Emergence Of Central Apnea Research Articles

The Emergence of Central Sleep Apnea after Surgical Relief of Nasal Obstruction in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

By the current definition, complex sleep apnea (CompSA) refers to the emergence of central sleep apnea (CSA) during the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, new-onset CSA has been described with use of other treatments for OSA, including tracheostomy, maxillofacial surgery, and mandibular advancement device. We present a patient with CSA beginning after endoscopic sinus and nasal surgery for nasal obstruction in the setting of mild OSA. This case highlights the importance of non-PAP mechanisms in the pathogenesis of CompSA.

Complex sleep apnea unmasked by the use of a mandibular advancement device

According to most accepted definitions, complex sleep apnea syndrome (CompSAS) is described as an emergence of central apneas in a patient with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) upon introduction of continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). We present two patients who developed comparable central apnea activity when treated with either a CPAP device or a mandibular advancement device. As similar findings have been previously documented in patients with OSA treated with maxillofacial surgery or tracheostomy, we propose that the current definition of CompSAS should broaden to include diagnosis of CompSAS in non-PAP-treated patients, who are managed with either a dental appliance or a surgical procedure.

Complex Sleep Apnea: It Isn't Really a Disease

Complex Sleep Apnea: It Isn't Really a Disease