Assessment of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Population-Based Study.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the presence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and the potential association between presence of LPR symptoms and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a representative sample from a population-based study. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Participants of the follow-up of the Epidemiological Sleep Study were evaluated. Sleep was assessed through questionnaires and polysomnography. The presence of LPR was based on the questionnaire Reflux Score Index (RSI), and scores higher than 13 were suggestive of LPR. A general linear model test was used for comparison of continuous data and Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. Predictors of LPR were obtained by regression analysis. RESULTS: 701 were enrolled (54.8% female, 45.2% male; mean age, 50.2 ± 13.3 years). The mean apnea-hypopnea index score was 17 ± 18.3 events/hr, and the mean RSI score was 7.0 ± 8.1. LPR was found in 17% of the volunteers, whereas OSA was present in 38.5% of the sample. Specifically, in those patients with OSA, the prevalence of LPR was 45.4%; however, there was no statistically significant association between LPR and the presence of OSA. The severity of OSA was not associated with RSI score. The presence of LPR was associated with older age, smoking, excessive daytime sleepiness and worse quality of life and sleep scores questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: Age, smoking, but not body mass index, were associated with LPR. There was not statistically significant association of LPR with OSA. Individuals with symptoms of LPR had greater drowsiness and worse quality of life and sleep. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 132:1877-1882, 2022.

Proposed management model for the use of telemonitoring of adherence to positive airway pressure equipment - position paper of the Brazilian Association of Sleep Medicine - ABMS.

This document "Proposed management model for the use of telemonitoring to positive airway pressure adherence" was prepared by a special commission of the Brazilian Association of Sleep Medicine, with the objective of recommending a follow-up model for patients undergoing positive airway pressure therapy using telemonitoring. This proposal was prepared based on a survey and analysis of the most up-to-date national and international literature and uses the best available evidence to facilitate the standardization of care by Sleep Science specialists with potential benefit for patients. Among the conclusions of the document, it is emphasized that telemonitoring is an important tool that allows health professionals trained in sleep-disordered breathing to remotely monitor PAP therapy, allowing prompt and, when necessary, daily adjustments to be made in order to increase adherence to treatment. The authors also conclude that the privacy of the data received and shared during the provision of telemonitoring must be respected by the physician or health professional trained in sleep, with the authorization of the patient and/or person responsible, who should be made aware of the short-, medium- and long-term provision of the service.

Immediate impact of pharyngeal surgery on respiratory parameters in adults with obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: One of the concerns regarding surgical treatment of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has been the possibility that these patients may experience a higher rate of perioperative complications, which could be aggravated by the upper airway edema caused by surgical trauma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate impact of pharyngeal surgery on the respiratory parameters of adult patients with OSAS. METHODS: Twenty-three adults with moderate to severe OSAS and indications for pharyngeal surgery (with or without nasal surgery) were consecutively selected. The subjects underwent surgical treatment and monitoring of sleep parameters preoperatively (by type I polysomnography, PSG) and in the immediate postoperative period (arterial tonometry). RESULTS: Twenty-two subjects, aged 20 to 59 years (mean ± SD, 38.0 ± 12.1 years), were included in the study. Nineteen (86.4%) were male. The mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 59.3 ± 26.0 events/h. Comparison between preoperative PSG and postoperative arterial tonometry revealed statistically significant reductions in AHI (p = 0.03), respiratory disturbance index (RDI) (p = 0.05), and oxygen desaturation index (p = 0.001), as well as increases in nadir oxyhemoglobin saturation (p = 0.003) and percentage of REM sleep (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of patients with moderate and severe OSAS who underwent pharyngeal surgery, the vast majority of patients did not exhibit any deterioration of respiratory parameters in the immediate postoperative period. Conversely, there was a significant improvement in the parameters.

The influence of nasal abnormalities in adherence to continuous positive airway pressure device therapy in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

BACKGROUND: The few studies that examine the effect of nasal abnormalities on continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP) adherence are controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of nasal abnormalities in CPAP adherence. METHODS: We included patients with moderate to severe OSA. The patients were submitted to rhinoscopy, nasofibroscopy, nasal inspiratory peak flow, and acoustic rhinometry. The patients who used a CPAP for 4 h or more per night for at least 70 % of the nights over a 6-month period were considered to have good adherence. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients finished the study. Eleven (33.4 %) were female and 23 (67.6 %) were male. Sixteen (47.1 %) patients had good adherence. The body mass index (p = 0.030), neck circumference (p = 0.006), and apnea-hypopnea index (p = 0.032) were higher, and the oxyhemoglobin saturation minimum was lower (p = 0.041) in the good adherence group. Nasal parameters showed no differences between good and poor adherence groups. In Spearman's correlation, surprisingly, there was a negative correlation between the highest number of hours of CPAP use with smaller values of nasal minimal cross-sectional areas in the supine position (r, 0.375; p = 0.029). In the linear regression model, the nasal findings that predicted increased of the CPAP use were the following: lower scores of nasal symptoms (p = 0.007) and lower nasal volume in supine position (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the nasal parameters evaluated in this study did not influence CPAP adherence.

Caudal septoplasty: efficacy of a surgical technique-preliminary report.

UNLABELLED: Although not being the most frequent nasal septal deviations, those of the caudal septum account for many complaints. The correction of such defects has always been the subject of much controversy, and several different operative techniques have been described. AIM: To assess the efficacy of a surgical technique for correcting caudal septal deviations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study with preliminary reports of 10 patients who answered a standardized, specific questionnaire (the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, or NOSE), underwent acoustic rhinometry and had their noses photographed. Caudal deviations were then corrected through a surgical technique whereby the entire deviated portion is removed and a straight cartilage segment is placed between the medial crura of the alar cartilages, through a retrograde approach, to support the nasal tip. Sixty days after all patients were reassessed. RESULTS: As for the NOSE questionnaire, mean pre-operative and post-operative scores were 82.39 and 7.39 respectively (p<0.001). Pre-operative acoustic rhinometry showed mean minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) values of 0.352 and 0.431 cm2, whereas mean post-operative values were 0.657 and 0.711 cm2(p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The study results prove, both subjectively (patient satisfaction as measured with a standardized questionnaire) and objectively (acoustic rhinometry findings), that the proposed technique for correction of caudal septal deviation is safe and effective.

Caudal septoplasty: efficacy of a surgical technique-preliminnary report / Septoplastia caudal - eficácia de uma técnica cirúrgica: resultados preliminares

Although not being the most frequent nasal septal deviations, those of the caudal septum account for many complaints. The correction of such defects has always been the subject of much controversy, and several different operative techniques have been described. AIM: To assess the efficacy of a surgical technique for correcting caudal septal deviations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study with preliminary reports of 10 patients who answered a standardized, specific questionnaire (the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, or NOSE), underwent acoustic rhinometry and had their noses photographed. Caudal deviations were then corrected through a surgical technique whereby the entire deviated portion is removed and a straight cartilage segment is placed between the medial crura of the alar cartilages, through a retrograde approach, to support the nasal tip. Sixty days after all patients were reassessed. RESULTS: As for the NOSE questionnaire, mean pre-operative and post-operative scores were 82.39 and 7.39 respectively (p<0.001). Pre-operative acoustic rhinometry showed mean minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) values of 0.352 and 0.431 cm2, whereas mean post-operative values were 0.657 and 0.711 cm2(p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The study results prove, both subjectively (patient satisfaction as measured with a standardized questionnaire) and objectively (acoustic rhinometry findings), that the proposed technique for correction of caudal septal deviation is safe and effective.

Os desvios situados na parte caudal do septo nasal, apesar de não serem os mais frequentes, são causadores de muitas queixas, e sua correção sempre gerou muitas controvérsias. OBJETIVO: Avaliar, com resultados preliminares, a eficácia de uma técnica cirúrgica para correção dos desvios caudais do septo nasal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Ensaio Clínico prospectivo com 10 pacientes que responderam a um questionário padronizado - Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) -, foram submetidos ao exame de Rinometria Acústica e fotografados. Tiveram, então, os desvios caudais corrigidos cirurgicamente por uma técnica na qual toda a porção do desvio é retirada e uma parte sem desvios da cartilagem é recolocada entre as cruras mediais das cartilagens alares por via retrógrada para a sustentação da ponta nasal. Apos 60 dias os pacientes foram reavaliados. RESULTADOS: Quanto ao Questionário NOSE a média dos valores pré-operatórios foi de 82,39 e a média no pós-operatório foi de 7,39 (p < 0,001). Quanto aos resultados da Rinometria Acústica a média dos valores da área de secção transversa mínima ou MCA no pré-operatório foi de 0,352 e 0,431cm2. No pós-operatório a média dos valores foi de 0,657 e 0,711 cm2,(p < 0,0001). CONCLUSÕES: Apesar de serem ainda resultados iniciais, estes mostram que a técnica apresentada para correção dos desvios caudais do septo nasal é eficaz.

Rosai-Dorfman disease in the differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy.

Rosai-Dorfman Disease or Sinus Histiocytosis with Massive Lymphadenopathy (SHML) is a rare benign disease of unknown etiology, which presents with cervical lymphadenopathy. It is usually seen in younger patients. The extranodal form affect various regions of the head and neck, and is more common in patients with immune abnormalities. It is a self-limited and seldom life-threatening disease, rendering therapy unnecessary in most cases. For those who require therapy because of persistent or worsening symptoms, treatments modalities include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and steroids. The authors describe one case of a 43-year-old man with bilateral cervical masses, nasal obstruction, fever, weight loss and decreased vision with 6 months duration. As his social history was positive for tobacco and alcohol use, the initial diagnosis was a possible rhinopharyngeal malignant tumor. Medical investigation established the diagnosis of SHML. After therapy, the 6-month follow-up evidenced the patient's clinical improvement, although cervical masses persisted. The clinical presentation, histological features, pathogenesis and treatment of this case are discussed.

Doença de Rosai-Dorfman como diagnóstico diferencial de linfadenopatia cervical / Rosai-Dorfman disease in the differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy

A Doença de Rosai-Dorfman ou Histiocitose Sinusal com Linfadenopatia Maciça (SHML) é uma entidade clínica idiopática, rara e benigna, geralmente apresentando linfonodomegalia cervical. Usualmente acomete pacientes jovens. Manifestações extranodais na região da cabeça e pescoço são mais comuns em pacientes com anormalidades imunológicas. É uma doença autolimitada e, na maioria dos casos, não há necessidade de tratamento. Para os que requerem tratamento devido à persistência ou piora dos sintomas têm sido tentados tratamento cirúrgico, quimioterápico, radioterápico e corticoterapia. Os autores relatam um caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, 43 anos, com história de massas cervicais bilaterais, obstrução nasal, emagrecimento importante, febre e perda progressiva de acuidade visual há 6 meses. Trata-se de um paciente ex-tabagista e etilista crônico, onde a suspeita inicial foi de carcinoma espinocelular de rinofaringe. Realizada propedêutica, foi feito diagnóstico de doença de Rosai-Dorfman. Instituída a terapêutica, o seguimento de 6 meses revelou melhora do estado geral do paciente onde mantém as massas cervicais em regressão lenta. A apresentação clínica, as características histológicas, a patogênese e o tratamento são discutidos neste artigo.

Rosai-Dorfman Disease or Sinus Histiocytosis with Massive Lymphadenopathy (SHML) is a rare benign disease of unknown etiology, which presents with cervical lymphadenopathy. It is usually seen in younger patients. The extranodal form affect various regions of the head and neck, and is more common in patients with immune abnormalities. It is a self-limited and seldom life-threatening disease, rendering therapy unnecessary in most cases. For those who require therapy because of persistent or worsening symptoms, treatments modalities include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and steroids. The authors describe one case of a 43-year-old man with bilateral cervical masses, nasal obstruction, fever, weight loss and decreased vision with 6 months duration. As his social history was positive for tobacco and alcohol use, the initial diagnosis was a possible rhinopharyngeal malignant tumor. Medical investigation established the diagnosis of SHML. After therapy, the 6-month follow-up evidenced the patient's clinical improvement, although cervical masses persisted. The clinical presentation, histological features, pathogenesis and treatment of this case are discussed.