Estudio de la función muscular periférica y de la capacidad de ejercicio en pacientes con síndrome de apneas hipopneas del sueño / Peripheral muscle function study and the exercise capacity in patients with Sleep Apnea Syndrome

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la composición corporal, la función muscular y la capacidad de ejercicio en pacientes con Síndrome de Apneas-Hipopneas del Sueño (SAHS) moderado-severo. Material y métodos: Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo. Se realizó una poligrafía domiciliaria a 25 pacientes, de los que 16 fueron diagnosticados de SAHS moderado severo (IAH >15) constituyendo el grupo de estudio, mientras que el resto (IAH< 5), formaron el grupo control. Se evaluó la fuerza muscular periférica mediante test de una repetición máxima, 1RM, la capacidad de ejercicio mediante test de esfuerzo cardiopulmonar, se realizó un test de marcha de 6 min, se calculó la composición corporal y valoró la calidad de vida mediante el cuestionario SF36. Resultados: Nuestros hallazgos principales mostraron que los pacientes con SAHS tenían un menor VO2max de p50 (p25-p75) 19,6 [15,7 - 23,7] vs grupo control 26,2 [18 - 29,1] (n.s.) y menor Wmax (carga máxima alcanzada durante el esfuerzo) 69,5 [53,2 - 77,5] vs 81 [72,7 - 90,7] p = 0,029. Menor fuerza muscular periférica 1RM hombros 32 [22 - 38] vs 34 [19 - 40,5] (n.s), 1RM cuádriceps 33 [22,5 - 48,5] vs 36 [20 - 42,5] (n.s.) y menor distancia recorrida en test 6 min 579 [524 - 613,5] vs 594 [552,7 - 623,7], (n.s.). Los pacientes SAHS tenían mayor grasa corporal con un peso graso en Kg 31,25 (23,1 - 44,2) vs 21,4 (18,5 - 28,5) P = 0,015. Conclusiones: En nuestro grupo de pacientes con SAHS, se demuestra una peor tolerancia al ejercicio en comparación con pacientes sanos con características antropométricas similares. Esto no parece estar relacionado con la fuerza muscular de las extremidades, sino que podría deberse a otros factores, como la obesidad e incluso el desentrenamiento

The aim of the study was to assess body composition, muscle function and exercise capacity in patients with moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Methods: This is an observational descriptive study. A home sleep monitoring was performed in 25 patients. 16 were diagnosed with moderate-severe (AHI >15) SAHS and constituted the study group, whereas the rest (AHI< 5) formed the control group. Peripheral muscle strength was assessed with the one repetition maximum (1RM) test, exercise capacity by means of a cardiopulmonary exercise test and the 6 minutes walking test; body composition was calculated by impedanciometry, and quality of life was assessed with the SF36 questionnaire. Results: Our main findings showed that patients with OSA had lower VO2max of P50 (P25- P75) 19.6 [15.7 - 23.7] vs control group 26.2 [18 - 29.1] (ns), and lower Wmax 69.5 [53.2 - 77.5] vs 81 [72.7 - 90.7] p = 0.029. OSA patients had lower peripheral muscle strength: 1RM shoulders 32 [22 - 38] vs 34 [19 - 40.5] (ns), 1RM quadriceps 33 [22.5 - 48.5] vs 36 [20 - 42.5] (ns), and less distance in 6 min walking test 579 [524 - 613.5] vs 594 [552.7 - 623.7] (ns). The OSA patients had a greater body fat weight 31.25 (23.1 - 44.2) vs 21.4 (18.5 - 28.5) P = 0.015. Conclusions: Our patients with OSA demonstrated a worse exercise tolerance compared to healthy patients with similar anthropometric characteristics. This does not appear to be related to muscle strength in the limbs, but could be due to other factors such as obesity and even detraining

Protocolo de colaboración entre una unidad especializada en Trastornos Respiratorios del Sueño y Atención Primaria en la detección y derivación de pacientes con sospecha de Síndrome de apneas-hipopneas del sueño / Collaboration protocol between units specialized in Respiratory Sleep Disorders and Primary Care for the detection and referral of patients with suspected sleep apneahypoapnea syndrome

El Síndrome de apnea-hipopnea durante el sueño (SAHS) constituye un problema de salud infradiagnosticado, actualmente manejado de forma casi exclusiva en las Unidades de Trastornos Respiratorios del Sueño (UTRS). Resulta necesaria una mayor implicación del médico de Atención Primaria (MAP) en la sospecha clínica inicial, para optimizar la derivación de pacientes. Objetivo: Evaluar la aplicabilidad de un programa de colaboración entre una UTRS y los Centros de Salud (CS) para establecer protocolos específicos que mejoren la derivación de pacientes con sospecha de SAHS. Metodología: Se han visitado 20 CS del área sanitaria del Hospital Virgen del Rocío, en los que se han presentado protocolos de detección activa de casos de SAHS, así como de derivación a la UTRS para establecer la prioridad de la cita. Previamente se eligieron dos CS que actuaron como centros piloto y tras un periodo de 3 meses se contabilizaron los pacientes que fueron derivados a la UTRS con los protocolos propuestos, y se analizó si la información incluida permitía establecer la prioridad real de la cita. Resultados: Durante los 3 meses de prueba, se enviaron a la UTRS desde los CS piloto 97 pacientes por sospecha de SAHS (69% con el protocolo específico y en 10 casos se pudo clasificar la derivación como preferente).Conclusión: La mayoría de las derivaciones realizadas desde Atención Primaria (AP) se han llevado a cabo siguiendo un protocolo que permite optimizar la derivación de pacientes. Es posible mejorar la derivación de pacientes mediante programas de colaboración entre las UTRS y los MAP (AU)

Introduction: Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is an underdiagnosed health problem, now handled almost exclusively in specialized Units of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders (USRBD). There is a need for a wider involvement of Primary Care Physicians (PCP) in the initial clinical suspicion in order to optimize patient referral. Objective: To evaluate the applicability of a collaborative program between USRBD and Primary Care Centres (PCC) aiming at establishing specific protocols to improve the referral of patients with suspected SAHS. Methodology: We have visited 20 PCCs at Virgen del Rocío Hospital Health Area, in which protocols for active detection of cases of SAHS, as well as referral to the USBRD to set the priority of the event were presented. PCC previously chose two sites of them who acted as pilot sites during 3 months. After this pilot period the number of patients who were referred to the USRBD with the proposed protocols were analyzed together with the information that allowed them to establish the real priority of the case. Results: During the 3 months trial, there were 97 patients sent to the USRBD unit with suspected SAHS (69% with the specific protocol and in 10 cases could be classified as preferential referral).Conclusion: Most of the referrals made from the PCC were carried out following a protocol optimizing patient referral. It is possible to improve the referral of patients through programs of cooperation between the USRBD and the PCC (AU)

Evolución del ronquido tras cuatro años de seguimiento en una población de adolescentes / Evolution of snoring after four years of follow-up in a population of adolescents

Hemos realizado un estudio prospectivo con una población de 267 sujetos adolescentes, inicialmente estudiada en una primera fase transversal, para conocer la evolución del ronquido tras un periodo de seguimiento de cuatro años. En ambas fases del estudio se completó un cuestionario específico de 82 items, los cuales incluían los síntomas nocturnos y diurnos asociados a los Trastornos respiratorios del sueño. Consideramos “roncadores” a los sujetos que roncaban “algunas veces” o “a menudo”, siendo estos últimos considerados “roncadores habituales”. En esta serie, la evolución del ronquido ha tendido hacia la estabilidad, ya que la mayoría de los sujetos que no roncaban siguen sin hacerlo, y la mayoría de los roncadores habituales siguen siéndolo. Entre estos últimos hay un predominio del sexo masculino. Los roncadores refieren con más frecuencia algunos de los síntomas que se describen en el Síndrome de apneas-hipopneas de los adultos, como apneas, despertares o astenia diurna (AU)

We have made a pilot study with a population of 267 adolescents, initially in a primary transverse study, to find the evolution of snoring after a follow-up period of four years. In both phases of the study a specific questionnaire of 82 items was completed, which included the nocturnal and diurnal symptoms associated with sleep respiratory disorders. We consider “snorers” to be those subjects that were snoring “sometimes” or “often”, the latter being considered “habitual snorers”. In this series, the evolution of snoring has tended toward stability, since the majority of the subjects that were not snoring continue without doing so, and the majority of the habitual snorers continue being such. Among the above mentioned there is a predominance of the male sex. The snorers refer with more frequency to some of the symptoms that are described in the apnea-hypopnea syndrome of adults, such as apneas, waking up or diurnal astenia (AU)

Effects of sex on sleep-disordered breathing in adolescents.

This study was conducted to determine the influence of puberty on features of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in adolescents. The study was performed in a general population sample of 226 adolescents of both sexes (aged 11-19 yrs) recruited from the secondary school population of the city of Seville, Spain. Subjects were divided into two groups: 1) postpubertal, i.e. females who had undergone menarche and males in whom axillary hair development or peak height velocity had occurred > 1 yr before the study; and 2) peripubertal, i.e. females who had not undergone menarche and males who had not developed axillary hair nor reached peak height velocity, or subjects in whom these pubertal changes had appeared < 1 yr before the study. All subjects answered a questionnaire on SDB and underwent overnight cardiorespiratory polygraphy. There were 50 males and 40 females (mean +/- SD age 13.5 +/- 1.2 yrs) in the peripubertal group, and 54 males and 82 females (age 16.3 +/- 1.7 yrs) in the postpubertal group. Males exhibited significantly higher neck circumference/height index and waist/hip index than females in both the peripubertal and postpubertal groups. In the postpubertal group, snoring and polygraphic alterations (respiratory events and oximetric parameters) were significantly more frequent in males than in females. Postpubertal adolescents showed sex differences in clinical and polygraphic parameters that were not observed at earlier pubertal stages. These findings support the influence of sex hormones on sex differences in sleep-disordered breathing.

Sleep-related breathing disorders in adolescents aged 12 to 16 years : clinical and polygraphic findings.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency, symptoms, and polygraphic features of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in adolescents aged 12 to 16 years. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Randomly selected secondary schools in the city of Seville, SPAIN: PARTICIPANTS: A general population sample of adolescents (n = 101; mean [+/- SD] age, 13.2 +/- 0.8 years). INTERVENTIONS: An 82-item questionnaire regarding anthropometric data and nocturnal and daytime symptoms suggestive of SRBD was administered. Symptoms were evaluated according to a 4-point frequency scale. Snorers answered "sometimes" or "often" in the question about snoring, and nonsnorers answered "never" or "rarely." All subjects underwent an overnight cardiorespiratory polygraphy at home. RESULTS: Twenty-nine percent of the subjects were snorers. Excessive daytime sleepiness was present in 14% of subjects, and sleep apnea was present in 3%. Polygraphy showed a respiratory disturbance index > or = 10 in 18 subjects (17.8%), but concurrent symptoms highly suggestive of SRBD were found in only 2 subjects (1.9%). Snorers had higher waist-to-hip ratios and a higher frequency of witnessed apnea or labored breathing as well as higher values of respiratory events as compared with nonsnorers. However, oximetry data were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In a nonselected group of adolescents aged 12 to 16 years, the frequency of symptoms potentially associated with SRBD was similar to that reported for younger children. Snoring was associated with a higher occurrence of other nocturnal symptoms, a more central pattern of body fat distribution, and a higher respiratory disturbance index as compared with nonsnorers. Although polygraphic abnormalities were mild, two cases of probable SRBD were found with a prevalence rate of 1.9%.

Valoración mediante escal de Epworth de la somnolencia diurna en pacientes con sospecha de síndrome de apneas obstructivas durante el sueño. Diferencias entre los pacientes y sus parejas / Daytime sleepiness measured by Epworth scale in patients suspected of sleep apnea syndrome. Differences between patients and partners

La hipersomnolencia diurna es el síntoma más importante del síndrome de apneas obstructivas durante el sueño. La escala de somnolencia de Epworth proporciona una estimación subjetiva del grado de somnolencia a través de un cuestionario que consta de 8 preguntas sobre situaciones habituales de la vida diaria, en las que se debe valorar la probabilidad de dormirse en cada una de ellas. Objetivo: Intentamos averiguar si hay diferencias en la valoración de la somnolencia diurna mediante la escala de somnolencia de Epworth entre los pacientes que consultan por sospecha de síndrome de apneas obstructivas durante el sueño y sus parejas. Material y método: Se estudió a 159 pacientes consecutivos, enviados por sospecha de patología respiratoria durante el sueño. La somnolencia de los pacientes fue estimada de forma independiente por los pacientes y por sus parejas usando la escala de somnolencia de Epworth. Resultados: De los 159 pacientes, 140 eran varones y 19 mujeres. La puntuación global media de la escala de som nolencia de Epworth realizada por los pacientes era significa tivamente menor que la contestada por las parejas (10 ñ 0,37 frente a 11 ñ 0,42; p < 0,001). Sin embargo, la correlación entre ambas era estrecha (rho = 0,79). Conclusiones: Según nuestros resultados, utilizando la escala de somnolencia de Epworth, la somnolencia subjetiva medida por las parejas es superior a la medida por los propios pacientes. (AU)

[Assessment of excessive day-time sleepiness in professional drivers with suspected obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]. / Evaluación de la somnolencia diurna excesiva en conductores profesionales con sospecha de síndrome de apnea obstructiva durante el sueño.

Excessive daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and can be a cause of traffic accidents, creating a problem of particular importance for professional drivers given the associated death, disability and professional repercussions. We assessed whether the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), which is a subjective measure of daytime sleepiness, correlates well with multiple sleep latency (MSL) testing, which gives an objective measure of daytime sleepiness. We also compared each method with the results of polysomnography (apnea-hypopnea index, arousal index and minimum oxygen saturation). We studied 55 professional drivers suspected of OSAS. All answered the ESS questionnaire and underwent polysomnographic and MSL testing. We found a significant, though not relevant, correlation between the degree of excessive daytime sleepiness estimated by the ESS and by MSL testing (r = -0.41; p = 0.002). A significant, though weak, correlation was found between the ESS score and the arousal index (r = 0.26; p < 0.05). Our results do not clarify which method is best for measuring excessive daytime sleepiness in professional drivers suspected of OSAS.

Evaluación de la somnolencia diurna excesiva en conductores profesionales con sospecha de síndrome de apnea obstructiva durante el sueño / Assessment of excessive daytime sleepiness in professional drivers suspected of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

La somnolencia diurna excesiva es un síntoma frecuente en el síndrome de apnea obstructiva durante el sueño, y puede ser causante de accidentes de tráfico. Este aspecto tiene especial importancia en los conductores profesionales, por la morbimortalidad y repercusión laboral que puede suponer. Hemos evaluado si la escala de somnolencia de Epworth (ESE) (medida subjetiva de la somnolencia diurna) se correlaciona bien con el test de latencia múltiple del sueño (TLMS) (medida objetiva de la somnolencia diurna). Además, hemos comparado ambos métodos con algunos parámetros de la polisomnografía (PLSG) (índice de apnea-hipopnea, índice de arousals y saturación de oxígeno mínima). Hemos estudiado a 55 conductores profesionales con sospecha de síndrome de apnea obstructiva durante el sueño. A todos se les aplicó la ESE y se les realizó una PLSG y un TLMS. Encontramos una correlación significativa, aunque no relevante, entre el grado de somnolencia diurna excesiva estimada mediante la ESE y la medida por el TLMS (r = -0,41; p = 0,002). Al comparar ambos métodos con la PLSG, tan sólo encontramos una correlación significativa, aunque muy débil, entre la ESE y el índice de arousals (r = 0,26; p < 0,05). Según nuestros resultados, no está claro cuál es el mejor método para medir la somnolencia diurna excesiva en conductores profesionales con sospecha de síndrome de apnea obstructiva durante el sueño (AU)

[Assessment with the Epworth scale of daytime somnolence in patients with suspected obstructive apnea syndrome during sleep. Differences between patients and their partners]. / Valoración mediante escala de Epworth de la somnolencia diurna en pacientes con sospecha de síndrome de apneas obstructivas durante el sueño. Diferencias entre los pacientes y sus parejas.

UNLABELLED: Daytime sleepiness is an important symptom in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The Epworth sleepiness scale gives a subjective estimate of the level of sleepiness by asking the patient to estimate the probability of falling asleep during each of eight activities of daily living. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to see whether patients suspected of sleep apnea and their partners or other living companions assessed daytime sleepiness differently. MATERIAL AND METHOD: One hundred fifty-nine consecutive patients referred for suspicion of sleep respiratory disorder were studied. Patients and their partners assessed sleepiness separately using the Epworth scale. RESULTS: One hundred forty subjects were men and 19 were women. The mean global Epworth score provided by the patients was significantly lower than that of their companions (10 +/- 0.37 versus 11 +/- 0.42; p < 0.001). However, the two were closely correlated (rho = 0.79). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that living companions' subjective Epworth scale assessment of sleepiness is greater than is that of patients themselves.

[A comparative study of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with and without obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]. / Estudio comparativo de pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica con y sin síndrome de apneas obstructivas durante el sueño.

We aimed to study whether the presence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) led to differences in clinical picture, gas exchange during awake and sleep states and mechanical ventilation, in comparison with patients with COPD alone. We enrolled 48 COPD patients. In 26 (54.1%), OSAS was ruled out (non-OSAS COPD group) by polysomnography, and in 22 (45.8%) associated OSAS was diagnosed (OSAS COPD group). Patients in the OSAS COPD group experienced greater daytime sleepiness and less dyspnea. Body mass index was not significantly difference. The OSAS COPD group had significantly lower daytime PaO2 (66.4 +/- 10.4 mmHg in the OSAS COPD group and 75.5 +/- 11.2 mmHg in the non-OSAS COPD group; p = 0.01); there were no differences in PaCO2.Pimax in the OSAS-COPD group was 70.6 +/- 23.8 cmH2O, a level that was significantly lower than in the non-OSAS COPD group (Pimax 90.5 +/- 26.1 cmH2O; p = 0.04). Patients in the non-OSAS COPD group experienced longer periods of REM sleep. Nighttime saturation parameters were significantly different in the group with OSAS. We conclude that patients with both OSAS and COPD experience greater oximetric changes than those without OSAS, during both sleep and awake states. The deterioration of respiratory muscle pressures in such patients may play an important role in the changes. The groups also present differences in the intensity of some symptoms, such as degree of daytime sleepiness and dyspnea.

[Association of obstructive apnea syndrome during sleep and narcolepsy]. / Asociación del síndrome de apnea obstructiva durante el sueño y la narcolepsia.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is highly prevalent. Daytime hypersomnolence (DHS) is among its symptoms, although other diseases, such as narcolepsy, can also give rise to DHS. We describe three men diagnosed of OSAS whose DHS persisted even after snoring disappeared following treatment with continuous positive airway pressure. We suspected associated narcolepsy, which was confirmed by multiple sleep latency testing. Narcolepsy, therefore, should be considered when DHS persists even after appropriate treatment of OSAS.

[Surgical treatment of adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children with sleep respiratory disorders: changes in polysomnographic patterns]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico de la hipertrofia adenoamigdalar en niños con trastornos respiratorios durante el sueño: cambio en el patrón polisomnográfico.

Adenotonsillar enlargement (ATE) can cause respiratory disorders during sleep in children. The treatment of choice for ATE is adenotonsillectomy and its efficacy must be assessed based on improvement in symptoms and polysomnographic patterns. We studied 11 children (7 boys and 4 girls, age 5.5 years) whose ATE symptoms were corrected by adenotonsillectomy. Two nighttime polysomnograms (SleepLab) were recorded, one at baseline and one 6 months after adenotonsillectomy. Polysomnographic recordings were analyzed by quantifying 1) only apneic or hypopneic events lasting > or = 10 sec and 2) all respiratory events > or = 5 sec. The most common symptoms were snoring, nocturnal dyspnea and sleep apnea. Symptoms resolved after adenotonsillectomy for most patients. Obstructive events, in particular shorter apneic events (> or = 5 sec) and instances of hypopnea, decreased after surgery. We found no changes in baseline SaO2, although the minimum SaO2 improved and the number of desaturations decreased, above all those stemming from respiratory events.

[Respiratory polygraphy in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]. / Poligrafía respiratoria en el diagnóstico del síndrome de apneas obstructivas durante el sueño.

The traditional way of diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is all-night polysomnographic recording. A proposed alternative is respiratory polygraphy, a simplified procedure that consists in nighttime monitoring of oxygen saturation, oronasal flow and respiratory movements. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of respiratory polygraphy in diagnosing OSAS in comparison with conventional polysomnography. We studied 101 patients (92 men and 9 women) who had undergone polysomnography. An apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) > or = 10 was considered to be the diagnostic criterion for OSAS. To assess the diagnostic validity of respiratory polygraphy we considered that an AHI per hour of recording > or = 10 and a desaturation index per hour of recording > or = 10 were consistent with a diagnosis of OSAS. Sixty patients were diagnosed of OSAS. The AHI per hour of recording was > or = 10 in 56 patients, with 4 false negatives (sensitivity 93.3% and specificity 100%). The desaturation index per hour of recording was > or = 10 in 65 patients, with 7 false positives and 2 false negatives (sensitivity 96.6% and specificity 82.9%). We conclude that respiratory polysomnography is a specific, highly sensitive method for diagnosing OSAS.

[The detection of the sleep apnea syndrome in a population of professional drivers]. / Detección del síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño en una población de conductores profesionales.

The aim of this study was to reduce the risk of traffic accidents related to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) by means its detection and treatment in a group of 100 commercial drivers from Seville. Besides, to analyze which clinical findings could suggest OSAS. By means a questionnaire we selected subjects without (questionnaire score < 10 points) and with (questionnaire score > or = 10) clinical history of OSAS. In cases with score > or = 10, an overnight home polygraphy was carried out (Apnoescreen II, Jaeger), with measurement of oronasal airflow, chest and abdominal movements, oxygen saturation, electrocardiogram, body position and actimetry. We performed a manual analysis of recordings, and polygraphy was considered to be positive for OSAS if both AHI (respiratory events Index) or DI (desaturation Index) were > or = 10. In these positive cases, overnight conventional polysomnography was carried out (SleepLab, Jaeger), with therapeutic tests with CPAP if OSAS was diagnosed (AHI > or = 10). Average age and BMI (Body Mass Index) were 41.5 +/- 0.9 years and 28.2 +/- 0.4 kg/m2. Questionnaire was positive in 59 subjects, in 35 of whom home polysomnography was done. We did not find differences in age, BMI, neck circumference or symptomatology among these 35 drivers and the 24 remaining subjects in whom home polygraphy was not performed. Home polygraphy was positive in 10 subjects and negative In 25. Drivers in first group were older, heavier and complaint more frequently about snoring, sleep apnea and daytime sleepiness. We did not find differences in neck circumference, waist/hip ratio nor alcohol consumption between both groups. From the group with positive polygraphy, we performed conventional polysomnography in 8 cases and OSAS was diagnosed in 5 (in all cases, treatment with CPAP was started). This study does not provide data about prevalence, but it seems that the percentage of our drivers with OSAS could be lightly higher than the prevalence in general population. These subjects seem to be older, heavier and complaint more frequently about snoring, sleep apnea and daytime sleepiness.

[Hypercapnic stimulation and ventilation response in the syndrome of sleep obstructive apnea. Comparison of reinhalation and steady state]. / Estimulación hipercápnica y respuesta ventilatoria en el síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño. Comparación de reinhalación y estado-estable.

The objective of this study was to assess ventilatory response to stimulation with CO2 in patients suffering obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) but without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), by examining differences between hyper- and normocapnic patients and comparing the results obtained with the usual techniques used to stimulate hypercapnia (rebreathing and stable-state). To this end, we studied 15 obese patients, all with an apnea-hypopnea index greater than 10 from a polysomnograph lasting a full night. The following lung function tests were performed: spirometry, air way resistance measures and static lung volumes by plethysmograph and arterial gasometry. We later analyzed ventilatory response by the stable-state method, with increasing CO2 concentrations (from 1 to 9%) and by the rebreathing method. Results from the two methods were similar for all patients: delta VE/delta PCO2 (0.64 +/- 0.35 vs 0.67 +/- 0.48 l/min/mmHg; p = 0.59), delta Vt/delta PCO2 (28.33 +/- 16.23 vs 26.42 +/- 16.94 ml/mmHg; p = 0.9), delta Vt/Ti/delta PCO2 (28.82 +/- 20.9 vs 29.41 +/- 23.78 ml/s/mmHg; p = 0.89) y delta P0.1/delta PCO2 (0.11 +/- 0.07 vs 0.117 +/- 0.05 cmH2O/mmHg; p = 0.58). We compared the results obtained by the two techniques by dividing the sample into two groups of 7 and 8 patients, respectively, depending on whether PaCO2 level before stimulation was higher or lower than 45 mmHg. The hypercapnic patients (group I) were older (61 +/- 3.5 vs 50 +/- 9 years; p = 0.04) but were not different with respect to body mass from the normocapnic patients (group II) (37.59 +/- 6.4 vs 34.56 +/- 4.75 kg/m2; p = 0.33). The results from the two techniques for stimulating hypercapnia were similar within each group, with a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.03) in patients with daytime hypercapnia in delta VE/delta PCO2 delta Vt/delta PCO2, delta Vt/Ti/delta PCO2 and delta P0.1/delta PCO2. We conclude that there are no differences in the results obtained with the rebreathing and stable state techniques. Likewise, ventilatory response to stimulation with CO2 in individuals with OSAS and daytime hypoventilation is less than of normocapnic patients.

Polysomnographic studies in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and suspected obstructive sleep apnea.

Upper airway obstruction causes many sleep-related respiratory disorders that can culminate in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Polysomnography is routinely used to define OSAS in adults, but problems remain in diagnosing children by this method. The current study was designed to analyze the polysomnographic patterns in children with symptomatic adenotonsillar hypertrophy and to determine whether obstructive respiratory events shorter than 10 sec could have pathophysiological significance. Furthermore, we analyzed the correlation between clinical data on children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and polysomnographic findings. Twelve children (mean age, 4.5 +/- 1.5 years) with airflow obstruction due to adenotonsillar hypertrophy were observed in our Sleep Laboratory. Prior to study, a questionnaire was used to score symptom severity. Overnight polysomnography was then performed to measure total sleep time, sleep efficiency, desaturation index, minimal arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), apneahypopnea (AH) episodes < or = 5 sec and those > or = 10 sec, and AH index, AH percentage of total test time, and number of spontaneous and respiratory event-associated desaturations were recorded. Respiratory events of 5 sec or longer resulted in increases in the AH index and an increase in the number of oxyhemoglobin desaturations due to respiratory events. A significant relationship was found between the AH index and AH episodes > or = 5 sec and > or = 10 sec. There was, however, no association between polysomnographic parameters and symptom severity scores. An appraisal of AH recordings > or = 10 sec showed that desaturation episodes were more frequent than respiratory events, and the desaturation index was closely related to spontaneous and respiratory event-associated desaturations. When considering all obstructive episodes > or = 5 sec, the number of desaturations did not exceed the number of respiratory events. The correlation between the desaturation index and spontaneous or respiratory event associated desaturations was similar. The occurrence of short AH episodes that lead to hemoglobin desaturation are important in the evaluation of OSAS in children.

[Inflammation mediators (eosinophilic cationic protein, ECP) in a normal population and in patients with bronchial asthma or allergic rhinitis]. / Mediadores de la inflamación (proteína catiónica del eosinófilo, ECP) en población normal y pacientes con asma bronquial o rinitis alérgica.

We analyzed serum levels of eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), one of the 4 main eosinophilic proteins; ECP is released from an activated cell and acts as a mediator of inflammation. Serum samples from 139 persons were studied prospectively. Fifty-three individuals from the general population provided the control group. Eighty-six consecutive patients were also studied: 69 with bronchial asthma and 17 with allergic rhinitis and no signs of asthma. The level of severity of disease was established in the asthmatics by the method proposed by Aas (Aas score), based on symptoms and medications received within the last year. We also classified these patients as having mild, moderate or severe asthma according to the latest criteria issued by the International Consensus for Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma. Atopic status was estimated by skin Prick tests. ECP levels in the control group (9.34 +/- 5.76 micrograms/l) were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than those of the total population of patients (17.59 +/- 16.85 micrograms/l). The mean for patients with rhinitis was 14.76 +/- 10.94 micrograms/l, whereas it was 18.29 +/- 18 micrograms/l in the asthmatics; the levels for both groups were statistically different from that of the control group (p < 0.03 and p < 0.001, respectively). Levels by degrees of severity established at the time of revision and by sensitivity to allergens were also significantly different from the level of the control group, although the mean levels were low in the group of severely affected patients who had received treatment with inhaled corticoids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)