Cost-effectiveness and safety of continuous pulse oximetry for management of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea in bariatric surgery: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Undetected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and increases perioperative risks. Screening for OSA using preoperative polygraphy (PG) with subsequent continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is costly and time-consuming. Postoperative continuous pulse oximetry (CPOX) is less invasive, and is hypothesized to be a safe and cost-effective alternative. OBJECTIVES: This nationwide multicenter prospective observational cohort study compared CPOX monitoring with OSA-screening using PG. SETTING: High-volume bariatric centers. METHODS: Patients were either postoperatively monitored using CPOX without preoperative OSA-screening, or underwent preoperative PG and CPAP treatment when OSA was diagnosed. Cohort placement was based on local hospital protocols. Cost-effectiveness was analyzed using quality adjusted life years (QALYs) and healthcare costs. Surgical outcomes were also analyzed. Propensity score matching was used in sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: A total of 1390 patients were included. QALYs were similar between groups at baseline and 1-year postoperatively. Postoperative complications, intensive care unit (ICU)-admissions and admissions, particularly OSA-related, did not differ between groups. Mean costs per patient/year in the CPOX group was €3094 versus €3680 in the PG group; mean difference €-586 (95% CI €-933-€-242). Following propensity score matching, 1090 of 1390 included patients remained, and similar findings for cost-effectiveness, complications, and ICU admissions were observed. CONCLUSION: CPOX monitoring without preoperative OSA-screening was not associated with higher complication or readmission rates compared to PG. CPOX resulted in lower costs from a healthcare perspective and can therefore be considered a cost-effective alternative to routine OSA-screening in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea after COVID-19: An Observational Study.

The risk factors of hospitalized COVID-19 and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) overlap. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of post-COVID-19 OSA in hospitalized adult patients from southeastern Romania. A follow-up study was conducted on patients hospitalized for COVID-19 at the Pneumology Hospital in Galati, Romania, between 2021 and 2022. OSA was evaluated using the Epworth and STOP-BANG questionnaires and nocturnal polygraphy monitoring. Out of 331 patients, 257 were evaluated for sleep apnea in the 12th week. The prevalence of severe OSA was 57.97%. Significant associations were found with male gender, an age over 60, obesity, and cardiovascular co-morbidities. Non-invasive ventilatory therapy (NIV) and a hygienic-dietary regimen were recommended based on severity following a control visit after a month. Developing strategies for diagnosing and monitoring sleep disorders, including home sleep apnea tests and patient education, are the next directions for post-COVID-19 management.

Sleep-disordered breathing diagnosis: a comprehensive audit of home sleep testing in real clinical settings.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the indications and outcomes of Home Sleep Testing (HST) for patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), aligning with guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the European Sleep Research Society. Specifically, we aimed to audit whether validated type 3 polygraphy could effectively ensure patient care while optimizing resource utilization. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from patients undergoing type 3 polygraphy for suspected OSA in a tertiary referral hospital between January 2022 and December 2022. Demographic, clinical, and management data were collected. The efficacy of HST in guiding management plans was evaluated, with outcomes categorized as effective or ineffective based on subsequent need for in-laboratory polysomnography. RESULTS: While 85% of patients received a reliable diagnosis, 44.4% of them still required subsequent polysomnography, primarily due to adherence to funding regulations, rather than clinical need for further testing. Factors impacting the efficacy of HST included patient age, severity of apnea, and referral by a certified sleep specialist physician. CONCLUSION: Our study highlighted the potential of type 3 polygraphy, as a valuable tool for diagnosing OSA in an outpatient setting. However, having the result interpreted by a certified sleep specialist doctor was not enough. To streamline the care pathway, the referral for polygraphy had also to be made by a trained specialist. Challenges related to funding regulations, patient demographics and physician training stress the need for optimized diagnostic pathways to improve patient care and resource utilization.

Prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in children and adolescents with large horizontal maxillary overjet due to mandibular retrognathia: a case control study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children and adolescents with large overjet due to mandibular retrognathia compared to a control group. METHODS: In this case-control study children with large overjet ≥ 6 mm due to mandibular retrognathia (study group) were compared to a group with neutral occlusion (controls). All participants underwent respiratory polygraphy (PG) and questionnaires regarding sleepiness and snoring. Differences across groups were tested by: Chi-square, general linear model adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), and Mann-Whitney test. Differences in results of PG were also tested by general linear model adjusted for age, sex, and BMI according to severity of mandibular retrognathia. RESULTS: Thirty-seven (19 male;18 female, median age 12.3 years) participants were included in the study group and 32 (16 male;16 female, median age 12.2 years) in the control group. No significant difference in SDB assessed by PG or questionnaires between the groups was found even though the snore index was higher in the study group (p=0.051). The snore index was higher than the parent-reported snoring. Respiration rate was significantly reduced in the study group (p=0.043), and estimated sleep time efficiency was significantly reduced in males compared to females (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences in SDB were found between the groups even though the snore index was higher in the study group. The snore index of the PG was higher than the parent-reported snoring. Estimated sleep time efficiency was reduced in males. The study improves the understanding of risk of SDB in non-obese children with large overjet due to mandibular retrognathia and may contribute to an interdisciplinary approach of risk assessment of SDB in children with malocclusion. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04964830.

Apnea obstructiva del sueño en la práctica clínica cardiológica. Epidemiología, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y transversal / Obstructive sleep apnea in cardiology clinical practice. Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar las características clínico-epidemiológicas, viabilidad diagnóstica de la poligrafía respiratoria domiciliaria y el tratamiento de pacientes con sospecha de apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS) en riesgo cardiovascular. Métodos: Se realizó estudio observacional, transversal, descriptivo en pacientes atendidos en un servicio de consulta externa de cardiología con sospecha de AOS, de enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2019. La información se obtuvo de los expedientes médicos, se aplicó análisis estadístico descriptivo. Resultados: Se examinaron 138 expedientes, de las poligrafías respiratorias domiciliarias fueron descartadas solo el 8% por no cumplir con los estándares de calidad requeridos. Se demostró que el 89% padecían AOS, un 60% moderada a severa; predominó en hombres después de los 50 años. El principal ractores de riesgo cardiovascular fue hipertensión (89%). La cardiopatía más prevalente fue la hipertensiva (52%). Se optimizó tratamiento farmacológico cardiovascular en el 82% de los casos. Rehabilitación cardiaca en el 30%, ventilación mecánica no invasiva 41%, modalidad fija 33% y autoajustable 9%, todos con telemetría. Conclusiones: La prevalencia y severidad de la AOS es mayor en presencia de riesgo o enfermedad cardiovascular establecida. Ante la sospecha clínica es factible confirmar el diagnóstico con poligrafía respiratoria domiciliaria por el nivel de precisión y la menor infraestructura requerida. Es necesaria una mayor participación del cardiólogo en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de este trastorno por el riesgo significativo de enfermedad cardiovascular que representa.

Abstract Objective: To determine the clinical-epidemiological characteristics, diagnostic feasibility of home respiratory polygraphy and treatment of patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) at cardiovascular risk. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in patients seen in a cardiology outpatient service with suspected OSA, from January 2015 to December 2019. The information was obtained from medical records, and a descriptive statistical analysis was applied to this information. Results: 138 files were reviewed; only 8% of the home respiratory polygraphs were discarded, because they did not meet the required quality standards. It was demonstrated that 89% suffered from OSA, 60% moderate to severe; in men after 50 years of age. The main cardiovascular risk factors was hypertension (89%). The most prevalent heart disease was hypertension (52%). Cardiovascular pharmacological treatment was improved in 82% of the cases. Cardiac rehabilitation in 30%, noninvasive mechanical ventilation 41%, fixed modality 33%, and self-adjustable 9%, all with telemetry. Conclusions: The prevalence and severity of OSA is higher in the presence of risk or established cardiovascular disease. In the presence of clinical suspicion, it is feasible to confirm the diagnosis with home respiratory poligrafy due to the level of precision and the lower infrastructure required. Greater involvement of the cardiologist in the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder is necessary due to the significant risk of cardiovascular disease it represents.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening and Effects of Surgery in Acromegaly: A Prospective Study.

BACKGRUOUND: To identify a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and evaluate the effects of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery on improving OSA in patients with acromegaly. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled adults with acromegaly scheduled for endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. All measurements were conducted when participants were admitted for a baseline work-up for acromegaly before surgery and surveillance approximately 3 to 6 months after surgery. Respiratory event index (REI) was used as a surrogate for apnea-hypopnea index (Trial Registration: NCT03526016). RESULTS: Of the 35 patients with acromegaly (median age, 47 years; 40% men; median body mass index, 24.4 kg/m2), 24 (68.6%) had OSA (REI ≥5/hour), 15 (42.9%) had moderate-to-severe OSA (REI ≥15/hour). At baseline, serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels were positively correlated with the REI (ρ=0.53, P=0.001). The sensitivity and negative predictive value of a Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, high blood Pressure-Body mass index, age, Neck circumference, and Gender (STOP-Bang) score ≥ 3 were 93.3% and 87.5%, respectively, detecting moderate-to-severe OSA. Biochemical acromegaly remission was achieved in 32 (91.4%) patients. The median difference in the REI was -9.5/hour (95% confidence interval, -13.3 to -5.3). Half of the 24 patients diagnosed with OSA preoperatively had REI <5/hour postoperatively. In a linear mixed-effects model, changes in the REI across surgery were related to changes in IGF-1 levels. CONCLUSION: The STOP-Bang questionnaire is a reliable tool for OSA among patients with acromegaly. Improvement in OSA severity after surgery is related to decreased IGF-1 levels.

Sleep-disordered breathing on respiratory polygraphy in neonates with spina bifida.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown a high prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children with spina bifida. International standards for regular testing for SDB in this population are lacking. While there are studies investigating the prevalence of SDB in children with spina bifida, there are close to no studies in neonates. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if routine respiratory polygraphy (RPG) testing is indicated for neonates with spina bifida and if yes, with what therapeutic consequence. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all neonates with spina bifida at the University (Children's) Hospital Zurich after fetal spina bifida repair born between 2017 and 2022, who had undergone at least 1 RPG evaluation during hospitalization on the neonatal ward. RPG were evaluated by a blinded group of experienced pediatric pulmonologists. Based on the neonatal RPG results and pediatric pulmonologist's recommendation for caffeine therapy the spina bifida cohort was divided into two groups. Neonatal baseline RPG and follow-up RPG at the age of the 3 months were evaluated. RESULTS: 48 neonates with RPG were included. Compared to the standard values in healthy neonates, the RPG results of this spina bifida cohort showed findings of SDB with central apnea and hypopnea. 22 (45.8%) neonatal RPG evaluations detected central SDB, prompting caffeine therapy. Follow-up RPG conducted after 3 months showed significant improvement of SDB with (almost) no need for continuation of caffeine. CONCLUSION: We recommend the implementation of routine RPG testing in neonates with spina bifida to detect SDB and facilitate early targeted treatment.

Performance evaluation of portable respiratory polygraphy for assessing sleep bruxism in adults.

BACKGROUND: Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for sleep bruxism (SB) assessment, it is expensive, not widely accessible, and time-consuming. OBJECTIVE: Given the increasing prevalence of SB, there is a growing need for an alternative, readily available, reliable and cost-effective diagnostic method. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic validity of portable respiratory polygraphy (PRPG) compared with PSG for SB diagnosis. METHODS: One hundred and three subjects underwent simultaneous examinations using PRPG (NOX T3, NOX Medical) and PSG (NOX A1, NOX Medical) in a sleep laboratory. RESULTS: The mean Bruxism Episodes Index (BEI) measured by PRPG was 4.70 ± 3.98, whereas PSG yielded a mean BEI of 3.79 ± 3.08. The sensitivity for detecting sleep bruxism (BEI >2) by PRPG was 48.3%, with a specificity of 81.2%. The positive predictive value was estimated at 51.9%, and the negative predictive value at 78.9%. However, when distinguishing between mild bruxism (BEI >2 < 4) and severe bruxism (BEI >4), PRPG demonstrated a sensitivity of 77.8% and 68.3% and a specificity of 48.6% and 71.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Polysomnography continues to be the SB diagnostic gold standard tool, as the sensitivity and specificity of PRPG are significantly lower when compared with PSG. Nevertheless, PRPG could serve as an alternative tool for SB screening or diagnosis, despite its limitations. Furthermore, our data indicate that comorbidities such as sleep apnea and sleep quality do not influence the diagnostic accuracy of PSG, suggesting its potential as a screening instrument in individuals with other sleep disorders.

Sacubitril/valsartan has an underestimated impact on the right ventricle in patients with sleep-disordered breathing, especially central sleep apnoea syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Sacubitril/valsartan has been demonstrated to significantly improve left ventricular performance and remodelling in patients with heart failure. However, its effects on the right ventricle in patients with chronic heart failure and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) have not been studied. AIM: To investigate the impact of sacubitril/valsartan treatment on right ventricular function in patients with SDB. METHODS: This was a subanalysis of an observational prospective multicentre study involving 101 patients. At inclusion, patients were evaluated by echocardiography and nocturnal ventilatory polygraphy, which allowed patients to be divided into three groups: "central-SDB"; "obstructive-SDB"; and "no-SDB". RESULTS: After 3 months of sacubitril/valsartan therapy, a positive impact on right ventricular function was observed. In the general population, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion increased by +1.32±4.74mm (P=0.024) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure decreased by -3.1±10.91mmHg (P=0.048). The central-SDB group experienced the greatest echocardiographic improvement, with a significant increase in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion of +2.1±4.9mm (P=0.045) and a significant reduction in systolic pulmonary artery pressure of -8.4±9.7mmHg (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sacubitril/valsartan improved right ventricular function in patients with heart failure and SDB after only 3 months of treatment. The greatest improvement in right ventricular function was observed in the central-SDB group.

Assessment of obstructive sleep apnoea in children: What are the challenges we face?

There is an increasing demand for the assessment of sleep-disordered breathing in children of all ages to prevent the deleterious neurocognitive and behaviour consequences of the under-diagnosis and under-treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea [OSA]. OSA can be considered in three broad categories based on predominating contributory features: OSA type 1 [enlarged tonsils and adenoids], type II [Obesity] and type III [craniofacial abnormalities, syndromal, storage diseases and neuromuscular conditions]. The reality is that sleep questionnaires or calculations of body mass index in isolation are poorly predictive of OSA in individuals. Globally, the access to testing in tertiary referral centres is comprehensively overwhelmed by the demand and financial cost. This has prompted the need for better awareness and focussed history taking, matched with simpler tools with acceptable accuracy used in the setting of likely OSA. Consequently, we present key indications for polysomnography and present scalable, existing alternatives for assessment of OSA in the hospital or home setting, using polygraphy, oximetry or contactless sleep monitoring.

Ictal Bradycardia and Asystole in Sleep-Related Hypermotor Epilepsy: A Study of 200 Patients.

Background: Ictal bradycardia (IB) and asystole (IA) represent a rare but potentially harmful feature of epileptic seizures. The aim of this study was to study IB/IA in patients with sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE). Methods: We retrospectively included cases with video-EEG-confirmed SHE who attended our Institute up to January 2021. We reviewed the ictal polysomnography recordings focusing on ECG and identified cases with IB (R-R interval ≥ 2 s or a ≥10% decrease of baseline heart rate) and IA (R-R interval ≥ 4 s). Results: We included 200 patients (123 males, 61.5%), with a mean age of 42 ± 16 years. Twenty patients (20%) had focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) on brain MRI. Eighteen (out of 104 tested, 17.3%) carried pathogenic variants (mTOR pathway, n = 10, nAchR subunits, n = 4, KCNT1, n = 4). We identified IB/IA in four cases (2%): three had IA (mean 10 s) and one had IB. Three patients had FCD (left fronto-insular region, left amygdala, right mid-temporal gyrus) and two had pathogenic variants in DEPDC5; both features were more prevalent in patients with IB/IA than those without (p = 0.003 and p = 0.037, respectively). Conclusions: We identified IB/IA in 2% of patients with SHE and showed that this subgroup more frequently had FCD on brain MRI and pathogenic variants in genes related to the mTOR pathway.

Factors Associated with Persistent Obstructive Sleep Apnea After Bariatric Surgery: A Narrative Review.

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among the bariatric surgery population is estimated to be 45-70%. However, weight loss obtained by bariatric surgery is not always associated with full remission of OSA, suggesting that other confounding factors are present. This article aims to review the current literature, focusing on factors that could predict the persistence of OSA after bariatric surgery. For this purpose, relevant studies of more than 50 patients that assessed pre- and post-operative presence and severity of OSA detected by poly(somno)graphy (PG/PSG) in bariatric populations were collected. Six retrospective and prospective studies were evaluated that included 1302 OSA patients, with a BMI range of 42.6 to 56 kg/m2, age range of 44.8 to 50.7 years, and percentage of women ranging from 45% to 91%. The studies were very heterogeneous regarding type of bariatric surgery, diagnostic criteria for OSA and OSA remission, and delay of OSA reassessment. OSA remission was observed in 26% to 76% of patients at 11-12 months post-surgery. Loss to follow-up was high in all studies, leading to a potential underestimation of OSA remission. Based on this limited sample of bariatric patients, age, pre-operative OSA severity, proportion of weight loss, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) were identified as factors associated with OSA persistence but the results were inconsistent between studies regarding the impact of age and the magnitude of weight loss. Several other factors may potentially lead to OSA persistence in the bariatric surgery population, such as fat distribution, ethnicity, anatomical predisposition, pathophysiological traits, supine position, and REM-predominant hypopnea and apnea. Further well-conducted multicentric prospective studies are needed to document the importance of these factors to achieve a better understanding of OSA persistence after bariatric surgery in obese patients.

[Obstructive sleep apnea in cardiology clinical practice. Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study]. / Apnea obstructiva del sueño en la práctica clínica cardiológica. Epidemiología, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, transversal.

Objective: To determine the clinical-epidemiological characteristics, diagnostic feasibility of home respiratory polygraphy and treatment of patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) at cardiovascular risk. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in patients seen in a cardiology outpatient service with suspected OSA, from January 2015 to December 2019. The information was obtained from medical records, and a descriptive statistical analysis was applied to this information. Results: 138 files were reviewed; only 8% of the home respiratory polygraphs were discarded, because they did not meet the required quality standards. It was demonstrated that 89% suffered from OSA, 60% moderate to severe; in men after 50 years of age. The main cardiovascular risk factors was hypertension (89%). The most prevalent heart disease was hypertension (52%). Cardiovascular pharmacological treatment was improved in 82% of the cases. Cardiac rehabilitation in 30%, noninvasive mechanical ventilation 41%, fixed modality 33%, and self-adjustable 9%, all with telemetry. Conclusions: The prevalence and severity of OSA is higher in the presence of risk or established cardiovascular disease. In the presence of clinical suspicion, it is feasible to confirm the diagnosis with home respiratory poligrafy due to the level of precision and the lower infrastructure required. Greater involvement of the cardiologist in the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder is necessary due to the significant risk of cardiovascular disease it represents.

Objetivo: Determinar las características clínico-epidemiológicas, viabilidad diagnóstica de la poligrafía respiratoria domiciliaria y el tratamiento de pacientes con sospecha de apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS) en riesgo cardiovascular. Métodos: Se realizó estudio observacional, transversal, descriptivo en pacientes atendidos en un servicio de consulta externa de cardiología con sospecha de AOS, de enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2019. La información se obtuvo de los expedientes médicos, se aplicó análisis estadístico descriptivo. Resultados: Se examinaron 138 expedientes, de las poligrafías respiratorias domiciliarias fueron descartadas solo el 8% por no cumplir con los estándares de calidad requeridos. Se demostró que el 89% padecían AOS, un 60% moderada a severa; predominó en hombres después de los 50 años. El principal ractores de riesgo cardiovascular fue hipertensión (89%). La cardiopatía más prevalente fue la hipertensiva (52%). Se optimizó tratamiento farmacológico cardiovascular en el 82% de los casos. Rehabilitación cardiaca en el 30%, ventilación mecánica no invasiva 41%, modalidad fija 33% y autoajustable 9%, todos con telemetría. Conclusiones: La prevalencia y severidad de la AOS es mayor en presencia de riesgo oenfermedad cardiovascular establecida. Ante la sospecha clínica es factible confirmar el diagnóstico con poligrafía respiratoria domiciliaria por el nivel de precisión y la menor infraestructura requerida. Es necesaria una mayor participación del cardiólogoen el diagnóstico y tratamiento de este trastorno por el riesgo significativo de enfermedad cardiovascular que representa.

[Relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes mellitus]. / Relación entre la apnea obstructiva del sueño y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

INTRODUCTION: The association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and glucose metabolism remains controversial. This study investigates the relationship between OSA and incident type 2 diabetes (DM) and prediabetes (preDM), as well as the effect of long-term CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) treatment. METHODS: Follow-up study in a retrospective clinical cohort of patients with OSA and randomly selected controls. Data on incident DM and preDM as well as CPAP were obtained from hospital records. The relationship between baseline OSA and incident DM was examined using COX regression models. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty-six patients, 169 with OSA and 187 controls were followed for a median of 98 months; 47 patients (13.2%) developed DM and 43 (12.1%) developed preDM. The 5-year cumulative incidence of DM was 10.7% (6.5-13.9%). 87% of subjects with preDM in the baseline sample progressed to incident DM. It is shown that body mass index (BMI), nocturnal hypoxia and apnea hypopnea index (AHI) are risk factors for the development of DM and that CPAP reduces this risk. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OSA have a higher risk of developing DM. The risk factors involved are BMI, nocturnal hypoxia and AHI. Regular long-term CPAP use was associated with a decreased risk.

Sleep-disordered breathing and lung function abnormalities in adults with congenital heart disease.

PURPOSE: Advances in treatment enables most patients with congenital heart diseases (CHD) to survive into adulthood, implying the need to address comorbid conditions in this growing cohort of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and lung function abnormalities in patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). METHODS: Patients with ACHD underwent level 3 sleep testing (Embletta MPR polygraphy) and pulmonary function testing. Results were stratified by the underlying haemodynamic ACHD lesion group. RESULTS: Patients with ACHD (n = 100) were middle-aged (42.3 ± 14.6 years), 54% male and slightly overweight (BMI 25.9 ± 5.5 kg/m2). Polygraphy revealed a prevalence of sleep apnoea of 39% with 15% of patients presenting with predominantly obstructive apnoeic episodes, while 23% of patients presenting primarily with central sleep apnoea. The distribution of mild, moderate, and severe sleep apnoea in the total study population was 26%, 7% and 6%, respectively. Comparison of apnoea-hypopnoea index, presence of sleep apnoea, and apnoea severity did not offer significant differences between the four ACHD lesion groups (p = 0.29, p = 0.41 and p = 0.18, respectively). Pulmonary function testing revealed obstructive lung disease in 19 of 100 patients. Concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnoea were diagnosed in 3% of patients and were associated with profound nocturnal desaturation. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest a mild propensity amongst patients with ACHD to develop SDB that seems to be unaffected by the specific underlying congenital lesion.

Trastornos respiratorios del sueño en pediatría: avances en tiempos pandémicos

Los avances en medicina del sueño son de gran relevancia para enfrentar adecuadamente los trastornos del sueño en niños y adolescentes, procurando mitigar sus efectos multisistémicos y llevando a la práctica conductas de un mejor estándar. Este artículo de revisión se enfoca en mostrar los principales avances sobre trastornos respiratorios del sueño, refiriéndonos a las experiencias publicadas durante estos años de pandemia sobre avances epidemiológicos, consecuencias cardiovasculares, lectura de estudios de sueño y estudios domiciliarios; finalmente aspectos sobre tratamiento quirúrgico versus conservador, soporte ventilatorio y dispositivos autorregularles ambulatorios para titulación.

Advances in sleep medicine are of great relevance to adequately address sleep disorders in children and adolescents, seeking to reduce their multisystem effects and implementing better standard behaviors. This review article focuses on showing the main advances on sleep-disordered breathing, referring to the experiences published during these pandemic years on epidemiological advances, cardiovascular consequences, reading sleep studies and home studies; finally, aspects of surgical versus conservative treatment, ventilatory support and ambulatory self-regulating devices for titration.

Trastornos respiratorios del sueño en Insuficiencia Cardíaca con fracción de eyección reducida

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Introduction: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) are highly prevalent in patients with heart failure (HF). The presence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) determines a worse prognosis in these patients. There are questionnaires aimed at evaluating the probability of OSA, although none have been validated in patients with HF. The primary objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of SDB in a cohort of patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) from the Multidisciplinary HF Unit (UMIC). As a secondary objective, to evaluate the usefulness of the Stop-Bang, Berlin, and 2ABN3M questionnaires for TRS screening in these patients. Methodology: Cross-sectional, observational study, including the active cohort of the UMIC, over 18 years with HFrEF, clinically stable and informed consent. Patients with cognitive, neurological or hearing impairment with limitations when conducting the interview were excluded. Patients with other limiting or uncontrolled sleep disorders, continuous home oxygen therapy requirements, did not enter the study. Berlin, Stop-Bang, and 2ABN3M questionnaires were administered, classifying the population into high-risk, intermediate-risk, and low-risk groups of presenting SDB. All patients underwent outpatient respiratory polygraphy (RP). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize demographic variables, measures of central tendency and dispersion. SPSS statistical software was used. Results: 387 patients were included, 248 men (64.1%), mean age was 63.5 ± 0.6 years. The etiology of HF was ischemic in 41.6% of patients. The body mass index was 29.3 ± 0.3 kg/m2. LVEF was 34.2 ± 0.5, pro-BNP 1233.8 ± 137.6 pg/ml. The results of the questionnaires showed that 52.1% (198) presented a high risk of SDB according to the Berlin questionnaire. With Stop-Bang, 35.9% (139) were high risk, 42.1% (163) intermediate risk, and the remaining 22% (85) low risk. With the 2ABN3M score, 62% (240) were high risk. A total of 156 respiratory polygraphs (40.3% of the population) were performed. The cut-off point to define the presence of sleep apnea was considered to be an AHI >15. 58.3% (91) of the patients presented TRS. Of these, 95% presented obstructive apnea and 5% central apnea with periodic Cheyne-Stokes breathing. A high percentage (26%) presented AHI greater than 30. The sensitivity of the Berlin and Stop-Bang questionnaires was 75.8% and 91.2%, respectively, with a specificity of 53.8% and 24.6%. Regarding the 2ABN3M score, a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 44.6% were observed. Conclusions: The prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with HFrEF was high in our cohort and obstructive apnea predominated. Given the high sensitivity (91.2%) of the Stop-Bang questionnaire found in our study, it could be useful as a screening tool for TRS in this type of patient. The importance of investigating this pathology whose clinical presentation can be non-specific and remain underdiagnosed is highlighted.

Introdução: Os distúrbios respiratórios do sono (DRS) são altamente prevalentes em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC). A presença da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS) determina pior prognóstico nesses pacientes. Existem questionários destinados a avaliar a probabilidade de AOS, porém nenhum foi validado em pacientes com IC. O objetivo primário deste estudo foi estabelecer a prevalência de DRS em uma coorte de pacientes com IC e fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFEr) da Unidade Multidisciplinar de IC (UMIC). Como objetivo secundário, avaliar a utilidade dos questionários Stop-Bang, Berlin e 2ABN3M para triagem de SRT nesses pacientes. Metodologia: Estudo transversal, observacional, inclui a coorte ativa da UMIC, maiores de 18 anos com ICFEr, clinicamente estável e consentimento informado. Foram excluídos pacientes com deficiência cognitiva, neurológica ou auditiva com limitações na realização da entrevista. Pacientes com outros distúrbios do sono limitantes ou descontrolados, requisitos de oxigenoterapia domiciliar contínua, não entraram no estudo. Os questionários Berlin, Stop-Bang e 2ABN3M foram aplicados, classificando a população em grupos de alto risco, risco intermediário e baixo risco de apresentar DRS. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à poligrafia respiratória (PR) ambulatorial. A estatística descritiva foi utilizada para caracterizar as variáveis ​​demográficas, medidas de tendência central e dispersão. Foi utilizado o software estatístico SPSS. Resultados: foram incluídos 387 pacientes, 248 homens (64,1%), com idade média de 63,5 ± 0,6 anos. A etiologia da IC foi isquêmica em 41,6% dos pacientes. O índice de massa corporal foi de 29,3 ± 0,3 kg/m2. FEVE foi de 34,2 ± 0,5, pro-BNP 1233,8 ± 137,6 pg/ml. Os resultados dos questionários mostraram que 52,1% (198) apresentaram alto risco de DRS de acordo com o questionário de Berlim. Com Stop-Bang, 35,9% (139) eram de alto risco, 42,1% (163) de risco intermediário e os restantes 22% (85) de baixo risco. Com a pontuação 2ABN3M, 62% (240) eram de alto risco. Foram realizados 156 polígrafos respiratórios (40,3% da população). O ponto de corte para definir a presença de apneia do sono foi considerado um IAH >15. 58,3% (91) dos pacientes apresentaram SRT. Destes, 95% apresentavam apnéia obstrutiva e 5% apnéia central com respiração Cheyne-Stokes periódica. Uma alta porcentagem (26%) apresentou IAH maior que 30. A sensibilidade dos questionários Berlin e Stop-Bang foi de 75,8% e 91,2%, respectivamente, com especificidade de 53,8% e 24,6%. Em relação ao escore 2ABN3M, observou-se sensibilidade de 71,4% e especificidade de 44,6%. Conclusões: A prevalência de distúrbios respiratórios do sono em pacientes com ICFEr foi alta em nossa coorte, com predominância de apneias obstrutivas. Dada a alta sensibilidade (91,2%) do questionário Stop-Bang encontrado em nosso estudo, ele pode ser útil como uma ferramenta de triagem para ERT nesse tipo de paciente. Ressalta-se a importância da investigação dessa patologia cuja apresentação clínica pode ser inespecífica e permanecer subdiagnosticada.

Effect of Obesity on the Respiratory Parameters in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

The aim of the study was to investigate how obesity can influence sleep respiratory parameters in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children. METHODS: The study analyzes 56 Caucasian children and adolescents aged 11 ± 2.79 years with a BMI > 5th percentiles and a PSQ value ≥ 0.33. Children were divided into Obesity Group (OG) with BMI ≥ 95th and Control Group (CG) with 5th < BMI > 95th percentile. All selected children underwent PG. Respiratory parameters AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index), SaO2 (Saturation of Oxygen), ODI (Oxygen Desaturation Index), and Nadir (the lowest value of SaO2 registered during PG) were extracted from the PG. AHI was used to divide the severity of OSAS into four levels: snoring (AHI ≤ 1), mild (AHI > 1 and ≤5), moderate (AHI > 5 and <10), and severe (AHI ≥ 10). RESULTS: The comparison analysis between the OG and CG showed a statistical significance only for ODI (p = 0.02). A statistically significant correlation between BMI and AHI (r = 0.02), SaO2 (r = 0.01), and Nadir O2 (r = 0.02) was found. CONCLUSIONS: There was no strong correlation between obesity and OSAS, but a positive association was found between BMI and AHI severity.

A Multicenter Prospective Study on the Use of a Mandibular Advancement Device in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The main objective of this prospective study was the evaluation of 1 mm step titration of mandible advancement in the success of treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). For that, a multicenter prospective study was designed to recruit patients with OSA who were eligible to receive a mandibular advancement device. Gradual titration of mandibular advancement (steps of 1 mm) from maximum intercuspidation was performed to determine the optimal mandibular advancement (highest reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)). The principal variable was the percentage of patients where a reduction ≥50% of the AHI was achieved at the end of the titration phase. A total of 102 patients participated in this study. Fifty-six percent of the participants were males and 67% had a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Most of the patients (79%) had an age ≥ 50 years and the majority (74%) were either non-smokers or ex-smokers. Excessive daytime sleepiness was reported by 40% of the patients. The mean AHI at baseline was 20.6 ± 12.7 events/h. The mean advancement of the mandible was 3.1 ± 1.6 mm. The device achieved a reduction in the AHI in 93% of the patients and success (≥50% reduction in the AHI) in 69% of the patients. Success was achieved in 50%, 81.6%, and 73.3% of the patients with mild, moderate, and severe OSA, respectively. Decreasing the magnitude of mandibular advancement could be possible by controlling the vertical mouth opening and step-by-step titration.

Autonomic arousal detection and cardio-respiratory sleep staging improve the accuracy of home sleep apnea tests.

Introduction: The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), defined as the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep, is still used as an important index to assess sleep disordered breathing (SDB) severity, where hypopneas are confirmed by the presence of an oxygen desaturation or an arousal. Ambulatory polygraphy without neurological signals, often referred to as home sleep apnea testing (HSAT), can potentially underestimate the severity of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) as sleep and arousals are not assessed. We aim to improve the diagnostic accuracy of HSATs by extracting surrogate sleep and arousal information derived from autonomic nervous system activity with artificial intelligence. Methods: We used polysomnographic (PSG) recordings from 245 subjects (148 with simultaneously recorded HSATs) to develop and validate a new algorithm to detect autonomic arousals using artificial intelligence. A clinically validated auto-scoring algorithm (Somnolyzer) scored respiratory events, cortical arousals, and sleep stages in PSGs, and provided respiratory events and sleep stages from cardio-respiratory signals in HSATs. In a four-fold cross validation of the newly developed algorithm, we evaluated the accuracy of the estimated arousal index and HSAT-derived surrogates for the AHI. Results: The agreement between the autonomic and cortical arousal index was moderate to good with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.73. When using thresholds of 5, 15, and 30 to categorize SDB into none, mild, moderate, and severe, the addition of sleep and arousal information significantly improved the classification accuracy from 70.2% (Cohen's κ = 0.58) to 80.4% (κ = 0.72), with a significant reduction of patients where the severity category was underestimated from 18.8% to 7.3%. Discussion: Extracting sleep and arousal information from autonomic nervous system activity can improve the diagnostic accuracy of HSATs by significantly reducing the probability of underestimating SDB severity without compromising specificity.