Effect of telemonitoring and as-needed patient support on positive airway pressure therapy adherence.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects patient health and public welfare. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is the preferred treatment of OSA, but therapy adherence rates remain suboptimal. Current literature demonstrates telemonitoring interventions to support improved PAP therapy adherence. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of interval telemonitoring of PAP therapy data at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment initiation in patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea with as-needed patient support and troubleshooting by telephone consultation. METHODOLOGY: Ninety-nine participants were enrolled in this study, 50 in the control group and 49 in the intervention group. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS 28.0 software. The primary outcome of interest was 90-day PAP adherence. RESULTS: Mean PAP adherence scores diverged at 90 days after PAP initiation, with the intervention group having a significantly higher mean score (M = 49.24, SD = 38.18) relative to the control group (M = 36.38, SD = 37.69). Likewise, continued PAP usage at 90 days after therapy initiation diverged between participant groups, with the intervention group having a significantly higher mean score (M = 89.80, SD = 30.58) relative to the control group (M = 72.00, SD = 45.36). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention resulted in significantly higher mean PAP adherence and a greater percentage of participants demonstrating continued PAP usage at 90 days after therapy initiation but did not result in a statistically significant increase in what is considered and defined as "good PAP adherence" (adherence of ≥70%). IMPLICATIONS: Data-triggered telemonitoring protocols offer supplementary support to patients in need and improve PAP adherence.

The relationship between positive airway pressure tolerance and adherence: defining a new metric.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy adherence rates range from 30% to 60%, yet adherent patients may still express dissatisfaction with treatment. The identification of factors affecting PAP tolerance could provide insight into its impact on adherence. METHODS: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea presenting for first follow-up visit after newly initiating PAP therapy were given a 10-question PAP tolerance survey encompassing domains of psychosocial perception, practical issues, and side effects, utilizing 10-point visual analog scales. Relationships between adherence data, tolerance scores, and patient variables (demographics, sleep-related factors, comorbidities, usage data) were explored via 2-tailed t tests, multivariable regression analysis, and recursive partitioning regression trees with a significance level of P ≤ .05. RESULTS: For 105 patients, tolerance scores were higher in patients considered adherent to therapy (P = .033), as were scores for individual survey questions addressing the ability to fall asleep (P = .013) and sleep through the night (P = .020). Depression positively (P = .006) and insomnia medication use negatively (P = .010) predicted tolerance score. Data-driven tolerance score cutoffs were identified to correlate with PAP adherence, with higher tolerance scores correlating with greater adherence rates. CONCLUSIONS: PAP tolerance may play an important role in therapy adherence. Tolerance can be statistically defined and categorized based on prior adherence data. Its utility as a predictive tool in assessing future adherence is warranted. CITATION: Tekumalla S, Plawecki A, Kaffenberger T, et al. The relationship between positive airway pressure tolerance and adherence: defining a new metric. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(7):1033-1038.

Brain fog in central disorders of hypersomnolence: a review.

Brain fog is an undefined term describing a cluster of symptoms related to fatigue and impaired memory, attention, and concentration. Brain fog or brain fog-like symptoms have been reported in central disorders of hypersomnolence and in a range of seemingly unrelated disorders, including coronavirus disease 2019, major depressive disorder, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and celiac disease. This narrative review summarizes current evidence and proposes a consensus definition for brain fog. Brain fog is prevalent in narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia, with more than three-quarters of patients with either disorder reporting this symptom in a registry study; it has also been reported as particularly difficult to treat in idiopathic hypersomnia. Studies directly evaluating brain fog are rare; tools for evaluating this symptom cluster typically are patient reports, with few objective measures validated in any disorder. Evaluating brain fog is further complicated by confounding symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, which is a hallmark of hypersomnolence disorders. No treatments specifically address brain fog. The paucity of literature, assessment tools, and medications for brain fog highlights the need for research leading to better disambiguation and treatment. Until a clear consensus definition is established, we propose brain fog in hypersomnia disorders be defined as a cognitive dysfunction that may or may not be linked with excessive sleepiness, related to an underlying neuronal dysfunction, which reduces concentration and impairs information processing, leading to a complaint of lack of clarity of mental thinking and awareness. CITATION: Rosenberg R, Thorpy MJ, Doghramji K, Morse AM. Brain fog in central disorders of hypersomnolence: a review. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(4):643-651.

Reduced usage of upper airway stimulation therapy in patients with comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Upper airway stimulation (UAS) is a hybrid surgical-medical device used to treat moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Comorbid insomnia and OSA (COMISA) is present in ∼50% of these patients. Our aim was to study UAS outcomes and adherence in patients with COMISA. METHODS: A retrospective review of 379 patients with OSA who underwent UAS implantation at a single institution between 2014 and 2021. Demographics, OSA severity metrics, and insomnia data were collected. Patients were categorized into OSA alone (OSAa) or COMISA. Objective adherence data were collected from device downloads during follow-up. Data were analyzed with using R Studio (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) and Prism (Boston, MA, USA). RESULTS: Of the 274 patients included, 148 had COMISA (54.0%) and 126 OSAa (46.0%). Average follow-up time was 2.5 years and OSAa had more males than COMISA (P < .001). Patients with COMISA had higher insomnia severity index scores than OSAa preoperatively (16 vs 8.7; P = .003). All groups showed significant decreases in objective and self-reported OSA outcomes postoperatively, but there was no difference between COMISA and OSAa. Patient with COMISA had decreased device usage (4.9 vs 5.8 h/night; P = .015) and paused therapy more often than patients with OSAa (1.4 vs 0.4 pauses/night; P < .001). Multivariate linear regression, when controlling for sex as a covariate, showed insomnia to be an independent predictor of lower UAS hours/night and more pauses/night (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with COMISA use UAS therapy for shorter durations and require more breaks from therapy when compared with those with OSAa. Future research is needed to explore the underlying mechanism and improve UAS treatment adherence in patients with COMISA. CITATION: Kaffenberger TM, Chandna M, Kaki P, et al. Reduced usage of upper airway stimulation therapy in patients with comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(12):1997-2004.

Recognition and Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Psychiatric Practice.

Objective: The aims of this review were to describe the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and psychiatric disorders and provide an overview of how to recognize/manage OSA in psychiatric practice.Data Sources: A literature search of PubMed was conducted (in adults, English language, no limitation on year). Among others, main keywords included "obstructive sleep apnea" AND "psychiatric."Study Selection: Articles relevant to the treatment of OSA in psychiatric populations were selected manually.Data Extraction: No formal data charting was conducted.Results: A total of 141 articles were included from the literature search. Comorbid OSA is common among patients with psychiatric disorders, particularly depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Evidence suggests that OSA may be an independent risk factor for the development of psychiatric conditions, as well as for suicidal ideation and attempts in psychiatric populations. Recognizing OSA in patients with psychiatric disorders can be challenging due to the overlap of symptoms (eg, sleep issues, mood changes, and vegetative symptoms) between OSA, psychiatric disorders, and side effects of psychiatric medications. Inadequately treated OSA can affect the severity of psychiatric symptoms and impair response to psychiatric treatment.Conclusions: Clinicians should not assume that all sleep-related symptoms are consequences of psychiatric illness or medication but should instead be cognizant of the potential for coexisting OSA that requires treatment. Recognizing and managing OSA in patients with psychiatric disorders are critical to improve response to treatment, quality of life, and overall health.

Tolerance of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure After Sinonasal Surgery.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: For patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergoing sinonasal surgery, there is a lack of consensus on the risk and appropriate postoperative use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The aim of this study was to assess the tolerability of restarting CPAP on postoperative day one. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: A prospective study on patients with OSA on CPAP who required a septoplasty/turbinectomy and/or functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) was performed. Data from the memory card of a patient's CPAP machine and subjective information were obtained on the day of surgery and at scheduled follow-up visits. All subjects were instructed to restart CPAP on the first postoperative night. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients were analyzed; nine underwent FESS and five had a septoplasty/turbinectomy. There were no postoperative complications encountered. The only significant change in the first postoperative week was a reduction in the percentage of nights used over 4 hours (P < .05). By the third postoperative visit, average 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, and CPAP tolerance scores improved from preoperative values. CPAP pressures, residual apnea-hypopnea index, and number of hours and mean percentage of nights used remained stable throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Both quality-of-life and CPAP outcomes improved or remained the same when restarting CPAP immediately postoperatively. Combined with a lack of significant complications, this study suggests that CPAP is well-tolerated when restarted the day after a septoplasty/turbinectomy or FESS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1013-E1018, 2021.

Evaluation of Surgical Learning Curve Effect on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Outcomes in Upper Airway Stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: An increasing number of facilities offer Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) with varying levels of experience. The goal was to quantify whether a surgical learning curve exists in operative or sleep outcomes in UAS. METHODS: International multi-center retrospective review of the ADHERE registry, a prospective international multi-center study collecting UAS outcomes. ADHERE registry centers with at least 20 implants and outcomes data through at least 6-month follow-up were reviewed. Cases were divided into two groups based on implant order (the first 10 or second 10 consecutive implants at a given site). Group differences were assessed using Mann-Whitney U-tests, Chi-squared tests, or Fisher's Exact tests, as appropriate. A Mann-Kendall trend test was used to detect if there was a monotonic trend in operative time. Sleep outcome equivalence between experience groups was assessed using the two one-sided tests approach. RESULTS: Thirteen facilities met inclusion criteria, contributing 260 patients. Complication rates did not significantly differ between groups (P = .808). Operative time exhibited a significant downward trend (P < .001), with the median operative time dropping from 150 minutes for the first 10 implants to 134 minutes for the subsequent 10 implants. The decrease in AHI from baseline to 12-month follow-up was equivalent between the first and second ten (22.8 vs 21.2 events/hour, respectively, P < .001). Similarly, the first and second ten groups had equivalent ESS decreases at 6 months (2.0 vs 2.0, respectively, P < .001). ESS outcomes remained equivalent for those with data through 12-months. CONCLUSIONS: Across the centers' first 20 implants, an approximately 11% reduction operative time was identified, however, no learning curve effect was seen for 6-month or 12-month AHI or ESS over the first twenty implants. Ongoing monitoring through the ADHERE registry will help measure the impact of evolving provider and patient specific characteristics as the number of implant centers increases.

Upper Airway Stimulation versus Untreated Comparators in Positive Airway Pressure Treatment-Refractory Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Rationale: Understand the impact of insurance coverage on sleep apnea outcomes for patients awaiting upper airway stimulation.Objectives: Examine the natural history of impact of upper airway stimulation treatment versus insurance denial (comparators) on sleep apnea outcomes.Methods: A parallel-arm experimental study design was used to compare objective sleep apnea measures and patient-reported outcomes in those who received upper airway stimulation approval versus denial in a multinational prospective study (NCT02907398). Wilcoxon rank-sum test and logistic regression models were used to assess for differences of objective and subjective outcome changes in those who underwent upper airway stimulation versus no treatment comparators.Results: A greater reduction in apnea-hypopnea index was observed in those who underwent upper airway stimulation (n = 230, follow-up: 360 ± 171 d) versus no treatment (n = 100, follow-up: 272 ± 278 d), that is, -19.1 ± 15.8 versus -8.1 ± 20.9, respectively, P < 0.001, with consistent findings observed with nocturnal hypoxia measures. Concordantly, a greater improvement noted with subjective measures of dozing propensity was observed in patients undergoing upper airway stimulation versus comparators (Epworth Score, -5.1 ± 5.5 vs. 1.8 ± 3.7, respectively, P < 0.001) and overall sleep-related patient-reported outcomes. Women and those with previous oral appliance use had a lower odds of insurance approval (odds ratio [OR], 0.40; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.22-0.71 and OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.18-0.69, respectively).Conclusions: Objective and subjective sleep apnea burden was more improved in those receiving upper airway stimulation versus not. Results underscore the need to optimize clinical care pathways focused on effective treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnea who are not upper airway stimulation-insurance eligible and prioritize public health policy initiatives to address insurance-based sex-specific disparities.

An fMRI Study of the Effects of Vibroacoustic Stimulation on Functional Connectivity in Patients with Insomnia.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that vibratory and auditory stimuli from vehicles such as cars and trains can help induce sleep. More recent literature suggests that specific types of vibratory and acoustic stimulation might help promote sleep, but this has not been tested with neuroimaging. Thus, the purpose of this study was to observe the effects of vibroacoustic stimulation (providing both vibratory and auditory stimuli) on functional connectivity changes in the brain using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), and compare these changes to improvements in sleep in patients with insomnia. METHODS: For this study, 30 patients with insomnia were randomly assigned to receive one month of a vibroacoustic stimulation or be placed in a waitlist control. Patients were evaluated pre- and postprogram with qualitative sleep questionnaires and measurement of sleep duration with an actigraphy watch. In addition, patients underwent rs-fMRI to assess functional connectivity. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that those patients receiving the vibroacoustic stimulation had significant improvements in measured sleep minutes as well as in scores on the Insomnia Severity Index questionnaire. In addition, significant changes were noted in functional connectivity in association with the vermis, cerebellar hemispheres, thalamus, sensorimotor area, nucleus accumbens, and prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that vibroacoustic stimulation alters the brain's functional connectivity as well as improves sleep in patients with insomnia.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Psychiatric Inpatients.

The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of heightened risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its clinical predictors in a heterogeneous diagnostic group of hospitalized psychiatric patients. Ninety-one consecutive psychiatric inpatients were administered the STOP-BANG and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) inventories. Medical and demographic information was gathered from inpatient clinical charts. Predictors of high OSA risk score were analyzed by a multivariate regression model. A total of 58.2% (53 patients) were determined to have a high risk for OSA. The predictors of high OSA risk were use of mood stabilizers, use of CNS depressants, use of CNS stimulants, and excessive daytime sleepiness measured by ESS. The risk of OSA was high in psychiatric inpatients, and particularly elevated in older patients and those taking commonly utilized psychiatric medications.

Results of the ADHERE upper airway stimulation registry and predictors of therapy efficacy.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: The ADHERE Registry is a multicenter prospective observational study following outcomes of upper airway stimulation (UAS) therapy in patients who have failed continuous positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of this registry and purpose of this article were to examine the outcomes of patients receiving UAS for treatment of OSA. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort Study. METHODS: Demographic and sleep study data collection occurred at baseline, implantation visit, post-titration (6 months), and final visit (12 months). Patient and physician reported outcomes were also collected. Post hoc univariate and multivariate analysis was used to identify predictors of therapy response, defined as ≥50% decrease in Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and AHI ≤20 at the 12-month visit. RESULTS: The registry has enrolled 1,017 patients from October 2016 through February 2019. Thus far, 640 patients have completed their 6-month follow-up and 382 have completed the 12-month follow-up. After 12 months, median AHI was reduced from 32.8 (interquartile range [IQR], 23.6-45.0) to 9.5 (IQR, 4.0-18.5); mean, 35.8 ± 15.4 to 14.2 ± 15.0, P < .0001. Epworth Sleepiness Scale was similarly improved from 11.0 (IQR, 7-16) to 7.0 (IQR, 4-11); mean, 11.4 ± 5.6 to 7.2 ± 4.8, P < .0001. Therapy usage was 5.6 ± 2.1 hours per night after 12 months. In a multivariate model, only female sex and lower baseline body mass index remained as significant predictors of therapy response. CONCLUSIONS: Across a multi-institutional study, UAS therapy continues to show significant improvement in subjective and objective OSA outcomes. This analysis shows that the therapy effect is durable and adherence is high. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 130:1333-1338, 2020.

Previous Surgery and Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether previous palate or hypopharyngeal surgery was associated with efficacy of treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with hypoglossal nerve stimulation. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort (retrospective and prospective). SETTING: Eleven academic medical centers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Adults treated with hypoglossal nerve stimulation were enrolled in the ADHERE Registry. Outcomes were defined by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), in 3 ways: change in the AHI and 2 definitions of therapy response requiring ≥50% reduction in the AHI to a level <20 events/h (Response20) or 15 events/h (Response15). Previous palate and hypopharyngeal (tongue, epiglottis, or maxillofacial) procedures were documented. Linear and logistic regression examined the association between previous palate or hypopharyngeal surgery and outcomes, with adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index. RESULTS: The majority (73%, 217 of 299) had no previous palate or hypopharyngeal surgery, while 25% and 9% had previous palate or hypopharyngeal surgery, respectively, including 6% with previous palate and hypopharyngeal surgery. Baseline AHI (36.0 ± 15.6 events/h) decreased to 12.0 ± 13.3 at therapy titration (P < .001) and 11.4 ± 12.6 at final follow-up (P < .001). Any previous surgery, previous palate surgery, and previous hypopharyngeal surgery were not clearly associated with treatment response; for example, any previous surgery was associated with a 0.69 (95% CI: 0.37, 1.27) odds of response (Response20 measure) at therapy titration and a 0.55 (95% CI: 0.22, 1.34) odds of response (Response20 measure) at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Previous upper airway surgery was not clearly associated with efficacy of hypoglossal nerve stimulation.

The Impact of Upper Airway Stimulation on Swallowing Function.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of upper airway stimulation therapy (UAS) on swallowing function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS AND OUTCOME MEASURES: We recorded demographic, preoperative polysomnogram (PSG), operative, and postoperative PSG data. We assessed the patients swallowing function using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) dysphagia questionnaire. This was administered both pre- and postoperatively. The postoperative EAT-10 survey was administered at least 3 months after UAS implantation. RESULTS: During the study period, 27 patients underwent UAS implantation, completed the pre- and postoperative EAT-10 questionnaire, met inclusion/exclusion criteria, and were included in the study. The cohort consisted of 16 men and 11 women with a mean age of 63.63 years. The mean preoperative BMI, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) were 29.37, 10.33, and 34.90, respectively. The mean postoperative ESS and AHI were 5.25 and 7.59, respectively. These were both significantly lower than the preoperative values (P = .026 and P < .001). The mean pre- and postoperative EAT-10 scores were 0.37 and 0.22, respectively (P = .461). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that UAS likely does not lead to postoperative dysphagia.

Post-approval upper airway stimulation predictors of treatment effectiveness in the ADHERE registry.

Upper airway stimulation (UAS) has been shown to reduce severity of obstructive sleep apnoea. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of UAS therapy response in an international multicentre registry.Patients who underwent UAS implantation in the United States and Germany were enrolled in an observational registry. Data collected included patient characteristics, apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), objective adherence, adverse events and patient satisfaction measures. Post hoc univariate and multiple logistic regression were performed to evaluate factors associated with treatment success.Between October 2016 and January 2018, 508 participants were enrolled from 14 centres. Median AHI was reduced from 34 to 7 events·h-1, median ESS reduced from 12 to 7 from baseline to final visit at 12-month post-implant. In post hoc analyses, for each 1-year increase in age, there was a 4% increase in odds of treatment success. For each 1-unit increase in body mass index (BMI), there was 9% reduced odds of treatment success. In the multivariable model, age persisted in serving as statistically significant predictor of treatment success.In a large multicentre international registry, UAS is an effective treatment option with high patient satisfaction and low adverse events. Increasing age and reduced BMI are predictors of treatment response.

Comparing Upper Airway Stimulation to Transoral Robotic Base of Tongue Resection for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

OBJECTIVES: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and upper airway stimulation (UAS) are modalities for treating tongue base obstruction contributing to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We aim to compare patients with OSA undergoing TORS to those undergoing UAS. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients treated with TORS and UAS using the senior authors' surgical database. We evaluated demographic, preoperative polysomnography (PSG), postoperative PSG, complication, hospital length of stay, and hospital readmission data to compare the two cohorts. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients underwent UAS. This included 50 men and 26 women. The mean age and body mass index were 61.92 and 29.38. The mean pre- versus postoperative apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and O2 nadir were 36.64 versus 7.20 and 80.27% versus 88.77%, respectfully. The rate of surgical success and postoperative AHI less than 15 and 5 were 86.84%, 89.47%, and 59.21. All patients underwent ambulatory surgery, and no one was readmitted. Twenty-four patients underwent TORS. This included 20 men and four women with a mean age and body mass index BMI of 46.42 and 29.63. The mean pre- versus postoperative AHI and O2 nadir were 35.70 versus 20.05 and 80.50% versus 84.10%, respectfully. The rate of surgical success and postoperative AHI less than 15 and 5 were 54.17%, 50.00%, and 20.83%. The mean length of stay was 1.33 days, and four patients were readmitted. We found significant differences in age, postoperative AHI and O2 nadir, surgical success and postoperative AHI less than 15 and 5, length of stay, and rate of readmission. CONCLUSIONS: UAS is successful in treating OSA showing improved outcomes, length of stay, and readmission compared to TORS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 129:1010-1013, 2019.

Severity, Prevalence, Predictors, and Rate of Identification of Insomnia Symptoms in a Sample of Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients.

Insomnia is a risk factor for new onset, exacerbation, and relapse of mental illness. The goal of this study was to examine the prevalence, severity, and predictors of insomnia in hospitalized psychiatric patients. Ninety-seven consecutive psychiatric inpatients were administered the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to evaluate the presence and severity of insomnia. Patients' hospital charts were reviewed for demographic and medical information. ISI scores in 79.4% of the patients reached the threshold criterion of 8 for insomnia. Insomnia was not mentioned as a clinical problem in the discharge notes problem list in any of these patients. Multivariate analysis indicated that age (p = 0.009), recent suicide attempt or ideation (P < 0.001), tobacco use (p = 0.024), and recreational drug use during the past month (p = 0.040) were significant predictors of insomnia severity. Insomnia was highly prevalent in this population. Identification and management of insomnia would be an important clinical goal in hospitalized psychiatric patients.

Upper Airway Stimulation in Patients Who Have Undergone Unsuccessful Prior Palate Surgery: An Initial Evaluation.

Upper airway stimulation therapy (UAS) is a new option for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients unable to tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). We set out to evaluate the effectiveness of UAS in patients who have undergone prior palate surgery. We designed a retrospective review and evaluated patients undergoing UAS at 2 academic centers. We recorded demographic and pre- and postoperative polysomnogram (PSG) data. We compared the cohort of patients who had undergone prior palate surgery, "prior surgery," to the cohort who had not, "no prior surgery." A total of 164 patients were included in the study: 23 in the prior surgery and 141 in the no prior surgery groups. The mean age was significantly higher in the no prior surgery group ( P = .020). There were no other significant differences when comparing demographic, quality of life, or PSG variables between cohorts. UAS therapy is an option to treat OSA in patients having undergone unsuccessful prior palate surgery.

Upper Airway Stimulation in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea and an Elevated Body Mass Index: A Multi-institutional Review.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: An elevated body mass index (BMI) influences the severity of disease and treatment options utilized for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). With this study, we aim to evaluate a cohort of patients undergoing upper airway stimulation (UAS) for treatment of OSA and assess the impact of BMI on surgical and quality of life outcomes. METHODS: We designed a case-control, retrospective review, of all patients undergoing UAS at two academic institutions between 2014 and 2017. We compare those with an elevated BMI to those without. We included patients with moderate-severe OSA, who were unable to tolerate therapy with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), were treated with UAS, and had a postoperative sleep study performed. We evaluated postoperative sleep study data including apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), O2 desaturation nadir, rate of cure, and rate of success in those with an elevated BMI to those without an elevated BMI. Success was defined as a drop in the postoperative AHI by 50% compared to the preoperative value and to less than 20. We also assessed daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. RESULTS: When defining an elevated BMI as greater than 32, we found no difference between elevated and nonelevated BMI cohorts in postoperative AHI, O2 desaturation nadir, daytime sleepiness, rate of surgical success, or rate of cure. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea, unable to tolerate CPAP, and with an elevated BMI can be successfully treated with upper airway stimulation therapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3. Laryngoscope, 128:2425-2428, 2018.

Comparing Upper Airway Stimulation to Expansion Sphincter Pharyngoplasty: A Single University Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty (ESP) is a surgical option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Upper airway stimulation (UAS) is an alternative that has shown success in initial outcomes studies. We compare outcomes of a cohort of patients undergoing UAS to ESP. METHODS: We compared demographic and polysomnographic data of the UAS to ESP cohorts. We also calculated the proportion of patients achieving surgical success. RESULTS: The ESP cohort consisted of 33 patients. The mean preoperative Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), O2 nadir, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and BMI were 36.47 ± 20.01, 82.63 ± 5.37, 10.69 ± 4.42, and 29.6 ± 4.49, which improved to 13.47 ± 18.74, 84.84 ± 5.48, 7.00 ± 5.81, and 29.92 ± 4.59 postoperatively. There was a 63.64% success rate. The UAS cohort consisted of 75 patients. The mean preoperative AHI, O2 nadir, ESS, and BMI were 36.76 ± 20.72, 80.24 ± 8.43, 11.18 ± 4.16, and 29.50 ± 3.96, which improved to 7.25 ± 11.19, 88.71 ± 3.25, 5.36 ± 3.35, and 29.36 ± 3.68 postoperatively. The success rate was 86.67%. We found a significant difference in gender, age, preoperative AHI, postoperative AHI, postoperative O2 nadir, surgical success, and patients reaching an AHI less than 10 and 5. CONCLUSION: Upper airway stimulation is a new surgical option for select patients with OSA showing comparable or improved outcomes to a cohort of patients undergoing ESP.

Upper Airway Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Results from the ADHERE Registry.

Objective Upper airway stimulation (UAS) is an alternative treatment option for patients unable to tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Studies support the safety and efficacy of this therapy. The aim of this registry is to collect retrospective and prospective objective and subjective outcome measures across multiple institutions in the United States and Germany. To date, it represents the largest cohort of patients studied with this therapy. Study Design Retrospective and prospective registry study. Setting Ten tertiary care hospitals in the United States and Germany. Subjects and Methods Patients were included who had moderate to severe OSA, were intolerant to CPAP, and were undergoing UAS implantation. Baseline demographic and sleep study data were collected. Objective and subjective treatment outcomes, adverse events, and patient and physician satisfaction were reviewed. Results The registry enrolled 301 patients between October 2016 and September 2017. Mean ± SD AHI decreased from 35.6 ± 15.3 to 10.2 ± 12.9 events per hour ( P < .0001), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores decreased from 11.9 ± 5.5 to 7.5 ± 4.7 ( P < .0001) from baseline to the posttitration visit. Patients utilized therapy for 6.5 hours per night. There were low rates of procedure- and device-related complications. Clinical global impression scores demonstrated that the majority of physicians (94%) saw improvement in their patients' symptoms with therapy. The majority of patients (90%) were more satisfied with UAS than CPAP. Conclusions Across a multi-institutional registry, UAS therapy demonstrates significant improvement in subjective and objective OSA outcomes, good therapy adherence, and high patient satisfaction.