International palate surgery questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: This international study aimed at determining current routine palate surgeries and surgical methods adopted by otolaryngologists who practice surgical management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: An international online survey was developed with the collaboration of the YO-IFOS (Young Otolaryngologists-International Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies) to assess the current routines in palatal procedures. The surgeons were asked 33 multiple-choice questions. RESULTS: A total of 141 sleep surgeons answered the questionnaire, of whom 27% were from Africa, 30% from Asia, 24% from Centre-South America, and 19% from Europe. According to otolaryngology surgical specialties, 51% were sleep surgeons, 31% general ENTs, 8% Rhinologists, 7% Head & Neck surgeons, 2% otologists, and 1% maxillofacial surgeons. Of the 141 respondents, 51% answered they were sleep specialists, whereas 49% were non-sleep specialists. According to specific medical degree, 38% were specialists, 33% were consultants, 25% were professors, and 4% were residents or trainees. CONCLUSION: This study gives an overview of the current surgical practice in OSA management in otolaryngology in different countries.

Oral Health Implications of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. While the systemic implications of OSA are well documented, the dental consequences are less frequently discussed yet equally significant. This review aims to elucidate the oral health impacts of OSA, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary care. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across several databases to identify studies examining the relationship between OSA and various oral health parameters. The review included observational studies, clinical trials, and systematic reviews published in English up to January 2024. RESULTS: OSA was significantly associated with heightened risks of bruxism, dry mouth, periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint disorders, palatal and dental changes, and alterations in taste sensation. Mouth breathing associated with OSA was a critical factor in exacerbating xerostomia and dental caries. Furthermore, the systemic inflammation induced by OSA appeared to correlate with the severity of periodontal disease. Patients using oral appliance therapy for OSA also showed notable changes in dental occlusion and required ongoing dental monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the bidirectional relationship between OSA and oral health, highlighting the need for dental professionals to be integral participants in the management of OSA. Early dental evaluation and intervention can contribute to the overall health and quality of life of individuals with OSA. The review advocates for the development of clinical guidelines to facilitate the early identification and management of OSA-related oral health issues within dental practice and encourages a collaborative approach to patient care.

Friedman Tongue Position and the Anthropometric Parameters in Adult Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a relevant public health problem; dentists can play an important role in screening patients with sleep disorders by using validated tools and referring patients to a specialist, thereby promoting an interdisciplinary approach. The aim of the study is to identify if the OSAS severity, measured by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and some anthropometric measurements are associated with the Friedman Tongue Position (FTP) within a population with dysmetabolic comorbidities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire containing information about clinical data including height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), neck circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference and FTP was administered. The AHI value was measured by means of an unattended home polysomnography device. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated, and Kruskal-Wallis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov (both nonparametric) and independence tests were performed to probe the possible relationships. The significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 357 subjects were analyzed. The association between the FTP and AHI was not statistically significant. On the contrary, the AHI showed a positive correlation with BMI and neck circumference. A statistically significant association between the number of subjects with a larger neck and an increasing FTP class was found. BMI, neck, hip and waist circumference was associated with the FTP scale. CONCLUSIONS: although the FTP was not directly associated with OSAS severity, there was also evidence that an FTP increase is associated with an increase in the considered anthropometric parameters, and FTP can be a clinical tool used in the assessment of risk for OSAS risk factors.

Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME): An Otolaryngologic Perspective.

Background. To evaluate the possible effects of Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME), such as nasal breathing problems, middle ear function, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in the otolaryngology field. RME has already been introduced in orthodontics to expand the maxilla of young patients affected by transversal maxillary constriction. Methods. A literature search was performed using different databases (Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL), from May 2005 to November 2021, according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results. The application of RME in children has shown good results on nasal function, reducing nasal resistances, independently from a previous adenotonsillectomy. These results are not only related to the increasing of nasal transverse diameters and volume, but also to the stiffening of airway muscles, enabling the nasal filtrum function and avoiding mouth opening, thereby decreasing respiratory infections. Positive effects have also been reported for the treatment of conductive hearing loss and of OSA, with the reduction of Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), possibly due to (i) an increased pharyngeal dimensions, (ii) a new tongue posture, and (iii) reduced nasal respiratory problems. Conclusions. Otolaryngologists should be aware of the indications and benefits of the RME treatment, considering its possible multiple beneficial effects.

Neurocognitive Performance Improvement after Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment: State of the Art.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) syndrome is a respiratory sleep disorder characterized by partial or complete episodes of upper airway collapse with reduction or complete cessation of airflow. Although the connection remains debated, several mechanisms such as intermittent hypoxemia, sleep deprivation, hypercapnia disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis have been associated with poor neurocognitive performance. Different treatments have been proposed to treat OSAS patients as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), mandibular advancement devices (MAD), surgery; however, the effect on neurocognitive functions is still debated. This article presents the effect of OSAS treatments on neurocognitive performance by reviewing the literature. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive review of the English language over the past 20 years using the following keywords: neurocognitive performance and sleep apnea, neurocognitive improvement and CPAP, OSAS, and cognitive dysfunction. We included in the analysis papers that correlated OSA treatment with neurocognitive performance improvement. All validated tests used to measure different neurocognitive performance improvements were considered. RESULTS: Seventy papers reported neurocognitive Performance improvement in OSA patients after CPAP therapy. Eighty percent of studies found improved executive functions such as verbal fluency or working memory, with partial neural recovery at long-term follow-up. One article compared the effect of MAD, CPAP treatment on cognitive disorders, reporting better improvement of CPAP and MAD than placebo in cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS: CPAP treatment seems to improve cognitive defects associated with OSA. Limited studies have evaluated the effects of the other therapies on cognitive function.

Unilateral Sinus Disease: Not Just Odontogenic! - A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Unilateral sinus disease (USD), and especially unilateral maxillary sinusitis (UMS), is an increasingly common finding in the ear, nose, and throat and maxillofacial practice. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical features of a series of patients affected by USD and, in particular, UMS due to sinonasal anatomic anomalies and of odontogenic origin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 292 patients affected by UMS were reviewed. Medical charts, radiological images, and surgical notes were all reviewed, particularly including data on UMS due to sinonasal anatomic anomalies and on UMS of odontogenic origin. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients have been excluded due to a diagnosis of malignant disease or other benign-defined etiology. Forty-eight patients (21.2%) affected by UMS due to sinonasal anatomic anomalies, whereas 178 (78.8%) patients affected by an odontogenic sinusitis. All patients were surgically treated by functional endoscopic sinus surgery, often in combination with a maxillofacial approach. DISCUSSION: UMS of odontogenic origin represented the greater group of USD. Computed tomography scans are always recommended to define UMS etiology (in particular excluding a malignant origin) and also to plan the most adequate surgical treatment.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Diagnosis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients Using the Pepsin Salivary Test.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the presence of laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) employing the salivary pepsin concentration method. To compare the results of pepsin concentration with the severity of the pathology. METHODS: Seventy-five OSA patients (44 males, 31 females) were enrolled in the study. For each patient, the AHI (apnea-hypopnea index) and the BMI (body mass index) were initially evaluated. All the patients enrolled were assessed using the reflux symptom index (RSI) and the reflux finding score (RFS) in order to perform a clinical diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux. In all patients a salivary sample was taken to estimate the presence of pepsin and its concentration. RESULTS: The incidence of LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux) in OSA patients, evaluated using the salivary pepsin concentration test (PEP-test), was found to be 32% of cases. Linear regression testing did not show any correlation between AHI and pepsin concentration in salivary samples (p = 0.1). CONCLUSION: A high number of patients with OSA seem to show positivity for salivary pepsin, correlated to an LPR. There does not appear to be a correlation between the severity of apnea and the grade of salivary pepsin reflux. On the other hand, direct correlation between BMI and the value of pepsin in salivary specimens was observed.

Rare and massive odontogenic parakeratotic cyst treated by endoscopic sinus surgery: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Keratocystic odontogenic tumors are benign neoplasms of odontogenic origin with a potential for aggressive and infiltrative behavior. Many different treatments for this type of lesion have been reported. However, no common consensus has emerged to date regarding the most effective therapeutic approach. Cases of maxillary sinus giant keratocystic odontogenic tumors completely excised by enucleation or marsupialization via endoscopic sinus surgery are extremely rare, and, to the best of our knowledge, only one case has been described in the literature since 2005. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 24-year-old Italian man who came to our department with maxillary sinus region swelling, pain and left nasal obstruction. A massive keratocystic odontogenic tumor involving the right maxillary sinus and causing focal erosions of the bony walls was diagnosed. The keratocystic odontogenic tumor was removed as much as possible by a transnasal approach using endoscopic sinus surgery, which produced optimal surgical and prognostic outcomes. Follow-up is reported for an 8-year period. CONCLUSION: Conservative management in this case demonstrated good therapeutic efficacy with a low risk of recurrence. For injuries involving the maxillary sinus, the possibility of decompression or marsupialization by endoscopic sinus surgery should always be considered because it demonstrated the potential to lead to excellent results even after 8 years of follow-up in our patient. To our knowledge, no case report has described follow-up longer than 8 years for a maxillary sinus keratocystic odontogenic tumor treated with endoscopic sinus surgery.