Inspiratory dynamic obstruction detected by forced oscillation during CPAP. A model study

Clinical significance and applications of oscillometry

Recently, “Technical standards for respiratory oscillometry” was published, which reviewed the physiological basis of oscillometric measures and detailed the technical factors related to equipment and test performance, quality assurance and reporting of results. Here we present a review of the clinical significance and applications of oscillometry. We briefly review the physiological principles of oscillometry and the basics of oscillometry interpretation, and then describe what is currently known about oscillometry in its role as a sensitive measure of airway resistance, bronchodilator responsiveness and bronchial challenge testing, and response to medical therapy, particularly in asthma and COPD. The technique may have unique advantages in situations where spirometry and other lung function tests are not suitable, such as in infants, neuromuscular disease, sleep apnoea and critical care. Other potential applications include detection of bronchiolitis obliterans, vocal cord dysfunction and the effects of environmental exposures. However, despite great promise as a useful clinical tool, we identify a number of areas in which more evidence of clinical utility is needed before oscillometry becomes routinely used for diagnosing or monitoring respiratory disease.

This paper provides a current review of the interpretation, clinical significance and application of oscillometry in respiratory medicine, with special emphasis on limitations of evidence and suggestions for future research.https://bit.ly/3GQPViA

High Frequency-Low Amplitude Oscillometry: Continuous Unobtrusive Monitoring of Respiratory Function on PAP Machines

Oscillometry or Forced Oscillation Technique, traditionally used in intermittent clinical measurements, has recently gained substantial attention from its application as a continuous monitoring tool for large and small airways. However, low frequency (< 8 Hz) continuous oscillometry faces high breathing noise, and hence requires high oscillation amplitudes to maintain an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio. Therefore, PAP machines that utilize low frequency oscillometry do so intermittently to distinguish airway patency several seconds after a breathing pause has occurred. We hypothesized that high frequency and low amplitude (HFLA) oscillometry may be as sensitive and applicable for monitoring upper airway patency to distinguish between central and obstructive apnea and hypopnea events, and for monitoring respiratory impedance. An inline oscillometry prototype device was developed and connected to commercial PAP machines to test whether oscillometry at 17, 43, and 79 Hz are as sensitive to airway patency as oscillometry at 4 Hz. Analysis of 11 patients with 171 apneas and hypopneas showed that all frequency oscillometry inputs were equally sensitive in distinguishing between central and obstructive apneas, while 17 Hz and 43 Hz oscillometry were most sensitive in distinguishing between central and obstructive hypopneas. Observations during normal breathing also showed the same periodicity and cross-correlation between impedance measurements from HFLA oscillometry compared to 4 Hz. Our findings provide an unobtrusive means of distinguishing airway patency during sleep and a means of continuous monitoring of respiratory function, with the potential for detection and prediction of developing respiratory diseases and significantly richer context for data analytics.

Mimicking a flow-limited human upper airway using a collapsible tube: relationships between flow patterns and pressures in a respiratory model

The upper airway (UA) in humans is commonly modeled as a Starling resistor. However, negative effort dependence (NED) observed in some patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) contradicts predictions based on the Starling resistor model in which inspiratory flow is independent of inspiratory driving pressure when flow is limited. In a respiratory bench model consisting of a collapsible tube and an active lung model (ASL5000), inspiratory flow characteristics were investigated in relation to upstream, downstream, and extra-luminal pressures (denoted as P_us, P_ds, and P_out, respectively) by varying inspiratory effort (muscle pressure) from -1 to -20 cmH₂O in the active lung. P_us was provided by a constant airway pressure device and varied from 4 to 20 cmH₂O, and P_out was set at 10 and 15 cmH₂O. Upstream resistance at onset of flow limitation and critical transmural pressure (P_tm) corresponding to opening of the UA were found to be independent of P_us, P_ds, and P_out. With fixed P_tm, when P_ds fell below a specific value (P_ds'), inspiratory peak flow became constant and independent of P_ds. NED plateau flow patterns at mid-inspiration (V̇_n) were produced within the current bench setting when P_ds fell below P_ds'. V̇_n was proportional to P_ds, and the slope (ΔV̇_n/ΔP_ds) increased linearly with P_tm. P_tm and P_ds were the two final independent determinants of inspiratory flow. Our bench model closely mimics a flow-limited human UA, and the findings have implications for OSA treatment and research, especially for bench-testing auto-titrating devices in a more physiological way. NEW & NOTEWORTHY A respiratory model consisting of a collapsible tube was used to mimic a flow-limited human upper airway. Flow-limited breathing patterns including negative effort dependence were produced. Transmural and downstream pressures acting on the tube are the two independent determinants of the resulting inspiratory flow during flow limitation. The findings have implications for obstructive sleep apnea treatment and research, especially for bench-testing auto-titrating devices in a more physiological way.

An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report: Noninvasive Identification of Inspiratory Flow Limitation in Sleep Studies

This report summarizes the proceedings of the American Thoracic Society Workshop on the Noninvasive Identification of Inspiratory Flow Limitation in Sleep Studies held on May 16, 2015, in Denver, Colorado. The goal of the workshop was to discuss methods for standardizing the scoring of flow limitation from nasal cannula pressure tracings. The workshop began with presentations on the physiology underlying flow limitation, existing methods of scoring flow limitation, the effects of signal acquisition and filtering on flow shapes, and a review of the literature examining the adverse outcomes related to flow limitation. After these presentations, the results from online scoring exercises, which were crowdsourced to workshop participants in advance of the workshop, were reviewed and discussed. Break-out sessions were then held to discuss potential algorithms for scoring flow limitation. Based on these discussions, subsequent online scoring exercises, and webinars after the workshop, a consensus-based set of recommendations for a scoring algorithm for flow limitation was developed. Key conclusions from the workshop were: (1) a standardized and automated approach to scoring flow limitation is needed to provide a metric of nonepisodic elevated upper airway resistance, which can then be related to clinical outcomes in large cohorts and patient groups; (2) at this time, the most feasible method for standardization is by proposing a consensus-based framework, which includes scoring rules, developed by experts (3) hardware and software settings of acquisition devices, including filter settings, affect the shape of the flow curve, and should be clearly specified; and (4) a priority for future research is the generation of an open-source, expert-derived training set to encourage and support validation of automated flow limitation scoring algorithms.

Childhood obstructive sleep-disordered breathing: a clinical update and discussion of technological innovations and challenges

Childhood sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) has been known to be associated with health and cognitive impacts for more than a century, and yet our understanding of this disorder is in its infancy. Neuropsychological consequences in children with snoring or subtle breathing disturbances not meeting the traditional definition of sleep apnea suggest that "benign, or primary snoring" may be clinically significant, and that the true prevalence of SDB might be underestimated. There is no standard definition of SDB in children. The polysomnographic technology used in many sleep laboratories may be inadequate to diagnose serious but subtle forms of clinically important airflow limitation. In the last several years, advances in digital technology as well as new observational studies of respiratory and arousal patterns in large populations of healthy children have led to alternative views of what constitutes sleep-related breathing and arousal abnormalities that may refine our diagnostic criteria. This article reviews our knowledge of childhood SDB, highlights recent advances in technology, and discusses diagnostic and treatment strategies that will advance the management of children with pediatric SDB.

Bench Model To Simulate Upper Airway Obstruction for Analyzing Automatic Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Devices

BACKGROUND

Automatic positive airway pressure (APAP) devices are increasingly being used in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Some APAP devices present an unstable behavior when subjected to some events or artifacts. The aims were to develop a bench model capable of reproducing real flow, snoring, and obstructive patterns and to compare the response of APAP devices based on flow and snoring with other devices using, in addition, the forced oscillation technique (FOT).

METHODS

The bench model subjected APAP devices to apneas with and without obstruction, obstructive hypopneas with and without snoring, periods of flow limitation, and artifacts such as leaks and mouth expiration.

RESULTS

Almost all the devices increased the pressure when subjected to apneas with obstruction, but at different rates. The time required by each device to reach 10 cm H(2)O ranged from 2.5 to 13 min. In the presence of apneas without obstruction, all the devices based on flow and snoring increased the pressure at the same rate as during apneas with obstruction. However, the devices using FOT did not modify the pressure. Four devices did not modify the pressure in the presence of obstructive hypopneas, and all but one device increased the pressure in the presence of snoring. Mask leaks had little effect on the response of the devices, but four devices increased the pressure during mouth expiration artifacts.

CONCLUSIONS

When, in addition to the flow and snoring signals, the measurement of the upper airway resistance is included, the accuracy of the event detection algorithms is improved.

Oscillometric assessment of airway obstruction in a mechanical model of vocal cord dysfunction

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is characterized by inappropriate adduction of the vocal cords, particularly during inspiration, resulting in obstruction and airflow limitation. Direct visualization of the vocal cords with laryngoscopy is the 'gold standard' for diagnosing VCD. However, it is an invasive technique that may induce airway irritation. The aim of this study was to determine whether the forced oscillation technique (FOT) is useful to estimate the degree of closure of a non-linear orifice under conditions mimicking those found in VCD. The FOT (5 Hz, +/-1 cm H(2)O) was applied to an airway model simultaneously with constant levels of flow in the normal breathing range (0-0.8l/s). Pressure-flow (P(0)-V'(0)) curves, quasi-static resistance (R(eff)) and oscillatory resistance (R(FOT)) were measured in orifices with different areas (0.15-1.12 cm2) and shapes and in an orifice with variable area. Their pressure-flow relationship followed a quadratic model. Changes in R(FOT) normalized by flow (DeltaR(FOT)/V'(0)) were related to changes in the area of the vocal cord model (1/A(VC2)(2)-1/A(VC1)(2)) from maximum aperture (A(VC1)) to different degrees of closure (A(VC2)): DeltaR(FOT)/V'(0)=1.93(1/A(VC2)(2)-1/A(VC1)(2))+2.08 cm H(2)Os(2)/l(2); r(2)=0.99. We conclude that FOT could be a useful tool for non-invasively assessing glottic closure in VCD diagnosis, obviating the need for other invasive techniques.

The diagnosis value and its implication of impulse oscillometry in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients

The change of measurements of impulse oscillometry (IOS) in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients and its mechanism were observed. The respiratory impedance was measured by using IOS technique and polysomnography (PSG) was monitored synchronously in 36 OSAS patients, 14 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 12 normal controls. Results showed that R20 in OSAS group was significantly higher than in COPD group and control group (P < 0.01). R5-R20 in OSAS group was lower than that in COPD group, but significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). The levels of R20 and R5-R20 were positively correlated with severity degree of the disease. In addition, apnea-hyponea index (AHI) was positively correlated with R5 and R20 with the correlation index (r)being 0.66 and 0.86 respectively. The lowest SO2 was negatively correlated with R5 and R5-R20, with r being -0.66 and -0.79 respectively. The mean SO2 was negatively correlated with R5 and R5-R20 with r being -0.81 and -0.69 respectively. IOS technique could be used as a valuable tool for assessing the degree of upper airway obstruction in the patients with OSAS, and could help to explore its pathological mechanism.

Collapsible upper airway segment to study the obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome in rats

Animal models have been used to study the pathophysiology of the obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (SAHS). Nevertheless, in none of the models described to date have the animals been subjected to the different patterns of upper airway obstructive events (apneas, hypopneas, and inspiratory flow limitation) characterizing SAHS. Our aim was to devise and test a computer-controlled collapsible upper airway segment applicable to rats and able to realistically mimic obstructive SAHS events. The collapsible segment (total volume <2 cm(3) and a dead space of approximately 0.25 cm(3)) consisted of a Starling resistor based on a latex membrane subjected to an external pressure applied by a computer-controlled pressure source. The collapsible segment was tested in eight anaesthetized and tracheostomized rats. The upper airway segment allowed us to induce obstructive apneas and hypopneas with flow and inspiratory effort waveforms similar to the ones observed in patients with SAHS. This collapsible upper airway segment may be a useful tool to implement a rat model of SAHS.

Continuous positive airway pressure: new generations

Automatic positive airway pressure devices are the most technologically advanced positive airway pressure devices available for use in OSA. Although heterogeneous, they have in common the ability to detect and respond to changes in upper airway resistance. Data cannot necessarily be extrapolated from one device to another, and the field is rapidly advancing. Most studies of APAP have been performed in a supervised setting, or patients have been carefully selected to have a high likelihood of OSA uncomplicated by disorders such as alveolar hypoventilation or central apnea or technical problems such as mask leaks. Studies of APAP for the diagnosis of OSA have shown that APAP can diagnose severe OSA effectively, but the diagnosis of mild-moderate OSA is less reliable. APAP devices also can be effective therapy for selected patients with OSA, with overall similar results to conventional fixed CPAP in terms of respiratory disturbances, sleep quality, nocturnal oxygenation, and daytime sleepiness and performance, with less known or other long-term outcomes. In most studies, mean treatment pressures are lower, without change in side effect profile. Compliance and preference with APAP are similar to or somewhat better than CPAP in most studies. APAP also can be used in an attended setting to titrate an effective pressure for use in long-term conventional CPAP therapy, also with similar results to CPAP in many patients. APAP devices are more expensive than CPAP devices, but the cost may be outweighed if a group of patients who can be diagnosed, treated, or titrated safely in the unattended setting can be identified. Although diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms for APAP have been proposed, the best candidates for this modality must be defined better.

Forced oscillation technique in the sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome: identification of respiratory events and nasal continuous positive airway pressure titration

Sleep breathing disorders (SBD) are related to obstructions resulting from repetitive narrowing and closure of the pharyngeal airway. Their diagnoses and treatment are critically dependent on an accurate identification of and discrimination between types of respiratory events. However, these disorders have been diagnosed using indirect or invasive measurements, which resulted in serious doubts concerning the correct evaluation of breathing events. The forced oscillation technique (FOT) has recently been suggested as a clinical tool able to accurately and non-invasively quantify respiratory obstruction during sleep. The present study investigates the morphology of the impedance signal during different sleep respiratory events and evaluates the ability of impedance measurements in providing adequate nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) titration. The results evidenced characteristic patterns in impedance signal morphology that are useful in the identification and classification of abnormal respiratory events. Moreover, significantly higher impedance values were obtained during apnoea and hypopnoea events when compared with normal values (p < 0.01). Studies using impedance measurements to adjust nCPAP showed a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of abnormal respiratory events, and a consequent normalization of the patients. These findings support the use of the FOT as a versatile clinic diagnostic tool helping SBD diagnosis and treatment.

Response of automatic continuous positive airway pressure devices to different sleep breathing patterns: a bench study

Evaluating the usefulness of automatic continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in treating the sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is not easy because the algorithms for automatic CPAP implemented in the devices available are not well known and are probably dependent on the device. In addition, at present it is not possible to test the behavior of automatic CPAP devices in response to well-defined breathing patterns. Our aim was to implement a bench test to characterize the responses of automatic CPAP devices by subjecting them to breathing patterns of patients with SAHS. To this end, a variety of typical breathing patterns (normal, apneas, hypopneas, flow limitation, snoring) previously recorded in patients with SAHS during sleep were reproduced by a breathing waveform generator. Five commercially available automatic CPAP devices were tested. The responses of the devices to apneas, hypopneas, flow limitation, and snoring were considerably different. In some devices, the response was modified by air leaks similar to the ones found in patients. Consequently, the effectiveness of automatic CPAP assessed in clinical tests performed by using particular devices has no general validity. Testing automatic CPAP devices in a bench study is a useful first step in evaluating the performance of this new type of device in adjusting nasal pressure for each patient.

Diagnosis of sleep apnea by automatic analysis of nasal pressure and forced oscillation impedance

Detecting and differentiating central and obstructive respiratory events is an important aspect of the diagnosis of sleep-related breathing disorders with respect to the choice of an appropriate treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of a new algorithm for automated detection and classification of apneas and hypopneas, compared with visual analysis of standard polysomnographic signals. The algorithm is based on time series analysis of nasal mask pressure and a forced oscillation signal related to mechanical respiratory input impedance, measured at a frequency of 20 Hz throughout the night. The method was applied to all-night measurements on 19 subjects. Two experts in sleep medicine independently scored the corresponding simultaneously recorded polysomnographic signals. Evaluating the agreement between two scorers by a weighted kappa statistic on a second-by-second basis, we found that inter-expert variability and the discrepancy between automatic analysis and visual analysis performed by an expert were not significantly different. Implementation of this algorithm in a device for home monitoring of breathing during sleep might aid in the differential diagnosis of sleep-related breathing disorders and/or as a means for follow-up and treatment control.

Improvement of CPAP Therapy by a Self-Adjusting System

The first generation of Auto CPAP devices caused respiratory arousal by apnoes, hypopnoeas, incomplete obstructions and pressurechanges. The new, second generation of CPAP devices which is based on forced oscillation technique will change the pressure with slower velocity and before the respiratory arousal reaction will occur (1, 9, 10). Fifty patients with severe sleep apnoea (AHI 66+/-26 /h) were treated with both, constant- CPAP (continous positive airway pressure) or Auto CPAP under polysomnographic control in a randomised order. The Auto CPAP based on forced oscillation technique reduced the number of apnoeas and hypopnoeas as did most of the other Auto CPAP systems to AHI 2.5+/-5.9 /h (p<0.05). In comparison to Auto CPAP of the first generation it also decreased the number of respiratory arousal reactions caused by apnoeas and hypopnoeas. However there is still a significant difference to number of arousal detected with constant CPAP (p<0.01). In conclusion although the new generation of Auto CPAP reduced the number of respiratory arousals compared to first generation, we did not find a therapeutical benefit for patients with severe SAS.

New technologies to detect static and dynamic upper airway obstruction during sleep

Increase in upper airway resistance is the main patho-physiological feature in the obstructive breathing disorders during sleep. Upper airway events may be divided into two main groups: static obstruction (apneas) and dynamic obstruction (hypopneas, flow limitation, and snoring). This classification is useful to provide better information about the patho-physiological mechanisms of obstruction and to better define the diagnostic tools necessary for detecting abnormal respiratory events during sleep. Detection of dynamic obstruction requires sensors with a good frequency response. As thermistors have a poor dynamic response, they are not efficient in detecting the dynamic obstruction but are good enough to detect static obstruction. Nasal prongs (NP) connected a to pressure transducer and the impedance signal measured by the forced oscillation technique (FOT) are relatively new tools to noninvasively investigate dynamic upper airflow obstruction during sleep. FOT provides a direct index of the magnitude of airway obstruction and, therefore, of the upper airway patency, even under conditions of no flow (apneas). NP are aimed at assessing flow. Thus, both techniques have a different scope. The main advantages of NP are that they are easy to use and do not require sophisticated technology, while FOT needs a more complex instrumentation. For clinical routine studies NP are probably the best and simplest method for assessing the different respiratory events during sleep. However, FOT would be particularly useful in selected applications such as assessing upper airway patency in some central apneas; interpreting the irregular pattern of breathing during REM sleep; in better characterizing the inspiratory flow-limited breaths classified as intermediate; and in studying upper airway mechanics.

Respiratory input impedance measurement: forced oscillation methods

The paper reviews how forced oscillation techniques (FOT) for measuring respiratory input impedance Zrs,in have recently been used in clinical applications. Zrs,in is clinically relevant, as it provides data on both the resistive, Rrs, and nonresistive, Xrs, components of the respiratory system. Additionally, when excitatory test signals extending into low- (<4 Hz) or high-frequency (>100 Hz) ranges are used, reliable partitioning of lung tissue from airway components is feasible. Adult and paediatric studies examining the use of Zrs,in for routine lung-function assessment, sleep and mechanical ventilation are reviewed. For clinicians, Zrs,in repeatable and sensitive to airway resistance. It is helpful for assessing unco-operative and severely obstructed patients, for monitoring mechanics during artificial ventilation and for tracking airway closure during sleep studies. For paediatricians, longitudinal studies of the growth and development of the respiratory system can also be made using Zrs,in. Forced oscillation techniques, however, require further standardisation, and Zrs,in is limited by upper-airway shunt artifacts. In conclusion, measurement of Zrs,in using FOT is an important and sophisticated non-invasive lung-function test, showing good potential for future clinical applications.

Forced oscillation measurements do not affect upper airway muscle tone or sleep in clinical studies

Upper airway obstruction in the sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) can be easily assessed by measuring respiratory impedance with the forced oscillation technique (FOT). This methodology has been proposed as a useful clinical tool both for the diagnosis of sleep breathing disorders and for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration. However, previous studies suggest that the application of high-frequency pressure oscillation to the upper airway may induce changes in the electroencephalogram (EEG) or upper airway muscle function. The effect of FOT measurements on upper airway muscle tone and EEG in clinical sleep studies was examined. Seven patients with moderate SAHS were included (age: 54+/-11 yrs; apnoea/hypopnoea index: 43+/-21 events x h(-1); body mass index: 30+/-2 kg x m(-2)). Genioglossus surface electromyogram activity (EMGgg) and EEG signal were analysed with and without FOT application (frequency: 5 Hz and 30 Hz; peak-to-peak pressure oscillation: 1 cmH2O) during stable sleep. Measurements were carried out in two different situations. Step 1: applying FOT during episodes of obstructive events or flow limitation; and step 2: during prolonged periods of normal breathing at optimal CPAP. The root mean square of EMGgg activity and fast Fourier analysis (alpha and delta bands) of the EEG signal were performed. The application of FOT did not increase EMGgg activity in any of the situations studied. In addition, no evidence of the effects on EEG was found: alpha/delta relationship: awake:0.70, baseline sleep:0.13, FOT(5 Hz):0.18, FOT(30 Hz):0.11. The presented results suggest that the use of forced oscillation technique over the ranges of frequency and amplitude proposed for clinical sleep studies does not induce changes in upper airway muscle activity and neurological variables in patients with sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome.

An analogue instrument for the measurement of respiratory impedance using the forced oscillation technique

The successful development of non-invasive assisted ventilation via a nasal mask has led to the requirement for improved methods of monitoring the respiratory system. Measurements of respiratory impedance during assisted ventilation using acoustic methods are showing considerable promise in providing this clinical data. The method involves imposing very low amplitude acoustic oscillations onto the spontaneous or assisted respiratory airflow. The subsequent interaction with the respiratory system modifies the pressure and flow relationship of the forced oscillations. The ratio of pressure to flow can be used to measure in real time the absolute value of respiratory input impedance. As a result a versatile, non-invasive and repeatable profile of respiratory mechanics is obtained. Using a 5 Hz conventional forced oscillation frequency, data highly sensitive to airflow obstruction and capable of tracking mechanical events and responses become available to the clinician. Recent studies with ventilated and sleeping subjects confirm future potential for the forced oscillation technique in vivo. We describe an instrument named the respiratory impedance monitor (5 Hz), which utilizes the forced oscillation technique (FOT). This fully developed device is designed in accordance with agreed international clinical guidelines. Comparative clinical data from normal subjects and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is presented.

Autoadjusting CPAP therapy based on impedance efficacy, compliance and acceptance

Constant continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). To enable the pressure to be matched more accurately to actual requirements, and thus increase patient acceptance, an autoadjusting device based on the measurement of upper airway impedance was developed (APAP(FOT)). We investigated the efficacy and compliance in continuous use at home. Fifty-two patients were treated (randomized crossover) with CPAP and APAP(FOT) for 6 wk each. Respiratory disturbances, sleep profile, and arousals improved significantly with both modes (AHI: baseline, 35.1 +/- 26/h; APAP(FOT), 5.0 +/- 5.2; CPAP, 4.3 +/- 6.3; p < 0.001 baseline versus each mode). The mean pressure with APAP(FOT) was significantly reduced as compared with CPAP (CPAP, 7.8 +/- 1.5 cm H2O; APAP(FOT), 5.7 +/- 1.8 cm H2O; p < 0.001). Under APAP(FOT) the pressure was lower than that under CPAP for 81.5 +/- 21% of the time. Although overall use did not differ, 75% of the patients preferred APAP(FOT) for home treatment. We conclude that APAP(FOT) is as efficacious as constant CPAP in the treatment of OSAS. The treatment pressure can be reduced significantly, and sleep microstructure improved with APAP(FOT). These might be the reasons for patient preference of automatic therapy.

Evaluation of a simplified oscillation technique for assessing airway obstruction in sleep apnoea

The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a noninvasive method that is useful for assessing airway obstruction and for titrating continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with sleep apnoea. The aim was to evaluate the routine applicability of a simplified FOT set-up based on recording pressure and flow at the level of the CPAP device, i.e. obviating the need for connecting the transducers to the nasal mask. A correction to account for the tubing and the exhaust port was applied. This simplified FOT was evaluated on nine patients with moderate or severe sleep apnoea during routine CPAP titration. Patient impedance measured by the simplified FOT ([Z]) was compared with actual patient impedance ([Zrs]) measured simultaneously with a reference FOT based on recording pressure and flow at the nasal mask. An excellent agreement was found between [Z] and [Zrs] over the wide range of airway obstruction explored (4.8-72.1 cmH2O x s x L(-1)): [Z] = [Zrs] x 0.86 + 1.3 cmH2O x s x L(-1) (r = 0.99). Moreover, the simplified and the conventional FOT settings detected the same respiratory events during sleep. These results demonstrate that this simplified FOT is applicable for measuring airway obstruction during routine sleep studies in patients with sleep apnoea.

Prospective randomized comparison of impedance-controlled auto-continuous positive airway pressure (APAP(FOT)) with constant CPAP

Background: The measurement of impedance permits reliable detection of obstructive apneas, hypopneas and upper airways resistance syndrome.Objective: To establish whether impedance-controlled self-adjusting positive airway pressure therapy (APAP(FOT)) is equally as good as constant continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the treatment of sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).Methods: Twenty men and five women with OSAS (age 52.8+/-9.0 years, body mass index (BMI) 31.4+/-5.0 kg/m(2), AHI 32.2+/-18.1/h (mean+/-SD)) underwent baseline polysomnography, manual CPAP titration and two nights of treatment, one with APAP(FOT), one with constant CPAP.Results: With both modes, a significant reduction in respiratory disturbances was seen (apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) baseline 32.2+/-18.1/h, constant CPAP 6.6+/-8.7, APAP(FOT) 5.5+/-3.8/h, P<0.001 baseline vs. each treatment mode). Under APAP(FOT), the sleep profile was normalized (S3/4 baseline 16.3+/-13.9% total sleep time (TST), APAP(FOT) 21.6+/-10.9% TST, P<0.05, rapid eye movement (REM) 14.2+/-6.7% TST vs. 20.3+/-7.3% TST, P<0.01), while with constant CPAP, a tendency towards improvement was found. The mean treatment pressure with APAP(FOT) was significantly lower than the constant CPAP (5.7+/-2.1 vs. 8.3+/-1.6 mbar, P<0.001).Conclusion: We conclude that APAP(FOT) is at least as effective as constant CPAP in normalizing sleep and breathing in OSAS.

Sensitivity of a simplified forced oscillation technique for detection of upper airway obstruction

The sensitivity of a simplified variant of forced oscillation technique (FOT) was studied for assessment of dynamic upper airway obstruction during nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The airway impedance P[FOT] was measured by FOT and the oesophageal pressure (P(oes)) was recorded during stable stage II sleep in 11 patients with OSA. The CPAP level was initially set high enough to completely abolish upper airway obstruction. To induce gradually increasing upper airway re-obstruction, the CPAP pressure was then lowered stepwise. Thirty six such manoeuvres were analysed, blind, to define the first inspiration at which upper airway re-obstruction was detectable by analysis of P[FOT](t(FOT)) and by P(oes)(t(oes)), respectively. On seven occasions t(FOT) and t(oes) occurred together, in the remaining 29 cases t(FOT) preceded t(oes) with a mean latency of 6.0+/-7.7 (0-32) breath cycles. In no case did t(oes) preceed t(FOT). FOT is a highly sensitive tool for the assessment of incipient upper airway obstruction during nCPAP therapy.

Detection of obstructive sleep apnea by analysis of phase angle using the forced oscillation signal

Pharyngeal collapse in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is linked to decreased upper airway muscle activity. We hypothesised that decreased muscle activity causes decreased stiffness of the upper airway wall and assumed that a decrease in wall stiffness would result in a change point (CP) of the morphology of phase angle time series phi(t) obtained by forced oscillation technique (FOT). We developed an algorithm to detect CPs in &phi;(t) and investigated phi(t) data measured in parallel to all-night polysomnography in seven patients. A total of 2724 CPs were detected by algorithm. The CPs were marked on the polysomnograms and compared with polysomnogram scoring performed jointly by three sleep expert physicians. A total of 791 (67%) of the 1172 handscored respiratory events showed a CP in phi(t) within a time interval of 8 sec before and 6 sec after the marked onset. A total of 672 (57%) respiratory events were detected at an earlier time by algorithm, and 119 (10%) were algorithmically detected later. The average detection time by the CP algorithm was 4.0+/-1.1 sec earlier than the manual scoring. We conjecture that a CP in phi(t) indicates a change in upper airway collapsibility and that phi(t) might be a potentially useful parameter for detection of impending upper airway obstruction.

Avaliação de mecânica ventilatória por oscilações forçadas: fundamentos e aplicações clínicas

Requerendo apenas cooperação passiva e fornecendo novos parâmetros para análise da mecânica ventilatória, a técnica de oscilações forçadas (TOF) apresenta características complementares aos métodos clássicos de avaliação pulmonar. Neste trabalho, inicialmente é apresentada uma revisão dos princípios da técnica juntamente com uma discussão sobre suas vantagens e atuais limitações. A performance da técnica é comparada com a dos métodos clássicos na detecção de afecções respiratórias. As principais aplicações clínicas reportadas anteriormente na literatura, incluindo a avaliação da mecânica ventilatória infantil, estudos em neonatos, monitorização de pacientes sob ventilação mecânica, medicina ocupacional e avaliação de distúrbios no sono, são revisadas e discutidas. Com base na revisão efetuada e nos resultados obtidos em estudos efetuados em laboratório, os autores concluem que a TOF pode contribuir para um exame mais detalhado, assim como para facilitar a realização de testes de função pulmonar em condições nas quais as técnicas tradicionais não são adequadas.

Clinical application of the forced oscillation technique for CPAP titration in the sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome

We have previously demonstrated that upper airway obstruction in sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) can be accurately assessed in real-time by measuring respiratory impedance (|Z|) with the forced oscillation technique (FOT). The aims of the present study were: (1) to determine the feasibility of identifying the optimal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for patients with SAHS based on analysis of the |Z| signal during conventional polysomnographic CPAP titration studies; and (2) to evaluate practical issues involved in the application of FOT during CPAP titration. We performed CPAP titration in 28 patients with SAHS during polysomnography (PSG) (14 nap and 14 full overnight studies) using a FOT system applied continuously to obtain an on-line measurement of |Z|. FOT was easily implemented and was well-tolerated by the patients. Optimal CPAP levels were determined both in the conventional manner from the standard PSG titration record and during a separate blinded analysis using the FOT signal alone. The mean conventional versus FOT-based optimal CPAP values were similar for both nap studies (10.6 +/- 0.6 [mean +/- SEM] versus 11.1 +/- 0.6 cm H(2)O, respectively, p = 0. 054) and overnight studies (9.9 +/- 0.7 versus 9.9 +/- 0.6 cm H(2)O, respectively, p = 1.00). Subsequent analysis of the PSG record with the FOT signal incorporated demonstrated that artefacts in the |Z| tracing occurred during mask leak, mouth breathing, and movement during arousal. Such abnormalities were readily identified from the flow tracing. These results indicate that, for adequate interpretation, the tracing and values of respiratory impedance obtained by FOT should be evaluated in conjunction with the flow signal. Continuous FOT-guided CPAP titration is feasible and may be a useful adjunct during manual titration. FOT could also potentially serve as the basis for automated CPAP in SAHS.

Self-adjusting nasal continuous positive airway pressure therapy based on measurement of impedance: A comparison of two different maximum pressure levels

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Automatic titration using the forced oscillation technique (FOT) has recently been developed for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). So far, it is not known if therapy with automatic nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) using a preset upper pressure limitation or a free range (which might lead to higher mean pressure) is preferable with regard to obstructive events, sleep stages, and pressure characteristics.

DESIGN

After diagnostic polysomnography, patients were randomly assigned to two settings with the self-adjusting nCPAP (APAP) device based on the FOT. In mode 1, the pressure variation ranged from 4 to 15.5 cm H(2)O, and in mode 2, the pressure variation ranged from 4 cm H(2)O to an individual upper pressure limit.

PATIENTS

Eleven men, aged 53.0 +/- 6.8 years with a body mass index of 32.4 +/- 5.1 kg/m(2) and an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 31.6 +/- 26.6/h.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Manually titrated pressure was at 9.3 +/- 2.1 cm H(2)O, the mean pressure in mode 1 was 5.4 +/- 1.0 cm H(2)O (p < 0.01), and the mean pressure in mode 2 was 5.1 +/- 0.7 cm H(2)O (p < 0.01). A reduction of respiratory events (baseline AHI, 31.6 +/- 26.6/h; AHI in mode 1, 3.4 +/- 4.5; AHI in mode 2, 5.0 +/- 7.2; each with p < 0.001) and an increase in the "rapid eye movement" stage of sleep (baseline, 13.0 +/- 5.5%; mode 1, 22.0 +/- 7.7 [p < 0. 05]; mode 2, 23.0 +/- 7.9 [p < 0.01]) were achieved. In mode 1, the mean pressure was below the manual pressure 91.7 +/- 9.3% of the time, and in mode 2, the mean pressure was below the manual pressure 90.4 +/- 6.3% of the time. The manual pressure was exceeded by 5.5 +/- 7.4% (mode 1) and by 5.2 +/- 3.1% (mode 2).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that nCPAP therapy based on the FOT permits the adequate treatment of OSAS with significantly lower pressure than manually titrated nCPAP therapy does. A presetting of an upper pressure limit has no advantage compared to free range.

Pharyngeal critical pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Clinical implications

Current evidence suggests that patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may have greater pharyngeal critical pressure (Pcrit), which reflects the increase in upper airway collapsibility. The contribution of Pcrit to the severity of OSA and to the efficacious continuous positive pressure (nCPAPeff) therapy has never been extensively described and no data are available about the interaction of Pcrit, age, and anthropometric variables. To determine the relationship between Pcrit, severity of the disease, nCPAPeff, and anthropometric variables we measured Pcrit in a group of 106 patients with OSA. Pharyngeal critical pressure was derived from the relationship between maximal inspiratory flow and nasal pressure, Pcrit representing the extrapolated pressure at zero flow. Upper airway resistance (Rus) was determined as the reciprocal of the slope (DeltaPn/DeltaVImax cm H2O/L/s) in the regression equation. In a subgroup of 68 patients, during the diagnostic night, we measured as indices of respiratory effort, the maximal inspiratory esophageal pressure (Pes) at the end of apnea (Pesmax), the overall increase from the minimum to the maximum (DeltaPes), and the rate of increase of Pes during apnea (RPes). As a group, the mean Pcrit was 2.09 +/- 0.1 cm H2O (range, 0 to 4.5) and the mean Rus was 11.1 +/- 0.5 cm H2O/L/s. Although men have greater Pcrit, pharyngeal collapsibility was influenced neither by neck size nor by body mass index (BMI). Although there was a significant relationship between Pcrit and apnea plus hypopnea index (AHI) (r = 0.23, p = 0.02), neck circumference was the stronger predictor of apnea frequency, with Pcrit contributing only to the 3% of the variance. In the group of patients as a whole, a model including AHI, BMI, Rus, and Pcrit explained the 36% of the variance in nCPAPeff, with a greater contribution of AHI, Pcrit accounting for only 3% of the variation. In patients for whom the measure of respiratory effort was obtained, 42% of the variance in nCPAPeff was explained by RPes (33%) and BMI. From these results we conclude that Pcrit alone does not yield a diagnostically accurate estimation of OSA severity and nCPAPeff. Although individual collapsibility may predispose to pharyngeal collapse, upper airway occlusion may require the combination of several factors, including obesity, upper airway structure, and abnormalities in muscle control.

Respiratory resistive impedance as an index of airway obstruction during nasal continuous positive airway pressure titration

Esophageal pressure amplitude (DeltaPes), inspiratory pulmonary resistance (RLI) and inspiratory flow limitation score (FS) are used as indices of upper airway obstruction for the titration of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This study was designed to determine whether oscillatory respiratory resistive impedance at 16 Hz (RFO) might be proposed as an alternative index. Eleven OSAS patients were studied during a night of polysomnography-controlled nCPAP titration. Nasal flow (V) and airway opening and esophageal pressures (Pao and Pes, respectively) were continuously measured during nasal breathing, and forced-flow oscillations (FO) were applied for 5 min at each nCPAP level. RLI was calculated by linear regression analysis of resistive pressure versus V over inspiration. R FO was obtained by linear regression analysis of respiratory resistive impedance versus frequency. Application of FO affected neither sleep nor pulmonary mechanics. RFO correlated with RLI in all patients. RFO did not correlate with DeltaPes in two patients, and was not significantly related to FS in five patients. This study demonstrates the applicability of the FO technique in sleeping patients receiving nCPAP, and the reliability of RFO for assessing pulmonary resistance. RFO might therefore be proposed as a quantitative index of airway obstruction for nCPAP titration.

Flow-dependent positive airway pressure to maintain airway patency in sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

Airway obstruction in patients with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is due to increased critical pressure (Pcrit) of the upper airway. The ideal nasal pressure (Pn) to maintain airway patency should consist of the constant term to account for Pcrit and a term (Rn . V) proportional to flow (V) to account for the dynamic pressure drop through nasal resistance (R n). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) applied to avoid flow limitation results in a Pn greater than required over most of the breathing cycle. The aim was to assess a flow-dependent positive airway pressure (FDPAP) based on adapting Pn to the instantaneous flow: Pn = P0 + k . V. FDPAP was tested on collapsible airway models and its applicability was assessed in nine patients with SAHS during sleep. In models, FDPAP prevented flow limitation with lower mean P n and work of breathing than CPAP. In patients FDPAP allowed the patients to breathe normally with a mean Pn (6.6 +/- 1.2 cm H2O) systematically and significantly (p < 0.05, paired t test) lower than when applying CPAP (9.1 +/- 1.2 cm H2O). The results found in models and in patients suggest that adapting the applied nasal pressure to the instantaneous breathing flow may be of potential practical interest in SAHS.

Assessment of airflow obstruction during CPAP by means of forced oscillation in patients with sleep apnea

The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a noninvasive method to measure respiratory resistance (Rrs) potentially useful for monitoring upper airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (SAHS). The aim of this work was to test the clinical suitability of FOT in assessing dynamic changes in airflow obstruction in patients with SAHS during continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and to investigate the CPAP dependence of Rrs. Forced oscillation (5 Hz) was applied to six male patients with SAHS submitted to CPAP titration procedure. Esophageal pressure was measured with a balloon-tipped catheter. Mid-inspiratory resistance (Rrs,i), mid-expiratory resistance (Rrs,e), and esophageal pressure swings (deltaPes) were computed for the respiratory events recorded at each CPAP level. Rrs,i decreased markedly and significantly from 36.0 +/- 4.0 cm H2O x s/L (mean +/- SEM) at baseline CPAP (4 cm H2O) to 13.1 +/- 2.8 cm H2O x s/L at optimal CPAP (11.3 +/- 0.4 cm H2O). Rrs,e showed a faster decrease with increasing CPAP reaching normal values at approximately 8 cm H2O. Rrs,i was strongly correlated (r2 = 0.94) with deltaPes. Our results suggest that FOT can be used as an alternative to the esophageal balloon for assessing airflow obstruction in patients with SAHS and for CPAP titration. Moreover, FOT allows us to detect phasic changes in resistance within the breathing cycle.

Analog circuit for real-time computation of respiratory mechanical impedance in sleep studies

The aim of this work was to develop a low-cost circuit for real-time analog computation of the respiratory mechanical impedance in sleep studies. The practical performance of the circuit was tested in six patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The impedance signal provided by the analog circuit was compared with the impedance calculated simultaneously with a conventional computerized system. We concluded that the low-cost analog circuit developed could be a useful tool for facilitating the real-time assessment of airway obstruction in routine sleep studies.