Apnea-hypopnea Index In Patients Research Articles

Effect of comprehensive rehabilitation on apnea hypopnea index in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a protocol for randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of comprehensive rehabilitation on apnea hypopnea index (AHI)in patients with obstructive sleep apnea(OSA). Patients diagnosed with OSA and meeting the eligibility criteria will be randomly allocated in the groups. The experimental group will receive comprehensive rehabilitation, and the control group will receive myofunctional therapy. CPAP will be continued by all the participants. Both the groups will receive the interventions for 12weeks. The primary outcome measures are AHI and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and secondary outcomes are Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI), Snoring Index (SI), Manual Assessment of Respiratory Motion (MARM), Breath Hold Test (BHT), and Self Evaluation of Breathing Questionnaire (SEBQ). The outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at the end of 12weeks. A follow-up will be taken at the end of 24weeks.Power analysis suggests that enrollment of118 patients will required. Repeated measures ANOVA will be used to analyze the effect of the intervention. By performing this research, we may develop insights on a novel comprehensive approach for treatment of patients with OSA. CTRI/2023/10/058486.

P016 Effects of Aerobic Exercise versus Inspiratory Muscle training on Apnea-Hypopnea Index in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract Introduction There is some evidence indicating that exercise, such as aerobic training (AT) and inspiratory muscle training (IMT), improves Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) symptoms. Nonetheless, no study compares the types of exercise in OSA patients. Objective To compare the effects of type of exercise on Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and respiratory muscle strength in OSA patients Methods Twenty-nine non-obese OSA patients aged 20-50 years with mild to moderate severity (Apnea-hypopnea index 5-30 events/hour) were randomized to the AT group (n=9), the IMT group (n=10) or the control (CON) group (n=10). Participants in the AT group received 60 minutes per day, 3 times per week, for 12 weeks. For the IMT group, participants received the Powerbreathe ® device for practicing 8 cycles of 30 breaths per day, 5 times per week, for 12 weeks. Participants in the CON group did not receive any intervention. Their AHI and respiratory muscle strength were analyzed during the pre- and post-tests. Dependent variables were compared between pre- and post-tests via paired t-test, and independent variables were compared between the groups using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Differences were considered significant at p<0.05. Results AHI, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) changed significantly in the AT group and IMT group after 12 weeks of training. Therefore, AHI, MIP, and MEP in the AT group and the IMT group improved significantly compared to the CON group. Conclusions Aerobic training and inspiratory muscle training improve the apnea-hypopnea index and respiratory muscle strength in OSA patients.

Effects of obstructive sleep apnea on retinal microvasculature.

To detect retinal microvascular variations in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients. This prospective, observational case-control study included healthy controls and patients with mild, moderate, and severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Vascular parameters, foveal avascular area, and flow areas in macula-centered, 6.00×6.00 mm2 scan size optical coherence tomography angiography images were compared. The control group had the highest whole image, parafoveal, and perifoveal vessel density among the groups in both superficial and the deep capillary plexus (all P<0.05). Rapid eye movement sleep apnoea-hypopnoea index was reversely correlated with whole (Rho=-0.195, P=0.034), parafoveal (Rho=-0.242, P=0.008), perifoveal (Rho=-0.187, P=0.045) vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus, and whole (Rho=-0.186, P=0.046), parafoveal (Rho=-0.260, P=0.004), perifoveal (Rho=-0.189, P=0.043) vessel density in the deep capillary plexus, though the mean and non-rapid eye movement sleep apnoea-hypopnoea index related with only parafoveal vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus (Rho=-0.213, P=0.020; Rho=-0.191, P=0.038) and the deep capillary plexus (Rho=-0.254, P=0.005; Rho=-0.194, P=0.035). This study shows decreased vessel density and its reverse correlation with the apnoea-hypopnoea index in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Effect of different anti-cardiovascular disease treatments on the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular co-morbidities have a mutually reinforcing effect, but existing studies have focussed only on the improvement of the associated co-morbidities by treatment for OSA. To provide fresh guidelines for the treatment of OSA from a co-morbidity standpoint, we conducted a systematic search of Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for articles published from inception up to 2 May 2023. Fourteen original studies of patients with OSA with cardiovascular co-morbidities and who received related treatment were included in the analysis. We found that diuretic treatment can reduce the apnea-hypopnea index in patients with OSA and hypertension (-19.41/h, p = 1.0 × 10-5 ), aldosterone-angiotensin inhibitors also have a 9.19/h reduction (p = 0.003), while the effect of renal sympathetic denervation is insignificant (-2.32/h, p = 0.19). The short-term treatment (<4 weeks) did not show an improvement (-2.72/h, p = 0.16), while long-term treatment (>4 weeks) produced surprising outcomes (-12.78/h, p = 0.002). Patients with milder disease (baseline AHI < 35/h) had insignificant improvements (-1.05/h, p = 0.46), whereas those with more severe disease (baseline AHI > 35/h) could achieve satisfactory outcomes (-14.74/h, p < 0.00001). In addition, it also showed some improvement in the oxygen desaturation index and blood oxygen. Our results support the additional benefit of antihypertensive treatment for OSA symptoms, and the efficacy can be affected by different therapy, treatment duration, and severity levels. It could be useful in developing clinical therapy, educating patients, and exploring interaction mechanisms. The proposal was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022351206).

Effect of mouth breathing on upper airway structure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Objective:To compare the changes of morphology of pharynx in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome （OSAHS） and healthy individuals during oral or nasal breathing, and explore the relevant influencing factors. Methods:Twenty-nine adult patients with OSAHS and 20 non-snoring controls underwent MRI to obtain upper airway structural measurements while the subjects were awake and during mouth breathing with a nasal clip.The following were analyzed. ①The changes of upper airway structure of oral and nasal respiration in non-snoring control/OSAHS patients were observed; ②The differences and influencing factors of upper airway structure changes between OSAHS patients and controls were compared during breathing. Results:The control group consisted of 15 males and 5 females, with an apnea-hypopnea index （AHI）<5 events/h, while the OSAHS group comprised 26 males and 3 females with an AHI of 40.4±23.1 events/h and the mean lowest arterial oxygen saturation （LSaO2） was 79.5% ±10.0%. In the both groups, the vertical distance between the mandible and the posterior pharyngeal wall decreased （P<0.05）; The long axis of tongue body decreased （P<0.05）, and the contact area between tongue and palate decreased. There was no significant change in the total volume of the retropalatine（RP） and retroglossal（RG） airway in the control group （P>0.05）. However, the minimum cross-sectional area and volume of the RP airway in OSAHS decreased （P<0.001）. The lateral diameters of uvula plane in OSAHS decreased during mouth breathing, which was contrary to the trend in the control group （P=0.017）. The AHI of patients was positively correlated with the reduction of the volume of the RP airway during oral breathing （P=0.001）; The reduction of the distance between the mandible and the posterior pharyngeal wall was positively correlated with the length of the airway （P<0.001）. Conclusion:Mouth breathing leads to the shortening of the long axis of the tongue, the reduction of the contact area between the soft palate and the tongue, vertical distance between the mandible and the posterior pharyngeal wall, and the cross-sectional area of the epiglottis plane. These changes vary between OSAHS patients and controls. During mouth breathing, the diameters, areas and volumes of the RP area decreased, and were more significant in severe cases.

0879 The Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains an area of controversy with varying hypotheses. Both disorders negatively impact health-related quality of life and lead to detrimental clinical outcomes. The aim of our study was to determine the association between OSA and GERD. Methods We performed a review of the literature across major databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar in November 2021. Studies including patients with GERD and OSA were eligible for inclusion. The endpoints were to assess the association between OSA and GERD, the prevalence of OSA in patients with GERD or without GERD, and the prevalence of GERD in patients with or without OSA. Subgroup analyses were performed to determine whether body mass index (BMI), sex, smoking, or alcohol intake affect the degree of association. The total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and apnea hypopnea index (AHI) were compared between OSA patients with or without GERD. Results were pooled together using Reviewer Manager 5.4 software, and heterogeneity was quantified using I2 statistics Results 6 studies involving 2950 patients with either GERD or OSA were included in the pooled analysis. Our findings suggest that there was a statistically significant association between GERD and OSA (OR=1.67, 95% CI [1.18, 2.37], P=0.004). The prevalence of GERD was higher in patients with OSA compared to those without OSA (OR=1.63, P=0.001). Conversely, there was no difference in the prevalence of OSA in patients with or without GERD (OR=1.94, P=0.11). Subgroup analysis shows that BMI, sex, smoking, and alcohol intake did not alter the association between GERD and OSA. In patients with OSA, there were no statistically significant differences in the total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and AHI between those with or without GERD. The mean differences were -5.89 minutes (P=0.19), -0.81% (P=0.67), and 0.80 (P=0.83), respectively. Conclusion Our results showed an increased prevalence of GERD is observed in patients with OSA but not vice-versa. However, the presence of GERD does not alter the total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and AHI in patients with OSA. BMI, sex, smoking, and alcohol intake do not seem to affect the strength of this association. Support (if any)

Relationship Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity and Serum Endocan Levels in Patients With Hypertension

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in middle-aged adults and has been associated with various cardiovascular disorders; endothelial dysfunction may play a role in the pathogenesis of these disorders in patients with OSA. Endothelial cell specific molecule-1 (endocan) is a marker of vascular pathology, which is correlated with endothelial dysfunction. This study investigates the relationship between serum endocan levels and OSA severity in patients with hypertension. A retrospective review included 48 patients with OSA and hypertension but without conventional cardiovascular risk factors, and 67 patients with OSA who did not have hypertension. The correlation between serum endocan levels and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was investigated in both groups. There was a significant correlation between the serum endocan level and the AHI in patients with OSA and hypertension (r = 0.308; P = .033), but there was no such correlation in patients without hypertension (r = 0.193; P = .118). However, when both groups were combined (ie, all patients with OSA), there was a significant correlation between serum endocan levels and the AHI (r = 0.228; P = .014). On multiple logistic regression analysis, endocan levels were independent predictors of OSA severity in patients with OSA and hypertension (P = .029). In patients with OSA and hypertension, serum endocan levels are significantly correlated with the AHI. Measurement of endocan may have a place in evaluating patients with OSA and hypertension for adverse cardiovascular events, and they may even help to guide OSA therapy for these patients.

Quantification of sleep architecture in different grades of apnea hypopnea index in patients having obstructive sleep apnea

Background: Optimum sleep architecture is important from the point of view of optimum physiological functions. Sleep is qualitatively as well as quantitatively affected in patients of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Male gender and obesity are associated with increased risk of OSA. It is being increasingly recognized due to increased awareness not only among treating physicians but also in general population. We undertook this study to do quantification of sleep in individuals diagnosed with apnea/hypopnea syndrome and having different grades of apnea/hypopnea index (AHI). Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to analyze sleep pattern in individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea having different grades of AHI. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analytical study, in which data were collected from polysomnography reports of 92 patients having obstructive sleep apnea. The study was conducted in the Pulmonary Medicine, Seth GS Medical college and KEM Hospital Mumbai. Ninety-two patients diagnosed to be having OSA were included in this study on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sleep parameters included in the study were total sleep time, percentage of time spent in rapid eye movement (REM), percentage of time spent in non-REM (NREM) Stage I, percentage of time spent in NREM Stage II, percentage of time spent in Stage III, percentage of time spent in stage NREM IV, N2 sleep, and wake after sleep onset (WASO) Index. P&lt;0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Among the 92 studied cases, there were 66 (71.74%) males and 26 (28.26%) females with a M: F ratio of 1: 0.39. Most of the patients belonged to age group between 35–50 years (39.13%) and 51–70 years (42.39%). Most of the patients with obstructive sleep apnea were either obese (59.78%) or overweight (27.17%). AHI was found to be mild, moderate, and severe in 32 (34.78%), 15 (16.30%), and 16 (17.39%) patients, respectively. Percentage of NREM I, NREM II and NREM IV, and N3 SL was foundto be comparable across groups of different AHI (P&gt;0.05). The median AHI of the patients with underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obese individuals was found to be 7.6, 5.5, 11.6, and 6.9, respectively, and it was found to be comparable with no statistically significant difference (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Obstructive sleep apnea affects sleep pattern qualitatively as well as quantitatively and is more likely to affect NREM I and WASO.

0858 Under reporting of Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) in patients with predominant REM sleep disordered breathing on antidepressants

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) related Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) ranges from 13.5% to 36.7% in patients suspicious to have SDB.1 It is reported that patients with REM related SDB often have associated depression and are commonly on anti-depressants.2 Antidepressants suppress overall REM sleep duration. Significant sleep disordered breathing is known to occur during REM sleep. These patients commonly present with excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis is often missed in these patients secondary to REM sleep suppression and subsequent underreporting of AHI.1. Conwell W, Patel B etal 2012 PMID: 21614575. 2. Geckil AA, Ermis H. 2020 PMID: 30949927. Report of Cases: Case 1 is a 53-year-old obese white female with stable depression on citalopram 20mg presented with witnessed loud snoring and apneas, sleep onset and maintenance insomnia, daytime fatigue and hypersomnolence. Her Epworth Sleep Score (ESS) was 13/24. Her in lab baseline polysomnogram demonstrated overall AHI 3.8/hour and REM only AHI 24.3/hour. To further explore her persistent daytime sleepiness a Mean Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) was ordered. Citalopram was held 2 weeks prior to MSLT. In the PSG her overall AHI increased to 7.6/hour diagnosing her with mild OSA. PAP therapy was initiated that improved patients nocturnal sleep, daytime fatigue and hypersomnolence. Case 2 is a 54-year-old overweight white female with past medical history of chronic stable depression on Wellbutrin SR 100 mg daily presented with significant day time fatigue and hypersomnolence (ESS 15/24). Her baseline PSG reported AHI 1.7/hour with REM only AHI 10.7/hour. However due to persistent excessive daytime sleepiness MSLT was ordered. Her Wellbutrin was held 2 weeks prior to testing. Her overnight PSG demonstrated increase in her AHI to 7.9/hour and REM AHI to 34.2/hour. Mild obstructive sleep apnea was diagnosed, and PAP therapy was initiated that improved her hypersomnolence. Conclusion These cases illustrate that antidepressants likely mask obstructive sleep apnea by suppressing REM sleep. Given the underreported AHI in patients with REM SDB who are on anti-depressants it may be prudent to hold anti-depressants for 2 weeks to establish an accurate diagnosis of sleep apnea. Support (If Any)

The effects of long-term continuous positive airway pressure on apnea-hypopnea index change following short-term that withdrawal in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

The effect of long‐term continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) after CPAP withdrawal remains unclear, especially in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients screened from the population. To examine that, 1241 civil servants who participated in the annual physical examination were screened for OSA between September and December 2017. Screened OSA firstly underwent 1‐week CPAP adherence assessment. Then, patients with good CPAP adherence would be freely provided CPAP to continued treatment. All OSA patients were followed for 2 years. At study end, all OSA patients underwent home sleep testing (HST) again within 1 week of CPAP withdrawal. The effect of 2‐year CPAP treatment on OSA severity was investigated by using linear regression and multinominal logistic regression. In total, 103 OSA patients were screened, including 41 cases (39.8%) in CPAP treatment group and 62 cases (60.2%) in non‐CPAP treatment group. At 2‐year follow‐up, compared with baseline, in CPAP treatment group, following CPAP withdrawal, a significant decrease in AHI was observed in patients with severe OSA (P = 0.014); in non‐CPAP treatment group, a significant increase in AHI was observed in patients with moderate OSA (P = 0.028). After adjustment for confounding factors, multivariate linear regression showed that △AHI was negatively associated with CPAP treatment (β = −4.930, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−9.361, −0.500], P = 0.030). Multinominal logistic regression showed that the AHI of patients not treated with CPAP tended to be unchanged or worsened with the AHI improvement group as a reference (OR [odds ration] [95% CI], 4.555 [1.307, 15.875], P = 0.017; 6.536 [1.171, 36.478], P = 0.032). In conclusion, active OSA screening and long‐term CPAP intervention may improve the severity of severe OSA patients following short‐term CPAP withdrawal in the general population.

The differences between daytime and nighttime heart rate variability may usefully predict the apnea-hypopnea index in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

The association between daytime/nighttime heart rate variability (HRV) and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) remains unclear. We sought a relationship between AHI and the daytime-to-nighttime HRV ratio as measured by 24-hour Holter monitoring in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. We prospectively enrolled 66 patients who visited our sleep clinic complaining of habitual snoring or sleep apnea. All underwent 24-hour Holter monitoring (to measure HRV) combined with full-night polysomnography. Sixty-two met our enrollment criteria. We evaluated the associations between HRV frequency domains and the polysomnography indices. We also considered medical histories and anthropometric data. The nighttime very-low-frequency (VLF), low-frequency (LF), and high-frequency HRVs were significantly higher than the daytime values. On correlation analysis, the day/night VLF (r = .550, P < .001), LF (r = .556, P < .001), and high-frequency (r = .303, P = .017) HRVs were significantly related to the AHI. Of the day/night HRV ratios, the VLF (P for trend = .003) and LF (P for trend = .013) ratios decreased significantly by obstructive sleep apnea severity. Multivariable analysis showed that the day/night VLF (β = 16.387, P < .001) and day/night LF (β = 25.248, P < .001) were independently (and significantly) associated with the AHI. Twenty-four-hour Holter monitoring may usefully predict AHI. The day/night VLF and day/night LF ratios tended to decrease by obstructive sleep apnea severity and were independently associated with the AHI. Nam E-C, Chun KJ, Won JY, Kim J-W, Lee WH. The differences between daytime and nighttime heart rate variability may usefully predict the apnea-hypopnea index in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(6):1557-1563.

Apnea-Hypopnea Index in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation Requiring Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation with Average Volume-Assured Pressure Support

Introduction This study intends to determine the Apnea-Hypopnea Index in patients hospitalized with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, who require noninvasive ventilation with average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS), as well as describes the clinical characteristics of these patients. Materials and Methods We designed a single-center prospective study. The coexistence of Apnea-Hypopnea Index and clinical, gasometric, spirometric, respiratory polygraphy, and ventilatory characteristics were determined. The clinical characteristics found were categorized and compared according to the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) < 5, AHI 5–15, and AHI >15. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results During the study period, a total of 100 patients were admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure due to COPD exacerbation. 72 patients presented with acute respiratory failure and fulfilled criteria for ventilatory support. Within them, 24 received invasive mechanical ventilation and 48 NIV. After applying the inclusion criteria for this study, 30 patients were eligible. An AHI >5 was present in 24 of the 30 patients recruited (80%). Neck circumference (cm), Epworth scale, and Mallampati score evidenced significant differences when compared to the patient's AHI <5, AHI 5–15, and AHI >15 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, patients with an AHI >5 had longer hospital admissions, prolonged periods on mechanical ventilation, and a higher percentage of intubation rates. Conclusion Apnea-Hypopnea Index and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation are a frequent association found in patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure and COPD exacerbations that require NIV. This association could be a determining factor in the response to NIV, especially when AVAPS is used as a ventilatory strategy.

Sleep disordered breathing in patients with Prader willi syndrome: Impact of underlying genetic mechanism

IntroductionSleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is common in children with PWS. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the severity of SDB in patients with PWS using polysomnography (PSG), and assess the effect of the underlying genetic mechanism on PSG parameters. MethodsChildren with PWS, referred to our sleep laboratory between March 2016 and January 2020 were enrolled. PSG parameters, demographic data, body mass index (BMI), and symptoms related to SDB were recorded. The effect of non-invasive ventilation strategies and the outcome of therapy on PSG parameters were evaluated. ResultsIn our study, 64.5% of the patients had severe sleep apnea syndrome (total apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥10 events/hour). 22.6% had significantly high (>5 events/hour) central sleep apnea. Patients with a deletion had significantly lower initial and mean SaO2, longer sleep time SaO2 under 90%, oxygen desaturation % and total AHI when compared to those with uniparental disomy. PSG parameters were similar between patients who did or didn't receive growth hormone treatment. ConclusionThe majority of the PWS patients had severe sleep apnea syndrome characterized mainly by hypopneas which were accompanied by central apneas. There was a more severe impact on oxygen parameters and total AHI in patients with deletions.

Impact of obstructive sleep apnea on new-set atrial fibrillation after septal myectomy in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with a higher prevalence of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients who underwent cardiac surgery. However, whether OSA is a risk factor for postoperative atrial fibrillation after septal myectomy remains unclear. We hypothesized that OSA was associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation after septal myectomy.MethodsA total of 99 patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy who underwent septal myectomy were included in our manuscript. Polysomnography was performed in all patients, and the heart rhythm was continuously monitored during the perioperative period.ResultsIn the present study, 25 (25.3%) patients developed postoperative atrial fibrillation after septal myectomy. The prevalence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was significantly higher in patients with OSA and increased with the worsening severity of OSA. Notably, the apnea-hypoxia index was significantly higher in patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation among the different OSA groups. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve for the apnea-hypopnea index was 0.785 (95% CI: 0.684–0.887, P<0.001); an apnea-hypopnea index of 10.4 was the optimal cutoff point to predict postoperative atrial fibrillation. In the multivariable analysis, apnea-hypopnea index ≥10.4 (odds ratio: 6.29, 95% CI: 2.18–18.14, P=0.001), moderate-to-severe OSA (odds ratio: 4.88, 95% CI: 1.42–16.86, P=0.01), and left atrium diameter (odds ratio: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.03–1.22, P=0.01) were independent risk factors associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation after adjusting for relevant variables. However, the association between the diagnosis of OSA and postoperative atrial fibrillation was no longer statistically significant.ConclusionsThe severity of OSA reflected by the apnea-hypopnea index in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who underwent surgery is an independent risk factor for postoperative atrial fibrillation, which is associated with adverse clinical outcomes.

On the Comparison of Multiple Linear and Interval Regression Models of Apnea-Hypopnea Index in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

In the fuzzy regression models that are fitted by using fuzzy logic, every regression coefficient should be estimated at a certain level of a fuzziness tolerance because of dividing the error value into the coefficient. This study aims to compute the coefficient and deviation values of classical least squares (OLS) and fuzzy interval regression models on a sample data set and interpret them comparatively.

Apnea-hypopnea index supplied by CPAP devices: time for standardization?

Background/objectiveFor obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment, the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is a key measure of treatment efficacy. However, the residual AHI is CPAP brand specific. Here, we studied changes in residual AHI in patients who used two different brands over their treatment history. Patients/methodsUsing our CPAP telemonitoring database of 3102 patients, we compared the residual AHI of 69 patients before and after change in their CPAP device. ResultsA paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a significant difference between brands in the reported AHI, which might be clinically misleading. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that physicians should be alerted to the differences between brands and learned societies should push for standardization of AHI reporting.

Effects of hemodialysis on upper airways collapsibility in patients with chronic kidney disease

Introduction: The Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is characterized as a clinical condition wherein the progressive loss of renal function for a period longer than months to years will lead to the onset of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In the advanced stages of CKD, patients can only be treated with replacement therapy, dialysis or transplantation. In this context, hemodialysis (HD) presents as the main treatment option for these patients due to the lack of donors. Patients with ESRD in HD often present signs and symptoms related to pre-existing or acquired comorbidities with worsening of the disease. The most frequent are electrolytic disturbances, anemia, malnutrition, bone disease, Melittus diabetes, systemic arterial hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, neurological changes and sleep disorders. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) presents a tenfold prevalence in patients with ESRD when compared to the general population, worsening the clinical symptoms and cardiovascular complications of this disease. The increase in the number of ESRD patients submitted to HD has assumed epidemic proportions worldwide. The causal association between sleep-disordered breathing, in particular OSA and ESRD, is still not well understood, which expands the possibility of new findings for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of OSA, improving quality of life and reducing morbimortality. Objective: The present study involving ESRD patients undergone HD was designed with three main objectives: 1) to verify the prevalence and severity of sleep-disordered breathing; 2) to analyze the behavior of sleep apnea / hypopnea index (AHI) during the interdialitic period; 3) to verify weight gain and anthropometric measurements during the interdialitic period. Method: A consecutive single-center cross-sectional clinical study will be performed, double-blind, non-randomized to investigate the behavior of AHI in patients with ESRD undergoing HD in the nephrology unit (UNEFRO) at the Hospital of Santa Casa de Misericordia de Avaré, (SP), Brazil. The design and conduct of this study followed the guidelines of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement

0633 Volume Assured Pressure Support is an Effective Treatment in Patients with Central Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Abstract Introduction Central sleep apnea syndrome (CSA) is commonly found in patients with congestive heart failure, brainstem disorders, and narcotic use. Various treatment modalities have been used with varied effectiveness in reducing the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and improving ventilation in patients with CSA. This study assessed whether Volume Assured Pressure Support (VAPS), a BiLevel mode of ventilation, is effective in treating CSA. Methods We performed a retrospective review of polysomnography (PSG) and VAPS titration studies on 11 patients at our institution: 7 patients had CSA with Cheyne-Stokes Respiration, 2 patients had CSA attributed to narcotic use, and 2 patients had primary CSA. CSA was diagnosed if more than 50% of the disordered breathing events were central. Five patients had failed a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) titration and then proceeded to VAPS while in 6 patients, VAPS was the initial treatment modality tried. We examined the effectiveness of VAPS in reducing AHI, improving oxygenation, and improving sleep architecture. Results Among the 11 patients, age was 63.0±12.1 yo, BMI was 33.7 ±4.5, 7 were males, Epworth sleepiness score was 9.3±4.9. The following significant changes from baseline PSG to VAPS titration were observed: AHI: 59.1± 8.0 to 27.2 ± 9.9 (p&amp;lt;.01); Time ≤ 88% O2 saturation (min): 48.1±14.5 to 15.4±6.1 (p&amp;lt;.05). Improvement in AHI was not related to gender, body mass index, narcotic use, or age. No significant changes in sleep architecture between the two studies were found. Ten (91%) patients had AHI &amp;gt; 30 on initial PSG. In 6 (55%) patients AHI was reduced to &amp;lt;15 with VAPS use. An additional patient had AHI reduced to 22.2, while 4 (36%) patients did not achieve an AHI &amp;lt; 30 with VAPS. Conclusion VAPS is an effective mode of treating CSA in the majority of patients. Support NA

Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation Therapy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To evaluate the treatment efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Primary studies were identified though PubMed, Scopus, OVID, and Cochrane Library. Systematic review was conducted by querying databases for articles published through July 2019. The search identified randomized controlled trial, randomized comparison, or observational studies pertaining to TENS treatment for OSA. Meta-analysis was performed on pre- and posttreatment apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), mean oxygen saturation (SaO2), lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT), and arousal index (AI). Literature search identified 10 studies that reported sufficient outcome measures to be considered for analysis. A total of 198 patients were identified with a mean age of 50.9 years with a male to female ratio of 1.6:1. Average body mass index (BMI) of the cohort was 29.8 kg/m2. Treatment with TENS demonstrated reduction in AHI by 12.9 points (95% confidence interval, -22.3 to -3.43; P = .008). The mean differences in SaO2, LSAT, and AI did not reach statistical significance. The TENS treatment of upper airway dilator muscles resulted in reduction of AHI in patients with OSA. However, its effects on SaO2, LSAT, and AI were equivocal. Its impact on patients' quality of life could not be assessed due to heterogeneity in outcome measures. Future randomized controlled trials with generalizable standardized outcome measures are needed to assess the efficacy and compliance of TENS.

Parapharyngeal fat pad area at the subglosso-supraglottic level is associated with corresponding lateral wall collapse and apnea-hypopnea index in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study

The aim of this study was to assess associations between fat pad areas at various anatomic levels and the sites of lateral wall collapse and disease severity in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Forty-one patients with OSA who prospectively underwent drug-induced sleep computed tomography were included. Areas of parapharyngeal fat pads and degrees of lateral wall collapse at three representative anatomic levels (nasopharynx, oropharynx, and subglosso-supraglottis), and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) were measured. In the subglosso-supraglottic region, the parapharyngeal fat pad area in 17 (41%) patients with complete lateral wall collapse was significantly larger than that in 24 (59%) patients without complete collapse (median, 236.0 mm2 vs 153.0 mm2; P = 0.02). In multivariate regression analysis, the parapharyngeal fat pad area at the subglosso-supraglottic level (β = 0.02; P = 0.01) and body mass index (β = 3.24; P = 0.01) were independently associated with AHI. Our preliminary results supported that parapharyngeal fat pads at the subglosso-supraglottic level may be involved in the development of lateral wall collapse and then determine the severity of OSA. Further studies are warranted to investigate the effect of reducing parapharyngeal fat pads in the treatment of OSA.