Prediction of upper airway dryness and optimal continuous positive airway pressure conditions

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the mainstay of treatment for patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, tolerance and compliance are poor.An audit using the Christchurch Hospital ORL surgery database identified patients who underwent upper airway surgery for OSA. Tracheostomy and bimaxillary advancement patients were excluded. Adults with moderate to severe OSA (Desaturation Index (DI) >10 n.h-1), who had failed atrial of nasal CPAP, and had pre-operative and post-operative sleep study data were identified. Objective (DI) and Subjective (Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS)) outcome measures were recorded.The database identified 69 patients who underwent surgery for snoring or OSA; of these, 25 patients formed the study group. Sixteen out of 25 improved (64 per cent) after surgery, seven out of 25 showed no change (28 per cent), two patients (eight per cent) showed deterioration in their DI. Forty-eight per cent of patients had >50 per cent post-operative improvement in DI. Fourteen out of 25 (56 per cent) had a post-operative DI <20 n.h-1. Seven out of 25 (28 per cent) had a post-operative DI <10 n.h-1. Upper airway surgery has a role in the managementof selected patients with OSA who cannot tolerate nasal CPAP.

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Effects of continuous positive airway pressure on upper airway and respiratory muscle activity

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/jappl.1987.62.5.2026 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 62 (5) ◽

pp. 2026-2030 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

C. G. Alex ◽

R. M. Aronson ◽

E. Onal ◽

M. Lopata

Keyword(s):

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ◽

Respiratory System ◽

Muscle Activity ◽

Airway Pressure ◽

Respiratory Muscle ◽

Positive Airway Pressure ◽

Upper Airway ◽

Afferent Input ◽

Residual Capacity ◽

Respiratory Muscle Activity

To study the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on lung volume, and upper airway and respiratory muscle activity, we quantitated the CPAP-induced changes in diaphragmatic and genioglossal electromyograms, esophageal and transdiaphragmatic pressures (Pes and Pdi), and functional residual capacity (FRC) in six normal awake subjects in the supine position. CPAP resulted in increased FRC, increased peak and rate of rise of diaphragmatic activity (EMGdi and EMGdi/TI), decreased peak genioglossal activity (EMGge), decreased inspiratory time and inspiratory duty cycle (P less than 0.001 for all comparisons). Inspiratory changes in Pes and Pdi, as well as Pes/EMGdi and Pdi/EMGdi also decreased (P less than 0.001 for all comparisons), but mean inspiratory airflow for a given Pes increased (P less than 0.001) on CPAP. The increase in mean inspiratory airflow for a given Pes despite the decrease in upper airway muscle activity suggests that CPAP mechanically splints the upper airway. The changes in EMGge and EMGdi after CPAP application most likely reflect the effects of CPAP and the associated changes in respiratory system mechanics on the afferent input from receptors distributed throughout the intact respiratory system.

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Upper Airway Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: 5-Year Outcomes

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1177/0194599818762383 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 159 (1) ◽

pp. 194-202 ◽

Cited By ~ 87

Author(s):

B. Tucker Woodson ◽

Kingman P. Strohl ◽

Ryan J. Soose ◽

M. Boyd Gillespie ◽

Joachim T. Maurer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ◽

Airway Pressure ◽

Positive Airway Pressure ◽

Upper Airway ◽

Upper Airway Stimulation ◽

Oxygen Desaturation Index ◽

Obstructive Sleep

Objective To present 5-year outcomes from a prospective cohort of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who were treated with upper airway stimulation (UAS) via a unilateral hypoglossal nerve implant. Study Design A multicenter prospective cohort study. Setting Industry-supported multicenter academic and clinical trial. Methods From a cohort of 126 patients, 97 completed protocol, and 71 consented to a voluntary polysomnogram. Those having continuous positive airway pressure failure with moderate to severe OSA, body mass index <32 kg/m2, and no unfavorable collapse on drug-induced sleep endoscopy were enrolled in a phase 3 trial. Prospective outcomes included apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index, and adverse events, as well as measures of sleepiness, quality of life, and snoring. Results Patients who did and did not complete the protocol differed in baseline AHI, oxygen desaturation index, and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire scores but not in any other demographics or treatment response measures. Improvement in sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and quality of life was observed, with normalization of scores increasing from 33% to 78% and 15% to 67%, respectively. AHI response rate (AHI <20 events per hour and >50% reduction) was 75% (n = 71). When a last observation carried forward analysis was applied, the responder rate was 63% at 5 years. Serious device-related events all related to lead/device adjustments were reported in 6% of patients. Conclusions Improvements in sleepiness, quality of life, and respiratory outcomes are observed with 5 years of UAS. Serious adverse events are uncommon. UAS is a nonanatomic surgical treatment with long-term benefit for individuals with moderate to severe OSA who have failed nasal continuous positive airway pressure.

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