Predictive factors and screening strategy for obstructive sleep apnea in patients with advanced multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) screening questionnaires have been evaluated in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) but not yet validated in patients with advanced disease. The aim of this study is to identify OSA predictive factors in advanced MS and to discuss screening strategies.

METHODS

Oximetry data from 125 patients were retrospectively derived from polysomnographic reports. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to determine predictive factors for OSA. A two-level screening model was assessed combining the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and a method of visual analysis.

RESULTS

multivariate analysis showed that among the clinical factors only age and snoring were associated with OSA. Usual predictive factors such as sleepiness, Body mass index (BMI) or sex were not significantly associated with increased Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI). The ODI was highly predictive (p < 0.0001) and correctly identified 84.1 % of patients with moderate OSA and 93.8 % with severe OSA. The visual analysis model combined with the ODI did not outperform the properties of ODI used alone.

CONCLUSION

As the usual clinical predictors are not associated with OSA in patients with advanced MS, questionnaires developed for the general population are not appropriate in these patients. Nocturnal oximetry seems a pertinent, ambulatory and accessible method for OSA screening in this population.

Understanding Correlation of Polysomnography Parameters with Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The aim of this study was to analyze drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) findings performed in 64 patients and to evaluate the association of DISE findings with PSG parameters. This retrospective, single center, observational study included patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) who have undergone DISE as part of surgical planning. DISE was performed using dexmedetomidine infusion. The data were documented as per VOTE (velum, oropharynx, tongue base and epiglottis) classification. The patient characteristics and level 2 Polysomnography (PSG) findings were analyzed with DISE findings. Among 62 patients, mean AHI and lowest oxygen saturation levels were 39.68 ± 27.59 and 78.36 ± 9.38, respectively. Mean ESS, SSS and PSQI levels were 10.74 ±  - 4.96, 7.73 ±  - 1.52, and 8.92 +/- 4.99, respectively. A Single level of obstruction was observed in 4.8% patients, followed by 40.3%, 43.5%, and 11.3% were found to have 2, 3, and 4 levels of obstruction, respectively. All patients had palatal involvement, followed by the oropharyngeal (88.7%), the tongue base (59.7%), and the epiglottis (12.9%) obstruction. There was no significant correlation between partial collapse at velopharynx with AHI. However, complete collapse at the level of the oropharynx (p < 0.05) and the tongue base (p < 0.001) showed a statistically significant association with AHI. Also, a significant correlation was observed between the number of sites and AHI Grade (p < 0.0001). The study helps to understand the association of different patterns and degrees of anatomical obstruction in OSA with different PSG parameters. PSG and DISE findings are complimentary to each other in treatment planning and selection of surgical procedures.

Usefulness of sleep apnea monitoring by pacemaker sensor in elderly patients with diastolic dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Automated detection of sleep apnea (SA) by pacemaker (PM) has been proposed and exhibited good agreement with polysomnography to detect severe SA. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of SA monitoring algorithm in elderly patients with diastolic dysfunction.

METHODS

Consecutive patients referred to the Caen University Hospital for PM implantation between May 2016 and December 2018 presenting isolated diastolic dysfunction were eligible for the study. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) measured by the PM, and the mean monthly RDI (RDIm), were compared to the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) assessed with portable monitor for severe SA diagnosis.

RESULTS

During the study period, 68 patients were recruited, aged of 80.4 ± 8.2 years. 63 patients underwent polygraphy with a portable monitor: 57 presented SA (83.8%), including 16 with severe SA (23.5%). Eight were treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). We found the RDI cutoff value of 22 events/h to predict severe SA, with 71.4% sensitivity and 65.2%, specificity. The RDIm cutoff value to detect severe SA was 19 events/h, with a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 66%. There was a significant reduction in RDI (p = 0.041), RDIm (p = 0.039) and AHI (p = 0.002) after CPAP. Supraventricular arrhythmias were frequent in all patients, regardless of SA severity, considering either episodes occurrence or total burden.

CONCLUSION

In a population of elderly patients with PM and diastolic dysfunction, the SA monitoring algorithm was able to detect severe SA, with good diagnostic performance values, but also to provide follow-up data for the patients treated with CPAP.

Kidney transplantation: a possible solution to obstructive sleep apnea in patients with end-stage kidney disease

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is frequently reported among patients with chronic kidney disease resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality. OSA may cause repetitive stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and elevations in pulmonary artery pressure leading to an elevated risk of cardiac and vascular complications in patients with chronic kidney disease. Furthermore, OSA is associated with progressive worsening of kidney injury and loss of renal function.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the effect of renal transplantation on the progression of OSA in patients with end-stage kidney disease.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included eight studies with a total of 401 patients. Findings showed that kidney transplantation does not lead to a statistically significant effect on the apnea-hypopnea index (MD 2.6 events/hr, 95% CI -3.2 to 8.3, p = 0.21), total sleep time (MD 14.7 min/night, 95% CI -8.4 to 37.8, p = 0.76), sleep efficiency (MD 2.5%, 95% CI -1.4 to 6.3, p = 0.57), slow wave sleep (MD 0.4% of total sleep time, 95% CI -7.5 to 8.4, p = 0.05), and rapid eye movement sleep (MD 0.6% of total sleep time, 95% CI -2.2 to 3.3, p = 0.98). There was no statistically significant effect of kidney transplantation on OSA in patients with chronic renal disease.

Revisiting the Epworth sleepiness scale : Is excessive daytime sleepiness still a valid screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea in a population at risk?

OBJECTIVE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common medical problem with numerous comorbidities and high costs. Since the introduction of the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) has been considered the most common and prominent symptom of OSA. Aim of this study was to re-evaluate the ESS for detection of OSA in a population at risk compared to the gold standard overnight polysomnography (PSG).

METHODS

A total of 266 patients (mean age 57.9 ± 11.6 years; 189 men and 77 women), referred to our sleep laboratory for probable OSA, were given ESS followed by an overnight PSG. The ESS values were compared to PSG apnea hypopnea index (AHI) with sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy (DA) calculated for ESS. The positive cut-off value for ESS was ≥ 10 and for AHI ≥ 5.

RESULTS

Only 92 (34.6%) subjects had a positive ESS. An OSA was diagnosed by PSG in 213 (80.1%) subjects: 46 having mild, 37 moderate and 130 severe apnea. Most subjects with positive ESS (88.0%) were found to have OSA but most subjects with a negative ESS (75.9%) were also positive for OSA (42% with AHI ≥ 30). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for ESS was 0.60 (95% confidence interval, CI 0.54-0.66; p = 0.020) with SE 38.0%, SP 79.3%, PPV 88.0%, NPV 24.1% and DA 46.2%.

CONCLUSION

It was found that excessive daytime sleepiness, measured by ESS, is not a valuable screening tool for OSA, especially when the test is negative. Other screening tests that involve additional parameters, beside daytime sleepiness alone, should be considered.

Oxygen desaturation index, lowest arterial oxygen saturation and time spent below 90% oxygen saturation as diagnostic markers for obstructive sleep apnea

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is associated with a high mortality, and blood oxygen indexes play an important role in evaluating this disease. The objective of this study was to explore the value of blood oxygen indexes, including minimum oxygen saturation (LSpO₂), oxygen reduction index (ODI) and time spent with oxygen saturation below 90% (TS 90%), as diagnostic markers for OSA syndrome.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 320 patients with OSA treated in Ningbo First Hospital from June 2018 to June 2021 were included and divided into mild, moderate, and severe groups according to the severity of the condition (n = 104, 92, and 124, respectively). The blood oxygen indexes as well as the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) were compared. The Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between the parameters. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to evaluate the diagnostic value of the blood oxygen indexes for OSA syndrome.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in body weight, body mass index, and blood pressure before and after sleep among the groups (P < 0.05). LSpO₂ levels followed a pattern with the severe group showing the lowest values, followed by the moderate group, and then the mild group, whereas ODI and TS 90% levels showed the opposite (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that AHI, ODI, TS 90% were positively correlated with severity of OSA, whereas LSpO₂ was negatively correlated with severity of OSA. ODI showed a high diagnostic value for OSA (area under curve (AUC) = 0.823, 95% CI: 0.730-0.917). TS 90% showed a high diagnostic value for OSA (AUC = 0.872, 95% CI: 0.794-0.950). LSpO₂ showed high accuracy in diagnostic value for OSA (AUC = 0.716, 95% CI: 0.596-0.835). The combination of the 3 indexes demonstrated a high diagnostic value for OSA (AUC = 0.939, 95% CI: 0.890-0.989). The diagnostic value of the combined signature was found to be significantly higher compared to the value of individual indexes (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The evaluation of the severity of OSA should not rely solely on a single observation index, but rather on a combination of ODI, LSpO₂ and TS 90%. This combined diagnostic signature can provide a more comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition and serve as an alternative diagnostic basis to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate clinical treatment for OSA.

"Nocturia and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: A systematic review"

Lower urinary tract symptoms represent a significant public health problem worldwide, impairing patients' quality of life, especially in elderly people. Among LUTS, nocturia is assessed as the most experienced entity related to several disorders such as sleep disorders and/or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Among OSAS patients, nocturia stands as a bothersome symptom that increases alongside with the OSAS severity. However, despite the nocturia and OSAS shared a long-acknowledged link, the causes, and the pathophysiology for development of nocturia in OSAS have remained largely unexamined. Generally, the patients with OSAS experienced nocturia due to easy waking or increased bladder filling. However, nor the effect of treatment on management of nocturia in OSAS patients are well-established.

High- and low-intensity expiratory muscle strength training in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome using non-invasive mechanical ventilation: A double-blinded, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The effects of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) with different intensity on stages of sleep were not examined in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high- and low-intensity EMST (H-EMST and L-EMST) on disease severity, sleep stages, disease-related symptoms, daytime sleepiness, fatigue severity, and sleep quality in adult patients with severe OSAS using non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV).

METHODS

Thirty-one clinically stable patients with severe OSAS were included in this prospective, randomized controlled, double-blinded study. These were randomly divided into two groups. The H-EMST group underwent training at 60% of maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) and the L-EMST group at 30% of MEP, seven days a week for eight weeks. Apnea hypopnea index (AHI), sleep stages, and respiratory sleep parameters were recorded using polysomnographic sleep analysis.

RESULTS

AHI decreased by 34.57% and 20.20% in the H-EMST and L-EMST groups, respectively. A statistically significant improvement in disease severity classifications distributions was observed in the H-EMST group after training (p = 0.016). A greater number of symptoms improved in the H-EMST. The effects of training on respiratory muscle strength, daytime sleepiness, fatigue perception, and sleep quality levels were comparable between the two groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

H-EMST training is more effective in reducing disease severity and disease-related symptoms than L-EMST. Further studies are warranted for evaluating the long-term effects of EMST with larger sample sizes in OSAS.

Acute and long-term effects of acetazolamide in presumed high loop gain sleep apnea

BACKGROUND

The acute effect during positive pressure titration and long term efficacy of acetazolamide (AZT) in high loop gain sleep apnea (HLGSA) is inadequately assessed. We predicted that AZT may improve HLGSA in both conditions.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of polysomnograms from patients with presumed HLGSA and residual respiratory instability administered AZT (125 or 250 mg) about 3 h into an initially drug-free positive pressure titration. A responder was defined as ≥ 50% reduction of the apnea hypopnea index(AHI 3% or arousal) before and after AZT. A multivariable logistic regression model estimated responder predictors. Long term efficacy of AZT was assessed by comparing both auto-machine (aREI_FLOW) and manually scored respiratory events (sREI_FLOW) extracted from the ventilator, prior to and after 3 months of AZT, in a subset.

RESULTS

Of the 231 participants (median age of 61[51-68] years) and 184 (80%) males in the acute effect testing: 77 and 154 patients were given 125 mg and 250 mg AZT. Compared to PAP alone, PAP plus AZT was associated with a lower breathing related arousal index (8 [3-16] vs. 5 [2-10], p < 0.001), and AHI3% (19 [7-37] vs. 11 [5-21], p < 0.001); 98 patients were responders. The non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM) AHI3% (OR 1.031, 95%CI [1.016-1.046], p < 0.001) was a strong predictor for responder status with AZT exposure. In the 109 participants with 3-month data, both aREI_FLOW and sREI_FLOWwere significantly reduced after AZT.

CONCLUSIONS

AZT acutely and chronically reduced residual sleep apnea in presumed HLGSA; NREM AHI3% is a response predictor. AZT was well tolerated and beneficial for at least 3 months.

Association between obstructive sleep apnea and risk for post-stroke anxiety: A Chinese hospital-based study in noncardiogenic ischemic stroke patients

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the role of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in post stroke anxiety (PSA) in noncardiogenic ischemic stroke patients.

METHODS

180 patients with noncardiogenic ischemic stroke were consecutively enrolled from January 2019 to December 2019. All patients underwent polysomnography (PSG) to assess for OSA. OSA severity was identified based on the apnea hypopnea index (AHI), i.e., no OSA (AHI <5), mild OSA (5 = AHI <15), and moderate to severe OSA (AHI ≥15). Neuropsychological assessments were performed at acute phase and 6 months later to evaluate anxiety (Chinese version of the Zung self-rating anxiety scale [SAS], and Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI]), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, [PHQ-9]), and cognition (Mini-mental state examination, [MMSE], and Montreal Cognitive Assessment, [MOCA]). Clinical diagnoses of PSA were made based on interviews and the anxiety scales. The correlations between PSA and OSA were investigated in Logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of acute-phase and 6-month PSA were 27 (15%) and 52 (28.9%) respectively. Moderate to severe OSA and post-stroke depression (PSD) were the influencing factors of acute-phase PSA. 6-Month PSA was not associated with OSA but was associated with acute-phase anxiety, education status and MOCA. Logistic regression analysis including respiratory and sleeping parameters showed that AHI and micro-arousal index contributed to acute-phase PSA.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute-phase PSA was associated with OSA severity, potentially through OSA-caused sleep discontinuity. While 6-month PSA was associated with acute-phase anxiety, highlighting the need for integration of screening for and management of OSA and PSA at acute phase.

The effect of head rotation on OSA is associated with disease severity: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Head rotation is an effective positional therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, not all OSA patients benefit from head rotation. This study aimed to explore the clinical phenotype of OSA patients who can benefit from head rotation.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 184 consecutive OSA patients who underwent polysomnography. Head rotation in supine position was determined by high-quality video recording. According to the changes in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) after head rotation, OSA patients were divided into two groups: patients with response to head rotation(HR) and patients without response to head rotation(NHR). Demographic factors and overnight polysomnography were analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared with NHR group, HR group showed significantly lower AHI (51.8 vs 31.5, p < 0.01), time spent with oxygen saturation below 90%(5.3% vs 0.51%, p < 0.01), and higher lowest oxygen saturation(80% vs 86%, p < 0.05). Logistic regression showed that AHI was an independent factor to predict the decrease of AHI in head rotation (OR 0.985, 95% CI 0.970-0.979, p < 0.05). Among mild to moderate group (AHI < 30/h), severe group (30/h ≤ AHI < 60/h), and extremely severe group (AHI ≥ 60/h), the percentage decrease of AHI in head rotation was 18.5%, 9.5%, and 2.6%, respectively. Surprisingly, the percentage decrease of AHI of 6 responders in mild to moderate group was more than 50%.

CONCLUSION

OSA patients who respond well to head rotation have less severe disease, and patients with mild to moderate OSA are more likely to improve and benefit from this position. Our research provides potential strategies and insights into the individual treatment of OSA patients.

Detection of obstructive sleep apnea in young patients suffering from coronary artery disease by performing portable polysomnography studies

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is known to be an important contributory factor of coronary artery disease (CAD), but the extent of contribution of OSA in young patients suffering from CAD is not known. Thus, with an aim to detect OSA in young patients suffering from CAD by performing portable polysomnography (PSG), the present study was carried out at a tertiary care chest center.

Methods

A prospective study was carried out from June 2015 to June 2018, wherein 100 consecutive young (age less than 40 years), non-smoking patients with angiographically confirmed CAD, with no identifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases except obesity, were subjected to level 3 portable PSG studies.

Results

Of 100 patients with CAD, 80% had OSA (24% with mild OSA, 28% with moderate OSA, and 28% with severe OSA). Body weight and severity of OSA showed a significant correlation with a P-value of 0.033. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. The categorical variables were compared using Fischer's exact test.

Conclusion

The study detected a significant number of young patients with angiographically confirmed CAD having OSA. A significant correlation was also observed between weight and severity of OSA, suggesting that overweight patients and patients with obesity have higher grades of OSA.

Baseline apnea-hypopnea index threshold and adenotonsillectomy consideration in children with OSA

OBJECTIVES

Adenotonsillectomy (AT) is the first line of treatment for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In some treatment guidelines, children with moderate to severe OSA, defined as apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5, may be recommended AT regardless of symptoms. The differences in outcomes between children randomized to watchful waiting with supportive care (WWSC) or AT were compared based on baseline OSA severity threshold of AHI≥ 5.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of the Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial, a randomized controlled trial of children with OSA aged 5-9 years who underwent AT or WWSC, was performed. The primary outcome was the change in neurocognition measured by Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment (NEPSY). Secondary outcomes included changes in behavior, symptoms of OSA, and quality of life. Outcomes were measured at baseline and the seven-month follow-up after grouping children based on whether their AHI was greater than or equal to 5. Comparisons were performed using two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) while controlling for age, sex and race. Differences in treatment effect were measured using Cohen's d.

RESULTS

Of the 397 children included, 203 received WWSC and 194 underwent AT. The treatment effects on post-randomization changes in neurocognition, measured by NEPSY in children with AHI ≥5 (Cohen's d = 0.1 [95% CI, -0.1 to 0.4]) was not significantly different from children with AHI <5 (Cohen's d = 0.1 [95% CI, -0.1 to 0.4]). Furthermore, among children in the AT group alone, the effects of AT on post-treatment changes in NEPSY did not differ based on AHI threshold (Cohen's d = -0.06 [95% CI, -0.3 to 0.2]). Additionally, the treatment effects on post-randomization changes in behavior, symptoms, and quality of life did not vary based on AHI threshold.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes of neurocognition, behavior, symptoms, and quality of life did not differ between children with OSA randomized to WWSC or AT based on OSA severity threshold alone. Additionally, the effects of AT on post-treatment outcomes did not differ based on AHI threshold.

Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in diabetic patients

Context

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-related hypoxemia stimulates release of acute-phase proteins and reactive oxygen species that exacerbate insulin resistance and lipolysis and cause an augmented prothrombotic and proinflammatory state which can leads to premature death.

Aims

This study aims to study the prevalence of OSA in diabetic patients.

Setting and Design

It was a cross-sectional study, done over a period of 1 year in a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods

A total of 149 type 2 diabetic patients were enrolled after taking written consent. All patients were subjected to STOP BANG questionnaire and patients falling in intermediate-high risk (score 3-8), were taken for overnight polysomnography to confirm the diagnosis of OSA (apnea hypopnea index ≥ 5).

Statistical Analysis Used

Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21.0 statistical analysis software.

Results

Fifty-five percent of our diabetic population were having OSA. The age of patients enrolled in the study ranged between 30 and 86 years and prevalence increases with an increase in age groups. Majority (61.7%) of our cases were males. Incremental trend in weight, body mass index (BMI), neck circumference, and waist circumference of OSA cases were found with increasing in severity of OSA. Mean levels of raised blood sugar and HbA1c were higher in severe OSA cases.

Conclusions

OSA has a high prevalence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with type 2 diabetes should be screened for OSA, even in the absence of symptoms, especially in individuals with higher waist circumference and BMI.

[Mandibular advancement device and multidisciplinary consultation of sleep-disorders]

BACKGROUND

Multidisciplinary consultation of sleep-disorders can include recommendation of a mandibular advancement device (MAD) for some patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

AIM

To assess the outcomes of patients for whom an oral MAD was prescribed following multidisciplinary consultation for OSAS in a University Hospital Center.

METHODS

All patients referred by hospital or community specialist who had visited this specialized service from December 2015 to December 2017 and to whom an MAD was prescribed were included in this study. The objective was to analyze their clinical course after this consultation and to assess the effectiveness of these devices in this population.

RESULTS

In all, 184 patients were seen by the multidisciplinary consultation between December 2015 and December 2017. An MAD was offered to 148 patients and 70 of these went on to have one. Of these 52 of them received follow-up polygraphy (PG) with it in place. This confirmed effectiveness in 18 cases (decrease of at least 50% of the AHI. The average AHI went from 34.8/hr to 22.5/hr. Sixty-five of the 148 patients were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSION

After specialized consultation on sleep-disorders, only one-third of the patients to whom an OA was prescribed had polygraphic exam. OA was less effective than in equivalent series. Correctives measures (such as a multidisciplinary standard sheet) have been set up to ensure a close follow-up of patients.

Neuromodulation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Epidemiological studies show a steady rise in the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Untreated OSA is responsible for numerous chronic health conditions, motor vehicle, and workplace-related accidents leading to substantial economic burden both to the individual and society. Multiple causes for OSA and a wide range of consequences has made its diagnosis and treatment difficult. Obstructive sleep apnea may be caused by anatomical variation, increased collapsibility of the upper airway, low sleep arousal threshold, and exaggerated response to desaturation. Lifestyle changes, anatomical corrective surgeries, and oral appliances have been used but patient compliance is poor as it interferes in the daily routine. Neuromodulation is a promising functional modifying option that addresses the cause of obstructive sleep apnea at multiple levels.

Improvement in Nocturnal Hypoxemia in Obese Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea after Bariatric Surgery: a Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a meta-analysis examining the effects of bariatric surgery on nocturnal hypoxemia in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched (the last search date was June 10, 2018) to identify relevant clinical studies. The mean arterial oxygen saturation (MeanSaO₂), nadir oxygen saturation (NadirSaO₂), apnea hypopnea index (AHI), and body mass index (BMI) data during the perioperative period were extracted and analyzed using a random effects model. Then, we performed subgroup and sensitivity analyses and calculated the publication bias to assess the between-study heterogeneity.

RESULTS

In total, 15 studies with 636 patients were included; 13 were prospective observational trials, 1 was a randomized controlled trial (RCT), and 1 was a retrospective trial. After surgery, the MeanSaO₂ and NadirSaO₂ increased by 1.36 [95% CI (0.72, 2.00)] and 1.08 [95% CI (0.68, 1.49)], respectively, and the AHI and BMI decreased by 1.11 [95% CI (0.82, 1.40)] and 1.97 [95% CI (1.67, 2.27)], respectively. However, the heterogeneity across all trials was high; we identified some of the sources of that heterogeneity through subsequent subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery is effective at improving nocturnal hypoxemia in obese patients with OSA; it also reduces body weight and the number of apnea events. More randomized controlled and comparative trials are necessary in the future to confirm our findings and to explore the potential underlying mechanisms.

Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in women: Is there any difference?- Experience from a tertiary care hospital of North India

Context:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) considered classically to be a male-dominant disease, may have significant gender-based differences in clinical presentation and diagnosis.

Aims:

To evaluate gender-based differences in the clinical profile and polysomnographic features of Indian patients with OSA.

Settings and Design:

A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 12 months involving adult ambulatory patients, referred for evaluation of OSA.

Methods and Materials:

Enrolled patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation followed by supervised polysomnography. Sleep studies were manually validated and analyzed.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Continuous variables were compared using two-tailed independent- sample t-test. For the univariate analysis, the Chi-square test was used.

Results:

Out of 150 enrolled patients, 94 (62.7%) were males (male-to-female: 1.7:1; age: 51.85 ± 12.60 years; BMI: 32.09 ± 5.53 kg/m²). Most common presenting features were excessive daytime somnolence, snoring, and easy fatiguability. Women with OSA were older than men. Insomnia and anxiety were significantly higher among females. Parameters defining sleep architecture were similar in both groups. Although obstructive apneas and hypopneas were similar, mean apnea hypopnea index was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in males compared to females with higher titratable continuous positive airway pressure.

Conclusions:

There are gender-specific differences in the clinical presentation of OSA due to various anatomical, physiological, and psychosocial factors. Their potential influence on the clinical features, natural history, and implications on treatment need further evaluation on a larger scale.

Nocturnal dialysis improves sleep apnea more than daytime dialysis: a meta-analysis of crossover studies

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature for articles evaluating differences in polysomnography (PSG) data when patients are on primarily daytime hemodialysis (conventional hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis) versus nocturnal hemodialysis (nocturnal hemodialysis or nocturnal peritoneal dialysis). Then to perform a meta-analysis on the available PSG data, specifically evaluating differences in apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and mean saturation of oxygen (SpO₂) between these two groups.

METHODS

Two authors systematically searched MEDLINE/Pubmed, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane. Searches were performed through December 6, 2018.

RESULTS

A total of four adult crossover studies (91 patients, age 50.4 ± 12.4, BMI 25.1 ± 5.3) reported PSG data. The daytime hemodialysis (DHD) and nocturnal hemodialysis (NHD) AHI decreased from 24.6 ± 18.2 to 12.6 ± 11.8 (events/hour) with a mean difference of -11.9 [95% CI -13.47, -10.37], Z score of 15.07 (P < 0.00001). The standardized mean difference was -1.35 [95% CI -2.70, 0.01]. Two studies reported mean SpO₂ changes during PSG. The DHD and NHD SpO₂ increased from 92.7 ± 2.4 to 94.7 ± 2.2 with a mean difference of 2.26 [95% CI -0.18, 4.71], Z score 1.82 (P = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

In the current literature, nocturnal hemodialysis improves AHI more than daytime hemodialysis. A trend towards improvement in mean SpO₂ with nocturnal dialysis was noted, but did not reach statistical significance. Consideration can be given for transitioning patients who have end stage renal disease and sleep apnea from daytime to nocturnal hemodialysis as an adjunct to other treatment modalities.

Single versus double suspension sutures for selected cases of obstructive sleep apnea

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results of expansion pharyngoplasty using bilateral single palatal suspension sutures (SSS) versus double suspension sutures (DSS) for the treatment of selected cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with retropalatal collapse.

METHODS

Patients were randomly categorized into two groups: the first group for whom bilateral SSS were performed and a second group for whom bilateral DSS were done. Snoring on the basis of the visual analog scale (VAS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), apnea hypopnea index (AHI), lowest O₂ saturation were assessed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively in all patients.

RESULTS

DSS provided significantly more retroplatal space (p = 0.0137) and less snoring score (p = 0.0005). While no significance difference between SSS and DSS as regard inter pillar distance (p = 0.0985), AHI (p = 0.1677), ESS (p = 0.4094), and lowest O₂ saturation (p = 0.0839).

CONCLUSION

Both SSS and DSS are simple, rapid, bloodless and effective procedures for treating OSA (in patients with retropalatal collapse) with no temporary or persistent postoperative complications. Adding the second suture in DSS could significantly enlarge more retropalatal space and reduce more snoring scale than SSS.

Anthropometric Factors in the Assessment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are related to a higher incidence of cardio-vascular diseases and mortality in patients. The aim of the study was to define the potential use of anthropometric factors for the evaluation of OSA risk in patients with diagnosed MetS. The patient group consisted of 50 obese men with MetS (mean age 49 ± 9 years). The following anthropometric indices were assessed: body mass index (BMI), neck circumference (NC), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). In addition, blood glucose and lipid profile were investigated. On the basis of polysomnography, clinical symptoms, and Epworth Sleep Scale, patients were stratified into the OSA group accompanied by MetS (n = 31) and the MetS alone group taken as control (n = 19). OSA was evaluated as severe in 26 out of the 31 patients (>30 apneic episodes per hour). We found a significantly larger NC in the OSA with MetS group then that in the MetS alone group. Further, NC associated with the increase in the apnea/hypopnea index. However, the other anthropometric indices investigated failed to differentiate the two groups. We conclude that increased neck circumference in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for the development of OSA.

Betatrophin association with serum triglyceride levels in obstructive sleep apnea patients

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep problem, in which patients are at increased risk for metabolic and cardiovascular problems, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus (DM), and dyslipidemia. Betatrophin is a novel protein that regulates fatty acid and triglyceride (TG) metabolism and is related to obesity and metabolic abnormalities, including metabolic syndrome, DM, and dyslipidemia. Although OSA and betatrophin share common abnormalities, their relationship has not been investigated.

AIM

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships among betatrophin, OSA, and the serum lipid profile.

METHODS

Ninety consecutive patients with suspected OSA underwent polysomnography (PSG) to confirm OSA. Plasma betatrophin, leptin, adiponectin, and the full lipid profile were analyzed. The patients were categorized as OSA or control based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).

RESULTS

About 61% of patients had OSA, and 39% had normal PSG. The levels of betatrophin, leptin, and adiponectin were higher in patients with OSA (256.59 ± 29.35, 374.20 ± 37.93, and 17.86 ± 2.63 μg/mL, respectively) compared to the controls (141.86 ± 26.20, 205.53 ± 14.75, and 7.52 ± 1.02 μg/mL, respectively). Betatrophin levels were correlated with the AHI, leptin (r = 0.413, P = 0.002, r = 0.782, P = 0.000). TG levels were significantly higher, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were lower, in OSA patients compared to controls (244 ± 20.33 vs. 138 ± 14.89, and 37.21 ± 1.26 vs. 43.78 ± 1.62, respectively). The TG level was correlated with betatrophin (r = 0.353, P = 0.013). Multiple regression analysis showed that the AHI, leptin, and arousals were independent predictors of betatrophin level (B = 1.70 P = 0.046 95%, B = 0.56 P < 0.005, and B = 1, 2, P = 0.003, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a complex relationship between OSA, betatrophin, TG, and HDL, as well as other adipokines. Our results require further investigation to assess this complex association and re-evaluate previous related studies.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is an independent risk factor for inflammation in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in obese Asian Indians

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been estimated to affect 4-11% of the population and causes systemic inflammation which leads to metabolic syndrome (MS). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is also associated with MS whether NAFLD is an additional risk factor for the systemic inflammation that occurs in OSA is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to analyze the association of OSA and NAFLD with MS and systemic inflammation in Asian Indians.

METHODS

Total 240 (132 males and 108 females) overweight/obese subjects [body mass index (BMI > 23 kg/m²)] were recruited; of these, 124 subjects had OSA with NAFLD, 47 had OSA without NAFLD, 44 did not have OSA but had NAFLD and 25 had neither OSA nor without NAFLD. Severity of NAFLD was based on abdomen ultrasound and of OSA on overnight polysomnography. Clinical examinations, anthropometry, body composition, metabolic parameters, and inflammatory biomarkers were recorded.

RESULTS

Serum levels of leptin, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high sensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were significantly higher, and adiponectin levels were significantly lower in OSA with NAFLD subjects. Prevalence of MS was significantly increased in OSA and NAFLD subjects (p = 0.001). There was a strong association and correlation between leptin, IL-6, Hs-CRP, MIF, and TNF-α in OSA and NAFLD subjects. Multivariate logistic regression showed that OSA was positively associated with the NAFLD [odds ratio (OR), (95% confidence interval (CL) 3.12 (2.58-7.72), (P = 0.002)].

CONCLUSION

NAFLD is an additional risk factor in OSA subject which contributes to systemic inflammation in Asian Indians.

Correlations between Waist and Neck Circumferences and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Characteristics

PURPOSE

The body mass index (BMI), an estimate of body fat, provides a rather imprecise indication of risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We examined whether other measures, including waist and neck circumference, provide improved indicators of risk in treatment-naïve OSA subjects.

METHODS

We studied 59 OSA subjects [age, 48.8±10.0 years; BMI, 31.9±6.6 kg/m²; apnea-hypopnea-index (AHI), 38.5±23.0 events/hour; sleep efficiency index (SEI, n=52), 78.6±14.4%; lowest oxygen saturation (SaO₂ nadir), 79.5±8.0%; systolic blood pressure (BP), 127.4±15.7 mmHg; diastolic BP, 80.1±9.1 mmHg; 43 male), and determined waist and neck circumferences (waist, 107.4±15.3 cm; neck, 41.8±4.7 cm), daytime sleepiness [Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), 8.7±4.6], sleep quality [Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), 8.5±4.1], depression levels [Beck depression inventory II (BDI-II), 6.6±5.7), and anxiety levels [Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), 6.2±7.2]. We used partial correlation procedures (covariates, age and gender) to examine associations between BMI, waist, and neck circumferences vs. AHI, sleep, and neuropsychological variables.

RESULTS

BMI, waist, and neck circumferences were significantly correlated with SaO₂ nadir (BMI; r=-0.423, p=0.001; waist; r=-0.457, p<0.001; neck; r=-0.263, p=0.048), AHI (BMI; r=0.349, p=0.008; waist; r=0.459, p<0.001; neck; r=0.276, p=0.038), and systolic BP (BMI; r=0.354, p=0.007; waist; r=0.321, p=0.015; neck; r=0.388, p=0.003). SEI was significantly correlated with waist circumference (r=0.28, p=0.049), but higher with BMI (r=0.291, p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

No other significant waist or neck correlations emerged. This study suggests that waist and neck measures correlate better than BMI with select disease severity (SaO₂ nadir and AHI) in OSA subjects. The findings offer an easily-measured, ancillary means to assess OSA risk.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty vs CN XII stimulation for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: A single institution experience

OBJECTIVES

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) therapy is an emerging surgical treatment for select patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study aims to compare outcomes in patients with moderate to severe OSA who underwent HNS surgery (Inspire Medical Systems) and those who underwent traditional airway reconstructive surgery, specifically uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP).

METHODS

Patients who underwent HNS implantation (n = 20), all with moderate to severe OSA, inability to adhere to positive pressure therapy, and compliant with previously published inclusion criteria, were compared to a historical cohort that were intolerant of CPAP with similar inclusion criteria who all underwent UPPP (n = 20) with some also undergoing additional procedures such as septoplasty/turbinate reduction. Data including body mass index (BMI), pre- and post-implant apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) were assessed.

RESULTS

For patients who underwent HNS, mean preoperative BMI was 28.0. Mean AHI decreased significantly from 38.9 ± 12.5 to 4.5 ± 4.8. All patients achieved an AHI < 20 post implant with 65% (13/20) with an AHI ≤ 5. For patients who underwent traditional airway surgery, mean preoperative BMI was 27.5; mean AHI decreased from 40.3 ± 12.4 to 28.8 ± 25.4.

CONCLUSION

While both traditional surgery and HNS are effective treatments for patients with moderate to severe OSA with CPAP intolerance, our study demonstrates that HNS is "curative" in normalizing the AHI to <5 in the majority of patients. For select patients, HNS therapy provides excellent objective improvement in outcome measures.

Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

BACKGROUND

One of the main challenges of surgical treatment in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is identifying the correct site of upper airway obstruction in an individual patient. Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) in sedated patients with obstructive sleep apnea is the technique of choice for revealing anatomic and dynamic collapsible areas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective cross-sectional study adult patients with OSA documented by polysomnography were evaluated by sleep endoscopy. DISE had been done by an otolaryngologist in the setting of operating room during infusion of propofol and after the start of snoring. Endoscopic findings were recorded and evaluated from the aspect of obstruction level, severity, and multiplicity.

RESULTS

Twenty OSA patients (60% men) with mean±SD age of 38.9±9.26 years and mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 26.57 kg/m2 were included in the study. OSA was severe in 11(55%) and moderate in 5(25%) subjects. Unilevel airway collapse was observed as retropalatal in 4(20%) and retrolingual in 3(15%) subjects. Multilevel collapse had been observed in the other 13(65%) patients. Most patients (65%) had multilevel obstruction especially those with BMI>30 (p<0.05). With increasing BMI, obstruction changed from unilevel to multilevel. None of the subjects showed complications with propofol or endoscopy procedure.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed DISE is safe, easy to perform, and informative in OSA patients. In particular, we observed a significant association between obesity and multilevel upper airway collapse.

Patient-predicted sleep position vs. HST data: a tendency to underestimate supine sleep

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to measure people's accuracy when they estimate what proportion of their nightly sleep at home is supine vs. non-supine.

METHODS

A series of patients referred for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) evaluation were asked if they "knew with confidence" how they slept with regard to their body position. "Yes" responders were then asked to estimate what percentage of their sleep was supine vs. non-supine. This value was compared with the actual proportion of supine vs. non-supine sleep that they exhibited in a home sleep test (HST) that followed.

RESULTS

We obtained data from 49 subjects who expressed that they "knew with confidence" how they sleep in terms of body position. Subjects in aggregate underestimated their proportion of supine sleep by 21.6% (p < .001). Thirty-nine subjects (80%) slept supine more in the HST whereas 8 (16%) slept supine less compared to their pre-test estimates. Using a common classification of OSA severity, 9 subjects (18%) demonstrated a more severe degree of OSA than would have occurred had they slept as they had predicted.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects in this study frequently underestimated their proportion of supine sleep compared to values measured in an HST. Because of the increased supine sleep they exhibited, the severity of their OSA was often greater in the test than it would have been had the subjects slept as they predicted. Sleep physicians should take into account the tendency of people to underestimate supine sleep. If patients with positional sleep apnea assert that they "always sleep laterally" when at home, they may be underestimating their true night-by-night OSA disease burden.

Does untreated obstructive sleep apnea cause secondary erythrocytosis?

BACKGROUND

The current literature suggests a relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity and hematocrit. However, the degree that OSA contributes to clinically significant erythrocytosis is uncertain. The aim of this study is to evaluate this association in a large study sample controlling for multiple confounders.

METHODS

We evaluated consecutive subjects with suspected untreated OSA using multivariate analysis to test the associations between apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and hematocrit. Subjects were evaluated with sleep studies, comprehensive sleep questionnaires, and detailed electronic medical record reviews to document their medical comorbidities, and demographic and laboratory information.

RESULTS

1604 consecutive veterans (age 57.6 ± 13.4 years, 92% male) were included in the analysis with 77.4% diagnosed with OSA. However, few included subjects (1.6%) had clinical erythrocytosis. OSA severity defined by AHI was not associated with hematocrit or clinically significant erythrocytosis. Rather, awake oxygen saturation (-0.17 points, p < 0.001) and mean nocturnal oxygen saturation (-0.08 points, p = 0.04) were inversely proportional to hematocrit (per standardized Z-score). Other factors including active tobacco, increased alcohol ingestion and exogenous testosterone therapy were associated with higher hematocrit. Although AHI was not predictive of erythrocytosis, having severe OSA was predictive of nocturnal hypoxemia (adjusted OR 7.4, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hematocrit levels and presence of erythrocytosis appear not associated with OSA severity, but rather with hypoxemia as measured by awake and to a lesser extent mean nocturnal oxygen saturation. Nocturnal oximetry may provide diagnostic utility in the evaluation of unexplained secondary polycythemia and polysomongraphy may be warranted in those with unexplained nocturnal hypoxemia and erythrocytosis.

Formula for predicting OSA and the Apnea-Hypopnea Index in Koreans with suspected OSA using clinical, anthropometric, and cephalometric variables

PURPOSE

This study developed formulas to predict obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) in Korean patients with suspected OSA using clinical, anthropometric, and cephalometric variables.

METHODS

We evaluated relevant variables in 285 subjects with suspected OSA. These included demographic characteristics, sleep-related symptoms, medical history, clinical scales, anthropometric measurements including facial surface measurements, and cephalometric measurements. All participants underwent full-night laboratory polysomnography. The prediction formula for the probability of OSA was created by logistic regression analysis and confirmed by the bootstrap resampling technique. The formula for predicting the AHI was developed using multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

The probability of having OSA was as follows: p = 1 / (1 + exponential (exp)^-f ), where f = -16.508 + 1.445 × loudness of snoring 4 + 0.485 × loudness of snoring 3 + 0.078 × waist circumference + 0.209 × subnasale-to-stomion distance + 0.183 × thickness of the uvula (UTH) supine + 0.041 × age. The AHI prediction formula was as follows: -112.606 + 3.516 × body mass index + 0.683 × mandibular plane-hyoid supine + 10.915 × loudness of snoring 4 + 6.933 × loudness of snoring 3 + 1.297 × UTH supine + 0.272 × age.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to establish formulas to predict OSA and the AHI in Koreans with suspected OSA using cephalometric and other variables. These results will contribute to prioritizing the order in which patients with suspected OSA are referred for polysomnography.

The Predictors of Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Background:

As obesity increases, the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome increases also. However, obesity hypoventilation syndrome frequency is not known, as capnography and arterial blood gas analysis are not routinely performed in sleep laboratories.

Aims:

To investigate the frequency and predictors of obesity hypoventilation syndrome in obese subjects.

Study Design:

Retrospective clinical study.

Methods:

Obese subjects who had arterial blood gas analysis admitted to the sleep laboratory and polysomnography were retrospectively analyzed. Subjects with restrictive (except obesity) and obstructive pulmonary pathologies were excluded. Demographics, Epworth-Sleepiness-Scale scores, polysomnographic data, arterial blood gas analysis, and spirometric measurements were recorded.

Results:

Of the 419 subjects, 45.1% had obesity hypoventilation syndrome. Apnea hypopnea index (p<0.001), oxygen desaturation index (p<0.001) and sleep time with SpO₂<90% (p<0.001) were statistically higher in subjects with obesity hypoventilation syndrome compared to subjects with eucapnic obstructive sleep apnea. The nocturnal mean SpO₂ (p<0.001) and lowest SpO₂ (p<0.001) were also statistically lower in subjects with obesity hypoventilation syndrome. Logistic regression analysis showed that the lowest SpO₂, oxygen desaturation index, apnea hypopnea index and sleep time with SpO₂ <90% were related factors for obesity hypoventilation syndrome.

Conclusion:

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome should be considered when oxygen desaturation index, apnea hypopnea index and sleep time with SpO₂ <90% are high.

Impact of sleep disordered breathing on carotid body size

We tested the hypotheses that: (1) carotid body size can be measured by computed tomographic angiography (CTA) with high inter-observer agreement, and (2) patients with sleep apnea exhibit larger carotid bodies than those without sleep apnea. A chart review was conducted from patients who underwent neck CTA and polysomnography at the Mayo Clinic between January 2000 and February 2015. Widest axial measurements of the carotid bodies, performed independently by two radiologists, were possible in 81% of patients. Intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.93 to 0.95 (Right carotid body: 0.93; Left: 0.94; Average: 0.95). Widest axial measurements of the carotid bodies were greater in patients with sleep apnea (n=32) compared to controls (n=46, P-value range 0.02-0.04). After adjusting for age, no differences in carotid body size were observed between the patient groups (P-value range 0.45-0.59). We conclude carotid body size can be detected by CTA with high inter-observer agreement; however, carotid body size is not increased in patients with sleep apnea.

Polysomnography results in pediatric patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea: Adenotonsillectomy vs. watchful waiting

OBJECTIVE

There is a lack of consensus and a paucity of data regarding how to best treat pediatric patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea. The objective of our study was to compare outcomes following adenotonsillectomy vs. observation in children with mild obstructive sleep apnea based on polysomnography results.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on children ages 9 months to 9 years with 2 or more polysomnograms completed at a tertiary care academic center. Children diagnosed with mild obstructive sleep apnea (obstructive apnea-hypopnea index 1-5) on polysomnography performed from 1999 to 2013 were included. Patients underwent adenotonsillectomy or watchful waiting for obstructive sleep apnea. The primary outcome was the change in apnea-hypopnea index.

RESULTS

There were 62 patients who met inclusion criteria for the study; 19 of the 62 patients were obese, while 15 had a craniofacial syndrome or hypotonia. Eighteen patients underwent adenotonsillectomy for mild obstructive sleep apnea while 44 were observed. The mean apnea-hypopnea index of patients after adenotonsillectomy improved from 3.50 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.97-4.03) to 2.69 (95% CI 1.48-3.90), while the mean apnea-hypopnea index of the observation group worsened from 3.09 (95% CI 2.76-3.42) to 5.18 (95% CI 2.46-7.90). Between-group analysis showed significant improvement in the surgery group (p=0.03), with a persistent improvement on multivariate analysis adjusting for baseline apnea-hypopnea index (p=0.05). This difference was seen mostly in non-obese, non-syndromic children (p=0.04). There was no significant difference between groups amongst obese (p=0.25) and syndromic (p=0.36) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Adenotonsillectomy leads to a significant improvement in apnea-hypopnea index on follow-up polysomnography over an observational approach, especially in non-obese, non-syndromic children. A prospective, randomized trial is necessary to help determine appropriate treatment strategies for pediatric mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea diagnosis varies with the hypopnea criteria applied

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the three hypopnea criteria, A and B from 2007 and the revised from 2012, proposed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) for scoring sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) in patients with acute stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

METHODS

Polysomnographies (PSGs) in patients with TIA or stroke were scored according to the A-, B-, and 2012-hypopnea criteria.

RESULTS

Sixty-three PSGs were eligible for hypopnea scoring. There was no difference in the number of patients diagnosed with the B- and 2012-criteria. Therefore, they are mentioned as one. Forty-seven patients (75 %) were diagnosed with SRBD using the A-criteria versus 57 patients (90 %) using the B/2012-criteria (p < 0.0016). In 30 cases, a change from A- to B/2012-criteria resulted in a change in diagnosis. Ten cases of "no SRBD" changed to mild/moderate/severe SRBD. An apnea hypopnea index (AHI) >15 is a typical indication of treatment. With the B/2012-criteria, we found an additional indication of treatment in 18 patients, compared to when the A-criteria were applied (p < 0.0001). Two of these patients were labeled as no SRBD with the A-criteria.

CONCLUSION

The difference is significant between the AHIs achieved by the A- and the B-/2012-hypopnea criteria, with much lower AHIs achieved with the A-criteria. As SRBD treatment lessens the risk of complications, correct identification of SRBD patients is of the utmost importance.

Diagnostic value of combined parameters derived from ambulatory electrocardiography for detecting coronary artery disease in non-active chest pain patients

Background and Objective: The diagnostic value of ST-segment deviation detected by ambulatory electrocardiography (AECG) is controversial in identifying coronary artery disease (CAD) referred for coronary angiography (CAG). Recently, many parameters which evaluate CAD can be derived from AECG. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of AECG in screening CAD referred for CAG when several parameters were combined.

Methods: We studied the 104 chest pain inpatients. All patients received the CAG and AECG. A lumen diameter reduction of ≥ 50% was considered CAD according to CAG. The parameters derived from AECG included ST-segment deviation, apnea hypopnea index (AHI), QT interval dispersion (QTd) and heart rate variability (HRV). The diagnostic value of AECG in screening CAD was evaluated.

Results: Of the 104 patients, 57 (54.8%) had CAD according to CAG. The sensitivity of ST-segment deviation in screening CAD was 64.9%; the specificity was 89.4%; and the Kappa value was 0.528. The sensitivity of at least three combined parameters including ST-segment deviation, AHI, QTd and HRV was 89.5%; the specificity was 87.2%; and the Kappa value was 0.767.

Conclusion: AECG is very useful in screening CAD referred for CAG, especially while several parameters including ST-segment deviation, AHI, HRV and QTd are combined.

Elevated plasma levels of soluble (pro)renin receptor in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: association with polysomnographic parameters

(Pro)renin receptor ((P)RR) is a specific receptor for both renin and its precursor prorenin. (P)RR was shown to be involved in pathophysiology of cardiovascular and renal diseases. Soluble (pro)renin receptor (s(P)RR), which is generated by furin from full length (P)RR, is present in blood. The aim of the present study is to clarify the association of plasma s(P)RR levels and the severity of OSAS. Plasma levels of s(P)RR were measured by ELISA in 58 male patients diagnosed as OSAS based on polysomnography, and 14 age-matched male control subjects. Blood samples were obtained at 6:00 a.m. just after overnight polysomnography. Plasma s(P)RR levels were significantly higher in patients with OSAS (9.0±2.0 ng/mL, mean ± SD) than in control subjects (7.4±1.5 ng/mL) (P=0.0026). Plasma s(P)RR levels showed a significant negative correlation with % stage rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (r=-0.377, p<0.005), and significant positive correlations with % stage 1 (r=0.374, p<0.005), arousal index (r=0.341, p<0.01), apnea hypopnea index (AHI) (r=0.352, p<0.01) and desaturation index (r=0.302, p<0. 05). In 12 OSAS patients with AHI ≥20, plasma levels of s(P)RR were studied after 3-month treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP). Plasma s(P)RR levels were significantly decreased after the nCPAP treatment (p=0.0016). The present study has shown for the first time elevated plasma s(P)RR levels in patients with OSAS. Plasma s(P)RR levels were associated with the severity of OSAS. Soluble (P)RR may serve as a plasma marker reflecting the severity of OSAS.

Validation of the persian version of berlin sleep questionnaire for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common but usually under-diagnosed sleep disorder. Objective diagnosis is based on polysomnography, which is an expensive test. We assessed the reliability and diagnostic accuracy of the Berlin questionnaire (BQ) in diagnosis of OSA in Iranian sleep clinic patients.

METHODS

A cross-sectional linguistic validation study was conducted on consecutive Iranian patients with Persian language attending one sleep clinic in Isfahan (Iran) were studied. Patients completed the Persian BQ (contains 10 questions in 3 categories), developed by forward-backward translation method. The patients underwent an overnight polysomnographic study at the clinic. Apneas/hypopnea index of >5/Hour was considered for diagnosis of OSA.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty seven patients (55.4% male, mean age = 52.3 ± 13.6 years) were evaluated. Sleep study confirmed OSA diagnosis in 91.7% of the studied patients. The reliability analysis of the BQ categories showed alpha Cronbach's as 0.70 and 0.50 for category 1 and category 2, respectively. BQ categories 1-3 were positive respectively in 88.5%, 67.5%, and 66.9% of the patients. The BQ and sleep study were in agreement for 82.1% of the cases. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive, and negative likelihood ratio of the BQ were calculated as 84.0%, 61.5%, 96.0%, 25.8%, 2.18%, and 0.26% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

BQ is useful as a screening test for diagnosing OSA in Iranian patients with sleep complaints; however, the test cannot be used for rolling out the OSA. Further studies on editing, modifying, and applying the BQ in a larger sample of patients are warranted in our society.

Development of Arabic version of Berlin questionnaire to identify obstructive sleep apnea at risk patients

BACKGROUND:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common, under-recognized, under diagnosed, under treated, and serious medical condition in adults. Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for diagnosis of OSA; however, prohibitive cost of the test and rarity of sleep laboratory in the Arabic nations limit its access. So, searching for another simple, economical, reliable, and valid tool for identification of OSA at risk patients is of special public concern.

OBJECTIVE:

This study was conducted to evaluate the reliability and validity of Arabic version of Berlin questionnaire (ABQ) in detection of OSA at risk patients.

METHODS:

After hospital ethics approval and formal patients consent, 100 patients were subjected to full night PSG study after their response to the developed ABQ. The patients were classified into both low (30) and high risk (70) for OSA using ABQ and validated against apnea hypopnea index (AHI). Reliability was assessed by internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha test and consistency over time using test retest correlation.

RESULTS:

The study demonstrated a high degree of internal consistency and stability over time for the developed ABQ. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the 10-item tool was 0.92. Validation of ABQ against AHI at cutoff >5 revealed a sensitivity of 97%, specificity of 90%, positive and negative predictive values of 96% and 93%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

The ABQ is reliable and valid scale in screening patients for the risk of OSA among Arabic-speaking nations, especially in resource-limited settings.