Form Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Research Articles

The Efficacy of Various Orthodontic Appliances in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Objective. The goal of this review was to determine the effectiveness of different types of monobloc and bibloc mandibular advancement device (MAD) devices in the treatment of all forms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), by reviewing the available literature. Methods. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, ResearchGate, NCBI and Google Scholar databases. The search included articles in English, published in the inclusive time period from 2000 to 2024. Results. A total of 13 studies were analyzed that directly compared the effectiveness of monobloc and bibloc devices. The studies were published in the period from 2000 to 2024, and included crossover and parallel randomized controlled trials, as well as cross and parallel cohort studies. Out of the 13 studies, four were classified as RCT parallel studies, six were RCT crossover studies, two cohort parallel studies, and one cohort crossover study. The duration of the studies was variable, ranging from four weeks to one year, with six studies having a so-called “washout period” between the use of monobloc and bibloc MAD devices. Conclusion. Both monobloc and bibloc devices show significant success rates in the treatment of mild to moderate OSA.

The RonchAP® palatinal device: A conservative approach in treating obstructive sleep apnea syndrome—a randomized, controlled study

PurposeThe aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of the Ronch®AP palatal device in treating patients with moderate and severe forms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial 22 patients were examined with the Ronch®AP palatal device after 4 weeks of usage. Their results were compared to a control group of 30 patients who did not receive any treatment during this time. All patients included did not tolerate CPAP therapy. Among other parameters the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was measured using nocturnal cardiorespiratory polysomnography. Daytime sleepiness was assessed using Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to analyze sleep quality.ResultsUsing the Ronch®AP palatal device AHI was reduced from an average of 35.34 ± 14.9/h to 19.18 ± 14.93/h, whereas the control group only showed a minimal mean reduction from 31.32 ± 12.76/h to 29.37 ± 17.11/h. The difference in reduction between the two randomized groups was highly significant (d = − 14.2, 95% CI 5.9–22.6, t = 3.4, df = 49.9, p = 0.001). Epworth Sleepiness Scale score was lowered from 9.18 ± 4.73 to 7.82 ± 4.14 on average and sleep quality improved by − 1.91 ± 2.31. Both changes were also statistically relevant (p < 0.005).ConclusionsThe Ronch®AP device is an effective alternative treatment option for patients suffering from moderate and severe forms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and not tolerating CPAP therapy.Trial registration number407-16 with approval from the local ethical committee (Ethikkommission der Medizinischen Fakultät der LMU München).

Sex differences in polysomnographic findings in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Background and PurposeSex differences in the clinical findings and the polysomnographic presentation of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are compelling current research issues. For example, patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea are predominantly male. While women are older than men and tend to have a higher body mass index, men typically present with a more severe form of obstructive sleep apnea. Using polysomnography, we investigated a German cohort, subdivided per severity levels of obstructive sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index: ≥5 to < 15/h (mild), ≥15 to < 30/h (moderate), and ≥30/h (severe)) to provide a detailed analysis of breathing and sleep parameters, accounting for body position effects and severity of illness. A deeper understanding of sex differences may allow targeted diagnosis and treatment adjustment. Patients and methodsThis retrospective study included a cohort of 1242 German patients (940 male, 302 female) who underwent overnight polysomnography at the private sleep laboratory “Intersom Köln”, Center for Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research. In 1125 subjects (878 male, 247 female), obstructive sleep apnea was diagnosed. All patients were examined between January 01, 2018 and December 31, 2020, comparing anthropometric, sleep morphological, and respiratory polysomnographic findings. ResultsFemale patients with obstructive sleep apnea were significantly older than male patients (60.9 ± 12.3 vs. 56.9 ± 12.5 years, P < .001), also among OSA subgroups per OSA severity. The body mass index was similar in male and female patients (29.6 ± 5.1 vs. 29.2 ± 7.3 kg/m2, P > .05), including the three subgroups. Men were more likely to have severe obstructive sleep apnea (46.9%) than women (35.2%). Women exhibited a higher proportion of slow-wave sleep than men (129.4 ± 52.8 vs. 104.2 ± 53.2 min; P < .001). The apnea-hypopnea index of total sleep time was significantly greater in male than female patients (32.9 ± 21.2 vs. 27.2 ± 20.2 per hour; P < .001). Female patients had a higher apnea-hypopnea index during rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep (34.0 ± 23.8 vs. 31.8 ± 22.3 per hour; P = .171). A statistically significant difference in the apnea-hypopnea index during REM sleep between sexes was found when the obstructive sleep apnea severity was considered. Women had a lower apnea-hypopnea index in non-rapid eye-movement (NREM) sleep than men (25.7 ± 21.1 vs. 32.7 ± 22.3 per hour; P < .001). The oxygen desaturation index (29.9 ± 20.3 vs. 22.4 ± 19.4%; P < .001) and an oxygen desaturation below 90% (9.4 ± 14.0 vs. 6.8 ± 11.7%; P = .003) was greater in men than in women. In severe obstructive sleep apnea, the oxygen desaturation index was similar between the sexes (45.0 ± 17.8 vs. 41.1 ± 20.9%; P = .077). Male patients showed a higher supine apnea-hypopnea-index than female patients. (45.7 ± 26.7 vs 36.1 ± 22.7 per hour; P < .001). ConclusionThe present noninvasive, retrospective registry study is the first to examine sex differences in OSA in such a large German population in terms of respiratory and sleep parameters, taking into account the effects of body position and severity of the disease. We could confirm and extend observations from previous studies. Female patients were significantly older than the male patients. The apnea-hypopnea index was higher in male than in female patients. Women showed a higher apnea-hypopnea index in REM sleep and a lower one in NREM sleep. Men were desaturated more often and were more affected by supine-dependent obstructive sleep apnea than women. Contrary to the literature, there were no significant differences in body mass index (BMI) between the sexes. With increasing age and BMI, the gender differences become less significant.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Sleep Duration, and Associated Mediators With Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: The ELSA-Brasil Study.

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Uvulopalatoplasty with a severe form of obstructive sleep apnea: long-term results

To assess the severity of daytime sleepiness and the level of sleep apnea/hypopnea index (AHI), as well as the possibility of their correction, in the long-term period after uvulopalatoplasty (UPP) in patients suffering from obesity and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). We retrospectively analyzed the data of the patients, who requested a consultation due to nighttime snoring, witnessed sleep apneas and daytime drowsiness. We included men and women of ages 40 to 65 (24 male, 17 female) without cardiac or lung insufficiency. Group 1 consisted of 19 patients, who underwent UPP 3-5 years prior to current consultation. Group 2 consisted of 22 patients, who underwent UPP 6-12 earlier, despite prior diagnosis of severe OSAS. We performed cardiorespiratory sleep monitoring, additionally patients completed the Epworth scale and sleep quality scale. Patients were re-interviewed 2 months after initiation of CPAP therapy and or intraoral device treatment. Group 1 (n=19) displayed obesity (Body Mass Index 34.2±6.1 kg/m2), severe OSAS (AHI 55.2±18.5), high level of daytime drowsiness (Epworth score 18.7±6.3) and low sleep quality (13.0±6.8 sleep quality score). Group 2 (n=22) displayed reduction in AHI level - significant statistically, but not clinically without changes in daytime drowsiness and sleep quality, which were improved in 29 cases out of 41 with the help of CPAP-therapy (18 cases) or intraoral fixation devices (11 cases). UPP does not exert a clinically significant affect the severity of sleep disturbance in patients with obesity and severe OSAS. Night sleep study is essential before making a decision about UPP. Clinical state correction of patients in the long-term period of UPP is possible with the help of CPAP therapy or intraoral fixation devices.

Risk Factors in Acute Stroke Patients With and Without Sleep Apnea.

Background:More than 50% of stroke patients have sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), mostly in the form of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). SDB represents both a risk factor and a consequence of stroke. The presence of SDB has been linked with the poorer long-term outcome and increased long-term stroke mortality. About 20 to 40% of stroke patients have sleep-wake disorders (SWD), mostly in form of insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness/fatigue, or hypersomnia (increased sleep needs).Objective:The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of risk factors in patients with acute stroke and sleep apnea.Methods:The study included patients without cognitive impairment or with mild cognitive impairment. The diagnosis of apnea syndrome was made on the basis of the Snoring and Apnea Syndrome Questionnaire, the Epworth Sleep Scale, the Berlin Questionnaire, the Stanford Sleepiness Scale, and the General Sleep Questionnaire. The severity of stroke was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and the Rankin Disability Scale. Patients with a Glasgow score <8 on the day of neuropsychiatric examination were excluded from the study, as well as patients with epileptic seizures at the onset of stroke, with aphasia, with Mini - mental test <23, with verified previous dementia / cognitive impairment.Results:There is no statistically significant difference in the age of men and women, both with apnea and without apnea. In patients with apnea, heart disease was in the first place 91.8%, followed by hypertension 86.4%, Body mass index 79.1%, hyperlipidemia 50%, smoking 38.2 % and diabetes mellitus 20.9%. Hypertension was the most common risk factor in patients without apnea 83.6%, followed by heart disease 81.0%, Body mass index 60.9%, hyperlipidemia 48.21%, smoking 28.2 % and diabetes mellitus 20%.Conclusion:Heart diseases, hypertension and body mass index are significantly more frequent in patients with than in patients without sleep apnea.

Craniofacial morphology in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: cephalometric evaluation

IntroductionObstructive sleep apnea is characterized by a reduced airflow through the upper airways during sleep. Two forms of obstructive sleep apnea are described: the central form and the obstructive form. The obstructive form is related to many factors, such as the craniofacial morphology. ObjectiveTo evaluate the correlation between the morphology of the cranial base, of the mandible and the maxilla, and obstructive sleep apnea severity. MethodsEighty-four patients, mean age of 50.4 years old; 73 males and 11 females with obstructive sleep apnea were enrolled in the present study. Patients with high body mass index and comorbidities were excluded. Lateral cephalograms and polysomnography were collected for each patient to evaluate the correlation between craniofacial morphology and obstructive sleep apnea severity. A Spearman’s rho correlation test between cephalometric measurements and obstructive sleep apnea indexes was computed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. ResultsPatients with a severe obstructive sleep apnea presented a reduction of sagittal growth of both effective mandibular length and cranio-basal length. The mandibular length was the only variable with a statistical correlation with apnea-hypopnea index. Vertical dimension showed a weak correlation with the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. No correlation with maxillary sagittal dimension was shown. ConclusionObstructive sleep apnea severity may be correlated to mandibular and cranial base growth. Facial vertical dimension had no correlation with obstructive sleep apnea severity.

What can a dentist and dental sleep apnea researcher do under COVID-19 lockdown?

Citation:Tanaka Y, Almeida FR. What can a dentist and dental sleep apnea researcher do under COVID-19 lockdown? J Clin Sleep Med. 2020;16(9):1641–1643.

Apnea Monitor based on Bluetooth with Android Interface

Apnea monitor is a device that is used to give a warning if there is stop breathing. Stop breathing while sleeping is one form of obstructive sleep apnea. This cessation of breath cannot be underestimated, this is related to the main risk factors for health implications and increased cardiovascular disease and sudden death. The purpose of this study is to design an apnea monitor with the Android interface. This device allows the users to get how many times sleep apnea happens while sleeping and got data to analysis before continuing with a more expensive and advanced sleep test. This device used a flex sensor to detect the respiration rate, the sensor placed on the abdomen or belly so it can measure expand and deflate while breathing. The microcontroller uses an Arduino chip called AT-Mega328. Bluetooth HC-05 used to send respiration data to Android, MIT app inventor used for the android programmer, and on the android, there are plotting of respiration value and when the device detected apnea so the android also gives a warning to the user. Based on the results of testing and measurement then compare with another device, the results of the average% error were 3.61%. This apnea monitor design is portable but there are needs some improvement by using another sensor for detected respiration and using a module other than Bluetooth.

Continuous positive airway pressure in patients with rapid eye movement (REM)-specific obstructive sleep apnea, a retrospective match-controlled chart review

Background: Rapid eye movement (REM) obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) represents 13 to 35% of all OSA cases and is more common in women. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard for treatment of all forms of OSA but we do not know if patients with REM OSA have different pressure requirements than those with non-stage dependent OSA. Methods: This was a retrospective case control study. We first identified individuals with REM OSA and then tried to identify apnea hypopnea index (AHI), gender, and body mass index (BMI) matching controls that had non-stage specific OSA. Individuals were considered to have REM OSA if the REM AHI was greater than 5 events/hour, and the ratio of REM AHI / non-rapid eye movement (NREM) AHI was greater than 2. Demographic variables and the recommended CPAP pressure were analyzed using paired Student’s T-Tests. Results: Our study included a total of 16 individuals with REM OSA and equal number of AHI, gender, and BMI matching controls. Both groups had similar demographic and polysomnographic characteristics. Individuals with REM OSA required similar CPAP pressures as controls (7.5 cm H2O vs 7.4 cm H2O p=0.78). Conclusion: Individuals with REM require similar CPAP pressures as their AHI, gender, and BMI matching controls.

Review of Echocardiographic Findings in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes recurrent apneas due to upper respiratory tract collapse, leading to sympathetic nervous system hyperactivation and increased cardiovascular risk. Moderate and severe forms of obstructive sleep apnea are associated with increased atrial volumes and affect left ventricular diastolic and then systolic function. Right ventricular ejection fraction can be accurately assessed via three-dimensional echocardiography, while bidimensional imaging can only provide a set of surrogate parameters to characterize systolic function (tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion, right ventricular fractional area change, and lateral S'). Tissue Doppler imaging is a more sensitive tool in detecting functional ventricular impairment, but its use is limited by angle dependence and the unwanted influence of tethering forces. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography is considered more suitable for the assessment of ventricular function, as it is able to distinguish between active and passive wall motion. Abnormal strain values, a marker of subclinical myocardial dysfunction, can be detected even in patients with normal ejection fraction and chamber volumes. The left ventricular longitudinal strain is more affected by the presence of obstructive sleep apnea than circumferential strain values. Although the observed OSA-induced changes are subtle, the benefit of a detailed echocardiographic screening for subclinical heart failure in OSA patients on therapy adherence and outcome should be addressed by further studies.

Validity of a simple sleep monitor for diagnosing OSA in bariatric surgery patients

BackgroundOne third of bariatric surgery patients have an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI)>15/hr, representing moderate and severe forms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Treating these forms of OSA is recommended to reduce the risk of perioperative complications. The AHI derived from poly(somno)graphy [P(S)G] is the gold standard for OSA diagnosis. However, performing P(S)G in all patients scheduled for bariatric surgery is time consuming and expensive. An accurate and simple screening tool able to rule out moderate to severe OSA would reduce the number of patients needing mandatory P(S)Gs. ObjectivesTo assess the validity of a simple sleep monitor (Checkme Health Monitor) as a screening tool for OSA in bariatric surgery patients. SettingObesity Center Amsterdam, OLVG-West, Amsterdam, the Netherlands MethodsPatients scheduled for bariatric surgery were prospectively enrolled in this study. All patients underwent preoperative P(S)G and simultaneously used the Checkme to assess the oxygen desaturation index. The diagnostic performance of the Checkme for AHI ≥15/hr was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. ResultsA total of 50 patients were analyzed. Sensitivity and negative predictive value were 100% and 100%, respectively, specificity and positive predictive value were 69% and 64%, respectively, for the optimal cutoff value of Checkme-3% oxygen desaturation index ≥9/hr for P(S)G-AHI ≥15. The area under the curve value expressed by the receiver operating characteristic curve was .95. ConclusionThe Checkme is valid for exclusion of moderate and severe OSA in bariatric surgery patients. The Checkme enables bariatric clinics not to perform P(S)G in all patients scheduled for bariatric surgery.

The Association between Treated and Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Depression

ABSTRACTStudy Objectives: The aims of this study were (1) to determine the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and depression and (2) to identify if treated or untreated OSA affects depression levels, in a sample of 51 patients. Methods: Participants were 18 years old or older, who were diagnosed with some form of OSA. A survey was administered at a local sleep clinic and via social media, Facebook. A Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ-8) was used to assess depression. Results: Overall, 51 participants met the requirements and completed the survey. Participants who were currently not being treated for their OSA had a mean depression score of 18.9 (moderate-severe). In treated mild OSA participants, the mean depression score was 8; in participants with moderate OSA, the mean depression score was 13.7; and in patients with severe OSA, the mean depression score was 13.4. In untreated mild OSA participants, themean depression score was 15.3; in moderate OSA participants, the mean depression score was 17.3; and in severe OSA participants, the mean depression score was 18.4. A two-sided t test (P < 0.05) showed that participants with untreated sleep apnea have significantly higher depression scores than those with treated sleep apnea. Data also showed a higher average depression score among females with untreated OSA (17.3) versus males with untreated OSA (16.7). Conclusions: The results showed an increase in depression levels among individuals with untreated OSA, lower depression scores in all levels of severity within treated OSA participants, and females had higher depression levels than men, in both treated and untreated OSA. These data could be useful in the future for physicians when assessing patients for sleep apnea or depression.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Mandibular Advancement Devices in Patients with Severe Sleep Apnea: A Preliminary Report.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is defined as episodes of upper airway obstructions during sleep. The method of choice in conservative treatment of OSA is the use of devices that produce positive airway pressure (CPAP). In patients with mild-moderate form of OSA, intraoral mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are applied. The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of MAD in patients with severe OSA who were unable to use CPAP. In this preliminary study three patients from a group of 25 severe OSA sufferers who failed to use CPAP, were included. The three patients underwent a triple polysomnographic (PSG) investigation: on CPAP, before MAD treatment, and during MAD. The patients completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaire twice. We found significant improvements of subjective symptoms and PSG-evaluated variables after application of MAD in all three patients in comparison with both baseline and CPAP-recorded data. We conclude that MAD can be an alternative treatment option for severe OSA patients who are non-compliant with CPAP therapy.

A highly Reliable and Fully Automated Classification System for Sleep Apnea Detection

Sleep apnea (SA) in the form of Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is becoming the most common respiratory disorder during sleep, which is characterized by cessations of airflow to the lungs. These cessations in breathing must last more than 10 seconds to be considered an apnea event. Apnea events may occur 5 to 30 times an hour and may occur up to four hundred times per night in those with severe SA [1]. Nowadays, polysomnography (PSG) is a standard testing procedure to diagnose OSA which includes the monitoring of the breath airflow, respiratory movement, and oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ), body position, electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrooculography (EOG), and electrocardiography (ECG). Therefore, a final diagnosis decision is obtained by means of medical examination of these recordings [2]. However, new simplified diagnostic methods and continuous screening of OSA is needed in order to have a major benefit of the treatment on OSA outcomes. In this regard, a portable monitoring system is developed to facilitate the self-administered sleep tests in familiar surroundings environment closer to the patients’ normal sleep habits. With only three data channels: tracheal breathing sounds, ECG and SpO 2 signals, a patient does not need hospitalization and can be diagnosed and receive feedback at home, which eases follow-up and retesting after treatment.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing

This article introduces readers to the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing and reviews the associated risk factors and health consequences. Sleep-disordered breathing is associated with significant impairments in daytime alertness and cognitive function as well as adverse health outcomes. The initial treatment of choice is positive airway pressure. Improvements in technology and mask delivery systems have helped to make this treatment more comfortable and convenient for many patients. Sleep-disordered breathing, particularly in the form of obstructive sleep apnea, is highly prevalent in the general population and has important implications for neurology patients. Sleep-disordered breathing is characterized by repetitive periods of cessation in breathing, termed apneas, or reductions in the amplitude of a breath, known as hypopneas, that occur during sleep. These events are frequently associated with fragmentation of sleep, declines in oxygen saturation, and sympathetic nervous system activation with heart rate and blood pressure elevation. Obstructive sleep apnea, which represents cessation of airflow, develops because of factors such as anatomic obstruction of the upper airway related to obesity, excess tissue bulk in the pharynx, and changes in muscle tone and nerve activity during sleep. Central sleep apnea represents cessation of airflow along with absence or significant reduction in respiratory effort during sleep and is more commonly found in the setting of congestive heart failure, neurologic disorders, or cardiopulmonary disease.

Chorobliwa Otyłość Jako Przyczyna Niewydolności Oddychania

World epidemic of obesity reached Poland. Obesity may result in hypercapnic respiratory failure. This complication may be expected in morbidly obese subjects, with BMI 〉 35. Diagnosis is confirmed by arterial blood gas analysis showing PaO(2) 〈 60 mm Hg and PaCO(2) 〉 45 mm Hg. The most frequent cause of respiratoty failure is severe form of obstructive sleep apnea. In approximately 10% of patients obesity hypoventilation syndrome is diagnosed. Diagnosis is established during polysomnographic examination. Patients are treated with nocturnal ventilatory suport CPAP or BiPAP. Causative treatment is based on weight reduction. Low - calorie diet is ineffective. Bariatric surgery available in Poland is effective.

Surgical Maxillomandibular Advancement Technique

Some of the most severe forms of obstructive sleep apnea are attributed to anatomic abnormalities in the facial skeleton. With the use of conventional orthognathic surgical techniques, it is possible to expand the posterior airway. In fact, there is strong evidence in the literature to support maxillomandibular advancement as one of the most efficacious surgical procedures for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). There are complications associated with this procedure but these are minor when compared with the risk of inadequately treated OSA.

Age specific differences in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea

Background Some have suggested that younger children have a more severe form of obstructive sleep apnea than older children and therefore are at a higher risk for respiratory compromise after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. However, at present there are few studies that have identified any significant correlation between age and severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Objective To determine if age specific differences in obstructive sleep apnea are present in children. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary care children's hospital. Patients The records of children (1–18 years of age) with obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed by overnight polysomnography between January 1998 and January 2001 were reviewed. Children included in the study also had evidence of adenotonsillar hypertrophy and had no other co-existing medical problems. Main outcome measures Overnight polysomnography was performed in all children. Apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), baseline and lowest O 2 saturation, baseline and peak end tidal CO 2, and total number of obstructive apneas, hypopneas, central apneas and mixed apneas were measured during each polysomnogram. Children were subdivided into the following age groups: 1–2, 3–5, 6–11 and 12–18 years. Polysomnograms were classified into normal, mild, moderate and severe categories. Results Three hundred and sixty-three children were studied; 45 children were ages 1–2 years, 159 children were ages 3–5 years, 137 children were 6–11 years and 22 children were 12–18 years. Although there appears to be a trend towards a greater mean number of obstructive apneas, hypopneas, central apneas, mixed apneas, a higher mean AHI, lower mean SaO 2 nadir, and a higher mean PETCO 2 in the younger age groups when compared to the older groups, a Student's t-test demonstrates that there is no statistical significance for most OSA parameters. An analysis of variance using the F-test reveals statistical significance ( p < 0.01) when children ages 1–2 were compared to those 3–5, 6–11 or 12–18 years of age for the variables AHI, mean number of central apneas, hypopneas and mixed apneas. When comparing patients in the various severity categories, children ages 1–2 years show a distinct distribution with a larger percentage in the moderate to severe categories. Chi square analysis reveals a significant difference between the frequency distribution of children in age group 1–2 years and that of the other age groups ( p < 0.01). Conclusion There is a predilection for children less than 3 years of age to have more severe obstructive sleep apnea as documented by polysomnography. Central apnea also appears to be more common in this age group. These findings may be explained by anatomic and physiologic differences related to age and support a period of observation following adenotonsillectomy in younger children.

Genomics of Sleep-disordered Breathing

The technologies of genomics and proteomics are powerful tools for discovering novel gene and protein expression responses to disease. Considerable evidence indicates that a genetic basis exists to the causes of sleep-disordered breathing, in particular its most common form of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is characterized by periods of intermittent hypoxia and disrupted sleep. However, the genetic contribution to the pathogenesis of OSA has largely been determined using traditional genetic approaches of family, twin, and linkage studies in clinical populations and quantitative trait loci and targeted gene procedures in animal models of OSA. In contrast to the pathogenesis of OSA, the consequences or sequelae of OSA are highly amenable to genomic and proteomic approaches. Animal studies have assessed changes in gene and protein expression in multiple organ systems in response to intermittent hypoxia and sleep deprivation and uncovered novel gene activation paradigms. The first tentative steps have been made toward applying proteomic analyses of blood and urine from patients with OSA as a potential screening tool for diagnosis in the clinical setting. It is anticipated that genomic and proteomic technologies will become increasingly used in the area of OSA with the unprecedented access to tissue in procedures such as bariatric surgery. OSA represents a severe insult to the oxygenation of tissues and the homeostasis of sleep, and genomic and proteomic approaches hold promise for defining previously unexplored mechanisms and pathways that lead to downstream pathologies, including hypertension, insulin resistance, and neurocognitive dysfunction.