20. Results The surgical response rate was 59% (38 of 64 patients), and the surgical cure rate was 39% (25 of 64 patients). Twelve patients (18.8%) had a higher AHI after surgery. The AHI (mean ± SD) changed significantly from 51.4 ± 30.9 preoperatively to 26.3 ± 20.8 on postoperative polysomnogram (P = 7.0 × 10,9). Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty alone was performed in 33 patients with a response rate of 61% and a cure rate of 42%. Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty with tonsillectomy was performed in 31 patients with a response rate of 58% and a cure rate of 35%. The overall incidence of nasopharyngeal insufficiency was 0%. Conclusion The results of the study suggested that LAUP with adjunctive tonsillectomy is an effective treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and retropalatal obstruction with a lower complication rate than standard surgical therapy (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty). [source]

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Comparison Between Far-East Asian and White Men

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 10 2000
Kasey K. Li MD
Abstract Objectives To investigate the possible differences between Far-East Asian men and white men in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Study Design Prospective nonrandomized controlled study. Methods This study compared consecutive Far-East Asian men with OSAS (n = 50) with two selected groups of White men with OSAS (n = 50 in each group). One group of white men was controlled for age, respiratory disturbance index (RDI), and minimum oxygenation saturation (LSAT). Another group was controlled for age and body mass index (BMI). Cephalometric analysis was performed on all subjects. Results The majority of the Far-East Asian men were found to be nonobese (mean BMI, 26.7 ± 3.8) but had severe OSAS (mean RDI, 55.1 ± 35.1). When controlled for age, RDI, and LSAT, the white men were substantially more obese (mean BMI, 29.7 ± 5.8, P = .0055). When controlled for age and BMI, the white men had less severe illness (RDI, 34.1 ± 17.9, P = .0001). Although the posterior airway space and the distance from the mandibular plane to hyoid bone were less abnormal in the Far-East Asian men, the cranial base dimensions were significantly decreased. Conclusions The majority of the Far-East Asian men in this study were found to be nonobese, despite the presence of severe OSAS. When compared with white men, Far-East Asian men were less obese but had greater severity of OSAS. There may be differences in obesity and craniofacial anatomy as risk factors in these two groups. [source]

Staging of Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome: A Guide to Appropriate Treatment,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 3 2004
Michael Friedman MD
Abstract Objective Early studies by Friedman et al. have demonstrated the value of staging obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients for the prediction of success for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) on the basis of short-term follow up. The goal of this study is to test the value of this staging system in a prospective study. Study Design This is a prospective study of two cohorts of patients: one was treated with the benefit of a clinical staging system and the other without. Methods Patients with symptoms of OSAHS were assessed by polysomnography and were staged according to a previously described staging system. The staging system is based on palate position, tonsil size, and body mass index (BMI). The control group was treated without the benefit of staging. All patients in the control group were treated with UPPP only. Patients in the experimental group were treated based on their clinical stage. Patients with stage I disease, regardless of the severity of disease, were treated with UPPP only. Selected patients with stage II and stage III disease were treated with UPPP in addition to a staged tongue-base reduction using a radiofrequency technique (TBRF). Results Follow-up at 6 months showed significant improvement compared with a group of patients treated without the benefit of a staging system. Successful treatment of patients with stage II disease improved from 37.9% to 74.0%. The overall success rate improved from 40% to 59.1%. Conclusion Clearly, patients with stage I disease had the best success rate, but a selective protocol based on clinical staging improves the overall success rate. In addition, it can eliminate as surgical candidates those patients with whom the procedure is likely to fail. [source]

Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on Right Ventricular Function Assessment by Tissue Doppler Imaging in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Cerebral autoregulation impairment during wakefulness in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a potential mechanism increasing stroke risk

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 3 2009
G. Tsivgoulis
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Clinical significance of geriatric sleep apnea syndrome

GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2002
Shinji Teramoto
The prevalence of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is known to increase with advancing age, contributing to excessive daytime sleepiness, cardiovascular dysfunction and the impairment of health-related quality of life. However SAS is often undiagnosed and overlooked in the elderly. It is important to note that SAS is a differential diagnosis of insomnia, dementia, and depression in the elderly. For an accurate diagnosis of geriatric SAS, the apnea and hypopnea index as measured by polysomnography must be greater than 10 or 15. Many untoward effects of SAS on the health status of the elderly are considered to be clinically significant. Although it has been suggested that geriatric SAS has less effect on the mortality and morbidity of sufferers than does middle-aged SAS, sleep apnea in any age group, if severe and accompanied by symptoms, should be treated. However, the clinical significance of geriatric SAS should be further elucidated. [source]

Doppler measurement of blood flow velocities in extraocular orbital vessels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 5 2003
C. Zuhal Erdem MD
Abstract Purpose. We used color Doppler sonography to determine blood flow velocities in the extraocular orbital vessels of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and compared the results with those of healthy control subjects without OSAS. Methods. Patients with OSAS were classified according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) as having mild OSAS (AHI < 20) or severe OSAS (AHI , 20). The peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistance index were measured in the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), lateral short posterior ciliary artery, and medial short posterior ciliary artery using color Doppler sonography. Only 1 eye was measured in each study participant, and right and left eyes were chosen randomly. The blood flow velocities of patients with OSAS and those of control subjects were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis test and Wilcoxon's rank-sum test. Results. The study comprised 30 patients (15 with mild and 15 with severe OSAS) and 20 healthy control subjects. Blood flow velocities were higher in most measured vessels in patients with OSAS than they were in the control subjects. Among patients with mild OSAS, the PSVs and EDVs in the posterior ciliary arteries were statistically significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05), but those in the OA and CRA did not differ significantly between the mild OSAS group and the control group (p > 0.05). However, as the severity of OSAS increased, the PSVs and EDVs of the OA and CRA were also affected (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Color Doppler sonographic measurements of blood flow parameters in the orbital vessels may differ significantly between patients with OSAS and those without the syndrome. Therefore, OSAS should be considered in addition to other conditions when interpreting the results of color Doppler sonography of the extraocular orbital vessels if the clinical history points toward such a diagnosis. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 31:250,257, 2003 [source]

Does nasal decongestion improve obstructive sleep apnea?

JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008
CHRISTIAN F. CLARENBACH
Summary Whether nasal congestion promotes obstructive sleep apnea is controversial. Therefore, we performed a randomized placebo-controlled cross-over trial on the effects of topical nasal decongestion in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) and nasal congestion. Twelve OSA patients with chronic nasal congestion (mean ± SD age 49.1 ± 11.1 years, apnea/hypopnea index 32.6 ± 24.5/h) were treated with nasal xylometazoline or placebo for 1 week each. At the end of treatment periods, polysomnography including monitoring of nasal conductance by an unobtrusive technique, vigilance by the OSLER test, and symptom scores were assessed. Data from xylometazoline and placebo treatments were compared. Mean nocturnal nasal conductance on xylometazoline was significantly higher than on placebo (8.6 ± 5.3 versus 6.3 ± 5.8 mL s,1Pa,1, P < 0.05) but the apnea/hypopnea index was similar (29.3 ± 32.5/h versus 33.2 ± 32.8/h, P = NS). However, 30,210 min after application of xylometazoline, at the time of the maximal pharmacologic effect, the apnea/hypopnea index was slightly reduced (27.3 ± 30.5/h versus 33.2 ± 33.9/h, P < 0.05). Xylometazoline did not alter sleep quality, sleep resistance time (33.6 ± 8.8 versus 33.4 ± 10.1 min, P = NS) and subjective sleepiness (Epworth score 10.5 ± 3.8 versus 11.8 ± 4.4, P = NS). The reduced apnea/hypopnea index during maximal nasal decongestion by xylometazoline suggests a pathophysiologic link but the efficacy of nasal decongestion was not sufficient to provide a clinically substantial improvement of OSA. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier is NTC006030474. [source]

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide for detection of cardiovascular stress in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH, Issue 4 2006
EDMOND VARTANY
Summary Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) have an elevated incidence of cardiovascular events that may be related to an increased ventricular load and hypoxemia caused by apneas and hypopneas. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) appears to be an excellent marker of myocardial stretch and could serve as an indicator of subclinical cardiac stress, thereby identifying a patient population at risk for cardiac effects from OSAS. Adult patients presenting with suspected OSAS and scheduled for nocturnal polysomnography were recruited. Patients with heart or renal failure or severe lung disease were excluded. NTproBNP was measured the evening before and the morning after sleep. Blood pressure (BP) was monitored intermittently throughout the night. Fifteen male and 15 female subjects with a mean ± SD body mass index of 38.2 ± 9.8 were studied. Mean Apnea,Hypopnea Index (AHI) was 38.4 ± 26, with 17 subjects having severe OSAS (AHI > 30). No subject had a significant rise in BP. NTproBNP values overnight decreased in 19 patients and rose in 11 (mean change 3.8 ± 33 pg mL,1), but only one patient had an abnormal morning value. Three patients had an abnormal NTproBNP value prior to sleep, but their levels decreased with sleep. No correlations were detected between the evening baseline or postsleep NTproBNP levels and OSAS. Monitoring pre- and postsleep NTproBNP levels revealed no association with the occurrence or degree of OSAS, making it unlikely that NTproBNP could serve as a marker of cardiac stress in OSAS patients with stable BP and without overt heart failure. [source]

Changes in dreaming induced by CPAP in severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients

JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH, Issue 4 2006
EVA CARRASCO
Summary To study dream content in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and its modification with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. We assessed twenty consecutive patients with severe OSAS and 17 healthy controls. Polysomnograms were recorded at baseline in patients and controls and during the CPAP titration night, 3 months after effective treatment and 2 years later in patients. Subjects were awakened 5,10 min after the beginning of the first and last rapid eye movement (REM) sleep periods and we measured percentage of dream recall, emotional content of the dream, word count, thematic units, sleep architecture and REM density. Dream recall in REM sleep was similar in patients at baseline and controls (51.5% versus 44.4% respectively; P = .421), decreased to 20% and 24.3% the first and third month CPAP nights, and increased to 39% 2 years later (P = 0.004). Violent/highly anxious dreams were only seen in patients at baseline. Word count was higher in patients than in controls. REM density was highest the first CPAP night. Severe OSAS patients recall dreams in REM sleep as often as controls, but their dreams have an increased emotional tone and are longer. Despite an increase in REM density, dream recall decreased the first months of CPAP and recovered 2 years later. Violent/highly anxious dreams disappeared with treatment. A dream recall decrease with CPAP is associated with normalization of sleep in OSAS patients. [source]

CSF hypocretin measures in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH, Issue 4 2003
T. Kanbayashi
Summary The majority of patients with narcolepsy-cataplexy were reported to have very low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypocretin-1 (orexin-A) levels. The hypocretin-1 levels of secondary excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) disorders are not known. In this study, we found that CSF hypocretin levels in the patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were within the control range. The low hypocretin levels seem to reflect only the presence of cataplexy and DR2 positive in narcoleptics but not EDS itself. [source]

Allergic rhinitis in the child and associated comorbidities

PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1-Part-II 2010
Tania Sih
Sih T, Mion O. Allergic rhinitis in the child and associated comorbidities. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e107,e113. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S Allergic rhinitis (AR) typically presents after the second year of life, but the exact prevalence in early life is unknown. AR affects 10,30% of the population, with the greatest frequency found in children and adolescents. It appears that the prevalence has increased in the pediatric population. As the childs' immune system develops between the 1st and 4th yr of life, those with an atopic predisposition begin to express allergic disease with a clear Th2 response to allergen exposure, resulting in symptoms. In pediatric AR, two or more seasons of pollen exposure are generally needed for sensitization, so allergy testing to seasonal allergens (trees, grasses, and weeds) should be conducted after the age of 2 or 3 years. Sensitization to perennial allergens (animals, dust mites, and cockroaches) may manifest several months after exposure. Classification of AR includes measurement of frequency and duration of symptoms. Intermittent AR is defined as symptoms for <4 days/wk or <4 consecutive weeks. Persistent AR is defined as occurring for more than 4 days/wk and more than 4 consecutive weeks. AR is associated with impairments in quality of life, sleep disorders, emotional problems, and impairment in activities such as work and school productivity and social functioning. AR can also be graded in severity , either mild or moderate/severe. There are comorbidities associated with AR. The chronic effects of the inflammatory process affect lungs, ears, growth, and others. AR can induce medical complications, learning problems and sleep-related complaints, such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and chronic and acute sinusitis, acute otitis media, serous otitis media, and aggravation of adenoidal hypertrophy and asthma. [source]

Inflammation and Sleep Disordered Breathing in Children: A State-of-the-Art Review,

PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 12 2008
Aviv D. Goldbart MD
Abstract Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) represents a spectrum of breathing disorders, ranging from snoring to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), that disrupt nocturnal respiration and sleep architecture. OSAS is a common disorder in children, with a prevalence of 2,3%. It is associated with neurobehavioral, cognitive, and cardiovascular morbidities. In children, adenotonsillectomy is the first choice for treatment and is reserved for moderate to severe OSAS, as defined by an overnight polysomnography. In adults, OSAS is the result of mechanical dysfunction of the upper airway, manifesting as severity-dependent nasal, oropharyngeal, and systemic inflammation that decrease after continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Inflammatory changes have been reported in upper airway samples from children with OSAS, and systemic inflammation, as indicated by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, has been shown to decrease in children with OSAS after adenotonsillectomy. Anti-inflammatory treatments for children with mild OSAS are associated with major improvements in symptoms, polysomnographic respiratory values, and radiologic measures of adenoid size. Inflammation is correlated to some extent with OSAS-related neurocognitive morbidity, but the role of inflammatory markers in the diagnosis and management of OSAS, and the role of anti-inflammatory treatments, remains to be clarified. This review examines the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of sleep-disordered breathing in pediatric patients and the potential therapeutic implications. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2008; 43:1151,1160. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Comparison of Ricketts analysis and Downs-Northwestern analysis for the evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea cephalograms

PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES, Issue 3 2001
Naoki Higurashi DDS
Abstract To determine which analysis is suitable to examine the dentofacial skeletal pattern characteristics of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), we took lateral cephalograms of 44 Japanese OSAS patients and 34 Japanese non-OSAS controls. By Ricketts analysis, we found significant differences between OSAS patients and non-OSAS controls on facial axis, lower facial height and total facial height, which showed that Japanese OSAS patients have dolico facial patterns. However, by Downs-Northwestern analysis, we did not find any significant difference between OSAS patients and non-OSAS controls using the same cephalograms as the Ricketts analysis. [source]

CASE REPORTS: Abnormal Sexual Behavior During Sleep

THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 12 2009
Giacomo Della Marca MD
ABSTRACT Introduction., Automatic, uncontrolled, and unaware sexual behaviors during sleep have occasionally been described. The clinical and polysomnographic features of nocturnal sexual behavior allow it to be considered a distinct parasomnia named "sexsomnia". Recently, abnormal sexual behaviors during sleep have been evaluated in the forensic medical context because violent behaviors can be associated with this parasomnia. Aim., To describe the clinical and polysomnographic findings in three patients who referred to our sleep laboratory for sleep disorders and who reported episodes of sleep-related sexual activation. Main Outcome Measures., We analyzed video-polysomnographic recordings, sleep structure, sleep microstructure, and sleep-related respiratory events. Methods., The patients were three males aged 42, 32, and 46 years. All had unremarkable medical, neurological, and psychiatric histories. All underwent full-night polysomnography. Results., Each patient presented a distinct sleep disorder: one had severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), one presented clinical and polysomnographic features of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep parasomnia (somnambulism), and the third presented clinical and polysomnographic features of rapid eye movement behavior disorder. Conclusions., In our patients, the clinical and polysomnographic findings suggest that abnormal nocturnal sexual behavior can occur in association with distinct sleep disorders, characterized by different pathophysiologic mechanisms and distinctive treatments. Abnormal sexual behaviors during sleep should be investigated with polysomnography in order to define their pathophysiology and to establish appropriate treatments. Della Marca G, Dittoni S, Frusciante R, Colicchio S, Losurdo A, Testani E, Buccarella C, Modoni A, Mazza S, Mennuni GF, Mariotti P, and Vollono C. Abnormal sexual behavior during sleep. J Sex Med 2009;6:3490,3495. [source]

Testosterone Therapy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Is There a Real Connection?

THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2007
Han M. Hanafy MD
ABSTRACT Introduction., With the recent increased recognition and treatment of hypogonadism in men, a caution has been given that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may cause or aggravate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA). Aim., To evaluate the scientific data behind the cautionary statements about TRT and OSA. Main Outcome Measures., Methodology and criteria for such studies and evaluation of documents and results based on methodology, duration, and outcome of treatment. Methods., A review of the literature on the subject of TRT and OSA was performed. The possible mechanisms of action of TRT, on breathing and respiration during sleep were explored. Result., Historically, the first such caution came in 1978. Since then, a few similar incidence reports have been cited. The total number of patients in such reports was very small, very disproportional to the millions of patients treated with TRT. Also, there was a lack of consistent findings connecting TRT to OSA. In addition, different results may occur with physiologic replacement vs. supraphysiologic doses in regard to breathing and OSA. The studies showing the effect of TRT on OSA and breathing were all case studies with small numbers of subjects and showed little effect of TRT on OSA in the majority of case reports. Only one study using supraphysiologic doses was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, which showed a development of OSA in healthy pooled subjects. The other reports were case studies with limited numbers of subjects, suggesting an inconsistent effect of supraphysiologic TRT on OSA and breathing. Conclusion., Cautionary statements about TRT in OSA appear frequently in the TRT literature and guidelines, despite lack of convincing evidence that TRT causes and/or aggravates OSA. Also, there is a lack of consistency in the findings connecting TRT to OSA. It is evident that the link between TRT and OSA is weak, based on methodological issues in many of the studies, and most studies involved small numbers of men. Further studies in this area are needed. Hanafy HM. Testosterone therapy and obstructive sleep apnea: Is there a real connection? J Sex Med 2007;4;1241,1246. [source]

Radiofrequency Tongue Reduction Through a Cervical Approach: A Pilot Study,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 10 2006
Marc B. Blumen MD
Abstract Objective/Hypothesis: The objective of this prospective cohort study was to determine the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of radiofrequency tongue base reduction through a cervical approach in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Methods: Patients with moderate to severe OSAS and predominant tongue base obstruction by physical examination were included at our institution from 1999 to 2003. A sonogram was obtained to identify the lingual arteries, and an electrode was inserted through the neck and into the tongue under fluoroscopic guidance. Adverse events were recorded as well as efficacy on snoring (visual analog scale), daytime sleepiness (Epworth score), and polysomnography. Results: The 10 patients received a mean of 14,288 ± 3,251 J per session. No cases of tongue palsy or infection occurred. During the first 7 days, mean pain score (0,10 scale) was 1.3 ± 1.5. Snoring volume (0,10 scale) decreased from 6.2 ± 2.3 to 3.9 ± 2.6 (P = .017) and sleepiness (0,24 scale) from 8.7 ± 5.6 to 4.7 ± 3.3 (P = .011). The respiratory disturbance index (events/hour) decreased from 52.0 ± 19.6 to 33.6 ± 24.4 (P = .016). Mean minimal oxygen saturation (%) increased from 64.2 ± 13.0 to 75.8 ± 10.3 (P = .003). Sleep architecture improved although not significantly. Conclusion: Radiofrequency tongue base reduction through a cervical approach proved feasible and safe despite the large energy doses used. Fluoroscopic guidance enables to place the electrode at the desired site of treatment. Although OSAS improved in nine of 10 patients, greater efficacy might be achieved in patients with less severe OSAS at baseline. Studies are needed to correlate objective clinical efficacy with the dose per lesion site and the number of lesion sites per session. [source]

A Comparison of the Long-Term Outcome and Effects of Surgery or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Ligasure versus Cold Knife Tonsillectomy

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 9 2005
Vassilios A. Lachanas MD
Abstract Objective: To assess parameters related to ligasure tonsillectomy (LT) versus cold knife tonsillectomy (CKT) procedure. Study Design: Prospective randomized study. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 200 consecutive adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Indications included chronic tonsillitis and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Patients undergoing adenoidectomy, or any procedure together with tonsillectomy, and patients with peritonsillar abscess history or bleeding disorders were excluded. Patients were randomly assigned to either the LT or CKT group. Intraoperative bleeding, operative time, postoperative pain using a visual analogue scale, and complication rates were evaluated. Results: The LT and CDT groups consisted of 108 and 92 individuals, respectively. In the LT group, there was no measurable intraoperative bleeding, whereas mean bleeding for CKT group was 125 mL. The mean operative time was 15 ± 1.43 minutes for the LT group and 21 ± 1.09 minutes for the CKT group (P < .001). The overall mean pain score for the LT group was 3.63, whereas for the CKT group it was 5.09 (P < .001). Primary hemorrhage occurred in one subject of the CKT group. Secondary postoperative hemorrhage was noticed two subjects of the LT group and two subjects of the CKT group. In 21 subjects of the LT group, limited peritonsillar edema was noticed. No other complication occurred in both groups. Conclusion: LT procedure provides sufficient hemostasis, lower postoperative pain, and reduced operative time, as well as safety against Creutzfeld Jakob disease transmission. [source]

Hyoidthyroidpexia: A Surgical Treatment for Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Effectiveness of Multilevel (Tongue and Palate) Radiofrequency Tissue Ablation for Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome,

Postoperative Pain and Side Effects After Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty, and Radiofrequency Tissue Volume Reduction in Primary Snoring

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 12 2003
Philippe Rombaux MD
Abstract Objectives We compared, in a prospective study, the side effects and the postoperative complications of three procedures commonly used for the treatment of primary snoring. Method Forty-nine patients underwent velopharyngeal surgery for primary snoring (17 for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty [UPPP]; 15 for laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty [LAUP], and 17 for radiofrequency tissue volume reduction [RFTVR]). Preoperative full polysomnographic studies ruled out obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Each patient's evaluation encompassed postoperative pharyngeal pain (as measured by a 5-point visual analogue scale) and use of narcotic drugs in the early postoperative period as well as a subjective evaluation of late postoperative complaints. A surgeon's examination was performed to report postoperative complications in the oropharynx. Results Postoperative pharyngeal pain was less important in the RFTVR group than in the UPPP and LAUP groups. Mean scores at days 3, 7, 16 were as follows: 4.2, 4.0, and 2.4, respectively, for UPPP; 4.6, 3.8, and 1.6 for LAUP; and 2.4, 2.0, and 0.7 for RFTVR. Mean duration of pain with a score greater than 2 was calculated as follows: UPPP, 21.3 days; LAUP, 15.1 days; and RFTVR, 6.1 days. Mean duration of narcotic drug use for the patients who needed this medication was 10.1 days for UPPP, 7.2 days for LAUP, and 1.3 for RFTVR. Postoperative side effects (trouble with smell and taste, pharyngeal dryness, globus sensation, voice change, and pharyngonasal reflux) were more present in the UPPP and LAUP groups than in the RFTVR group. Surgeon's assessment for postoperative complications reported more wound infection, dehiscence, and posterior pillar narrowing in the UPPP and LAUP groups than in the RFTVR group. Conclusion RFTVR is a safer and less painful procedure than UPPP and LAUP for the treatment of primary snoring. Postoperative discomfort after LAUP and after UPPP appears to be very similar. [source]

Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty and Tonsillectomy for the Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 11 2002
Marc Bernard Blumen MD
Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is due to pharyngeal obstructions, which can take place at the level of the soft palate. Temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation has been introduced as being capable of reducing soft tissue volume and excessive compliance. The aim of the study was to evaluate prospectively the possible efficacy of temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation applied to the soft palate in subjects with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Study Design Twenty-nine patients with a respiratory disturbance index between 10 and 30 events per hour, body mass index equal to or less than 30 kg/m2, and obstruction at the level of the soft palate were included in a pilot, prospective nonrandomized study. Methods Snoring and daytime sleepiness were evaluated subjectively. Treatment (maximum of three sessions) was discontinued when the bed partner was satisfied with the snoring level. A full night recording was performed at least 4 months after the last treatment. Results Mean snoring level decreased significantly from 8.6 ± 1.3 to 3.3 ± 2.5 on a visual analogue scale (0,10). Daytime sleepiness decreased nonsignificantly. Mean respiratory disturbance index decreased significantly from 19.0 ± 6.1 events per hour to 9.8 ± 8.6 events per hour. Mean lowest oxygen saturation value increased nonsignificantly from 85.3% ± 4.1% to 86.4% ± 4.4%. Of the patients, 65.5% were cured of their disease. Conclusions Temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation was effective in selected patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. A full-night polysomnography is required after completion of treatment to rule out residual disease. [source]

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Comparison of Black and White Subjects

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 7 2002
Keith Meetze MD
Abstract Objective To determine if the severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) differs by racial group. Study Design Cross-sectional retrospective review. Setting University-based sleep disorders laboratory. Methods The study reviewed the results of 280 adult (>18 y) patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome by overnight polysomnogram between July 1, 1999, and June 30, 2000. Factors analyzed included age, sex, race, presence of hypertension, body mass index (kg/m2), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), and lowest oxygen saturation level. Results Blacks with OSA are significantly more obese and have significantly higher rates of hypertension than white subjects with OSA. Black females with OSA are significantly younger than white females at the time of diagnosis (P = .005). Black males with OSA have significantly lower oxygen saturations than white males (P = .025). Conclusion Black males who present to the otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon for evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing may be at increased risk of severe OSA. [source]