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Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024Polysomnography and cephalometry have been used for studying obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) etiology. The association between craniofacial skeleton and OSA severity...
Polysomnography and cephalometry have been used for studying obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) etiology. The association between craniofacial skeleton and OSA severity remains controversial. To study OSA's etiology, cephalometry, fiberoptic pharyngoscopy, polysomnography, and sleep endoscopy have been used; however, airway obstructions cannot be located. Recent research suggested ultrasonography for OSA screening and upper airway obstruction localization. Thus, this study aims to investigate the relationship between specific craniofacial cephalometric and ultrasonic airway parameters in adults at high risk of OSA. To assess craniofacial structure, lateral cephalograms were taken from thirty-three adults over 18 with a STOP-Bang questionnaire score of three or higher and a waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) of 0.5 or higher. Airway parameters were assessed through submental ultrasound. NSBA correlated with tongue base airspace width, while MP-H correlated with oropharynx, tongue base, and epiglottis airspace width. SNA, SNB, and NSBA correlated with tongue width at the oropharynx. At tongue base, ANB and MP-H correlated with tongue width. SNB and NSBA were associated with deep tissue thickness at the oropharynx, while MP-H correlated with superficial tissue thickness at velum and oropharynx. Cephalometric parameters (SNA, SNB, ANB, NSBA, and MP-H) were correlated with ultrasonic parameters in the velum, oropharynx, tongue base, and epiglottis.
PubMed: 38930069
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123540 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Jun 2024Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure (HF), and atrial fibrillation (AF).
INTRODUCTION
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure (HF), and atrial fibrillation (AF).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 179 patients aged 34-81 years were included in the study. The median age was 63 years (interquartile range: 56-69 years). Of these patients, 105 (58.7%) were men, and 74 (41.3%) were women; there were cases of paroxysmal ( = 99), persistent (n = 64), and permanent AF ( = 16). All patients underwent investigations including respiratory sleep monitoring, echocardiography, and 24 h Holter electrocardiography monitoring. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0.
RESULTS
OSA was detected in 131 (73.2%) patients. In patients with OSA, paroxysmal AF was commonest ( = 65), followed by persistent AF ( = 51) and permanent AF ( = 15). The patients with sleep apnea had increased body mass index (33.6 kg/m2; = 0.02), waist circumference (114 cm; < 0.001), and neck circumference (42 cm; < 0.001) values. HF (OR 2.9; 95% CI: 1.4-5.9; = 0.004) and type 2 diabetes (OR 3.6; 95% CI: 1.5-8.3; = 0.001) were more common in patients with AF and OSA. The STOP-BANG scale (AUC = 0.706 ± 0.044; 95% CI: 0.619-0.792; < 0.001) and the Berlin questionnaire (AUC = 0.699 ± 0.044; 95% CI: 0.614-0.785) had a higher predictive ability for identifying sleep apnea.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with AF demonstrate a high prevalence of OSA and an increased association with cardiovascular comorbidities. The STOP-BANG scale and the Berlin questionnaire can be used to screen for OSA in patients with AF.
PubMed: 38929839
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060618 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Jun 2024Overlap syndrome (OS), the coexistence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea, is frequently characterized by the presence of daytime...
BACKGROUND
Overlap syndrome (OS), the coexistence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea, is frequently characterized by the presence of daytime hypercapnia (pCO ≥ 45 mmHg). The aim of this study was to investigate potential differences in anthropometric, sleep and respiratory characteristics between hypercapnic and normocapnic patients with OS.
METHODS
Consecutive patients who underwent polysomnography, pulmonary function testing and arterial blood gases and had been diagnosed with OS were enrolled in the study.
RESULTS
According to pCO levels in wakefulness, the patients were divided into group A, consisting of OS patients without hypercapnia ( = 108) or group B, consisting of OS patients with hypercapnia ( = 55). The majority of included patients in both groups were males ( = 92 in group A vs. = 50 in group B). Group B had increased BMI ( = 0.001), neck ( = 0.017) and waist circumference ( = 0.013), higher scores in Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) ( = 0.008), increased sleep efficiency ( = 0.033), oxygen desaturation index ( = 0.004) and time with oxyhemoglobin saturation <90% ( = 0.006) than group A. Also, Group B had decreased average and minimum oxyhemoglobin saturation during sleep ( < 0.001). Hypercapnic patients had lower FEV% ( = 0.003), FVC% ( = 0.004), pO and pCO ( < 0.001 for both) values compared with normocapnic patients. In binary regression analysis, which assessed various predictors on the likelihood of having hypercapnia, it was found that BMI (OR: 1.313, 95% CI: 1.048-1.646, = 0.018) and FVC (OR: 0.913, 95% CI: 0.845-0.986, = 0.020) were the major determinants of hypercapnia in OS patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Hypercapnic OS patients were more obese and sleepy and presented worse respiratory function in wakefulness and sleep hypoxia characteristics compared with normocapnic OS patients.
PubMed: 38929821
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060600 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Jun 2024Personalized sleep medicine represents a transformative shift in healthcare, emphasizing individualized approaches to optimizing sleep health, considering the... (Review)
Review
Personalized sleep medicine represents a transformative shift in healthcare, emphasizing individualized approaches to optimizing sleep health, considering the bidirectional relationship between sleep and health. This field moves beyond conventional methods, tailoring care to the unique physiological and psychological needs of individuals to improve sleep quality and manage disorders. Key to this approach is the consideration of diverse factors like genetic predispositions, lifestyle habits, environmental factors, and underlying health conditions. This enables more accurate diagnoses, targeted treatments, and proactive management. Technological advancements play a pivotal role in this field: wearable devices, mobile health applications, and advanced diagnostic tools collect detailed sleep data for continuous monitoring and analysis. The integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence enhances data interpretation, offering personalized treatment plans based on individual sleep profiles. Moreover, research on circadian rhythms and sleep physiology is advancing our understanding of sleep's impact on overall health. The next generation of wearable technology will integrate more seamlessly with IoT and smart home systems, facilitating holistic sleep environment management. Telemedicine and virtual healthcare platforms will increase accessibility to specialized care, especially in remote areas. Advancements will also focus on integrating various data sources for comprehensive assessments and treatments. Genomic and molecular research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding individual sleep disorders, informing highly personalized treatment plans. Sophisticated methods for sleep stage estimation, including machine learning techniques, are improving diagnostic precision. Computational models, particularly for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, are enabling patient-specific treatment strategies. The future of personalized sleep medicine will likely involve cross-disciplinary collaborations, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy and mental health interventions. Public awareness and education about personalized sleep approaches, alongside updated regulatory frameworks for data security and privacy, are essential. Longitudinal studies will provide insights into evolving sleep patterns, further refining treatment approaches. In conclusion, personalized sleep medicine is revolutionizing sleep disorder treatment, leveraging individual characteristics and advanced technologies for improved diagnosis, treatment, and management. This shift towards individualized care marks a significant advancement in healthcare, enhancing life quality for those with sleep disorders.
PubMed: 38929819
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060598 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep-disordered breathing and is characterized by recurrent episodes of complete or partial upper airway...
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep-disordered breathing and is characterized by recurrent episodes of complete or partial upper airway obstruction during sleep, resulting in oxygen desaturation, autonomic dysfunction and sleep fragmentation [...].
PubMed: 38929653
DOI: 10.3390/life14060669 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Children born prematurely (<37 weeks' gestation) are at increased risk of perinatal complications, comorbidities, and iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is associated with...
INTRODUCTION
Children born prematurely (<37 weeks' gestation) are at increased risk of perinatal complications, comorbidities, and iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is associated with restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of restless sleep disorder (RSD) and elevated periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) in children born prematurely who underwent polysomnography.
METHODS
A retrospective chart review of sleep studies was conducted in children aged 1-18 years (median age 4 years) with a history of premature birth. Children with genetic syndrome, airway surgery, or tracheostomy were excluded. Three groups were compared: children with PLMS index >5, children with RSD, and children with neither elevated PLMS index nor RSD.
RESULTS
During the study, 2577 sleep studies were reviewed. Ninety-two studies fit our criteria and were included in the analysis. The median age at birth was 31 weeks, and the interquartile range (IQR) was 27-34 weeks. A total of 32 (34.8%) children were referred for restless sleep and 55 (59.8%) for snoring. After polysomnography, 18% were found to have a PLMS index >5/h, and 14% fit the criteria for restless sleep disorder (RSD). There were no statistically significant differences in PSG parameters among the children with RSD, PLMS, and the remaining group, except for lower obstructive apnea/hypopnea index (Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA 8.621, = 0.0135) in the RSD group (median 0.7, IQR 0.3-0.9) than in the PLMS (median 1.7, IQR 0.7-3.5) or the non-RSD/non-PLMS (median 2.0, IQR 0.8-4.5) groups.
CONCLUSIONS
There was an elevated frequency of RSD and elevated PLMS in our cohort of children born prematurely. Children born prematurely are at higher risk of iron deficiency which can be a contributor factor to sleep -related movement disorders. These results add new knowledge regarding the prevalence of RSD and PLMS in these children.
PubMed: 38929237
DOI: 10.3390/children11060658 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Children with Down syndrome (DS) are at high risk of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a polysomnogram (PSG) in children...
Children with Down syndrome (DS) are at high risk of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a polysomnogram (PSG) in children with DS prior to the age of 4. This retrospective study examined the frequency of SDB, gas exchange abnormalities, co-morbidities, and surgical management in children with DS aged 2-4 years old at Seattle Children's Hospital from 2015-2021. A total of 153 children underwent PSG, with 75 meeting the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 3.03 years (SD 0.805), 56% were male, and 54.7% were Caucasian. Comorbidities included (n, %): cardiac (43, 57.3%), dysphagia or aspiration (24, 32.0%), prematurity (17, 22.7%), pulmonary (16, 21.3%), immune dysfunction (2, 2.7%), and hypothyroidism (23, 30.7%). PSG parameter data collected included (mean, SD): obstructive AHI (7.9, 9.4) and central AHI (2.4, 2.4). In total, 94.7% met the criteria for pediatric OSA, 9.5% met the criteria for central apnea, and 9.5% met the criteria for hypoventilation. Only one child met the criteria for hypoxemia. Overall, 60% had surgical intervention, with 88.9% of these being adenotonsillectomy. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of OSA at different ages. Children aged 2-4 years with DS have a high frequency of OSA. The most commonly encountered co-morbidities were cardiac and swallowing dysfunction. Among those with OSA, more than half underwent surgical intervention, with improvements in their obstructive apnea hypopnea index, total apnea hypopnea index, oxygen saturation nadir, oxygen desaturation index, total arousal index, and total sleep duration. This highlights the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Our study also suggests that adenotonsillar hypertrophy is still a large contributor to upper airway obstruction in this age group.
PubMed: 38929231
DOI: 10.3390/children11060651 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2024Podcasts have emerged as a promising tool in patient preparation for hospital visits. However, the nuanced experiences of patients who engage with this medium remain...
INTRODUCTION
Podcasts have emerged as a promising tool in patient preparation for hospital visits. However, the nuanced experiences of patients who engage with this medium remain underexplored.
OBJECTIVES
This study explored patients' experiences of receiving information by way of podcasts prior to their hospital visits.
METHODS
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients with suspected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, or sleep apnea. The method of data analysis chosen was thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Based on data from 24 interviews, five key themes were identified: technical challenges in utilization of podcasts; individual preferences for information prior to hospital visits; building trust and reducing anxiety through podcasts; the role of podcasts as an accessible and convenient source of information; and enhancement of engagement and empowerment through podcasts. Additionally, the study highlighted the critical importance of tailoring podcasts' content to individual preferences to optimize the delivery of healthcare information.
CONCLUSIONS
Podcasts can serve as a meaningful supplement to traditional information sources for patients. However, it is important to recognize that not all patients may be able to engage with this medium effectively due to technical challenges or personal preferences.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Adult; Webcasts as Topic; Lung Neoplasms; Interviews as Topic; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38928992
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060746 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis of brain death/death by neurologic criteria (BD/DNC) by emphasizing the clinical criteria... (Review)
Review
This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis of brain death/death by neurologic criteria (BD/DNC) by emphasizing the clinical criteria established by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) in light of their updated guidelines released in 2023. In this review, we will focus on the current implementation of ancillary tests including the catheter cerebral angiogram, nuclear scintigraphy, and transcranial Doppler, which provide support in diagnoses when clinical examination and apnea tests are inconclusive. Finally, we will also provide examples to discuss the implementation of certain imaging studies in the context of diagnosing BD/DNC. Recent developments in the field of neurology have emphasized the importance of clinical criteria for diagnosing BD/DNC, with the AAN providing clear updated guidelines that include coma, apnea, and the absence of brainstem reflexes. Current ancillary tests, including the catheter cerebral angiogram, nuclear scintigraphy, and transcranial Doppler play a crucial role in confirming BD/DNC when the clinical assessment is limited. The role of commonly used imaging studies including computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiographies of the brain as well as CT/MR perfusion studies will also be discussed in the context of these new guidelines. BD/DNC represents the permanent cessation of brain functions, including the brainstem. This review article provides the historical context, clinical criteria, and pathophysiology that goes into making this diagnosis. Additionally, it explores the various ancillary tests and selected imaging studies that are currently used to diagnose BD/DNC under the newly updated AAN guidelines. Understanding the evolution of how to effectively use these diagnostic tools is crucial for healthcare professionals who encounter these BD/DNC cases in their practice.
PubMed: 38928702
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14121287 -
Biomedicines Jun 2024Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain disorder and is associated with disability, and high levels of pain and suffering. FM is known to co-occur with obesity and...
Correlation of Psychological Factors, Obesity, Serum Cortisol, and C-Reactive Protein in Patients with Fibromyalgia Diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Other Comorbidities.
BACKGROUND
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain disorder and is associated with disability, and high levels of pain and suffering. FM is known to co-occur with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Individuals with FM often experience symptoms of pain, depression and anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. These symptoms may be exacerbated by OSA and contribute to the symptoms' severity in FM. Obesity is a common comorbidity in OSA patients, and as FM and OSA are related in some patients, obesity also may contribute to FM symptom severity. For healthcare providers to effectively manage FM patients, a better understanding of the co-occurrence between these FM comorbidities and psychological factors is needed.
METHODS
This study was approved by IRB and conducted using a retrospective EPIC chart review. To identify FM, the following ICD-9 codes were used: (729.1) and ICD-10 (M79.7) codes. To identify patients with OSA, the following ICD-9 codes were used: (327.23) and ICD-10 (G47.33). Body Mass Index (BMI), the total number of medical diagnoses, and psychiatric conditions were documented for each patient. The prevalence of psychiatric conditions including depression and anxiety was compared between patients with and without obesity (BMI > 30), and patients with fewer than 25 medical diagnoses and those with 25 or more diagnoses. A chart review was conducted to identify patients with fibromyalgia with prior serum cortisol testing within the last ten years. Cortisol levels were compared and patients were divided into six groups: 1. FM without identified psychiatric conditions; 2. FM with psychiatric diagnosis of adjustment disorders and insomnia; 3. FM with psychiatric diagnosis of depressive disorders; 4. FM with psychiatric diagnosis of bipolar disorders; 5. FM with psychiatric diagnosis of mixed anxiety and depression; 6. FM with psychiatric diagnosis of anxiety disorders. Available C-reactive protein (CRP) values were gathered.
RESULTS
The total FM and OSA population was N = 331. The mean age of the patient population was 63.49 years old, with 297 being female. The diagnoses mean was 31.79 ± 17.25 and the mean total psychiatric diagnoses was 2.80 ± 1.66. The mean BMI was 36.69 ± 8.86, with obesity present in 77.95% of the patients. A total of 66.99% of patients had comorbid anxiety and depression with 25 or more medical problems vs. 33.01% of patients who had fewer than 25 medical problems (odds ratio = 1.50). Patients with a BMI < 30 (N = 71) had rates of anxiety and depression at 64.79% and a mean total of 2.79 ± 1.66 psychiatric diagnoses, whereas patients with a BMI > 30 (N = 258) had rates of anxiety and depression at 61.63% (odds ratio = 1.28) and a mean total of 2.80 ± 1.66 psychiatric diagnoses. The most common other psychiatric conditions among FM/OSA patients included hypersomnia and substance use disorders. Cortisol data: Available cortisol results: FM n = 64, female: 59, male: 5, mean age: 63, average BMI: 38.8. The averages for serum cortisol alone for groups 1-6, respectively, are 9.06, 5.49, 13.00, 14.17, 12.25, and 16.03 μg/dL. These results indicate a relatively upward cortisol serum value by the addition of several psychiatric conditions, with the most notable being anxiety for patients with FM. CRP values were available for 53 patients with an average CRP of 4.14.
DISCUSSION
Higher rates of anxiety and depression were present in FM patients with 25 or more diagnoses. The odds ratios indicate that a patient with 25 or more medical problems was 1.5 times more likely to have anxiety and depression than those with fewer diagnoses. Additionally, those with a BMI > 30 were 1.3 times more likely to have anxiety and depression than those with a normal BMI.
CONCLUSION
addressing psychological factors in FM and OSA is important as high healthcare utilization is common in patients with FM and OSA.
PubMed: 38927472
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061265