Publication
Title
Effect of upper-airway stimulation for obstructive sleep apnoea on airway dimensions
Author
Abstract
Upper-airway stimulation (UAS) using a unilateral implantable neurostimulator for the hypoglossal nerve is an effective therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea patients with continuous positive airway pressure intolerance. This study evaluated stimulation effects on retropalatal and retrolingual dimensions during drug-induced sedation compared with wakefulness to assess mechanistic relationships in response to UAS. Patients with an implanted stimulator underwent nasal video endoscopy while awake and/or during drug-induced sedation in the supine position. The cross-sectional area, anteriorposterior and lateral dimensions of the retropalatal and retrolingual regions were measured during baseline and stimulation. 15 patients underwent endoscopy while awake and 12 underwent drug-induced sedation endoscopy. Increased levels of stimulation were associated with increased area of both the retropalatal and retrolingual regions. During wakefulness, a therapeutic level of stimulation increased the retropalatal area by 56.4% (p = 0.002) and retrolingual area by 184.1% (p = 0.006). During stimulation, the retropalatal area enlarged in the anteriorposterior dimension while retrolingual area enlarged in both anteriorposterior and lateral dimensions. During drug-induced sedation endoscopy, the same stimulation increased the retropalatal area by 180.0% (p = 0.002) and retrolingual area by 130.1% (p = 0.008). Therapy responders had larger retropalatal enlargement with stimulation than nonresponders. UAS increases both the retropalatal and retrolingual areas. This multilevel enlargement may explain reductions of the apnoeahypopnoea index in selected patients receiving this therapy.
Language
English
Source (journal)
The European respiratory journal / European Respiratory Society [Lausanne] - Copenhagen, 1988, currens
Publication
Copenhagen : 2015
ISSN
0903-1936 [print]
1399-3003 [online]
DOI
10.1183/09031936.00059414
Volume/pages
45 :1 (2015) , p. 129-138
ISI
000348179800018
Pubmed ID
25186270
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 08.09.2014
Last edited 04.03.2024
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