A prospective, non-randomized evaluation of a novel low energy radiofrequency treatment for nasal obstruction and snoring.

BACKGROUND: Weak or inward-bent cartilage of the nasal sidewall at the level of the internal nasal valve (INV) can produce narrowness or collapse of the nasal valve. This is a common cause of impaired nasal breathing during daily activities and there is also an established connection between nasal obstruction and snoring. The condition is often difficult to treat, although even a small enlargement of the lumen at the nasal valve can lead to a significant improvement in the ease of nasal breathing. METHODS: The primary objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Vivaer system for the treatment of narrowed nasal valves and to measure changes in the symptoms of nasal obstruction and snoring. The Vivaer system uses low energy radiofrequency to remodel the nasal sidewall in order to improve airflow. RESULTS: The study involved 31 patients presenting from 1st September 2017 to 1st May 2018 with symptoms of nasal obstruction and snoring. In all patients, an improvement was observed in nasal breathing measured by NOSE score, sleep quality by SOS questionnaire and quality of life as measured by EQ-5D and SNOT-22. CONCLUSION: Vivaer intranasal remodeling can provide a durable and well-tolerated non-invasive treatment for those patients who are suffering congestion due to narrowness or collapse of the INV.

Immediate impact of rapid maxillary expansion on upper airway dimensions and on the quality of life of mouth breathers

OBJECTIVE: To assess short-term tomographic changes in the upper airway dimensions and quality of life of mouth breathers after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). METHODS: A total of 25 mouth breathers with maxillary atresia and a mean age of 10.5 years old were assessed by means of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and a standardized quality of life questionnaire answered by patients' parents/legal guardians before and immediately after rapid maxillary expansion. RESULTS: Rapid maxillary expansion resulted in similar and significant expansion in the width of anterior (2.8 mm, p < 0.001) and posterior nasal floor (2.8 mm, p < 0.001). Although nasopharynx and nasal cavities airway volumes significantly increased (+1646.1 mm3, p < 0.001), oropharynx volume increase was not statistically significant (+1450.6 mm3, p = 0.066). The results of the quality of life questionnaire indicated that soon after rapid maxillary expansion, patients' respiratory symptoms significantly decreased in relation to their initial respiratory conditions. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that RME produces significant dimensional increase in the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Additionally, it also positively impacts the quality of life of mouth-breathing patients with maxillary atresia. .

OBJETIVO: avaliar, por meio de tomografias, as mudanças em curto prazo nas vias aéreas superiores e na qualidade de vida em pacientes respiradores bucais, após expansão rápida da maxila (ERM). MÉTODOS: foram avaliados 25 pacientes respiradores bucais com atresia maxilar, com idade média de 10,5 anos, por meio de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) e questionário padronizado de qualidade de vida submetido aos pais/responsáveis, antes e imediatamente após a ERM. RESULTADOS: a ERM promoveu uma expansão, de forma semelhante e significativa, tanto na largura do soalho nasal anterior (2,8mm, p < 0,001) quanto na largura do soalho nasal posterior (2,8mm, p < 0,001). No volume aéreo da nasofaringe e fossas nasais, houve aumento significativo (+1646,1mm3 p < 0,001); entretanto, no volume aéreo da orofaringe, houve aumento não significativo (+1450,6 mm3 p = 0,066). Os resultados do questionário de qualidade de vida indicaram melhora significativa na qualidade de vida dos pacientes após a ERM, em comparação ao questionário inicial. CONCLUSÕES: a ERM promoveu aumento dimensional significativo nas fossas nasais e na nasofaringe, bem como melhorou significativamente a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. .

Psychological screening for the children with habitual snoring.

OBJECTIVES: Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the major determinants of habitual snoring in pediatric population. Behavioral hyperactivity and schooling problems have been repeatedly reported in these children, and it may underlie more extensive behavioral disturbances, particularly for the obese children. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of emotional and behavioral problems using outpatient-based psychological screening tools in the children with habitual snoring. METHODS: Total 235 patients and 170 controls, who aged 4-9 years were enrolled. Body mass index (BMI) z-score was obtained for age and gender and parental sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD) questionnaire was used to assess severity of sleep-disordered breathing (SBD). Psychological assessment was performed using standardized questionnaires including Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED). RESULTS: Children presenting habitual snoring had significantly higher mean scores on almost all scales of SDQ, and SCARED than community controls. Around 20% of the children with habitual snoring, compared with 10-11% of controls had significant levels of distress that could adversely impact treatment outcomes. There was no interaction between obstructive sleep apnea severity and behavioral ratings. The scores for emotional distress and hyperactivity were more prominent in the obese children. Significant psychological distress or impairment in social interactions was observed in children with higher SRBD scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the presence of habitual snoring in young children is associated wide spectrum of behavioral problems and the level of psychological distress might be evaluated at the time of the diagnosis.

Quality of life in children with sleep-disordered breathing.

UNLABELLED: Children may present sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and suffer with adverse effects upon their quality of life. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the quality of life of children with SDB, compared subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and primary snoring (PS), and identified which areas in the OSA-18 questionnaire are more affected. METHODS: This is a historical cohort cross-sectional study carried out on a consecutive sample of children with history of snoring and adenotonsillar hyperplasia. The subject's quality of life was assessed based on the answers their caregivers gave in the OSA-18 questionnaire and on diagnostic polysomnography tests. RESULTS: A number of 59 children participated in this study with mean age of 6.7 ± 2.26 years. The mean score of the OSA-18 was 77.9 ± 13.22 and the area most affected were "caregiver concerns" (21.8 ± 4.25), "sleep disturbance" (18.8 ± 5.19), "physical suffering" (17.3 ± 5.0). The impact was low in 6 children (10.2%), moderate in 33 (55.9%) and high in 20 (33.9%). PS was found in 44 children (74.6%), OSAS in 15 (25.6%). OSAS had higher score on "physical suffering" area than PS (p = 0.04). The AI (r = 0.22; p = 0.08) and AHI (r = 0.14; p = 0.26) were not correlated with OSA-18. CONCLUSION: Sleep disordered breathing in childhood cause impairment in quality of life and areas most affected the OSA-18 were: "caregiver concerns", "sleep disturbance" and "physical suffering". OSAS has the domain "physical suffering" more affected than primary snorers.

Qualidade de vida em crianças com distúrbios respiratórios do sono / Quality of life in children with sleep-disordered breathing

Crianças podem apresentar distúrbios respiratórios do sono (DRS) com repercussões na qualidade de vida. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida de crianças com DRS, comparar crianças com Síndrome da Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono (SAOS) e Ronco Primário (RP) e identificar quais os domínios do OSA-18 estão mais comprometidos. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte histórica com corte transversal em crianças com história de ronco e hiperplasia adenotonsilar. Para avaliar qualidade de vida foi aplicado o questionário OSA-18 aos cuidadores e realizado polissonografia para diagnóstico. RESULTADOS: Participaram 59 crianças com média de idade de 6,7 ± 2,26 anos. O escore médio do OSA-18 foi 77,9 ± 13,22 e os domínios mais afetados foram: "preocupação dos responsáveis" (21,8 ± 4,25), "perturbação do sono" (18,8 ± 5,19), "sofrimento físico" (17,3 ± 5,0). O impacto foi pequeno em seis crianças (10,2%), moderado em 33 (55,9%) e grande em 20 (33,9%). RP foi encontrado em 44 crianças (74,6%), SAOS em 15 (25,6%). SAOS tem escore maior no domínio "sofrimento físico" que RP (p = 0,04). CONCLUSÃO: Distúrbios respiratórios do sono na infância causam comprometimento na qualidade de vida e os domínios mais comprometidos do OSA-18 foram: "preocupação dos responsáveis", "perturbação do sono" e "sofrimento físico". SAOS tem o domínio "sofrimento físico" mais afetado que roncadores primários.

Children may present sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and suffer with adverse effects upon their quality of life. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the quality of life of children with SDB, compared subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and primary snoring (PS), and identified which areas in the OSA-18 questionnaire are more affected. METHODS: This is a historical cohort cross-sectional study carried out on a consecutive sample of children with history of snoring and adenotonsillar hyperplasia. The subject's quality of life was assessed based on the answers their caregivers gave in the OSA-18 questionnaire and on diagnostic polysomnography tests. RESULTS: A number of 59 children participated in this study with mean age of 6.7 ± 2.26 years. The mean score of the OSA-18 was 77.9 ± 13.22 and the area most affected were "caregiver concerns" (21.8 ± 4.25), "sleep disturbance" (18.8 ± 5.19), "physical suffering" (17.3 ± 5.0). The impact was low in 6 children (10.2%), moderate in 33 (55.9%) and high in 20 (33.9%). PS was found in 44 children (74.6%), OSAS in 15 (25.6%). OSAS had higher score on "physical suffering" area than PS (p = 0.04). The AI (r = 0.22; p = 0.08) and AHI (r = 0.14; p = 0.26) were not correlated with OSA-18. CONCLUSION: Sleep disordered breathing in childhood cause impairment in quality of life and areas most affected the OSA-18 were: "caregiver concerns", "sleep disturbance" and "physical suffering". OSAS has the domain "physical suffering" more affected than primary snorers.

Snoring men with daytime sleepiness drive more than others: A population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether subjects with daytime sleepiness who snore or report witnessed sleep apneas drive more than others. METHODS: Questions on snoring, witnessed sleep apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness and driving distance per year were included in the Northern Sweden component of the WHO, MONICA study. Invited were 10756 subjects aged 25-79 years, randomly selected from the population register. RESULTS: There were 7905 (73%) subjects, 3858 men and 4047 women who responded to the questionnaire and attended a visit for a physical examination. Habitually snoring men with daytime sleepiness drove a mean of 22566 (95% CI 18550-26582)km a year, which was significantly more than non-snoring men without excessive daytime sleepiness who drove 17751 (95% CI 17076-18427)km a year, p=0.02, after adjustments for age, body mass index, smoking and physical activity. Men reporting witnessed sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness also drove more than their counterparts in adjusted analysis, p=0.01. Women reporting daytime sleepiness and witnessed apnea tended to drive more, while snoring women with daytime sleepiness did not. CONCLUSIONS: Men suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness who snore habitually or report witnessed sleep apneas drive significantly more than others.

The annoyance of snoring.

Is the annoyance of snoring a reliable tool for the measurement of snoring or does it depend more on the sensitivity of the listener? During an automatized hearing experiment, 550 representative snoring sequences, recorded during polysomnography, were randomly presented to ten examiners for the evaluation of their annoyance (0-100). The mean annoyance score for each snoring sound and the covariance parameters for rater and snoring sounds (restricted maximum likelihood method) were calculated. The average annoyance rating of all snoring sequences was 63.9+/-23.0, the most acceptable snoring sequence rating was 49.2+/-28.0, the most annoying rating was 77.7+/-16.4. The covariance parameters were estimated as 28.7% for the rater and 22.3% for the snoring sound. Our results show that the listeners' noise sensitivity is at least equally relevant for the snoring annoyance as the snoring sound itself.

Changes in emotional state of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea patients following radiofrequency tissue ablation.

A total of 37 primary snoring and obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients were treated with two sessions of radiofrequency tissue ablation (RFTA) to assess the relationship among RFTA and sleepiness, anxiety and depression in patients with OSAHS. Patients' sleepiness was rated according to the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), anxiety--on Spielberg's trait-state anxiety inventory scale and depression degree--with Beck depression inventory-second edition scale and the patients' major complaints were evaluated using visual analog scales before and after the treatment. A remarkable decrease in patients' complaints, sleepiness and depression after RFTA was observed. The ESS mean score decreased from 9.3 +/- 3.4 to 7.14 +/- 3.2 points (P < 0.05) and Beck depression index mean value decreased from 14.2 +/- 10.8 to 8.7 +/- 7.6 points (P < 0.05), respectively. RFTA is a treatment of choice for snoring and mild to moderate OSAHS. Reduction of sleepiness and depression was statistically significant after RFTA.

[The relationship between the abnormal behavior and serum C-reactive protein in children with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the pathogenesis of abnormal behavior in children with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). METHOD: The behavioral problems and C-reactive protein were measured in 40 children with OSAHS and 30 children with habitual snoring who underwent overnight Polysomnography, 40 cases of healthy children for the control group. RESULT: The ratio of abnormal behavior in OSAHS and habitual snoring children was significantly higher than that of the healthy control group, while no significant difference between the two groups. The content of C-reactive protein in OSAHS children (4.24 mg/L) was significantly higher than habitual snoring (2.76 mg/L) and healthy control group (1.27 mg/L); in habitual snoring children C-reactive protein was higher than in healthy control group. The content of serum C-reactive protein in OSAHS children accompanied by abnormal behavior (4.63 mg/L) was significantly higher than that without abnormal behavior (3.23 mg/L). The content of serum C-reactive protein content in habitual snoring children accompanied by abnormal behavior (3.63 mg/L) was significantly higher than that without abnormal behavior (1.76 mg/L). CONCLUSION: OSAHS and habitual snoring children have more behavior problems. C-reactive protein levels are higher in children with OSAHS and habitual snoring, and the levels of C-reactive protein are related to the abnormal behavior in these children.

[Quality of life in children with obstructive sleeping disorder after tonsillectomy, tonsillotomy or adenotomy]. / Lebensqualität bei kindlichem obstruktiven Schlafapnoesyndrom nach Tonsillektomie, Tonsillotomie und/oder Adenotomie.

BACKGROUND: To study the effectiveness of adenotomy (AT), adenotonsillectomy (ATE) and adenotonsillotomy (ATT) with respect to the quality of life improvement in children with obstructive sleep disorders (OSD), OSA 18 survey and Brouillette score were used. METHODS: Prospectively, 92 children with an age ranging from 2 to 6 years with OSD underwent AT, ATE or ATT at the University hospital of Ulm (Germany), respectively. 30 age-matched children served as controls. Caregivers were requested to complete the Brouillette score and the OSA 18 survey, which are validated instruments for detecting symptoms and quality of life change in children with OSDs, at the initial office visit prior to surgery (BS/1 and OSA 18/1) and 7 - 14 months after surgery (BS/2 and OSA 18/2). RESULTS: The mean total score of the OSA 18 survey for AT, ATE and ATT was reduced significantly after these operations (p < 0.001). Similar results were also observed in the Brouillette score (p < 0.002). The improvement of life quality in the AT group was less effective than in the ATE and ATT group. CONCLUSION: ATE and ATT have about the same effectiveness to improve life quality for children with OSD. Children after ATE or ATT have a comparable life quality as healthy children (Mann Whitney U-test; p approximately 0.15), while children who only received AT have a slightly lower life quality after the operation. In summary, ATT was recommend.

Prevalence of treatment choices for snoring and sleep apnea in an Australian population.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of treatment and diagnosis of snoring and sleep apnea in the population of New South Wales Australia. METHODS: Postal survey of 10,000 people randomly selected from the electoral roll, half aged 18 to 24 and half aged 25 to 64, with telephone follow-up for some nonresponders. Weighted prevalences are reported. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 35.6% (18-24 n = 1421 and 25-64 n = 1879). One hundred and fifty-nine respondents reported seeking medical help for snoring or sleep apnea (6.3%, 95% confidence interval 5.46-7.12%), with 133 of these being aged 25 to 64. Fifty-one respondents reported subsequent treatment (2.0%; 95% CI 1.49-2.43), with some reporting more than 1 treatment. Continuous positive airway pressure was received in 17 cases, mandibular advancement splints in 9 cases, and upper airway or nasal surgery in 31 cases. Eighty-six reported receiving an overnight sleep study (polysomnography). Most surgical patients did not report having their sleep measured with a sleep study (22/31). CONCLUSIONS: The population of New South Wales has had the longest potential exposure to continuous positive airway pressure. However, few of those in even the middle-aged group reported ever being recommended continuous positive airway pressure treatment. It is more common to have a surgical intervention for snoring or sleep apnea. Surprisingly, most surgical patients do not report any associated sleep study to quantify their snoring or sleep apnea or measure the efficacy of surgery. Since a substantial proportion of patients who experience snoring and sleep apnea are not assessed via a sleep study, it is necessary to increase awareness of undergoing such clinical procedures.

Generic and specific quality-of-life measures in Taiwanese adults with sleep-disordered breathing.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the quality-of-life status of Taiwanese adult patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A prospective, quality-of-life survey in a tertiary referral sleep center on 94 consecutive adult SDB patients. Patients were evaluated with polysomnogram, Medical Outcome Study SF-36 Health Survey, Snore Outcome Survey (SOS), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). RESULTS: SDB patients have significantly lower scores in all 8 SF-36 subscales (P < 0.05) than do normative Taiwan adult population. Apnea patients have lower SOS (34.5 +/- 7.5 vs 40.1 +/- 10.3, P = 0.005) and higher ESS scores than do simple snorers (8.8 +/- 5.1 vs 11.7 +/- 5.2, P = 0.03). Patients with a higher degree of sleepiness show worse performance in all dimensions of their general health status (P values 0.0005 to 0.01). Deep sleep (stage 3 + 4) is predictive of SF-36 role: physical (beta = 1.63, P = 0.04), bodily pain (beta = 1.22, P = 0.01), vitality (beta = 1.05, P = 0.01), subscales scores (adjusted R(2) 0.005 to 0.1). CONCLUSION: SDB has considerable impact on a patient's global health status. SIGNIFICANCE: Daytime sleepiness, rather than apnea, is a major quality-of-life determinant. EBM RATING: B-2b.

The development of a snoring symptoms inventory.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a patient-derived snoring questionnaire, the Snoring Symptoms Inventory (SSI), and explore its structure and relationship to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS); and to assess the sensitivity of the SSI to change. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The SSI was developed from an open-ended questionnaire given to 120 habitual snorers. The 25 symptoms reported compose the SSI. This study examines 261 subsequent snorers assessed between April 1998 and August 2002, who completed both the SSI and the ESS. Fifty-five of them underwent laser uvulopalatoplasty and their preoperative and postoperative SSI results were compared. RESULTS: The total SSI score is the key outcome derived. Principal component analysis identified two further dimensions, one contrasting family/social with work-related problems and another comparing physical problems with embarrassment. The total score correlated weakly with the ESS. Laser uvulopalatoplasty significantly reduced patients' overall symptom severity and family and socially related problems. CONCLUSION: The SSI is a comprehensive and sensitive measure for assessing snoring, making it a useful clinical outcome tool for snoring treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: The SSI is a new, useful snoring questionnaire. EBM RATING: B-2b.

Correlates of the "don't know" response to questions about snoring.

Many persons say that they "don't know" whether they snore. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and correlates of such responses in an elderly population. Subjects were 1715 members (1,155 men, 560 women) of a previously defined cohort (Western Group Collaborative Study) followed prospectively since 1960-1961 with a current mean age of 75.9 (SD = 4.3) for the men and 71.4 (SD = 5.3) for the women. We collected survey questionnaires and reviewed medical records. Results indicated that risk factors for the "don't know" response in this population were similar to those for frequent snoring and included: male sex, higher Body Mass Index, smoking, and use of sinus medication. Between 28 and 44% of the cohort answered questions about snoring with a "don't know" response. These data are compatible with the interpretation that subjects may disavow knowledge of their own snoring and suggest that future studies consider the "don't know" response to questions about snoring as a response of potential interest.

Psychometric performance before and after laser palatoplasty for non-apnoeic snoring.

Psychometric tests are an objective way of examining cognitive functioning, and have shown impairment in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Non-apnoeic snoring may cause reduced concentration, but psychometric tests have been used rarely in this population. We investigate whether their use can demonstrate an improvement in cognitive performance in 20 non-apnoeic snorers following Laser Palatoplasty (LPP). The subjects completed psychometric tests, Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories and an Epworth Sleepiness Scale on two occasions before LPP and once postoperatively. The only index to show any significant change with LPP was the Beck Depression Inventory (P < 0.005), which was reduced by a mean of 1.6 units following surgery. There was also a highly significant improvement in information processing between the preoperative tests, for which no explanation could be found. Our results suggest that commonly applied psychometric tests are unable to demonstrate significant improvements following surgery for non-apnoeic snoring. However, we have demonstrated for the first time a significant reduction in depression following surgery, which is evidence that snoring is more than a social nuisance.

Better quality of life when nasal breathing of snoring men is improved at night.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether improved nasal breathing changes the quality of life in snoring men and improves the female sleeping partners' well-being in the morning. DESIGN: During 1 month, 42 heavily snoring men slept with a nostril dilator. Before and after 1 month, the snorers rated their daytime tiredness and completed the Nottingham Health Profile questionnaire. Female sleeping partners rated the snoring, the quality of their sleep, and their sense of well-being in the morning. A population sample was used for comparison. SETTING: The Central Hospital, Skövde, Sweden. RESULTS: The snorers' quality of life before the study was significantly worse (P<.001) than that of the comparison population and improved significantly (P = .001). The men were significantly (P<.001) less tired during the day when their nasal airflow was increased. Female sleeping partners had significantly (P = .005) better sleep and an improved sense of well-being in the morning during the test period. Both were correlated with a significant reduction in the snoring (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: When nasal breathing of snoring men was improved at night, their quality of life was significantly improved. The female sleeping partners had a reduction in sleep disturbance that correlated well with an improvement in their own sleep and feelings of well-being in the morning.

Sleep disordered breathing: effects of adenotonsillectomy on behaviour and psychological functioning.

UNLABELLED: Children on the adenotonsillectomy waiting list aged 6 years or more were screened by questionnaire and overnight sleep monitoring to identify 12 with a moderate sleep and breathing disorder (SBD) group. They were matched by age and sex with 11 children who had a similar history of snoring and sleep disturbance but without an obvious sleep and breathing problem when monitored (snorer group) and also with a group of ten children most of whom were refered for an unrelated surgical procedure (control group). All children were studied before and 3-6 months after surgery. Pre-operatively the SBD and snorer groups both had significantly more restless sleep than the control group. The SBD group also had significantly more (> 4%) dips in oxygen saturation than the other two groups. After surgery there were no longer any significant differences between the three groups. After adenotonsillectomy the SBD group showed a significant reduction in aggression, inattention and hyperactivity on the parent Conners scale, and an improvement in vigilance on the Continuous Performance Test. The snorer group also improved showing less hyperactive behaviour than pre-operatively and better vigilance. The control groups's behaviour and performance did not change significantly. There were no significant changes in the performance of the Matching Familiar Figures Test in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: Relief of mild to moderate sleep and breathing disorders in children is associated with improved behaviour and functioning. We confirm previous work which suggests that the relation between sleep disordered breathing and daytime problems in children is a causal one.

Self-assessed cognitive function in snorers and sleep apneics. An epidemiological study of 1,504 females and males aged 30-60 years: the Dan-MONICA II Study.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the relation between every-night (habitual) snoring, sleep apnea and cognitive complaints (concentration and memory problems) in an adult population-based sample. In the Dan-MONICA (MONItoring trends in CArdiovascular diseases) 1,504 males and females aged 30, 40, 50 and 60 years were classified according to their snoring habits. Nocturnal respiration was measured in 748 participants. The following measures were regarded as potential confounders: age, gender, unintended sleepiness, insomnia, depression, hypnotic use, alcohol and tobacco consumption by questionnaire, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure. Concentration and memory problems were both related to depression, insomnia and unintended sleepiness. Snoring and sleep apnea (defined as a respiratory distress index - RDI > or = 5), were associated with concentration problems and unintended sleepiness. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) between snoring, concentration and memory problems, calculated by logistic regression analysis after adjustments of the above confounders, were 1.90 (1.23-2.91, p < 0.01) and 1.38 (0.97-1.99, NS). For those with sleep apnea, the odds ratios were 3.53 (1.42-8.73, p < 0.001) and 1.51 (0.81-2.14, NS) for concentration and memory problems, respectively. The main conclusion drawn from this study is that cognitive complaints show a high correlation to mood, insomnia, and hypersomnia. Habitual snoring and sleep apnea show a correlation to concentration problems, but not to memory complaints. This suggests that part of the association between snoring, sleep apnea and cognitive dysfunction is related to the presence of sleep disturbances and daytime sleepiness.

Snoring, sleep disturbance, and behaviour in 4-5 year olds.

Parents of 996 children aged 4-5 years identified consecutively from the Oxford health visitor register were asked to complete a questionnaire about breathing disorders during sleep. A total of 782 (78.5%) was returned. Ninety five (12.1%) children were reported to snore on most nights. Habitual snoring was significantly associated with daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, and hyperactivity. The questionnaire responses were used to select two subgroups, one at high risk of a sleep and breathing disorder and a control group. These children (132 in total) were monitored at home with overnight video recording and oximetry, and had formal behavioural assessment using the Conners scale. Seven (7/66) children from the high risk group and none from the control group had obvious sleep disturbance consequent on snoring and upper airway obstruction. Thus our estimate of the prevalence of sleep and breathing disorders in this age group is 7/996 or 0.7%. The high risk group had significantly higher nocturnal movement, oxygen saturation dip rates, and overnight pulse rates than the controls. Maternal but not paternal smoking was associated with the high risk group. Parents and teachers thought those in the high risk group were more hyperactive and inattentive than the controls, but only their parents thought them more aggressive. Significant sleep and breathing disorders occur in about 0.7% of 4-5 year olds. Children whose parents report snoring and sleep disturbance have objective evidence of sleep disruption and show more behaviour problems than controls.

Laser uvulopalatoplasty in treatment of habitual snoring.

Velopharyngeal sonorous snoring is best treated with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). To reduce surgical risks and minimize the morbidity, a simplified carbon dioxide laser uvulopalatoplasty (LUPP) was performed under local anesthesia. Among a total of 146 patients who had a LUPP performed, there was no significant bleeding or postoperative episodes of asphyxia. The procedure was well tolerated even by those patients with strong vomiting reflexes. The operation time was halved, as was the convalescence. Two patients (1.4%) developed scarring with nasal obstruction, but the impact of factors other than the laser approach itself seemed to be the cause. By scored questionnaires the effect on snoring, family complaints, and daytime somnolence was evaluated in two comparable random groups of patients. Sixty-three patients had LUPP procedures, and 37 had UPPP. The short-term results showed that about 90% of the patients considered themselves essentially improved as regarded snoring and that most patients felt more alert, irrespective of the surgical method used.