Profile of Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Initial Experience in a Tertiary Health Facility.

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder with increasing prevalence worldwide. The disease is, however, underdiagnosed in many resource-limited countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa with unknown prevalence. Study aim The aim of this study was to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as measured sleep study parameters of suspected OSA patients. Methods The study was a retrospective review of the clinical characteristics and home sleep study reports of patients seen at the respiratory and sleep clinic from January 2020 to June 2022. Descriptive statistics such as means, medians, and percentages were employed to summarize the data using tables and graphs. Spearman correlation coefficient and Fisher's exact test were used to determine associations between the variables. Findings The study participants were predominantly male, and 64.7% were ≥50 years of age. Approximately 76% of the cases had moderate-to-severe OSA based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) scores with a mean BMI of 38.4kg/m2 and 43.1kg/m2, respectively (p=0.013), and a mean STOP-BANG score of 5.2 and 6.2, respectively (p <0.001). There was a positive correlation between AHI scores and BMI of the patients (r=0.252, p=0.003), as well as with their STOP-BANG scores (r=0.436, p< 0.001). Oxygen desaturation index (ODI) parameters of participants also positively correlated with the AHI scores (r=0.872, p<0.001). Conclusion The proportion of patients with moderate-to-severe OSA was high. Obesity was significantly associated with AHI scores, which also positively correlated with the STOP-BANG and ODI scores. These results suggest that the burden of OSA, which is closely linked with obesity, could be underestimated in Ghana and requires epidemiological studies in the very near future to clearly define and anticipate its impact on the health economy of Ghana.

Endoscopic duodenal-jejunal bypass liner treatment of moderate obstructive sleep apnoea-A pilot study.

We aimed to assess the extent to which people with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, obesity (BMI 30-45 kg/m2) and moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) requiring continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (CPAP) were able to discontinue CPAP following EndoBarrier-related weight loss. We assessed sleep and metabolic parameters before, during and after EndoBarrier in 12 participants with moderate OSA requiring CPAP (75% female, 8/12 [66%] type 2 diabetes, 4/12 [34%] prediabetes, mean ± SD age 52.6 ± 9.7 years, BMI 37.4 ± 3.5 kg/m2, median duration of OSA while on CPAP 9.0 [7.0-15.0] months). With EndoBarrier in-situ, mean ± SD Apnoea Hypopnoea Index (AHI) fell by 9.1 ± 5.0 events/h from 18.9 ± 3.8 to 9.7 ± 3.0 events/h (p < .001) with an associated reduction in symptoms of daytime sleepiness (mean Epworth Sleepiness Score) such that all the 12 participants no longer required CPAP according to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence criteria. After EndoBarrier removal, 10/12 (83%) patients attended follow-up and at 12 months after removal, AHI remained below 15 in 5/10 (50%) patients but in other five the AHI rose above 15 such that restarting CPAP was recommended as justified by their symptoms. Rather than restart CPAP, two patients lost the regained weight and their AHI dropped below 15 again. Thus, 7/10 (70%) of patients were able to remain off CPAP 12 or more months after EndoBarrier removal. These results demonstrate major benefit of EndoBarrier in moderate OSA, allowing all patients to discontinue CPAP during treatment, and with maintenance of improvement at follow-up in 70%. They confirm previously demonstrated metabolic improvements in diabetes and obesity.

Mandibular movement monitor provides faster, yet accurate diagnosis for obstructive sleep apnoea: A randomised controlled study.

Many patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) remain undiagnosed and thus untreated, and in part this relates to delay in diagnosis. Novel diagnostic strategies may improve access to diagnosis. In a multicentre, randomised study, we evaluated time to treatment decision in patients referred for suspected OSA, comparing a mandibular movement (MM) monitor to respiratory polygraphy, the most commonly used OSA detection method in the UK. Adults with high pre-test probability OSA were recruited from both northern Scotland and London. 40 participants (70 % male, mean±SD age 46.8 ± 12.9 years, BMI 36.9 ± 7.5 kg/m2, ESS 14.9 ± 4.1) wore a MM monitor and respiratory polygraphy simultaneously overnight and were randomised (1:1) to receive their treatment decision based on results from either device. Compared to respiratory polygraphy, MM monitor reduced time to treatment decision by 6 days (median(IQR): 13.5 (7.0-21.5) vs. 19.5 (13.7-35.5) days, P = 0.017) and saved an estimated 29 min of staff time per patient.

Prevalence survey and psychometric measurement of vertigo and dizziness in individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and psychometric properties of vertigo and dizziness in an obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) population. METHODS: Five hundred and twelve OSA patients and 53 controls were enroled. All eligible subjects were asked to complete the basic information questionnaire, the Chinese version of Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living (VADL-C), the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale. RESULTS: Among 512 enroled OSA patients, a 22.46% (115) prevalence of vertigo and dizziness was found. The scores of the VADL-C, DHI and ABC of the study group were significantly worse (p < .001) than those of the control group, while the abnormal rates of the three scales in the study group were higher than those of the control group. In the study group, the results of the VADL-C were correlated with those of the DHI (r = .55, p < .001) and inversely correlated with those of the ABC (r = -.50, p < .001), and the results of the DHI were inversely correlated with those of the ABC (r = -.60, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of vertigo and dizziness in the OSA population was detected. Psychometric results showed that vertigo and dizziness in OSA patients led to changes in activities of daily living, increased frequency of somatic symptoms, and reduced balance confidence. In the diagnosis and treatment of OSA patients, the occurrence of vertigo and dizziness is worth clinicians' attention.

The Impact of Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists on Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and associated hypopnoea syndromes are chronic conditions of sleep-disordered breathing with significant sequelae if poorly managed, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and increased mortality. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) have recently garnered significant interest as a potential therapeutic, attributed to their durable effects in weight loss and glycaemic control in metabolic syndromes, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This has led to significant investment into companies that produce these medications and divestment from traditional gold standard methods of OSA management such as continuous positive airway pressure machines. Despite these sentiments, the impacts of these medications on OSA outcomes are poorly characterised, with no high-quality evidence at this stage to support this hypothesis. This scoping review therefore aims to address the research question of whether GLP-1RAs lead to a direct improvement in OSA and associated hypopnoea syndromes. METHODS: A scoping review was performed following a computer-assisted search of Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central databases. Papers that evaluated the use of GLP-1RA medications related to sleep-disordered breathing, OSA or other sleep-related apnoeic or hypopnoeic syndromes were included. RESULTS: Literature search and evaluation identified 9 articles that were eligible for inclusion. Of these, 1 was a study protocol, 1 was a case report, 1 was an abstract of a randomised controlled trial (RCT), 1 was a non-randomised clinical trial and the remaining 5 were randomised clinical trials of variable rigour. All studies evaluated the outcomes of GLP-1RAs in patients with diagnosed OSA or symptoms suggestive of this condition. CONCLUSION: This scoping review identified early evidence to suggest that GLP-1RAs may improve OSA as defined by reduction in apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI). This evidence is however conflicting due to contradicting results demonstrated from other studies. Overall, these medications were tolerated well, with minor gastrointestinal side-effects reported in some cases. Of all included studies, the quality of evidence was low, with short lengths of follow-up to identify durable effects of these medications on OSA outcomes and identify adverse events. More rigorous, RCTs with sufficient length of follow-up are required before consideration of formalising these medications into OSA treatment guidelines, frameworks and policies are warranted.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Shrouded High-Risk Association for Development of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy.

Background: This objective of this study was to diagnose Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) in pregnant women using Questionnaire-based methods and to determine any association of Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) with Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy (HDP). Additionally, the study aimed to identify factors associated with OSA. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in department of Obstetrics in tertiary care hospital in Delhi. We Identified SDB using Berlin Questionnaire and Modified Stop-Bang Questionnaire in 100 pregnant women with Hypertension and 100 normotensive controls. We compared the groups using appropriate statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of women with HDP (25.46 ± 4.38) was found to be slightly higher than controls (24.13 ± 3.89) (p value-0.02). Sleep apnoea as depicted by the presence of either high-risk STOP Bang or Berlin score was seen more often in hypertensive women in 45% as compared to controls in 8% (p value < 0.001). Higher pre-pregnancy weight (58.58 ± 9.77 vs. 53.0 ± 6.59), higher BMI (24.03 ± 5.89 vs. 20.68 ± 1.49), higher mean neck circumference (14.97 vs. 14.27 inches) weight gain more than 11 kg during pregnancy (55.6% vs. 38.2%) were the high-risk factors more commonly associated with SDB as seen in women with OSA in hypertensive women. On logistic regression analysis, the presence of OSA was singularly responsible for development of Hypertension (Odds Ratio-13.014, 95% CI 5.237-32.337) (p value < 0.001). Conclusion: Gestational hypertension appears to be strongly associated with the presence of obstructive sleep apnoea. The recognition and treatment of OSA during pregnancy may lead to improved outcomes.

Association between obstructive sleep apnea and resistant hypertension: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a chronic disorder characterized by recurring episode obstruction and collapse of upper airways during sleep, leading to hypoxia and sleep disruption. OSAS is commonly associated with an increased prevalence of hypertension. The underlying mechanism in OSA with hypertension is related to intermittent hypoxia. This hypoxia induces endothelial dysfunction, overactivity of sympathetic effects, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation. Hypoxemia triggers the sympathetic process's overactivity, leading to the development of resistant hypertension in OSA. Thus, we hypothesize to evaluate the association between resistant hypertension and OSA. Methods: The PubMed, ClinicalTrails.gov, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct databases were searched from 2000 to January 2022 for studies demonstrating the association between resistant hypertension and OSA. The eligible articles underwent quality appraisal, meta-analysis, and heterogeneity assessment. Results: This study comprises seven studies, including 2,541 patients ranged from 20 to 70 years. The pooled analysis of six studies demonstrated that OSAS patients with a history of increased age, gender, obesity, and smoking status are at an increased risk for resistant hypertension (OR: 4.16 [3.07, 5.64], I2:0%) than the non-OSAS patients. Similarly, the pooled effect demonstrated that patients with OSAS were at an increased risk of resistant hypertension (OR: 3.34 [2.44, 4.58]; I2:0%) than the non-OSAS patients when all associated risk factors were adjusted using multivariate analysis. Conclusion: This study concludes that OSAS patients with or without related risk factors demonstrated increased risk for resistant hypertension.

Peri-operative outcomes of bariatric surgery in obstructive sleep apnoea: a single-centre cohort study.

Background: The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is increasing worldwide. Bariatric surgery is an option where conventional measures to achieve weight loss fail. We compared peri-operative outcomes in patients living with obesity with and without OSA undergoing bariatric surgery. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing bariatric surgery at a tertiary referral centre. Data were extracted from electronic patient records. Primary outcomes were the rate of peri-operative complications and level of respiratory support. Secondary outcomes were length of stay (LOS), and the highest level of care required. Results: A total of 302 patients underwent surgery [age 47 (±11.6) years, 238 (78.8%) female, body mass index (BMI) 48.1 (±7.8) kg/m2]. A total of 101 (33.4%) patients had moderate or severe OSA, or mild OSA with significant sleepiness, and were prescribed continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), whilst 201 (66.6%) had mild OSA without symptoms or no OSA and weren't. Patients requiring CPAP were more obese (BMI 50.2 vs. 47.0 kg/m2, P=0.002). Complications were analysed individually and according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The incidence of each individual complication did not differ between groups. When grouped into Clavien-Dindo grades, only grade I complications differed: CPAP 9% vs. non-CPAP 2.6%, P=0.02). LOS was longer in the CPAP group [3 (1.5) vs. 2 (1.0) days, P=0.002]. Conclusions: The rate of peri-operative complications in patients with OSA undergoing bariatric surgery is low and can be addressed by the provision of CPAP therapy in most cases. However, a longer LOS and more frequent Grade I complications requires selection of appropriate post-operative monitoring.

The effect of a change from face-to-face to remote positive airway pressure education for patients with sleep apnoea during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic: a prospective cohort study.

Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and national lockdowns necessitated a change in service delivery including positive airway pressure (PAP) education protocols, with no data on how this may impact subsequent PAP adherence. We aim to quantify adherence of PAP initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic and compare the effects of remote versus face-to-face (FTF) education in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Methods: This prospective cohort study in a tertiary National Health Service (NHS) hospital sleep disorders centre in London, United Kingdom, included 141 patients aged >18 years with newly diagnosed OSA initiating PAP during the COVID-19 pandemic; 71 patients receiving standard FTF education compared to 70 patients educated on PAP remotely at the start of lockdown. Results: Adherence over a consecutive 30-day period within the first three months of PAP usage was measured, secondary outcomes included average nightly usage, usage per nights used, percentage of nights used, and percentage of nights used for ≥4 hours. In 141 patients (two-thirds male, 56% of at least 45 years of age and 48.9% sleepy at baseline), 114 patients (81%) were diagnosed with moderate or severe OSA. 54 patients (38.3%) achieved good adherence (≥70% of nights with ≥4 hours usage), with an average of 4.7 hours of PAP usage per night used. Patients receiving FTF PAP education had a comparable level of good adherence (38% versus 38.6%, P=0.915), and hours per nights used (4.7 versus 4.6 h/night, P=0.711) to remotely educated patients. More severe OSA, lower mask leak, and a nasal mask were associated with achieving good PAP adherence. Conclusions: PAP adherence of newly diagnosed individuals with OSA during the COVID-19 pandemic was modest at 38.30%, and not significantly affected by remote PAP education delivery.

Cost-minimisation analysis of polysomnography and pulse oximetry in a risk stratification protocol for paediatric adenotonsillectomy.

BACKGROUND: Severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with increased risk of respiratory compromise in the post-operative period following adenotonsillectomy (AT). This study analyses the economic cost of polysomnography or overnight oximetry as part of pre-operative risk stratification in paediatric AT, supplementing previously published research demonstrating the efficacy of this protocol in predicting respiratory complications. METHODS: This cost-minimisation analysis examines costs associated with pre-operative overnight oximetry and polysomnography in triaging paediatric patients older than 2 years old, with no major comorbidities except for OSA, undergoing AT for OSA (n = 1801) to either a secondary or quaternary Australian hospital. Decision analysis modelling via probability trees were utilized to estimate pre- and peri-operative costs. A third hypothetical 'no investigation' model based upon conducting all AT at a secondary hospital was performed. Costs are derived from the financial year 2020-2021, censored at discharge. RESULTS: The total cost per patient of AT including pre-operative investigations of oximetry and polysomnography, and associated inpatient costs, were AUD4181.34 and 5013.99 respectively. This is more expensive compared to a hypothetical no-investigation model (AUD3958.98). CONCLUSION: Within the scope of this partial economic evaluation, this study finds a small additional cost for a model of care involving overnight oximetry as a pre-operative triage tool, balanced by the reduced cost of care in a lower acuity centre for low-risk patients and potential high cost of complications if all children are treated in a low acuity centre. This supports oximetry in peri-operative risk stratification for paediatric AT from a financial perspective.

Sleep and Mental Health Issues in Current and Former Athletes: A Mini Review.

Sleep and mental health are important aspects of human health that work concurrently. However, sleep and mental health disorders are often overlooked and undiagnosed in sport due to the negative stigma associated with them. Evidence suggests that athletes are disproportionately affected by mental health issues and sleep problems. Internal and external pressures contribute to psychological distress. Variable competition times, travel and stress are detrimental to sleep quality. Retirement from sport can deteriorate sleep and psychological wellbeing, particularly for those who retired involuntarily and identify strongly with their athletic role. When untreated, these issues can manifest into a range of clinical disorders. This is concerning, not only for compromised athletic performance, but for general health and wellbeing beyond sport. Previous research has focussed on sleep and health independently among currently competing, or former, athletes. To date, no research has comprehensively assessed and compared sleep complaints and mental health issues between these two cohorts. Moreover, research has failed to obtain data across a variety of different competition levels, sports, and genders, leaving the current scope of the literature narrow. Comorbid conditions (e.g., concussion history, obesity), ex-college athletes, and mental health has been the focus of existing literature post-retirement. Future research would benefit from employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to comprehensively assess the prevalence and severity of sleep and mental health disorders across current and retired athletes. Research outcomes would inform education strategies, safeguarding athletes from these issues by reducing negative stigmas associated with help-seeking in sport and ultimately increase self-guided treatment.

Cardiovascular outcomes in patients with COPD-OSA overlap syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are prevalent respiratory conditions that are independently associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is not clear from current evidence whether COPD-OSA overlap syndrome confers an additive risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether CVD was more prevalent in patients with overlap syndrome compared to either condition alone. We searched four electronic databases, screened 1826 records against the inclusion criteria. After screening, 18 retrospective, observational studies involving 4613 overlap patients, 16,046 OSA patients and 1679 COPD patients met the inclusion criteria. A random-effects meta-analysis of five studies (I2 = 61%) showed that overlap was associated with a significantly higher risk of hypertension compared to patients with COPD alone (OR = 1.68, 95%CI 1.21-2.35). Overlap was also associated with an increased risk of peripheral vascular disease compared to OSA alone (OR = 3.30 95%CI 2.66-4.10), with a subset of studies also suggesting an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, and cerebrovascular disease. However, it is worth noting that the findings are limited by the considerable heterogeneity of the studies, all of which were observational and retrospective in nature. This review highlights that patients with overlap syndrome have a high prevalence of CVD with some suggestion of an increased risk compared to patients with either condition alone.

Coronary computed tomography angiography-based assessment of vascular inflammation in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea and coronary artery disease.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with increased coronary artery disease (CAD) plaque burden, but the role of vascular inflammation in this relationship is unclear. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) enables surrogate assessment of systemic inflammation via subcutaneous adipose tissue attenuation (SCAT-a), and of coronary inflammation via epicardial adipose tissue volume and attenuation (EAT-v and EAT-a) and pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation (PCAT-a). We investigated whether patients with severe OSA and high plaque burden have increased vascular inflammation. Methods: Patients with overnight polysomnography within ≤12 months of coronary CTA were included. Severe OSA was classified as apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) >30. High plaque burden was defined as a CT-adapted Leaman score (CT-LeSc) ≥8.3. Patients with both severe OSA and high plaque burden were defined as 'Group 1', all other patients were classified as 'Group 2'. ScAT, PCAT and EAT attenuation and volume were assessed on semi-automated software. Results: A total of 91 patients were studied (59.3±11.1 years). Severe OSA was associated with high plaque burden (P=0.02). AHI correlated with CT-LeSc (r=0.24, P=0.023). Group 1 had lower EAT-a and PCAT-a compared to Group 2 (EAT-a: -87.6 vs. -84.0 HU, P=0.011; PCAT-a: -90.4 vs. -83.4 HU, P<0.01). However, among patients with low plaque burden, EAT-a was higher in the presence of severe OSA versus mild-moderate OSA (-80.3 vs. -84.0 HU, P=0.020). On multivariable analysis, severe OSA and high plaque burden associated with EAT-a (P<0.02), and severe OSA and high plaque burden (P<0.01) and hypertension (P<0.01) associated with PCAT-a. Conclusions: EAT and PCAT attenuation are decreased in patients with severe OSA and high plaque burden, but EAT attenuation was increased in patients with severe OSA and low plaque burden. These divergent results suggest vascular inflammation may be increased in OSA independent of CAD, but larger studies are required to validate these findings.

Aggravating effect of obstructive sleep apnoea on left ventricular remodelling and function disorder in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a case-control study by 3D speckle tracking echocardiography.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the early alterations of left ventricular (LV) structure and function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with or without obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) using 3 D speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE). METHODS: Eighty T2DM patients with preserved LVEF were included, half of whom had OSA as co-morbidity. Forty age- and sex-matched controls were also enrolled. LV structure and function were evaluated by conventional echocardiography and 3DSTE. LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global area strain (GAS), and global radial strain (GRS) were all measured by 3DSTE. RESULTS: Four geometric patterns (normal geometry, concentric remodelling, concentric and eccentric hypertrophy) occupied significantly different proportions within the three groups (p = .014). LV remodelling made up higher shares in two T2DM groups than in the controls, whereas LV hypertrophy appeared most frequently in the patients with T2DM and OSA. The patients with T2DM alone had significantly lower GLS and GCS than the controls (both p < .01). The patients with T2DM and OSA had significantly lower GLS, GCS, GAS, and GRS than the controls and the patients with T2DM alone (all p < .01). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), OSA and BMI had negative impacts on all and part of the strain values in T2DM patients. The T2DM patients with moderate-to-severe OSA showed significantly lower GLS, GCS, GAS, and GRS than those with mild OSA (all p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The 3DSTE plus conventional echocardiography could detect the sub-clinical LV alterations in T2DM patients with or without OSA.

Comparison of Hospital-Based and Home-Based Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Severity Measurements with a Single-Lead Electrocardiogram Patch.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a global health concern, and polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for assessing OSA severity. However, the sleep parameters of home-based and in-laboratory PSG vary because of environmental factors, and the magnitude of these discrepancies remains unclear. We enrolled 125 Taiwanese patients who underwent PSG while wearing a single-lead electrocardiogram patch (RootiRx). After the PSG, all participants were instructed to continue wearing the RootiRx over three subsequent nights. Scores on OSA indices-namely, the apnoea-hypopnea index, chest effort index (CEI), cyclic variation of heart rate index (CVHRI), and combined CVHRI and CEI (Rx index), were determined. The patients were divided into three groups based on PSG-determined OSA severity. The variables (various severity groups and environmental measurements) were subjected to mean comparisons, and their correlations were examined by Pearson's correlation coefficient. The hospital-based CVHRI, CEI, and Rx index differed significantly among the severity groups. All three groups exhibited a significantly lower percentage of supine sleep time in the home-based assessment, compared with the hospital-based assessment. The percentage of supine sleep time (∆Supine%) exhibited a significant but weak to moderate positive correlation with each of the OSA indices. A significant but weak-to-moderate correlation between the ∆Supine% and ∆Rx index was still observed among the patients with high sleep efficiency (≥80%), who could reduce the effect of short sleep duration, leading to underestimation of the patients' OSA severity. The high supine percentage of sleep may cause OSA indices' overestimation in the hospital-based examination. Sleep recording at home with patch-type wearable devices may aid in accurate OSA diagnosis.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Stanford Type B Aortic Dissection Is Associated With Multiple Imaging Signs Related to Late Aortic Events.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is highly prevalent in patients with Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD). Few studies have evaluated the effects of OSA on vascular changes in TBAD patients. This study aimed to explore the effect of OSA on aortic morphological changes in TBAD patients and its relation to late aortic events (LAEs). Methods: This case-control study included 143 TBAD patients. The diameters of different parts of the aorta were measured based on computed tomography angiography (CTA). According to the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI), OSA was classified as mild (5 ≤ AHI ≤ 15), moderate (15 < AHI ≤ 30), or severe (AHI > 30). The false lumen (FL) status was evaluated and classified as partially thrombosed, patent, or completely thrombosed. Results: The OSA prevalence in TBAD patients was 64.3%, and image differences related to LAEs between TBAD patients with and without OSA included the maximum aortic diameter at onset (37.3 ± 3.9 vs. 40.3 ± 4.5 mm, p < 0.001), the FL diameter of the proximal descending thoracic aorta (16.0 ± 6.8 vs. 20.3 ± 4.7 mm, p < 0.001), and the proportion of the FL that was partially thrombosed (39.2 vs. 64.1%, p = 0.004). Additionally, in the multivariable analysis of patients with OSA, the risks of an aortic diameter ≥40 mm, a proximal descending aorta FL ≥ 22 mm and a partially thrombosed FL were 4.611 (95% CI: 1.796-11.838, p = 0.001), 2.544 (95% CI: 1.050-6.165, p = 0.039), and 2.565 (95% CI: 1.167-5.637, p = 0.019), respectively, after adjustment for confounding factors. Trend tests showed that the risks of an aortic diameter ≥40 mm and a partially thrombosed FL increased with increasing OSA severity. Conclusions: TBAD patients with moderate to severe OSA have aortic dilatation in different parts of the aorta. OSA is an independent risk factor for multiple imaging signs related to LAEs, suggesting that OSA is an important factor affecting the prognosis of TBAD patients.

Effect of inhalation on oropharynx collapse via flow visualisation.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling has made significant contributions to the analysis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). While several investigations have considered the flow field within the airway and its effect on airway collapse, the effect of breathing on the pharynx region is still poorly understood. We address this gap via a combined experimental and numerical study of the flow field within the pharynx and its impacts upon airway collapse. Two 3D experimental models of the upper airway were constructed based upon computerised tomography scans of a specific patient diagnosed with severe OSA; (i) a transparent, rigid model for flow visualisation, and (ii) a semi-flexible model for understanding the effect of flow on pharynx collapse. Validated simulation results for this geometry indicate that during inhalation, negative pressure (with respect to atmospheric pressure) caused by vortices drives significant narrowing of the pharynx. This narrowing is strongly dependent upon whether inhalation occurs through the nostrils. Thus, the methodology presented here can be used to improve OSA treatment by improving the design methodology for personalised, mandibular advancement splints (MAS) that minimise OSA during sleep.

Cardiovascular issues in obstructive sleep apnoea in children: A brief review.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a very common disease with a prevalence that ranges from 1% to 6% in children. It is characterized by intermittent partial or complete occlusion of the upper airway during sleep, leading to recurrent arousals and disturbed sleep architecture, to neurocognitive disorders and alterations in homeostatic gas exchange. Cardiovascular complications may develop in children with OSA through various mechanisms including activation and dysregulation of the sympathetic nervous system, induction of pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant status and increased risk of systemic hypertension. As the deleterious effects of OSA on the cardio-vascular system may start early in life, in this brief review we focused our attention both on early and late cardiological changes induced by apnoeic events in the paediatric population, by reviewing recent findings in the literature.

Technologic advances in the assessment and management of obstructive sleep apnoea beyond the apnoea-hypopnoea index: a narrative review.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a growing and serious worldwide health problem with significant health and socioeconomic consequences. Current diagnostic testing strategies are limited by cost, access to resources and over reliance on one measure, namely the apnoea-hypopnoea frequency per hour (AHI). Recent evidence supports moving away from the AHI as the principle measure of OSA severity towards a more personalised approach to OSA diagnosis and treatment that includes phenotypic and biological traits. Novel advances in technology include the use of signals such as heart rate variability (HRV), oximetry and peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) as alternative or additional measures. Ubiquitous use of smartphones and developments in wearable technology have also led to increased availability of applications and devices to facilitate home screening of at-risk populations, although current evidence indicates relatively poor accuracy in comparison with the traditional gold standard polysomnography (PSG). In this review, we evaluate the current strategies for diagnosing OSA in the context of their limitations, potential physiological targets as alternatives to AHI and the role of novel technology in OSA. We also evaluate the current evidence for using newer technologies in OSA diagnosis, the physiological targets such as smartphone applications and wearable technology. Future developments in OSA diagnosis and assessment will likely focus increasingly on systemic effects of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) such as changes in nocturnal oxygen and blood pressure (BP); and may also include other factors such as circulating biomarkers. These developments will likely require a re-evaluation of the diagnostic and grading criteria for clinically significant OSA.