Significant Obstructive Sleep Apnea Research Articles

Predicting Obstructive Sleep Apnea Based on Computed Tomography Scans Using Deep Learning Models.

Rationale: The incidence of clinically undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is high among the general population because of limited access to polysomnography. Computed tomography (CT) of craniofacial regions obtained for other purposes can be beneficial in predicting OSA and its severity. Objectives: To predict OSA and its severity based on paranasal CT using a three-dimensional deep learning algorithm. Methods: One internal dataset (N = 798) and two external datasets (N = 135 and N = 85) were used in this study. In the internal dataset, 92 normal participants and 159 with mild, 201 with moderate, and 346 with severe OSA were enrolled to derive the deep learning model. A multimodal deep learning model was elicited from the connection between a three-dimensional convolutional neural network-based part treating unstructured data (CT images) and a multilayer perceptron-based part treating structured data (age, sex, and body mass index) to predict OSA and its severity. Measurements and Main Results: In a four-class classification for predicting the severity of OSA, the AirwayNet-MM-H model (multimodal model with airway-highlighting preprocessing algorithm) showed an average accuracy of 87.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 86.8-88.6%) in the internal dataset and 84.0% (95% CI, 83.0-85.1%) and 86.3% (95% CI, 85.3-87.3%) in the two external datasets, respectively. In the two-class classification for predicting significant OSA (moderate to severe OSA), the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score were 0.910 (95% CI, 0.899-0.922), 91.0% (95% CI, 90.1-91.9%), 89.9% (95% CI, 88.8-90.9%), 93.5% (95% CI, 92.7-94.3%), and 93.2% (95% CI, 92.5-93.9%), respectively, in the internal dataset. Furthermore, the diagnostic performance of the Airway Net-MM-H model outperformed that of the other six state-of-the-art deep learning models in terms of accuracy for both four- and two-class classifications and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for two-class classification (P < 0.001). Conclusions: A novel deep learning model, including a multimodal deep learning model and an airway-highlighting preprocessing algorithm from CT images obtained for other purposes, can provide significantly precise outcomes for OSA diagnosis.

Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Review

Context: Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders, and it is associated with several conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and neuropsychiatric events. Due to its significant burden and increasing prevalence, the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is of great importance. Evidence Acquisition: Continuous airway pressure (CPAP) has been the standard treatment for managing clinically significant obstructive sleep apnea in recent decades. However, compliance with CPAP treatment is as low as 60% in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Additionally, CPAP only suppresses respiratory disturbances during sleep while using the devices and does not provide a permanent resolution. Given the limitations of prevalent treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, various alternative therapies have been explored. Among these, acupuncture is a traditional yet novel treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Acupuncture is widely accepted by many people and specialists in different fields and is commonly used to treat various conditions. Several studies have shown that acupuncture effectively improves the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). In this review article, we conducted a comprehensive literature search to assess the impact of acupuncture on obstructive sleep apnea. Our findings suggest that acupuncture may represent an effective and safe therapy option for individuals dealing with obstructive sleep apnea. Results: Acupuncture may also assist patients with obstructive sleep apnea in enhancing their oxygen saturation and improving their sleep quality. This discovery holds particular significance for individuals with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. However, it is worth noting that methodological weaknesses in most of the trials in this field may overstate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture therapy. Conclusions: Further high-quality randomized clinical trials are warranted to establish the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for obstructive sleep apnea patients.

A nationwide study on the prevalence and contributing factors of obstructive sleep apnea in Iran

Reliable obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) prevalence information in Iran is lacking due to inconsistent local study results. To estimate OSA prevalence and identify clinical phenotypes, we conducted a nationally representative study using multi-stage random cluster sampling. We recruited 3198 individuals and extrapolated the results to the entire Iranian population using complex sample survey analyses. We identified 3 clinical phenotypes as “sleepy,” “insomnia,” and “restless legs syndrome (RLS).” The prevalence of OSA was 28.7% (95%CI: 26.8–30.6). The prevalence of “sleepy,” “insomnia,” and “RLS” phenotypes were 82.3%, 77.8%, and 36.5% in women, and 64.8%, 67.5%, and 17.9% in men, respectively. “Sleepy” and “insomnia” phenotypes overlapped the most. Age (OR: 1.9), male sex (OR: 3.8), BMI (OR: 1.13), neck circumference (OR: 1.3), RLS (OR: 2.0), and insomnia (OR: 2.3) were significant OSA predictors (p-values: 0.001). In men, “sleepy” phenotype was associated with youth and unmarried status but not in women. The “insomnia” phenotype was associated with shorter sleep duration in women; cardiovascular diseases (CVD), urban residency, and shorter sleep duration in men. “RLS” phenotype was associated with shorter sleep duration and CVD in women and older age, lower educational level, CVD, and hypertension in men. The findings point to the need for funding of OSA screening in Iran, for a different assessment of men and women, and for future sleep research to consider overlapping phenotypes.

Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire for Sleep Apnea in Newly Diagnosed Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients.

Close association has been established between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), with PSQ being employed as a screening method for OSA. A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients aged from 10 to 16 years who presented to a scoliosis outpatient clinic. Patient demographics, radiological assessments, and PSQ scores were gathered. A total of 299 patients were included in the study, with 28.7% males and 71.2% females. The average Cobb angle was 6.20°. PSQ scores revealed a prevalence of 33.4% for significant obstructive sleep apnea. Patients diagnosed with AIS exhibited a prevalence of 32.9% with positive PSQ results. Among those undergoing adenoid and/or tonsil surgery, 27% had positive PSQ scores. Factors such as genetics, abnormal biomechanical forces, environmental factors including melatonin, and intermittent hypoxia were explored for their potential contribution to AIS etiology. The aim of the study is to underscore the importance of early detection and intervention in OSA cases and highlights the effectiveness of the PSQ, as a screening tool in identifying sleep disorders. The findings underscore the complex relationship between OSA and AIS, and moreover any spinal curvature is in relation with OSA.

Insomnia and workplace productivity loss among young working adults: a prospective observational study of clinical sleep disorders in a community cohort.

To examine associations between three clinically significant sleep disorders (chronic insomnia, obstructive sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome) and workplace productivity losses among young Australian adults. Prospective, observational study; 22-year follow-up of participants in the longitudinal birth cohort Raine Study (Perth, Western Australia). Currently employed 22-year-old Raine Study participants who underwent in-laboratory sleep disorder screening for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (apnoea-hypopnea index of more than fifteen events/hour or obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome) and were assessed for insomnia and restless legs syndrome using validated measures. Total workplace productivity loss over twelve months, assessed with the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire. Of 1235 contactable 22-year-old Raine Study cohort members, 554 people (44.9%; 294 women [53%]) underwent overnight polysomnography, completed the baseline sleep questionnaire, and completed at least three quarterly workplace productivity assessments. One or more clinically significant sleep disorders were identified in 120 participants (21.7%); 90 participants had insomnia (17%), thirty clinically significant obstructive sleep apnoea (5.4%), and two restless legs syndrome (0.4%). Seventeen people (14% of those with sleep disorders) had previously been diagnosed with a sleep disturbance by a health professional, including fourteen with insomnia. Median total workplace productivity loss was greater for participants with sleep disorders (164 hours/year; interquartile range [IQR], 0-411 hours/year) than for those without sleep disorders (30 hours/year; IQR, 0-202 hours/year); total workplace productivity loss was 40% greater for participants with sleep disorders (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.40; bias-corrected and accelerated 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.76). The estimated population total productivity loss (weighted for disorder prevalence) was 28 644 hours per 1000 young workers per year, primarily attributable to insomnia (28 730 hours/1000 workers/year). Insomnia is a risk factor for workplace productivity loss in young workers. Tailored interventions are needed to identify and manage sleep disorders, particularly as most of the sleep disorders detected in the Raine Study had not previously been diagnosed.

Sleep and respiratory abnormalities in adults with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies using polysomnography and video-EEG monitoring.

This study evaluated sleep and respiratory abnormalities, and their relationship with seizures, in adults with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs). We studied consecutive adults with DEEs undergoing inpatient video-EEG monitoring and concurrent polysomnography between December 2011 and July 2022. Thirteen patients with DEEs were included (median age: 31 years, range: 20-50; 69.2% female): Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (n = 6), Lennox-Gastaut syndrome-like phenotype (n = 2), Landau-Kleffner syndrome (n = 1), epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures (n = 1), and unclassified DEEs (n = 3). Sleep architecture was often fragmented by epileptiform discharges and seizures resulting in arousals (median arousal index: 29.0 per h, range: 5.1-65.3). Moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was observed in seven patients (53.8%). Three patients (23.1%) had tonic seizures that frequently occurred with central apnea; one met criteria for mild central sleep apnea. Of the patients with tonic seizures, two had other identifiable seizure manifestations, but in one patient, central apnea was commonly the only discernable seizure manifestation. Polysomnography during video-EEG is an effective diagnostic tool in detecting sleep and seizure-related respiratory abnormalities. Clinically significant OSA may increase the risk of comorbid cardiovascular disease and premature mortality. Treatment of epilepsy may improve sleep quality, and conversely, improved sleep, may decrease seizure burden.

OSA-Onset: An algorithm for predicting the age of OSA onset

Study objectivesThere is currently no way to estimate the period of time a person has had obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Such information would allow identification of people who have had an extended exposure period and are therefore at greater risk of other medical disorders; and enable consideration of disease chronicity in the study of OSA pathogenesis/treatment. MethodThe ‘age of OSA Onset’ algorithm was developed in the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort (WSC), in participants who had ≥2 sleep studies and not using continuous positive airway pressure (n = 696). The algorithm was tested in a participant subset from the WSC (n = 154) and the Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS; n = 705), those with an initial sleep study showing no significant OSA (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) < 15 events/hr) and later sleep study showing moderate to severe OSA (AHI≥15 events/hr). ResultsRegression analyses were performed to identify variables that predicted change in AHI over time (BMI, sex, and AHI; beta weights and intercept used in the algorithm). In the WSC and SHHS subsamples, the observed years with OSA was 3.6 ± 2.6 and 2.7 ± 0.6 years, the algorithm estimated years with OSA was 10.6 ± 8.2 and 9.0 ± 6.2 years. ConclusionsThe OSA-Onset algorithm estimated years of exposure to OSA with an accuracy of between 6.6 and 7.8 years (mean absolute error). Future studies are needed to determine whether the years of exposure derived from the OSA-Onset algorithm is related to worse prognosis, poorer cognitive outcomes, and/or poorer response to treatment.

0794 Effect of Surgical OSA Treatment on Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep in Pediatric Patients

Abstract Introduction The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS) is not completely understood, especially among pediatric patients. Previous research describes varied changes in PLMS following OSA treatment, including increased, decreased, or unchanged PLMS frequency. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of surgical OSA treatment on the periodic limb movement index (PLMI) in pediatric patients with OSA and significant PLMS. Methods Retrospective chart review was performed to identify pediatric patients who had polysomnography demonstrating significant PLMS (PLMI ≥ 5/hour) and OSA (obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) ≥ 1.5/hour) that was treated with upper airway surgery. Patients aged 1-18 years were included if significant PLMS was present on either pre-treatment or post-treatment polysomnograms between 1/1/2010 and 7/31/2022. Patients were evaluated for changes in PLMI and OAHI between a pre- and post-treatment polysomnogram, each obtained within 12 months of OSA treatment. Patients with inadequate sleep time (&amp;lt; 2 hours) were excluded. Data are reported as mean ± standard deviation and results from mixed effect linear models. Results Medical record review identified 198 patients. The average age was 5.3±3.8 years (range 1.1-16.9 years) at pre-treatment polysomnogram, including 129 (65.2%) male patients. Adenotonsillectomy was the most common OSA treatment (n=136). For the whole group, the OAHI decreased from 12.3±15.3 to 5.3±8.1/hour and the PLMI increased from 5.5±8.5 to 7.0±8.7/hour after treatment, for an average PLMI increase of 1.5/hour (SE=0.7, p=0.04). Sub-group analysis of patients with decreased OAHI following treatment (n=152) showed an average PLMI increase of 2.3/hour (SE=0.8, p=0.004), while patients with increased OAHI following treatment (n=44) did not show a significant change in PLMI. There were 74 patients (37.4%) who developed significant PLMS following treatment and 36 patients (18.2%) with significant PLMS before and after treatment. Conclusion Effective OSA treatment led to increased PLMI among a majority of children, highlighting the potential for unmasking of PLMS in some pediatric patients with OSA. Furthermore, over one third of patients developed polysomnographic criteria for significant PLMS after OSA management. This may suggest a sub-group of children with OSA who have a PLMD phenotype that may not become apparent until appropriate OSA treatment. Support (if any)

Association of clinically significant obstructive sleep apnoea with risks of contracting COVID-19 and serious COVID-19 complications: a retrospective population-based study of health administrative data

Rationale/objectivesDespite plausible pathophysiological mechanisms, more research is needed to confirm the relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and the risk of COVID-19 infection or COVID-19-related serious complications.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective...

The association between obstructive sleep apnea and lung nodule, carcinoembryonic antigen.

The association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cancer risks gaining more and more attention. Data on the association between OSA and lung cancer risk are limited. This study is to investigate whether a link exists between low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scanning of the chest findings, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and OSA in patients suspected of OSA. The cross-sectional study included patients aged 18years or older who underwent continuous nocturnal polysomnography at our sleep center between February 2019 and November 2020. All subjects underwent chest LDCT and CEA. Patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of ≥ 15/h were classified as clinically significant OSA group, whereas patients with an AHI < 15/h were classified as control group. A total of 277 patients were enrolled in the study. 176 patients were categorized into the OSA group, while 101 patients were categorized into the control group. There is no relationship between any OSA-related parameter and presence of lung nodule or presence of ≥ 6mm lung nodule in the binary logistic regression analysis. OSA group demonstrated a significant higher value of CEA than control group. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that lowest O2 saturation (β = -0.256, p < 0.001), smoking status (β = 0.156, p = 0.007) and age (β = 0.153, p = 0.008) were independent predictors of elevated CEA. OSA was independently related to the elevated of serum CEA level, but not with presence of pulmonary nodule or ≥ 6mm pulmonary nodule in LDCT. Further well-designed longitudinal studies with pathology available are needed to identify the association between OSA and risk of lung cancer.

Self-reported improvement in obstructive sleep apnea symptoms compared to treatment response with mandibular advancement device therapy: a retrospective study.

Mandibular advancement device (MAD) is recognized as the treatment option for management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in mild-moderate cases or those unable to tolerate positive airway pressure therapy. Post-treatment sleep study is recommended to establish MAD efficacy when maximal therapeutic benefit is achieved based on OSA symptom improvement or maximum anatomical protrusion. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference between responders and non-responders in OSA symptom improvement and predictors of treatment success. Medical charts of patients referred to the Orofacial Pain Clinic between 2016 and 2021 for management of OSA with MAD were retrospectively evaluated. Participants with post-treatment sleep study with MAD in situ were included. Participants were categorized as responders according to different criteria: 50% reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) compared to baseline; post-treatment AHI ≤ 10 with ≥ 50% reduction from baseline; AHI ≤ 5 with ≥ 50% reduction. OSA symptoms included snoring, apneas, sleep quality, tiredness upon awakening, daytime sleepiness, and subjective improvement. Differences in pre- and post-treatment variables within/between groups and predictors were analyzed with t test and logistic regression. Among 53 participants (30 females), mean agewas 64.2 ± 10.7 and pre-treatment wasAHI 23.3 ± 17.2. Depending upon the criteria, responders ranged between 26 and 57%. At first follow-up after MAD delivery, non-responders reported less tiredness upon awakening (p = 0.003), better sleep quality (p = 0.005), and greater subjective improvement (p = 0.012) than responders. Among significant OSA symptoms, tiredness upon awakening, poorer sleep quality, and less subjective improvement were consistently found as predictors of treatment response. Subjective improvement, sleep quality, and tiredness upon awakening significantly improved in non-responders at first follow-up compared to responders, according to the strictest definition of treatment response. Therefore, a post-treatment sleep study is crucial to confirm proper management of OSA with MAD.

Perioperative Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With Syndromic Craniosynostosis Undergoing LeFort III Osteotomy With Distraction: A Case Series.

Retrospective observational study. The purpose of this publication is to address the absence of literature detailing respiratory management in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis and obstructive sleep apnea during the immediate postoperative interval following LeFort III advancement with placement of distraction hardware but prior to sufficient midface advancement. After IRB approval, the investigators retrospectively selected candidates for inclusion in this case series. The sample was composed of four patients ranging from 10 to 19 years of age undergoing LeFort III midface advancement during a one-year span at a single tertiary care center. All operations were performed by a single surgeon. Three of the selected patients suffered significant obstructive sleep apnea necessitating the operation, as determined by polysomnography. One patient experienced persistent apnea postoperatively requiring prolonged ICU level care. Three of the four patients had severe OSA diagnosed by polysomnography with a median AHI of 28.3. Two of the three patients with preoperative OSA experienced no untoward respiratory compromise in the immediate postoperative period; one required nightly oxygen tent and the other required no supplemental oxygen. Patient 1 experienced significant postoperative respiratory distress with nightly apneic episodes and desaturations requiring supplemental oxygen and frequent stimulation. The present study suggests that early involvement of sleep medicine and management of patient expectations is vital. Extremely close postoperative monitoring in the ICU is necessary. Future studies are needed to protocolize perioperative management of obstructive sleep apnea in patients undergoing LeFort III osteotomy prior to initiation and completion of midface advancement.

P025 Using questionnaires to predict OSA in patients presenting to sleep clinics

Abstract Purpose In sleep clinics, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and STOP-Bang (SB) questionnaire are widely used to determine the probability that a patient has obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), though neither were designed as a triaging tool specifically for patients with suspected OSA. Previously we found that ESS had poor correlation with OSA presence and severity as determined by the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) &amp;gt;15. In this paired clinical chart audit, we determined if the SB has improved predictive ability and thus better suitability for triaging sleep clinic patients suspected of OSA compared to ESS. Method 101 sleep clinic patients (56 male, 45 female) completed both ESS and SB questionnaires and underwent overnight polysomnography (OPSG) to determine AHI. Correlation of ESS and SB to AHI was determined using Spearman’s rho, and predictive ability of each questionnaire was determined using ROC curves and logistic regression. Results ESS was not significantly correlated to AHI in men (p=0.208) or women (p=0.533) and had poor sensitivity (60.2%) and specificity (47.8%). In contrast, SB was correlated to AHI in both men (p=&amp;lt;.001) and women (p=0.045), and had improved sensitivity (94.1%). An ESS&amp;gt;8 was not predictive of clinically significant OSA (AHI&amp;gt;15, p=0.244), whereas SB&amp;gt;3 was associated with 4.4 times higher odds of clinically significant OSA (p=.007). Discussion In our cohort, SB is more suitable than ESS for triaging patients presenting to sleep clinics due to its higher predictive ability for OSA. This finding has important implications for OPSG rebates and patient access to publicly funded treatment schemes.

Quantitative Data Integration Analysis Method for Cross-Studies: Obstructive Sleep Apnea as an Example.

Objective In recent years, the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has gradually increased. The diagnosis of this multiphenotypic disorder requires a combination of several indicators. The objective of this study was to find significant apnea monitor indicators of OSA by developing a strategy for cross-study screening and integration of quantitative data. Methods Articles related to sleep disorders were obtained from the PubMed database. A sleep disorder dataset and an OSA dataset were manually curated from these articles. Two evaluation indexes, the indicator coverage ratio (ICR) and the study integrity ratio (SIR), were used to filter out OSA indicators from the OSA dataset and create profiles including different numbers of indicators and studies for analysis. Data were analyzed by the meta 4.18-0 package of R, and the p value and standard mean difference (SMD) values were calculated to evaluate the change of each indicator. Results The sleep disorder dataset was constructed based on 178 studies from 119 publications, the OSA dataset was extracted from 89 studies, 284 sleep-related indicators were filtered out, and 22 profiles were constructed. Apnea hypopnea index was significantly decreased in all 22 profiles. Total sleep time (TST) (min) showed no significant differences in 21 profiles. There were significant increases in rapid eye movement (REM) (%TST) in 18 profiles, minimum arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) in 9 profiles, REM duration in 3 profiles, and slow wave sleep duration (%TST) and pulse oximetry lowest point in 2 profiles. There were significant decreases in apnea index (AI) in 14 profiles; arousal index and SaO2 < 90 (%TST) in 8 profiles; N1 stage (%TST) in 7 profiles; and hypopnea index, N1 stage (% sleep period time (%SPT)), N2 stage (%SPT), respiratory arousal index, and respiratory disorder index in 2 profiles. Conclusion The proposed data integration strategy successfully identified multiple significant OSA indicators.

Is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure All There Is? Alternative Perioperative Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure All There Is? Alternative Perioperative Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Global research trends of obstructive sleep apnea from 2011 to 2020: a 10-year bibliometric analysis

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common clinical condition with far-reaching health implications. We aimed to analyze the published articles of OSA and compare the differences in aspects of years, countries, institutions, journals, authors and keywords to evaluate the hotspots and development trends in OSA research. We screened all associated literature on OSA from Web of Science (WoS) during 2011-2020 and analyzed the research trends in this field using the VOS viewer and the online bibliometric analysis platform. The BICOMB and gCLUTO softwares were used to visualize the hotspots in OSA research. We screened 24,291 compliant publications. Statistics show that the number of OSA-related publications has increased annually. The United States has been leading in the global research field of OSA. Sleep and breathing have published the most articles on OSA. The University of Pennsylvania is the most prolific research institution, while David Gozal has made significant OSA research contributions. Four research hotspots have been summarized through the 21 most common keywords: (I) operative treatment for children with OSA; (II) risk factors and diagnosis of adult OSA; (III) prevalence of OSA and positive airway pressure treatment; (IV) oxidative stress caused by intermittent hypoxia and complications of OSA such as cardiovascular disease and insulin-resistance. Keywords: "Biomarkers", "Endoscopy", "Bariatric surgery", "Oral appliance", "Oropharyngeal exercises", are gradually emerging in the field of OSA research. Over the past decade, increasing attention has been paid to global OSA-related research. The United States is dominating in the OSA research. China possesses a considerable publication number now, which has grown rapidly in the last decade. However, more attention to publication-quality is needed. Instead of traditional therapies, oral appliance, oropharyngeal exercises and much more new approaches are proven to benefit OSA patients and gradually becoming research hotspots.

Examining the Relationship Between Diabetic Macular Edema, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

PurposeThis prospective cohort study examined the relationship between diabetic macular edema (DME), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients after 1 year of treatment with anti-VEGF injection and/or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).Patients and MethodsThe study included adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy. Polysomnography metrics were measured at baseline. Ophthalmologic metrics were measured at baseline, six-month (6m) and twelve-month (12m) follow-up. All DME+ patients received standard care, and all OSA+ patients were advised continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Logistic regression between DR severity and OSA severity was performed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed between subgroups.ResultsSeventy-four eyes of 49 patients with DR were included. Prevalence of OSA was significantly higher in the DME+ group (70.7%) than DME- group (42.4%, p < 0.05). A significantly lower average minimum SaO2 was noted in OSA+DME+ (81.74%) than OSA+DME- eyes (88.23%, p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis of ophthalmological and sleep metrics showed no correlation between DR and OSA severity. CPAP adherence was 20% (6/30) in the OSA+DME+ cohort and 36% (5/14) in the OSA+DME- cohort. At 12m, CPAP-adherent OSA+DME+ showed significantly lower DR severity score (1.00 ± 0.0) than CPAP non-adherent OSA+DME+ (1.36 ± 0.80, p = 0.042). No significant patterns were noted for visual acuity and mean central retinal thickness.ConclusionDME is associated with the presence of OSA. Minimum SaO2 is a significant OSA clinical variable for DME. DR severity is not associated with OSA severity. CPAP coupled with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy may be helpful for reducing DR severity in DME+ eyes. Presence of OSA may diminish intravitreal anti-VEGF efficacy on anatomical (mean CRT) and functional (VA) outcomes of DME.

The Clinical Utility of Electrocardiographic Holter Monitoring for Detecting Sleep Apnea

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is mostly undiagnosed. Sudden changes in heart rate mediated by the autonomic nervous system are observed during sleep apnea episodes. It is not clear whether the presence of cyclic variation of heart rate (CVHR) is useful in predicting OSA. The purpose of the present study was to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of electrocardiographic Holter monitoring to identify patients with significant OSA in a selected population compared to polysomnogram. Methods: 136 consecutive patients underwent polysomnography (PSG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) Holter monitoring simultaneously for eight hours during sleep-time. All data from the PSG, the ECG Holter recordings and the automated sleep apnea software were evaluated to compare patients with regard to cyclic variation of heart rate, apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) and sleep parameters.

Robot-assisted frontofacial correction in very young children with craniofacial dysostosis syndromes: a technical note and early functional outcome.

In this study, the authors aimed to 1) retrospectively analyze the early functional outcomes in a cohort of very young children with craniofacial dysostoses who underwent robot-assisted frontofacial advancement (RAFFA) or robot-assisted midface distraction (RAMD), and 2) analyze the utility of robotic assistance in improving the accuracy and safety of performing transfacial pin insertion for RAFFA or RAMD. A retrospective analysis of a cohort of 18 children (age range 1-42 months at presentation), who underwent RAFFA or RAMD from February 2015 to February 2021 in the craniofacial unit at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre in Kochi, India, was performed. Inclusion criteria were patients who had undergone RAFFA in a single stage or RAMD where the cranial vault had been addressed earlier, had been addressed on follow-up, or had not been addressed and had follow-up of at least 6 months. Overall, 18 children with syndromic craniosynostosis underwent LeFort level III midface distraction, with or without RAFFA, from February 2015 to February 2021 at a single center in India. The patients' ages ranged from 6 to 47 months at the time of the procedure. All patients had significant obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), significant ocular issues, and disturbed sleep as determined by the authors' preoperative protocol. Clinically significant intracranial pressure issues were present in 17 patients. None of the patients had injury due to the transfacial pin trajectory such as globe injury, damage to the tooth buds, or the loss of purchase during the active distraction phase. The mean distraction achieved was 23 mm (range 18-30 mm) (n = 16/18). Of the 18 patients, 10 (56%) had an excellent outcome and 6 (33%) had a satisfactory outcome. In all cases, the degree of OSA had significantly reduced after surgery. Eye closure improved in all patients, and complete closure was seen in 11 patients. On follow-up, the functional gain remained in 14 of 16 patients at the final follow-up visit. The distraction results were stable during the follow-up period (mean 36 months [range 6-72 months]). The early RAFFA and RAMD protocols investigated in this study gave a significant functional advantage in very young patients with craniofacial dysostoses. The results have demonstrated the accuracy and safety of robotic assistance in performing transfacial pin insertion for RAFFA or RAMD.

Selective Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Withdrawal With Supplemental Oxygen During Slow-Wave Sleep as a Method of Dissociating Sleep Fragmentation and Intermittent Hypoxemia-Related Sleep Disruption in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is considered to impair memory processing and increase the expression of amyloid-β (Aβ) and risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Given the evidence that slow-wave sleep (SWS) is important in both memory and Aβ metabolism, a better understanding of the mechanisms by which OSA impacts memory and risk for AD can stem from evaluating the role of disruption of SWS specifically and, when such disruption occurs through OSA, from evaluating the individual contributions of sleep fragmentation (SF) and intermittent hypoxemia (IH). In this study, we used continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) withdrawal to recapitulate SWS-specific OSA during polysomnography (PSG), creating conditions of both SF and IH in SWS only. During separate PSGs, we created the conditions of SWS fragmentation but used oxygen to attenuate IH. We studied 24 patients (average age of 55 years, 29% female) with moderate-to-severe OSA [Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI); AHI4% > 20/h], who were treated and adherent to CPAP. Participants spent three separate nights in the laboratory under three conditions as follows: (1) consolidated sleep with CPAP held at therapeutic pressure (CPAP); (2) CPAP withdrawn exclusively in SWS (OSASWS) breathing room air; and (3) CPAP withdrawn exclusively in SWS with the addition of oxygen during pressure withdrawal (OSASWS + O2). Multiple measures of SF (e.g., arousal index) and IH (e.g., hypoxic burden), during SWS, were compared according to condition. Arousal index in SWS during CPAP withdrawal was significantly greater compared to CPAP but not significantly different with and without oxygen (CPAP = 1.1/h, OSASWS + O2 = 10.7/h, OSASWS = 10.6/h). However, hypoxic burden during SWS was significantly reduced with oxygen compared to without oxygen [OSASWS + O2 = 23 (%min)/h, OSASWS = 37 (%min)/h]. No significant OSA was observed in non-rapid eye movement (REM) stage 1 (NREM 1), non-REM stage 2 (NREM 2), or REM sleep (e.g., non-SWS) in any condition. The SWS-specific CPAP withdrawal induces OSA with SF and IH. The addition of oxygen during CPAP withdrawal results in SF with significantly less severe hypoxemia during the induced respiratory events in SWS. This model of SWS-specific CPAP withdrawal disrupts SWS with a physiologically relevant stimulus and facilitates the differentiation of SF and IH in OSA.