Visual and automatic classification of the cyclic alternating pattern in electroencephalography during sleep.

Cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) is a neurophysiological pattern that can be visually scored by international criteria. The aim of this study was to verify the feasibility of visual CAP scoring using only one channel of sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) to evaluate the inter-scorer agreement in a variety of recordings, and to compare agreement between visual scoring and automatic scoring systems. Sixteen hours of single-channel European data format recordings from four different sleep laboratories with either C4-A1 or C3-A2 channels and with different sampling frequencies were used in this study. Seven independent scorers applied visual scoring according to international criteria. Two automatic blind scorings were also evaluated. Event-based inter-scorer agreement analysis was performed. The pairwise inter-scorer agreement (PWISA) was between 55.5 and 84.3%. The average PWISA was above 60% for all scorers and the global average was 69.9%. Automatic scoring systems showed similar results to those of visual scoring. The study showed that CAP could be scored using only one EEG channel. Therefore, CAP scoring might also be integrated in sleep scoring features and automatic scoring systems having similar performances to visual sleep scoring systems.

Visual and automatic classification of the cyclic alternating pattern in electroencephalography during sleep

Cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) is a neurophysiological pattern that can be visually scored by international criteria. The aim of this study was to verify the feasibility of visual CAP scoring using only one channel of sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) to evaluate the inter-scorer agreement in a variety of recordings, and to compare agreement between visual scoring and automatic scoring systems. Sixteen hours of single-channel European data format recordings from four different sleep laboratories with either C4-A1 or C3-A2 channels and with different sampling frequencies were used in this study. Seven independent scorers applied visual scoring according to international criteria. Two automatic blind scorings were also evaluated. Event-based inter-scorer agreement analysis was performed. The pairwise inter-scorer agreement (PWISA) was between 55.5 and 84.3%. The average PWISA was above 60% for all scorers and the global average was 69.9%. Automatic scoring systems showed similar results to those of visual scoring. The study showed that CAP could be scored using only one EEG channel. Therefore, CAP scoring might also be integrated in sleep scoring features and automatic scoring systems having similar performances to visual sleep scoring systems.

Ankyloglossia as a risk factor for maxillary hypoplasia and soft palate elongation: A functional - morphological study.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize associations between restricted tongue mobility and maxillofacial development. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Cross-sectional cohort study of 302 consecutive subjects from an orthodontic practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Tongue mobility (measured with tongue range of motion ratio [TRMR] and Kotlow free tongue measurement) was correlated with measurements of the maxillofacial skeleton obtained from dental casts and cephalometric radiographs. RESULTS: Tongue range of motion ratio and Kotlow measures of restricted tongue mobility were associated with (i) ratio of maxillary intercanine width to canine arch length, (ii) ratio of maxillary intermolar width to canine arch length and (iii) soft palate length. Restricted tongue mobility was not associated with hyoid bone position or Angle's skeletal classification. CONCLUSIONS: Restricted tongue mobility was associated with narrowing of the maxillary arch and elongation of the soft palate in this study. These findings suggest that variations in tongue mobility may affect maxillofacial development.

Medical comorbidity in narcolepsy: findings from the Burden of Narcolepsy Disease (BOND) study.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate medical comorbidity patterns in patients with a narcolepsy diagnosis in the United States. PATIENTS/METHODS: This was a retrospective medical claims data analysis. Truven Health Analytics MarketScan® Research Databases were accessed to identify individuals ≥18 years of age with ≥1 diagnosis code for narcolepsy (International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9, 347.0, 347.00, 347.01, 347.1, 347.10, or 347.11) continuously insured between 2006 and 2010, and controls without narcolepsy matched 5:1 on age, gender, region, and payer. Narcolepsy and control subjects were compared for frequency of comorbid conditions, identified by the appearance of >1 diagnosis code(s) mapped to a Clinical Classification System (CCS) level 1 category any time during the study period, and on specific subcategories, including recognized narcolepsy comorbidities of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and depression. RESULTS: The final study group included 9312 subjects with narcolepsy and 46,559 controls (each group: average age, 46.1 years; 59% female). As compared with controls, patients with narcolepsy showed a statistically significant excess prevalence in all the CCS multilevel categories, the only exceptions being conditions originating in the perinatal period and pregnancy/childbirth complications. The greatest excess prevalence in the narcolepsy cohort was seen for mental illness (31.1% excess prevalence; odds ratio (OR) 3.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.6, 4.0), followed by diseases of the digestive system (21.4% excess prevalence; OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.5, 2.8) and nervous system/sense organs (excluding narcolepsy; 20.7% excess prevalence; OR 3.7, 95% CI 3.4, 3.9). CONCLUSIONS: In this claims analysis, a narcolepsy diagnosis was associated with a wide range of comorbid medical illness claims, at significantly higher rates than matched controls.

Continuous positive airway pressure therapy in obstuctive sleep apnea: benefits and alternatives.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent condition affecting persons of all age with an increasing public health burden. It is implicated in cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, neurocognitive impairment, reductions in quality of life, and increased motor vehicle accidents. The goals of OSA treatment are to improve sleep and daytime symptoms, and minimize cardiovascular risks.Areas covered: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is considered the gold standard therapy that delivers pressurized air into the upper airway to relieve obstruction during sleep. Although CPAP is an effective modality of treatment for OSA, adherence to therapy is highly variable. This article highlights the benefits of CPAP therapy, along with alternative treatment options including oral appliance, implantable and wearable devices, and surgery. Expert commentary: CPAP therapy is the gold standard treatment option and should continue to be offered to those who suffer from OSA. Alternative options are available for those who are unable to adhere to CPAP or choose an alternative treatment modality. The most interesting advances have been incorporating orthodontic procedures in conjunction with myofunctional therapy in prepubertal children, raising the possibility of OSA prevention by initiating treatment early in life.

[Historical review on obstructive sleep apnea in children]. / Revue historique sur le syndrome d'apnée obstructive du sommeil chez l'enfant.

An historical review on the discoveries on pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and sleep-disordered breathing is outlined. Starting with the description by Dickens of "Joe" the obese, snoring and sleepy individual, the authors trace more than 50 years of questions and research starting with the lean adult to the child and from the recognition of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome to the outline of upper-airway resistance syndrome. The pathophysiological knowledge on sleep-disordered breathing has evolved over time, as have treatment approaches in children, from tracheostomy to positive-airway-pressure therapy, to adenotonsillectomy with and without orthodontic treatments to oral-facial myofunctional therapy. Co-morbidities of sleep-disordered breathing are multiple, involving cognition, behavioral, and mood disorders, cardiovascular impairment, etc. There have been many advances in a short time due to the investigation of OSAS, but many questions still need responses.

Nasopharyngeal airway stenting devices for obstructive sleep apnoea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review outcomes of adults with obstructive sleep apnoea treated with nasopharyngeal airway stenting devices. METHODS: Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases were searched, and data on device use and tolerability, sleepiness, oxygen saturation, apnoea index, apnoea-hypopnoea index, and sleep quality were collected. RESULTS: Of 573 potential studies, 29 were retrieved for detailed evaluation and 16 met the study criteria. Polysomnography data for patients treated with nasal trumpets as an isolated therapy were pooled for meta-analysis. The mean apnoea index ± standard deviation, for 53 patients, decreased from 32.4 ± 15.9 to 9.0 ± 7.2 episodes per hour (p < 0.00001). The mean apnoea-hypopnoea index, for 193 patients, decreased from 44.1 ± 18.9 to 22.7 ± 19.3 episodes per hour (p < 0.00001). The mean lowest oxygen saturation, for 193 patients, increased from 66.5 ± 14.2 to 75.5 ± 13.9 per cent (p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Some studies have demonstrated limited effectiveness and low tolerability of nasopharyngeal airway stenting devices, while other studies have shown a significant benefit in treating obstructive sleep apnoea, with a high level of patient acceptance. Nasal trumpets have been successful in decreasing airway obstruction in the short term.

Critical role of myofascial reeducation in pediatric sleep-disordered breathing.

BACKGROUND: Limited studies suggest that pubertal development may lead to a recurrence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) despite previous curative surgery. Our study evaluates the impact of myofunctional reeducation in children with SDB referred for adenotonsillectomy, orthodontia, and myofunctional treatment in three different geographic areas. METHODS: A retrospective investigation of children with polysomnographic analysis following adenotonsillectomy were referred for orthodontic treatment and were considered for myofunctional therapy. Clinical information was obtained during pediatric and orthodontic follow-up. Polysomnography (PSG) at the time of diagnosis, following adenotonsillectomy, and at long-term follow-up, were compared. The PSG obtained at long-term follow-up was scored by a single-blinded investigator. RESULTS: Complete charts providing the necessary medical information for long-term follow-up were limited. A subgroup of 24 subjects (14 boys) with normal PSG following adenotonsillectomy and orthodontia were referred for myofunctional therapy, with only 11 subjects receiving treatment. Follow-up evaluation was performed between the 22nd and 50th month after termination of myofunctional reeducation or orthodontic treatment if reeducation was not received. Thirteen out of 24 subjects who did not receive myofunctional reeducation developed recurrence of symptoms with a mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)=5.3±1.5 and mean minimum oxygen saturation=91±1.8%. All 11 subjects who completed myofunctional reeducation for 24 months revealed healthy results. CONCLUSION: Despite experimental and orthodontic data supporting the connection between orofacial muscle activity and oropharyngeal development as well as the demonstration of abnormal muscle contraction of upper airway muscles during sleep in patients with SDB, myofunctional therapy rarely is considered in the treatment of pediatric SDB. Absence of myofascial treatment is associated with a recurrence of SDB.

Circadian rhythms, melatonin and depression.

The master biological clock situated in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the anterior hypothalamus plays a vital role in orchestrating the circadian rhythms of multiple biological processes. Increasing evidence points to a role of the biological clock in the development of depression. In seasonal depression and in bipolar disorders it seems likely that the circadian system plays a vital role in the genesis of the disorder. For major unipolar depressive disorder (MDD) available data suggest a primary involvement of the circadian system but further and larger studies are necessary to conclude. Melatonin and melatonin agonists have chronobiotic effects, which mean that they can readjust the circadian system. Seasonal affective disorders and mood disturbances caused by circadian malfunction are theoretically treatable by manipulating the circadian system using chronobiotic drugs, chronotherapy or bright light therapy. In MDD, melatonin alone has no antidepressant action but novel melatoninergic compounds demonstrate antidepressant properties. Of these, the most advanced is the novel melatonin agonist agomelatine, which combines joint MT1 and MT2 agonism with 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonism. Adding a chronobiotic effect to the inhibition of 5-HT(2C) receptors may explain the rapid impact of agomelatine on depression, since studies showed that agomelatine had an early impact on sleep quality and alertness at awakening. Further studies are necessary in order to better characterize the effect of agomelatine and other novel melatoninergic drugs on the circadian system of MDD patients. In summary, antidepressants with intrinsic chronobiotic properties offer a novel approach to treatment of depression.

Comparison of hypopnea definitions in lean patients with known obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In the interest of improving inter-rater reliability and standardization between sleep laboratories, hypopnea definitions were recently changed to place less emphasis on arousal scoring and more emphasis on oxygen desaturations. We sought to determine whether these changes would affect detection and treatment of OSAHS in lean patients-a group known to desaturate less-than-obese patients. METHODS: Thirty-five lean subjects (15 male, 20 women, five post-menopausal) diagnosed OSAHS and a documented benefit from treatment had diagnostic polysomnograms (PSG) originally scored using the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) rule from 1999 (referred to as "Rule C"). These patients had appropriate clinical care based on those results. PSG records were then re-scored in a randomized and blinded fashion utilizing hypopnea Rule A and B of the 2007 AASM guidelines. RESULTS: Baseline mean (SD) apnea hypopnea indices (AHI) for rules A, B, and C were 6.4 (3.1), 20.6 (8.2), and 26.9 (7.3), respectively (p < 0.0001). Mean (SD) BMI was 24.4 (1.0). By design, all subjects were treatment responders. Eighty-six percent with CPAP, 83% with oral appliance, and 100% with surgical intervention reported resolution of their initial daytime or sleep complaint. Post-treatment AHIs for rules A, B, and C were 0.8 (0.9), 1.8 (1.2) and 2.3 (1.6; p < 0.001). In all three scoring conditions, the AHI was reduced significantly with treatment (p < 0.001). A repeated measures ANOVA of the difference between scoring methods indicated statistically significant differences between all three strategies at both pre- and post-treatment (p < 0.001). Sleepiness on the Epworth sleepiness scale decreased from a mean of 10.9 (2.3) to 5.7 (1.3) with treatment (p < 0.001). This change in subjective rating of sleepiness was more strongly correlated with rules B and C (r = 0.6) and more modestly correlated with Rule A scoring (r = 0.4). CONCLUSION: Response to treatment was more tightly correlated with arousal based scoring rules B and C in this group of lean subjects. The1999 hypopnea rule was used at baseline to detect this cohort of patients with OSAHS that ultimately benefitted from treatment. Rule B detected OSAHS and correlated well with response to treatment, but many more were categorized as mild (5 < AHI < 15) at baseline. Since 40% of the subjects had an AHI less than 5 with Rule A, lack of sensitivity should be considered before applying Rule A to the scoring of sleep studies in lean patients.

Sleep-disordered breathing and chronic atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Little has been known about the prevalence of sleep apnea in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Studies have suggested that the prevalence of AF is increasing in patients with sleep-disordered breathing. We hypothesize that the prevalence of OSA is higher in chronic persistent and permanent AF patients than a sub-sample of the general population without this arrhythmic disorder. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the frequency of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a sample of chronic AF compared to a sub-sample of the general population. METHODS: Fifty-two chronic AF patients aged (60.5 +/- 9.5, 33 males) and 32 control (aged 57.3 +/- 9.6, 15 males). All subjects were evaluated by a staff cardiologist for the presence of medical conditions and were referred for polysomnography. The differences between groups were analyzed by ANOVA for continuous variables, and by the Chi-square test for dichotomous variables. Statistical significance was established by alpha=0.05. RESULTS: There were no differences in age, gender, BMI, sedentarism, presence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, abdominal circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and sleepiness scoring between groups. Despite similar BMI, AF patients had a higher neck circumference compared to control group (39.9cm versus 37.7cm, p=0.01) and the AF group showed higher percentage time of stage 1 NREM sleep (6.4% versus 3.9%, p=0.03). Considering a cut-off value for AHI >= 10 per hour of sleep, the AF group had a higher frequency of OSA compared to the control group (81.6% versus 60%, p=0.03). All the oxygen saturation parameters were significantly worse in the AF group, which had lower SaO(2) nadir (81.9% versus 85.3%, p=0.01) and mean SaO(2) (93.4% versus 94.3%, p=0.02), and a longer period of time below 90% (26.4min versus 6.7min, p=0.05). CONCLUSION: Sleep-disordered breathing is more frequent in chronic persistent and permanent AF patients than in age-matched community dwelling subjects.

Is there a link between alertness and fatigue in patients with traumatic brain injury?

OBJECTIVES: Many patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) report chronic fatigue, and previous studies showed a potential relationship between sleepiness and fatigue in these patients. Our study first looked at the impact of objective and subjective sleepiness on fatigue in patients with TBI. We then investigated how fatigue could affect driving performance in these patients. METHODS: Nocturnal polysomnography, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and five 40-minute maintenance of wakefulness tests (MWT) were collected in 36 patients with TBI. Fitness to drive was assessed in a subsample of 22 patients compared to 22 matched controls during an hour simulated driving session. RESULTS: In patients with TBI, FSS, ESS, and mean MWT scores (+/-SD) were 27 +/- 10, 8 +/- 4, and 35 +/- 7 minutes vs 15 +/- 2.5, 5 +/- 3, and 37 +/- 5 minutes in controls. Patients with TBI reported more chronic fatigue (W = 99, p < 0.001) than controls, and, unlike in controls, the level of chronic fatigue was correlated to their MWT scores. Patients' driving performances were worse than the controls' (W = 79, p < 0.001). The best predictive factors of driving performance were fatigue scores and body mass index (multiple R = 0.458, 41.8% of explained variance). CONCLUSION: In patients with TBI, chronic fatigue is significantly related to subjective and objective levels of alertness, even though these levels are not highly pathologic. This might suggest that a small level of sleepiness (i.e., MWT scores between 33 and 39 minutes) worsens fatigue in these patients. Chronic fatigue and body mass index could predict driving simulator performance in patients with TBI.

Delta sleep instability in children with chronic arthritis.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the expression of a cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) in slow wave sleep (SWS) in children with the well-defined chronic syndrome juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Twelve patients (9-17 years of age), 7 girls, with JIA were compared to matched controls by age, pubertal stage and gender. After one night of habituation in the sleep laboratory, sleep measurements were obtained by standard polysomnography with conventional sleep scoring and additional CAP analyses. The sleep parameters of the JIA and control groups were similar for sleep efficiency (91.1 +/- 6.7 vs 95.8 +/- 4.0), sleep stage in minutes: stage 1 (16.8 +/- 8.5 vs 17.8 +/- 4.0), stage 2 (251.9 +/- 41 vs 262.8 +/- 38.1), stage 3 (17.0 +/- 6.0 vs 15.1 +/- 5.7), stage 4 (61.0 +/- 21.7 vs 77.1 +/- 20.4), and rapid eye movement sleep (82.0 +/- 27.6 vs 99.0 +/- 23.9), respectively. JIA patients presented nocturnal disrupted sleep, with an increase in short awakenings, but CAP analyses showed that sleep disruption was present even during SWS, showing an increase in the overall CAP rate (P < 0.01). Overall CAP rate during non-rapid eye movement sleep was significantly higher in pediatric patients who were in chronic pain. This is the first study of CAP in pediatric patients with chronic arthritis showing that CAP analyses can be a powerful tool for the investigation of disturbance of SWS in children, based on sleep EEG visual analysis.

Delta sleep instability in children with chronic arthritis

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the expression of a cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) in slow wave sleep (SWS) in children with the well-defined chronic syndrome juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Twelve patients (9-17 years of age), 7 girls, with JIA were compared to matched controls by age, pubertal stage and gender. After one night of habituation in the sleep laboratory, sleep measurements were obtained by standard polysomnography with conventional sleep scoring and additional CAP analyses. The sleep parameters of the JIA and control groups were similar for sleep efficiency (91.1 ± 6.7 vs 95.8 ± 4.0), sleep stage in minutes: stage 1 (16.8 ± 8.5 vs 17.8 ± 4.0), stage 2 (251.9 ± 41 vs 262.8 ± 38.1), stage 3 (17.0 ± 6.0 vs 15.1 ± 5.7), stage 4 (61.0 ± 21.7 vs 77.1 ± 20.4), and rapid eye movement sleep (82.0 ± 27.6 vs 99.0 ± 23.9), respectively. JIA patients presented nocturnal disrupted sleep, with an increase in short awakenings, but CAP analyses showed that sleep disruption was present even during SWS, showing an increase in the overall CAP rate (P < 0.01). Overall CAP rate during non-rapid eye movement sleep was significantly higher in pediatric patients who were in chronic pain. This is the first study of CAP in pediatric patients with chronic arthritis showing that CAP analyses can be a powerful tool for the investigation of disturbance of SWS in children, based on sleep EEG visual analysis.

Patrón alternante cíclico como signo de inestabilidad cerebral durante el sueño / Cyclic alternating pattern as a sign of brain instability during sleep

Durante los últimos 20 años se ha demostrado que el papel del microdespertar está muy involucrado en la fisiopatología de las alteraciones del sueño, pero a pesar de ello aún permanece en debate la naturaleza del microdespertar. El sistema del despertar forma parte de la relación entre el sistema de activación y el del mantenimiento del sueño, proporcionando así la evolución natural del sueño y defendiéndolo de los estímulos del mundo exterior. El sistema del despertar, que abarca el concepto de microdespertar, puede aparecer de forma aislada o bien de forma periódica, recibiendo entonces el nombre de patrón alternante cíclico (cyclic alternating pattern, CAP). El CAP puede verse afectado por diferentes factores que alteran su periodicidad, ofreciéndonos así una información cuantitativa sobre la inestabilidad durante el sueño, y puede servir como otra nueva herramienta para entender el sueño humano y como complemento de la información que aporta el estudio de la macroestructura del sueño y el microdespertar. En este trabajo se pretende explicar el concepto del CAP y su fisiopatología estudiada hasta la actualidad (AU)

During the last 20 years, the fact that the role of microarousal arousal is very involved in the pathophysiology of sleep disorders has been widely demonstrated. However, in spite of this, the nature of microarousal is still under debate. The awakening system forms a part of the relationship between activation system and sleep maintenance, thus providing the natural evolution of sleep and defending it from the stimuli of the external world. The awakening system, that includes the concept of microarousal, can appear isolated or periodically, then receiving the name of cyclic alternating pattern (CAP). CAP may be affected by different factors that can alter its periodicity, thus offering quantitative information on sleep instability. It can also serve as another new tool to understand human sleep and as complementary information supplied by the sleep macrostructure and microarousal study. This study aims to explain the concept of CAP and its pathophysiology studied up to the present (AU)

[Cyclic alternating pattern as a sign of brain instability during sleep]. / Patrón alternante cíclico como signo de inestabilidad cerebral durante el sueño.

During the last 20 years, the fact that the role of microarousal arousal is very involved in the pathophysiology of sleep disorders has been widely demonstrated. However, in spite of this, the nature of microarousal is still under debate. The awakening system forms a part of the relationship between activation system and sleep maintenance, thus providing the natural evolution of sleep and defending it from the stimuli of the external world. The awakening system, that includes the concept of microarousal, can appear isolated or periodically, then receiving the name of cyclic alternating pattern (CAP). CAP may be affected by different factors that can alter its periodicity, thus offering quantitative information on sleep instability. It can also serve as another new tool to understand human sleep and as complementary information supplied by the sleep macrostructure and microarousal study. This study aims to explain the concept of CAP and its pathophysiology studied up to the present.

Stroke and treatment with nasal CPAP.

Stroke patients present a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and those with OSA have a higher mortality after 1 year and poorer functional outcome compared with others. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the acceptance of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) by recent stroke patients with OSA. Recruitment of non-comatose stroke patients with sufficient consciousness for diagnostic evaluation of OSA was performed and they were treated at home with nasal CPAP after hospital calibration and training on the usage of CPAP. Initial evaluation and regular follow-up of the home trial of auto-CPAP was carried out for a duration of 8 weeks. Of 50 initially recruited patients, 32 (100%) responded to the minimum cognitive criteria but seven patients (22%) only used nasal CPAP for 8 weeks. Subject dropout was related to difficulties with CPAP usage as perceived by patient and family members, facial weakness, motor impairment and increase difficulties and discomfort with usage of full-face mask. The majority of OSA stroke patients rejected CPAP treatment. Better education and support of patients and families, and special training sessions in rehabilitation services, will be needed to improve compliance.

[Pediatric autopsy and informed parental consent]. / Autopsie pédiatrique et consentement parental.

AIM: In French legal terminology, the definition of autopsy is "organs'withholding". This phrase is ambiguous, meaning both removing the organs for their macroscopic exam and their retention for subsequent histology. The autopsy of a child requires an informed consent from both parents. The issue is that the pathologist who performs the autopsy is not the one who delivers the information and gets the parents' consent: therefore, he does not know what they were told and what they actually agreed upon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 3 groups of paediatricians (N=891) to approach their knowledge regarding autopsy. RESULTS: Among 362 paediatricians who answered the questionnaire, 57.2% never attended an autopsy and procedures were badly known. They did not know whether or not organs, were systematically sampled especially brain. Regarding the possibility of conservation of organs, a majority thought that one should not solely answer to parents'queries (63.8%) but rather that one should point out every possibility, without giving the ins and outs (60.8%). The majority favoured organs retention and use for research. CONCLUSION: We make 3 suggestions: to register autopsy in the Natioanal Securite Sociale nomenclature, to establish information and consent forms for organs'removal, retention and disposal, and to offer parents the possibility of an interview with the pathologist before and/or after the autopsy, in association with the paediatrician.

Erectile dysfunction, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and nasal CPAP treatment.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of one month of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in a subgroup of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and compare this subgroup with age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched OSA patients without ED. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective general, sleep, psychiatric and sexologic evaluations were conducted. Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Sleep Disorders Questionnaire (SDQ), Quality of Life SF-36, and polysomnography were used. Seventeen OSA patients with ED were compared prior to CPAP treatment and during CPAP treatment with age- and BMI-matched OSA patients without ED. Parametric and non-parametric statistics, chi-square, Fisher exact test and multiple regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Ninety-eight men (BMI=28.8 kg/m2, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)=49.6 events/h, ESS=14.8, BDI=8.4, and lowest SaO2=75.3%) were divided into subgroups of lowest SaO2>80% (A) and lowest SaO2< or =80% (B). (A) Forty-six men had a mean lowest SaO2 of 85.7%+/-2.9, AHI=29.5+/-17.6, age=46.3+/-9.3 years, ESS=13.6+/-4.2, BMI=25.8+/-4.8. Seven of the patients had ED. (B) Fifty-two men had a mean lowest SaO2=60.10+/-10.0%, AHI=67.4+/-24.5, BDI=9.0+/-6.9, age=47.4+/-9.4 years, ESS=16.2+/-4.4, BMI=31.4+/-5.1. Twenty-one of the patients had ED (chi2: P=0.006). Significant variables for ED were lowest SaO2 and age (r=0.17). CPAP-treated subgroup: ED subjects had significantly lower SaO2, ESS, BDI and SF-36 subscale scores than OSA controls. Nasal CPAP eliminated the differences between groups, and ED was resolved in 13 out of 17 cases. CONCLUSIONS: ED in OSAS is related to nocturnal hypoxemia, and about 75% of OSAS patients with ED treated with nasal CPAP showed remission at one-month follow-up, resulting in significant improvement in quality of life.