Swallowing evaluation after surgery for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: uvulopalatopharyngoplasty vs. expansion pharyngoplasty.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of pharyngeal surgery on swallowing pattern in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), and to compare two surgical techniques: uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and expansion pharyngoplasty (EP), through videofluoroscopy. METHODS: Longitudinal prospective cohort, in a tertiary referral center. 17 adult patients were enrolled this study, divided into two groups: patients who underwent UPPP (n = 10) or EP (n = 7). Swallowing videofluoroscopy (for both liquid and pasty consistences) was assessed at three different periods: before surgery, and at 14 and 28 days following surgery. Comparisons were performed between pre- and post-operative (PO) swallowing conditions in the same patient, and between surgical techniques. RESULTS: Asymptomatic OSAS patients already presented altered swallowing pattern before surgery. Both surgical procedures led to an increased hyoid movement time and an increased frequency of laryngeal penetration in early PO during liquid ingestion. For pasty consistency, both techniques reduced velum movement time and increased pharyngeal transit time and the rate of stasis in hypopharynx. All these parameters reached or tended to reach the pre-operative indices at day PO 28. CONCLUSIONS: OSAS patients show sub-clinical changes in swallowing pattern before surgery. Both surgical techniques are related to transitory changes in swallowing biomechanics. Complete or partial reversal to pre-operative swallowing parameters occurs 1 month after both surgery techniques.

The importance of clinical monitoring for compliance with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / A importância do seguimento clínico para adesão ao CPAP

Abstract Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is currently a public health problem of great importance. When misdiagnosed or improperly treated, it can lead to serious consequences on patients' quality of life. The gold standard treatment for cases of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, especially in mild to severe and symptomatic cases, is continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy is directly dependent on the active participation of the patient, which can be influenced by several factors. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the factors related to compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy, and to analyze which associated factors directly influence the efficiency of the treatment. Methods: Patients who received continuous positive airway pressure therapy through the Municipal Health Department of the city of Ribeirão Preto were recruited. A structured questionnaire was administered to the patients. Compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy was assessed by average hours of continuous positive airway pressure therapy usage per night. Patients with good compliance (patients using continuous positive airway pressure therapy ≥4 h/night) were compared to those with poor compliance (patients using <4 h/night). Results: 138 patients were analyzed: 77 (55.8%) were considered compliant while 61 (44.2%) were non-compliant. The comparison between the two groups showed that regular monitoring by a specialist considerably improved compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy (odds ratio, OR = 2.62). Conclusion: Compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy is related to educational components, which can be enhanced with continuous and individualized care to patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Resumo Introdução: Síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS) é, atualmente, um problema de saúde pública de suma importância. Quando mal diagnosticada ou tratada inadequadamente, pode levar a sérias consequências na qualidade de vida do paciente. O tratamento padrão-ouro para casos de SAOS, principalmente nos casos moderados a grave e sintomáticos, é o CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). A adesão ao CPAP depende diretamente da participação ativa do paciente, que pode ser influenciada por vários fatores. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é descrever os fatores relacionados à adesão ao CPAP e analisar quais fatores associados influenciam diretamente na eficiência do tratamento. Método: Foram recrutados pacientes que receberam CPAP pela Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Ribeirão Preto. Um questionário estruturado foi aplicado ao paciente. A adesão ao CPAP foi avaliada pela média de horas de uso do CPAP por noite. Pacientes com boa adesão (pacientes em uso de CPAP ≥4 horas/noite) foram comparados aos com má adesão (pacientes em uso < 4 horas/noite). Resultados: No estudo, 138 pacientes foram analisados: 77 (55,8%) foram considerados aderentes e 61 (44,2%) foram não aderentes. A comparação entre os dois grupos demonstrou que o seguimento regular com especialista melhorou consideravelmente a adesão ao CPAP (odds ratio, OR = 2,62). Conclusão: A adesão ao CPAP está relacionada a componentes educacionais, que podem ser aprimorados com assistência contínua e individualizada ao paciente com SAOS.

SOS score: an optimized score to screen acute stroke patients for obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is frequent in acute stroke patients, and has been associated with higher mortality and worse prognosis. Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard diagnostic method for OSA, but it is impracticable as a routine for all acute stroke patients. We evaluated the accuracy of two OSA screening tools, the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) when administered to relatives of acute stroke patients; we also compared these tools against a combined screening score (SOS score). METHODS: Ischemic stroke patients were submitted to a full PSG at the first night after onset of symptoms. OSA severity was measured by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). BQ and ESS were administered to relatives of stroke patients before the PSG and compared to SOS score for accuracy and C-statistics. RESULTS: We prospectively studied 39 patients. OSA (AHI ≥10/h) was present in 76.9%. The SOS score [area under the curve (AUC): 0.812; P = 0.005] and ESS (AUC: 0.789; P = 0.009) had good predictive value for OSA. The SOS score was the only tool with significant predictive value (AUC: 0.686; P = 0.048) for severe OSA (AHI ≥30/h), when compared to ESS (P = 0.119) and BQ (P = 0.191). The threshold of SOS ≤10 showed high sensitivity (90%) and negative predictive value (96.2%) for OSA; SOS ≥20 showed high specificity (100%) and positive predictive value (92.5%) for severe OSA. CONCLUSIONS: The SOS score administered to relatives of stroke patients is a useful tool to screen for OSA and may decrease the need for PSG in acute stroke setting.

Adesão de pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono à pressão positiva contínua em via aérea em um serviço público / Adherence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients to continuous positive airway pressure in a public service

Introdução: A terapia padrão para tratamento da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS) é o aparelho de pressão positiva contínua em via aérea (CPAP); todavia, seu uso correto e frequente é determinante para o controle da doença. Objetivo: Analisar a adesão ao CPAP entre pacientes com SAOS tratados em um ambulatório multidisciplinar em um hospital público. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo avaliando 156 pacientes com SAOS que foram submetidos à polissonografia para titulação de CPAP de 2008 a 2011. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: os com boa e os com má adesão. Os grupos foram comparados entre si em relação aos seus dados: sexo, idade, IMC, doenças associadas, IAH à polissonografia diagnóstica e pressão em (cmH20) sugerida à polissonografia de titulação. Resultados: Foram analisados 125 pacientes, demonstrando que 82 dels (65%) tinham boa adesão, enquanto 43 (35%) eram maus usuários. A comparação entre os grupos mostrou que os pacientes com maior índice de apneia e hipopneias (IAH) eram os com melhor adesão ao tratamento com CPAP. Conclusões: A taxa de adesão ao CPAP entre os pacientes com SAOS monitorizados regularmente em um serviço público foi de 65%. Os pacientes com pior IAH foram os mais aderentes ao tratamento com CPAP. .

Introduction: The standard therapy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), but its correct and frequent use is essential to control the disease. Purpose: To analyze adherence to CPAP among patients with OSAS treated in a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic of a public tertiary hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective study evaluating 156 patients with OSAS who underwent polysomnography for CPAP titration from 2008 to 2011. The patients were divided into two groups, those with good adherence to CPAP (a mean use of four or more hours per night) and those with poor adherence. The groups were compared regarding the following data: gender, age, body mass index, associated diseases, AHI at diagnostic polysomnography, and pressure (cmH2O) suggested by titration polysomnography. Results: 125 patients were analyzed, and it was observed that 82 of the patients (65%) had good adherence, whereas 43 (35%) showed poor adherence. Comparison between groups revealed that patients with a higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) were those who better adhered to treatment with CPAP. Conclusions: the rate of adherence to CPAP among OSAS patients undergoing clinical monitoring at a public service was 65%. Patients with a higher AHI were those who adhered better to treatment with CPAP. .

Facial features and hyoid bone position in preschool children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

The aim of the study was to evaluate facial features and hyoid bone position in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) by cephalometric radiography. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital. Twenty-nine children in the 3-6 year age bracket were evaluated: 14 children with OSAS and 15 nasal-breathing children. All children underwent otorhinolaryngologic examination, and those with OSAS also underwent in-laboratory polysomnography for diagnostic confirmation. The children were then submitted to orthodontic evaluation and cephalometry. Lateral cephalometric radiographs from children with OSAS were compared to those of nasal-breathing children. We found no differences between the two groups regarding the linear and angular measurements of the face. However, the children with OSAS presented, already at the preschool age, with an inferiorly positioned hyoid bone, thus increasing the pharyngeal area. In children with OSAS, the hyoid bone appears to be in a significantly inferior position at an early age. Our findings provide evidence that there is a relationship between the position of the hyoid bone and OSAS in children, which could contribute to the persistence of OSAS into adulthood.

Supine sleep and positional sleep apnea after acute ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea is frequent during the acute phase of stroke, and it is associated with poorer outcomes. A well-established relationship between supine sleep and obstructive sleep apnea severity exists in non-stroke patients. This study investigated the frequency of supine sleep and positional obstructive sleep apnea in patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. METHODS: Patients who suffered their first acute stroke, either ischemic or hemorrhagic, were subjected to a full polysomnography, including the continuous monitoring of sleep positions, during the first night after symptom onset. Obstructive sleep apnea severity was measured using the apnea-hypopnea index, and the NIHSS measured stroke severity. RESULTS: We prospectively studied 66 stroke patients. The mean age was 57.6±11.5 years, and the mean body mass index was 26.5±4.9. Obstructive sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index >5) was present in 78.8% of patients, and the mean apnea-hypopnea index was 29.7±26.6. The majority of subjects (66.7%) spent the entire sleep time in a supine position, and positional obstructive sleep apnea was clearly present in the other 23.1% of cases. A positive correlation was observed between the NIHSS and sleep time in the supine position (r s = 0.5; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged supine positioning during sleep was highly frequent after stroke, and it was related to stroke severity. Positional sleep apnea was observed in one quarter of stroke patients, which was likely underestimated during the acute phase of stroke. The adequate positioning of patients during sleep during the acute phase of stroke may decrease obstructive respiratory events, regardless of the stroke subtype.

Propofol-induced sleep: polysomnographic evaluation of patients with obstructive sleep apnea and controls.

OBJECTIVE: The localization of upper airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may optimize treatment. Nasoendoscopy during propofol sedation allows such an evaluation, but the effect of this drug on respiratory patterns and muscle relaxation is unknown. The objective of the present study was to determine through polysomnography whether propofol would change sleep parameters. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study of subjects submitted to polysomnography under sedation with propofol. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifteen non-obese subjects (4 controls/11 OSA patients) were submitted to two diurnal polysomnograms (90-120 minutes of sleep), with and without the use of propofol. The parameters presence of snoring, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation, and sleep architecture were compared. RESULTS: The use of propofol did not induce snoring in the control subjects, whereas 100 percent of the OSA patients snored. AHI and mean oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) did not differ significantly between examinations with and without sedation. However, minimum SaO(2) differed significantly (P < 0.05) with sedation, being lower during propofol sedation. Propofol also significantly changed the sleep architecture, with a significant increase in N3 sleep (P < 0.005) and total abolishment of rapid eye movement sleep (P < 0.0005) during propofol sedation. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results allow us to infer that sedation with propofol changes sleep architecture but permits respiratory evaluation, because the main respiratory parameters evaluated in OSA are maintained. These preliminary results support the view that nasoendoscopy under propofol sedation is a promising examination for management of this disease.

Outros distúrbios do sono na síndrome da apnéia do sono / Sleep disorders associated with sleep apnea syndrome

RESUMO: Vários distúrbios do sono podem acompanhar a Síndrome da Apnéia do Sono pela concomitância das síndromes ou pela existência de mecanismos fisiopatológicos comuns. Destacamos a insônia, o bruxismo do sono e o sonambulismo. A insônia pode ser uma das queixas dos pacientes portadores de distúrbios respiratórios do sono, pela fragmentação do sono decorrente. Além disso, ambos podem trazer sérias repercussões na saúde como o aumento da morbidade cardiovascular e maior risco de acidentes automobilísticose laborativos, como tem sido demonstrado nas duas ultimas décadas. O correto diagnóstico de insônia em pacientes com apnéia do sono, bem como de apnéia em pacientes com insônia define a metodologia propedêutica empregada e também o tratamento, como por exemplo, a abordagem farmacológica quando necessária e o tratamento do distúrbio respiratório concomitantemente. O bruxismo do sono pode estar presente em 3,5-14 dos pacientes com apnéia do sono. Na sua investigação clínica devemos sempre avaliar a possível presença da apnéia do sono já que para o seu tratamento muitas vezes é necessária a sua abordagem em primeiro lugar para então utilizarmos tratamentos farmacológicos e dispositivos que diminuam os danos às estruturas orofaciais. Dentre as parassonias que frequentemente acompanham a apnéia do sono temos o sonambulismo. Ele representa a presença de atividade motora típica da vigília durante estado do sono. Esse fenômeno torna-se mais freqüente quando ocorre fragmentação do sono, provocando dissociação das variáveis fisiológicas, como ocorre em indivíduos com distúrbios respiratórios do sono. Concluindo, é de suma importância o conhecimento e a identificação de outros distúrbios do sono...

Evaluation of the efficacy of supraglottoplasty in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome associated with severe laryngomalacia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and polysomnographic evolution of patients with severe laryngomalacia who underwent supraglottoplasty. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Seven children with severe laryngomalacia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The patients were evaluated with a questionnaire given to their parents and with polysomnographic examination before and 3 months after surgery. The clinical data of respiratory and swallowing symptoms as well as the parameters of minimum oxygen saturation and respiratory disturbance index were evaluated after bilateral supraglottoplasty and compared with the preoperative data. RESULTS: Two patients had pharyngolaryngomalacia and required tracheotomy. Four patients had a marked improvement of respiratory and deglutition symptoms. Polysomnographic data showed a significant improvement in the respiratory disturbance index after surgery (P<.05) but not in the minimum oxygen saturation level. However, this improvement was only partially achieved in 3 patients, in whom there were associated airway or neurologic changes. No serious surgical complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Supraglottoplasty led to a marked improvement in all 5 patients without pharyngolaryngomalacia, but the 2 patients with pharyngolaryngomalacia required tracheotomy.