Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Patients Research Articles

An exploratory study evaluating the use of coping strategies while driving in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome patients and controls.

Sleepiness while driving is potentially fatal, and it is recommended that a driver who starts to feel tired should stop and have a rest. However, some may use various countermeasures to try to stay alert. We devised a questionnaire that assessed various potential coping strategies that might be used against fatigue and compared them between obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) patients and controls and with sleepiness in general (Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)), specifically while driving (Driving Sleepiness Scale (DSS)) and driving incidents. 119 untreated OSAS patients (male 82%, body mass index (BMI) 37±8 kg·m-2, ESS 14±5, DSS 3±2, oxygen desaturation index (ODI) 39±15) and 105 controls (male 70%, BMI 28±6 kg·m-2, ESS 4±3, DSS 7±6) matched for age and driving experience were recruited. All completed a questionnaire relating to their experience over the last year, which included sleepiness in general, sleepiness specifically while driving, 10 questions about various coping strategies they might adopt in order to avoid sleepiness and their history of incidents while driving. As compared to controls, nearly a third of OSAS patients (29.4%) used more than three coping strategies "frequently". OSAS patients who used more than three such strategies had worse ESS (17±4 versus 12±5, p<0.0001); were more likely to feel sleepy while driving (10±8 versus 5±7, p=0.0002) and had more reported accidents (22.85% versus 2.38%, p=0.0002) as compared to OSAS patients who used less than three strategies. There was no difference in patient demographics, severity of OSAS, driving experience or episodes of nodding at the wheel and reported near miss events. Untreated OSAS patients frequently use certain strategies which could be surrogate markers of sleepiness. Enquiring about such strategies in clinical practice may aid the clinician in identifying the patients who are at risk of driving incidents and to advise appropriately.

Impact Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (Osas) On Olfactory And Gustatory Capacity.

Only a few studies have investigated olfactory function in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) using psychophysical testing, and there is a scarcity of data regarding taste evaluation in the existing literature. The primary objectives of this study were to assess both smell and taste in patients with OSAS and to explore the correlation between the severity of symptoms and sensory perception. A total of 85 OSAS patients and a control group comprising 81 subjects were enrolled. Initial assessments included anamnesis, nasal endoscopy, and the completion of questionnaires (Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Visual Analogue Scale, Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders, and the importance of olfaction questionnaire). The diagnosis of OSAS was confirmed by polysomnography, while nasal airflow was evaluated using rhinomanometry. Olfaction was assessed using the Sniffin' Sticks test, and the Threshold-Discrimination-Identification (TDI) score was calculated. Taste evaluation was conducted in a subgroup of participants (42 patients, 38 controls) using taste strips. The mean TDI score was 31 ± 5.6 for OSAS patients and 35 ± 4.6 for controls, indicating a significant difference (p<0.001). Similarly, the taste score was 7 ± 3.0 for OSAS patients and 12.6 ± 3.2 for controls (p<0.001). No correlations were observed between TDI and Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) (r=-0.12; p=0.28), as well as between the taste score and AHI (r=0.31; p=0.22). However, a weak but significant correlation between TDI score and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was detected (r=-0.05; p=0.002). The study revealed a significant decrease in sensory perception among patients with OSAS, though open questions persist about the pathophysiology.

Evaluation of the risk of sudden cardiac death in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients with Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc ratio

Aims: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a disorder characterized by recurrent collapse of the upper airway during sleep. OSAS is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Tpeak to Trend (Tp-e) interval, the Tp-e interval/QT interval (Tp-e/QT) ratio, and the Tp-e interval/corrected QT interval (Tp-e/QTc) ratio, are associated with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in various disease groups. we aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in the new arrhythmia markers Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios in OSAS patients. Methods: The study looked at 45 people with OSAS (32 men) over the age of 18 and 43 healthy people (27 men) who were diagnosed with OSAS through polysomnography in a sleep lab. Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were calculated on the ECG. Results: The QT interval was shorter in the patient group than in the control group, in contrast to the QTc interval, which was comparable between groups (p = 0.006 and 0.810 in the patient and control groups, respectively). The Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc ratio were significantly higher in PHPT patients included in the patient group compared to those included in the control group (p&lt;0.01 in total). Conclusion: The Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratios were prolonged in OSAS patients. These findings suggest that OSAS patients may be predisposed to severe ventricular arrhythmias.

The Baveno Classification as a Predictor of CPAP Titration Pressure in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a clinical condition characterised by repeated periods of partial or full obstruction of airflow throughout sleep, with impairment of the quality of life and increased mortality with socioeconomic impacts. CPAP therapy is a simple and effective treatment option for OSAS patients. To overcome the clinical and prognostic limitations of AHI-as a sole index of OSAS-the Baveno classification was recently set out and introduced into clinical practice. This study aims to analyse the effect of the Baveno classification on the optimum CPAP titration pressure. A retrospective analysis of the records of sleep studies in two centres between 2018 and 2021 was carried out. Patients diagnosed with OSAS and recruited for CPAP titration were included. Based on the Baveno classification, the patients were categorised into four groups (A, B, C, and D). Consequently, 700 patients were analysed and 427 patients were included. A significant positive correlation was detected between the CPAP optimum titration pressure and OSAS severity, neck circumference, the oxygen desaturation index (ODI), mean oxygen saturation, the AHI, the BMI, and cumulative sleep time when the SpO2 was <90% (T90) on the other side (p: <0.0001). A non-significant correlation was seen between the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), symptom severity, end organ impact, and Baveno classification of the CPAP optimum titration pressure (p: 0.8, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.7, respectively). The Baveno classification is not useful in the prediction of CPAP optimum titration pressure. However, the ODI and neck circumference were significant independent predictors of a higher CPAP titration pressure.

Serum C-reactive protein level and sleep characteristics in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome comorbid with panic disorder: a preliminary study

ObjectiveInvestigate the sleep characteristics of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) comorbidity with panic disorder (PD), exploring its potential association with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.Patients and methodsFifty-four patients (25 OSAS patients with PD and 29 without PD) and 25 healthy controls (HCs) were included. The Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were used to assess the mood and sleep quality of the subjects. All patients had circulating CRP levels and polysomnography was performed.ResultsOSAS with PD had higher SAS, SDS, PSQI than the OSAS without PD. Compared to OSAS without PD, OSAS with PD had higher percentage of non- rapid eye movement sleep 1 and 2 (N1 and N2%), sleep latency, and a lower percentage of rapid eye movement sleep (REM%). Respiratory-related microarousal index, AHI, and time below 90% oxygen saturation (T90) were low, and the lowest oxygen saturation (LO2) was high. Serum CRP levels in OSAS patients with PD were lower than that in OSAS patients without PD, but higher than that in HCs. In OSAS patients with PD, serum CRP levels were negatively correlated with wake time after sleep onset and SAS scores but positively correlated with sleep efficiency and N2%. Serum CRP levels were positively correlated with T90 and negatively correlated with LO2.ConclusionOSAS patients with PD had worse sleep quality, less severe OSAS, and low serum CRP levels. Serum CRP levels in OSAS patients with PD were associated with poorer sleep quality and duration of hypoxia rather than AHI.

Effects of CPAP treatment on electroencephalographic activity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome during deep sleep: Preliminary findings of a cross-sectional study.

Study objectives: To investigate whether electroencephalographic (EEG) activities during non-rapid eye movement sleep stage 3 (N3) in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients were changed with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment.Methods: A cross-sectional study of EEG activity during N3 sleep was conducted in 15 patients with moderate to severe OSAS without and with CPAP treatment compared to 15 normal controls. The amplitude, and absolute and relative power of delta, theta, alpha and beta waves as well as the absolute power ratio of slow to fast EEG waves (i.e., absolute power of delta and theta waves/absolute power of alpha and beta waves) and the spectral power density of 0-30Hz EEG activities were analyzed.Results: CPAP significantly increased N3 sleep, the absolute and relative powers, amplitudes of delta and theta waves, and absolute power ratio of slow to fast EEG waves, but decreased relative alpha and beta powers during N3 sleep. However, there were no significant differences in those parameters between the OSAS patients with CPAP treatment and normal controls.Conclusions: CPAP prolongs N3 sleep and increases the power and amplitude of slow EEG waves during N3 sleep, which indicates an improvement in sleep quality and further provides evidence for recommendation of CPAP treatment for OSAS patients.

Chronic intermittent hypoxia due to obstructive sleep apnea slightly alters nutritional status: a pre-clinical study.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with chronic intermittent hypoxia (cIH) that causes disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism. Animals exposed to cIH show lower body weight and food intake, but the protein-energy metabolism has never been investigated. Here, to address the gap, we studied the impact of cIH on nutritional status in rats. A total of 24 male Wistar rats were randomized into 3 groups (n = 8): a control group (Ctrl), a cIH group (cIH) exposed to cIH (30 s 21-30 s 5% fraction of inspired oxygen, 8 h per day, for 14 days), and a pair-fed group (PF) exposed to normoxia with food intake adjusted to the intake of the cIH group rats with anorexia. Body weight and food intake were measured throughout the study. After 14 days, the rats were euthanized, the organs were collected, weighed, and the liver, intestine mucosa, and muscles were snap-frozen to measure total protein content. Food intake was decreased in the cIH group. Body weight was significantly lower in the cIH group only (-11%, p < 0.05). Thymus and liver weight as well as EDL protein content tended to be lower in the cIH group than in the Ctrl and PF groups. Jejunum and ileum mucosa protein contents were lower in the cIH group compared to the PF group. cIH causes a slight impairment of nutritional status and immunity. This pre-clinical work argues for greater consideration of malnutrition in care for OSAS patients. Further studies are warranted to devise an adequate nutritional strategy.

Study of Haematocrit Level in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome can lead to oxyhaemoglobin desaturation and has the possibility of stimulating erythropoiesis, leading to an increased haematocrit. The aim of this study is to identify the level of haematocrit in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients and to determine the correlation between haematocrit levels and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This is a descriptive cross-sectional study at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. All consented patients were interviewed and underwent a polysomnography (PSG) study. The severity of OSAS was based on the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and average oxygen desaturation. The blood haematocrit level was also obtained. Thirty-six OSAS patients were in the study group, and 17 patients were in the control group. The mean haematocrit level in the control group was 41.6 (2.5 SD), whereas in the study group the mean haematocrit level was 44.0 (3.27 SD). Pearson correlation analysis showed there was no significant correlation between AHI and haematocrit level (p-value: 0.392), however, there is a significant correlation between haematocrit levels and average oxygen saturation level (P-value: 0.022). The independent t-test between mean haematocrit level between OSAS group and control group showed that there was a significant difference between the mean haematocrit level among the control and OSAS groups. The increased level of haematocrit is significantly correlated with average oxygen desaturation but not with AHI in OSAS patient. Average oxygen desaturation can be considered as a parameter to assess severity and hypoxic stress in OSA patients.

Evaluation of Ventricular Arrhythmia Markers in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Patients

Aim: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent sleep condition marked by recurrent upper airway blockages causing intermittent hypoxia, fragmented sleep, and autonomic nervous system issues. Significant emphasis has been paid to the connection between OSAS and the development of ventricular arrhythmias in recent years. The index of cardiac electrophysiological balance (ICEB) represents a new measure designed to predict the likelihood of ventricular arrhythmias.&#x0D; Material and Methods: Forty OSAS patients and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in the research. Clinical and demographic variables of both groups were evaluated. Electrocardiogram was taken and routine blood values of the patients were studied. The ICEB is computed by dividing the QT interval by the QRS duration (QT/QRS). Apnea-hypopnea index was used to evaluate the severity of OSAS.&#x0D; Results: The body-mass index value of OSAS patients was significantly higher than HCs (p=0.002). No significant smoking status difference between OSAS patients and HCs (p=0.822). As a result, QT, QTc, and ICEB were substantially greater in OSAS patients than in HCs (p

Effects of obstructive sleep apnea on retinal microvasculature.

To detect retinal microvascular variations in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients. This prospective, observational case-control study included healthy controls and patients with mild, moderate, and severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Vascular parameters, foveal avascular area, and flow areas in macula-centered, 6.00×6.00 mm2 scan size optical coherence tomography angiography images were compared. The control group had the highest whole image, parafoveal, and perifoveal vessel density among the groups in both superficial and the deep capillary plexus (all P<0.05). Rapid eye movement sleep apnoea-hypopnoea index was reversely correlated with whole (Rho=-0.195, P=0.034), parafoveal (Rho=-0.242, P=0.008), perifoveal (Rho=-0.187, P=0.045) vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus, and whole (Rho=-0.186, P=0.046), parafoveal (Rho=-0.260, P=0.004), perifoveal (Rho=-0.189, P=0.043) vessel density in the deep capillary plexus, though the mean and non-rapid eye movement sleep apnoea-hypopnoea index related with only parafoveal vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus (Rho=-0.213, P=0.020; Rho=-0.191, P=0.038) and the deep capillary plexus (Rho=-0.254, P=0.005; Rho=-0.194, P=0.035). This study shows decreased vessel density and its reverse correlation with the apnoea-hypopnoea index in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Comparison among three different follow-up models for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients: focus on the physiotherapist's role.

In obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) subjects different follow-up modalities have been proposed to improve adherence to the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. This retrospective study compares three different health professional approaches dedicated to caring OSAS patients in three consecutive follow-up periods of 15 months each. The three different follow-up models are: i) physician-oriented follow-up (P-F); ii) physiotherapist-oriented follow-up (PT-F); and iii) tele-titration plus PT-oriented follow-up (TT-PT-F). Health personal visits and actions delivered, patients' adherence, CPAP efficacy, and problems under CPAP use were considered for comparison. Data from 122 OSAS patients with a new prescription of CPAP were analyzed: 39 (32.0%) in the P-F, 38 (31.1%) in the PT-F, and 45 (36.9%) in the TT-PT-F period. We found a reduction over time (from 40.9% in P-F to 8.2% in TT-PT-F, p<0.001) in patients missing the 1-year follow-up visit. The PT-F and TT-PT-F lead to a reduction in physician visits in comparison to P-F (5.2% and 8.9% vs 100%, p<0.001) with no differences in time to the first follow-up visit, CPAP efficacy, and patients' adherence among the three periods. More device-related problems were found in the PT-F (57.8%), compared with the PF (25.6%) period (p<0.001); the most common troubles were mask problems evaluated in 26.2% of cases. In conclusion, different follow-up models offer similar efficacy and short-term adherence for CPAP leading to a significant reduction in physician visits under the PT-F with or without tele-titration, being mask problems as the most commonly treated. Further analysis should be useful to define the best cost-efficacy follow-up intervention.

Systemic Inflammatory Status of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and the Predictive Value of Heparin-Binding Protein.

Objective: To investigate the alteration of the systemic inflammatory status of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and the predictive value of heparin-binding protein (HBP) for OSAS. Methods: Patients with OSAS who were hospitalized in our hospital from 2020 January to 2022 December and diagnosed by polysomnography (PSG) (OSAS group, n = 79) were retrospectively studied and their relevant examination findings and demographic characteristics were recorded. Sex- and age-matched non-OSAS patients hospitalized at the same time were selected as the control group (control group, n = 28). Differences in peripheral blood neutrophil counts, lymphocyte counts, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), procalcitonin (PCT), and HBP were compared between the 2 groups. The predictive value of these markers for OSAS was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic curve, and independent risk factors for OSAS were determined using logistic regression analysis. Peripheral blood was drawn from all patients in the fasting state of the morning. Results: The number of peripheral blood neutrophils, lymphocytes, and HBP was higher in the OSAS group than in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P all <.05), while the differences in NLR and PCT between the 2 groups were not statistically significant (P all >.05). Plasma HBP level had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79 (P < .0001) in determining OSAS, with a sensitivity of 80.49% and a specificity of 70.83% and the best cutoff value was >10.73 ng/ml. Combining body mass index (BMI), neutrophil, lymphocyte, and HBP improved the predictive value of OSAS with an AUC of 0.89 (P < .0001), a sensitivity of 80.49%, and a specificity of 87.50%. Logistic regression analysis showed that both BMI and HBP were independent risk factors for OSAS (PBMI < .001, PHBP < .01), while neutrophils and lymphocytes were not (P all >.05). Conclusions: This is the first study to objectively examine HBP in OSAS patients, and HBP is an independent risk factor that may serve as a diagnostic biomarker in OSAS. Patients with OSAS have an altered systemic inflammatory state and may be more prone to severe bacterial infections.

Significance of Plasma Irisin, Adiponectin, and Retinol Binding Protein-4 Levels as Biomarkers for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Severity.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common sleep disorder that is caused by the reduction or cessation of airflow in the upper airway. Irisin, retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP-4), and adiponectin are the three significant factors in the metabolic process of the human body. The objective of this study was to investigate whether plasma irisin, RBP-4, and adiponectin levels are associated with the severity of OSAS. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 125 patients with OSAS and 46 healthy, gender-matched controls were included in this study. The patients were classified according to the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) as 14 mild cases (5 < AHI < 15), 23 moderate OSAS cases (15 < AHI < 30), and 88 severe OSAS cases (AHI > 30). The plasma irisin, RBP-4, and adiponectin levels were measured and compared between groups. RBP-4 levels were higher in severe OSAS compared to other groups, and irisin levels were significantly lower in severe OSAS compared to other groups. There was a negative correlation between irisin and RBP-4 (r = -0.421; p < 0.001), and irisin and AHI (r = -0.834; p < 0.001), and a positive correlation between irisin and adiponectin (r = 0.240; p = 0.002). There was a negative correlation between RBP-4 and adiponectin (r = -0.507; p < 0.001) and a positive correlation between RBP-4 and AHI (r = 0.473; p < 0.001). As a predictor of OSAS, adiponectin showed the highest specificity (84.8%) and RBP-4 the highest sensitivity (92.0%). Circulating adiponectin, irisin, and RBP-4 may be new biomarkers in OSAS patients in addition to risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. When polysomnography is not available, these parameters and clinical data can be used to diagnose the disease. As a result, patients with an AHI score greater than thirty should be closely monitored for metabolic abnormalities.

Mood, Behavioral Impairment, and Sleep Breathing Disorders in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Patients Treated with Maxillomandibular Advancement: Reflection on a Case Series and Review of Literature.

The correlation between depressive and cognitive symptoms and OSAS (obstructive sleep apnea syndrome) is between 5 and 63%. We reported the case of two patients with severe OSAS and its associated depressive symptoms that were intolerant to continuous positive airway pressure (C-PAP) and underwent maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery. The severity of cognitive and depressive symptoms was assessed using validated questionnaires (Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and quality of life), medical observation, and patient-reported symptoms. We performed pre- and post-treatment polysomnography. Six months after treatment, the value of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) had returned to the normal range and, together with it, the depressive component was considerably reduced and the patients' overall quality of life (BDI, BAI, ESS, and qol) improved. Conclusion: We described significant improvement in all the analyzed parameters, such as physical and mental functioning, and depression and anxiety rates.

Alterations of ocular surface parameters in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

This study aimed to evaluate changes in ocular surface parameters among obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients. 44 healthy volunteers (88 eyes) and 27 OSAS patients (54 eyes) were recruited in our cross-sectional study. 14 patients were classified as mild&moderate OSAS, and 13 patients were classified as severe OSAS. For evaluating the ocular surface, the following tests were conducted: the height of tear meniscus (TMH), first non-invasive tear break-up time (FNITBUT), mean non-invasive tear break-up time (MNITBUT), the score of Meibomian gland dropout area (Meiboscore), the tear test of anesthesia-free Schirmer I (SIT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), partial blinks rate (PBR), the lipid layer thickness (LLT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI). The results obtained from the study were analyzed and compared among the groups. FNITBUT, MNITBUT, and TMH were lower. OSDI, CFS, Meiboscore and PBR were higher in the OSAS group than those in the control group. The mild&moderate as well as the severe OSAS subgroups had statistically significantly lower TMH, and higher OSDI and PBR than the control group. Meanwhile, we found there were no significant differences between two OSAS subgroups. CFS was higher in the severe OSAS group than the mild&moderate OSAS group. Significantly lower FNITBUT, MNITBUT and higher Meiboscore were observed in the severe OSAS subgroup than in the control group, and MNITBUT was higher in severe OSAS objects than in the mild&moderate OSAS objects. LLT and SIT did not exhibit significant differences among control and OSAS subgroups. FNITBUT and MNITBUT showed significantly negative correlations with BMI, while Meiboscore showed a significant positive correlation with AHI. Patients with OSAS have a tendence of dry eyes, whereas control subjects do not. This indicates us that the OSAS patients should pay more attention to ocular surface care.

Are Sleep Quality, Physical Activity Levels, and Fear of Movement of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Patients Different From Healthy People During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic?

The sleep quality and physical activity levels of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome during the lockdown period have not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sleep quality, physical activity level, and fear of movement in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and healthy individuals during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (n = 33) and healthy individuals (n = 30) were included in the study. Physical activity levels, sleep quality, and fear of movement were evaluated. The total physical activity amount of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and healthy individuals was lower than the acceptable levels. The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome group had significantly lower leisure-time physical activity (P = .006) and higher sitting time (P = .008) than the healthy individuals. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome had significantly more sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction, and daytime sleepiness than healthy people (P < .001). Fear of movement was negatively correlated with the amount of vigorous (r = -0.395, P = .023) and leisure activities (r = -0.557, P = .001) in the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome group. During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and healthy individuals had lower physical activity levels. Physical activity counseling is an important strategy for increasing the physical activity of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and healthy individuals during and after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Can functional septoturbinoplasty, with or without nasal valve suspension suture (FSTVS), alter the initial findings of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)?

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is routinely performed to assess the upper airway collapse in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Its purpose is to identify cases of multilevel collapse, which helps to determine the appropriate surgical approach. The current proposal to analyze the functional septoturbinoplasty with or without nasal valve suspension suture (FSTVS) has the potential to change the original findings of DISE in OSAS patients who were initially planned for one-stage multilevel surgery based on the pre-FSTVS DISE results. Prospective study. All OSAS patients with moderate to severe symptoms who underwent DISE pre-FSTVS and noticed multilevel collapse were subjected to post-FSTVS re-evaluation using DISE at three-month intervals. This study included a total of thirty-two patients, with males outnumbering females in a ratio of 15:1. The average age of the patients was 38.88years (standard deviation, SD ± 10.12), and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.66 (SD ± 3.73). Significant improvements (p = 0.0417) were observed in both pre- and post-FSTVS measurements at three-month intervals, as well as in the Epworth sleepiness score (ESS). Enhancements in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and snoring event post-FSTVS were also observed. Around 50% of the patients exhibited concentric collapse at the velum, lateral collapse at the oropharynx, and anteroposterior (AP) collapse at the tongue base. Post-FSTVS, the dynamics at the velum were modified by 23.33%, at the oropharynx by 10%, at the tongue base by 11.76%, and at the epiglottis by 23.07%. One patient who did not experience collapse at the tongue base pre-FSTVS exhibited partial collapse after the procedure. Moreover, all cases of complete AP collapse of the epiglottis changed to partial collapse. Our study confirms that FSTVS may offer a simpler and more accessible approach for patients with OSAS. It is a viable option to consider even prior to DISE in clinical anticipated multilevel collapse. By conducting DISE at intervals subsequent to addressing nasal resistance through surgery, valuable insights can be obtained regarding the collapsibility of the upper airway. These findings can guide surgical interventions, ultimately resulting in improved outcomes for patients.

Prevalence of bruxism in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients: A systematic review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and the cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions.

Sleep bruxism (SB) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are two sleep-related conditions that have been associated with significantly conflicting results in literature. Understanding the prevalence of bruxism among OSA patients is crucial for identifying possible comorbidities and optimising treatment strategies. This systematic review aimed at analysing the prevalence of SB in OSAS sufferers and understanding the association between the two. Five online databases were searched for relevant articles in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines for conduction of systematic reviews. Studies reporting the prevalence of bruxism in OSAS patients and diagnosed through clinical assessments or polysomnography were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using Risk of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I). A thorough search of literature yielded only two studies were eligible for this review. SB was found to be significantly present in the OSAS group. Despite methodological variations, the majority of studies reported higher rates of bruxism in OSAS patients compared to the general population or control groups. The results of this systematic review point to a significant association between bruxism and obstructive sleep apnea. Further research is required to determine a more precise prevalence rate and investigate the potential therapeutic implications of the bruxism-OSAS association that uses a standardised assessment techniques and larger sample sizes.

Analysis of vasoactive and oxidative stress indicators for evaluating the efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure, and relation of vasoactive and oxidative stress indicators and cardiac function in obstructive sleep Apnea Syndrome patients.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a breathing disorder during sleep. The work was to evaluate the relationship between vasoactive and oxidative stress indicators and cardiac function in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) patients. OSAS patients (n=120) were treated with CPAP from May 2021 to June 2022. According to the clinical efficacy, the patients were divided into effective and ineffective groups. Vasoactive factors and oxidative stress indices were compared between the two groups to evaluate their clinical efficacy. The changes in cardiac function indices in the two groups were tested, and the correlation between vasoactive factors and oxidative stress indices and cardiac function was analysed. The effective rate of CPAP was 63.33% (76/120). Ang II, ET-1, and MDA levels were lower, and the SOD level was higher in the effective group than in the ineffective group after treatment. The AUC of the four indicators was all greater than 0.75. LPWT and IVST values of the effective group were lower than the ineffective group. A positive correlation was identified between the levels of Ang II, ET-1, and MDA with LPWT, between levels of ET-1 and MDA with IVST, and a negative correlation between SOD with LPWT and IVST. CPAP treatment can effectively improve vascular activity and reduce the oxidative stress response in OSAS patients, and the combined detection of vasoactive factors and oxidative stress indicators is valuable for evaluating the efficacy of CPAP and is related to the cardiac function of patients.

Is there link between hypoxemia severity and impaired functional connectivity? electrophysiological evidence from patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

AbstractBackgroundApneas occur more than 30 times per hour in severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients. Each apnea results in decrease of oxygen saturation that leads to recurring intermittent hypoxemia (IH). IH was suggested as a possible factor to contribute cognitive impairment in OSAS. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the functional connectivity in low and high hypoxemia OSAS sub‐groups.MethodThe study included 56 severe OSAS patients and age‐, gender‐ and education matched 33 healthy controls (HC). The OSAS group was divided into two subgroups according to their minimum SO2 level: low‐hypoxemia OSAS (SO2 dropped never below 80%, LHO, n = 29) and high‐hypoxemia OSAS (SO2 dropped below 80%, HHO, n = 27). All participants underwent detailed neuropsychological testing and an EEG recording, using auditory classical oddball paradigm. Imaginary coherency (ICOH) was calculated for intra‐hemispheric, inter‐hemispheric and midline electrode pairs in delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands.ResultLHO patients did not differ from HC in any frequency band. HHO patients showed reduced intra hemispheric ICOH values at delta, theta and beta frequency bands compared to LHO patients. HHO patients also showed decreased intra hemispheric ICOH values at theta, alpha and beta frequency bands compered to HC. Inter hemispheric group differences were found at beta band indicating decreased ICOH values in HHO patients compared to LHO patients. Midline gamma ICOH values decreased in HHO patients compared to both HC and LHO patients. HHO patients showed decreased memory scores compared to both HC and LHO groups and decreased attention scores compared only to HC.ConclusionAs far as we know, this is the first study to investigate event‐related ICOH changes in OSAS. Above results indicates that decreased connectivity in OSAS may be due to increased IH. Patients with low levels of hypoxemia did not differ from healthy controls, yet patients with high hypoxemia showed diffuse functional connectivity changes. Coherency measures revealed a parallel pattern with the neuropsychological tests underpinning the adverse effect of IH on cognitive functions. Considering OSAS as a modifiable risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease, treatment methods to prevent intermittent hypoxemia (i.e., positive airway pressure treatment) gains additional importance.