Upper Airway Obstruction In Patients Research Articles

Long-term mandibular growth in patients with airway obstruction treated with mandibular distraction

Congenital craniofacial malformations play an important role in upper airway obstruction. One of the main causes is mandibular hypoplasia which is present in the pierre robin sequence. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is one of the most commonly used treatments for the resolution of upper airway obstruction in patients that do not respond to a conservative treatment. We performed a long term follow up of syndromic and non-syndromic patients with pierre robin sequence where the lateral xrays were studied before surgery (T1), after MDO (T2) and long-term follow-up (T3, at least 5 years). Possible complications of the surgery were also studied through panoramic x-rays and clinical controls. The results evidenced an increase of mandibular length comparing T1-T2 and a good stability during the long-term follow-up. The Sd patients presented smaller mandible dimensions. We had not found any complications during the follow-up. The scars outcomes are modest, but none of the patients requested a surgical correction. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is a treatment to be considered in patients with upper airway obstruction that do not respond to conservative treatments. The results of the surgery are stable and the complications in experienced hands are low.

Analysis of respiratory properties using the low-frequency piezoelectric sensor in patients undergoing intravenous sedation: a prospective observational study

BackgroundPatients who undergo general anesthesia may experience respiratory failure postoperatively because of respiratory depression or upper airway obstruction. AimWe investigated whether a piezoelectric sensor (AYA-P sensor) can be used to detect upper airway obstruction in patients undergoing intravenous sedation. MethodsThis prospective observational study included 26 patients who underwent dental treatment under sedation at a dental clinic. Participants were evaluated using a newly defined airway obstruction score (AOS). The AYA-P sensors were attached to the suprasternal notch and the midpoint between the umbilicus and xiphoid process. The patient's respiratory status was classified into four categories based on thoracic movements, capnography, and breathing sounds from recorded data (S1: no airflow, S2: hypoventilation, S3: normal breathing, and S4: artifact). The data obtained from the AYA-P sensors were processed using a 0.4-Hz low-pass filter, calculated using the moving standard deviation (MSD) method, and further processed using a 0.1-Hz low-pass filter (fMSD). Next, these data were differentiated (D-fMSD). We defined the positive predictive value (PPV) as fMSD or D-fMSD values higher than a threshold α in categories S1 and S2. PPV(αMAX) was defined as the maximum PPV, and the negative predictive value (NPV[αMAX]) was defined using the same αMAX. ResultsWe compared each of the apnea-hypopnea time ratio (AHT%) and AOS with PPV(αMAX) and NPV(αMAX). The AHT% and AOS were correlated with PPV(αMAX) and NPV(αMAX) in the neck and abdomen, respectively. These findings suggest that an AYA-P sensor attached to the neck and abdomen can detect a patient's respiratory status. ConclusionProcessed data obtained from AYA-P sensors can predict upper airway obstruction in patients, and the predicted data may be dependent on individual anatomical differences. Clinical trial registrationThis study was registrated in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) clinical trial: Unique ID: UMIN000047007.

RETRACTED: Analysis of respiratory properties using the low-frequency piezoelectric sensor in patients undergoing intravenous sedation: A prospective observational study

BackgroundPatients who undergo general anesthesia may experience respiratory failure postoperatively because of respiratory depression or upper airway obstruction. AimWe investigated whether a piezoelectric sensor (AYA-P sensor) can be used to detect upper airway obstruction in patients undergoing intravenous sedation. MethodsThis prospective observational study included 26 patients who underwent dental treatment under sedation at a dental clinic. Participants were evaluated using a newly defined airway obstruction score (AOS). The AYA-P sensors were attached to the suprasternal notch and the midpoint between the umbilicus and xiphoid process. The patient's respiratory status was classified into four categories based on thoracic movements, capnography, and breathing sounds from recorded data (S1: no airflow, S2: hypoventilation, S3: normal breathing, and S4: artifact). The data obtained from the AYA-P sensors were processed using a 0.4-Hz low-pass filter, calculated using the moving standard deviation (MSD) method, and further processed using a 0.1-Hz low-pass filter (fMSD). Next, these data were differentiated (D-fMSD). We defined the positive predictive value (PPV) as fMSD or D-fMSD values higher than a threshold α in categories S1 and S2. PPV(αMAX) was defined as the maximum PPV, and the negative predictive value (NPV[αMAX]) was defined using the same αMAX. ResultsWe compared each of the apnea-hypopnea time ratio (AHT%) and AOS with PPV(αMAX) and NPV(αMAX). The AHT% and AOS were correlated with PPV(αMAX) and NPV(αMAX) in the neck and abdomen, respectively. These findings suggest that an AYA-P sensor attached to the neck and abdomen can detect a patient's respiratory status. ConclusionProcessed data obtained from AYA-P sensors can predict upper airway obstruction in patients, and the predicted data may be dependent on individual anatomical differences. Clinical trial registrationThis study was registrated in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) clinical trial: Unique ID: UMIN000047007.

Patient outcomes after neonatal tracheotomy: A retrospective case-control study.

Patient outcomes after neonatal tracheotomy: A retrospective case-control study.

Randomised, controlled crossover trial of intermittent and continuous transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the genioglossus muscle for obstructive sleep apnoea

PurposeContinuous transcutaneous electrical stimulation (CTES) of the genioglossus muscle may benefit patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, the therapeutic value of intermittent transcutaneous electrical stimulation (ITES) for OSA is...

Preoperative tracheotomy in the treatment of upper airway obstruction of patients with advanced stage supraglottic carcinoma

BackgroundPreoperative tracheotomy is an effective option that secures upper airway patency in laryngeal carcinoma patients suffering from upper airway obstruction, but the influence of this treatment on oncologic outcomes of laryngeal carcinoma remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of preoperative tracheotomy on overall survival in supraglottic carcinoma patients with tumor obstruction of the upper airway, and explore the potential causes. Materials and methodsThis retrospective study collected 243 consecutive patients with advanced stage supraglottic carcinoma from 2005 to 2010. Preoperative tracheotomy in the management of upper airway obstruction in patients with supraglottic carcinoma was analyzed. ResultsThe mean age was 60.9 years at diagnosis, with men accounting for 98.4% of all patients. Thirty nine (16.0%) patients presenting with tumor obstruction of the upper airway required preoperative tracheotomy. T4 stage patients had higher rate of tracheotomy than those of patients with T3 stage (36.8% vs 12.2%). Patients with upper airway obstruction presented with greater tumor area compared with patients without (13.7 cm2 vs 9.0 cm2). The optimal cutoff value of tumor area for tracheotomy and OS rate were both at 10 cm2. Supraglottic patients with upper airway obstruction receiving preoperative tracheotomy had poorer OS rate compared with patients without. T stage and tumor area were correlated with upper airway obstruction, and these two variables were independent predictors of OS rate in supraglottic carcinoma patients. ConclusionsAdvanced stage supraglottic carcinoma patients with upper airway obstruction undergoing preoperative tracheotomy experienced worse overall survival. Advanced T stage and greater tumor size were associated with upper airway obstruction, indicating that the negative influence of tumor obstruction on survival may be cause by these two preoperative variables. Therefore, preoperative tracheotomy acts only as an alternative procedure, and is not a prognostic agent.

Correlation of Rhinomanometry Measurement and True Lateral Radiography towards the Degree of Upper Airway Obstruction in Patients with Adenoid Hypertrophy

Background: Adenoid hypertrophy is one of the most common disorders in children which may lead to upper airway obstruction. Various modalities to measure airway obstruction in patients with adenoid hypertrophy, including true lateral radiographs, nasoendoscopy, and rhinomanometry are available; however, the results from different studies are still controversial. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the results of rhinomanometry and the true lateral radiographs to the degree of upper airway obstruction in patients with adenoid hypertrophy. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 33 patients with adenoid hypertrophy aged 5-18 years using a purposive sampling technique. Patients diagnosed with adenoid hypertrophy were subjected to a true lateral examination using lateral neck radiographs to measure the degree of airway obstruction. Subsequently, an active anterior rhinomanometry was performed by measuring resistance and nasal airflow and then measuring the degree of airway obstruction. Data analysis was done using Chi-Square test. Results: The rhinomanometric nasal resistance in the inspiratory phase was 0.4159 ± 0.15201 Pa/cm3/s and 0.3694 ± 0.13717 Pa/cm3/s in the expiration phase. The results showed a significant relationship between the true lateral radiographs and both nasal inspiratory (p=0.005) and expiratory resistance (p=0.004). Similarly, the relationship between the true lateral radiographs and nasal airflow on both inspiratory and expiratory rhinomanometry was significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Rhinomanometric measurements can be used as an additional objective examination in assessing the degree of upper airway obstruction in patients with adenoid hypertrophy prior to surgery.

Accuracy and Reliability of 4D-CT and Flexible Laryngoscopy in Upper Airway Evaluation in Robin Sequence.

To evaluate the performance of 4-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) in assessing upper airway obstruction (UAO) in patients with Robin sequence (RS) and compare the accuracy and reliability of 4D-CT and flexible fiber-optic laryngoscopy (FFL). Prospective survey of retrospective clinical data. Single, tertiary care pediatric hospital. At initial and 30-day time points, a multidisciplinary group of 11 clinicians who treat RS rated UAO severity in 32 sets of 4D-CT visualizations and FFL videos (dynamic modalities) and static CT images. Raters assessed UAO at the velopharynx and oropharynx (1 = none to 5 = complete) and noted confidence levels of each rating. Intraclass correlation and Krippendorff alpha were used to assess intra- and interrater reliability, respectively. Accuracy was assessed by comparing clinician ratings with quantitative percentage constriction (QPC) ratings, calculated based on 4D-CT airway cross-sectional area. Results were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum and signed-rank tests. There was similar intrarater agreement (moderate to substantial) with 4D-CT and FFL, and both demonstrated fair interrater agreement. Both modalities underestimated UAO severity, although 4D-CT ratings were significantly more accurate, as determined by QPC similarity, than FFL (-1.06 and -1.46 vs QPC ratings, P = .004). Overall confidence levels were similar for 4D-CT and FFL, but other specialists were significantly less confident in FFL ratings than were otolaryngologists (2.25 and 3.92, P < .0001). Although 4D-CT may be more accurate in assessing the degree of UAO in patients with RS, 4D-CT and FFL assessments demonstrate similar reliability. Additionally, 4D-CT may be interpreted with greater confidence by nonotolaryngologists who care for these patients.

Severity of Airway Obstruction May Not Correlate With Weight Gain or Failure to Thrive in Infants With Robin Sequence: A Pilot Study.

Patients with Robin sequence (RS) can present with varying degrees of upper airway obstruction, difficulty maintaining adequate weight gain, and failure to thrive (FTT). Although inductive reasoning would suggest that these issues should be interrelated, the relationships between these factors have not been formally studied. This investigation explores the correlation between polysomnographic (PSG) findings, weight gain, and FTT in patients with RS. A prospective database for baseline PSG parameters and serial weight measurements in infants with RS who were admitted for airway obstruction was reviewed. The association between PSG variables and calorie intake with FTT was assessed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Categorical analysis of the PSG variables against FTT was explored with a Poisson regression, and linear regression was performed to evaluate the correlation between PSG parameters and percentage of weight gain. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression in RS patients with (n = 13) and without (n = 20) FTT showed no significant association between apnea-hypopnea index (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.99, P-value = 0.403), O2 nadir (aOR: 0.98, P-value = 0.577), time of O2 saturation below 90% (aOR: 1.03, P-value = 0.574), maximum end tidal carbon dioxide (aOR: 1.0, P-value = 0.977), and average calorie intake (OR:1.02; P-value = 0.984). Furthermore, no significant associations were identified between these variables and weight gain. This pilot study questions the widely held and intuitively logical belief that poor weight gain and/or FTT should correlate with the severity of upper airway obstruction in patients with RS. Large prospective investigations should be initiated to better explore the authors' findings. Our results also underscore the importance of individualized treatment for these challenging patients.

Novel Approach of Mandibular Distraction to Avoid Tracheostomy in KAT6B-related Gene Disorders

Previously, severe upper airway obstruction in patients with retrognathia and glossoptosis has been managed with tracheostomy. However, tracheostomy is associated with significant morbidity. In recent years, mandibular distraction has become an alternative management strategy in infants, but these applications have been limited to patient populations with retrognathia and glossoptosis. The authors present 2 unique cases of patients with KAT6B-related gene disorders, who present with a paradox of tongue-based airway obstruction in the absence of retrognathia. In both cases mandibular distraction osteogenesis with an obliquely oriented vector was successfully performed and both children avoided the need for tracheostomy.

Critical upper airway obstruction as the first symptom of acute myeloid leukemia - an anesthesiologic reminder.

Acute upper airway obstruction can be fatal. Early recognition of airway distress followed by diagnostic laryngoscopy and prompt intervention to secure airway control is crucial. We here present a 62-year old male patient who presented with cough and increasing respiratory distress for three weeks. Within the next 24 h, he developed symptoms of critical upper airway obstruction, endotracheal intubation was not possible, and an acute surgical tracheotomy was performed to retain patent airways. A computer tomography scan revealed severe laryngopharyngeal soft tissue thickening and upper airway obstruction caused by leukemic infiltration. He was diagnosed with acute leukemia and responded to induction chemotherapy. This case report points out the importance of establishing the diagnosis of critical upper airway obstruction in patients presenting with respiratory symptoms, and highlights the emergency management of airway obstruction due to malignant infiltration of leukemic blasts. laryngotracheal trauma, bleeding, tonsillar hypertrophy, paralysis of the vocal cords or folds, allergic reactions, and acute infections affecting the upper respiratory tract.1 We present a 62-year old male patient with cough and increasing respiratory distress for the last three weeks. Within 24 h in hospital, he developed symptoms of critical upper airway obstruction. Endotracheal intubation with the patient awakes and selfbreathing using a fiber optic scope was not possible, thus an acute surgical tracheotomy was performed to retain patent airways. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with leukemic infiltrations of the upper airways was found to be the underlying cause.

Effect of mouth closure on upper airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea exhibiting mouth breathing: a drug-induced sleep endoscopy study.

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) exhibit multifactorial aetiologies; mouth breathing increases airway obstruction and upper respiratory tract resistance. Of the many published studies, few have evaluated sleeping subjects. We explored how mouth breathing affected the upper respiratory tract anatomy and OSA during sleep. Eighteen patients with OSA, confirmed via full-night polysomnography, were enrolled in this study. We performed drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and defined obstruction sites before and after mouth closure using commercial mouth strips. We evaluated obstruction sites in two ways, i.e. by grading obstructions using our DISE grading system and measuring the affected areas. Patients who improved by at least one DISE grade were defined as responders. Areas were measured based on DISE videos analysed using ImageJ software. The apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Based on the DISE grade, 40% (7/18) of patients showed obstruction site improvement. When assessed areally, the mean number of pixels improved significantly at both the retropalatal (p = 0.045) and retrolingual (p = 0.019) levels. However, DISE non-responders exhibited no areal improvements. Responders and non-responders did not differ significantly in terms of AHI or BMI (both p < 0.05). Mouth closure improves or at least does not lead to further deterioration of the upper airway. Improvements were evident at the retropalatal and especially retrolingual levels. Neither the BMI nor the AHI differed between the two groups. However, responders tended to have a higher AHI than non-responders (39.4 vs. 32.8events/h).

Airway Morphological Changes in Pierre Robin Sequence: A Retrospective Study.

To investigate airway morphology changes in patients with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) pre-/post-mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) and to compare morphologic changes to age-matched controls. Retrospective case-control study. Urban, academic, tertiary medical center. Fifteen patients with PRS after MDO to relieve upper airway obstruction (UAO) (2008-2018); age-matched controls for post-MDO patients. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis, curvilinear internal mandibular distractors. (1) Physiologic improvement after MDO (apnea-hypopnea index; minimum oxygen saturation); (2) airway size (volume, surface area, length, mean/minimum cross-sectional area), shape (lateral:anterior-posterior ratio, cross-sectional area ratios, uniformity, sphericity), and changes with MDO; and (3) post-MDO airway size, shape versus age-matched controls. Airway size increased after MDO (volume, P = .01; surface area, P = .02; length, P = .01), as did cross-sectional area (mean, P = .02; minimum, P = .02; minimum retropalatal, P = .05, mid-retroglossal, P = .02). Post-MDO PRS airways were larger than controls (volume, P < .01; surface area, P < .01; length, P < .01, cross-sectional area, P = .03). Airway shape remained nonuniform and flat post-MDO; control airways were round. Two syndromic patients required repeat MDO and had subphysiologic post-MDO airway cross-sectional area. Post-MDO PRS patients with supraphysiologic cross-sectional area along the entire airway had no UAO recurrence. In this small, heterogenous patient sample, MDO increases airway size, may preferentially affect the retropalatal airway, and often results in supraphysiologic airway dimensions. These retropalatal changes may be important in relieving severe UAO in patients with PRS. Generalizability of our results is limited by small cohort size and patient heterogeneity.

Respiratory and volumetric changes of the upper airways in craniofacial synostosis patients

To assess postoperative changes of the upper airway in a pediatric syndromic cranial-synostosis (SCS) population who underwent Le Fort III (LFIII) or frontofacial advancement by distraction osteogenesis (DO).Charts' review of 25 SCS infants presented at our tertiary-care children's hospital between January 2005 and December 2016 was performed. Preoperative (T0) and postoperative (T1) three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) and polysomnography (PSG) were recorded. Differences between T0 and T1 airway volumes and changes in PSG data were analyzed.18 patients were included. The mean T0 and T1 volumes were calculated as 15.963 mm3 ± 7.181 SD and 24.550 mm3 ± 12.946 SD, respectively. Airway areas increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the total study-group by a median value of 8.004 mm3, together with a global 72.22% improvement in respiratory parameters.A statistically significant gain of the upper airway after LF III and DO in SCS patients has been demonstrated. Given the absence of a direct relationship between post-operative upper airway volume increase and OSAS degree improvement, further insights should consider performing T0 and T1 sleep endoscopy analysis to complete the diagnostic workup and to better assess the level of residual or recurrent upper airway obstruction in patients who experience unsuccessful surgical treatment.

P102. Upper airway obstruction induced by non-invasive ventilation using an oronasal interface

Background In a subset of patients started on nocturnal non-invasive ventilation (NIV), intermittent upper airway obstruction has been described as possibly treatment-induced. Some evidence suggests that inspiratory pressure effects and the use of an oronasal interface may promote upper airway obstruction in patients with neuromuscular disease (NMD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in particular. Methods We retrospectively evaluated clinical data from 212 patients in whom NIV was initiated using an oronasal mask. Treatment-induced upper airway obstruction was defined as an AHI > 5/h along with a relative increase of the AHI in the first treatment night compared to diagnostic sleep studies. Results Prevalence of treatment-induced upper airway obstruction was 14.2% in the entire cohort, 17.0% in patients with NMD (n = 165), 20.4% in the ALS subgroup (n = 93), and only 4.3% in patients with non-neuromuscular conditions (n = 47). In patients using a fixed expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) (n = 191) EPAP was significantly correlated with AHI reduction (r = 0.50; p Δ PAP) showed weak inverse correlation with the AHI change achieved in the first treatment night (r = −0.28; p Δ PAP was the only independent predictor of treatment-induced upper airway obstruction corrected for age, sex and body mass index. In patients with ALS, treatment-induced upper airway obstruction was more common than in other neuromuscular conditions and showed association with better bulbar function. Conclusions Initiation of NIV using an oronasal interface may be associated with upper airway obstruction, and a subset of patients with ALS and other NMD may be at particular risk. Careful titration of ventilator settings is recommended in these patients in order to achieve AHI normalization.

The acute effect of continuous positive airway pressure titration on blood pressure in awake overweight/obese patients with obstructive sleep apnoea

Objectives: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) improves upper airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), who often are overweight-obese. Although it is thought that CPAP improves long-term blood pressure control (BP), the impact of acute and short-term CPAP use on the cardiovascular system in obese patients has not been described in detail.Methods: Obese patients (body mass index, BMI > 25 kg/m2) with OSA were studied awake, supine during incremental CPAP titration (4–20 cmH2O, +2 cmH2O/3 mins). BP was measured continuously with a beat-to-beat BP monitor (Ohmeda 2300, Finapres Medical Systems, Amsterdam/NL), BP variability (BPV) was calculated as the standard deviation of BP at each CPAP level, the 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was calculated and changes in BP and BPV were reported.Results: 15 patients (12 male, 48 ± 10) years, BMI 38.9 ± 5.8 kg/m2) were studied; the baseline BP was 131.0 ± 10.2/85.1 ± 9.1 mmHg. BP and BPV increased linearly with CPAP titration (systolic BP r = 0.960, p < .001; diastolic BP r = 0.961, p < .001; systolic BPV r = 0.662, p = .026; diastolic BPV r = 0.886, p < .001). The systolic BP increased by +17% (+23.15 (7.9, 38.4) mmHg; p = .011) and the diastolic BP by +23% (+18.27 (2.33, 34.21) mmHg; p = .009), when titrating CPAP to 20 cmH2O. Systolic BPV increased by +96% (+5.10 (0.67, 9.53) mmHg; p < .001) and was maximal at 14 cmH2O, and diastolic BPV by +97% (+3.02 (0.26, 5.78) mmHg; p < .001) at 16 cmH2O.Conclusion: Short-term incremental CPAP leads to significant increases in BP and BPV in obese patients with OSA while awake. Careful titration of pressures is required to minimise the risk of nocturnal awakenings while improving BP control.

Patterns of Upper Airway Obstruction on Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy in Patients with Sleep-Disordered Breathing with AHI

ObjectiveTo describe the patterns of upper airway obstruction in patients with sleep-disordered breathing with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) <5 using drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).Study DesignRetrospective study.SettingTertiary care center.Subjects and MethodsInclusion of patients with sleep-disordered breathing with AHI <5 on polysomnography who underwent DISE. Patients <18 years of age were excluded. DISE findings were reported with the VOTEL classification system: the level of collapse was described as occurring at the velum, oropharynx, tongue base, epiglottis, and the lingual tonsils. The degree of collapse was reported as complete, partial, or none. The pattern of the obstruction was described as anteroposterior, lateral, or concentric when applicable.ResultsA total of 54 patients with sleep-disordered breathing with AHI <5 underwent DISE. Ages ranged from 19 to 65 years. DISE was performed alone in 7% (n = 4) of patients and in conjunction with surgery in 93% (n = 50) of patients. The velum was the most frequent site of upper airway obstruction (85%, n = 46), followed by base of tongue (63%, n = 34), epiglottis (39%, n = 21), lingual tonsils (35%, n = 19), and oropharynx (31%, n = 17). Eighty-three percent (n = 45) of patients had multiple levels of upper airway obstruction, and 15% (n = 8) had a single level of upper airway obstruction.ConclusionPatients with sleep-disordered breathing with AHI <5 have significant upper airway obstruction as seen on DISE. DISE findings indicate that a majority of these patients have multiple levels of upper airway obstruction, which can lead to significant symptoms.

Comparison of level and degree of upper airway obstruction by Müller's maneuver and drug-induced sleep endoscopy in obstructive sleep apnea patients

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare and analyze the level and degree of observed upper airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using Müller's maneuver (MM) and drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). We sought to find a method for evaluating the upper airway that could be used to determine surgical sites. MethodsThis study included 80 OSA patients who visited Kyung Hee Medical Center and underwent polysomnography (PSG) from March 2013 to March 2014. Obstructive levels observed by MM were classified into retropalatal level, or the lateral wall and retroglossal level. These levels were compared with those determined by DISE through the VOTE classification. ResultsBased on the results of MM and DISE, lateral wall and retropalatal level obstructions showed relatively high conformity, while retroglossal level obstruction exhibited considerable differences. When evaluated at each level, patients with obstruction on MM also showed partial or complete obstruction on DISE at same level, and patients with no obstruction on DISE also showed no obstruction on MM at same level. ConclusionBoth examination methods revealed the same obstruction levels in all cases except epiglottic level, but there were some differences in obstructive degree. MM is capable of detecting obstruction levels in the upper airway and can be used to determine surgical sites in cases when DISE cannot be used due to a patient's condition or a clinic's circumstances.

Drug-induced sedation endoscopy in surgically naive children with Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea

ObjectiveTo describe the pattern of upper airway (UA) obstruction in surgically naive children with Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and to evaluate the outcome of drug-induced sedation endoscopy (DISE)-directed treatment. MethodsA prospective study of DISE in surgically naive children with Down syndrome and OSA was performed. Treatment was individually tailored based on the DISE findings and was evaluated by control polysomnography (PGS). Results are presented as median (lower–upper quartile) unless otherwise stated. ResultsIn 41 children, aged 4.2 years (range, 2.8–6.0) with a body mass z score of 1.04 (−0.55 to 1.82) and obstructive apnea–hypopnea index (oAHI) of 10.1/h (range, 6.3–23.0), DISE was performed. Adeno-/tonsillar obstruction was found in 75.6% of the patients, and these patients subsequently underwent UA surgery. Seven patients were non-surgically treated, and three received a combined treatment. A multilevel collapse was present in 85.4%. Tongue base obstruction was present in ten patients (24.4%) and epiglottic collapse in 48.8%. Pre- and postoperative PSG data were available for 25 children (adenotonsillectomy, n = 16; tonsillectomy, n = 7; adenoidectomy, n = 2). A significant improvement in oAHI from 11.4/h (range, 7.7–27.0) to 5.5/h (range, 2.1–7.6) was found. Persistent OSA was present in 52% of the children. No significant association between different DISE findings and persistent OSA could be found. ConclusionMost patients with Down syndrome and OSA present with multilevel collapse on DISE. Adenotonsillectomy results in a significant improvement of the oAHI; however more than half of the patients had persistent OSA, probably due to multilevel collapse. Upper airway evaluation may provide more insights into the pattern of UA obstruction in patients with persistent OSA.

Assessment of upper airway obstruction by measuring peak oral and nasal inspiratory flow.

We wanted to access upper airway obstruction in patients undergoing tonsillectomy by measuring peak oral and nasal inspiratory airflow. We recruited study participants from a cohort of patients on the waiting list for tonsillectomy, with or without adenoidectomy, at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK. Fifty patients enrolled on phase I of the study and underwent pre-operative measurement of the rate of peak oral and nasal inspiratory flow; 25 of these patients returned after one month for phase II of the study and underwent post-operative measurement of the rate of both peak oral and nasal inspiratory flow. Of the 25 participants who completed phase II of the study, 17 (68 per cent) showed an increase in post-operative peak oral inspiratory flow rate by an average of 45 per cent, while 18 (72 per cent) showed an increase in post-operative peak nasal inspiratory flow rate by an average of 22 per cent. Both peak oral and nasal inspiratory flow rate measurements may be useful measures of oral and nasal obstruction. Further larger studies are needed to develop these measurements as screening and efficacy measures for adenotonsillectomy to relieve upper airway obstruction.