The predictive value of drug-induced sleep endoscopy for CPAP titration in OSA patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify possible upper airway obstructions causing a higher continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration level, utilizing drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). METHODS: A total of 76 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) underwent CPAP titration and DISE. DISE findings were recorded using the VOTE classification system. Polysomnographic (PSG) data, anthropometric variables, and patterns of airway collapse during DISE were analyzed with CPAP titration levels. RESULTS: A significant association was found between the CPAP titration level and BMI, oxygen desaturation index (ODI), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and neck circumference (NC) (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively, by Spearman correlation). Patients with concentric collapse of the velum or lateral oropharyngeal collapse were associated with a significantly higher CPAP titration level (P < 0.001 and P = 0.043, respectively, by nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test; P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively, by Spearman correlation). No significant association was found between the CPAP titration level and any other collapse at the tongue base or epiglottis. CONCLUSIONS: By analyzing PSG data, anthropometric variables, and DISE results with CPAP titration levels, we can better understand possible mechanisms resulting in a higher CPAP titration level. We believe that the role of DISE can be expanded as a tool to identify the possible anatomical structures that may be corrected by oral appliance therapy or surgical intervention to improve CPAP compliance.

Association Between Breathing Route, Oxygen Desaturation, and Upper Airway Morphology.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: This study aimed to assess the role of capnography in objectively evaluating breathing routes during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and further elucidate the relationship between breathing route, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity, and DISE findings. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. METHODS: Nighty-five patients with established OSA were recruited for this study from May 2017 to May 2019. DISE was performed in the operating room. Sedation was maintained with propofol using a target-controlled infusion system and the depth of sedation was monitored based on the bispectral index. The breathing routes, which included oral breathing, oronasal breathing, and nasal breathing, were detected using capnography. DISE findings were recorded using the VOTE (velum, oropharynx, base of tongue, and epiglottis) classification. RESULTS: Patients with mouth breathing were associated with increased OSA severity, worse oximetric variables, and higher body mass index in comparison with those with other breathing routes. Mouth breathing was associated with a higher degree and higher prevalence of lateral pharyngeal wall collapse and tongue base collapse during DISE. CONCLUSIONS: Mouth breathing was significantly associated with worse oxygen desaturation and increased degree of upper airway collapse. Therefore, patients with mouth breathing during propofol-based intravenous anesthesia should be carefully monitored. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E659-E664, 2021.

Polyethylene Glycol-Coated Graphene Oxide Loaded with Erlotinib as an Effective Therapeutic Agent for Treating Nasopharyngeal Cancer Cells.

INTRODUCTION: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common cancer in southern China and Taiwan, and radiation therapy combined with or without chemotherapy is its mainstay treatment. Although it is highly sensitive to radiotherapy, local recurrence and distant metastasis remain difficult unsolved problems. In recent years, graphene oxide (GO) has been found to be a promising novel anticancer drug carrier. Here, we present our designed functionalized GO, polyethylene glycol-coated GO (GO-PEG), as a drug carrier, which was loaded with erlotinib and showed promising anticancer effects on NPC cells. METHODS: The effects of GO-PEG-erlotinib on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NPC cells were investigated by WST-8 assay, wound healing assay, and invasion assay, respectively. RNA sequencing was conducted and analyzed to determine the molecular mechanisms by which GO-PEG-erlotinib affects NPC cells. RESULTS: Our results showed that GO-PEG-erlotinib reduced NPC cell viability in a dose-dependent manner and also inhibited the migration and invasion of NPC cells. The RNA sequencing revealed several related molecular mechanisms. CONCLUSION: GO-PEG-erlotinib effectively suppressed NPC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, likely by several mechanisms. GO-PEG-erlotinib may be a potential therapeutic agent for treating NPC in the future.

Predictors and timing of recovery in patients with immediate facial nerve dysfunction after parotidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Identification of predictors for permanent facial nerve dysfunction and timing of recovery are important for the management of patients who experience immediate facial nerve dysfunction after parotidectomy. METHODS: In this 6-year retrospective cohort study, 54 such patients were analyzed to determine the associated prognostic factors and timing of recovery. RESULTS: All 54 patients with immediate postparotidectomy facial nerve dysfunction experienced weakness of the marginal mandibular branch; 7% had coexisting zygomatic branch dysfunction. Forty-five patients (83%) achieved complete recovery. The cumulative rates of recovery at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postparotidectomy were 31%, 70%, 81%, and 83%, respectively. Immediate postparotidectomy facial nerve dysfunction higher than House-Brackmann (H-B) grade III was the only poor prognostic factor (odds ratio, 6.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-35.4). Advanced age, malignant tumor, larger tumor size, and postoperative steroids did not exert significant effect on the recovery of facial nerve dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Immediate postparotidectomy facial nerve dysfunction greater than H-B grade III was a significant predictor of permanent dysfunction. Only 2% of patients achieved any improvement beyond 6 months postoperatively.