Previous Diagnosis Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Research Articles

Reduction in medical emergency team activation among postoperative surgical patients at risk for undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an under-recognized condition that results in morbidity and mortality. Postoperative complications, including medical emergency team activation (META), are disproportionally increased among surgical patients at risk for OSA. A systematic approach is needed to improve provider recognition and treatment, but protocols that demonstrate improvement in META are lacking. As part of a multidisciplinary quality improvement project, DOISNORE50 (DIS), a sleep apnea questionnaire and proactive safety measure, was algorithmically applied to all perioperative patients. Consecutive sleep screening was conducted among perioperative patients. Of the 49,567 surgical navigation center patients, 11,932 had previous diagnosis of OSA. Of the 37,572 (96%) patients screened with DIS, 25,171 (66.9%) were Low Risk (DIS < 4), 9,211 (24.5%) were At Risk (DIS ≥ 4), and 3,190 (8.5%) were High Risk (DIS ≥ 6) for OSA, respectively. High Risk patients received same-day sleep consultation. On the day of surgery, patients with Known OSA, At Risk, and High Risk for OSA received an "OSA Precaution Band." An electronic chart reminder alerted admission providers to order postoperative continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine and sleep consult for patients High Risk for OSA. Implementation of a comprehensive program was associated with increased sleep consultation, sleep testing, and inpatient CPAP use (P < .001). For every 1,000 surgical patients screened, 30 fewer META, including rapid responses, reintubation, code blues, and code strokes, were observed. However, inpatient sleep consultation and inpatient CPAP use were not independently associated with reduced META. In the subgroup of patients hospitalized longer than 3 days, inpatient CPAP use was independently associated with reduced META. In this single-center, institution-wide, multidisciplinary-approach, quality improvement project, a comprehensive OSA screening process and treatment algorithm with appropriate postoperative inpatient CPAP therapy and inpatient sleep consultations was associated with increased CPAP use and reduced META. Further prospective studies are needed to assess cost, feasibility, and generalizability of these findings. Namen AM, Forest D, Saha AK, etal. Reduction in medical emergency team activation among postoperative surgical patients at risk for undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(8):1953-1965.

Referral rate for obstructive sleep apnea in a pre-doctoral dental clinic using the STOP-Bang Questionnaire.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition that can result in significant illness when untreated. Only 10%-20% of individuals with OSA are believed to be properly diagnosed. Consequently, dentists are encouraged to identify patients at high risk for OSA. The aim of this study was to determine whether patients in a dental school student clinic were referred for evaluation of OSA when appropriate. All patients 18 or older admitted to the College of Dentistry between July 2017 and March 2020 completed a medical history form. Data were extracted from their responses to determine a STOP-Bang score, as well as data regarding a previous diagnosis of OSA and a list of referrals. Students are expected to refer patients appropriately where there are indications of a high risk of undiagnosed disease. In the case of a sleep apnea evaluation, this would include any patient whose STOP-Bang score was 5 or greater, per the lecture on sleep disorders. For patients identified as high risk, notes and referral forms were reviewed to determine if the appropriate referral occurred. Of the 21,312 new patients, 1098 (5.2%) were identified as high-risk for OSA. Of those, 398 (36%) had not been previously diagnosed with OSA. None of these 398 patients received a referral for further evaluation of OSA. The rate of referral for further evaluation for patients deemed at high risk for OSA was inadequate. Continued education and changes to the electronic health record are needed to ensure those at high-risk for OSA are appropriately managed.

Sleep Habits of Women With Infertility.

Sleep plays important roles in metabolic and reproductive function, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with sleep disturbances, including increased prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea. We sought to evaluate sleep parameters in infertile women with PCOS compared with women with unexplained infertility (UI) and identify risk factors for disturbed sleep. At private and academic ambulatory gynecology and infertility practices, we evaluated a prospective cohort of women diagnosed with PCOS or UI from 2 randomized clinical trials. We included 1603 infertile women enrolled in 2 concurrent randomized clinical trials. The main outcome measures were self-reported sleep measures. Sleep duration <6 hours (6.1% vs 2.7%; P < .001), habitual snoring (37.8% vs 19.0%; P < .001), and clinical sleepiness (12.0% vs 8.6%; P < .026) were more common in women with PCOS than those with UI. After adjusting for covariates, PCOS and elevated fasting insulin were associated (P = .010) with clinical symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis, whereas PCOS, elevated insulin (P = .003), WC >88 cm (P = .003), and current smoking (P = .012) were associated with habitual snoring. Clinical depression score (P < .001) and PCOS diagnosis (P = .002) were associated with perceived daytime sleepiness. Short sleep duration and clinical symptoms of OSA were not associated with conception and live birth rates. Infertile women with PCOS more commonly report sleep disturbances than those with UI. Markers of insulin resistance are associated with previous diagnosis of OSA, habitual snoring, and short sleep duration. The presence of clinical symptoms of OSA or short sleep duration does not affect fertility treatment response.

420 Evaluating the Rate of Referral for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Pre-Doctoral Dental Clinic Using the STOP-Bang Questionnaire

Abstract Introduction The STOP-Bang Questionnaire is a validated instrument to assess an individual’s risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The prevalence of OSA is estimated at 20% in the US with only 20% of those individuals properly diagnosed. Dentists are being asked to screen and refer patients at high risk for OSA for definitive diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to determine whether patients in a dental school student clinic who were identified as high-risk for OSA, were referred for evaluation of OSA. Methods All new patients over the age of 18 admitted to The Ohio State University - College of Dentistry complete an “Adult Medical History Form”. Included in this study were 21,312 patients admitted between July 2017 and March 2020. Data were extracted from the history form to determine the STOP-Bang Score for all patients: age, sex, BMI, self-reported snoring-, stopped breathing/choking/gasping while sleeping-, high blood pressure-, neck size over 17” (males) or 16” (females)-, and tiredness. Each positive response is a point, for a maximum of 8 points possible. Additionally, any previous diagnosis of sleep apnea, and the patient’s history of referrals were extracted from the health record. According to clinic policy, if the patient did not have a previous diagnosis for OSA noted in the health history, and scored 5 or more on the STOP-Bang Questionnaire, they should receive a referral for an evaluation for OSA. Notes and referral forms were reviewed to determine if the appropriate referrals occurred for patients at high risk without a previous diagnosis. Results Of the 21,312 patients screened; 1098 (5.2%) screened high-risk for OSA, of which 398 had no previous diagnosis of OSA. Of these 398 patients, none (0%) had referrals for further evaluation for OSA. Conclusion The rate of appropriate referrals from a student dental clinic with an electronic health record was unacceptably low. Continued education and changes to the electronic health record are needed to ensure those at high-risk for OSA are appropriately referred and managed. Support (if any):

Polymorphism of the Serotonin Transporter Gene and the Peripheral 5-Hydroxytryptamine in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: What Do We Know and What are We Looking for? A Systematic Review of the Literature.

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent disease with substantial public health burden. In most of the cases, there is a genetic predisposition to OSA. Serotonin/T-HydroxyTriptamine (5-HT) plays a key role in ventilatory stimulation, while the polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene (STG) leads to alterations in serotonin level, making it important in OSA.ObjectiveTo examine whether the 5-HydroxyTriptamine and the genetic predisposition influence the incidence and evolution of OSA, we reviewed randomized, controlled trials and observational studies on the selected topic. The secondary objective was to determine the metabolic effects of the circulating serotonin in other tissues (liver, pancreas, gut, brown adipose tissue, and white adipose tissue) and its role in the development of obesity.Data SourcesA systematic review of English articles was performed based on PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases. Search filters included randomized controlled trial, controlled clinical trial, random allocation, double-blind method, and case–control studies and used the following keywords: Brain Serotonin OR Serotonin Transporter Gene Polymorphism OR Peripheral 5-HydroxyTryptamine AND Obstructive Sleep Apnea OR Sleep Disorder Breathing OR brain serotonin AND OSA OR serotonin transporter gene OR Peripheral 5-Hydroxytryptamine AND Sleep.Study Eligibility CriteriaThe inclusion criteria for the current review were previous diagnosis of OSA, age above 18 years, and articles including quantitative data about serotonin transporter gene or peripheral serotonin. Language and time criteria were added – English articles published in the last 15 years. Studies that were not included were reviews and case reports.Study Appraisal and Synthesis MethodsIn order to study the serotonin function, a literature research was conducted in the databases Pubmed and Cochrane Library. The following search terms were used: serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptamine, serotonin transporter gene. A critical appraisal of the included studies was performed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) and Delphi list.ResultsThe search yielded 1210 articles, from which 43 were included. The included studies suggest that the two polymorphisms of serotonin transporter gene (5HTT) – variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) and linked polymorphic region (LPR) – are strong candidates in the pathogenesis of OSA. The allele 10 of 5HTTVNTR and the long/long (L/L) allele genotype were associated with a higher prevalence of OSA and the L allele with a higher apnea-hypopnea index and a longer time during sleep with oxygen desaturation.LimitationsThe main limitation of the present study consists of heterogeneity of the information. Being a less studied subject, randomized trials are not widely available and most data were obtained from case–control trials. Moreover, the included material indirectly approached the subject by demonstrating the effects of serotoninergic system over the metabolism, the connection between serotonin and obesity, factors which are implied in the pathogenesis of OSA.Conclusion and Implications of Key FindingsThe two polymorphisms of serotonin gene can be considered important factors in the diagnosis and management of OSA.

Clinical use of the STOP-BANG questionnaire to determine postoperative risk in veterans.

To determine whether STOP-BANG (snoring, tiredness, observed apnea, high blood pressure, body mass index, age, neck circumference, gender) scores are associated with immediate postoperative adverse events in veterans undergoing surgery. In this prospective cohort study, veterans presenting to the presurgical clinic at a Veterans Affairs hospital answered the STOP-BANG questionnaire, which was scored as high risk (5-8), intermediate risk (3-4), and low risk (0-2) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), during a 6-month study period. Immediate postoperative respiratory and cardiovascular adverse events were recorded. The patient population included 1,080 veterans. Ninety-five patients (8.8%) experienced adverse events, of which 74 (6.9%) were respiratory and 21 (1.9%) were cardiovascular in nature. Patients with high-risk STOP-BANG scores (5-8) had significantly greater odds of having an adverse event odds ratio (OR) 2.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4, 3.3) and hypoxia OR 2.8 (95% CI: 1.7, 4.6) compared to those with low- to intermediate-risk scores (0-4). Among patients with OSA, those with high-risk scores (5-8) had greater odds of an adverse event OR 3.9 (95% CI: 1.1, 13.9) and hypoxia OR 3.7 (95% CI: 1.1, 13.0) compared to those with low- to intermediate-risk scores (0-4). Patients without a history of OSA with high-risk scores (5-8) did not have significantly greater odds of an adverse event OR 1.5 (95% CI: 0.82, 2.6) or a hypoxic event OR 1.7 (95% CI: 0.87, 3.4) compared to those with low- to intermediate-risk scores (0-4). The STOP-BANG questionnaire was useful in the veteran population because high-risk scores were predictive of adverse events, in particular, hypoxia for patients with a previous diagnosis of OSA. In the future, this may direct studies and clinical activities aimed at optimizing safe and effective perioperative practices. 2b Laryngoscope, 129:259-264, 2019.

Ambulatory Surgery Has Minimal Impact on Sleep Parameters: A Prospective Observational Trial.

The presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in ambulatory surgical patients causes significant perioperative concern; however, few data exist to guide clinicians' management decisions. The objective of this study was to measure changes in perioperative sleep parameters among an ambulatory surgery population. This study is a prospective, observational study of ambulatory patients undergoing orthopedic surgery on an extremity. Study subjects completed three unattended home sleep apnea tests: baseline before surgery, the first night after surgery (N1), and third night after surgery (N3). Anesthesia and surgical teams were blinded to study participation and patients received routine perioperative care. Two hundred three subjects were enrolled and 166 completed the baseline home sleep test. Sixty-six (40.0%) had OSA at baseline, 35 patients received a new diagnosis, and 31 patients had a previous diagnosis of OSA. Of those with a previous diagnosis, 20 (64.5%) were compliant with continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Respiratory event index and SpO2 nadir did not significantly change postoperatively from baseline. Cumulative percentage of time oxygen saturation < 90% significantly increased N1 as compared to baseline for all patients except for those with moderate to severe OSA. Ambulatory surgery had minimal effect on sleep parameters and there was no increase in adverse events among patients with either treated or untreated OSA. Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Title: Evaluation of Sleep Disordered Breathing Following Ambulatory Surgery; Identifier: NCT01851798; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT01851798.

Risk of obstructive sleep apnea in open-angle glaucoma versus controls using the STOP-Bang questionnaire

ObjectiveTo compare the percentage of patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) versus controls using the STOP-Bang questionnaire. MethodsThis study used a cross-sectional survey. Patients with OAG and controls completed the STOP-Bang questionnaire—a validated tool to identify patients at high risk for OSA. Patients were considered at risk if they scored 3 or more points or at high risk for moderate/severe OSA if they scored 5 or more out of the maximum 8 points. Demographic information, medical history, and previous diagnosis of OSA were recorded. Details regarding the patients’ glaucoma were obtained from their medical records. ResultsA total of 437 patients with OAG and 441 controls were included. The mean STOP-Bang score was 3.01 ± 1.3 for the glaucoma group and 3.03 ± 1.4 for the control group (p = 0.92). There was no significant difference between the percentage of subjects considered at risk for OSA (62.7% OAG vs 59.4% controls, p = 0.37) or at high risk for moderate/severe OSA (12.6% OAG vs 16.5% controls, p = 0.1). Significantly more patients in the control group had a previous diagnosis of OSA (p = 0.01). More patients with OAG reported feeling tired compared with controls (p = 0.003). A risk/high risk for OSA was not associated with glaucoma severity, progression, intraocular pressure control, or glaucoma type. ConclusionsOur results indicate that a risk or high risk for moderate/severe OSA as measured by the STOP-Bang questionnaire is not correlated with the presence or absence of glaucoma (regardless of the type), glaucoma severity, glaucoma progression, or IOP control.

Obstructive sleep apnea combined dyslipidemia render additive effect on increasing atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases prevalence.

BackgroundCurrent study was designed to investigate the effects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) combined dyslipidemia on the prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD).MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study and subjects with documented dyslipidemia and without previous diagnosis of OSA were enrolled. Polysomnography was applied to evaluate apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Based on AHI value, subjects were classified into four groups: without OSA, mild, moderate and severe OSA groups. Clinical characteristics and laboratory examination data were recorded. Relationship between AHI event and lipid profiles was analyzed, and logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of OSA combined dyslipidemia on ASCVD prevalence.ResultsTotally 248 subjects with dyslipidemia were enrolled. Compared to the other 3 groups, subjects with severe OSA were older, male predominant and had higher smoking rate. In addition, subjects with severe OSA had higher body mass index, waist-hip ratio, blood pressure, and higher rates of overweight and obesity. Serum levels of fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, LDL-C and CRP were all significantly higher. ASCVD prevalence was considerably higher in subjects with severe OSA. AHI event in the severe OSA group was up to 35.4 ± 5.1 events per hour which was significantly higher than the other groups (P < 0.05 for trend). Pearson correlation analysis showed that only LDL-C was positively correlated with AHI events (r = 0.685, P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that in unadjusted model, compared to dyslipidemia plus no-OSA group (reference group), OSA enhanced ASCVD risk in subjects with dyslipidemia, regardless of OSA severity. After extensively adjusted for confounding variables, the odds of dyslipidemia plus mild-OSA was reduced to insignificance. While the effects of moderate- and severe-OSA on promoting ASCVD risk in subjects with dyslipidemia remained significant, with severe-OSA most prominent (odds ratio: 1.52, 95 % confidence interval: 1.13–2.02).ConclusionOSA combined dyslipidemia conferred additive adverse effects on cardiovascular system, with severe-OSA most prominent.

Prevalence of Sleep Apnea in Patients With Keratoconus

To determine the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with keratoconus and evaluate the risk of developing OSA in this patient population. Three hundred sixty-two patients diagnosed with keratoconus by a single physician at the Duke Eye Center over a 14-year period were identified. A power calculation was done a priori, and based on this, the first 101 patients were enrolled. All patients were administered a standardized questionnaire regarding medical and ocular health. Those without the history of OSA were administered the Berlin questionnaire to determine their risk for developing OSA. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of OSA and to compare it with previously reported prevalence data in the general population. The prevalence of previously diagnosed OSA was 18% (18 of 101); all reported having a formal sleep study in the past. Of the remaining patients (n = 83), 47% (39 of 83) were determined to be at high risk for the development of OSA determined by the Berlin questionnaire score. Comorbid health conditions included hypertension (37%), acid reflux (30%), diabetes mellitus (20%), and seasonal allergies (66%). A history of penetrating keratoplasty was found in 48%. The average body mass index of the study population was 31.2 (median, 28.4). Keratoconus patients have a higher prevalence of OSA compared with that accepted for the general population. A striking number of our patients without previous diagnosis of OSA seem to be at high risk for developing OSA, supporting our recommendation for a greater awareness among clinicians who might otherwise overlook this systemic condition and its consequences.

Worse Outcome after Stroke in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Observational Cohort Study

To evaluate the risk and presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke, and examine the correlation of OSA with age, sex, ischemic stroke subtype, disability, and death, a prospective cohort study was conducted in all consecutive patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke between June 2007 and March 2008. Exclusion criteria were age < 18 years, refusal of consent for the study, and incomplete questionnaire. The Berlin Sleep Questionnaire was used to identify patients at high risk for OSA. A total of 174 patients with acute ischemic stroke were included; 130 (74.7%) had a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≥ 3 at dismissal, and 11 patients (6.3%) died within 1 month. The Berlin Sleep Questionnaire identified 105 patients (60.4%) at high risk for OSA, along with 7 patients (4%) with a previous diagnosis of OSA. Those with a previous diagnosis of OSA were more likely to die within the first month after stroke (relative risk, 5.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-20.1) compared with those without OSA. Patients at high risk for OSA did not demonstrate increased mortality at 30 days (P = 1.0). In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, previous diagnosis of OSA was an independent predictor of worse functional outcome, that is, worse mRS score at hospital discharge (P = .004). The mRS score was 1.2 points higher (adjusted R², 40%) in those with OSA. Our findings suggest that patients considered at high risk for ischemic stroke should be screened for OSA, the prevalence of which may be as high as 60%. Those with definitive diagnosis of OSA before stroke are at increased risk of death within the first month after an acute ischemic stroke.

Gender difference in sleep profile of severely obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Objectives: Few papers addressed the gender difference in the polisomnographic features of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In this paper we investigated the sleep architecture and the nocturnal respiratory pattern in a group of severely obese women with OSA compared with a group of men with OSA matched by age and weight. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: Primary-care setting. Subjects, main outcome measures: Anthropometric parameters, respiratory function data and a full night polisomnography were evaluated in a group of 45 obese subjects, 20 females and 25 males, with a previous diagnosis of OSA. Results: The group of the severely obese women with OSA presented greater disturbances of the sleep architecture than the group of the men does (wake time after sleep onset 92.6±52.4 vs 58.2±45.2 min, P<0.05; total wake time 104.8±51.4 vs 67.8±47.4, P<0.05; number of awakenings 15.5±3.6 vs 10.2±6.215, P<0.001; OSA that occurred almost exclusively during REM sleep (REM OSA) 35% vs 4%, P<0.05) and a reduced sleep efficiency (69.6±15.9 vs 80.3±14.0%, P<0.05). Conclusions: Severely obese women with OSA, even with milder OSA, present greater disturbances of the sleep architecture with a more severe sleep disruption and more frequently REM OSA in comparison with men matched by age and weight.