Intraoral Neuromuscular Stimulation Device and Rapid Eye Movement-Dependent Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep breathing disorder characterized by recurrent pharyngeal collapse secondary to the decreased tone of the pharyngeal dilator muscles. The genioglossus muscle is a major pharyngeal dilator responsible for maintaining the upper airway. Research has shown that patients with OSA have a stronger but less endurant genioglossus muscle. Research has also demonstrated that neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the skeletal muscles in the genioglossus was associated with improvement in muscular endurance and hence improvement in mild OSA. This has led to the development of a novel intraoral neuromuscular stimulation device for treating snoring and mild OSA. It is known that OSA is worse in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep compared to other stages of sleep due to neurologically mediated impairment of skeletal muscles. What has not been demonstrated so far is if the intraoral neuromuscular stimulation device improves the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in REM sleep. Our case report highlights the significant improvement of REM-dependent OSA in a middle-aged female with consistent use of an intraoral neuromuscular stimulation device marketed as eXciteOSA® (Signifier Medical Technologies, Needham, MA).

Fall, Fracture, and Two Episodes of Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious diabetic complication that is characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and ketosis. A subset of DKA patients may present with blood glucose levels <250 mg/dL which may delay the diagnosis. This subset is referred to as euglycemic DKA (euDKA). It is generally seen in pregnancy, prolonged fasting, and the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. The recent rise in the use of SGLT2 inhibitors to treat diabetes has increased the incidence of euDKA. We present the case of a 60-year-old female on SGLT2 inhibitors who presented after a ground-level fall and was not diagnosed with euDKA until the next morning. This case was further complicated by another episode of euDKA during the same admission, suggesting that euDKA is possible even after holding the SGLT2 inhibitors for a few days.

0823 ACDF - A hidden etiology of OSA

Introduction

OSA is characterized by recurrent episodes of upper airway collapse and obstruction during sleep, leading to oxygen desaturations. Risk factors include obesity, age, sex, family history, craniofacial abnormalities, stroke, diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome. This case illustrates symptomatic and clinically proven worsening of OSA after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), which can lead to narrowing of the airspace and dysfunction of the pharyngeal plexus leading to upper airway collapse.

Report of Cases: A 49-year-old female with cervical myelopathy was evaluated in the sleep clinic for snoring, witnessed apnea, and daytime somnolence. Her Epworth score was 11, and Mallampati score was 4, suggestive of underlying sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). A home diagnostic sleep test revealed mild OSA with AHI of 6.8/hr and was started on an Auto Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) device. She then reported worsening of her cervical pain leading to decreased use of APAP and total sleep time and underwent ACDF approximately 6 months after her diagnosis of OSA was made. Post-surgery she reported mild dysphagia, frequent nighttime awakening due to a choking sensation, and an increase in snoring. Following hospital discharge, the patient was re-evaluated in the sleep clinic for these complaints. Upon review, her BMI had decreased to 33.99 kg/m2, from 37.35 kg/m2, and the only medication change was the addition of hydrocodone-acetaminophen 5-325, 1-2 times daily as needed for pain. A repeat diagnostic home sleep study showed progression of OSA to moderate severity with an AHI of 24.5/hr, with no evidence of central sleep apnea or hypoventilation. Therefore, it was unlikely that the worsening of AHI was due to opioids. Thus, it was concluded that ACDF most likely led to the worsening of OSA.

Conclusion

Although there is no strong association in medical or sleep literature, this case demonstrates a strong association between ACDF and OSA. This highlights the importance of a timely diagnosis of new-onset or reassessment for worsening OSA in patients post-ACDF to improve sleep quality and prevent morbidity.

Support (If Any)

 

Cervical Osteomyelitis, Cardiac Arrest, and Lance-Adams Syndrome: A Case Report

Lance-Adams syndrome (LAS) is a rare complication of successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation, often accompanied by action myoclonus. Myoclonus may occur as generalized, focal, or multifocal movements and can include the face, trunk, and/or extremities. Only 100 cases of LAS have been reported worldwide. Here, we present the case of a 53-year-old female who had a cardiac arrest event after being admitted for posterior cervical wound dehiscence management following a posterior cervical fusion from C3-T1. The patient was successfully resuscitated but developed action myoclonus in all extremities shortly after. Anoxic brain injury and myoclonus led to debilitation and prolonged hospital stay. During her inpatient stay, she was treated with clonazepam, levetiracetam, and sodium valproate with mild improvement.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Hidden Etiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a common variant of sleep-disordered breathing, is characterized by repeated complete or partial collapse of upper airways during sleep, leading to oxyhemoglobin desaturations. The obstruction may be iatrogenically induced in patients undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF). Damage to the pharyngeal plexus during the procedure may predispose to a new collapse of the upper airway, and the placement of the hardware for the fusion may lead to further narrowing of the upper airway. Literature does not exist associating this possible etiology prospectively. The association of ACDF and OSA has only been retrospectively documented by Guiilleminault and associates. We are reporting a case of a 49-year-old female who was evaluated pre and post surgery and established the evidence of worsening OSA in a patient who underwent ACDF.

Cytomegalovirus-Induced Pericarditis, Pulmonary Embolism, and Transaminitis in an Immunocompetent Patient

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a global virus with a high prevalence that usually manifests in immunocompromised patients, with significant morbidity and mortality. Though fairly common in immunocompetent patients admitted in the intensive care units, the infection is usually subclinical. Healthy individuals either have a subclinical course or exhibit a mild mononucleosis-like syndrome. Due to this, little attention has been given to morbidity and mortality that CMV infection may lead to in immunocompetent patients. We report a case of a 55-year-old immunocompetent female with no significant history who was admitted to our medical service with pericarditis, complicated by a right pulmonary embolism. Infectious workup revealed CMV as the cause for the presenting symptoms.

Tramadol Induced Jerks

Myoclonus is a sudden, involuntary jerking of a muscle or a group of muscles. Myoclonus may present in form of a pattern or, sporadically and infrequently. It is usually associated with neurological disorders such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis or infections, and tumors of the central nervous system. Myoclonus is not commonly known to be caused by tramadol. We present a case of a 59-year-old male who developed myoclonus in the muscles of his trunk, 10 days after initiating tramadol for chronic pain. The myoclonus disappeared after withholding the medication. The purpose of this case report is to make clinicians aware of a rare reversible side effect from the use of tramadol.

The Many Fronts of Battling Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder during sleep secondary to collapsing upper airways that leads to a significant decrease or a complete cessation of airflow despite an effort to breathe. As the name suggests, an obstruction, likely caused by an inherited narrow airway, is the most common cause. But there are less known factors that may contribute to the worsening of OSA. We present a case of very severe OSA contributed by weight gain, opioid use, and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), in addition to a genetically narrow airway. This case highlights the importance of battling OSA on many different fronts. Our patient eventually was able to stop positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, once the contributing factors were addressed appropriately.

Paradoxical Insomnia in a Frustrated Patient Treated With Hypnotics for Ten Years

Insomnia remains a common complaint for which patients present to their primary care providers. The reflex response by most primary care providers to treat insomnia is by prescribing hypnotics. The most commonly prescribed hypnotic is a sedative, such as a benzodiazepine or a benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BRZA). Paradoxical insomnia is a subtype of insomnia described as a complaint of severe insomnia disproportional to the presence of objective sleep disturbance or daytime impairment. Previously known as sleep-state misperception, this subtype of insomnia is not well known among the primary care community. We present a case of a 60-year-old female who had been prescribed multiple hypnotics for over 10 years and presented to our sleep clinic frustrated due to failure of treatment with each medicine. She was eventually diagnosed with paradoxical insomnia after an evaluation of her sleep parameters. This was effectively treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy. This case report aims to raise awareness of this subtype of insomnia in patients at the primary care level and to help minimize the use of hypnotics.

0646 Evaluation of Increased CPAP Compliance After Electronic Learning Video Aimed at Troubleshooting Common CPAP Related Problems

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) is a common diagnosis associated with immediate and long-term health consequences. Due to increasing awareness, the demand for treatment with CPAP is increasing. However, CPAP compliance remains a problem, and may be improved by initial patient education targeted at common CPAP problems

Methods

A 10 min video depicting common CPAP related problems was created in the Mayo Clinic Florida Simulation Center using standardized patients. Newly diagnosed patients with OSA requiring CPAP were randomized into two arms: (i) the intervention arm was shown the video and received standard of care; or (ii) in the “placebo” or standard of care alone. Our standard of care includes a review of the sleep study, discussion of diagnosis and recommendation for CPAP therapy along with Mayo OSA information packet, followed by compliance visit at 3 months. Compliance is defined as &gt;4 hours of CPAP use per night gathered from machine’s SD card. The two groups were compared for statistically significant difference in compliance at 3 months.

Results

47 patients diagnosed between 10/2018-5/2019 were included in the study(21:intervention, 26:placebo). 7 (33%) and 7 (26%) patients in the intervention and the placebo came back for follow up visit (p=0.63). Among them, median CPAP usage was 362.5 min (236.0, 480.0) in intervention arm vs 351.0 min (125.0, 466.0) in placebo group and the difference was not significant. Average nightly use of &gt;than 4 hours was 12(57.1%) in the intervention group and 17(65.4%) in placebo group.

Conclusion

In this group addition of an educational video to standard of care did not show benefit in CPAP compliance. There was a tendency toward greater median nightly usage. Patients receiving the video had a higher likelihood of making their follow up appointment which is pivotal, as it provides an opportunity for further intervention and enhancement of adherence.

Support

Mayo Clinic Jacksonville

‘Shawl Sign’ as a Paraneoplastic Dermatosis

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic condition characterized by inflammation of muscles and skin lesions. It is often a paraneoplastic manifestation of internal malignancy. Hence, early recognition of this disorder is important. Although not all dermatomyositis are associated with malignancies, the ones with such association regress with the treatment of associated malignancy. In clinical practice, symptoms of muscle weakness can be vague, and skin lesions can be dismissed as sunburn. We present a case of an elder adult female who presented with dermatomyositis as a paraneoplastic syndrome secondary to an underlying Mullerian malignancy.

New Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy Complicated by Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common variant of sleep-disordered breathing that often goes undiagnosed. OSA is characterized mainly by anatomical obstruction or partial collapse of upper airways during sleep. The obstruction is multifactorial, and a lesser-known fact is that damage to the pharyngeal plexus during head and neck procedures or placement of hardware in the cervical area can lead to narrowing or collapse of the upper airway. We present such a case of a 59-year-old female who developed new-onset OSA after undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The severity of OSA worsened with the progression of her rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the cervical region. This case report aims to raise awareness of such an association among clinicians to enable them to screen appropriate patients for sleep-disordered breathing and treat them accordingly.

Clinician Beware, Giant Ovarian Cysts are Elusive and Rare

Giant ovarian cysts, which are described in the literature as measuring more than 10 cms in size in their largest diameter, are rare in occurrence. With the availability of multiple imaging modalities and routine physical examinations, it has become even rarer to find such cases. Ovarian serous cystadenomas, which are benign tumors arising from the ovarian epithelium, represent the most common type.

We present a case of a 58-year-old female who came to establish primary care in our clinic. She reported ongoing symptoms of constipation, abdominal discomfort, bloating, as well as intermittent postmenopausal bleeding for the past few months. The patient reported taking over-the-counter medications for her predominant gastrointestinal symptoms with no improvement at all.

Transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis revealed the presence of giant bilateral ovarian masses measuring more than 17 X 10cms each. Further testing revealed highly elevated levels of tumor markers cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) and human epididymis protein 4 (HE-4). The patient subsequently underwent total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO). Her histopathology report revealed the presence of bilateral benign cystadenomas.

From a primary care physician's perspective, this case highlights the importance of possible rare pathologies that can present with symptoms of a completely unrelated organ system. Even with the rarity of these cases, a clinician may encounter such a case in their everyday practice. Patients can endorse a plethora of vague complaints, often masquerading other entities seen commonly in the clinic.

Improving medication reconciliation at hospital admission, discharge and ambulatory care through a transition of care team

Medication reconciliation is an important component to the care of hospitalised patients and their safe transition to the ambulatory setting. In our Family Medicine Hospitalist Service, patient care is frequently transferred between the various physicians, residents, nurses and eventually to a separate group of providers who provide ambulatory management. Due to frequent transitions of care, there was no clear ownership of the medication reconciliation process. To improve the medication reconciliation process, a Transition of Care Team composed of registered nurses was created to oversee the entire reconciliation process. The team engaged the patient and their family, when needed, contacted patients’ pharmacies and their providers, reconciled the patients’ hospital medication list with the ambulatory list at hospital admission and within 24 hours of discharge, and attended the hospital follow-up visit to verify medications and provide continuity of care. Implementation of the team allowed for additional investigative resources, redundancy in preventing errors and early recovery should an error occur. The percent of medications with error after implementation of the Transition of Care Team was reduced from 131/386 (33.9%) to 147/787 (18.7%) at hospital admission, 81/354 (22.9%) to 42/834 (5.0%) at discharge and 43/337 (12.8%) to 6/809 (0.7%) at follow-up visit (two proportion tests, p<0.001). In addition, the percent of charts without any errors improved at hospital discharge from 8/31 (25.8%) to 46/70 (65.7%) and at hospital follow-up visit from 16/31 (51.6%) to 64/70 (91.4%) (two-proportion test, p<0.001). Previously viewed as three separate reconciliations occurring at admission, discharge and hospital follow-up, the approach to medication reconciliation was reframed as a continuous process occurring throughout the hospitalisation and hospital follow-up resulting in improved reconciliation accuracy and safer transitions to the ambulatory setting.