Management Of Sleep-disordered Breathing Research Articles

Management of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with syndromic hemifacial macrosomia.

Patients with syndromic hemifacial microsomia (SHFM) are at risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence of OSA and its management, especially in patients with Goldenhar syndrome (GS). The respiratory polygraphies and clinical management of 15 patients, aged 2 to 23years, evaluated at a national reference center, were analyzed. Four (27%) patients had no OSA, 4 (27%) had mild OSA, and 7 (46%), of whom 5 were ≤ 2years old, had severe OSA. None of the patients had central apneas. Only one patient had alveolar hypoventilation, and another one had nocturnal hypoxemia. Two patients had severe OSA despite prior adenoidectomy or mandibular distraction osteogenesis. Median duration of follow-up was 3.5years (range 0.5-9years). None of the patients without OSA or with mild OSA at baseline respiratory polygraphy developed OSA during the follow up. Among the 7 patients with severe OSA, 3 required continuous positive airway pressure or noninvasive ventilation, and one patient required a tracheostomy. In conclusion, patients with SHFM are at high risk of severe OSA at any age, underlining the importance of systematic sleep studies to diagnose and evaluate the severity of OSA. Individualized treatment should be privileged, based on a careful examination of the entire upper airway, taking in account potential associated risk factors. All patients with SHFM should be managed by a pediatric expert multidisciplinary medical/surgical team until the end of post pubertal growth.

Potential determinants of nocturnal hypoxemic burden and its association with atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation

Abstract Background Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is present in approximately half of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) scheduled for catheter ablation (CA) and coincides with an elevated nocturnal hypoxemia. Purpose To evaluate determinants of nocturnal hypoxemic burden metrics and its association with AF recurrence after CA in patients undergoing a systematic SDB management and treatment pathway. Methods Consecutive AF patients scheduled for CA without history of SDB and/or SDB screening were included. Patients were referred to a virtual SDB management pathway including mobile health supported overnight home sleep test. An apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) of 5 to <15 and ≥ 15 were interpreted as mild and moderate-to-severe SDB, respectively. Oximetry data from home sleep tests were analyzed by a computer algorithm to evaluate metrics of nocturnal hypoxemic burden: time spent below 90% oxygen desaturation (T90) based on acute desaturations (T90 desat) or non-specific drifts in oxygen desaturation (T90 non-spec). Patients were monitored for AF recurrences through standard 12-lead ECG or Holter ECG and/or smartphone-based photophletysmography (PPG) performed at 3- and 12-month follow up. Multiple regression analysis was employed to (1) evaluate determinants of nocturnal hypoxemic burden metrics and (2) identify predictors of AF recurrence during 12 months after CA (excluding 3 months blanking period). Results The analysis included 210 patients (42% female, mean age 64± 9 years). Median AHI was 14.7 [6.7-24.7], median T90desat was 0.25 [0.03-1.42] minutes, T90non-spec 0.26 [0.08-0.78] minutes. Overall, 101 (48%) patients were diagnosed with moderate-to-severe SDB and 68 (32%) had mild SDB. Of patients with moderate-to- severe SDB and mild SDB, 87% and 46%, respectively, received a SDB therapy recommendation. Multiple linear regression analysis identified diabetes mellitus (B 8.611 95%CI 1.350-15.871, p=0.020) and AHI ≥ 15 (B 5.886, 95%CI 1.793-9.979, p= 0.005) as predictors of T90non-spec. Thyroid dysfunction (B 1.849, 95%CI 0.623-3.075, p=0.003) and AHI ≥ 15 (B 2.161, 95%CI 1.320-3.001, p<0.001) were significant predictors of T90desat. During 12 months after CA, 65 (31%) patients had experienced at least one AF recurrence after the blanking period. After multiple Cox-regression, age (HR 1.032, 95%CI 1.002-1.063, p= 0.035) and BMI ≥ 25 (HR 2.029, 95%CI 1.032-3.989, p=0.040) remained predictors for AF recurrences. Conclusions In AF patients scheduled for CA, SDB (AHI ≥ 15) and thyroid dysfunction were predictors for nocturnal hypoxemic burden with repetitive desaturations (T90desat). SDB and diabetes mellitus were predictors for nocturnal hypoxemic burden without repetitive desaturations (T90non-spec). In patients with AF who followed a virtual SDB management and treatment pathway, SDB presence and nocturnal hypoxemic burden metrics did not emerge as predictors, whereas age and BMI (≥25) remained significant predictors for AF recurrence.

Editorial: Novel technologies in the diagnosis and management of sleep-disordered breathing

Editorial: Novel technologies in the diagnosis and management of sleep-disordered breathing

Management of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in a Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Center: Model of Care Adaptation and Implementation.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent and poorly managed in spinal cord injury (SCI). Alternative management models are urgently needed to improve access to care. We previously described the unique models of three SCI rehabilitation centers that independently manage uncomplicated OSA. The primary objective was to adapt and implement a similar rehabilitation-led model of managing OSA in an SCI rehabilitation center in Australia. Secondary objectives were to identify the local barriers to implementation and develop and deliver tailored interventions to address them. A clinical advisory group comprised of rehabilitation clinicians, external respiratory clinicians, and researchers adapted and developed the care model. A theory-informed needs analysis was performed to identify local barriers to implementation. Tailored behavior change interventions were developed to address the barriers and prepare the center for implementation. Pathways for ambulatory assessments and treatments were developed, which included referral for specialist respiratory management of complicated cases. Roles were allocated to the team of rehabilitation doctors, physiotherapists, and nurses. The team initially lacked sufficient knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver the OSA care model. To address this, comprehensive education and training were provided. Diagnostic and treatment equipment were acquired. The OSA care model was implemented in July 2022. This is the first time a rehabilitation-led model of managing OSA has been implemented in an SCI rehabilitation center in Australia. We describe a theory-informed method of adapting the model of care, assessing the barriers, and delivering interventions to overcome them. Results of the mixed-methods evaluation will be reported separately.

A new approach to streamline obstructive sleep apnea therapy access using peripheral arterial tone-based home sleep test devices

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition that negatively impacts cardiovascular, metabolic and mental health. A high proportion of individuals with OSA remain undiagnosed and incur significant healthcare costs. The gold standard OSA diagnostic is in-lab polysomnography, but this is costly and time-consuming. Home sleep apnea tests (HSATs), including cardiorespiratory polygraphy and peripheral artery tonometry technology, provide an alternative. Advances in HSAT technology include non-invasive, easy-to-use medical devices that could allow unobtrusive, accessible, multi-night, cost-effective diagnosis and management of sleep-disordered breathing. One type of these devices is based on determination of peripheral arterial tone, and use photoplethysmography signals from the finger (oxygen saturation, pulse wave amplitude and pulse rate). The devices contain algorithms that use these data to generate the traditional metrics required by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. They can be used to record sleep parameters over multiple nights at home, and can also provide information on total sleep time (TST) and sleep stages (including time spent in rapid eye movement sleep). The combination of objective measures (apnea-hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index, respiratory disturbance index, TST) and subjective measures (symptoms and other patient-reported outcome measures) could facilitate the development of a personalized therapeutic plan for OSA patients. It is anticipated that the streamlined digital pathway facilitated by new peripheral artery tone-based technology could contribute to reducing the underdiagnosis of OSA, accelerating access to appropriate treatment, and the optimization of OSA therapy.

Sleep Disordered Breathing in Children with Neuromuscular Disease.

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in children with neuromuscular disease (NMD) is more prevalent compared to the general population, and often manifests as sleep-related hypoventilation, sleep-related hypoxemia, obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and/or disordered control of breathing. Other sleep problems include, sleep fragmentation, abnormal sleep architecture, and nocturnal seizures in certain neuromuscular diseases. The manifestation of sleep disordered breathing in children depends on the extent, type, and progression of neuromuscular weakness, and in some instances, may be the first sign of a neuromuscular weakness leading to diagnosis of an NMD. In-lab diagnostic polysomnography (PSG) remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of sleep disordered breathing in children, but poses several challenges, including access to many children with neuromuscular disease who are non-ambulatory. If SDB is untreated, it can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Hence, we aimed to perform a comprehensive review of the literature of SDB in children with NMD. This review includes pathophysiological changes during sleep, clinical evaluation, diagnosis, challenges in interpreting PSG data using American Academy of Sleep (AASM) diagnostic criteria, management of SDB, and suggests areas for future research.

Sleep-disordered breathing and dental sleep medicine: Implications for oral health and overall well-being

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a prevalent condition that encompasses a range of disorders, such as snoring, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and upper airway resistance syndrome. These disorders have significant implications for both oral health and overall well-being. Dental sleep medicine (DSM) plays a crucial role in the identification, diagnosis, and management of SDB, offering effective treatment options for patients. As awareness grows regarding the detrimental effects of airway disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as a sleep-related breathing disorder, it becomes important to recognize the potential role of dentists in offering solutions in this field. This recognition gives rise to a new aspect of dentistry known as Dental Sleep Medicine (DSM). DSM focuses on the practice of clinical dentistry with the goal of achieving an ideal jaw relationship and establishing normal oral function and performance. One crucial aspect of function and performance is the airway and breathing, which is among the most vital functions for human beings. Any alterations in the airway and breathing patterns can lead to changes in the posture of the tongue, jaws, and head, ultimately resulting in malocclusion. Early dental treatment not only has a positive impact on the teeth but also helps establish the best possible airway at an early age. Dentists now play a crucial and integral role as part of an interdisciplinary group involved in managing Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders (SRBDs). This review article aims to provide guidance to dentists in identifying children or adults who are suspected or at risk of SRBDs. Additionally, it will explain the roles of dentists and orthodontists in the management and treatment of SRBDs.

0804 Sleep-disordered Breathing in Myelomeningocele and Chiari II Malformation: Our Experience at a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract Introduction Children with myelomeningocele (MMC) and Chiari Malformation type II (CMII) have some degree of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), which may include central apnea, obstructive apnea, and hypoventilation. Untreated SDB may lead to growth failure, neurocognitive and behavioral abnormalities, cor pulmonale, and death. There is no standardized diagnostic and management protocol to be followed if SDB is suspected in a patient with CMII and MMC. Methods Variability in physician practice patterns was assessed for patients with CMII and MMC suspected of having SDB at a tertiary care center from January 2008 to December 2018. Results 180 patients with CM2 and MMC were identified. Pulmonology/Sleep providers were consulted on 63 of them. A sleep study was ordered for 73% of these patients, with snoring being the most common indication. Most patients had obstructive sleep apnea, with mean obstructive AHI of 6 events/h. Recommendations after sleep study included supplemental oxygen (20%), non-invasive positive airway pressure initiation (9%), subspecialty referral in 35% (otolaryngology and neurosurgery), and tracheostomy with mechanical ventilation in 10% of the patients. Conclusion In a large tertiary care center, there was significant variability in clinical practice patterns for children with CM2 and MMC who have SDB. Clinicians caring for these patients should consider PSG to enhance early diagnosis and management of SDB. A standardized diagnostic and management protocol could complement physician judgment to care for this complex patient population. Support (if any)

Implementation of Apnea Monitor with Telemedicine Smartphone System (TMSS) for diagnosis and management of sleep-disordered breathing in Cases of Respiratory Disorders in Indonesia

In connection with the increase in patients with respiratory problems in the Kenjeran Health Centre area of Surabaya City and the cases of respiratory problems in Covid 19 patients which caused a lack of treatment for these patients due to limited health workers and insufficient monitoring equipment, resulting in an impact on the health service system for patients being disrupted. The Community Service Programme with the PKM scheme is carried out in the form of synergistic cooperation between the Poltekkes Kemenkes Surabaya and the Surabaya City Health Office which is oriented towards community independence through counseling and mentoring, especially in the application of the use of Apnea Monitor at the respiration rate using the Telemedicine Smartphone System (TMSS). These problems are obtained from supporting data about the general description, health degree situation, health resource situation, health service efforts and disease cases at the Kenjeran Health Centre obtained from the Surabaya City Community Satisfaction Survey 2016-2021 so that they can be analysed for problem solutions. With the concept of methodology, a design / flow of extension activities and assistance in the application of the use of Apnea Monitor with Telemedicine System carried out by a team consisting of 3 lecturers and 3 students in accordance with their fields of expertise as well as participants from Kenjeran Health Centre and the community in the area, so that the Community Service activities to be carried out are expected to help solve the problems faced by Kenjeran Health Centre. The results of activities that have been achieved are: 1).The results of SPO2 and BPM values on 40 workers are recorded.2). Identification of 40 workers who do not experience respiratory problems; 3). Identification of workers with respiratory problems (none); 4) Implementation of the TMSS apnea monitor system by measuring SPO2 and BPM in smoking workers in the Kenjeran Health Centre area. Future development plans for the Apnea Monitor -TMSS tool can be accessed via the web.

Identifying gaps in clinical evaluation and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing in women veterans.

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a common sleep disorder in veterans; however, limited research exists in women veterans. We sought to estimate patterns of care in terms of evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment among women veterans with factors associated with elevated SDB risk. Within one VA healthcare system, women identified through electronic health record data as having one or more factors (e.g., age >50 years, hypertension) associated with SDB, completed telephone screening in preparation for an SDB treatment study and answered questions about prior care related to SDB diagnosis and treatment. Of 319 women, 111 (35%) reported having completed a diagnostic sleep study in the past, of whom 48 (43%) were diagnosed with SDB. Women who completed a diagnostic study were more likely to have hypertension or obesity. Those who were diagnosed with SDB based on the sleepstudy were more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, or be ≥50 years old. Of the 40 women who received treatment, 37 (93%) received positive airway pressure therapy. Only 9 (24%) had used positive airway pressure therapy in the prior week. Few women received other treatments such as oral appliances or surgery. Findings support the need for increased attention to identification and management of SDB in women veterans, especially those with conditions associated with elevated SDB risk.

Prevalence of High Blood Pressure in Pediatric Patients with Sleep-Disordered Breathing, Reversibility after Treatment: The KIDS TRIAL Study Protocol.

Current data support an increase in the prevalence of high blood pressure (HBP) in pediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Adeno-tonsillectomy has been shown to be an effective treatment for most patients. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of HBP in pediatric patients with SDB and the impact of adeno-tonsillectomy with a multicenter, longitudinal, and prospective study that included 286 children referred for suspected SDB. The diagnosis of SDB was established by polysomnography (PSG) and the diagnosis of HBP by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). In patients without SDB and SDB without treatment indication, these tests were repeated six months after the baseline visit. For patients with medical treatment for SDB, the tests were repeated six months after the treatment initiation. Finally, in patients with surgery indication, ABPM was performed just before surgical treatment and ABPM and PSG six months after the intervention. The study contributes to elucidating the association between SDB and HBP in pediatric patients. Moreover, it contributes to determining if intervention with adeno-tonsillectomy is associated with BP reduction. The results have direct implications for the management of SDB, providing essential information on treatment indications for existing clinical guidelines. NCT03696654.

Sleep-disordered breathing in children seeking orthodontic care-an Australian perspective.

The prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in children is underestimated due to impediments in detection and diagnosis. Consequently, delayed management may affect the quality of life and the growth and development of a child. Due to their patient demographic, orthodontists are optimally positioned to identify those at risk of sleep-disordered breathing and make referrals for investigation and management. This study aims to determine the prevalence of children at risk of sleep-disordered breathing in an Australian orthodontic population. A 1-year retrospective study was conducted in an urban Western Australian private orthodontic practice with two branches in similar socioeconomic demographics. The responses of new patients to a modified paediatric sleep questionnaire and standard medical history form were recorded. In 1209 patients (4-18 years), 7.3% were at risk of sleep-disordered breathing. An association between sex and the potential risk of sleep-disordered breathing was found with 11% of males at risk of sleep-disordered breathing compared to 7% of females (P= 0.012). The relatively high prevalence of children at risk of sleep-disordered breathing presenting for orthodontic care presents an opportunity to identify at-risk individuals through routine use of the paediatric sleep questionnaire. This would facilitate early referral for diagnosis and management of sleep-disordered breathing.

Respiratory Function and Sleep Disordered Breathing in Pediatric Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The decline of respiratory function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is associated with sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and alteration of nocturnal gas exchange, first manifesting as nocturnal hypoventilation (NH). However, the correlation between the pulmonary function measured by spirometry (PFT) and the onset of SDB with or without NH is unclear. The aims of this study are to identify the prevalence and features of SDB and to investigate the relationship between lung function determined by forced vital capacity (FVC) and sleep abnormalities in a large pediatric DMD population. This was a retrospective, single-center cohort study. FVC% predicted (FVC%) was calculated using predicted equations from the Global Lung Function Initiative. NH was defined by transcutaneous (tc) CO2 >50 mm Hg for >25% of total sleep time (TST), borderline NH by a mean tcCO2 between 45 and 50 mm Hg or tcCO2>50 mm Hg for ≤25% of TST, and clinically meaningful obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by obstructive apnea-hypopnea index >5. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of FVC < 50% to indicate the presence of nocturnal hypoventilation were calculated. One hundred thirty-four patients underwent 284 sleep studies and 1222 PFT. The mean (SD) age at the first and the last sleep study was 12.9 (2.7) and 14.3 (2.6) years, respectively. Borderline NH (n = 31) was detected in both ambulant and early-nonambulant participants, while 100% of NH cases (n = 14) were nonambulant. NH was detected in 4 of the 14 patients despite an FVC >50%. Seventeen of the 26 patients with OSA presented with concomitant NH or borderline NH. FVC <50% was associated with NH indicating a sensitivity and specificity of 73% and 86%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 32% and 97%, respectively. PFT showed a nonlinear, sudden FVC% decline in 18% of cases. FVC% <50 was associated with NH in close to a third of patients. CO2 elevation can be associated with obstructive/pseudo-obstructive events and was also observed in early nonambulant cases or in the presence of FVC >50%. These results are relevant for the clinical management of SDB.

0378 Daytime PAP Accommodation: A Breath of Fresh Air

Abstract Introduction Rising healthcare costs and resource utilization represents a growing problem in the United States, especially for individuals with progressive neuromuscular disorders. Diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea has been demonstrated to decrease healthcare resources in the general population; however, there is no well-defined approach to diagnosis and management of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in patients with neuromuscular disease (NMD). Many providers believe it best to diagnose and introduce positive airway pressure (PAP) support during a single overnight in-laboratory sleep study. Patients with NMD require a team with understanding of sleep physiology, complex pulmonary pathophysiology, disease process and progression, and advanced PAP therapy modes and indications. Optimal treatment requires patient and caregiver education, frequent monitoring of PAP data, ongoing evaluation of oxygenation and ventilation parameters, as well as assistance with device issues. We hypothesized a focused, personalized approach to managing patients with NMD will improve patient adherence to PAP therapy, nocturnal oxygenation, and ventilation, as well as limit hospital admissions. Methods 10 patients diagnosed with NMD (including muscular dystrophy, diaphragm paralysis, and scoliosis) presented to UPMC Montefiore sleep lab for daytime accommodation study with a pulmonary-sleep physician and dual-trained respiratory therapist-sleep technician. The visit included mask fitting, patient education, and initiation of PAP therapy with titration of bilevel pressure settings. Data collected included: pre- and 3-month-post nocturnal oxygen saturation and serum bicarbonate level; data download at 3 months including device usage, leak, average PAP pressures; and number of hospital admissions. Results All 10 patients demonstrated initiation of PAP therapy with usage on 100% of days for minimum of 6 hours per night. There was improvement in average nocturnal oxygen saturation and serum bicarbonate level after visit compared to prior. 3 patients were hospitalized in 6-12 months following, none for respiratory related reasons. Conclusion In this pilot study, an innovative daytime PAP accommodation study for patients with sleep-disordered breathing due to NMD results in excellent initiation and adherence to PAP therapy, as well as improvement in oxygenation and ventilation and minimal hospitalizations. Future studies are necessary including a larger randomized trial to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of home based NIV initiation. Support (If Any) NIH T32 HL082610-15, American Thoracic Society ASPIRE fellowship

0518 Clinical Correlates, Diagnosis, and Management of Sleep-disordered Breathing in Young Children with Down Syndrome

Abstract Introduction Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have high rates of sleep-disordered breathing and demonstrate more severe manifestations of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) compared with non-syndromic patients. The consequences of untreated OSA in childhood include pulmonary hypertension, cognitive dysfunction, and abnormal growth. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children with DS have a sleep study by age four years. It is unclear if these guidelines are sufficient to address the burden of disease in very young patients. There is also a paucity of data regarding clinical characteristics associated with OSA and outcomes following medical or surgical intervention in this population. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center for all children with DS born between 2013-2019. Electronic medical record data were extracted including demographics, use of PSG, incidence of OSA, age at diagnosis, OSA severity, and interventions utilized. Statistical analysis used Fishers exact tests and analysis of variance with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results A total of 397 patients met inclusion criteria and 235 (59%) had a sleep study. Most patients (n = 221, 94%) had an abnormal PSG and 60% had moderate or severe disease. There was an inverse relationship between age at first sleep study and OSA severity (p <0.0001). Most patients (82%) had a sleep study due to the presence of symptoms; among asymptomatic patients, 91% met polysomnographic criteria for OSA. OSA severity was associated with increased rates of failure to thrive (p < 0.01), aspiration (p = 0.005), G-tube feeding (p = 0.025), and pulmonary hypertension (p = 0.005). Most patients (n=178, 79%) required multiple interventions to manage their OSA. Conclusion In this cohort of infants and young children with DS who underwent PSG, a majority had moderate to severe OSA. The pervasiveness of severe disease in young infants suggests that current surveillance guidelines are inadequate. Infants should be evaluated with PSG in the first month of life regardless of clinical symptoms. Further study is needed to prospectively evaluate the impact of early diagnosis and intervention on long term outcomes. Support (If Any)

Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Newly Diagnosed Patients of Lung Cancer.

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is highly prevalent in patients with cancer and affects their prognosis. However, data on SDB in lung cancer patients are lacking, and few studies have conducted level I polysomnography (PSG) in this patient population. This study aimed to measure SDB in newly diagnosed lung cancer patients at the sleep clinic of a tertiary respiratory institute in New Delhi, India, for eight months. This study included 30 patients. Participants received a clinical examination, completed a sleep questionnaire, and then underwent overnight PSG. We scored sleep parameters according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. We used univariate analysis with chi-square testing, and p<0.05 was considered significant. SDB and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were found in 66.6% and 56.6% of patients, respectively. Mild, moderate, and severe OSA were seen in 26.6%, 16.6%, and 13.3% of patients, respectively. Nocturnal oxygen desaturation (NOD) or NOD90 (i.e., when >30% of sleep time was spent with oxygen saturation levels <90%) was seen in 13.3% of patients. Adenocarcinoma was the most common histological variant of cancer. Tumor-node-metastasis staging was significantly associated with the presence of OSA (p=0.045). Lung cancer patients should receive routine PSG to identify and manage patients with SDB, especially given that symptoms of SDB such as easy fatigability and non-refreshing sleep are overlooked as symptoms of lung cancer. Proper management of SDB or OSA would help improve patients' quality of life and improve their overall prognosis.

Management of sleep-disordered breathing in three spinal cord injury rehabilitation centres around the world: a mixed-methods study.

Mixed-methods observational study. To describe the sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) management models of three spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation centres that are screening, diagnosing and treating uncomplicated SDB, and to determine their common elements. Three specialist SCI rehabilitation centres. Data collection at each site included direct observations and interviews with lead clinical staff and an audit of SDB-related clinical practice in 2019. Detailed descriptions of the models of care, including process maps, were developed. A theory-based analysis of the common elements of the three care models was undertaken. At each centre a multidisciplinary team, consisting of medical, allied health and/or nursing staff, provided a comprehensive SDB management service that included screening, diagnosis and treatment. Inpatients with SCI were assessed for SDB with overnight oximetry and/or polygraphy. Further assessment of patient symptoms, respiratory function, and hypercapnia supported the diagnostic process. Treatment with positive airway pressure was initiated on the ward. Having a collaborative, skilled team with strong leadership and adequate resources were the key, common enablers to providing the service. It is feasible for multi-disciplinary SCI rehabilitation teams to independently diagnose and treat uncomplicated SDB without referral to specialist sleep services provided they are adequately resourced with equipment and skilled staff. Similar models of care could substantially improve access to SDB treatment for people with SCI. Further research is required to determine the non-inferiority of these alternatives to specialist care.

Abnormal Sleep-Related Breathing Related to Heart Failure.

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is highly prevalent in patients with heart failure (HF). Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA) in patients with HF are associated with worse outcomes. Detailed sleep history along with polysomnography (PSG) should be conducted if SDB is suspected in patients with HF. First line of treatment is the optimization of medical therapy for HF and if symptoms persist despite optimization of the treatment, positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy will be started to treat SDB. At present, there is limited evidence to prescribe any drugs for treating CSA in patients with HF. There is limited evidence for the efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) in improving mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). There is a need to perform well-designed studies to identify different phenotypes of CSA/OSA in patients with HF and to determine which phenotype responds to which therapy. Results of ongoing trials, ADVENT-HF, and LOFT-HF are eagerly awaited to shed more light on the management of CSA in patients with HF. Until then the management of SDB in patients with HF is limited due to the lack of evidence and guidance for treating SDB in patients with HF.

EP237: Clinical correlates, diagnosis, and management of sleep-disordered breathing in young children with Down syndrome

Individuals with Down syndrome have high rates of sleep-disordered breathing and demonstrate more severe manifestations of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in terms of hypoxemia, hypoventilation, and sleep disturbance compared with non-syndromic patients. Infants are especially predisposed to airway obstruction and abnormal gas exchange during sleep due to unique anatomic and physiologic features. The consequences of untreated OSA in childhood include pulmonary hypertension, cognitive and behavioral dysfunction, and abnormal growth.

Rapid Maxillary Expansion in Pediatric Patients with Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Cephalometric Variations in Upper Airway’s Dimension

Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is considered an effective treatment in the management of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and malocclusions in pediatric patients, not only because it is able to correct the transverse maxillary deficiency, but it also widens the floor of the nasal cavities, leading to a drastic and immediate reduction in air resistance and facilitating a normal nasal breathing pattern. The aim of this study was to evaluate cephalometric changes in the upper airway’s dimensions and facial morphology in pediatric SDB patients treated with RME, comparing data with a no-SDB group treated with RME for malocclusion. In this retrospective study, pre-treatment and post-treatment cephalometric variables were measured on lateral skull radiographs from 20 SDB pediatric patients (nine males and 11 females) aged 6 to 9 years (mean age 7.61 ± 0.6), treated with a rapid maxillary expander, and 20 control patients without SDB (nine males and 11 females) aged 6 to 11 years (mean age 8.4 ± 0.5). In both groups, there were statistically significant changes in the variables indicating the airway’s dimensions and mandibular sagittal position in relation to the cranial base, with a skeletal class II correction in SDB children. Rapid maxillary expansion is associated with an increase in upper-airway dimensions in SDB children, as well as in control healthy subjects, with a possible correction of class II relationship.