Vascular and renal telomere shortening in mice exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition characterized by chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH) and is associated with cardiovascular (CVD) and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Patients with OSA have increased biomarkers of aging such as telomere shortening. We used PCR to report shortened telomere lengths in aortic and renal tissues from mice exposed to 8 weeks of IH. Our data indicate that IH, a hallmark of OSA, accelerates vascular and renal aging that may contribute to OSA-induced CVD and CKD.

[Secondary surgeries for facial osteotomies: 10 cases]. / Chirurgies secondaires dans le cadre des ostéotomies de la face : 10 cas.

Orthognathic surgery, now well known to the general public, is becoming increasingly successful. It is the most predictable approach to the treatment of dento-maxillo-facial deformities. As with plastic surgery the number of indications increasing the number of difficult cases follows as well as the searching for perfection. The aim of these treatments must be triple and take into account the functional elements of the face, the dental occlusion and the aesthetic objectives of the patient and therapists. Orthognathic surgery procedures having become quite bearable patients who feel that the result is not up to their requirement easily require a reoperation to achieve their objective. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 10 cases of facial redone osteotomies from 4 different surgeons. We looked at the initial indication, the type of surgery, the initial orofacial functions, the delay of the reoperation, the technique of redo and the result. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Like other authors, we found that there are surgeries and at-risk patients. The patients who were re-operated all had at least one of the three negative factors: OSAS, lingual dysfunction, oral ventilation. We have not been able to highlight an overall frequency of surgical resumption in the studied literature which is poor about reoperations after osteotomies of the face.

[Impact of the obstructive sleep hypopnea-apnea syndrom treated on employment for military employment]. / Impact du syndrome d'apnées-hypopnées obstructives du sommeil appareillé sur le maintien dans l'emploi chez les militaires d'active.

INTRODUCTION: The diurnal hypersomnia associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects soldier employment and deployability. In this study, we examined the impact of OSA on the employment of soldiers on continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) therapy by measuring several items: work absenteeism using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, diurnal hypersomnia, and career advancement. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent by regular mail to 940 soldiers with OSA on CPAP therapy who are insured by the French Military Healthcare Fund (Caisse Nationale Militaire de Sécurité Sociale). RESULTS: Questionnaires were returned by 439 soldiers: mean age 47 years; mean body mass index 29.8kg/m2. Absenteeism reached 0.45%, and work productivity impairment 8.7%. Hypersomnia was reported by 15.4% and was severe for 9.7%. The average daily working time was 6.5hours. Quality of life was improved for 91.1%. The military practitioner had diagnosed OSA in 19.6% of these soldiers and had prescribed treatment in 14.9%. DISCUSSION: Residual OSA in these soldiers on CPAP therapy had little impact on work productivity impairment that was less than observed in populations with chronic diseases. In our study population, hypersomnia was less common than observed in the general population. An impact on career advancement could not be clearly demonstrated. Close medical follow-up is warranted in certain populations due to the persistence of severe somnolence in a significant number of patients.

[Do sleep abnormalities contribute to cardiovascular risk in bipolar disorders?]. / Les anomalies du sommeil peuvent-elles participer au risque cardio-vasculaire des troubles bipolaires ?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review is to summarize the state of knowledge concerning the relationship between cardiovascular risk, sleep abnormalities, and emotional reactivity in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). METHOD: A scientific literature search of international articles was performed during August and September 2014 using the PubMed electronic database. We used the following MeSH terms : "Bipolar Disorders", "Cardiovascular risk", "Emotional reactivity", "Sleep apnea", and "Sleep disorder". RESULTS: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder strongly associated with BD, which tends to fragment sleep. OSA is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, emotional hyper-reactivity is favored by "hostility" temperaments, BD and sleep deprivation. The combination of these factors interacts and also results in an increased cardiovascular risk. Taken as a whole, both sleep disorders and emotional hyper-reactivity seem to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in BD. CONCLUSION: These data emphasize the central role of sleep abnormalities and emotional reactivity in the vulnerability of BD to express cardiovascular diseases. From a clinical point of view, these data also emphasize the importance of identifying and care for sleep abnormalities in BD in order to improve BD outcome.

[Treatment-Emergent Central Sleep Apnea - Detection and Treatment]. / Treatment-emergent zentrale Schlafapnoe erkennen und behandeln.

Treatment-Emergent Central Sleep Apnea - Detection and Treatment Abstract. In treatment-emergent central sleep apnea (TECSA), affected patients with obstructive sleep apnea newly develop central sleep apnea (AHI central ≥5/h) under therapy with positive pressure ventilation which cannot be explained by other causes. The pathophysiology of TECSA is incompletely understood. PaCO2 and the associated apnea threshold seem to play a central role. The incidence of TECSA varies (1.8-20%), and in about 2/3 of cases it is self-limiting in the course of the therapy. If persistence or new onset occurs later in the course of positive pressure therapy, a further evaluation (e.g., echocardiography, neurologic examination, medication history) is indicated. Effective treatment options include a change in ventilation therapy (adaptive servoventilation or bilevel ventilation with back-up frequency) or additional nocturnal oxygen supplementation; these options should be decided case by case.

[Sleep characteristics of a population of patients seeking bariatric surgery]. / Caractéristiques du sommeil dans une population de patients candidats à une chirurgie bariatrique.

INTRODUCTION: Investigation for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is mandatory before bariatric surgery. Data regarding chronic insomnia and chronic sleep deprivation are scarce in this population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study assessing the prevalence of chronic insomnia, OSAS and chronic sleep privation in an obese population referred for bariatric surgery. RESULTS: In all, 88 patients (74% women, median age 41 [33.5-50] years and median body mass index 42 [39.2-45.7] kg/m2) were included. The prevalence of chronic insomnia was 31% in the 87% suffering from OSAS that required continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Comorbid insomnia and sleep apnoea (COMISA) were found in 27% of our population. Chronic insomnia was associated with a lower quality of life (median EQ5D analogue visual scale: 60 [50-70] P=0.04) and a poor sleep quality (median Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI): 8 (6-11 P<0.01) The deleterious combination of sleep privation and insomnia had a higher impact in terms of impairment of quality of life and sleep quality (median EQ5D analogue visual scale: 50 [40-65] P=0.02 et median PSQI: 11 [9-14, P<0.01) CONCLUSION: Chronic insomnia and sleep privation have synergistic deleterious effects in candidates for bariatric surgery. Further studies need to be conducted to evaluate the evolution after surgery.

[Cardiac dysfunction and the obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome]. / Dysfonction cardiaque et syndrome d'apnée du sommeil.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac insufficiency affects nearly 2% of the population with increased morbidity/mortality despite advances in therapeutic management. The sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) is a risk factor for, and cause of aggravation of, myocardial dysfunction. BACKGROUND: SAS is found in 70% of patients with chronic cardiac failure, 65% of patients with refractory hypertension, 60% of patients with cerebro-vascular accidents and 50% of patients with atrial fibrillation. The associated cardiovascular mortality is multiplied by a factor of 2 to 3. The pathophysiological mechanisms are intermittent nocturnal hypoxia, variations in CO2 levels, variations in intrathoracic pressure and repeated arrousals from sleep, concurrent with sympathetic hyperactivity, endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: SAS and cardiological management in patients presenting with myocardial dysfunction should be combined. It is necessary to pursue the scientific investigations with the aim of determining a precise care pathway and the respective places of each of the cardiological and pulmonary measures.

Long-term dental and skeletal effects of mandibular advancement devices in adults with obstructive sleep apnoea: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to clarify whether there are any significant long-term sequelae to wearing mandibular advancement devices focusing on dental and skeletal effects in adults with OSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Databases, including PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and SAGE Journals. Hand searches and grey literature were also used. A piloted data collection form was used to extract the appropriate data. RESULTS: Twenty-three reports of 19 studies were included. Five had serious risk of bias while 18 had moderate risk of bias. Meta-analysis revealed a significant change in overbite and overjet. I-squared analysis showed a high level of statistical heterogeneity. A moderate correlation was found between wear time and amount of change. CONCLUSION: Mandibular advancement devices will cause a small but statistically significant change in the dentition of long-term wearers. Skeletal changes are generally secondary to dental changes.

Heritability of the pharyngeal airway volume and dimensions as assessed from siblings with overt malocclusions.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to airway volume and dimensions in orthodontic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-five siblings from 57 families were selected. Cone beam computed tomography scans were taken as part of the orthodontic records and the Dolphin3D © imaging software was used to determine airway volume and dimensions. SOLAR program was implemented to calculate heritability. RESULTS: The heritability of the airway volume was negligible but increased significantly from 5% to 72% (95% confidence interval was 27% to 100%) when anterior-posterior (AP) dimension was controlled in the calculating model. CONCLUSION: The capacity to maintain, rather than having proper AP dimension of the airway, seems to be the most critical mark of a proper airway volume.

[Overview of the knowledge and attitudes of physicians in Brazzaville on obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]. / État des lieux des connaissances et attitudes des médecins de Brazzaville sur le syndrome d'apnée obstructive du sommeil.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is the leading sleep-related breathing disorder. Its complications and its repercussions on the quality of life of patients make the OSAS a real public health problem. The objective of this study is to both asses physicians knowledge of OSAS and describe their attitudes towards suspect subjects in Brazzaville. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study of 230 doctors practicing in various hospitals in the city of Brazzaville. The data collection was done by a self-questionnaire developed after a bibliographic analysis on the OSAS. The questionnaire was completed without recourse to a source of information. RESULTS: Our sample consisted of 141 (70.50%) general practitioners and 59 (29.50%) specialist physicians. The average of the knowledge score was 9.34 points±3.03 points. The general level of physician knowledge about SAS was good in 2% of cases, average in 44% of cases and low in 54% of cases. The level of knowledge was related to the number of times the OSAS diagnosis was mentioned by the physician in his practice (P<0.001), to the doctor's grade (P=0.003); to his university of origin and to the quantity of sources of information. When faced with suspects OSAS subjects, the doctor, the doctor directed the patient in 62% of the cases in ENT and in 49% in the pulmonology. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of the doctors on the OSAS are weak; this results in poor management of this pathology in the Congo.

[Sleep apnea syndrome and abdominal aortic aneurysm: Study of the prevalence of sleep apnea syndrome in patients with aneurysm and research of association. Clinical study on 52 patients]. / Syndrome d'apnée du sommeil et anévrisme de l'aorte abdominale : étude de la prévalence du syndrome d'apnée du sommeil chez les patients présentant un anévrisme et recherche d'une association. Étude clinique sur 52 patients.

OBJECTIVES: Prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in Europe is between 4.1 % and 8.9 %. The risk of rupture of AAA is related to the evolution of its diameter. The role of sleep apnea (SA) remains still discussed. The objective of this study was to study the prevalence of SA in patients presenting with AAA in comparison with the general population as well as the relation between the AAA diameter and the severity of SA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2012 and December 2014, we included all patients referred for surgical treatment of an AAA. All the patients had a preoperative polysomnography and angio-scanner. An apnea/hypopnea index (AHI)>10/h was chosen for the diagnosis of SA. SA prevalence was compared with the prevalence in general population. The patients were also divided into two groups according to the severity of SA: group 1 (no SA and light SAS); group 2 (moderate and severe SA). RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were included. Fifty-six percent of the patients presented SA - prevalence was significantly higher than in the general population (56 vs. 8 %, P<0.001). The distribution of the two groups was: group 1, n=27 patients, group 2, n=25 patients. AAA diameter and BMI were higher in group 2 than in group 1, respectively 61mm vs. 55mm, P=0.03 and 28 vs. 23, P=0.02. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of SA in patients with an AAA seems to be significantly higher than in general population. The growth of the aneurysm seems to be linked to the severity of SA.

Assessing Whether the Association Between Sleep Apnea and Diabetes is Bidirectional.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there is a bidirectional association between sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus. METHODS: We conducted longitudinal analyses of a population-based cohort over 12 years using Taiwan's national universal health insurance database. In analysis I, we included 102 355 individuals without type 2 diabetes mellitus at baseline and estimated the hazard ratio of incident diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus for patients with and those without sleep apnea. In analysis II, we included 258 053 participants without sleep apnea at baseline and calculated the hazard ratio of developing sleep apnea for patients with and those without type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: In analysis I, the incidence rates of type 2 diabetes were 17.7 and 11.1 per 1000 person-years for patients with and those without sleep apnea, respectively. Patients with sleep apnea had an increased risk for diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22 to 1.46). In analysis II, the risk for sleep apnea with diabetes was not statistically significant (aHR = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.16). These associations in both analyses did not substantively change after accounting for various latent periods. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline sleep apnea is associated with incident type 2 diabetes; however, the presence of type 2 diabetes cannot predict the development of sleep apnea.

Consequences of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome on left ventricular geometry and diastolic function.

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a frequent sleep disorder that is known to be an independent risk factor for arterial hypertension (AHT). Potential confounding factors associated with both OSAS and AHT, such as age, diabetes mellitus and obesity, have been explored extensively, and are considered as independent but additive factors. However, these factors are also contributors to left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) and LV diastolic dysfunction, both of which are important causes of cardiovascular morbidity, and have been reported to be associated with OSAS for decades. In this review, we present an overview of how OSAS may promote changes in LV geometry and diastolic dysfunction through its best-known cardiovascular complication, arterial hypertension. We also summarize the epidemiological links between OSAS and LVH, outline diastolic dysfunction in OSAS patients, and try to highlight the mechanisms responsible, focusing on the effect of confounding factors.

[Arrhythmia and sleep apnea syndrome]. / Syndrome d'apnée du sommeil et troubles du rythme cardiaque.

CONTEXT: Arrhythmia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Europe and in the United States. The aim of this review article was to assess the results of the prospective studies that evaluated the risk of arrhythmia in patients with sleep apnea syndrome and discuss the management of this arrhythmia. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Reports published with the following search terms were searched: sleep apnea syndrome, atrial flutter, supraventricular arrhythmia, ventricular arrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, torsade de pointe, atrial fibrillation and sudden death. The investigation was restricted to reports published in English and French. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The outcome of this analysis suggests that patients with untreated overt sleep apnea syndrome are at increased risk of arrhythmia. CONCLUSIONS: The timely recognition and effective treatment of sleep apnea syndrome in patients with arrhythmia are mandatory because the prognosis of arrhythmia may be improved with the appropriate treatment of sleep apnea syndrome.

[Presumption of sleep apnea in a black African hypertensive population: Importance of the Epworth sleepiness scale in the diagnostic approach]. / Présomption d'apnées du sommeil dans une population d'hypertendus Noirs africains : intérêt de l'échelle de somnolence diurne d'Epworth dans l'approche diagnostique.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is very little described in the hypertensive black African. PURPOSE: To screen sleep apnea syndrome using the rating scale of Epworth daytime sleepiness, and to investigate the determinant factors and to infer therapeutic consequences. METHOD: This is a retrospective and prospective study with descriptive and analytical purpose that focused on 200 hypertensive outpatients of the Cardiology Institute of Abidjan. The primary endpoint studied was the SAS. The diagnostic approach of SAS was performed using the rating scale of Epworth daytime sleepiness. RESULTS: The prevalence of sleep apnea was 45%. The average age of sleep apnea carriers was 56.1 years, with a male predominance (60%). The determinant factors of sleep apnea syndrome were male gender (60% versus 40%, P=0.021), obesity (77.8% versus 62.7%, P<0.0001), diabetes (26.7% versus 15.5%, P=0.5) and dyslipidemia (54.4% versus 27.3%, P=0.0009). Life in urban areas, occupation and smoking were not correlated with SAS in our series. The control of hypertension was better in non-apneic patients compared to apneic patients (63.6% versus 38.9%, P=0.04). The visceral impact of hypertension in apneic patients was highly significant (77.8% versus 41.7%, P=0.014). Therapeutically, it was noted the preferential prescription of combination therapy in apneic patients compared to non-apneic patients (82.3% versus 74.4%).

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome by an echocardiographic standardized approach: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: The association between obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction and LV geometry remains controversial because of coexisting disorders. AIMS: To evaluate LV diastolic dysfunction and its independent predictors in a real-life cohort of OSAS patients, by a standardized approach. METHODS: We consecutively included 188 OSAS patients after an overnight polysomnography to undergo clinical evaluation, ambulatory blood pressure measurement and complete echocardiography, combining M-mode, two-dimensional Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging modes. Correlations between OSAS severity and clinical and echocardiographical variables were assessed, and logistic regression models were used to identify possible determining factors of LV diastolic dysfunction. RESULTS: Most patients were hypertensive (n=148, 78.7%) and already receiving treatment by continuous positive airway pressure (n=158, 84.5%). The prevalence of LV hypertrophy, defined by LV mass index (LVMi) normalized by height (2.7), was 12.4%, with a significant correlation with hypertension (P=0.004). The apnoea-hypopnoea index was correlated with body mass index (P<0.0001), 24-hour systolic blood pressure (P=0.01) and LVMi normalized by height (2.7) (P=0.03). Diastolic function assessed by a global approach was impaired for 70 patients (37.2%) and none of the OSAS severity variables was a determining factor after multivariable analysis with adjustment for age and sex. CONCLUSION: Diastolic dysfunction assessed by a standardized approach is common in OSAS and should be routinely evaluated; it is independently predicted by none of the respiratory severity variables.

[Correlation between urinary catecholamines dosage and apnea-hypopnea index in a hypertension population: pilot study]. / Corrélation entre les dosages des dérivés methoxylés urinaires et l'index d'apnée-hypopnée dans une population d'hypertendus : étude pilote.

AIMS: Sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea in adults are associated with increased sympathetic activity, which induced high blood pressure and could be associated with resistant hypertension. Some studies have demonstrated that high urinary catecholamine levels in obstructive sleep apnea patients may be decreased with continuous positive airway pressure therapy. However, very few studies have demonstrated a correlation between apnea-hypopnea index and urinary catecholamine levels in hypertension patients. METHODS: In this pilot study, 20 hypertensive patients referred for hypertension work-up including night-time polygraphy and 24h urinary catecholamine dosage were included. RESULTS: Mean age was 51±11 years (30-76), 68% were males. Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea was confirmed in 13 patients at the end of the work-up. Mean apnea-hypopnea index was 14±9 (2-32). The only urinary catecholamine parameter significantly increased in patients with obstructive sleep apnea was 24h urinary normetanephrine (1931±1285 vs 869±293nmol/24h; P<0.05). However, this difference was not significant when this parameter was adjusted to 24h urinary creatinine. We observed a significant positive correlation between AHI and 24h urinary normetanephine (r=0.486; P=0.035). CONCLUSION: This pilot study confirms an isolated elevation of 24h urinary normetanephrine in hypertensive patients with obstructive sleep apnea and shows a significant correlation between sleep disorders expressed by apnea-hypopnea index and urinary catecholamines excretion.

[Cardiovascular morbidity associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]. / Morbidité cardiovasculaire associée au syndrome d'apnée obstructive du sommeil.

INTRODUCTION: The obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) had become a major public health concern in modern society due to its high prevalence but, above all, to its associated morbidity, especially cardiovascular. BACKGROUND: Untreated OSAS is associated with an increased incidence of fatal (myocardial infarction and stroke) (odds ratio: 2.87) and non-fatal cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary artery bypass surgery and coronary angiography) (odds ratio: 3.17). Moreover, the prevalence of hypertension in patients with OSAS is high, between 35 and 80%. The pathophysiological mechanisms leading to these complications are mainly due to intermittent hypoxia secondary to repeated episodes of apnoea/hypopnoea during sleep. These mechanisms include sympathetic hyperactivation, impairment of vasomotor reactivity, vascular inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolic disorders. In patients with OSAS, the impact of continuous positive pressure is proven in terms of prevention of cardiovascular events although blood pressure reduction is limited. Obviously these effects are proportional to observance. CONCLUSION: OSAS does increase the cardiovascular risk, independently of other risk factors. Although the impact of treatment is relatively low in decreasing blood pressure, it seems essentially effective in preventing cardiovascular morbidity. Therefore, OSAS screening, and the association of specific treatments in cardio-metabolic patients and OSAS patients respectively, should be included in clinical strategies.

Lack of repercussions of sleep apnea syndrome on recovery and attention disorders at the subacute stage after stroke: a study of 45 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) frequently occurs after a stroke. Its association with a poor prognosis is open to discussion. OBJECTIVE: To study, in a physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) unit, the possible repercussions of SAS on neurological and functional recovery as well as attentional abilities following a stroke. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients, all of whom had recently had a stroke without previously documented SAS, were screened using the ApneaLink(®) system. An apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score ≥10 was considered as indicative of SAS. The NIHSS, Fugl-Meyer (FM) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) Scales were applied on admission and at two months as means of assessing neurological and functional recovery, which was expressed by the difference between the first and the second scores (delta FM, delta NIHSS, delta FIM). The Battery Attention William Lennox (BAWL) Test was given once in order to evaluate attention disorders. SAS severity was categorized according to the AHI. We compared the groups formed (mild, moderate and severe) using the same method. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (62.2%) presented AHI ≥ 10. Stroke characteristics were comparable in the SAS+ and the SAS- groups, with average post-stroke time lapse of 26 days, initial average FIM score of 71.2 points ± 26.3 and initial average NIHSS score of 8.9 ± 4.9. The demographic characteristics of the two groups were likewise comparable with the exception of age, as the SAS+ group was pronouncedly older (65.4 vs. 53.5 years). As for delta FIM, which evaluated functional recovery, it averaged 31.8 ± 20.6. Cases of SAS were found to be mild (37.1%), moderate (28.6%) or severe (34.3%). No significant difference was observed on admission or at 2 months as regards the clinical scales or the BAWL test between the two groups or according to severity, except for the NIHSS score at 2 months in the severe sub-group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study did not demonstrate the supposed repercussions of SAS on the recovery or attentional abilities of post-stroke patients. The tests were maybe given too early; they should take place at a lengthier time interval after the stroke, and also to be more complete.