Association of Unrecognized Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Postoperative Cardiovascular Events in Patients Undergoing Major Noncardiac Surgery

Physicians-in-training and advanced practice providers perceptions in managing perioperative obstructive sleep apnea: a multi-institutional survey

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Physicians-in-training (residents, fellows) and advanced practice providers (APPs) receive limited education on sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). They often assess patients first. We aimed to understand their views on OSA and screening for OSA in the perioperative period.

METHODS

Electronic-mail surveys were sent to physicians-in-training and APPs, in 5 categories of practice (anesthesiology, internal medicine, family medicine, obstetrics/gynecology/gynecologic oncology, and surgery) at 9 major institutions. Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests evaluated associations between participant characteristics (clinical role, physician years of training, APP years of practice, categories of practice) and survey responses (perception of OSA, perioperative risk factor, screening/managing of perioperative OSA) stratified by institution. False discovery rate (FDR) adjustment accounted for multiple comparisons (FDR-adjusted-P values) of associations between multiple characteristics and a given response. Breslow-Day tests evaluated the homogeneity of odds ratios from Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests.

RESULTS

We received 2,236/6,724 (33.3%) responses. Almost all (97%) agreed OSA represents a risk factor for perioperative complications. Many (37.9%) were unaware which screening tool was used at their institution, with differences by clinical role (FDR-adjusted-P < .001), with APPs reporting not knowing more than residents and fellows, and across category of practice (FDR-adjusted-P < .001). While 66.5% routinely asked perioperative patients about signs/symptoms of OSA, 33.5% did not. There were differences by clinical role (FDR-adjusted-P < .001), as APPs reported asking about OSA more frequently than residents/fellows; and, by category of practice (FDR-adjusted-P < .001) as anesthesia and medical specialties reported asking about OSA more than surgical services. Importantly, approximately half of the respondents in surgery (48%) and obstetrics/gynecology/gynecologic oncology (46%) reported not routinely asking. Differences also existed by physician postgraduate year clinical training (FDR-adjusted-P = .005) with those with higher postgraduate year reporting they asked about OSA more often.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences exist in screening by clinical roles and categories of care. This highlights the importance of improving provider education on the role of OSA in perioperative risk assessment and patient care.

CITATION

Lyons MM, Auckley DH, Mokhlesi B, et al. Physicians-in-training and advanced practice providers perceptions in managing perioperative obstructive sleep apnea: a multi-institutional survey. J Clin Sleep Med. 2025;21(5):765-773.

Effect of multi-level upper airway surgery on obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea

PURPOSE

Obesity is a major risk factor in Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a prevalent disease that leads to significant morbidity. Multi-level Sleep Surgery (MLS) is a method of treatment for patients who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure. Obesity has previously been identified as a risk factor that may decrease the success rate of MLS. The purpose of our study is to assess the success rates of MLS in obese patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study in 109 adults that underwent MLS in our institution. All the participants completed pre-operative and post-operative level 1 polysomnography. They were divided into four groups as per their body mass index (BMI): Normal (BMI < 25), overweight (25-30), obese (30-35), morbid obese (> 35) and the variables were compared. We measured the surgical success as defined by Sher Criteria (AHI drop > 50% from preoperative baseline and AHI < 20) and cure rates (AHI < 5).

RESULTS

The average BMI was 30.9 pre-op and 30.4 post-op. The mean AHI was 29.8 pre-op and decreased to 10.1 (p < 0.001) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale from 12.9 to 4.8 (p < 0.001). There were 13, 31, 43, and 22 patients in normal, overweight, obese and morbidly obese groups, respectively. The surgical success rate as defined by Sher's criteria was 84%, 84%, 72%, and 77% in the respective groups, with no statistical difference (p = 0.662). Moreover, the cure rate was 77%, 45%, 44%, and 45%, with no statistical difference (p = 0.192). The AHI reduction was 9.93, 19.73, 21.1 and 22.8 in the respective groups. A linear regression analysis revealed no significant difference in assessing the surgical success and cure rates as BMI increases.

CONCLUSION

Data regarding MLS success rates on obese patients is scarce. The current study demonstrates that MLS can offer positive outcomes for this population. However, further studies are warranted to investigate this relationship.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Preoperative assessment of patients at risk of postoperative respiratory depression

Respiratory depression during sleep is a major health challenge after surgery. The main cause is reduction in breathing due to opioids, which are commonly used for management of postoperative pain. The consequences are hypoxemia and hypercapnia, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications, mortality, and healthcare utilization. Identifying individuals who are at risk of postoperative respiratory depression prior to the surgery can help guide the perioperative care to reduce adverse outcomes. In this project, we developed a risk assessment model to identify individuals at risk of postoperative respiratory depression prior to the surgery, based on the demographics and changes in preoperative overnight oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) levels. To achieve this, we retrospectively analyzed SpO2 signals of 159 patients, which were recorded continuously preoperatively and on the third night after surgery. Respiratory depression was defined as postoperative episodes where SpO2 was ≤85% for more than 3 minutes. From preoperative SpO2 signals, we extracted features to characterize overnight SpO2 and desaturation episodes. We streamlined a systematic process for feature selection and model development using a nested cross-validation pipeline. Our results indicated that random forest, XGBoost, and Naïve bayes demonstrated the highest predictive performance, consistently surpassing the recent available PRODIGY model. These findings suggest that demographics and preoperative SpO2 characteristics can preoperatively identify individuals at high-risk of postoperative respiratory depression, which offers a non-invasive and cost-effective method of monitoring respiratory health.

Improving obstructive sleep apnea competency of primary care clinicians through online education

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an often overlooked, widespread disease and a public health concern. Evidence-based practice guidelines do not exist to guide primary care clinicians' OSA screening practices. Clinicians must be competent in OSA; however, clinicians lack competency about this disease.

LOCAL PROBLEM

Elevated rates of undiagnosed OSA potentially exist in two rural and one suburban counties in Kansas, as indicated by the increased weight and elevated chronic disease prevalence in these counties' populations.

METHODS

A one-cohort, pretest-posttest, quasi-experimental design was used for this quality-improvement project implemented over 11 weeks. Clinicians' competencies on OSA were measured before and after the intervention using the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitude Survey.

INTERVENTION

A brief educational video on OSA was developed for this project. Definition, risk factors and complications, screening methods, definitive diagnosis, and treatment options were covered in this video.

RESULTS

Participants ( N = 14) showed improved OSA competency after watching the educational video. Participants improved OSA competency after watching the interventional video (M = 16.3, SE = 0.194) versus preintervention (M = 14.2, SE = 0.318). Participants also improved OSA attitude scores postintervention.

CONCLUSION

Primary care clinician OSA competency scores improved after engaging in a brief educational video intervention when measured using the OSA knowledge and attitude survey. Practicing clinicians can benefit from participating in education about the disease.

The Association Between Preoperative Triglyceride Glucose Index and Postoperative Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Non-Cardiac Surgery: A Single-Center Study From China

Background

The incidence of postoperative adverse cardiovascular events (PACE) in non-cardiac surgery has significantly increased, severely affecting surgical outcomes and patient prognosis. This study investigates the relationship between preoperative triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and PACE in patients who underwent non-cardiac surgery.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective study, including adult patients (age ≥18 years) who underwent non-cardiac surgery. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses assessed the relationship between the TyG index and PACE. Nonlinear correlations were investigated using restricted cubic splines (RCS). Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the TyG index and PACE in different subsamples.

Results

16,066 patients were studied, among which 1505 cases (9.37%) developed PACE, with a median TyG index of 8.61 (8.22, 9.07). Using the lowest quartile of the TyG index as a reference, the fully adjusted (ORs) (95% CIs) for PACE in the second, third, and fourth quartiles of the TyG index were 1.78 (1.49~2.11), 2.16 (1.81~2.59), and 2.30 (1.88~2.83), respectively. After adjusting for all confounding factors, we found that patients with the highest TyG index had a 68% increased risk of PACE (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.50~1.90). The results of the subgroup analysis were similar to those of the primary analysis. The RCS model suggests a linear positive correlation between the TyG index and the risk of PACE occurrence. (P for overall < 0.001, P for nonlinear = 0.547).

Conclusion

This cohort study indicates that preoperative TyG index is linearly and positively correlated with an increased incidence of PACE in the non-cardiac surgery population. This finding suggests that intensifying the evaluation of the TyG index may provide a more convenient and effective tool for identifying individuals at risk of PACE during non-cardiac surgeries.

Apneic oxygenation with Transnasal Humidified Rapid-insufflation Ventilator Exchange (THRIVE) in obstructive sleep apnea patients: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at increased risks of rapid oxygen desaturation during anesthesia, highlighting the need for effective strategies to extend safe apnea time. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of combining a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) with transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilator exchange (THRIVE) at 60L/min, compared to THRIVE alone, in prolonging the safe apnea duration and enhancing carbon dioxide elimination in apneic OSA patients.

METHODS

This single-center, prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial will include 56 adult patients with OSA scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia. Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either NPA + THRIVE or THRIVE alone. Both groups will undergo standard anesthesia induction, including pre-oxygenation via face mask with 100% FiO2at 10 L/min. During apnea, patients in both groups will receive oxygen via Optiflow THRIVE at 60 L/min. The primary outcome is the time from the initiation of nasal oxygenation to a peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 95%. Secondary outcomes include the lowest SpO2 during intubation, plateau end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) values, rate of increase of transcutaneous CO2 (tcCO2), and time to regain baseline SpO2 after resuming ventilation.

DISCUSSION

This trial is expected to provide insights into the effectiveness of combining THRIVE with NPA in prolonging safe apnea time and improving carbon dioxide elimination in OSA patients during anesthesia induction. Positive findings could support adoption THRIVE + NPA as a standard practice in managing OSA patients, potentially lowering perioperative risks associated with hypoxia and hypercapnia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered on Clinical Trials.gov(NCT06581588) on Sep 3, 2024.

Morphology of Nasal Septal Deviation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients and its Treatment Method

OBJECTIVES

Nasal septal deviation can cause nasal breathing issues, contribute to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) development, and often hinders successful CPAP therapy. We hypothesized that although prevalent in the general population, nasal septal deviations differ structurally between OSA and non-OSA patients. This study evaluated nasal septal deviation morphology in OSA versus non-OSA patients using computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

We consecutively enrolled 128 adult patients undergoing septoplasty for nasal obstruction between April and September 2019. Seven with trauma/surgery history were excluded. Polysomnography was performed preoperatively for those with significant sleep complaints. Using identical preoperative sinus CTs routines, we measured anterior, superior, and posterior deviation angles, comparing OSA and non-OSA groups.

RESULTS

We studied 121 septoplasty patients (37 females, 84 males, mean age 45.73 ± 1.29 years), with 34 OSA and 87 non-OSA. Anterior deviation angle was significantly greater in OSA (mean 9.1 ± 0.7°) versus non-OSA (mean 6.5 ± 0.5°) groups (p = 0.001). However, no significant superior or posterior deviation differences existed between groups (p = 0.266 and 0.231, respectively). Multiple logistic regression showed anterior deviation as the only significant independent OSA predictive factor.

CONCLUSION

Among the nasal septal deviations, only the anterior deviation was associated with the presence of OSA. Thus, the selection of a surgical technique for anterior deviation is an important consideration in patients with OSA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 135:1520-1524, 2025.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is Associated With Increased Rates of Acute Respiratory Failure, Length of Stay, and Hospital Costs in Patients Undergoing Elective Single-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Study designRetrospective cohort study.ObjectivesTo examine differences in postoperative complications, recovery course, and costs between patients with and without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergoing single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).MethodsThe National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was queried to identify patients undergoing single-level ACDF between 2016 and 2022. After exclusions, patients were divided into OSA and control groups. Propensity score matching (1:2) controlled for age, sex, obesity, and year of surgery to balance characteristics. Postoperative outcomes, including complications, length of stay (LOS), hospital costs, and discharge disposition, were compared using chi-square tests for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous variables. A Bonferroni correction was applied, with significance set at P < 0.002.ResultsA total of 36,000 matched cases were analyzed (12,000 OSA and 24,000 controls). OSA patients had significantly higher rates of acute respiratory failure (4.7% vs 1.9%; P < 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (1.5% vs 0.6%; P < 0.001). The OSA cohort also had a longer LOS (2.3 vs 1.9 days; P < 0.001), higher hospital costs ($23,300 vs $21,100; P < 0.001), and greater non-routine discharge rates (20.4% vs 16.8%; P < 0.001).ConclusionsOSA is associated with increased respiratory complications, prolonged LOS, and higher costs in single-level ACDF. These findings underscore the importance of preoperative screening and tailored perioperative management to improve outcomes in this high-risk population.

The impact of obstructive sleep apnoea on post-operative outcomes

BACKGROUND

Unrecognised obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has been associated with adverse cardiorespiratory perioperative outcomes. However, with changing anaesthetic and perioperative management, there is ongoing uncertainty about the importance of OSA as a risk factor for post-operative complications.

METHODS

A cohort study involving subjects undergoing elective surgery was conducted. OSA was diagnosed with a limited channel sleep monitor. In subjects undergoing routine perioperative care, complications were identified based on the assessment of the attending clinical team. The primary outcome was a composite end-point of cardiorespiratory outcomes comprising myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, other arrhythmias, bradycardia, need for inotropic support, unplanned intensive care unit admission, pneumonia or respiratory failure.

RESULTS

Four hundred seventy-two subjects were recruited, with 356 being included in the analyses; 281 (79%) had OSA and 66 (19%) had severe OSA. Subjects with OSA did not have a significantly higher incidence of complications (5.7%) compared to those without (2.7%, adjusted relative risk 1.89 (0.23-15.67)). Additionally, complications were not increased in those with severe OSA.

CONCLUSIONS

Unrecognised OSA was not associated with an increase in clinically evident cardiorespiratory complications in this cohort. The lower complication rates compared with earlier studies suggest that increased use of less invasive surgical techniques, improved pain management and increased awareness of OSA have had an impact in reducing postoperative complications in this group. Further research is needed to clarify the impact of severe OSA on post-operative outcomes in different surgical cohorts with varying risk profiles in order to develop optimal perioperative pathways.

Anesthetic and Perioperative Considerations for Convergent Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To summarize anesthetic and perioperative considerations in patients undergoing the convergent procedure for atrial fibrillation (AF).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

A single quaternary teaching hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients with AF undergoing the convergent procedure before January 2024.

INTERVENTIONS

Retrospective chart review.

MEASUREMENTS/MAIN RESULTS

The study cohort comprised 40 patients, including 35 patients with persistent longstanding AF. The mean age was 64 (SD, 6) years, and 33 patients (83%) were male. Common comorbidities included obesity (n = 27; 68%), obstructive sleep apnea (n = 29; 73%), history of tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy (n = 10; 25%), and significant alcohol use (n = 10; 25%). Sixteen of the 40 patients (40%) had a history of prior endocardial ablation, and 37 patients (93%) had required a cardioversion in the past. In all, 39 patients (98%) were receiving anticoagulation, and 38 (95%) were on at least 1 antiarrhythmic medication prior to the procedure. All patients received general anesthesia, inhalational in 39 patients (98%) and total intravenous in 1 patient (3%), with regional analgesia adjuncts in 36 patients (88%). All patients required lung isolation, arterial line, central venous access, and transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring. While cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was on standby and ready to be initiated for every patient, only 3 patients (8%) required CPB (1 planned, 2 emergent). Thirty seven of the 40 patients (93%) were extubated in the operating room, and 11 patients (28%) required intensive care unit (ICU) admission (planned or unplanned). The median ICU and hospital length of stay were 1 day and 4 days, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective analysis of medical records showed that many patients with recurrent AF presenting for convergent procedure carry a burden of multiple comorbidities (eg, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea), and history of unsuccessful ablations. Multistage multidisciplinary convergent procedure might be lengthy and potentially complicated and requires meticulous preparation (eg, endotracheal intubation, lung isolation, advanced cardiac monitoring, central venous access) to ensure optimal outcomes. Anesthesiologists and perioperative physicians should tailor their approach to this multimorbid population while anticipating perioperative respiratory events, rapid hemodynamic shifts, blood loss, and the possibility of CPB.

Exploring the assessment of post-cardiac valve surgery pulmonary complication risks through the integration of wearable continuous physiological and clinical data

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) following cardiac valvular surgery are characterized by high morbidity, mortality, and economic cost. This study leverages wearable technology and machine learning algorithms to preoperatively identify high-risk individuals, thereby enhancing clinical decision-making for the mitigation of PPCs.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from August 2021 to December 2022. We examined 100 cardiac valvular surgery patients, where wearable technology was utilized to collect and analyze nocturnal physiological data at the 24-hour admission, in conjunction with clinical data extraction from the Hospital Information System's electronic records. We systematically evaluated three different input types (physiological, clinical, and both) and five classifiers (XGB, LR, RF, SVM, KNN) to identify the combination with strong predictive performance for PPCs. Feature selection was conducted using Recursive Feature Elimination with Cross-Validated (RFECV) for each model, yielding an optimal feature subset for each, followed by a grid search to tune hyperparameters. Stratified 5-fold cross-validation was used to evaluate the generalization performance. The significance of AUC differences between models was tested using the DeLong test to determine the optimal prognostic model comprehensively. Additionally, univariate logistic regression analysis was conducted on the features of the best-performing model to understand the impact of individual feature on PPCs.

RESULTS

In this study, 22 patients (22%) developed PPCs. Across classifiers, models combining both physiological and clinical features performed better than physiological or clinical features alone. Specifically, including physiological data in the classification model improved AUC, ACC, F1, and precision by an average of 8.32%, 1.80%, 3.28% and 6.06% compared to using clinical data only. The XGB classifier, utilizing both dataset, achieved the highest performance with an AUC of 0.82 (± 0.08) and identified eight significant features. The DeLong test indicated that the XGB model utilizing the both dataset significantly outperformed the XGB models trained on the physiological or clinical datasets alone. Univariate logistic regression analysis suggested that surgical methods, age, nni_50, and min_ven_in_mean are significantly associated with the occurrence of PPCs.

CONCLUSION

The integration of continuous wearable physiological and clinical data significantly improves preoperative risk assessment for PPCs, which helps to optimize surgical management and reduce PPCs morbidity and mortality.

The Role of Sleep Apnea in Postoperative Neurocognitive Disorders Among Older Noncardiac Surgery Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased dementia risk, yet its role in postoperative neurocognitive disorders is unclear. Here, we studied whether the severity of untreated obstructive sleep apnea is associated with the severity of postoperative neurocognitive disorder.

METHODS

In this single-center prospective cohort study, older noncardiac surgery patients aged 60 years and above underwent preoperative home sleep apnea testing, and pre- and postoperative delirium assessments and cognitive testing. Sleep apnea severity was determined using the measured respiratory event index (REI). Global cognitive change from before to 6 weeks (and 1 year) after surgery was used to measure postoperative neurocognitive disorder severity. Postoperative changes in individual cognitive domain performance along with subjective cognitive complaints and/or deficits in instrumental activities of daily living were used to measure postoperative neurocognitive disorder incidence.

RESULTS

Of 96 subjects who completed home sleep apnea testing, 58 tested positive for sleep apnea. In univariable analyses, sleep apnea severity was not associated with increased postoperative neurocognitive disorder severity at 6 weeks (global cognitive change ; [95% confidence interval [CI], -0.02 to 0.03]; P = .79) or 1-year after surgery (; [95% CI, -0.02 to 0.03]; P = .70). Adjusting for age, sex, baseline cognition, and surgery duration, sleep apnea severity remained not associated with increased postoperative neurocognitive disorder severity at 6 weeks (; [95% CI, -0.02 to 0.04]; P = .40) or 1-year after surgery (; [95% CI, -0.02 to 0.04]; P = .55). In a multivariable analysis, sleep apnea severity was not associated with postoperative neurocognitive disorder (either mild or major) incidence at 6 weeks (odds ratio [OR] = 0.89, [95% CI, 0.59-1.14]; P = .45) or 1-year postoperatively (OR = 1.01, [95% CI, 0.81-1.24]; P = .90). Sleep apnea severity was also not associated with postoperative delirium in univariable analyses (delirium incidence OR = 0.88, [95% CI, 0.59-1.10]; P = .37; delirium severity ; [95% CI, -0.02 to 0.03]; P = .79) or in multivariable analyses (delirium incidence OR = 1.07, [95% CI, 0.81-1.38]; P = .74; delirium severity OR = 0.95, [95% CI, 0.81-1.10]; P = .48).

CONCLUSIONS

In this older noncardiac surgery cohort, untreated sleep apnea was not associated with increased incidence or severity of postoperative neurocognitive disorder or delirium.

The STOP-Bang questionnaire: A narrative review on its utilization in different populations and settings

STUDY RATIONALE

Although the STOP-Bang questionnaire has been validated for its efficacy and diagnostic performance in various settings, there is no review that summarizes the pertinent evidence of the STOP-Bang questionnaire in the different populations. We aimed to review the evidence of the diagnostic performance of the STOP-Bang questionnaire, correlation between STOP-Bang scores and the probability of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and its clinical application in various populations.

STUDY IMPACT

This review guides healthcare providers in the sleep medicine and perioperative medicine disciplines to be better informed when using the STOP-Bang questionnaire in the different populations. It provides a greater understanding for both patients and clinicians when making decisions regarding OSA screening for each population.

Association of obstructive sleep apnea with bone metabolism in older adults: a hospital-based study

PURPOSE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) significantly affects patients' quality of life; however, the mechanisms, such as its effects on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover marker (BTM) expression, remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationships among OSA, BMD, and (BTMs) in older adults.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 260 participants (114 women; 44.5%). Data of an established system (Alice NightOne) were used to diagnose OSA and analyze nocturnal hypoxia. Participants were divided into four groups according to respiratory event index (REI) (control, < 5 times/hour; mild OSA, 5-15 times/hour; moderate OSA 15-30 times/hour; severe OSA ≥ 30 times/hour). BMD were mesured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. BTMs including bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP-5b) were collected.

RESULTS

Patients with OSA had higher BMD at first lumbar vertebra, left and right femur than those without (all p < 0.05). REI was positively correlated with BMD at the first lumbar vertebra (r = 0.181, p = 0.006), left femur (r = 0.160, p = 0.014), and right femur (r = 0.243, p < 0.001). In participants with body mass index (BMI) of 18-24 kg/m2 (N = 96), the correlation between REI and BMD at the left femur(r = 0.251, p = 0.019) and right femur (r = 0.258, p = 0.018) remained. Multiple regression analysis showed that OSA was significantly associated with osteoporosis (p = 0.034, 95% confidence interval, 0.092-0.100, odds ratio, 0.092). MSaO2 was positively correlated with TRAP5b (r = 0.560, p = 0.007). In participants with a BMI of ≥ 24 kg/m2(N = 164), MSaO2 was negatively correlated with BALP (r = -0.331, p = 0.034). No significant association between REI and BMD was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

OSA and hypoxia were associated with higher BMD in older adults in BMI of 18-24 kg/m2 but not in participants with a BMI of ≥ 24 kg/m2. This study suggests a negative association between OSA and osteoporosis in non-overweight and obese population. BMI played an important role. The study's findings could help exploration mechanisms of osteoporosis and promoting its treatment.

2024 AHA/ACC/ACS/ASNC/HRS/SCA/SCCT/SCMR/SVM Guideline for Perioperative Cardiovascular Management for Noncardiac Surgery: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2024 AHA/ACC/ACS/ASNC/HRS/SCA/SCCT/SCMR/SVM Guideline for Perioperative Cardiovascular Management for Noncardiac Surgery" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the perioperative cardiovascular evaluation and management of adult patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from August 2022 to March 2023 to identify clinical studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline.

STRUCTURE

Recommendations from the "2014 ACC/AHA Guideline on Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation and Management of Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery" have been updated with new evidence consolidated to guide clinicians; clinicians should be advised this guideline supersedes the previously published 2014 guideline. In addition, evidence-based management strategies, including pharmacological therapies, perioperative monitoring, and devices, for cardiovascular disease and associated medical conditions, have been developed.

2024 AHA/ACC/ACS/ASNC/HRS/SCA/SCCT/SCMR/SVM Guideline for Perioperative Cardiovascular Management for Noncardiac Surgery: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2024 AHA/ACC/ACS/ASNC/HRS/SCA/SCCT/SCMR/SVM Guideline for Perioperative Cardiovascular Management for Noncardiac Surgery" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the perioperative cardiovascular evaluation and management of adult patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from August 2022 to March 2023 to identify clinical studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline.

STRUCTURE

Recommendations from the "2014 ACC/AHA Guideline on Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation and Management of Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery" have been updated with new evidence consolidated to guide clinicians; clinicians should be advised this guideline supersedes the previously published 2014 guideline. In addition, evidence-based management strategies, including pharmacological therapies, perioperative monitoring, and devices, for cardiovascular disease and associated medical conditions, have been developed.

Identifying Risk of Postoperative Cardiorespiratory Complications in OSA

BACKGROUND

Patients with OSA are at increased risk of postoperative cardiorespiratory complications and death. Attempts to stratify this risk have been inadequate, and predictors from large, well-characterized cohort studies are needed.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the relationship between OSA severity, defined by various polysomnography-derived metrics, and risk of postoperative cardiorespiratory complications or death, and which metrics best identify such risk?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this cohort study, 6,770 consecutive patients who underwent diagnostic polysomnography for possible OSA and a procedure involving general anesthesia within a period of 2 years before and at least 5 years after polysomnography. Participants were identified by linking polysomnography and health databases. Relationships between OSA severity measures and the composite primary outcome of cardiorespiratory complications or death within 30 days of hospital discharge were investigated using univariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

The primary outcome was observed in 5.3% (n = 361) of the cohort. Although univariable analysis showed strong dose-response relationships between this outcome and multiple OSA severity measures, multivariable analysis showed its independent predictors were: age older than 65 years (OR, 2.67 [95% CI, 2.03-3.52]; P < .0001), age 55.1 to 65 years (OR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.09-1.98]; P = .0111), time between polysomnography and procedure of ≥ 5 years (OR, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.02-1.70]; P = .0331), BMI of ≥ 35 kg/m2 (OR, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.13-1.82]; P = .0032), presence of known cardiorespiratory risk factor (OR, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.29-2.06]; P < .0001), > 4.7% of sleep time at an oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry of < 90% (T90; OR, 1.91 [95% CI, 1.51-2.42]; P < .0001), and cardiothoracic procedures (OR, 7.95 [95% CI, 5.71-11.08]; P < .0001). For noncardiothoracic procedures, age, BMI, presence of known cardiorespiratory risk factor, and percentage of sleep time at an oxygen saturation of < 90% remained the significant predictors, and a risk score based on their ORs was predictive of outcome (area under receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.7 [95% CI, 0.64-0.75]).

INTERPRETATION

These findings provide a basis for better identifying high-risk patients with OSA and determining appropriate postoperative care.

Evaluation and Management of Perioperative Pulmonary Complications

Pulmonary complications are very common after noncardiac surgery and can be easily overlooked. If not properly screened for or evaluated these can in many instances lead to postoperative respiratory failure or even death. Decisions regarding ambulatory versus inpatient surgery, modality of anesthesia, protective ventilation and method of weaning, type of analgesia, and postoperative monitoring can be crucial to avoid such complications.

Impact of mini-dose dexmedetomidine supplemented analgesia on sleep structure in patients at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot trial

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in surgical patients and associated with worse perioperative outcomes.

Objectives

To investigate the effect of mini-dose dexmedetomidine supplemented analgesia on postoperative sleep quality pattern in patients at high risk of OSA.

Design

A pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting

A tertiary university hospital in Beijing, China.

Patients

One hundred and fifty-two adult patients who had a STOP-Bang score ≥3 and a serum bicarbonate level ≥28 mmol/L and were scheduled for major noncardiac surgery between 29 January 2021 and 20 September 2022.

Intervention

After surgery, patients were provided with high-flow nasal cannula and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive self-controlled opioid analgesia supplemented with either mini-dose dexmedetomidine (median 0.02 μg/kg/h) or placebo. We monitored polysomnogram from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am during the first night.

Main outcome measures

Our primary outcome was the percentage of stage 2 non-rapid eye movement (N2) sleep. Secondary and exploratory outcomes included other postoperative sleep structure parameters, sleep-respiratory parameters, and subjective sleep quality (Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire; 0-100 score range, higher score better).

Results

All 152 patients were included in intention-to-treat analysis; 123 patients were included in sleep structure analysis. Mini-dose dexmedetomidine supplemented analgesia increased the percentage of stage N2 sleep (median difference, 10%; 95% CI, 1 to 21%; p = 0.029); it also decreased the percentage of stage N1 sleep (median difference, -10%; 95% CI, -20% to -1%; p = 0.042). Other sleep structure and sleep-respiratory parameters did not differ significantly between the two groups. Subjective sleep quality was slightly improved with dexmedetomidine on the night of surgery, but not statistically significant (median difference, 6; 95% CI, 0 to 13; p = 0.060). Adverse events were similar between groups.

Conclusion

Among patients at high risk of OSA who underwent noncardiac surgery, mini-dose dexmedetomidine supplemented analgesia may improve sleep quality without increasing adverse events.

Clinical trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04608331.

Effect of obstructive sleep apnea on postoperative delirium: a system review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To investigate the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on postoperative delirium (PD), and evaluate the effectiveness of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy on PD among OSA patients.

METHODS

We systematically searched Embase, Cochrane Library and PubMed databases from their establishment to November 27, 2022. A random-effects approach was employed to determine aggregated results. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were carried out to investigate heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Sixteen eligible studies were included in the analysis. Thirteen studies revealed that OSA significantly elevated the likelihood of developing PD (OR = 1.71; 95%CI = 1.17 to 2.49; p = 0.005). Subgroup analysis according to delirium assessment scales showed that OSA did not exhibit an association with the incidence of PD assessed by the Confusion Assessment Method-Intensive Care Unit (OR = 1.14; 95%CI = 0.77 to 1.67; p = 0.51) but enhanced the likelihood of developing PD evaluated with other measurement scales (OR = 2.15; 95%CI = 1.44 to 3.19; p = 0.0002). Three additional studies explored the impact of PAP treatment on PD among OSA individuals, indicating no significant reduction in PD incidence with PAP use (OR = 0.58; 95%CI = 0.13 to 2.47; p = 0.46).

CONCLUSIONS

OSA may not be a risk factor for PD in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit, but may increase the likelihood of developing PD among individuals receiving regular care in the ward postoperatively. The efficacy of PAP therapy in decreasing PD incidence among OSA patients remains debatable.

Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Associated with Higher Covid-19 Severity?

Objective  To investigate the associations between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity. Methods  Twelve individuals hospitalized in a Brazilian tertiary hospital diagnosed with COVID-19 by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) underwent respiratory polygraphy. Results  Polygraphic records identified seven participants without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (OSA-) and five with OSA (OSA + ). The OSA+ group presented worse peripheral oxygen saturation (77.6% ± 7.89%) than the OSA- group (84.4% ± 2.57%) ( p  = 0.041). Additionally, the OSA+ group showed greater COVID-19 severity (100%) than the OSA- group (28.57%) ( p  = 0.013) and required longer oxygen therapy ( p  = 0.038), but without difference in the length of hospitalization. The OSA+ group also presented higher rates of platelets ( p  = 0.008) and D-dimer (1,443 ± 897) than the OSA- group (648 ± 263 ng/mL) ( p  = 0.019). Conclusion  Obstructive sleep apnea in individuals hospitalized due to COVID-19 was associated with higher COVID-19 severity, worse peripheral oxygen saturation, longer oxygen therapy time, and higher platelet and D-dimer rates.

Perioperative adverse events in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea undergoing ambulatory surgery: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The suitability of ambulatory surgery for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the odds of perioperative adverse events in patients with OSA undergoing ambulatory surgery, compared to patients without OSA.

METHODS

Four electronic databases were searched for studies published between January 1, 2011 and July 11, 2023. The inclusion criteria were: adult patients with diagnosed or high-risk of OSA undergoing ambulatory surgery; perioperative adverse events; control group included; general and/or regional anesthesia; and publication on/after February 1, 2011. We calculated effect sizes as odds ratios using a random effects model, and additional sensitivity analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies (375,389 patients) were included. OSA was associated with an increased odds of same-day admission amongst all surgery types (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.46-2.59, I2:79%, P < 0.00001, 11 studies, n = 347,342), as well as when only orthopedic surgery was considered (OR 2.68, 95% CI 2.05-3.48, I2:41%, P < 0.00001, 6 studies, n = 132,473). Three studies reported that OSA was strongly associated with prolonged post anesthesia care unit (PACU) length of stay (LOS), while one study reported that the association was not statistically significant. In addition, four studies reported that OSA was associated with postoperative respiratory depression/hypoxia, with one large study on shoulder arthroscopy reporting an almost 5-fold increased odds of pulmonary compromise, 5-fold of myocardial infarction, 3-fold of acute renal failure, and 5-fold of intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Ambulatory surgical patients with OSA had almost two-fold higher odds of same-day admission compared to non-OSA patients. Multiple large studies also reported an association of OSA with prolonged PACU LOS, respiratory complications, and/or ICU admission. Clinicians should screen preoperatively for OSA, optimize comorbidities, adhere to clinical algorithm-based management perioperatively, and maintain a high degree of vigilance in the postoperative period.

Measures of overnight oxygen saturation to characterize sleep apnea severity and predict postoperative respiratory depression

BACKGROUND

Sleep apnea syndrome, characterized by recurrent cessation (apnea) or reduction (hypopnea) of breathing during sleep, is a major risk factor for postoperative respiratory depression. Challenges in sleep apnea assessment have led to the proposal of alternative metrics derived from oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2), such as oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and percentage of cumulative sleep time spent with SpO2 below 90% (CT90), as predictors of postoperative respiratory depression. However, their performance has been limited with area under the curve of 0.60 for ODI and 0.59 for CT90. Our objective was to propose novel features from preoperative overnight SpO2 which are correlated with sleep apnea severity and predictive of postoperative respiratory depression.

METHODS

Preoperative SpO2 signals from 235 surgical patients were retrospectively analyzed to derive seven features to characterize the sleep apnea severity. The features included entropy and standard deviation of SpO2 signal; below average burden characterizing the area under the average SpO2; average, standard deviation, and entropy of desaturation burdens; and overall nocturnal desaturation burden. The association between the extracted features and sleep apnea severity was assessed using Pearson correlation analysis. Logistic regression was employed to evaluate the predictive performance of the features in identifying postoperative respiratory depression.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated a similar performance of the proposed features to the conventional apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) for assessing sleep apnea severity, with average area under the curve ranging from 0.77 to 0.81. Notably, entropy and standard deviation of overnight SpO2 signal and below average burden showed comparable predictive capability to AHI but with minimal computational requirements and individuals' burden, making them promising for screening purposes. Our sex-based analysis revealed that compared to entropy and standard deviation, below average burden exhibited higher sensitivity in detecting respiratory depression in women than men.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the potential of preoperative SpO2 features as alternative metrics to AHI in predicting postoperative respiratory.

Positive Airway Pressure in Surgical Patients with Sleep Apnea: What is the Supporting Evidence?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent amongst surgical patients and associated with an increased incidence of perioperative complications. The gold standard treatment for moderate-to-severe OSA is positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. Practice guidelines by the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine have recommended preoperative screening for OSA and consideration of initiation of PAP therapy for patients with severe OSA. These guidelines, developed mainly by the consensus of experts, highlight the adverse impact of OSA on postoperative outcomes and recommend the use of postoperative PAP in surgical patients with moderate to severe OSA. Since the development of these guidelines, there has been an increase in the number of publications regarding the efficacy of PAP therapy in surgical patients with OSA. Our review provides an update on the existing literature on the efficacy of PAP therapy in surgical patients with OSA. We focus on the postoperative complications associated with OSA, potential mechanisms leading to the increased risk of postoperative adverse events, and summarize the perioperative guidelines for the management of patients with OSA, evidence supporting perioperative PAP therapy, as well as limitations to PAP therapy and alternatives. An update on the existing literature of the efficacy of PAP therapy in surgical patients with OSA is critical to assess the impact of prior guidelines, determine when and how to effectively implement PAP therapy, and target barriers to PAP adherence in the perioperative setting.

The application of 5E rehabilitation management mode in the nursing of patients with aortic dissection complicated by obstructive sleep apnea

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to explore the effect of 5E rehabilitation mode (encouragement, education, exercise, employment, and evaluation) in patients with aortic dissection (AD) complicated by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

Patients with Stanford type B AD (TBAD) complicated by OSA were admitted to Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020. They were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. After discharge, patients in the control group were given routine nursing and follow-up education, whereas patients in the experimental group were given 5E rehabilitation management mode-based nursing and follow-up education. Upon the nursing intervention, the differences in polysomnography (PSG) parameters, medication adherence, quality of life, blood pressure, and heart rate of patients between the two groups were compared. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors for the occurrence of adverse aortic events.

RESULTS

A total of 89 patients were enrolled, 49 in the experimental group and 40 in the control group. After the intervention, the control of heart rate, systolic blood pressure, medication adherence, PSG parameters, and quality of life scores in the experimental group were significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse aortic events including aortic rupture and progressive aortic dilation in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that acute TBAD [odds ratio (OR) = 15.069; 95%confidence interval (CI), 1.738-130.652; P=0.014], history of chronic kidney disease (OR=10.342; 95%CI, 1.056-101.287; P=0.045), and apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 30 (OR=2.880; 95%CI, 1.081-9.51; P=0.036) were adverse factors affecting adverse aortic events; while 5E rehabilitation management mode (OR=0.063; 95%CI, 0.008-0.513; P=0.010) was a favorable factor for occurrence of adverse aortic events.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that continuous nursing based on information carrier 5E rehabilitation management significantly enhanced medication adherence, improved patients' overall quality of life, and decreased the incidence of adverse aortic events in patients TBAD patients and OSA.

Preoperative sleep apnea screening protocol reduces medical emergency team activation in patients with atrial fibrillation

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The association of in-hospital medical emergency team activation (META) among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is unclear. This study evaluates the performance of the DOISNORE50 sleep questionnaire as an OSA screener for patients with AF and determines the prevalence of META among perioperative patients with underlying AF who have a diagnosis or are at risk for OSA.

METHODS

A prospective perioperative cohort of 2,926 patients with the diagnosis of AF was assessed for DOISNORE50 questionnaire screening. Propensity-score matching was used to match patients' physical characteristics, comorbidities, length of stay, and inpatient continuous positive airway pressure device usage. META and intensive care unit admissions during the surgical encounter, 30-day hospital readmissions, and 30-day emergency department visits were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 1,509 out of 2,926 AF patients completed the DOISNORE50 questionnaire and were enrolled in the OSA safety protocol. Following propensity-score matching, there were reduced adjusted odds of META in the screened group of 0.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.48-0.98, P < .001) in comparison to the unscreened group. The adjusted odds of intensive care unit admissions and emergency department visits within 30 days of discharge were statistically lower for the screened group compared with the unscreened group.

CONCLUSIONS

Among perioperative AF patients, evidence supports DOISNORE50 screening and implementation of an OSA safety protocol for reduction of META. This study identified decreased odds of META, intensive care unit admissions, and emergency department visits among the screened group. The high-risk and known OSA group showed reduced odds of META following the implementation of an OSA safety protocol.

CITATION

Saha AK, Sheehan KN, Xiang KR, et al. Preoperative sleep apnea screening protocol reduces medical emergency team activation in patients with atrial fibrillation. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(5):783-792.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Risk of Postoperative Complications after Non-Cardiac Surgery

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder, poses significant challenges in perioperative management due to its complexity and multifactorial nature. With a global prevalence of approximately 22.6%, OSA often remains undiagnosed, and increases the risk of cardiac and respiratory postoperative complications. Preoperative screening has become essential in many institutions to identify patients at increased risk, and experts recommend proceeding with surgery in the absence of severe symptoms, albeit with heightened postoperative monitoring. Anesthetic and sedative agents exacerbate upper airway collapsibility and depress central respiratory activity, complicating intraoperative management, especially with neuromuscular blockade use. Additionally, OSA patients are particularly prone to opioid-induced respiratory depression, given their increased sensitivity to opioids and heightened pain perception. Thus, regional anesthesia and multimodal analgesia are strongly advocated to reduce perioperative complication risks. Postoperative care for OSA patients necessitates vigilant monitoring and tailored management strategies, such as supplemental oxygen and Positive Airway Pressure therapy, to minimize cardiorespiratory complications. Health care institutions are increasingly focusing on enhanced monitoring and resource allocation for patient safety. However, the rising prevalence of OSA, heterogeneity in disease severity, and lack of evidence for the efficacy of costly perioperative measures pose challenges. The development of effective screening and monitoring algorithms, alongside reliable risk predictors, is crucial for identifying OSA patients needing extended postoperative care. This review emphasizes a multidimensional approach in managing OSA patients throughout the perioperative period, aiming to optimize patient outcomes and minimize adverse outcomes.

Epidemiology of perioperative RV dysfunction: risk factors, incidence, and clinical implications

In this edition of the journal, the Perioperative Quality Initiative (POQI) present three manuscripts describing the physiology, assessment, and management of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) as pertains to the perioperative setting. This narrative review seeks to provide context for these manuscripts, discussing the epidemiology of perioperative RVD focussing on definition, risk factors, and clinical implications. Throughout the perioperative period, there are many potential risk factors/insults predisposing to perioperative RVD including pre-existing RVD, fluid overload, myocardial ischaemia, pulmonary embolism, lung injury, mechanical ventilation, hypoxia and hypercarbia, lung resection, medullary reaming and cement implantation, cardiac surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass, heart and lung transplantation, and left ventricular assist device implantation. There has however been little systematic attempt to quantify the incidence of perioperative RVD. What limited data exists has assessed perioperative RVD using echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, and pulmonary artery catheterisation but is beset by challenges resulting from the inconsistencies in RVD definitions. Alongside differences in patient and surgical risk profile, this leads to wide variation in the incidence estimate. Data concerning the clinical implications of perioperative RVD is even more scarce, though there is evidence to suggest RVD is associated with atrial arrhythmias and prolonged length of critical care stay following thoracic surgery, increased need for inotropic support in revision orthopaedic surgery, and increased critical care requirement and mortality following cardiac surgery. Acute manifestations of RVD result from low cardiac output or systemic venous congestion, which are non-specific to the diagnosis of RVD. As such, RVD is easily overlooked, and the relative contribution of RV dysfunction to postoperative morbidity is likely to be underestimated.We applaud the POQI group for highlighting this important condition. There is undoubtedly a need for further study of the RV in the perioperative period in addition to solutions for perioperative risk prediction and management strategies. There is much to understand, study, and trial in this area, but importantly for our patients, we are increasingly recognising the importance of these uncertainties.

Clinical Approach to Patients with COVID-19 and Unrecognized Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Purpose: We conducted a retrospective case series of seven male COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure and suspected OSA based on clinical features to evaluate the effects of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on COVID-19 outcomes and the response to a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. Cardiorespiratory polygraphy (CRP) and a continuous positive airway pressure treatment were used for diagnosis and management. They confirmed severe obstructive sleep apnea in all patients (apnea/hypopnea index > 30) and improved overnight oxygenation and symptoms at the 1-month follow-up. Conclusions: Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea may negatively impact COVID-19 outcomes by exacerbating respiratory failure. Recognition and treatment with continuous positive airway pressure can optimize the management of such patients.

Longitudinal patterns of patient-reported sleep disturbances after surgery for lung cancer

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify longitudinal heterogeneous trajectories of sleep status, adjusted for the effect of pain over time, among patients who had surgery for lung cancer and to quantify how disturbed sleep in the hospital affects functional recovery after discharge.

METHODS

We included patients from a surgical cohort (CN-PRO-Lung 1). All patients reported symptoms using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Lung Cancer (MDASI-LC) daily during postoperative hospitalization. Group-based dual trajectory modeling was used to investigate trajectories of disturbed sleep and pain during the first 7 days of postoperative hospitalization. Cox regression was used to compare the recovery of walking ability between the different sleep trajectories.

RESULTS

Among 421 patients, disturbed sleep trajectories comprised low (31%), moderate (52%), and high (17%) groups. The surgical approach and number of chest tubes were associated with pain, and the number of chest tubes was also associated with sleep disturbances (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.08-3.67). Recovery of walking ability after discharge was significantly slower in the high (median days = 16; 95% CI: 5-NA) and moderate disturbed sleep trajectory groups (median days = 5; 95%CI: 4-6) than in the low group (median days = 3; 95% CI: 3-4).

CONCLUSION

Changes in disturbed sleep among patients with lung cancer followed three distinct trajectories over the first 7 days of hospitalization after surgery. Dual trajectory analyses highlighted the high concordance between specific trajectories of disturbed sleep and pain. Patients at high sleep disturbance and high levels of pain may benefit from appropriate interventions for both symptoms in combination with the patient's surgical approach and the number of chest tubes.

Obstructive sleep apnea for the rhinologist

PURPOSE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a ubiquitous disease defined by repetitive partial or complete cessation of airflow during sleep caused by upper airway collapse. Otolaryngologists play a crucial role in the management of OSA, which is rapidly evolving with the advent of new surgical techniques and medical devices. Here we review the medical and surgical treatment options for OSA with a focus on unique considerations for patients with OSA who undergo nasal, sinus, and skull base surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Treatment of OSA includes both nonsurgical and surgical options. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy remains the first-line medical treatment for OSA, but alternatives such as oral appliance and positional therapy are viable alternatives. Surgical treatments include pharyngeal and tongue base surgery, hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy, and skeletal surgery. Nasal surgery has been shown to improve sleep quality and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) tolerance and usage. Sinus and skull base patients with comorbid OSA have special perioperative considerations for the rhinologist to consider such as the need for overnight observation and timing of CPAP therapy resumption.

SUMMARY

OSA patients present with special considerations for the rhinologist. Patients with moderate to severe OSA may benefit from overnight observation after ambulatory surgery, especially those with an elevated BMI, cardiopulmonary comorbidities, and those who are not using CPAP regularly at home. Though CPAP may be safely resumed in the perioperative setting of nasal, sinus, and skull base surgery, the exact timing depends on patient, surgeon, and systemic factors such as severity of OSA, CPAP pressures required, extent of surgery, and the postoperative monitoring setting. Lastly, nasal and sinus surgery can improve sleep quality and CPAP tolerance and compliance in patients with OSA.

Opioid sensitivity in treated and untreated obstructive sleep apnoea: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Opioid administration to patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is controversial because they are believed to be more sensitive to opioids. However, objective data on opioid effects in OSA are lacking. We tested the hypothesis that subjects with untreated OSA have increased sensitivity to opioids compared with subjects without OSA, or with OSA treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP).

METHODS

This was a single-centre, prospective cohort study in subjects without OSA (n=20), with untreated OSA (n=33), or with treated OSA (n=21). OSA diagnosis was verified using type III (in-home) polysomnography. Subjects received a stepped-dose remifentanil infusion (target effect-site concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 ng ml-1). Primary outcome was miosis (pupil area fractional change), the most sensitive opioid effect. Secondary outcomes were ventilatory rate, end-expired CO2, sedation, and thermal analgesia.

RESULTS

There were no differences in miosis between untreated OSA subjects (mean=0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41-0.61) and subjects without OSA (mean=0.49, 95% CI 0.36-0.62) (mean difference=0.02, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.22); between treated OSA subjects (mean=0.56, 95% CI 0.43-0.68) and subjects without OSA (difference=0.07, 95% CI -0.16 to 0.29); or between untreated OSA and treated OSA (difference=-0.05, 95% CI -0.25 to 0.16). There were no significant differences between subjects without OSA, untreated OSA, and treated OSA in ventilatory rate, end-expired CO2, sedation, or thermal analgesia responses to remifentanil. There was no relationship between OSA severity and magnitude of opioid effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither obstructive sleep apnoea nor obstructive sleep apnoea treatment affected sensitivity to the miotic, sedative, analgesic, or respiratory depressant effects of the opioid remifentanil in awake adults. These results challenge conventional notions of opioid effects in obstructive sleep apnoea.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02898792 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Exploring postoperative atrial fibrillation after non-cardiac surgery: mechanisms, risk factors, and prevention strategies

Atrial fibrillation (AF) stands as the most prevalent persistent arrhythmia and a common complication after surgical procedures. Although the majority of non-cardiac surgery patients experience postoperative AF (POAF) and the condition is typically self-limited and asymptomatic, its detrimental impact on patient outcomes, prolonged hospitalization, and heightened risk of stroke and overall mortality has become increasingly evident. Of significant concern, POAF emerges as a noteworthy risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality in comparison to patients with non-surgical atrial fibrillation. Multiple studies have corroborated the association between POAF and an elevated risk of stroke and mortality. The development of postoperative atrial fibrillation is multifactorial, with the inflammatory response being a primary contributor; additionally, factors such as hypovolemia, intraoperative hypotension, anemia, trauma, and pain can trigger POAF. Risk factors for POAF in non-cardiac surgery primarily relate to age, hypertension, obesity, prior cardiac disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and male sex. Prophylactic treatment with β-blockers, amiodarone, or magnesium has demonstrated efficacy, but further trials are warranted, especially in high-risk populations. This review provides an account of the incidence rate, pathophysiology, and prognosis of atrial fibrillation after non-cardiac surgery, elucidates the underlying mechanisms of its occurrence, and explores various preventive strategies investigated in this domain.

Clinical significance of baseline Epstein-Barr virus DNA for recurrent or metastatic primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of baseline Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in recurrent or metastatic primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (PLELC). Methods: 75 patients with baseline EBV DNA were included. The relationships between baseline EBV DNA and clinical characteristics, survival and objective response rate were analyzed. Results: The baseline EBV DNA levels were related to the liver, chest wall, distant lymph node(s) or multiple sites of distant metastasis. The high baseline EBV DNA group (≥41,900 copies/ml) was related to shorter progression-free and overall survival in univariate analysis and remained significant for progression-free survival in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The baseline EBV DNA is a valuable biomarker for predicting prognosis and reflecting tumor burden in recurrent or metastatic PLELC.

Comorbidities are associated with self-reported sleep-disordered breathing and insomnia: a cross-sectional study from China

PURPOSE

We aimed to examine the associations of comorbidities with self-reported sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and insomnia among Chinese adults.

METHODS

The study used data from a community-based cross-sectional survey performed in China in 2018-2020. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations of 12 comorbidities with SDB and insomnia.

RESULTS

A total of 4329 Han Chinese adults aged ≥ 18 years were enrolled. Of these, 1970 (45.5%) were male, with a median age of 48 years (interquartile range: 34-59). Compared with the participants without any conditions, adjusted ORs for SDB and insomnia for those with ≥ 4 comorbidities were 2.33 (95% CI: 1.58, 3.43, P-trend < 0.001) and 3.89 (95% CI: 2.69, 5.64, P-trend < 0.001), respectively. Seven comorbidities (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease (CHD), bone and joint disease, neck or lumbar disease, chronic digestive diseases, and chronic urological disease) were positively associated with both SDB and insomnia. Cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were also independently associated with insomnia. Of all comorbidities, cancer was most strongly associated with insomnia (OR = 3.16; 95% CI: 1.78, 5.63; P < 0.001), and CHD was most strongly associated with SDB (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.64; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings showed that adults with an increasing number of comorbidities had higher odds for SDB and insomnia, which were independent of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

Diagnostic Value of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio for Assessing Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk in Surgical Patients

PURPOSE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an important risk factor leading to perioperative complications in surgical patients. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an important biomarker of increasing interest in recent years, and is used in the determination of systemic inflammatory response.

DESIGN

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of OSA and the relationship between OSA risk and NLR in surgical patients.

METHODS

The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital between November 2021 and May 2022. The cross-sectional study included 604 patients who underwent surgery. OSA risk was evaluated with the STOP-Bang questionnaire in the preoperative evaluation in all patients. NLR was calculated as the ratio of neutrophil count to lymphocyte count.

FINDINGS

According to the STOP-Bang questionnaire, 62.3% of the patients had a high risk of OSA in the preoperative period. Patients who were male, elderly, obese, had hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and heart disease and polypharmacy were at greater risk of OSA. Patients at high risk of OSA had significantly higher NLR than patients at low risk of OSA. (2.65 vs 2.92, P.ß=.ß.024). NLR of 2.40 or higher predicted OSA risk with 58.8% sensitivity and 51.0% specificity (AUC.ß=.ß0.561) CONCLUSIONS: Most patients who were to undergo surgery had a high risk of OSA. NLR was higher in patients at high risk of OSA. Although the diagnostic efficacy is not high, NLR can be used to detect high OSA risk because it is a low-cost and easy to obtain biomarker.

Identification of a Novel Target Implicated in Chronic Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Related Atrial Fibrillation by Integrative Analysis of Transcriptome and Proteome

Objective

This study aimed to identify a newly identified target involved in atrial fibrillation (AF) linked to chronic obstructive sleep apnea (COSA) through an integrative analysis of transcriptome and proteome.

Methods

Fifteen beagle canines were randomly assigned to three groups: control (CON), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and OSA with superior left ganglionated plexi ablation (OSA+GP). A COSA model was established by intermittently obstructing the endotracheal cannula during exhalation for 12 weeks. Left parasternal thoracotomy through the fourth intercostal space allowed for superior left ganglionated plexi (SLGP) ablation. In vivo open-chest electrophysiological programmed stimulation was performed to assess AF inducibility. Histological, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses were conducted on atrial samples.

Results

After 12 weeks, the OSA group exhibited increased AF inducibility and longer AF durations compared to the CON group. Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses identified 2422 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1194 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between OSA and CON groups, as well as between OSA+GP and OSA groups (1850 DEGs and 1418 DEPs). The analysis revealed that differentially regulated DEGs were primarily enriched in mitochondrial biological processes in the CON-vs.-OSA and OSA-vs.-GP comparisons. Notably, the key regulatory molecule GSTZ1 was activated in OSA and inhibited by GP ablation.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that GSTZ1 may play a pivotal role in mitochondrial damage, triggering AF substrate formation, and increasing susceptibility to AF in the context of COSA.

Association of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet with self-reported sleep-disordered breathing (SDB): a cross-sectional study from China

Adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has been associated with sleep quality. However, its relationship with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the association between the DASH diet and SDB using data from a community-based survey among adults in Suzhou, Eastern China. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the Suzhou Food Consumption and Health Survey in 2018-2020. Dietary intake was measured by a validated FFQ. The association between the DASH diet and SDB was estimated by multivariable logistic regression analysis. In addition, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed to reinforce our findings. A total of 3939 participants were included in the final analysis. Participants in the upper quintile of the DASH score consumed more fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, whole grains, and dairy products, and less Na, red/processed meats, and sweetened beverages. The OR for the highest compared with the lowest quintile of the DASH score was 0·68 (95 % CI 0·52, 0·88; Pfor trend = 0·004) for SDB after multivariable adjustment. Of the eight DASH components, vegetables, nuts and legumes, and dairy products were inversely associated with SDB. The associations were similar in subgroups by age, sex, BMI, smoking, alcohol drinking, hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. Adherence to the DASH diet was independently associated with decreased odds of self-reported SDB. Our novel results expand previous findings on diet and sleep and suggest the possibility of improving SDB by enhancing diet quality.

[Evaluation of the risk of obstructive sleep apnea in patients awaiting general anesthesia in Burkina Faso]

INTRODUCTION

General anaesthesia and surgery increase morbidity and mortality in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) who are not known to have OSAHS and therefore not treated before surgery. The objective of this study is to evaluate the risk of OSAHS using the STOP-BANG questionnaire (SBQ) in patients undergoing general anaesthesia in Burkina Faso.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This is a cross-sectional study concerning patients having received pre-anaesthetic consultation from 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021. Risk of OSAHS is considered "medium to high" when the risk of obstructive sleep apnea is medium or high on SBQ.

RESULTS

Our population consisted in 599 persons. A medium to high risk of OSAHS was found in 11.18%. The ASA score and the Mallampati scale were independently associated with moderate to high risk of OSAHS (P<0.001; P<0.001). ASA score of I and Mallampati class of I decreased the risk of OSAHS by 17 and 45% respectively (P=0.012; P=0.031).

CONCLUSION

The risk of OSAHS in this population is comparable to that of the general population. Confirmation of OSAHS by ventilatory polygraphy or polysomnography would help to achieve further precision.

Perioperative management of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: Present themes and future directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is an increasingly common pathology that all those involved in perioperative care will come across. Patients with the condition present a challenge at many stages along the perioperative journey, not least because many patients living with OSA are unaware of their diagnosis.Key interventions can be made pre, intra-, and postoperatively to improve outcomes. Knowledge of screening tools, diagnostic tests, and the raft of treatment options are important for anyone caring for these patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent literature has highlighted the increasing complexity of surgical patients and significant underdiagnosis of OSA in this patient population. Work has demonstrated how and why patients with OSA are at a higher perioperative risk and that effective positive airways pressure (PAP) therapy can reduce these risks, alongside evidencing how best to optimise adherence to therapy, a key issue in OSA.

SUMMARY

OSA, and particularly undiagnosed OSA, presents a huge problem in the perioperative period. Perioperative PAP reduces the risk of postoperative complications but adherence remains an issue. Bespoke perioperative pathways should be developed to identify and optimise high risk patients, although at present evidence on how best to achieve this is lacking.

A Novel Clinical Tool to Detect Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Purpose

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disease with high morbidity and is associated with adverse health outcomes. Screening potential severe OSA patients will improve the quality of patient management and prognosis, while the accuracy and feasibility of existing screening tools are not so satisfactory. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a well-feasible clinical predictive model for screening potential severe OSA patients.

Patients and Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study including 1920 adults with overnight polysomnography among which 979 cases were diagnosed with severe OSA. Based on demography, symptoms, and hematological data, a multivariate logistic regression model was constructed and cross-validated and then a nomogram was developed to identify severe OSA. Moreover, we compared the performance of our model with the most commonly used screening tool, Stop-Bang Questionnaire (SBQ), among patients who completed the questionnaires.

Results

Severe OSA was associated with male, BMI≥ 28 kg/m2, high blood pressure, choke, sleepiness, apnea, white blood cell count ≥9.5×109/L, hemoglobin ≥175g/L, triglycerides ≥1.7 mmol/L. The AUC of the final model was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.74-0.78), with sensitivity and specificity under the optimal threshold selected by maximizing Youden Index of 73% and 66%. Among patients having the information of SBQ, the AUC of our model was statistically significantly greater than that of SBQ (0.78 vs 0.66, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Based on common clinical examination of admission, we develop a novel model and a nomogram for identifying severe OSA from inpatient with suspected OSA, which provides physicians with a visual and easy-to-use tool for screening severe OSA.

Correlation between nocturnal intermittent hypoxemia and mild cognitive impairment in the older adult and the role of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

To explore the prevalence of nocturnal intermittent hypoxemia (NIH) in a tertiary hospital geriatric department and the relationship between NIH and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults, and to examine the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism.

METHODS

Older adults aged ≥ 60 were enrolled. NIH and cognitive assessments were conducted. BDNF concentrations and BDNF Val66Met polymorphism were detected for a preliminary exploration of the possible mechanism of the process.

RESULTS

Of 325 older adults enrolled, 157 (48%) had NIH and were further divided into mild, moderate, and severe NIH groups according to their oxygen desaturation of ≥ 4% per hour of sleep (ODI4). MCI detection rate in the four groups gradually increased, and the differences were statistically significant (chi-square = 4.457, P = 0.035). ODI4 was negatively correlated with MoCA score in all participants (r =  - 0.115, P = 0.039) and patients with NIH (r =  - 0.199, P = 0.012). After adjusting for sex, age, and cardiovascular risk factors, NIH and MCI remained independently associated (OR = 3.13, 95% CI 1.03-9.53, P = 0.045). BDNF levels were positively correlated with MoCA score (r = 0.169, P = 0.028) and negatively correlated with nocturnal average oxygen saturation in patients with NIH (r =  - 0.288, P = 0.008). Older adults with different BDNF Val66Met genotypes did not show significant differences in MCI rate and BDNF levels (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The older adults with NIH have a higher MCI detection rate. BDNF levels may be a potential biomarker for cognitive dysfunction in patients with NIH.

Identifying Early Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression and Rapid Response Team Activation

BACKGROUND

Opioids can cause respiratory depression, which could lead to patient harm. The project site noted a gap in identifying and monitoring postsurgical thoracic patients at risk for opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD), so an evidence-based solution was sought.

AIMS

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine if translating the research by Khanna et al. (2020) on implementing the prediction of opioid-induced respiratory depression in patients monitored by capnography (PRODIGY) risk prediction tool would affect rapid response team (RRT) activation among postsurgical thoracic patients in a cardiovascular and thoracic care unit (CVTCU) at John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus over four weeks.

METHODS

The four-week quantitative quasi-experimental project had a total sample size of 29 participants. Pulse oximetry was used to identify OIRD in the comparison group (n = 12). The implementation group consisted of patients identified as at-risk for OIRD by the PRODIGY risk prediction tool and were monitored with pulse oximetry and capnography (n = 17).

RESULTS

A χ2 analysis showed χ2 (1, n = 29) = .73, p = .393 for activation of the RRT using the PRODIGY risk prediction tool, which was not statistically significant. However, clinical significance was supported by a 5.9% increase in RRT activations.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results, implementing the PRODIGY risk prediction tool and capnography monitoring on at-risk patients may affect RRT activation in this population.

Associations between perioperative sleep patterns and clinical outcomes in patients with intracranial tumors: a correlation study

Objective

Although the quality of perioperative sleep is gaining increasing attention in clinical recovery, its impact role remains unknown and may deserve further exploration. This study aimed to investigate the associations between perioperative sleep patterns and clinical outcomes among patients with intracranial tumors.

Methods

A correlation study was conducted in patients with intracranial tumors. Perioperative sleep patterns were assessed using a dedicated sleep monitor for 6 consecutive days. Clinical outcomes were gained through medical records and follow-up. Spearman's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analysis were applied to evaluate the associations between perioperative sleep patterns and clinical outcomes.

Results

Of 110 patients, 48 (43.6%) were men, with a median age of 57 years. A total of 618 days of data on perioperative sleep patterns were collected and analyzed. Multiple linear regression models revealed that the preoperative blood glucose was positively related to the preoperative frequency of awakenings (β = 0.125; 95% CI = 0.029-0.221; P = 0.011). The level of post-operative nausea and vomiting was negatively related to perioperative deep sleep time (β = -0.015; 95% CI = -0.027--0.003; P = 0.015). The level of anxiety and depression was negatively related to perioperative deep sleep time, respectively (β = -0.048; 95% CI = -0.089-0.008; P = 0.020, β = -0.041; 95% CI = -0.076-0.006; P = 0.021). The comprehensive complication index was positively related to the perioperative frequency of awakenings (β = 3.075; 95% CI = 1.080-5.070; P = 0.003). The post-operative length of stay was negatively related to perioperative deep sleep time (β = -0.067; 95% CI = -0.113-0.021; P = 0.005). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was positively related to perioperative sleep onset latency (β = 0.097; 95% CI = 0.044-0.150; P < 0.001) and negatively related to perioperative deep sleep time (β = -0.079; 95% CI = -0.122-0.035; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Perioperative sleep patterns are associated with different clinical outcomes. Poor perioperative sleep quality, especially reduced deep sleep time, has a negative impact on clinical outcomes. Clinicians should, therefore, pay more attention to sleep quality and improve it during the perioperative period.

Clinical trial registration

http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR2200059425.

Immediate CPAP Use after Skull Base Reconstruction with Hydroxyapatite Bone Cement

OBJECTIVE

The timing for resuming continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) postoperatively after skull base surgery remains controversial because of the risk of pneumocephalus. We determined the safety of immediate CPAP use after middle cranial fossa (MCF) spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (sCSF) leak repair with bone cement.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary academic medical center.

PATIENTS

Thirteen consecutive patients with CPAP-treated obstructive sleep apnea and temporal bone sCSF leaks who underwent skull base repair with hydroxyapatite bone cement between July 2021 and October 2022.

INTERVENTIONS

CPAP use resumed on postoperative day 1 after the confirmation of skull base reconstruction with temporal bone computed tomography (CT).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Postoperative skull base defects on CT, pneumocephalus, or intracranial complications.

RESULTS

The average age was 55.5 ± 8.8 years (±standard deviation), and 69.2% were female with a BMI of 45.39 ± 15.1 kg/m 2 . Multiple tegmen defects were identified intraoperatively in 53.9% of patients with an average of 1.85 ± 0.99 defects and an average defect size on preoperative imaging of 6.57 ± 3.45 mm. All patients had an encephalocele identified intraoperatively. No residual skull base defects were observed on CT imaging on postoperative day 1. No postoperative complications occurred. One patient developed a contralateral sCSF leak 2 months after repair. There were no recurrent sCSF leaks 1 month postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Immediate postoperative CPAP use is safe in patients undergoing MCF sCSF leak repair with bone cement because of the robust skull base repair.

The risk factors of postoperative hypoxemia in patients with Stanford type A acute aortic dissection

Hypoxemia is one of the most common complications in patients after Stanford type A acute aortic dissection surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of circulating ANG II level with postoperative hypoxemia and to identify the risk factors for postoperative hypoxemia in Stanford type A acute aortic dissection patients. In this study, 88 patients who underwent Stanford type A acute aortic dissection surgery were enrolled. Postoperative hypoxemia is defined by the oxygenation index (OI). Perioperative clinical data were collected and the serum ANG II and sACE2 levels were measured. The differences in the basic characteristics, intraoperative details, biochemical parameters, laboratory test data and clinical outcomes were compared between the hypoxemia group and the non-hypoxemia group by univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on the variables with P < .1 in univariate analysis or that were considered clinically important to identify risk factors for postoperative hypoxemia. Twenty-five patients (28.4%) were considered to have postoperative hypoxemia (OI ≤ 200 mm Hg). The ANG II concentration remained a risk factor associated with postoperative hypoxemia [OR = 1.018, 95% CI (1.003-1.034), P = .022]. The other risk factors remaining in the logistic regression model were BMI [OR = 1.417, 95% CI (1.159-1.733), P = .001] and cTnI [OR = 1.003, 95% CI (1.000-1.005), P = .032]. Elevated levels of ANG II, BMI and cTnI are risk factors for postoperative hypoxemia in patients with Stanford type A acute aortic dissection.

Preoperative risk evaluation and perioperative management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a narrative review

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-breathing disorder associated with significant comorbidities and perioperative complications. This narrative review is aimed at comprehensively overviewing preoperative risk evaluation and perioperative management strategies for patients with OSA. OSA is characterized by recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep leading to hypoxemia and arousal. Anatomical features, such as upper airway narrowing and obesity, contribute to the development of OSA. OSA can be diagnosed based on polysomnography findings, and positive airway pressure therapy is the mainstay of treatment. However, alternative therapies, such as oral appliances or upper airway surgery, can be considered for patients with intolerance. Patients with OSA face perioperative challenges due to difficult airway management, comorbidities, and effects of sedatives and analgesics. Anatomical changes, reduced upper airway muscle tone, and obesity increase the risks of airway obstruction, and difficulties in intubation and mask ventilation. OSA-related comorbidities, such as cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, further increase perioperative risks. Sedatives and opioids can exacerbate respiratory depression and compromise airway patency. Therefore, careful consideration of alternative pain management options is necessary. Although the association between OSA and postoperative mortality remains controversial, concerns exist regarding adverse outcomes in patients with OSA. Understanding the pathophysiology of OSA, implementing appropriate preoperative evaluations, and tailoring perioperative management strategies are vital to ensure patient safety and optimize surgical outcomes.

Screening and treatment of pre-bariatric surgical patients with obesity related sleep disordered breathing

BACKGROUND

There is a significant burden of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in patients living with severe and complex obesity undergoing pre-bariatric surgery assessment. This longitudinal observational study evaluated the burden of obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) in this cohort of patients and the therapeutic compliance of patients commenced on positive airway pressure treatment.

METHODS

All pre-bariatric surgery patients referred to the sleep clinic for review after an abnormal screening study between 2018 and 2022 were included. We collected data on their sleep study results, anthropometrics, co-morbid medical conditions, clinical observations, spirometry and arterial blood gas (ABG). Patients commenced on therapy were followed-up longitudinally and compliance data collected via remote monitoring.

RESULTS

A total of 116 patients were included [age: mean ± standard deviation (SD) 48.8±10.8 years; body mass index (BMI) 49.2±8.5 kg/m2; Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) 8.7±5.1 points]. Fifteen patients (12.9% of cohort) were diagnosed with hypercapnic respiratory failure (pH 7.40±0.02; pO2 11.00±1.04 kPa; pCO2 6.15±0.08 kPa). Compared to eucapnic obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients, they were older (51.1 vs. 48.5 years; P=0.311), had a higher BMI (51.5 vs. 48.9 kg/m2; P=0.266), more likely to be female (66.7% vs. 53.5%; P=0.275) and had a higher ESS score (10.4 vs. 8.5 points; P=0.177). On binomial regression analysis insulin dependent diabetes was the only patient characteristic of significance with prevalence increased in patients with OHS (26.7% vs. 8.9%; P=0.042). Forced vital capacity (FVC) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) cut-offs demonstrated high specificity (96.8%) but low sensitivity (13.3%) to diagnosed hypercapnia. Fifty percent of the patients with hypercapnia required bi-level ventilation. On follow-up 44.9% of patients were compliant with therapy (>4 hours usage/night).

CONCLUSIONS

In minimally symptomatic patients living with severe and complex obesity who have an abnormal overnight oximetry, over 1 in 10 demonstrated chronic respiratory failure. Clinic spirometry and daytime SpO2 excluded those with hypercapnia. Overall adherence to prescribed therapy is low. Screening, appropriate pre-operative optimisation and peri-operative planning are important in preventing complications in this patient cohort.