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Sleep Medicine Jan 2024To assess the impact of transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation (TPNS) on non-rapid eye movement sleep microstructure quantified by cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) in...
STUDY OBJECTIVES
To assess the impact of transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation (TPNS) on non-rapid eye movement sleep microstructure quantified by cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) in individuals with central sleep apnea (CSA).
METHODS
We analyzed baseline and 6-month follow-up overnight polysomnograms (PSG) in 134 CSA patients enrolled in the remedē System Pivotal Trial implanted with TPNS randomized (1:1) to neurostimulation (treatment group) or no stimulation (control group). Differences in CAP rate, A1 index, and A2+A3 index between study arms at follow-up were assessed using Analysis of Covariance adjusted for baseline values.
RESULTS
On follow-up PSG, the treatment group showed a decrease in the frequency of A2+A3 phases compared to controls (-5.86 ± 11.82 vs. 0.67 ± 15.25, p = 0.006), while the frequency of A1 phases increased more in the treatment group (2.57 ± 11.67 vs. -2.47 ± 10.60, p = 0.011). The change in CAP rate at follow-up was comparable between study arms.
CONCLUSIONS
TPNS treatment for central sleep apnea may affect sleep microstructure. Brief phases of rapid cortical activity appear to be replaced by short phases of slower cortical activity, which may promote sleep continuity. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effect of TPNS on CAP.
Topics: Humans; Treatment Outcome; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Sleep Apnea, Central; Phrenic Nerve; Prospective Studies; Sleep
PubMed: 37988861
DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2023.11.005 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jan 2024Hypoxia can trigger a sequence of breathing-related behaviors, from tachypnea to apneusis to apnea and gasping, an autoresuscitative behavior that, via large tidal...
Hypoxia can trigger a sequence of breathing-related behaviors, from tachypnea to apneusis to apnea and gasping, an autoresuscitative behavior that, via large tidal volumes and altered intrathoracic pressure, can enhance coronary perfusion, carotid blood flow, and sympathetic activity, and thereby coordinate cardiac and respiratory functions. We tested the hypothesis that hypoxia-evoked gasps are amplified through a disinhibitory microcircuit within the inspiratory neuron chain and a distributed efference copy mechanism that generates coordinated gasp-like discharges concurrently in other circuits of the raphe-pontomedullary respiratory network. Data were obtained from 6 decerebrate, vagotomized, neuromuscularly-blocked, and artificially ventilated adult cats. Arterial blood pressure, phrenic nerve activity, end-tidal CO2, and other parameters were monitored. Hypoxia was produced by ventilation with a gas mixture of 5% O2 in nitrogen (N2). Neuron spike trains were recorded at multiple pontomedullary sites simultaneously and evaluated for firing rate modulations and short-time scale correlations indicative of functional connectivity. Experimental perturbations evoked reconfiguration of raphe-pontomedullary circuits during tachypnea, apneusis and augmented bursts, apnea, and gasping. The functional connectivity, altered firing rates, efference copy of gasp drive, and coordinated step increments in blood pressure reported here support a distributed brain stem network model for amplification and broadcasting of inspiratory drive during autoresuscitative gasping that begins with a reduction in inhibition by expiratory neurons and an initial loss of inspiratory drive during hypoxic apnea.
PubMed: 37986850
DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.07.566027 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Apr 2024The post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) is a disabling syndrome affecting at least 5%-10% of subjects who survive COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 mediated vagus nerve dysfunction could...
OBJECTIVES
The post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) is a disabling syndrome affecting at least 5%-10% of subjects who survive COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 mediated vagus nerve dysfunction could explain some PCC symptoms, such as dysphonia, dysphagia, dyspnea, dizziness, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, gastrointestinal disturbances, or neurocognitive complaints.
METHODS
We performed a cross-sectional pilot study in subjects with PCC with symptoms suggesting vagus nerve dysfunction (n = 30) and compared them with subjects fully recovered from acute COVID-19 (n = 14) and with individuals never infected (n = 16). We evaluated the structure and function of the vagus nerve and respiratory muscles.
RESULTS
Participants were mostly women (24 of 30, 80%), and the median age was 44 years (interquartile range [IQR] 35-51 years). Their most prevalent symptoms were cognitive dysfunction 25 of 30 (83%), dyspnea 24 of 30 (80%), and tachycardia 24 of 30 (80%). Compared with COVID-19-recovered and uninfected controls, respectively, subjects with PCC were more likely to show thickening and hyperechogenic vagus nerve in neck ultrasounds (cross-sectional area [CSA] [mean ± standard deviation]: 2.4 ± 0.97mm2 vs. 2 ± 0.52mm2 vs. 1.9 ± 0.73 mm2; p 0.08), reduced esophageal-gastric-intestinal peristalsis (34% vs. 0% vs. 21%; p 0.02), gastroesophageal reflux (34% vs. 19% vs. 7%; p 0.13), and hiatal hernia (25% vs. 0% vs. 7%; p 0.05). Subjects with PCC showed flattening hemidiaphragms (47% vs. 6% vs. 14%; p 0.007), and reductions in maximum inspiratory pressure (62% vs. 6% vs. 17%; p ≤ 0.001), indicating respiratory muscle weakness. The latter findings suggest additional involvement of the phrenic nerve.
DISCUSSION
Vagus and phrenic nerve dysfunction contribute to the complex and multifactorial pathophysiology of PCC.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Male; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; SARS-CoV-2; Pilot Projects; Vagus Nerve; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Dyspnea; Tachycardia
PubMed: 37984511
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.11.007 -
Pain Physician Nov 2023The gold standard postoperative analgesia protocol for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair procedures is the interscalene block (ISB), which prevents the significant... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Combined Infraclavicular-Suprascapular Nerve Blocks Compared With Interscalene Block for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind, and Comparative Clinical Trial.
BACKGROUND
The gold standard postoperative analgesia protocol for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair procedures is the interscalene block (ISB), which prevents the significant consequences of phrenic nerve block associated with hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (HDP). The infraclavicular brachial plexus block (BPB) combined with the suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) had the same analgesic efficacy as the infraclavicular BPB alone, with no effect on respiration.
OBJECTIVES
Therefore, the study aimed to assess the HDP and analgesic efficacy of both approaches in controlling pain following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgeries.
STUDY DESIGN
A prospective, randomized, double-blind, and comparative clinical trial.
SETTING
The study comprised 66 patients. They were separated into 2 equal parallel groups 33 patients each: the ISB group and the costoclavicular and suprascapular block (CSB) group.
METHODS
The ISB group obtained the ISB followed by the general anesthesia. The CSB group received infraclavicular blockade using the costoclavicular approach and SSNB followed by general anesthesia.
RESULTS
Considering morphine utilization during the first day following the operation, the groups demonstrated an insignificant difference. The CSB group showed a decreased rate of diaphragmatic paralysis.
LIMITATIONS
There was no control group. And, the blocks might take a long time to be performed up to 30 minutes. Also, there were no validated criteria to define HDP based on M-mode ultrasound measurements.
CONCLUSIONS
The employment of the costoclavicular block in combination with the suprascapular block may provide a comparable analgesic potency to the sole use of the standard ISB with no HDP.
Topics: Humans; Brachial Plexus Block; Rotator Cuff; Prospective Studies; Pain, Postoperative; Analgesics; Arthroscopy; Anesthetics, Local
PubMed: 37976482
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal, Genetic Engineering &... Nov 2023Mutations in GDAP1 (Ganglioside-induced differentiation-associated protein 1) gene are linked to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a Heterogenous group of disorders...
INTRODUCTION
Mutations in GDAP1 (Ganglioside-induced differentiation-associated protein 1) gene are linked to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a Heterogenous group of disorders with multiple phenotypes, characterized by peripheral nerve dysfunction that can lead to vocal cord paralysis and diaphragmatic dysfunction.
MAIN BODY
All three affected children of this chosen family have manifested the same clinical symptoms with progressive weakness, mild sensory impairment, and absent tendon reflexes in their early years. Electrodiagnostic analysis displayed an axonal type of neuropathy in affected patients. Sequencing of the GDAP1 gene was requested for all members of the family. Diagnostic assessments included pulmonary and vocal cord function tests, as well as phrenic and peripheral nerve conduction studies. Pathogenicity of GDAP1 variant p.Pro419Leu with axonal CMT2 and autosomal recessive inheritance was confirmed via in silico analysis. Patients with GDAP1 mutations showed dysphonia, speech difficulties, and the characteristic symptoms of CMT. The severity of symptoms correlated with the presence of a type of GDAP1 mutation. Patients with normal vocal cords and pulmonary function exhibited milder symptoms compared to those with GDAP1 mutations. Our study provides clinical insights into the phenotypic effects of GDAP1 mutations in CMT patients. The findings highlight the adverse clinical course and severe disability associated with GDAP1 mutations, including weak limb and laryngeal muscles.
CONCLUSION
Patients with GDAP1 mutations and autosomal recessive neuropathy present with dysphonia and require interventions such as surgery, braces, physical therapy, and exercise. Early diagnosis and comprehensive clinical evaluations are crucial for managing CMT patients with GDAP1 mutations.
PubMed: 37966693
DOI: 10.1186/s43141-023-00568-9 -
Cureus Nov 2023Diaphragmatic paralysis (DP), whether unilateral or bilateral, often leads to extended recovery and more severe complications, particularly in neonates and infants... (Review)
Review
Diaphragmatic paralysis (DP), whether unilateral or bilateral, often leads to extended recovery and more severe complications, particularly in neonates and infants undergoing congenital heart surgery. This condition's impact is most pronounced after single-ventricle palliative procedures. Tracheostomy prevalence is rising in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) despite its association with high resource utilization and in-hospital mortality. This study examines the reported incidence of diaphragmatic paralysis and timing of tracheostomy in pediatric patients undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease in the literature and a retrospective analysis of cases in our institution between 2018 and 2023, offering insights for prospective management. An electronic search of PubMed databases retrieved 10 studies on pediatric tracheostomy and 11 studies on DP. Our retrospective analysis included 15 patients, of whom 10 underwent tracheostomy, four underwent diaphragmatic plication, and one underwent both. Postoperative tracheostomy had an 11.8% mortality rate in our systematic review, rising to 40% in our observational study. Diaphragm repair and early diagnosis can reduce morbidity, prevent complications, and improve patients' quality of life.
PubMed: 37954631
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48648 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Dec 2023Mediastinal teratoma is the most common mediastinal germ cell tumor. Mature mediastinal teratomas are infrequent and often found incidentally.
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Mediastinal teratoma is the most common mediastinal germ cell tumor. Mature mediastinal teratomas are infrequent and often found incidentally.
CASE PRESENTATION
We report the case of a 14-year-old girl who was presented dyspnea for 2 years. A computed tomography of the chest revealed a 19 cm heterogenous right-sided anterior mediastinal mass suggesting mature teratoma. The mass compressed vital structures. The tumor was considered resectable. By hemiclamshell approach, we punctured the tumor and aspirated its contents. The tumor was totally resected en bloc with a cuff of pericardium, phrenic nerve and azygos vena. The pericardial defect was repaired using Mersilene mesh. Histopathology of the tumor revealed a mature cystic teratoma. Postoperative course was uneventful.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice for mediastinal mature teratoma. The choice of incision for removing the tumor depend on the tumor size, location and the relashionships with the associated vital structures. Lengthy incisions were required for the safe mobilization of the tumor. In addition, contents aspiration through a small incision in the giant tumor wall helped improve tumor mobilization.
CONCLUSION
Appropriate surgical strategy for a well selected case maintains functional status and results total tumor resection.
PubMed: 37952494
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.109003 -
Arthroscopy Techniques Oct 2023Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is one of the most painful surgical procedures; patients complain of pain especially during the first 48 hours postoperatively. Pain...
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is one of the most painful surgical procedures; patients complain of pain especially during the first 48 hours postoperatively. Pain management is an essential goal to reduce the demand for analgesic agents and patient discomfort. Various methods have been introduced for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, including continuous arthroscopy-guided suprascapular nerve blocks (SSNB) and interscalene nerve blocks. However, the aforementioned procedures have shown disadvantages such as catheter mobilization, which may cause injury to the artery, a weak analgesic effect, and Horner syndrome, as well as phrenic nerve paralysis. A modification of the continuous arthroscopy-guided SSNB has been introduced at our hospital: the modified continuous arthroscopy-guided SSNB technique. The aim of this technique is to immobilize the catheter to reduce the chance of injury and minimize postsurgical analgesic needs and patient discomfort.
PubMed: 37942096
DOI: 10.1016/j.eats.2023.05.019 -
Sleep & Breathing = Schlaf & Atmung May 2024Patients with obstructive or central sleep apnea are primarily treated with positive airway pressure treatment. There are novel implantable options targeting either...
BACKGROUND
Patients with obstructive or central sleep apnea are primarily treated with positive airway pressure treatment. There are novel implantable options targeting either obstructive sleep apnea using hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) or central sleep apnea using phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS).
METHODS
Patients with sleep apnea were implanted with both HNS and PNS devices, and their response to each therapy was monitored using home sleep tests as well as Epworth Sleepiness scale (ESS).
RESULTS
We evaluated our concurrent neurostimulation approach in two patients. Both patients were implanted with two neuromodulation devices: The first case suffered from treatment emergent central sleep apnea after HNS activation for primarily obstructive sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index/AHI 54/h). The central portion resolved under PNS (AHI 23.7/h). The second case suffered from predominantly central sleep apnea (AHI 82/h). Here, the PNS device was implanted first, resulting in a subsequent reduction of the central portion. The residual obstructive sleep apnea was addressed using HNS (AHI 5.4/h). No interaction between the HNS and PNS systems was noticed in either of the two patients.
CONCLUSIONS
In selected cases, a concurrent treatment with hypoglossal and phrenic nerve stimulation may lead to improvement of sleep apnea and patient satisfaction in a safe manner.
Topics: Humans; Phrenic Nerve; Hypoglossal Nerve; Sleep Apnea, Central; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Male; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Middle Aged; Polysomnography; Female; Adult; Implantable Neurostimulators
PubMed: 37926800
DOI: 10.1007/s11325-023-02939-5 -
Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology Feb 2024Cervical spinal cord injury creates lasting respiratory deficits which can require mechanical ventilation long-term. We have shown that closed-loop epidural stimulation...
Cervical spinal cord injury creates lasting respiratory deficits which can require mechanical ventilation long-term. We have shown that closed-loop epidural stimulation (CL-ES) elicits respiratory plasticity in the form of increased phrenic network excitability (Malone et. al., E Neuro, Vol 9, 0426-21.2021, 2022); however, the ability of this treatment to create functional benefits for breathing function per se after injury has not been demonstrated. Here, we demonstrate in C2 hemisected anesthetized rats, a 20-minute bout of CL-ES administered at current amplitudes below the motor threshold restores paralyzed hemidiaphragm activity in-phase with breathing while potentiating contralesional activity. While this acute bout of stimulation did not elicit the increased network excitability seen in our chronic model, a subset of stimulated animals continued spontaneous ipsilesional diaphragm activity for several seconds after stopping stimulation. These results support the use of CL-ES as a therapeutic to rescue breathing after high cervical spinal cord injury, with the potential to lead to lasting recovery and device independence.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Diaphragm; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Thorax; Spinal Cord Injuries; Respiration; Phrenic Nerve; Recovery of Function; Cervical Cord
PubMed: 37923238
DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2023.104182