[Assessment of recent weight history before instituting continuous positive airways pressure in a cohort of patients with severe obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnea syndrome]. / Histoire pondérale récente, avant l'institution de la pression positive continue, dans une cohorte de patients ayant un syndrome d'apnées-hypopnées obstructives du sommeil sévère.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the recent weight history in patients with the obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) needing treatment with continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a period of 18 months, a self-administered questionnaire concerning recent weight history was given to patients during the installation of CPAP. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 1337 patients. An increase in weight of at least 5% over the 5 years preceding the institution of CPAP was found in 44% of patients. This increase was moderate (5-10%), important (10-20%) and very important (>20%) in respectively 12.3%, 16.1% and 15.6% of patients. The patients with important or very important weight gain differed from those whose weight remained steady in a higher percentage of women, young people, and patients with a higher prevalence of obesity, persistent smoking, a history of venous thromboembolism and treatment with anti-depressants. CONCLUSION: A recent increase in weight is frequently seen in severe OSAHS and is associated with some clinical characteristics.

Prevalence and predictive factors of sleep apnoea syndrome in type 2 diabetic patients.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) in patients hospitalized for poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. METHODS: An overnight ventilatory polygraphic study was systematically performed in 303 consecutive patients. RESULTS: Overall, 34% of these patients had mild SAS, as defined by a respiratory disturbance index (RDI) of 5-15; 19% had moderate SAS (RDI: 16-29) and 10% had severe SAS (RDI>or=30). The SAS was obstructive in 99% of the apnoeic patients. The percentage of patients with excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale>10), fatigue or nocturia did not significantly differ among patients with severe, moderate or mild SAS versus non-apnoeic patients. The percentage of patients who snored was significantly higher in patients with severe or moderate SAS versus non-apnoeic patients. HbA(1c), duration of diabetes and the prevalences of microalbuminuria, retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy did not significantly differ among patients with severe, moderate or mild SAS versus non-apnoeic patients. However, patients with severe or moderate SAS had significantly higher values for body mass index, waist circumference and neck circumference than non-apnoeic patients. CONCLUSION: In type 2 diabetic patients with poor diabetic control, obstructive SAS is highly prevalent and related to abdominal obesity, and should be systematically screened for, as it cannot be predicted by the clinical data.

[Nonrespiratory sleep disorders in obese and diabetic patients]. / Troubles non respiratoires du sommeil chez le patient obèse et chez le patient diabétique de type II.

Pneumologists frequently see obese and diabetic patients because of the high prevalence of these pathologies associated with sleep apneas. Nevertheless, the search for a sleep apnea syndrome is sometimes negative and the pneumologist is faced with unexplained complaints of sleepiness and sleep disorders. Pneumologists have to be familiar with and explore other nonrespiratory disorders in order to improve patient care. Inflammatory mechanisms have been suspected in several recent studies on daytime sleepiness. Sleep duration, obesity and diabetes are supposed to be linked because of hormonal modifications induced by sleep deprivation. Moreover, a relationship between diabetes and restless legs syndrome is not excluded.

Structural and functional arterial properties in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and cardiovascular comorbidities.

The increased severity of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with a parallel increase in the incidence of cardiovascular events. Whether the increased severity of OSAS is in fact associated with impaired arterial properties has never been thoroughly studied. In patients with OSAS who carry a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors, we investigated whether the severity of OSAS is associated with deterioration in the arterial properties, independent of classical cardiovascular risk factors. In 74 consecutive patients with OSAS, we non-invasively assessed, by means of tonometry and high-resolution ultrasound: carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), carotid diameter and plaques, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), central augmentation index (AI) and central blood pressures. The respiratory disturbance index was an independent predictor of IMT and PWV but not of carotid plaques, carotid diameter, AI or central blood pressures. Several parameters of nocturnal hypoxaemia were independently correlated with carotid IMT and PWV. In conclusion, arterial stiffening and thickening are modulated by the severity of OSAS, independently from age and cardiovascular risk factors.

Efficacy and compliance of mandibular repositioning device in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome under a patient-driven protocol of care.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and compliance of a traction-based mandibular repositioning device (MRD) for treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) under a patient-driven protocol in a routine outpatient care setting. METHODS: Forty patients, 10 severe and 30 moderate OSAS sufferers (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] >30 and between 15 and 30, respectively), were enrolled by four sleep centers. Nocturnal polygraphy, quality of life, and quality of sleep questionnaires were used to measure the effect of treatment after 45 days. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients completed the study. Frequency of respiratory events, daytime sleepiness, snoring, patient assessment of sleep quality, specific short-form multipurpose health survey (SF-36) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) improved significantly with the MRD. Sixty percent of patients were "responders" (>50% decrease in AHI); 46% of patients were "full responders" (>50% decrease and AHI <10). Observance of treatment was high; 80% of patients wore the MRD every night. Side effects and patient complaints were minor and transitory. No serious side effects or cases of pathology aggravation were reported. CONCLUSION: Efficacy on respiratory and somnolence parameters of this innovative traction-based MRD was validated under a simple protocol of care with response rates similar to those published in the literature. This study shows consistent significant improvement by the MRD in quality of life and quality of sleep parameters across several tests. Treatment with the MRD under a simple, patient-driven protocol of care with control of efficacy by nocturnal polygraphy is appropriate in routine outpatient practice for moderate OSAS patients.

Nutritional depletion in patients on long-term oxygen therapy and/or home mechanical ventilation.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of malnutrition in outpatients on long-term oxygen therapy or home mechanical ventilation, to determine the relationships between malnutrition and impairment/disability and smoking and also to identify relevant tools for routine nutritional assessment. In 744 patients (M:F 1.68, aged 65+/-15 yrs) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, 40%), restrictive disorders (27%), mixed respiratory failure (15%), neuromuscular diseases (13%) and bronchiectasis (5%), body mass index (BMI), fat-free mass (FFM), serum albumin, transthyretin, 6-min walking test, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and blood gases were recorded. FFM was the most sensitive parameter for detecting malnutrition, being abnormal in 53.6% of patients, while BMI was <20 in 23.2%, serum albumin <35 g x L(-1) in 20.7%, and serum transthyretin <200 mg x L(-1) in 20%. FFM depletion predominated in neuromuscular, bronchiectasis and restrictive disorders. BMI and FFM were correlated with FEV1, FVC and 6-min walking test. In multivariate analysis a BMI<20 was related to FEV1 and smoking habits, and a low FFM to smoking, FEV1 and female sex. Malnutrition is highly prevalent in home-assisted respiratory patients and is related to causal disease, forced expiratory volume in one second, smoking and disability. Fat-free mass appeared to be the most sensitive and relevant nutritional parameter according to impairment and disability.

[Sleep apnea syndrome and obesity]. / Syndrome d'apnées du sommeil et obésité

Obesity is a main risk factor for sleep apnea syndrome (SAS). The prevalence of SAS is especially high in massive obesity and in visceral obesity. The mechanisms of obstructive apneas in obesity are poorly known, but an increase in upper airway collapsibility probably plays an important role. Several cardiorespiratory complications of SAS, especially systemic arterial hypertension, diurnal alveolar hypoventilation and pulmonary arterial hypertension, are more frequent and more severe in obese patients. An important weight loss resulting from surgical treatment of obesity is often associated with a dramatic decrease in apnea-hypopnea index in patients with massive obesity. In patients with moderate obesity, dietary weight loss is associated with varying degrees of improvement in SAS. Pharyngoplasty and anterior mandibular positioning devices have a low success rate in patients with massive obesity. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure is often the only effective treatment in obese SAS patients.

[Acute asthma attack]. / Asthme aigu grave.

A severe form of exacerbation of asthma, AAA is defined by the presence of a least one sign of clinical severity during the attack. AAA is often preceded by prodromal symptoms that should indicate the need to increase maintenance treatment and eliminate possible triggering factors. Initial treatment of AAA should be made as early as possible and should associate high-dose oxygen, nebulisations of beta-2-agonists and corticosteroid infusion. The immediate prognosis of AAA is particularly related to the initial response to appropriate treatment. When objective improvement criteria are met, discharge can be considered, with short-term outpatient corticosteroid treatment. In more severe stages, beta-2 agonists and anti-cholinergic agent nebulisations are useful. The interest of using other bronchodilators (adrenalin, theophylline) is debated. In case of very severe asthma attack, inhalation of a mixture of helium and oxygen can avoid the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation. Subsequent to AAA, rehabilitation and pulmonary follow-up are indicated in order to prevent recurrence.

[Influence of nutritional status on development of nosocomial pneumonia in case of acute decompensation of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases]. / Influence de l'état nutritionnel sur la survenue d'une pneumopathie nosocomiale dans les décompensations aiguës des bronchopneumopathies chroniques obstructives.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the incidence of nutritional status on the development of nosocomial pneumonia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suffering an acute episode of respiratory failure requiring ventilatory assistance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 48 patients with COPD who were hospitalized in an intensive care unit for acute respiratory failure requiring ventilatory assistance. Nutritional status was assessed within 24 hours of admission to the intensive care unit. Body weight, tricipital skin fold, brachial muscle circumference, creatinuria-waist index, plasma levels of albumin, transferrin, transthyretin and retinol-binding protein, the Multitest and lymphocyte counts were recorded. The diagnosis of nosocomial pneumonia was based on recognized criteria: occurrence more than 48 hours after admission, Andrews' criteria for bacterial pneumonia and bacteriological proof. RESULTS: Nineteen of the 48 patients developed nosocomial pneumonia. The nutritional parameters at admission to intensive care were not significantly different between patients who developed nosocomial pneumonia and those who remained free of lung infection. The duration of ventilatory assistance and total stay in the intensive care unit were significantly longer in patients who developed nosocomial pneumonia. CONCLUSION: This study showed that in patients with COPD who undergo ventilatory assistance for acute decompensation, the development of nosocomial pneumonia was not correlated with nutritional status admission.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with sleep apnoea syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) is classically ascribed to associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the possible occurrence of PAH as a complication of SAS in patients without COPD. METHODS: Right heart catheterisation was performed in 44 patients with SAS and without COPD confirmed by polysomnography (apnoea index >5/h) admitted for the administration of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). RESULTS: Precapillary PAH, defined as mean pulmonary arterial pressure of >20 mm Hg with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure <15 mm Hg, was observed in 12/44 (27%) patients with SAS. There were no significant differences in apnoea index between patients with (PAH+) and those without PAH (PAH-) (42.6 (26.3) versus 35.8 (21.7) apnoeas/h). The PAH+ group differed significantly from the PAH- group in the following respects: lower daytime arterial oxygen tension (PaO(2)) (9.6 (1.1) versus 11.3 (1.5) kPa, p=0.0006); higher daytime arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO(2)) (5.8 (0.5) versus 5.3 (0.5) kPa, p=0.002); more severe nocturnal hypoxaemia with a higher percentage of total sleep time spent at SaO(2) <80% (32.2 (28.5)% versus 10.7 (18.8)%, p=0.005); and higher body mass index (BMI) (37.4 (6) versus 30.3 (6.7) kg/m(2), p=0.002). The PAH+ patients had significantly lower values of vital capacity (VC) (87 (14)% predicted versus 105 (20)% predicted, p=0.005), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) (82 (14)% predicted versus 101 (17)% predicted, p=0.001), expiratory reserve volume (40 (16)% predicted versus 77 (41)% predicted, p=0.003), and total lung capacity (87 (13)% predicted versus 98 (18)% predicted, p=0.04). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAPm) was positively correlated with BMI and negatively with PaO(2). CONCLUSION: Pulmonary arterial hypertension is frequently observed in patients with SAS, even when COPD is absent, and appears to be related to the severity of obesity and its respiratory mechanical consequences.

A noninvasive diagnostic strategy including spiral computed tomography in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.

We conducted a study to evaluate a noninvasive strategy including spiral computed tomography (CT) in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). We systematically performed spiral CT, ventilation/perfusion lung scanning, and D-dimer (DD) measurement (VIDAS test), and in some cases (with a normal CT with nondiagnostic lung scan and increased DD) performed venous ultrasonography (US) on 247 consecutive patients with clinically suspected PE in our hospital. Patients in whom PE was deemed absent were not given anticoagulants. All patients were followed for 3 mo. The prevalence of PE in the 228 patients who could be evaluated was 42% (96 of 228). PE was confirmed by spiral CT in 73% of the patients, by a high-probability lung scan in 4%, and by findings on US in 23%. PE was ruled out by a normal lung scan in 14% of the patients, by a normal DD concentration (< 500 ng/ml) in 31%, by an obvious differential diagnosis on spiral CT in 18%, by a similar prior lung scan in 11%, and by the combination of normal spiral CT findings, a nondiagnostic lung scan, a DD concentration > 500 ng/ml, and normal US in 26%. Pulmonary angiography was performed in only two patients, both of whom had a normal spiral CT scan and a high-probability lung scan, and was normal. The 3-mo risk of thromboembolism in patients not given anticoagulants, based on the results of the diagnostic protocol, was 1.7% (95% confidence interval: 1.5 to 2.3%). There were no deaths. The noninvasive strategy of combining spiral CT, lung scanning, DD measurement, and in some cases US, in patients with suspected PE yielded a definite diagnosis in 99% of patients, and appeared to be safe.

[Body composition in chronic obstructive lung patients. Comparison of bioelectric impedance and anthropometry]. / Composition corporelle des patients ayant une bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive. Comparaison de l'impédancemétrie bioélectrique et de l'anthropométrie.

Malnutrition is associated with poor prognosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Body weight is not a reliable evaluation criterium. Body composition which is more useful can be determined routinely using 2 techniques: skinfold thickness anthropometry (Ant) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The validity of this last technique has not been demonstrated in patients with COPD. Fat-free mass (FFM) in 58 patients (51 men, 7 women) with stable COPD (FEV1 < 50% of predicted value) was assessed using the 4-skinfold-thickness method (Ant) and BIA (Imp). Statistical analysis included correlation analysis, intraclass correlation coefficient, and the Bland and Altman analysis. Imp-FFM and Ant-FFM correlated well (r = 0.920; p < 0.0001). Intraclass correlation coefficient was high (rI = 0.9065). However, the values were scattered and there was a systematic bias (significant linear regression between the difference in estimates obtained by the 2 methods and the means). As anthropometric measurements are not reliable in the elderly patients, our results suggest that BIA could be a useful tool to determine FFM in patients with COPD. Its validity still has to be tested against a reference method.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis in estimating nutritional status and outcome of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute respiratory failure.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in estimating the nutritional status and outcome of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute respiratory failure (ARF) in comparison with measurements of anthropometric parameters and plasma levels of visceral proteins. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: A ten-bed intensive care unit (ICU) in a university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: 51 COPD patients with ARF in whom BIA data, anthropometric parameters, and measurements of visceral proteins were available. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: BIA results in patients requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) vs. those who did not showed lower active cell mass (ACM; 37.5 +/- 6.5% vs. 42.4 +/- 7.2% body weight, P = 0.01) and a higher extra-/intracellular water volume ratio (ECW/ICW; 1.25 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.04 +/- 0.2, P = 0.0001), suggesting a more severe alteration in the nutritional status among those on MV. Anthropometric data showed the opposite results, since body weight, body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), and fat mass were significantly higher in the invasively ventilated patients, whereas middle-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) did not differ between the two groups. The marked inflation of the extracellular compartment (ECW, ECW/ICW) that was well shown by BIA in the invasively ventilated patients presumably lead to inaccurate anthropometric results (overestimation of TSF and fat mass, and erroneous measure of MAMC). A higher death rate (38% vs. 0%, P = 0.01) was observed in the patients with ACM depletion (ACM < or = 40.6% body weight, n = 26) than in those without ACM depletion (n = 25). Low albumin level (< 30 g/l) was associated with increased mortality (33% vs. 7%, P = 0.04), but the differences in the other biological and anthropometric parameters (prealbumin and transferrin levels, body weight, BMI, TSF, MAMC, fat mass, and fat-free mass) were not associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the decrease in BIA-derived ACM is a good indication of malnutrition and of poor outcome in COPD patients with ARF.