Influence of sleep on upper airway resistance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease DU

Abstract

Objective To determine changes in upper airway resistance (Rua)and respiratory dynamics in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)during sleep. Methods We recruited 19hospitalized patients with COPD who got good recoveries following treatment. Esophageal and gastric balloon-catheters were used for the detection of esophageal pressure and gastric pressure and airway opening pressure. Airflow and ventilation were measured with pneumotachograph. Each patient underwent a nocturnal polysomnogram. Data was collected from patients in the state of wake, sleep supine and lateral position in spontaneous breathing. Results The peak inspiratory flow(PIF),mean inspiratory flow(VT/Ti) ,tidal volume,minute ventilation (VE) in supine sleep were significantly decreased compared with those measured during wake (all P ＜0. 001). The VT was decreased in supine compared with that of lateral sleep( P ＜0.05). The Rua in supine and lateral sleep were higher than that during wake ( P ＜0.001, P ＜0.05 ,respectively). The dynamic lung compliance in supine sleep was significantly lower than that during wake( P ＜0.05). The Pes and inspiratory muscle pressure time product were increased in supine sleep compared with that during wake (all P ＜ 0.05). Conclusions The study suggests that increased Rua and hypoventilation were common during sleep in COPD patients. Upper airway collapsibility is an important factor for hypoventilation and hypoxemia during sleep in stable COPD.Lateral sleeping is beneficial to the decreasing of Rua and respiratory work, improving inspiration volume,ventilation and hypoxemia. Key words: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ; Sleep ; Upper airway resistance