Mixed Sleep Apnea Research Articles

Comparative effects of moderate-intensity interval training on sleep quality and functional capacity in atrial fibrillation patients with two types of sleep apnea

IntroductionThis study aimed to examine the effects of moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) on the quality of sleep and functional capacity in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with different presentations of sleep apnoea after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.Methods18 participants with AF and sleep apnoea aged 45–65 years were assigned into two groups: AF with obstructive sleep apnoea group (group A, n1 = 9) and AF with mixed sleep apnoea group (group B, n2 = 9). Both groups received MIIT for ten weeks (3 sessions / week) and medical treatment (i.e., Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and drug therapy). Exclusion criteria were unstable cardiac comorbidities and neurological/musculoskeletal limitations to exercise intervention. Outcome measures included sleep parameters collected from the actigraphy, overall sleep quality rating domain of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and six-minute walk distance (6-MWD).ResultsSignificant changes were present in the means of all outcomes in group A (p < 0.05) and two outcomes (i.e., cut points & 6-MWD) in group B compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Also, there were significant differences in the absolute mean changes from baseline (∆) between the two groups, in favour of group A, in sleep latency (p < 0.001), total sleep duration (p = 0.026), sleep efficiency (p < 0.001), overall sleep quality rating item of the PSQI (p = 0.001), and 6-MWD (p = 0.008).ConclusionsMIIT can be a supplementary therapeutic intervention that could contribute to greater positive changes in sleep quality and functional capacity in AF patients with obstructive sleep apnoea rather than in AF patients with mixed sleep apnoea post-CABG. MIIT could enhance the functional capacity independent of improving sleep quality in patients with AF and mixed sleep apnoea post-CABG.

Ventricular assist devices and sleep-disordered breathing-A mechanical heart stimulating a sleepy brain.

Sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA), is common in severe heart failure (HF) patients. There is limited data on the effect of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) on sleep apnea. We performed a retrospective review of 350 durable LVAD patients and found 5 with a history of pre- and post-LVAD sleep studies. All five patients had OSA, and three had concomitant CSA. We observed reduced apnea-hypopnea index following LVAD placement. This was due to a near abolishment of CSA in three mixed sleep apnea patients-as seen by a central apnea index improvement from an average of 25.9 ± 13.1 to 1.4 ± 2.5 events per hour (p = 0.063). LVAD placement was associated with an increase in thermodilution cardiac output from 2.7 ± 0.6 to 4.1 ± 1.1 L/min (p = 0.014). These findings support chemoreception physiology seen in patients with poor circulation and the effect of restoring this circulation with LVAD support.

Prevalence of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is common in patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). However, the prevalence of SDB varies widely between studies. Early identification of SDB and factors contributing to its incidence is essential, particularly when considering growth hormone (GH) therapy. The aims of the study were to describe the prevalence and phenotypes of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and to determine the effects of age, gender, symptoms, GH therapy and body mass index on SDB severity. This study was a retrospective chart review of all patients with genetically confirmed Prader-Willi syndrome who underwent diagnostic overnight polysomnography (PSG) in the sleep laboratory at Sidra Medicine. Clinical and PSG data of enrolled patients were collected. We identified 20 patients (nine males, eleven females) with PWS who had overnight sleep polysomnography (PSG) at a median age (IQR) of 5.83 (2.7-12) years. The median apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 8.55 (IQR 5.8-16.9) events/hour. The median REM-AHI was 27.8 (IQR 15-50.6) events/hour. The median obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) was 7.29 (IQR 1.8-13.5) events/hour. The median central apnea-hypopnea index (CAHI) was 1.77 (IQR 0.6-4.1) events/hour. Nineteen patients (95%) demonstrated SDB by polysomnography (PSG) based on AHI ≥1.5 events/hour. Nine patients (45%) were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Three patients (15%) were diagnosed with central sleep apnea (CSA). Seven patients (35%) were diagnosed with mixed sleep apnea. No correlations were observed between AHI and age, gender, BMI, symptoms, or GH therapy. However, REM-AHI was significantly correlated with BMI (P=0.031). This study shows a high prevalence of SDB among our patients with PWS. Obstructive sleep apnea was the predominant phenotype. BMI was the only predictor for high REM-AHI. Further studies of large cohorts are warranted to define SDB in PWS and design the appropriate treatment.

1032 Mixed sleep apnea management in a pediatric patient with Arnold Chiari type 1 and septo-optic dysplasia leading to hypopituitarism

Abstract Introduction Mixed Sleep apnea and Central sleep apnea are commonly noted in a patient with Arnold Chiari Malformation and definitive treatment of Arnold Chiari Malformation is surgical decompression. Report of case(s) The patient at the time of diagnosis of Mixed sleep apnea was 7 years old. She had already undergone tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy at the age of 4 years. Due to continued Sleep-disordered breathing, PSG was done in 2016 which showed predominantly mixed and central events. MRI was done which revealed Chiari 1 malformation with cerebellar tonsils extending 6 mm below the foramen magnum. The patient also due to septo-optic dysplasia and hypopituitarism followed with pediatric endocrinology and was on supplementation of Desmopressin, Hydrocortisone, Levothyroxine, and Somatropin. The mother at the time of pregnancy was a substance abuser, was incarcerated and the primary care was assumed by the patient’s legal guardian. The legal guardian was not interested in surgery for Arnold Chiari Malformation as she feared long-term outcomes and requested alternate treatment options. The patient underwent another split study and started on CPAP. The patient did not tolerate the CPAP and was transitioned to BiPAP. During her last clinic visit, the patient’s compliance had improved and she had achieved therapeutic AHI. The patient was also counseled on the effects of GH supplementation and untreated sleep apnea and is regularly followed by Sleep Medicine and Pediatric Endocrinology. The patient after transitioning to BiPAP has responded well to treatment for Mixed sleep apnea. Despite being on GH supplementation, with careful monitoring of hormone levels by Pediatric Endocrinology and symptom control by Sleep Medicine, the patient has shown remarkable improvement. Conclusion Mixed and central sleep apnea secondary to Arnold Chiari Malformation responds well to surgical decompression with improvement in sleep-disordered breathing. In a pediatric patient with complicated medical history with needing stress dose steroids, not a candidate for surgery, and intolerant to CPAP, BiPAP as a treatment modality showed good control of Sleep Apnea. Support (if any)

0997 Severe mixed sleep apnea in a patient with epilepsy and gene mutation EEFIA2

Abstract Introduction EEFIA2 gene mutation has been linked with epilepsy and intellectual disability. There have been case series and case reports in the past that have linked the gene mutation with both epilepsy and possible phenotypes of broad nasal bridge and tented upper lip. In previous cases, there has been no description of work up of sleep disordered breathing. Here, we present a case of sleep apnea in a patient with intractable epilepsy and gene mutation. Report of case(s) Patient is a toddler-aged female with epilepsy. She was diagnosed with infantile epileptic encephalopathy with a pathogenic mutation in EEF1A2 gene with intractable generalized myoclonic epilepsy, hypotonia, and developmental delay. She has been on several seizure medications in an effort to obtain seizure control. With medications she has been undergoing side effects of swallowing difficulties and increased sedation. During her neurology epilepsy follow up, she was noted to have frequent nighttime awakenings. She was scheduled to have a combined polysomnography and 24-hour electroencephalogram. Polysomnography performed which showed evidence of severe mixed central and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome with AHI of 100/h, CAI 42/H, OAHI - 57/h, and REM AHI of 106/h. Video Electroencephalogram performed at the same time and showed multiple atonic and myoclonic seizures with multifocal discharges. Patient was evaluated by otolaryngology and was not a candidate for surgical interventions. She was titrated on bilevel positive airway pressure during a split titration sleep study. Conclusion Genetic mutations and their phenotypes are becoming more widely addressed and researched. In this case we present a rare genetic mutation EEFIA2 which has presented as intellectual disability, hypotonia, and intractable epilepsy in this patient. Given some daytime somnolence and nighttime awakenings, a polysomnography was pursued and showed severe obstructive sleep apnea. In cases where phenotypes are not widely known, it is important to screen for sleep disorders. Support (if any)

Persistent Treatment-Emergent Central Sleep Apnea (TECSA) Following Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation.

Since 2001, hypoglossal nerve stimulators (HNS) have been used worldwide to treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Recently, a few studies reported treatment-emergent central sleep apnea (TECSA) with spontaneous resolution following HNS. However, the evidence of persistent development of TECSA during long-term care visits was lacking. As a result, this study first report two patients with persistent TECSA and describe their development phenotype during more than two years of follow-up visits to help explore the influencing factors and underlying mechanisms. This retrospective study included twenty-seven patients who underwent HNS implantation from 2016 to 2021. Their demographic data, pre- and postoperative sleep study characteristics, and device use settings were collected. The possible factors associated with post-operative elevated CSA (central apnea index ≥5) were evaluated. Moreover, the development phenotype of the TECSA was observed and followed up with a titration trial study. Among overall 27 patients with OSA, 3 patients with an increased preoperative Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) got an elevated CSA (CAI ≥ 5). Two of these 3 patients developed a persistent TECSA with a significant negative correlation between obstructive apnea index (OAI) and central and mixed sleep apnea index (CMAI) (R = -0.745, P = 0.021). These development phenotypes might be associated with different stimulation amplitudes of the HNS device. Furthermore, the following titration trial study also suggested that different amplitudes would influence the development of TECSA following HNS. OSA patients with severe daytime sleepiness are more likely to have elevated CSA following HNS. An inappropriate stimulation amplitude might influence the development course of TECSA in such patients.

Central and mixed sleep apnea related to patients treated with maxillomandibular advancement for obstructive sleep apnea: A retrospective cohort study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with a percentage of central and mixed apnea index in the total apnea−hypopnea index (CMAI%) ≧25%.Patients treated with MMA for OSA were retrospectively evaluated for baseline and postoperative patient data and polysomnographic results. The pre- and postoperative obstructive, central and mixed apnea parameters were compared.Of the included 78 patients, 21 patients (27%) presented with CMAI% ≧25% (median CMAI%, 49.1%; 35.9–63.8) prior to MMA. In 67% of these cases, MMA resulted in CMAI% <25 (median CMAI%, 6.1%; 2.1–8.9) and significantly improved the apnea−hypopnea index (AHI) (p < 0.001), the lowest oxyhemoglobin saturation (p < 0.001), central and mixed apnea index (p < 0.001), percentage of central and mixed apneas of total AHI (p = 0.004), central apnea index (p < 0.001), and mixed apnea index (p < 0.001). CMAI% ≧25% emerged in 25% of patients after MMA (median CMAI%, 49.1%; 35.9–63.8).Within the undeniable limitations of the study, it seems that the presence of CMAI% ≧25% should not be regarded as a contraindication for MMA in OSA patients.

Management of Sleep Apnea in Children with Chiari I Malformation: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: The literature indicates that decompression of Chiari I malformations (CM-1) may resolve symptoms of sleep apnea. This study aims to identify the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and mixed sleep apnea in a cohort of pediatric CM-1 patients treated at our institution. We also assessed apnea-hypopnea index and symptomatology before and after surgery to investigate if Chiari decompression is a viable treatment for sleep apnea in CM-1 patients. Improvement relative to ENT surgical intervention was also considered. Methods: We identified 75 patients who underwent polysomnography (PSG) from our database of 465 CM-1 patients. Sleep apnea diagnosis was based on the sleep physician’s overall interpretation of the PSG. Symptomatology pre- and post-surgery was analyzed. Results: Of the 75 CM-1 patients that underwent PSG, 23 were diagnosed with sleep apnea. Sixteen had OSA, 6 had CSA, and 1 had mixed apnea. Twelve OSA patients received ENT intervention. Eight improved and 2 further improved after Chiari decompression. Of the 4 patients that did not improve, one of those later improved following Chiari decompression. Of the 6 CSA patients, 2 underwent Chiari decompression, but only one improved. The mixed apnea patient underwent several ENT interventions that did not relieve symptoms but improved following Chiari decompression. Discussion/Conclusions: Based on our results, sleep apnea in CM-1 patients may be obstructive, central, or mixed and is likely multifactorial. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of these patients is important, including neurosurgery, otolaryngology, and sleep medicine. Future prospective studies will lend further insight into this condition and its management.

Sleep Apnea Prevalence and Severity among Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Background: The relationship between sleep disorders and diabetes is bidirectional; sleep disorders can raise the risk of developing insulin resistance, while diabetes would worsen sleep quality. Objectives: Assessment of the prevalence and severity of sleep apnea among patients with type II diabetes mellitus. Patients and Methods: a prospective cross-sectional study was carried out on 45 cases with type II diabetes mellitus that were either admitted in Aswan University hospital or sought medical advice in the out-patient clinics during the period from 2017 to 2019. For every patient, the demographic and clinical data were collected, blood glucose levels and HBA1c were measured and full night attended polysomnography was done. Results: 77.78% of the diabetic cases had sleep apnea syndrome. The most common pattern was obstructive sleep apnea (82.86%). Apnea hypopnea index, obstructive sleep apnea and mixed sleep apnea were considerably higher among cases who had clinical picture of neuropathy compared to those without clinical picture of neuropathy. There was a moderate positive correlation between HbA1c with both AHI (P =0.005, r= 0.464) and obstructive sleep apnea (P value 0.016, r= 0.405). Furthermore, there was a mild positive correlation between HbA1c and percentage of time spent with oxygen saturation <90% (TST< 90%) (P =0.022, r =0.385). Conclusion: The prevalence of sleep apnea and its severity is high among patients with type II diabetes mellitus.

Investigation of Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Portable Polysomnography in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder.

ObjectiveTo investigate snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) using portable polysomnography and identify sex-based differences in clinical features and sleep-related resultsMethodsSeventy consecutive patients (44 female; mean age, 46.6918.18 years) with myofascial pain-associated TMD, diagnosed based on the criteria for TMD Axis I, were enrolled. Sleep quality and quantity were measured using portable polysomnography. Clinical characteristics were investigated using well-structured standardized reports on clinical signs and symptoms, questionnaires, and clinical examination by TMD specialists.ResultsAmong 70 TMD patients, 50.0% had OSA and 15.7% had snoring, with no sex-based differences. The mean Mallampati scores for OSA prediction (2.69±1.12 vs. 1.70±0.82, p<0.001), mean body mass index (BMI) (24.94±1.78 vs. 22.02±2.24, p<0.001), and ratio of overweight patients (57.7 vs. 11.4%) with BMI ≥25 were significantly higher in males than in females (all p<0.001). Conversely, the mixed sleep apnea index was significantly higher in females than in males (0.81±0.80 vs. 0.44±0.54, p=0.022). Female sex was associated with the absence of snoring (OR=0.146, p=0.022). Based on the area under curve (AUC) value for snoring prediction, Mallampati score was the strongest predictor (AUC>0.932, p<0.001), followed by BMI, overweight, and obstructive sleep apnea index (AUC>0.8, all p<0.001).ConclusionsOur results support the necessity of investigating sex-based differences when examining sleep problems, including snoring and OSA, in TMD patients. Mallampati scoring could be a useful tool for physical examination prior to polysomnography. Sleep and biopsychosocial factors are important for the diagnosis and treatment of TMD.

Overnight shifts from obstructive to mixed sleep apneas can be a biomarker of OSA severity

• Mixed sleep apneas in OSA patients stem from a complex cascade of events. • Scoring procedure of OSA patients should point out the nocturnal occurrence of MSA (triggered versus spontaneous). • Overnight shift from obstructive to mixed sleep apneas can represent a biomarker of OSA severity.

Association Between Sleep Apnea and Valvular Heart Diseases.

Background: Although sleep respiratory disorders are known as a relevant source of cardiovascular risk, there is a substantial lack of trials aimed to evaluate the eventual occurrence of associations between sleep apnea (SA) and valvular heart diseases (VHD).Methods: We recruited 411 patients referring to our sleep disorder unit, among which 371 had SA. Ninety-three subjects with SA also suffered from VHD. Physical examination, echocardiography, nocturnal cardio-respiratory monitoring, and laboratory tests were performed in each patient. Patient subgroups were comparatively evaluated through cross-sectional analysis.Results: A statistically significant increase in the prevalence of VHD was detected in relation to high apnea hypopnea index (AHI) values (p = 0.011). Obstructive sleep apnea occurrence was higher in SA patients without VHD (p < 0.0001). Conversely, central and mixed sleep apneas were more frequent among SA patients with VHD (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.002, respectively). We observed a direct correlation between AHI and BMI values (p < 0.0001), as well as between AHI and serum uric acid levels (p < 0.0001), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (p < 0.0001), and indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume (p < 0.015), respectively. BMI and VHD resulted to be the main predictors of AHI values (p < 0.0001).Conclusions: Our study suggests that a significant association can occur between SA and VHD. It is clinically relevant that when compared to SA patients without VHD, higher frequencies of central and mixed apneas were found in subjects with SA and VHD. Moreover, after elevated BMI, VHD represented the second predictor of AHI values.

853 Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea after Treatment with Phrenic Nerve Implant for Central Sleep Apnea: A Case for Dual Stimulation?

Abstract Introduction The remedē® system is a transvenous phrenic nerve stimulator used to treat central sleep apnea (CSA). It is a safe and effective implantable device that has demonstrated significant improvements in objective sleep and quality of life. While complex sleep apnea represents development of central sleep apnea during treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnea, and has been well-described in the literature, we present a novel case of predominantly central sleep apnea treated with phrenic nerve stimulation with augmentation of obstructive events thereafter. This patient is, at the time of submission, being evaluated for hypoglossal nerve stimulation. Report of case(s) A 63-year-old male patient with a past medical history of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, GERD, obesity, and prior pulmonary embolism presented to the sleep medicine clinic with complaints of difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep, snoring, multiple nocturnal awakenings, excessive daytime sleepiness, and physical fatigue. On exam, BMI was 30.4, and airway classification was Mallampati 4. Split night polysomnography revealed severe mixed sleep apnea with an overall apnea hypopnea index (AHI) of 58.6 and a central AHI of 53.8 per hour after successful PAP titration at 7 cm H2O. He underwent phrenic nerve stimulator implantation and activation without complications. Phrenic nerve stimulation titration study four months after activation showed a normal central AHI of 4.6 per hour at a therapeutic voltage of 1.6 to 1.9mA, but significantly worse OSA with obstructive AHI of 53.1. In follow up, he reported intolerance of CPAP due to significant nasal congestion as well as asthma. Presently, he is scheduled for drug induced sleep endoscopy to visualize airway obstruction and is being evaluated for Inspire hypoglossal nerve stimulation and nasal surgery. Conclusion The treatment of sleep apnea has recently evolved rapidly with the development of implantable devices to treat both central and obstructive sleep apnea. We present a novel case of the first known patient to be considered for dual nerve stimulation for sleep apnea. Further study needs to be done to determine the safety and efficacy of concurrent implantable devices for the simultaneous treatment of OSA and CSA. Support (if any):

Gaussian Mixture Models for Detecting Sleep Apnea Events Using Single Oronasal Airflow Record

Sleep apnea is a common sleep-related disorder that significantly affects the population. It is characterized by repeated breathing interruption during sleep. Such events can induce hypoxia, which is a risk factor for multiple cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Polysomnography, the gold standard, is expensive, inaccessible, uncomfortable and an expert technician is needed to score sleep-related events. To address these limitations, many previous studies have proposed and implemented automatic scoring processes based on fewer sensors and machine learning classification algorithms. However, alternative device technologies developed for both home and hospital still have limited diagnostic accuracy for detecting apnea events even though many of the previous investigational algorithms are based on multiple physiological channel inputs. In this paper, we propose a new probabilistic algorithm based on (only) oronasal respiration signal for automated detection of apnea events during sleep. The proposed model leverages AASM recommendations for characterizing apnea events with respect to dynamic changes in the local respiratory airflow baseline. Unlike classical threshold-based classification models, we use a Gaussian mixture probability model for detecting sleep apnea based on the posterior probabilities of the respective events. Our results show significant improvement in the ability to detect sleep apnea events compared to a rule-based classifier that uses the same classification features and also compared to two previously published studies for automated apnea detection using the same respiratory flow signal. We use 96 sleep patients with different apnea severity levels as reflected by their Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) levels. The performance was not only analyzed over obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) but also over other types of sleep apnea events including central and mixed sleep apnea (CSA, MSA). Also the performance was comprehensively analyzed and evaluated over patients with varying disease severity conditions, where it achieved an overall performance of TPR=88.5%, TNR=82.5%, and AUC=86.7%. The proposed approach contributes a new probabilistic framework for detecting sleep apnea events using a single airflow record with an improved capability to generalize over different apnea severity conditions

Association between mixed sleep apnea and treatment-emergent central sleep apnea

Objective: To examine the association between mixed sleep apnea (MA) and treatment-emergent central sleep apnea (TE-CSA). Methods: A total of 256 patients meeting the diagnostic criteria of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) based on overnight polysomnography (PSG) and receiving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in West China Hospital, Sichuan University during the period from August 2013 to November 2018 were enrolled in the study. Based on the mixed apnea index (MAI) and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in the baseline PSG study during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the subjects were categorized into three groups of A (MAI=0/h, n=110), B (NREM-MAI≥5/h and REM-MAI<5/h, n=72) and C (REM-MAI≥5/h and NREM-MAI< 5/h, n=74). Sleep and breathing related parameters before and after CPAP therapy among three groups and the difference of TE-CSA incidence were analyzed. Results: The AHI [(44.2(26.8,64.5)/h,66.6(56.0,81.7)/h, 79.8(63.6, 88.3)/h], REM-AHI [50.0(34.7, 64.7)/h, 60.1(49.1, 70.0)/h, 66.3(56.1, 74.6)/h] and NREM-AHI[43.5(25.9, 65.1)/h,67.6(53.7, 82.4)/h,81.3(64.2, 91.5)/h]) were higher in group B and C compared to group A (all P<0.05),while the mean and lowest oxygen saturation [(92.6%±3.5%),(90.8%±3.6%),(87.3%±5.1%) and (70.6%±14.1%), (61.0%±16.0%), (47.9%±17.0%)] were lower in group B and group C compared to group A (all P<0.05). The incidence of TE-CSA after initial CPAP was 7.8% in all patients, and the incidence was significantly higher in group B of 14.1% compared to group C of 4.1% and group A of 2.7% (all P<0.05). Conclusions: TE-CSA is correlated with baseline MA, and baseline MA in NREM sleep can predict the incidence of TE-CSA after initial CPAP.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children.

1. Kevin Gipson, MD, MS* 2. Mengdi Lu, MD* 3. T. Bernard Kinane, MD* 1. *Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA * Abbreviations: AAP: : American Academy of Pediatrics AHI: : apnea-hypopnea index AT: : adenotonsillectomy Bi-level: : bilevel positive airway pressure CPAP: : continuous positive airway pressure CSA: : central sleep apnea FDA: : Food and Drug Administration OSA: : obstructive sleep apnea PAP: : positive airway pressure PSG: : polysomnography SDB: : sleep-disordered breathing An estimated 1% to 5% of children have sleep-disordered breathing related to obstructive sleep apnea, with a smaller proportion of children having central or mixed sleep apnea. Improved screening for sleep-disordered breathing in the general pediatrics clinic, coupled with effective management strategies, has the potential to have wide-ranging benefits on the patient’s long-term health and development. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Recognize the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in pediatric and adolescent patients. 2. Understand the role of in-laboratory sleep studies in the evaluation of pediatric patients with suspected sleep-disordered breathing. 3. Weigh the indications, benefits, and risks of various therapies for obstructive sleep apnea. 4. Have a general understanding of, and maintain an appropriate index of suspicion for, comorbid central sleep apnea when a patient presents with signs of sleep-disordered breathing. Sleep is central to a healthy childhood, and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)—the disruption of normal respiratory patterns and ventilation during sleep—is implicated in several behavioral and physical health issues. Although we now have strong evidence that chronic, unchecked obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can lead to hypertension, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, obesity, and neuropsychiatric and developmental issues, the full scope of the effect of SDB on health remains underappreciated by many clinicians (Table 1). View this table: Table 1. Disease States Associated with or Complicated by Chronic Sleep-Disordered Breathing Sleep research has rapidly expanded and evolved in the past few decades. Of recent note, chronobiologists Hall, Rosbash, and Young received the 2017 Nobel prize in medicine for their work on the cell’s internal clock. While the biological role of sleep remains mysterious, as famed researcher Allan Rechtschaffen once remarked, “If sleep …

Implication of mixed sleep apnea events in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.

Although mixed sleep apnea (MSA) is one of the three types of sleep apnea, it is not considered a separate disease entity. It is generally seen as a part of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), but its implications are often ignored. In this study, we examined its features and the potential impact on OSAHS patients. Subjects diagnosed with OSAHS by polysomnography (PSG) were enrolled. All participants underwent physical checkups and tests of blood biochemistry. They were anthropometrically, clinically, and polysomnographically studied. MSA events were common in patients with severe OSAHS patients. There were significant differences between the pure OSAHS group and its mixed counterpart in apnea-hypopnea indices during REM (AHIREM) and non-REM (AHINREM) and in percentages of N2 or N3 sleep. Logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjustment of other parameters, patients with MSA events were mostly male, had higher body mass index (BMI), higher scores on Epworth Sleepiness Scales (ESS), higher triglyceride (TG) levels, and higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). The combined predictive probability of the aforementioned variables was 0.766 (95% CI = 0.725~0.806; sensitivity 61.6%, specificity 82.1%). Our study suggested that MSA was related to the stability of the ventilatory control in OSAHS patients. MSA events occur more frequently in patients with severe OSAHS, and male gender, obesity, daytime sleepiness, and elevated TG levels were risk factors for the mixed OSAHS.

Sleep disturbances in diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients: a clinical and polysomnographic study

BackgroundDisordered sleep breathing is a common complication of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) manifested by excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headache, morning dizziness, cognitive decline, and mood changes.MethodsThis study was performed on 30 non-obese type 2 diabetic patients; 20 with clinically evident DPN and 10 without. Ten age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched healthy control subjects were also included. Patients and control were subjected to history taking, neurological examination, glycated hemoglobin, and clinical assessment of the sensori-motor manifestations by the neuropathy symptom score and neuropathy disability score. The autonomic nervous system was evaluated clinically by the systolic blood pressure response to standing and heart rate response to each of standing, Valsalva, and deep breath. Finally, sleep was assessed by one-night polysomnogram (PSG) followed by multiple sleep latency test in the next day.ResultsThe study showed significant increase in sleep apnea syndromes in diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients compared to diabetic neuropathy free patients and healthy control (p < 0.0001). The sleep apnea was mainly obstructive and to a little extent mixed (obstructive/central) sleep apnea. The severity of sleep PSG abnormalities was positively correlated with the severities of sensory, motor, and autonomic manifestations.ConclusionsNon-obese type 2 diabetic patients complicated by peripheral neuropathy especially those having dysautonomia are at increased risk of developing sleep disordered breathing resulting in their excessive daytime sleepiness, decreased productivity, and poor glycemic control.

Death inpatients with automated servo-ventilation for sleep apnea: A case series study

The SERVE-HF study reported an increased risk of cardiovascular death associated with adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) for predominant central sleep apnea inpatients with chronic heart failure with reduced contractility. In May 2015, we adopted a safety procedure in the 32 patients equipped by us with ASV since 2006 that led to ASV removal in four patients due to left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 45%. At the end of the procedure, we noted eight cases of death. This high mortality rate (25%) led us to study these cases. This is a case series study. The study population was derived from our database of patient follow-up from the sleep unit of our cardiovascular department. All deceased patients but one had cardiovascular disorders but only one matched the SERVE-HF patient profile, one who died from cancer. Four patients had been receiving ASV for predominant central sleep apnea and four for mixed sleep apnea. Six patients died prior to our procedure including two patients who died several months after ASV cessation, one from ventricular fibrillation and one from respiratory infection. The other cases, i.e. with ongoing ASV, consisted in one case of end-stage heart failure with asystole, two cases of cancer and one case of suicide. Two patients who had shown no contraindications to ASV died several weeks after their safety procedure, one from cancer and one from pulmonary and renal disorders. In this series, no obvious relationship became apparent between sleep apnea or ASV and death. Cardiovascular deaths were not predominant. Further study will be required to clarify the risks associated with ASV inpatients with cardiovascular disease.

Characteristics of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with atrial fibrillation and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) represents a common and highly relevant co-morbidity in patients with atrial fibrillation (Afib). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been identified as an independent risk factor for developing Afib and for Afib recurrence after treatment, but the role of central sleep apnea (CSA) is less clear. This study investigated characteristics of SDB in Afib patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (PEF). Consecutive patients (07/2007 to 03/2016) with documented Afib at hospital admission and PEF undergoing 6-channel cardiorespiratory polygraphy (PG) screening were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 211 patients were included (146 men; age 68.7 ± 8.5years). Only 6.6% of patients had no SDB (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] < 5/h). When moderate-to-severe SDB (AHI ≥ 15/h) was classified based on the predominant type of apneas and hypopneas, OSA (≥ 80% obstructive events) was found in 15% of patients, CSA (≥ 80% central events) in 10%, and 36% had mixed sleep apnea. For patients with Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR; 34%), time spent in CSR increased significantly as total AHI increased (p < 0.001); total CSR duration was 20, 50, and 117min, respectively, in patients with mild, moderate, and severe SDB. SDB was highly prevalent in this cohort of patients with Afib and PEF. The proportion of patients with moderate-to-severe OSA, for whom treatment is recommended by current guidelines, was about 15%. With 36% of patients presenting with moderate-to-severe mixed sleep apnea and almost 10% of patients having CSA, treatment guidelines for these types of SDB in the setting of Afib are needed.