Comprehensive Sleep Evaluation Research Articles

Diagnosis and Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Updates and Review

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a heterogenous disease process that cannot be adequately categorized by AHI alone. There is a significant prevalence of OSA in the general population with ongoing efforts to evaluate the risk factors contributing to OSA and its associated clinical implications. Only by improving our understanding of OSA can we advance our methods in the diagnosis and treatment of OSA. For this article, the authors reviewed keywords of obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis and therapy in the databases of Embase, Medline, and Medline ePub over the past 3 years, excluding any articles that only addressed sleep apnea in children under age 17 years. This review article is divided into three main sections. First, we will investigate the use of novel screening tools, biomarkers, anthropometric measurements, and novel wearable technologies that show promise in improving the diagnosis of OSA. There is mention of comorbid conditions seen in OSA patients since certain disease combinations can significantly worsen health and should raise our awareness to diagnose and manage those concomitant disorders. The second section will look at the current and developing treatment options for OSA. These include positive airway therapy (PAP), mandibular advancement device (MAD), exciting new findings in certain medications, orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT), hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy (HGNS), and other surgical options. We will conclude with a section reviewing the current Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diagnostic Testing in Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea from 2017, which strongly advises polysomnography (PSG) or home sleep apnea testing (HSAT), along with comprehensive sleep evaluation for uncomplicated patients with a clinical presentation of OSA.

Sleep disorder syndromes of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) / Long Covid

IntroductionCOVID-19 infection has resulted in a high prevalence of a post-infectious syndrome, known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) or “Long COVID”. PASC is a heterogeneous disease with a high prevalence of sleep disturbances, varying from an insomnia disorder to excessive daytime sleepiness. MethodsPatients seen in the Covid Survivorship Program at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston, USA, were screened for sleep disorders as part of a comprehensive multi-system evaluation. Those who screened positive were referred for a comprehensive sleep evaluation in a dedicated COVID-19-Sleep clinic, followed by diagnostic sleep testing and treatment. This report summarizes patients who completed an American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) accredited facility-based diagnostic evaluation. International Classification of Sleep Disorders 3rd Edition-Revised criteria were met for all diagnoses. ResultsIn 42 patients with PASC, five categories of sleep disorder syndromes were observed following a sleep clinic evaluation, including obstructive sleep apnea, chronic insomnia disorder, primary hypersomnia, REM behavior disorder (RBD), and new onset circadian phase delay. Seven patients met criteria for idiopathic hypersomnia, and two had narcolepsy type 2. RBD patients were infected in three different waves; circadian disturbance patients were all infected in the winter wave of 2020/21, and the primary hypersomnolence group occurred during all waves, predominantly the initial wave of 2020. A peculiar form of insomnia was a persistent loss of sleep regularity. ConclusionsSpecific sleep symptoms/syndromes are reported in this select group of patients with PASC/Long Covid. As new onset sleep complaints are prevalent in PASC, we recommend a complete clinical and investigative sleep evaluation for persistent severe sleep symptoms following COVID-19 infection.

Quality measures for the care of adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea: 2022 update after measure maintenance.

Lloyd R, Morgenthaler TI, Donald R, etal. Quality measures for the care of adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea: 2022 update after measure maintenance. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(11):2673-2680.

Factors affecting sleep quality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

This study aimed to assess the sleep quality and the factors affecting the sleep quality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted in 105 patients with SLE who were admitted to the rheumatology polyclinic of a university hospital between May and July 2017. The data were collected using a "Patient Description Form" and the "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)." The total mean (standard deviation) PSQI score of the patients was 7.81 (3.11). Duration of disease, presence of comorbid diseases, side effects of drugs, and sleep disruption and related problems were identified as factors affecting sleep quality. The model of the regression showed that side effects of drugs, sleep disruption, and trouble falling asleep suffered higher PSQI score (bad sleep quality). Results of this study showed that the sleep quality was generally poor in patients with SLE. Sleep quality was affected by some disease and sleep variables. Therefore, comprehensive sleep evaluation is necessary in the planning of treatment and care of SLE patients and to implement initiatives to improve sleep patterns in these patients.

Relationship of overweight and obesity to insomnia severity, sleep quality, and insomnia improvement in a clinically referred pediatric sample.

Children with overweight or obesity are more likely to experience sleep disorders, although the role of weight in pediatric insomnia treatment has not been examined. The current study examined the relationships of high body mass with pretreatment insomnia severity and global sleep problems and the potential moderating impact of weight on changes in insomnia severity following insomnia treatment. Participants included 1,133 youth ages 2-18 years clinically referred for insomnia treatment. The Pediatric Insomnia Severity Index was collected at the initial assessment and throughout treatment as part of routine clinical care. Treatment status was coded as no treatment, early termination, and completed treatment. Secondary measures of global sleep problems at the initial assessment included the Adolescent Sleep Wake Scale, Adolescent Sleep Hygiene Scale, and Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire. Medical chart review of visits within ± 3 months of baseline was used to obtain age-adjusted and sex-adjusted body mass index Z-score. Among adolescents, regression analyses found that higher body mass index Z-score modestly predicted baseline insomnia severity (P = .021) and worse sleep hygiene (P < .001). For children, higher body mass index Z-score was modestly associated with baseline total sleep problems (P = .006) but not insomnia severity (P = .792). Across ages, body mass index Z-score predicted neither treatment status nor insomnia improvement (P > .05). Findings were similar in categorical analyses comparing patients with overweight/obesity to healthy weight. Although there is evidence that children of higher body mass present for insomnia treatment with greater sleep concerns, body mass does not predict treatment completion or insomnia improvement. Data suggest insomnia treatment is effective irrespective of weight status. Duraccio KM, Simmons DM, Beebe DW, Byars KC. Relationship of overweight and obesity to insomnia severity, sleep quality, and insomnia improvement in a clinically referred pediatric sample. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(4):1083-1091.

Variability of OSA severity measures on repeated testing

TOPIC: Sleep Disorders TYPE: Original Investigations PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is defined and graded by thresholds of obstructive respiratory events and cyclic oxygen desaturations per hour while asleep. The aim of this study was to assess night-to-night variability of the oxygen desaturation index (ODI ≥4% dips) in a sleep clinic population. METHODS: Adults referred for OSA evaluation who underwent two consecutive nocturnal pulse oximetries were eligible. Based on the mean ODI over two nights, participants were grouped into “no” (<5/h), “mild” (5-14.9/h), “moderate” (15-29.9/h), and “severe” (>30h) OSA. Outcomes were the change in ODI and coefficient of variation (CV) between repeated studies in different OSA severity categories, and changes in ODI ≥10/h, ≥15/h, and in severity. Data are reported as mean±SD. RESULTS: 1.20 of 100 included adults (58±13 years) had OSA (ODI 21.8±21.4/h). 2.The change in ODI between nights was 6.7±7.6/h and increased with OSA severity (table 1). 3.A coefficient of variation (CV) of 25±4% indicated a high night-to-night-variability. 4.Within the group of mild OSA, 29% changed between “no OSA” and “mild OSA”. 5.A change in ODI ≥10/h and ≥15/h was found in up to 46% and 27%, respectively, and increased with severity as well. 6.A severity category change was found in 35% with OSA and was most likely in moderate OSA. CONCLUSIONS: The night-to-night variability in OSA severity, as measured by the ODI, is high and more than 1/3rd of patients changed severity class within two nights. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Sleep studies recorded during a single night need to be interpreted with caution and in conjunction with symptoms as part of a comprehensive sleep evaluation to allow informed treatment recommendations DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Sarang Patil, source=Web Response

Sleep disturbances in craniopharyngioma: a challenging diagnosis

Craniopharyngiomas are rare solid or mixed solid and cystic tumors that arise from Rathke’s pouch remnants along the pituitary-hypothalamic axis, from the sella turcica to the brain third ventricle. Both the tumor and its treatment can lead to significant neurological and endocrinological complications. Due to the essential role of the hypothalamus in the complex neurophysiologic process of sleep, tumors involving the hypothalamic area may be responsible for disturbances in sleep–wake regulation with alterations in the circadian rhythm, sleep fragmentation, and increased daytime sleepiness. We report two cases of patients with craniopharyngioma, who came to our attention due to the occurrence of episodes characterized by psychomotor slowing and afinalistic limb movements, temporal and spatial disorientation, psychomotor agitation, and oneiric stupor like episodes. A comprehensive clinical data collection and a targeted diagnostic work-up led to a diagnosis of severe sleep disorder characterized by hypersomnia, altered sleep–wake rhythm, and sleep-related breathing disorder. In addition, the polysomnography revealed peculiar alterations in the sleep structure. The diagnostic work-up lead to an accurate differential diagnosis between epileptic seizures and episodes expressions of sleep disturbances. These clinical features can be challenging to diagnose and can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Diagnosis of sleep disorders is crucial, considering the impact of sleep on general health, cognition, and neuropsychological functioning. These findings support the need to incorporate a comprehensive sleep evaluation in childhood brain tumor involving the suprasellar/hypothalamic region.

Validity of a New Prediction Model to Identify Patients at Risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome.

To develop and validate a new clinical prediction model for screening patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). This study used 2 data sets to develop and validate the model. To build the model, the first data set comprised 892 patients who had diagnostic polysomnography (PSG); data were assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. To validate the new model, the second data set comprised 374 patients who were enrolled to undergo overnight PSG. Receiver operating characteristic analysis and all predictive parameters were validated. In the model development phase, univariate analysis showed 6 parameters were significant for prediction apnea-hypopnea index ≥15 events/hour: male sex, choking or apnea, high blood pressure, neck circumference >16 inches (female) or 17 inches (male), waist circumference ≥80 (female) or 90 cm (male), and body mass index >25 kg/m2. Estimated coefficients showed an area under the curve of 0.753. In the model validation phase, the sensitivity and specificity were approximately 93% and 26%, respectively, for identifying OSAHS. Comparison with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of ≥10 and STOP-Bang score ≥3 showed sensitivity of 42.26% and 56.23%, respectively, for detecting patients at risk. This new prediction model gives a better result on identifying patients at risk for OSAHS than Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-Bang in terms of sensitivity. Moreover, this model may play a role in clinical decision-making for a comprehensive sleep evaluation to prioritize patients for PSG.

The Perioperative Utilization of Sleep Monitoring Applications on Smart Phones in Habitual Snorers With Isolated Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy.

The aim of this study is to investigate the novel use of sleep monitoring applications in simple snorers undergoing concha radiofrequency surgery and to compare and correlate the pre- and postoperative symptoms of these patients using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. In this retrospective analysis, we have selected 18 consecutive patients with no comorbid sleep or medical disorders suffering from chronic nasal blockage and habitual snoring due to isolated submucous inferior turbinate hyperplasia. After a median follow-up of 8.3 months, the NOSE scale and snoring sound intensity levels monitored by the smart phone application showed statistically significant improvements after the surgical procedure ( P < .05), and we also detected a positive correlation between the levels of snoring percentage and the total NOSE scores ( P < .05). We hypothesize that sleep monitoring applications could be easily used as portable monitors for basic home sleep studies in conjunction with a comprehensive sleep evaluation. Alternatively, such applications may simply be used for objective monitoring of the postoperative success of surgical interventions in the upper respiratory tract region such as concha reduction surgeries as presented herein.

The discriminative power of STOP-Bang as a screening tool for suspected obstructive sleep apnea in clinically referred patients: considering gender differences.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most commonly seen clinical sleep disorder. STOP-Bang, a widely used screening tool, yields a composite score based on eight dichotomized items including male gender. This study was designed to validate STOP-Bang among clinically referred patients and tested alternative scoring designs on tool performance, with a focus on gender differences in OSA. STOP-Bang was administered to 403 female and 532 male subjects, followed by comprehensive sleep evaluation that included measurement of apnea-hypopnea indexes. Gender differences in STOP-Bang scores, OSA diagnosis, and severities were explored, and gender-specific alternative score cutoffs evaluated. Optimal operating points (OOP) were tested for female body mass index (BMI) and male neck circumference to inform STOP-Bang threshold refinement. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare conventional and modified STOP-Bang. STOP-Bang performance by gender showed extremely low specificity in males at the recommended cutoff of ≥3. Better utility was presented at a cutoff of 4 or 5 among clinically referred patients irrespective of gender differences. Screening performance was improved by modifying BMI and/or neck circumference thresholds using gender-triaged OOP estimation. Three gender-based model revisions outperformed conventional STOP-Bang. Our study suggests that gender-specific consideration needs to be incorporated into the application of STOP-Bang in a clinically referred patient population with a higher risk of OSA. Alternative scoring systems may improve predictive performance of STOP-Bang.

Clinical Practice Guideline for Diagnostic Testing for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline.

This guideline establishes clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults and is intended for use in conjunction with other American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) guidelines on the evaluation and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing in adults. The AASM commissioned a task force of experts in sleep medicine. A systematic review was conducted to identify studies, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) process was used to assess the evidence. The task force developed recommendations and assigned strengths based on the quality of evidence, the balance of benefits and harms, patient values and preferences, and resource use. In addition, the task force adopted foundational recommendations from prior guidelines as "good practice statements", that establish the basis for appropriate and effective diagnosis of OSA. The AASM Board of Directors approved the final recommendations. The following recommendations are intended as a guide for clinicians diagnosing OSA in adults. Under GRADE, a STRONG recommendation is one that clinicians should follow under most circumstances. A WEAK recommendation reflects a lower degree of certainty regarding the outcome and appropriateness of the patient-care strategy for all patients. The ultimate judgment regarding propriety of any specific care must be made by the clinician in light of the individual circumstances presented by the patient, available diagnostic tools, accessible treatment options, and resources. Good Practice Statements: Diagnostic testing for OSA should be performed in conjunction with a comprehensive sleep evaluation and adequate follow-up. Polysomnography is the standard diagnostic test for the diagnosis of OSA in adult patients in whom there is a concern for OSA based on a comprehensive sleep evaluation.Recommendations: We recommend that clinical tools, questionnaires and prediction algorithms not be used to diagnose OSA in adults, in the absence of polysomnography or home sleep apnea testing. (STRONG). We recommend that polysomnography, or home sleep apnea testing with a technically adequate device, be used for the diagnosis of OSA in uncomplicated adult patients presenting with signs and symptoms that indicate an increased risk of moderate to severe OSA. (STRONG). We recommend that if a single home sleep apnea test is negative, inconclusive, or technically inadequate, polysomnography be performed for the diagnosis of OSA. (STRONG). We recommend that polysomnography, rather than home sleep apnea testing, be used for the diagnosis of OSA in patients with significant cardiorespiratory disease, potential respiratory muscle weakness due to neuromuscular condition, awake hypoventilation or suspicion of sleep related hypoventilation, chronic opioid medication use, history of stroke or severe insomnia. (STRONG). We suggest that, if clinically appropriate, a split-night diagnostic protocol, rather than a full-night diagnostic protocol for polysomnography be used for the diagnosis of OSA. (WEAK). We suggest that when the initial polysomnogram is negative and clinical suspicion for OSA remains, a second polysomnogram be considered for the diagnosis of OSA. (WEAK).

Sleep disorders in adult sickle cell patients.

While sleep apnea has been studied in children with sickle cell disease (SCD), little is known about sleep disorders in adult sickle cell patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate sleep disordered breathing and its polysomnographic characteristics in adult patients with sickle cell disease. The analysis cohort included 32 consecutive adult SCD patients who underwent a comprehensive sleep evaluation and overnight polysomnography in an accredited sleep center after reporting symptoms suggesting disordered sleep or an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥ 10. Epworth score, sleep parameters, comorbid conditions, and narcotic use were reviewed and compared in patients with and without sleep disordered breathing. SCD complication rates in the two groups also were compared. In adult SCD patients who underwent overnight polysomnography, we report a high prevalence (44%) of sleep disordered breathing. Disease severity was mild to moderate (mean apnea-hypopnea index = 17/h (95% CI: 10-24/h). Concomitant sleep disorders, including insomnia complaints (57%) and delayed sleep-phase syndrome (57%), also were common in this population. In this limited cohort, we did not find increased SCD complications associated with sleep disordered breathing in adult patients with sickle cell disease. A high burden of sleep disordered breathing and other sleep-related complaints were identified in the adult sickle cell population. Our results provide important information on this unique population.

Consensus and evidence-based Indian initiative on obstructive sleep apnea guidelines 2014 (first edition).

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are subsets of sleep-disordered breathing. Awareness about OSA and its consequences among the general public as well as the majority of primary care physicians across India is poor. This necessitated the development of the Indian initiative on obstructive sleep apnea (INOSA) guidelines under the auspices of Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. OSA is the occurrence of an average five or more episodes of obstructive respiratory events per hour of sleep with either sleep-related symptoms or co-morbidities or ≥15 such episodes without any sleep-related symptoms or co-morbidities. OSAS is defined as OSA associated with daytime symptoms, most often excessive sleepiness. Patients undergoing routine health check-up with snoring, daytime sleepiness, obesity, hypertension, motor vehicular accidents, and high-risk cases should undergo a comprehensive sleep evaluation. Medical examiners evaluating drivers, air pilots, railway drivers, and heavy machinery workers should be educated about OSA and should comprehensively evaluate applicants for OSA. Those suspected to have OSA on comprehensive sleep evaluation should be referred for a sleep study. Supervised overnight polysomnography is the “gold standard” for evaluation of OSA. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is the mainstay of treatment of OSA. Oral appliances (OA) are indicated for use in patients with mild to moderate OSA who prefer OA to PAP, or who do not respond to PAP or who fail treatment attempts with PAP or behavioral measures. Surgical treatment is recommended in patients who have failed or are intolerant to PAP therapy.

Utility of portable monitoring in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common but underdiagnosed sleep disorder, which is associated with systemic consequences such as hypertension, stroke, metabolic syndrome, and ischemic heart disease. Nocturnal laboratory-based polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard test for diagnosis of OSA. PSG consists of a simultaneous recording of multiple physiologic parameters related to sleep and wakefulness including electroencephalography (EEG), electrooculography (EOG), surface electromyography (EMG), airflow measurement using thermistor and nasal pressure transducer, pulse oximetry and respiratory effort (thoracic and abdominal). Multiple alternative and simpler methods that record respiratory parameters alone for diagnosing OSA have been developed in the past two decades. These devices are called portable monitors (PMs) and enable performing sleep studies at a lower cost with shorter waiting times. It has been observed and reported that comprehensive sleep evaluation coupled with the use of PMs can fulfill the unmet need for diagnostic testing in various out-of-hospital settings in patients with suspected OSA. This article reviews the available medical literature on PMs in order to justify the utility of PMs in the diagnosis of OSA, especially in resource-poor, high-disease burden settings. The published practice parameters for the use of these devices have also been reviewed with respect to their relevance in the Indian setting.

Good as ‘Gold’? Portable Sleep Study Devices for Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children

Good as ‘Gold’? Portable Sleep Study Devices for Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children

Nonspecific pain is a marker for hypovitaminosis D in patients undergoing evaluation for sleep disorders: a pilot study

BackgroundThe purpose of this cross-sectional study was to test the hypothesis that serum vitamin D levels are abnormally low in sleep clinic patients admitting to chronic nonspecific musculoskeletal pain and to assess the associated risk factors. A secondary purpose was to identify a clinical biomarker for vitamin D deficiency.MethodsWe enrolled 153 consecutive patients who admitted to the presence of chronic nonspecific musculoskeletal pain during a comprehensive sleep evaluation at a specialist sleep medicine clinic within an academic center. Venous blood sampling was performed for determination of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/mL) were identified by odds ratios. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was performed with 10-fold cross-validation to identify a biomarker for vitamin D deficiency calculated by linear discriminant analysis.ResultsThe mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was 19.8 ± 11.1, with 54% of the study population having vitamin D deficiency. This mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was lower than that observed historically in healthy controls, and was either similar or lower than in all but one representative historical cohort formed on the basis of chronic nonspecific musculoskeletal pain. Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency were black ethnicity, age < 60 years, and obesity. These risk factors were identified both in the entire cohort and separately in subgroups with and without obstructive sleep apnea. The biomarker (based on race, age, and body mass index) had a sensitivity and specificity for predicting vitamin D deficiency of 0.73 and 0.74, respectively.ConclusionVitamin D deficiency was prevalent in patients with sleep disorders and chronic nonspecific musculoskeletal pain on evaluation in a sleep medicine clinic. Vitamin D deficiency was reliably estimated in the study population using a biomarker derived from common demographic characteristics.

Sleep Disordered Breathing as a Risk of Cardiac Events in Subjects With Diabetes Mellitus and Normal Exercise Echocardiographic Findings

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease; however, the contribution of SDB to incident heart failure (HF), coronary artery disease (CAD), and atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with T2DM is unknown. We followed up 834 consecutive asymptomatic patients with T2DM (age 56 ± 11 years, 369 women) with normal exercise echocardiographic findings for ≤8 years using electronic health records. The demographics, cardiac risk factors, symptoms, diagnoses, and medications were collected at the echocardiography and validated from the electronic health records. SDB was confirmed by a comprehensive sleep evaluation and/or polysomnography before echocardiography. SDB was diagnosed in 188 patients (21%) at baseline; 116 were untreated. During a median follow-up of 4.9 years (interquartile range 3.9 to 6.1), 22 congestive HF, 72 CAD, and 40 AF incident events were observed. In the Cox proportional hazards models, SDB was associated with incident CAD (hazard ratio 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 3.0, p = 0.01; adjusted hazard ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 3.2, p <0.01) and AF (hazard ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval 1.4 to 4.7, p = 0.01; adjusted hazard ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.5 to 5.9, p <0.01). Limiting SDB to only those patients diagnosed using polysomnography (n = 132), SDB was associated with incident CAD (hazard ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 3.3, p = 0.03; adjusted hazard ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 3.9, p = 0.01) and HF (hazard ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 7.0, p = 0.03; adjusted hazard ratio 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.4 to 9.0, p <0.01). Female gender, age, elevated blood pressure, and left ventricular mass were additional correlates of CAD in those with asymptomatic T2DM. In conclusion, the association of SDB with incident CAD, AF, and HF in patients with T2DM justifies more liberal screening for SDB in patients with T2DM, realizing that SDB is a potentially modifiable risk factor.

Sleep in children with cancer: case review of 70 children evaluated in a comprehensive pediatric sleep center

The goal of this study was to characterize the sleep problems of children with cancer who were referred for a comprehensive sleep evaluation. A retrospective case series review was conducted of all children with cancer referred to the pediatric sleep clinic from 1994 to 2009 for evaluation of a sleep problem. Seventy children were seen and evaluated during this interval; all had a complete sleep history taken, and further objective sleep evaluations were performed as part of their evaluation only when clinically indicated. An overnight polysomnogram was performed in 53 children. In 36 children with a history of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), a multiple sleep latency study was performed the following day. Seven children had a 3-4-week actigraphic study. Children with neoplasms of central nervous system (CNS) involving the hypothalamus, thalamus, and brainstem were the most commonly referred children and had the most frequent and severe sleep problems. Excessive daytime sleepiness was the most common sleep problem, seen in 60% of children with cancer and in 80% of children with CNS neoplasms involving the hypothalamus, thalamus, and brainstem. Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) was present in 40% of the entire group of children with cancer and 46% of children with neoplasms involving the hypothalamus, thalamus, and brainstem. Children with CNS neoplasms often had more than one sleep problem, most commonly EDS and SDB. In these children, correction of the SDB often did not eliminate the EDS. In children with leukemia, insomnia was the most common sleep problem identified, present in 39%. The causes of the sleep problems were varied and included neurologic injury caused by the neoplasm and/or the CNS-directed treatments; seizures, adenotonsillar hypertrophy, medication side effects, obesity, pain, anxiety, and drug abuse. Some of the sleep problems were present before the diagnosis of cancer, though most developed after treatment was begun. A wide range of intervention strategies were utilized to address the sleep problems and included sleep hygiene/sleep restriction, behavioral counseling, continuous positive airway pressure, bilevel positive airway pressure, tracheotomy with and without a ventilator, diaphragmatic pacers, sedative hypnotics, stimulants, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants. When the sleep problems and their causes were correctly identified and treatments were directed to the specific cause of the problem, the treatments were generally successful. The sleep problems of children with cancer span the full spectrum of clinical sleep disorders (hypersomnia, sleep disordered breathing, insomnia, parasomnias, and circadian rhythm disorders) and are often present in combinations. Children with neoplasms involving the brainstem, thalamus, and hypothalamus were the most frequently referred for a sleep evaluation, and their sleep problems were most commonly EDS or SDB. Expertise in pediatric sleep disorders can be a valuable resource in the ongoing care of children with cancer.

Canadian Sleep Society/Canadian Thoracic Society position paper on the use of portable monitoring for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea in adults

The present position paper on the use of portable monitoring (PM) as a diagnostic tool for obstructive sleep apnea⁄hypopnea (OSAH) in adults was based on consensus and expert opinion regarding best practice standards from stakeholders across Canada. These recommendations were prepared to guide appropriate clinical use of this new technology and to ensure that quality assurance standards are adhered to. Clinical guidelines for the use of PM for the diagnosis and management of OSAH as an alternative to in-laboratory polysomnography published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Portable Monitoring Task Force were used to tailor our recommendations to address the following: indications; methodology including physician involvement, physician and technical staff qualifications, and follow-up requirements; technical considerations; quality assurance; and conflict of interest guidelines. When used appropriately under the supervision of a physician with training in sleep medicine, and in conjunction with a comprehensive sleep evaluation, PM may expedite treatment when there is a high clinical suspicion of OSAH.

Clinical Guideline for the Evaluation, Management and Long-term Care of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common chronic disorder that often requires lifelong care. Available practice parameters provide evidence-based recommendations for addressing aspects of care. This guideline is designed to assist primary care providers as well as sleep medicine specialists, surgeons, and dentists who care for patients with OSA by providing a comprehensive strategy for the evaluation, management and long-term care of adult patients with OSA. The Adult OSA Task Force of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) was assembled to produce a clinical guideline from a review of existing practice parameters and available literature. All existing evidence-based AASM practice parameters relevant to the evaluation and management of OSA in adults were incorporated into this guideline. For areas not covered by the practice parameters, the task force performed a literature review and made consensus recommendations using a modified nominal group technique. Questions regarding OSA should be incorporated into routine health evaluations. Suspicion of OSA should trigger a comprehensive sleep evaluation. The diagnostic strategy includes a sleep-oriented history and physical examination, objective testing, and education of the patient. The presence or absence and severity of OSA must be determined before initiating treatment in order to identify those patients at risk of developing the complications of sleep apnea, guide selection of appropriate treatment, and to provide a baseline to establish the effectiveness of subsequent treatment. Once the diagnosis is established, the patient should be included in deciding an appropriate treatment strategy that may include positive airway pressure devices, oral appliances, behavioral treatments, surgery, and/or adjunctive treatments. OSA should be approached as a chronic disease requiring long-term, multidisciplinary management. For each treatment option, appropriate outcome measures and long-term follow-up are described.