Evaluation of mandibular advancement device placement based on levels of TNF-alpha in participants with obstructive sleep apnea: A clinical study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Objective assessments of the effect of mandibular advancement device on patients with obstructive sleep apnea are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to compare levels of serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, and Berlin Questionnaire score in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea before and after treatment with a mandibular advancement device. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty participants diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea based on polysomnography testing were enrolled. A custom nonadjustable mandibular advancement device with 70% mandibular protrusion was provided for each participant for management of the obstructive sleep apnea. Evaluation of TNF-alpha levels was performed before treatment (baseline) and 3 and 6 months after starting mandibular advancement device therapy by using a Human TNF-alpha enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) sandwich kit. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Berlin Questionnaire were also filled out by the participants at the same time intervals (α=.05). RESULTS: A statistically significant decline in the levels of TNF-alpha was observed at 3 and 6 months compared with baseline (P<.001). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores showed a statistically significant reduction at 3 and 6 months compared with baseline (P<.001). The risk of obstructive sleep apnea assessed by using the Berlin Questionnaire was found to be significantly reduced at 6 months compared with baseline (P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea showed reduced levels of TNF-alpha and Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Berlin Questionnaire scores when treated with a mandibular advancement device.