Evaluation of Portable Tablet-Based Audiometry in a South Indian Population.

While a comprehensive booth audiogram is the gold standard for diagnosis of hearing loss, access to this may not be available in remote and low resource settings. The aims of this study were to validate a tablet-based audiometer in a tertiary medical center in India and explore its capacity in improving access to hearing healthcare. Subjects presenting to Ear-Nose-Throat clinics for conventional booth audiometry testing were recruited for subsequent tablet-based audiometric testing. Testing with the tablet was conducted in a non-sound-treated hospital clinic room. Bilateral air and bone conduction hearing threshold data from 250 through 4000 Hz were validated against conventional booth audiometry. In addition, a small feasibility study was conducted in rural clinics. 70 participants (37 adults and 33 children between the ages 5-18) were assessed. 69% were male, with a mean age of 29.7 years. Sensitivity and specificity for the tablet were 89% (95% CI 80-94%) and 70% (95% CI 56-82%), respectively. While median differences in air conduction thresholds between conventional and tablet audiograms showed statistical significance at 250, 500, and 1000 Hz (p < 0.001), the threshold results of the tablet audiometer were within 5 dB of the conventional audiogram and not clinically significant. Ten patients were successfully screened in rural clinics with tablet audiometry. Tablet portable audiometry is a valid tool for air and bone conduction threshold assessment outside of conventional sound booths. It can accurately identify hearing impairment and offers a screening tool for hearing loss in low resource settings.

The Effect of Lateral Pharyngeal Collapse Patterns on Therapy Response in Upper Airway Stimulation Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by repeated upper airway collapse while sleeping which leads to intermittent hypoxemia. Upper airway stimulation (UAS) is a commonly practiced modality for treating OSA in patients who cannot tolerate, or do not benefit from, positive airway pressure (PAP). The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of lateral pharyngeal collapse patterns on therapy response in UAS. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study from a single, tertiary-care academic center was performed. Patients who underwent UAS between October 2016 and July 2019 were identified and analyzed. Drug-induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) outcomes between Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) responders and AHI non-responders were compared. Those with complete concentric collapse at the velopharynx were not candidates for UAS. RESULTS: About 95 patients that underwent UAS were included in this study. Pre- to Post-UAS demonstrated significant improvements in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (12.0 vs 4.0, P = .001), AHI (29.8 vs 5.4, P < .001) and minimum oxygen saturation (79% vs 83%, P < .001). No DISE findings significantly predicted AHI response after UAS. Specifically, multiple types of lateral pharyngeal collapse patterns did not adversely effect change in AHI or AHI response rate. CONCLUSION: Demonstration of lateral pharyngeal collapse on DISE, in the absence of complete concentric velopharyngeal obstruction, does not appear to adversely affect AHI outcomes in UAS patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: VI.

Bilateral pyriform sinus parathyroid adenomas.

Parathyroid glands undergo a variable descent during embryologic development and can be found anywhere in the neck from the level of the mandible to the mediastinum. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first report of a patient who was found to have bilateral parathyroid adenomas in her pyriform sinuses. A middle-aged woman with renal failure and secondary hyperparathyroidism presented with dysphagia and was found to have bilateral pyriform sinus masses on endoscopy. We performed direct laryngoscopy and surgical excision of these masses, and they were found to be parathyroid adenomas. Her dysphagia improved postoperatively, and she continues to be followed by her endocrinologist, who manages her secondary hyperparathyroidism medically. The differential diagnosis for hypopharyngeal masses is wide and should include parathyroid adenomas, even in patients with bilateral masses.

Development and Characterization of an In Vitro Model for Radiation-Induced Fibrosis.

Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is a major side effect of radiotherapy in cancer patients with no effective therapeutic options. RIF involves excess deposition and aberrant remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) leading to stiffness in tissues and organ failure. Development of preclinical models of RIF is crucial to elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating fibrosis and to develop therapeutic approaches. In addition to radiation, the main molecular perpetrators of fibrotic reactions are cytokines, including transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß). We hypothesized that human oral fibroblasts would develop an in vitro fibrotic reaction in response to radiation and TGF-ß. We demonstrate here that fibroblasts exposed to radiation followed by TGF-ß exhibit a fibrotic phenotype with increased collagen deposition, cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In this in vitro model of RIF (RIFiv), the early biological processes involved in fibrosis are demonstrated, along with increased levels of several molecules including collagen 1α1, collagen XIα1, integrin-α2 and cyclin D1 mRNA in irradiated cells. A clinically relevant antifibrotic agent, pentoxifylline, and a curcumin analogue both mitigated collagen deposition in irradiated fibroblast cultures. In summary, we have established an in vitro model for RIF that facilitates the elucidation of molecular mechanisms in radiation-induced fibrosis and the development of effective therapeutic approaches.

Inhibition of fibroblast growth factor receptor with AZD4547 mitigates juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a benign tumor that presents in adolescent males. Although surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment, recurrences complicate treatment. There is a need to develop less invasive approaches for management. JNA tumors are composed of fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells. We identified fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in JNA-derived fibroblasts. FGFR influences fibroblast proliferation and VEGF is necessary for angiogenesis. We hypothesized that targeting FGFR would mitigate JNA fibroblast proliferation, invasion, and migration, and that targeting the VEGF receptor would attenuate endothelial tubule formation. METHODS: After informed consent, fibroblasts from JNA explants of 3 patients were isolated. Fibroblasts were treated with FGFR inhibitor AZD4547, 0 to 25 µg/mL for 72 hours and proliferation was quantified using CyQuant assay. Migration and invasion of JNA were assessed using 24-hour transwell assays with subsequent fixation and quantification. Mitigation of FGFR and downstream signaling was evaluated by immunoblotting. Tubule formation was assessed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with vehicle control (dimethylsulfoxide [DMSO]) or semaxanib (SU5416) as well as in serum-free media (SFM) or JNA conditioned media (CM). Tubule length was compared between treatment groups. RESULTS: Compared to control, AZD4547 inhibited JNA fibroblast proliferation, migration, and invasion through inhibition of FGFR and downstream signaling, specifically phosphorylation of - p44/42 mitogen activated protein kinase (p44/42 MAPK). JNA fibroblast CM significantly increased HUVEC tubule formation (p = 0.0039). CONCLUSION: AZD4547 effectively mitigates FGFR signaling and decreases JNA fibroblast proliferation, migration, and invasion. SU5416 attenuated JNA fibroblast-induced tubule formation. AZD4547 may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of JNA.

Targeted hypoglossal nerve stimulation for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: Six-month results.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: This feasibility study was designed to show the preliminary safety and efficacy of targeted hypoglossal neurostimulation (THN), and to identify baseline predictors of successful therapy. STUDY DESIGN: Open-label, prospective, multicenter, single-arm cohort study, conducted at seven centers in the U.S.A. and Europe. METHODS: Forty-six participants with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), failing or intolerant of continuous positive airway pressure, were implanted. Primary (Apnea-Hypopnea Index [AHI], Oxygen Desaturation Index [ODI]) and secondary (Arousal Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale Index, Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index) outcomes were measured at baseline and compared at 6 months. Data were analyzed to identify participant characteristics that would predict success with therapy. RESULTS: Sixty-seven adverse events (AEs) were observed among 36 participants; most of the AEs were related to the implant procedure and resolved without sequelae; one device replacement was necessary. Forty-three participants showed significant (P < .01) decreases in both AHI and ODI at 6 months; 35% (15 of 43) met criteria for AHI responders and 40% (17 of 43) for ODI responders. Significant improvement was observed in all the secondary endpoints. Predictors-of-success selection criteria were identified as baseline AHI < 65/hr, baseline apnea index ≤ 30, baseline body mass index < 35, and <15 events/hr of SpO2 decrease > 10%. Seven participants met these criteria; 86% (6 of 7) were AHI responders and 86% (6 of 7) were ODI responders, indicating that THN therapy can be efficacious in a carefully selected population of OSA patients. CONCLUSIONS: This feasibility study suggests that THN therapy is likely to be safe and effective in selected patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b Laryngoscope, 126:2618-2623, 2016.

Provent therapy for obstructive sleep apnea: Impact of nasal obstruction.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Determine the impact of nasal obstruction on efficacy, success, and adherence of Provent therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, two-arm, clinical pilot study at a single clinical site. METHODS: Patients with OSA who failed continuous positive airway pressure therapy were divided into two treatment arms: arm 1 were patients with no complaints of nasal obstruction and <50% nasal obstruction on exam, and arm 2 were patients with occasional complaints of nasal obstruction and 50% to 80% nasal obstruction on exam. Sleep testing at home was performed prior to the trial and on day 10 of the study with the use of Provent. RESULTS: Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) decreased significantly from 20.5 ± 14.8 to 11.5 ± 16.6 (P < .001) in our total patient population. Patients in arm 1 had statistically significant improvement in their AHI (18.1 ± 13.0 to 7.4 ± 10.1, P < .001), oxygen desaturation index (ODI) (16.3 ± 10.8 to 8.2 ± 9.0, P < .001), and minimum oxygen saturation (81.3% ± 6.7% to 86.9% ± 5.6%, P = 0.008) from baseline sleep study to sleep study 2. Patients in arm 2 had improvements in their AHI (23.4 ± 16.6 to 16.5 ± 21.4), ODI (21.5 ± 14.8 to 17.0 ± 16.0) and minimum 02 %. However, none of these reached statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, Provent therapy had a high failure rate. Patients without nasal obstruction showed greater improvements using Provent than patients with obstruction. Correction of nasal obstruction may be a useful prerequisite for treatment with Provent.

Factors associated with hypertrophy of the lingual tonsils.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that may be associated with lingual tonsil hypertrophy (LTH). STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Tertiary academic center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review identified 380 patients from August 2013 to April 2014 with graded lingual tonsils, documented during routine flexible laryngoscopy. Lingual tonsils were graded using a 0 to 4 scale: 0 = complete absence of lymphoid tissue, 1 = lymphoid tissue scattered over tongue base, 2 = lymphoid tissue covers entirety of tongue base with limited thickness, 3 = lymphoid tissue 5 to 10 mm in thickness, 4 = lymphoid tissue >1 cm in thickness (rising above the tip of epiglottis). Reflux symptom index (RSI collected during patient intake), presence of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS; confirmed by polysomnogram), smoking habits, and basic demographics were gathered. Chi-square and linear multivariate regression analyses were used to identify significant relationships with LTH levels. RESULTS: Overall, 59.8% were male with a mean age of 50.2 ± 16.5 years and BMI of 30.1 ± 18.0. Chi-square analysis revealed no significant relationship between OSAHS and LTH (P = .059). When RSI was stratified to ≥ 10 or < 10, a Cochran-Armitage test supported the trend hypothesis that as RSI increases, lingual tonsil grading increases. Significant univariate correlates included younger age (r = -0.307, P < .001) and smoking (r = 0.186, P = .002). Multivariate regression revealed the combination of younger age, increasing RSI, and smoking (r = -0.297, P < .001) to be a significant correlate. CONCLUSION: LTH does not seem to be associated with OSAHS or BMI in this group of patients. High RSI, younger age, and gender may be factors associated with increased lingual tonsil thickness.

A standardized lingual tonsil grading system: interexaminer agreement.

OBJECTIVE: Comparisons among studies involving the tongue base are limited by lack of a universal system for grading lingual tonsils. The authors propose a new standardized clinical grading system for lingual tonsil hypertrophy (LTH). Validation was assessed via an interexaminer agreement study. STUDY DESIGN: Kappa interrater agreement study. SETTING: Tertiary academic center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Video assessment: The proposed grading system consists of a 0-to-4 scale: 0 = complete absence of lymphoid tissue; 1 = lymphoid tissue scattered over tongue base; 2 = lymphoid tissue covering entirety of tongue base with limited vertical thickness; 3 = significantly raised lymphoid tissue covering entirety of the tongue base, approximately 5 to 10 mm in thickness; 4 = lymphoid tissue rising above the tip of the epiglottis, ≥1 cm in thickness. The vertical height of the tonsils is a clinical approximate. A teaching video demonstrated identification of this grading system. Fourteen trained otolaryngologists graded 20 video clips of the tongue base, recorded during flexible laryngoscopy. Live assessment: A second study was performed by 2 examiners directly examining the tongue base of 23 patients using flexible laryngoscopy. RESULTS: Video assessment: The overall Fleiss kappa statistic was 0.775 (P < .0001). This denotes substantial agreement. Live assessment: The overall kappa for nominal data was 0.8665 (P < .0001). This denotes near perfect agreement. CONCLUSION: The substantial interexaminer correlation demonstrated during video assessment and perfect interexaminer correlation in live assessment indicate that the proposed grading system may be a valuable and useful tool in creating a common language to describe lingual tonsils.

Impact of mandibular advancement devices on C-reactive protein levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the effect of treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with custom-made mandibular advancement devices (MADs) on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. METHODS: Charts of consecutive patients fitted with custom-made mandibular advancement devices for treatment of OSAHS between December 2011 and November 2012 were reviewed. Demographics such as age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) were collected. Prefitting and postfitting polysomnograms were reviewed. Pre- and posttreatment apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and average O2 saturation were compared. Only patients with documented CRP levels determined prior to mandibular advancement device fitting and again after improvement of OSAHS symptoms were included. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients (77.6% male, age 47.4 ± 11.7 years, BMI 29.6 ± 5.0 kg/m(2)) were included in this study. Patients initially had elevated CRP levels (2.5 ± 1.8 mg/dl), which decreased significantly following use of their custom-made mandibular advancement device (1.9 ± 1.3 mg/dl, P = 0.006) by approximately 24%. AHI decreased significantly from 33.3 ± 21.7 pretreatment to 12.1 ± 22.3 posttreatment (P < 0.001). Treatment with MADs reduced AHI by approximately 69.3%. Minimum oxygen saturation significantly improved from 85.1% ± 5.9 pretreatment to 90.7% ± 3.6 posttreatment (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Treatment with custom-made mandibular advancement devices significantly reduced elevated CRP levels in patients with mild to severe OSAHS. Therapy achieves reasonable response and cure rates in the observed patients with a significant reduction in AHI.

Effects of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Nasal Surgery in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of combined nasal surgery and endoscopic sinus surgery on the objective measurements of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sleep architecture by comparing polysomnographic data before and after combined surgery in patients with OSA. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: A single clinical site. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients with OSA and chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent combined nasal surgery and endoscopic sinus surgery and preoperative and postoperative polysomnography were identified. Patient charts were reviewed and preoperative and postoperative body mass index, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), mean and minimum oxygen saturation, sleep efficiency, and sleep staging were compared. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were included in our study. Patients were divided into 3 groups on the basis of the severity of OSA: those with mild OSA (n = 9), those with moderate OSA (n = 23), and those with severe OSA (n = 24). After combined nasal and sinus surgery, the mean AHI significantly decreased from 33.5 ± 22.0 to 29.4 ± 20.8 (P = .009) in our overall population. Specifically, AHI improved significantly in patients with moderate OSA (from 22.3 ± 4.8 to 20.7 ± 8.2, P = .023) and severe OSA (from 52.3 ± 21.4 to 43.6 ± 23.9, P = .034), while patients with mild OSA did not have significant changes in AHI. Successful surgical procedures were achieved in only 2 of 56 patients. CONCLUSION: Although combined nasal and sinus surgery may slightly improve AHI in a certain group of patients, it does not cure OSA or have a significant clinical impact.

Z-palatopharyngoplasty Combined with Endoscopic Coblator Open Tongue Base Resection for Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the safety and outcomes of Z-palatopharyngoplasty (ZPPP) combined with endoscopic Coblator open tongue base resection (Eco-TBR) for the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). STUDY DESIGN: Review of a prospective database. SETTING: Academic tertiary medical center. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with severe OSAHS who had multilevel obstruction, failed continuous positive airway pressure therapy, and then underwent ZPPP plus Eco-TBR were enrolled in this study. The subjective symptoms and objective polysomnography parameters were collected preoperatively and at a minimum of 12 weeks postoperatively. Statistical analysis was determined by the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients, consisting of 3 female and 32 male patients (mean age, 42 years), had completed data for final analysis. None of the patients had perioperative or postoperative serious complications. The classical success rate was 62.9% (22/35). Three months postoperatively, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale decreased from 11.0 ± 4.2 to 8.7 ± 4.3 (P = .0006). The mean apnea/hypopnea index decreased from 50.6 ± 16.6 to 26.5 ± 23.5 events/h, the lowest oxygen saturation (%) improved from 70.4 ± 9.9 to 80.1 ± 11.3, and the snoring visual analog scale (0-10) as assessed by bed partner decreased from 9.86 ± 0.69 to 3.27 ± 1.96 (P < .0001 for all variables). CONCLUSION: This study shows the significant benefits of ZPPP plus Eco-TBR in patients with severe OSAHS.

Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux on Posttreatment Symptoms and Hypopharyngeal pH.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of twice-daily proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment on the relationship between laryngopharyngeal pH environment and symptoms in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective analysis of records from consecutive patients seen at a single clinical site between 2009 and 2012. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-three records of patients diagnosed with LPR who underwent pre- and posttreatment pH studies were included. Prior to treatment, all had a Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) > 13 and an abnormal pH study. Patients were treated for ≥ 4 weeks with twice-daily PPIs. Following treatment, patients completed a second RSI and pH study. RESULTS: Most patients (67.4%) had symptom normalization; however, most patients (60.5%) did not have pH normalization. For all patients whose symptoms did not normalize, pH scores also did not normalize; 32.6% of patients showed no subjective or objective treatment response. For individuals whose symptoms normalized but whose pH scores did not normalize, there was a significant decrease in upright pH score. For the entire group, pretreatment symptom and upright pH scores were strongly positively correlated. Improvements in symptom and upright pH scores following treatment were moderately positively correlated. CONCLUSION: Laryngopharyngeal pH failed to normalize for most individuals after PPI treatment; only pH improvement was necessary for symptom normalization. Many patients had no treatment response. Laryngopharyngeal reflux patients may make up a heterogeneous group, and PPI responsivity may help explain conflicting results from previous studies. Posttreatment pH monitoring is recommended in studies investigating the efficacy of PPI therapy for LPR.

Objective versus subjective measurements of palatine tonsil size in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between subjective and objective tonsil size measurements in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and compare the tonsil size measurements with the severity of disease. Fifty-one adult patients (46 males and 5 females) who failed continuous positive airway pressure therapy and underwent OSAHS surgery were recruited. Physical examinations, subjective tonsil size grading preoperatively, and objective tonsil measurements including size (length, width, and height), weight and volume immediately after surgery were recorded. The results showed significant positive correlations between subjective tonsil size grading and all the parameters of the objective tonsil measurements (p < 0.05). When comparing the subjective and objective tonsil measurements with the polysomnographic parameters, the subjective grading was significantly correlated with snoring index (p < 0.05) but showed only borderline correlation with apnea/hypopnea index. However, the objective tonsil measurements were significantly correlated with both snoring index and apnea/hypopnea index (both p < 0.05). Although the subjective tonsil size grading reflected the objective tonsil measurements, the objective tonsil measurements were more meaningful in predicting the severity of OSAHS.

Mandibular advancement for obstructive sleep apnea: relating outcomes to anatomy.

IMPORTANCE: This study provides insight into the response and cure rates of oral appliances (OAs) in patients with primary retropalatal, retroglossal, or retroepiglottic obstruction, as well as the effect of minimal cross-sectional area on the overall decrease in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) across all anatomical locations of collapse. OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of regional upper airway obstruction measured with acoustic pharyngometry as a determinant of OA success. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective case-series included patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome at a tertiary care center. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were fitted with a custom OA between July 1, 2011, and January 1, 2012. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Regions of maximal upper airway collapse were determined on acoustic pharyngometry: retropalatal, retroglossal, or retroepiglottic. Apnea-hypopnea index improvement at titration polysomnography was assessed against regional collapse. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (56 [75%] men; mean [SD] age, 49.0 [13.6] years; mean body mass index [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared], 29.4 [5.2]; and mean AHI, 30.6 [20.0]) were assessed, and data were grouped on the basis of region of maximal collapse at pharyngometry (retropalatal in 29 patients, retroglossal in 28, and retroepiglottic in 18). The overall reduction in AHI at OA titration showed no significant difference between groups. There was no significant difference in the response rate to treatment, defined as more than 50% AHI reduction plus an AHI of less than 20 (response rate, 69% for retropalatal, 75% for retroglossal, and 83% for retroepiglottic collapse; P = .55) or the cure rate, defined as an AHI of less than 5 (cure rate, 52% for retropalatal, 43% for retroglossal, and 72% for retroepiglottic collapse; P = .15). The correlation between minimal cross-sectional area and response trended toward significance (r = 0.20; range -0.03 to 0.41; P < .10). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Oral appliance therapy achieves reasonable response and cure rates in patients with primary retropalatal, retroglossal, or retroepiglottic obstruction at the time of initial titration polysomnography. However, success is not predicted by identification of the region of maximal upper airway collapse measured with acoustic pharyngometry.

Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea by peripheral arterial tonometry: meta-analysis.

IMPORTANCE: Efficient diagnosis and early treatment of obstructive sleep apnea may help prevent the development of related morbidity and mortality. Compared with polysomnography (PSG), ambulatory sleep study devices offer the possibility of an accurate diagnosis with convenience and low cost. OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between sleep indexes measured by a portable sleep-testing device (peripheral arterial tonometry [PAT]) and those measured by PSG. DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Trial Registry (through May 2013), and relevant article bibliographies. STUDY SELECTION: Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing correlation of sleep indexes between PAT devices and PSG in adults (aged >18 years). Included studies provided a bivariate correlation coefficient for sleep indexes, specifically the respiratory disturbance index (RDI), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and oxygen desaturation index (ODI). DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Included studies were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers. Reported correlation values for the RDI, AHI, and ODI between a commercially available PAT device (WatchPAT) and PSG were systematically reviewed. A comprehensive meta-analysis software package was used for statistical analysis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Assessment of the correlation between PAT and PSG as measured by AHI, RDI, and ODI. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria and had data suitable for pooling (909 patients). Of these, 13 studies had blinded study designs, with PAT and PSG conducted simultaneously in the home or the laboratory setting. One study contained 2 trial phases for the same patient group (n = 29), one laboratory based and the other home based, which were analyzed separately. One study contained 2 different study groups based on age. Overall, correlation of the RDI and AHI was high (r = 0.889 [95% CI, 0.862-0.911]; P < .001). Studies comparing the RDI between PAT and PSG had a combined correlation of 0.879 (95% CI, 0.849-0.904; P < .001); those comparing the AHI, 0.893 (0.857-0.920; P < .001); and those comparing the ODI, 0.942 (0.894-0.969; P < .001). Analysis of publication bias revealed a nonsignificant Egger regression intercept. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Respiratory indexes calculated using PAT-based portable devices positively correlated with those calculated from the scoring of PSG. Strengthened by the blinded design of most of the included studies, this technology represents a viable alternative to PSG for confirmation of clinically suspected sleep apnea.