Brazilian Consensus on Sleep-Focused Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences - 2023 Brazilian Sleep Association.

Introduction This consensus aimed to develop a structured document presenting the role of sleep-focused Speech-Language-Hearing (SPH) Sciences (SPHS). The recommendations were based on the expertise of specialists and on evidence in the literature, aiming to guide the coverage of this area and the consequent improvement in the quality of the professionals' approach. Methods A Delphi method was conducted with 49 SLH pathologists (SLHP), four sleep physicians, one dentist, one physical therapist, and one methodologist. Four Delphi panel rounds were conducted in Google Forms. The items were analyzed based on the panelists' percentage of agreement; consensuses were reached when ⅔ (66.6%) of valid responses were on a same on a same answer (either "agree" or "disagree"). Results Participants voted on 102 items. The mean consensus rate was 89.9% ± 10.9%. The essential topics were the importance of professional training, the SLH diagnosis, and the SLH treatment of sleep disorders. It was verified that all fields of the SLHS are related to the area of sleep; that sleep-focused SLH pathologists (SLHP) are the responsible for assessing, indicating, and conducting specific orofacial myofunctional therapy for sleep-disordered breathing alone or in combination with other treatments; that SLHP are included in interdisciplinary teams in the area of sleep in public and private services. Discussion The Brazilian consensus on sleep-focused SLHS is a landmark in this area. This consensus described the scope of action of sleep-focused SLHP and systematized recommendations being useful as a reference for the professional practice in the area of sleep.

Is ankyloglossia associated with obstructive sleep apnea?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the evidence on the association between ankyloglossia and obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: An integrative literature review was carried out in the databases. Observational and interventional studies that assessed the lingual frenulum in children with sleep-disordered breathing were included. As exclusion criteria: studies in animals, in vitro, letters to the editor, expert opinions, other reviews. The selected articles were analyzed regarding the study design, sample, characterization of the lingual frenulum and sleep assessment, in addition to the main results and conclusions. RESULTS: Ninety-seven articles were identified, but only 4 met the inclusion criteria. Two retrospective studies concluded that the untreated shortened lingual frenulum at birth is associated with obstructive sleep apnea. A prospective study concluded that there was an improvement in speech and deglutition after lingual frenectomy, in addition to improved sleep. A retrospective cohort concluded that lingual frenuloplasty combined with myofunctional therapy is effective in the treatment of snoring and mouth breathing. CONCLUSION: The studies included in this review contribute to corroborate the association between ankyloglossia and obstructive sleep apnea.

Is ankyloglossia associated with obstructive sleep apnea? / Anquiloglossia se associa à apneia obstrutiva do sono?

Abstract Objectives To investigate the evidence on the association between ankyloglossia and obstructive sleep apnea. Methods An integrative literature review was carried out in the databases. Observational and interventional studies that assessed the lingual frenulum in children with sleep-disordered breathing were included. As exclusion criteria: studies in animals, in vitro, letters to the editor, expert opinions, other reviews. The selected articles were analyzed regarding the study design, sample, characterization of the lingual frenulum and sleep assessment, in addition to the main results and conclusions. Results Ninety-seven articles were identified, but only 4 met the inclusion criteria. Two retrospective studies concluded that the untreated shortened lingual frenulum at birth is associated with obstructive sleep apnea. A prospective study concluded that there was an improvement in speech and deglutition after lingual frenectomy, in addition to improved sleep. A retrospective cohort concluded that lingual frenuloplasty combined with myofunctional therapy is effective in the treatment of snoring and mouth breathing. Conclusion The studies included in this review contribute to corroborate the association between ankyloglossia and obstructive sleep apnea.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar as evidências sobre a associação entre a anquiloglossia e a apneia obstrutiva do sono. Método Foi feita revisão de literatura integrativa nas bases de dados. Foram incluídos estudos observacionais e intervencionais em que foi feita a avaliação do frênulo de língua em crianças com distúrbios respiratórios do sono. Como critérios de exclusão: estudo em animais, in vitro, carta ao editor, opinião de expert, outras revisões. Os artigos selecionados foram analisados quanto ao desenho do estudo, casuística, caracterização da avaliação do frênulo lingual e do sono, além dos principais resultados e conclusões. Resultado Foram localizados 97 artigos, porém apenas 4 atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Dois estudos retrospectivos concluiram que o frênulo lingual curto não tratado ao nascimento está associado à apneia obstrutiva do sono. Um estudo prospectivo concluiu que, após a frenectomia lingual, além da melhoria do sono, houve melhoria na fala e deglutição. Um coorte retrospectivo concluiu que a frenuloplastia lingual associada à terapia miofuncional é eficaz no tratamento do ronco e respiração oral. Conclusão Os estudos incluídos na presente revisão contribuem para corroborar a associação entre anquiloglossia e apneia obstrutiva do sono.