Upper airway morphology in Down Syndrome patients under dexmedetomidine sedation.

PubMed

Subramanyam, Rajeev; Fleck, Robert; McAuliffe, John; Radhakrishnan, Rupa; Jung, Dorothy; Patino, Mario; Mahmoud, Mohamed

2016-01-01

Children with Down Syndrome are vulnerable to significant upper airway obstruction due to relative macroglossia and dynamic airway collapse. The objective of this study was to compare the upper airway dimensions of children with Down Syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea with normal airway under dexmedetomidine sedation. IRB approval was obtained. In this retrospective study, clinically indicated dynamic sagittal midline magnetic resonance images of the upper airway were obtained under low (1mcg/kg/h) and high (3mcg/kg/h) dose dexmedetomidine. Airway anteroposterior diameters and sectional areas were measured as minimum and maximum dimensions by two independent observers at soft palate (nasopharyngeal airway) and at base of the tongue (retroglossal airway). Minimum anteroposterior diameter and minimum sectional area at nasopharynx and retroglossal airway were significantly reduced in Down Syndrome compared to normal airway at both low and high dose dexmedetomidine. However, there were no significant differences between low and high dose dexmedetomidine in both Down Syndrome and normal airway. The mean apnea hypopnea index in Down Syndrome was 16±11. Under dexmedetomidine sedation, children with Down Syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea when compared to normal airway children show significant reductions in airway dimensions most pronounced at the narrowest points in the nasopharyngeal and retroglossal airways. Copyright © 2015 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Kinematic MRI study of upper-airway biomechanics using electrical muscle stimulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brennick, Michael J.; Margulies, Susan S.; Ford, John C.; Gefter, Warren B.; Pack, Allan I.

1997-05-01

We have developed a new and powerful method to study the movement and function of upper airway muscles. Our method is to use direct electrical stimulation of individual upper airway muscles, while performing state of the art high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We have adapted a paralyzed isolated UA cat model so that positive or negative static pressure in the UA can be controlled at specific levels while electrical muscle stimulation is applied during MRI. With these techniques we can assess the effect of muscle stimulation on airway cross-sectional area compliance and soft tissue motion. We are reporting the preliminary results and MRI techniques which have enabled us to examine changes in airway dimensions which result form electrical stimulation of specific upper airway dilator muscles. The results of this study will be relevant to the development of new clinical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea by providing new information as to exactly how upper airway muscles function to dilate the upper airway and the strength of stimulation required to prevent the airway obstruction when overall muscle tone may not be sufficient to maintain regular breathing.

Volumetric evaluation of pharyngeal segments in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Marcos Marques; Pereira Filho, Valfrido Antonio; Gabrielli, Mário Francisco Real; Oliveira, Talles Fernando Medeiros de; Batatinha, Júlio Américo Pereira; Passeri, Luis Augusto

2017-01-30

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs by recurrent collapse of the upper airway during sleep, resulting in total (apnea) or partial (hypopnea) reduction of the airflow and has intimate relation with changes in the upper airway. Cone Beam CT allows the analysis of the upper airway and its volume by three-dimensional reconstruction. To evaluate a possible correlation between the volume of the upper airway and the severity of the obstructive sleep apnea. A retrospective study was performed reviewing polysomnographic data and Cone Beam CT records of 29 patients (13 males and 16 females). The correlation between the volume of the nasopharynx, the oropharynx and the total superior pharynx with the AHI was assessed by Pearson's rank correlation coefficient. The obstructive sleep apnea severity division was: ten patients had severe, 7 had moderate, 6 had mild and 6 of them were healthy. The correlation between the nasopharynx, the oropharynx and the total superior pharynx volumes and the Apnea-Hypopnea-Index was respectively: -0.415 (p=0.025), 0.186 (p=0.334) and -0329 (p=0.089). The Spearman's rank controlled by the Body Mass Index, the age and the gender was: -0.206 (p=0.304), -0.155 (p=0.439) and 0.242 (p=0.284). There is no correlation between the volume of the airway and the obstructive sleep apnea, assessed by Apnea-Hypopnea-Index and controlled by the Body Mass Index, the age and the gender. The volume of the upper airways as an isolated parameter did not correlate to the severity of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and should be evaluated together with other factors. Copyright © 2017 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Movement Distribution: A New Measure of Sleep Fragmentation in Children with Upper Airway Obstruction

PubMed Central

Coussens, Scott; Baumert, Mathias; Kohler, Mark; Martin, James; Kennedy, Declan; Lushington, Kurt; Saint, David; Pamula, Yvonne

2014-01-01

Study Objectives: To develop a measure of sleep fragmentation in children with upper airway obstruction based on survival curve analysis of sleep continuity. Design: Prospective repeated measures. Setting: Hospital sleep laboratory. Participants: 92 children aged 3.0 to 12.9 years undergoing 2 overnight polysomnographic (PSG) sleep studies, 6 months apart. Subjects were divided into 3 groups based on their obstructive apnea and hypopnea index (OAHI) and other upper airway obstruction (UAO) symptoms: primary snorers (PS; n = 24, OAHI < 1), those with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS; n = 20, OAHI ≥ 1) and non-snoring controls (C; n = 48, OAHI < 1). Interventions: Subjects in the PS and OSAS groups underwent tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy between PSG assessments. Measurements and Results: Post hoc measures of movement and contiguous sleep epochs were exported and analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival to generate survival curves for the 3 groups. Statistically significant differences were found between these group curves for sleep continuity (P < 0.05) when using movement events as the sleep fragmenting event, but not if stage 1 NREM sleep or awakenings were used. Conclusion: Using conventional indices of sleep fragmentation in survival curve analysis of sleep continuity does not provide a useful measure of sleep fragmentation in children with upper airway obstruction. However, when sleep continuity is defined as the time between gross body movements, a potentially useful clinical measure is produced. Citation: Coussens S, Baumert M, Kohler M, Martin J, Kennedy D, Lushington K, Saint D, Pamula Y. Movement distribution: a new measure of sleep fragmentation in children with upper airway obstruction. SLEEP 2014;37(12):2025-2034. PMID:25325486

Fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopy for airway monitoring after obstructive sleep apnea surgery.

PubMed

Li, K K; Riley, R W; Powell, N B; Zonato, A

2000-12-01

This study evaluated the upper airway characteristics in the early postoperative period after reconstructive surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). During a 24-month period, the upper airway of patients who underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) with genioglossus advancement (GA) or hyoid myotomy (HM) or maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) were evaluated with fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (NPG) preoperatively and 24 to 72 hours postoperatively. NPG was performed on 271 patients. One hundred seventy-three patients had UPPP with GA or HM, and the remainder had MMA. All of the patients who underwent UPPP with GA or HM were found to have varying degrees of soft tissue edema involving the soft palate and the tongue base. The patients who underwent tonsillectomies and UPPP with GA or HM had greater soft palate/pharyngeal wall edema. In contrast, patients who underwent MMA had minimal edema involving the soft palate and the base of tongue, but diffuse lateral pharyngeal wall edema throughout the upper airway was identified. Eighteen of the MMA patients had ecchymosis and edema involving the pyriform sinus and aryepiglottic fold; 4 of these patients also had a hypopharyngeal hematoma involving the pyriform sinus, aryepiglottic fold, arytenoid, and false vocal cord, which partially obstructed the airway. These 4 patients were closely monitored for 1 to 2 additional days, and all were discharged without problems. None of the patients in the study had postoperative airway obstruction. NPG may be useful in postoperative airway monitoring and assist in discharge planning after upper airway reconstruction in the OSA patients.

21 CFR 868.5115 - Device to relieve acute upper airway obstruction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Device to relieve acute upper airway obstruction. 868.5115 Section 868.5115 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 868.5115 Device to...

21 CFR 868.5115 - Device to relieve acute upper airway obstruction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Device to relieve acute upper airway obstruction. 868.5115 Section 868.5115 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 868.5115 Device to...

21 CFR 868.5115 - Device to relieve acute upper airway obstruction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Device to relieve acute upper airway obstruction. 868.5115 Section 868.5115 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 868.5115 Device to...

Antithyroid drug-induced agranulocytosis complicated by pneumococcal sepsis and upper airway obstruction.

PubMed

Ishimaru, Naoto; Ohnishi, Hisashi; Nishiuma, Teruaki; Doukuni, Ryota; Umezawa, Kanoko; Oozone, Sachiko; Kuramoto, Emi; Yoshimura, Sho; Kinami, Saori

2013-01-01

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a rare pathogen of sepsis in patients with antithyroid drug-induced agranulocytosis. We herein describe a case of antithyroid drug-induced agranulocytosis complicated by pneumococcal sepsis and upper airway obstruction. A 27-year-old woman who was previously prescribed methimazole for nine months presented with a four-day history of a sore throat. She nearly choked and was diagnosed with febrile agranulocytosis. She was successfully treated with intubation, intravenous antibiotics and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Her blood cultures yielded S. pneumoniae. Emergency airway management, treatment of sepsis and the administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor can improve the clinical course of antithyroid drug-induced pneumococcal sepsis in patients with airway obstruction.

Numerical analysis for the efficacy of nasal surgery in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Shen; Liu, Ying-Xi; Sun, Xiu-Zhen; Su, Ying-Feng; Wang, Ying; Gai, Yin-Zhe

2014-04-01

In the present study, we reconstructed upper airway and soft palate models of 3 obstructive sleep apnea—hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients with nasal obstruction. The airflow distribution and movement of the soft palate before and after surgery were described by a numerical simulation method. The curative effect of nasal surgery was evaluated for the three patients with OSAHS. The degree of nasal obstruction in the 3 patients was improved after surgery. For 2 patients with mild OSAHS, the upper airway resistance and soft palate displacement were reduced after surgery. These changes contributed to the mitigation of respiratory airflow limitation. For the patient with severe OSAHS, the upper airway resistance and soft palate displacement increased after surgery, which aggravated the airway obstruction. The efficacy of nasal surgery for patients with OSAHS is determined by the degree of improvement in nasal obstruction and whether the effects on the pharynx are beneficial. Numerical simulation results are consistent with the polysomnogram (PSG) test results, chief complaints, and clinical findings, and can indirectly reflect the degree of nasal patency and improvement of snoring symptoms, and further, provide a theoretical basis to solve relevant clinical problems. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

21 CFR 868.5115 - Device to relieve acute upper airway obstruction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... the event of choking on a foreign body, can be applied to the abdomen and pushed upward to generate... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Device to relieve acute upper airway obstruction. 868.5115 Section 868.5115 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 868.5115 - Device to relieve acute upper airway obstruction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Device to relieve acute upper airway obstruction. 868.5115 Section 868.5115 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN... the event of choking on a foreign body, can be applied to the abdomen and pushed upward to generate...

Intranasal epidermoid cyst causing upper airway obstruction in three brachycephalic dogs.

PubMed

Murgia, D; Pivetta, M; Bowlt, K; Volmer, C; Holloway, A; Dennis, R

2014-08-01

This case report describes three brachycephalic dogs with intranasal epidermoid cysts that were causing additional upper airway obstruction. Although epidermoid cysts have been described in several locations in dogs, to the authors' knowledge intranasal epidermoid cysts have not been previously reported. All dogs had mucopurulent to haemorrhagic nasal discharge. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head revealed the presence of unilateral or bilateral intranasal cystic lesions obstructing the nasal cavities partially or completely, with atrophy of the ipsilateral nasal turbinates. The cystic lesions were surgically excised in all dogs using a modified lateral alveolar mucosal approach to the affected nasal cavity. Aerobic, anaerobic and fungal culture of the cystic contents were negative and histology of the excised tissue was consistent with a benign intranasal epidermoid cyst in each dog. Upper airway obstruction was clinically improved in two dogs. © 2014 British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

Sciatic Nerve Stimulation and its Effects on Upper Airway Resistance in the Anesthetized Rabbit Model Relevant to Sleep Apnea.

PubMed

Schiefer, Matthew; Gamble, Jenniffer; Strohl, Kingman Perkins

2018-06-07

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder characterized by collapse of the velopharynx and/or oropharynx during sleep when drive to the upper airway is reduced. Here, we explore an indirect approach for activation of upper airway muscles which might affect airway dynamics- unilateral electrical stimulation of the afferent fibers of the sciatic nerve- in an anesthetized rabbit model. A nerve cuff electrode was placed around the sciatic and hypoglossal nerves to deliver stimulus while air flow, air pressure, and alae nasi electromyogram (EMG) were monitored both prior to and after sciatic transection. Sciatic nerve stimulation increased respiratory effort, rate, and alae nasi EMG, which persisted for seconds after stimulation; however, upper airway resistance was unchanged. Hypoglossal stimulation reduced resistance without altering drive. While sciatic nerve stimulation is not ideal for treating obstructive sleep apnea, it remains a target for altering respiratory drive.

Evaluation of effects of anterior palatoplasty operation on upper airway parameters in computed tomography in patients with pure snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PubMed

Selcuk, Adin; Ozer, Tulay; Esen, Erkan; Ozdogan, Fatih; Ozel, Halil Erdem; Yuce, Turgut; Caliskan, Sebla; Dasli, Sinem; Bilal, Nagihan; Genc, Gulden; Genc, Selahattin

2017-05-01

To investigate changes in upper airway volume parameters measured by computerized tomography scans in patients with surgically treated by anterior palatoplasty of whom having pure snoring and mild-moderate obstructive sleep apnea. A prospective study on consecutively anterior palatoplasty performed pure snoring and obstructive sleep apnea patients. Computerized tomography scans were obtained preoperatively and following anterior palatoplasty procedure to measure changes in upper airway volume. Patients underwent diagnostic drug induced sleep endoscopy to assess the site of obstruction. Preoperative and postoperative measurements were compared using student's t test and Chi-square test. Twenty-two patients (16 men and 6 women, age 48.22 ± 9.23, body mass index 25.85 ± 2.57) completed the trial. Anterior palatoplasty was associated with an increase in total upper airway volume from 4.81 ± 1.73 cm 3 before treatment to 6.57 ± 2.03 cm 3 after treatment (p < 0.005). Change in soft palate thickness did not vary significantly (p < 0.039). The mean soft palate length has changed from 4.13 ± 0.41 to 3.93 ± 0.51 cm (p < 0.001). The preoperative and postoperative measurements of cross-sectional areas and volumes all showed significant difference except velopharynx minimal lateral airway dimension. The operational procedure increased the total upper airway volume much more in men than in women (p < 0.05). Results of this study indicate that anterior palatoplasty operation appears to produce significant increase in upper airway volume and cross sectional area. It does not seem to have an effect on lateral airway dimension. Computerized tomography is a quick and noninvasive imaging technique that allows for quantitative assessment of the velopharyngeal patency changes.

Upper airway changes in syndromic craniosynostosis patients following midface or monobloc advancement: correlation between volume changes and respiratory outcome.

PubMed

Nout, Erik; Bannink, Natalja; Koudstaal, Maarten J; Veenland, Jifke F; Joosten, Koen F M; Poublon, Rene M L; van der Wal, Karel G H; Mathijssen, Irene M J; Wolvius, Eppo B

2012-04-01

In syndromic craniosynostosis patients, respiratory insufficiency may be a pressing indication to surgically increase the patency of the upper airway by midface or monobloc advancement. In this study the volume changes of the upper airway and the respiratory outcome following midface (Le Fort I or III) or monobloc advancement in ten syndromic craniosynostosis patients are evaluated. Pre- and postoperatively, the airway volume was measured using a semi-automatic region growing method. Respiratory data were correlated to the volume measurements. In nine patients the outcome of upper airway volume measurements correlated well to the respiratory outcome. Three of these patients showed a minimal airway volume gain or even volume loss, and no respiratory improvement was found. In one monobloc patient improvement of the respiratory outcome without an evident volume gain of the upper airway was found. The majority of patients with Le Fort III advancement showed respiratory improvement, which for the greater part correlated to the results of the volume analysis. In monobloc patients the respiratory outcomes and volume measurements were less obvious. Preoperative endoscopy of the upper airway is advocated to identify the level of obstruction in patients with residual obstructive sleep apnoea. Copyright © 2011 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Localizing Effects of Leptin on Upper Airway and Respiratory Control during Sleep.

PubMed

Yao, Qiaoling; Pho, Huy; Kirkness, Jason; Ladenheim, Ellen E; Bi, Sheng; Moran, Timothy H; Fuller, David D; Schwartz, Alan R; Polotsky, Vsevolod Y

2016-05-01

Obesity hypoventilation and obstructive sleep apnea are common complications of obesity linked to defects in respiratory pump and upper airway neural control. Leptin-deficient ob/ob mice have impaired ventilatory control and inspiratory flow limitation during sleep, which are both reversed with leptin. We aimed to localize central nervous system (CNS) site(s) of leptin action on respiratory and upper airway neuroventilatory control. We localized the effect of leptin to medulla versus hypothalamus by administering intracerbroventricular leptin (10 μg/2 μL) versus vehicle to the lateral (n = 14) versus fourth ventricle (n = 11) of ob/ob mice followed by polysomnographic recording. Analyses were stratified for effects on respiratory (nonflow-limited breaths) and upper airway (inspiratory flow limitation) functions. CNS loci were identified by (1) leptin-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation and (2) projections of respiratory and upper airway motoneurons with a retrograde transsynaptic tracer (pseudorabies virus). Both routes of leptin administration increased minute ventilation during nonflow-limited breathing in sleep. Phrenic motoneurons were synaptically coupled to the nucleus of the solitary tract, which also showed STAT3 phosphorylation, but not to the hypothalamus. Inspiratory flow limitation and obstructive hypopneas were attenuated by leptin administration to the lateral but not to the fourth cerebral ventricle. Upper airway motoneurons were synaptically coupled with the dorsomedial hypothalamus, which exhibited STAT3 phosphorylation. Leptin relieves upper airway obstruction in sleep apnea by activating the forebrain, possibly in the dorsomedial hypothalamus. In contrast, leptin upregulates ventilatory control through hindbrain sites of action, possibly in the nucleus of the solitary tract. © 2016 Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC.

Emergency percutaneous tracheostomy in a severely burned patient with upper airway obstruction and circulatory arrest.

PubMed

Schlossmacher, Pascal; Martinet, Olivier; Testud, Richard; Agesilas, Fabrice; Benhamou, Léon; Gauzëre, Bernard Alex

2006-02-01

We report the life-saving use of Griggs percutaneous tracheostomy in an arrested patient with complex upper airway obstruction, as a result of burns, smoke injuries and iterative tracheal intubation attempts. The technique was performed blindly at bedside to treat an acute episode of failed ventilation and intubation and cardiac arrest in a patient with altered neck anatomy. The intervention salvaged the situation, leaving a definitive airway. The feasibility of using an emergency Griggs percutaneous tracheostomy versus cricothyroidotomy is suggested in selected cases.

Anatomic optical coherence tomography for dynamic imaging of the upper airway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bu, Ruofei; Balakrishnan, Santosh; Iftimia, Nicusor; Price, Hillel; Zdanski, Carlton; Oldenburg, Amy L.

2017-03-01

To aid in diagnosis and treatment of upper airway obstructive disorders (UAOD), we propose anatomic Optical Coherence Tomography (aOCT) for endoscopic imaging of the upper airway lumen with high speed and resolution. aOCT and CT scans are performed sequentially on in vivo swine to compare dynamic airway imaging data. The aOCT system is capable of capturing the dynamic deformation of the airway during respiration. This may lead to methods for airway elastography and aid in our understanding of dynamic collapse in UAOD.

Evaluation of upper airway obstruction in infants with Pierre Robin sequence and the role of polysomnography--Review of current evidence.

PubMed

Reddy, Vudum Sridhar

2016-01-01

Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is a heterogeneous condition presenting with upper airway obstruction (UAO) of varying severity. Polysomnography (PSG) is an objective investigation to assess the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and UAO. Its role in the management of PRS has not been well defined. This review summarizes the available evidence on the role of PSG in the assessment of infants with PRS in the context of other commonly used methods of assessment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transient ventricular dysfunction after an asphyxiation event: stress or hypoxia?

PubMed

Valletta, Mary E; Haque, Ikram; Al-Mousily, Faris; Udassi, Jai; Saidi, Arwa

2008-11-01

This report of a pediatric patient with acute upper airway obstruction causing asphyxiation emphasizes the need to maintain clinical suspicion for acquired myocardial dysfunction, despite the presumed role of noncardiogenic causes for pulmonary edema after an acute upper airway obstruction. Case report. A tertiary pediatric intensive care unit. A 10-year-old girl with no significant medical history who developed flash pulmonary edema and acute myocardial dysfunction after an acute upper airway obstruction. Serial echocardiograms, exercise stress test, and coronary angiography were performed. Serial pro-brain natriuretic peptide, troponins, and CK-MB levels were also followed. Troponin level normalized approximately 7 days after the acute event. CK-MB and pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels decreased but had not completely normalized by time of discharge. The patient was discharged home 10 days after the event on an anticipated 6-month course of metoprolol without any signs or symptoms of cardiac dysfunction. Myocardial dysfunction is rarely documented in children after an acute upper airway obstruction or an asphyxiation event. Pediatric intensivists and hospitalists should maintain a high degree of clinical suspicion and screen for possible myocardial dysfunction in the pediatric patient with an acute severe hypoxic event especially when accompanied by pulmonary edema. Prompt evaluation ensures appropriate support. Additionally, some role may exist for early adrenergic receptor blockade.

Sudden oronasal bleeding in a young child.

PubMed

Hey, Edmund

2008-10-01

Sudden severe upper-airway obstruction occurring in a hospital setting can sometimes precipitate an episode of acute haemorrhagic pulmonary oedema. A review of 197 published case reports shows that the presenting feature is almost always the sudden appearance of blood stained fluid coming up through the larynx or out through the mouth and nose of an adult or child in obvious respiratory distress. Such overt features are seen in 10-15% of cases of sudden severe, but sub-lethal, upper-airway obstruction. Signs normally appear within minutes once the obstruction is relieved but are occasionally only recognized after 1-4 h. All signs and symptoms usually resolve within 12-24 h. Other causes of acute pulmonary haemorrhage are rare in young children. If what looks like blood is seen in, or coming from, the mouth or nose of a previously healthy young child who has suddenly become distressed and started to struggle for breath, that child has most probably suffered an episode of acute pulmonary oedema, and the commonest precipitating cause is sudden upper-airway obstruction.

An update on cardiovascular effects of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.

PubMed

Uyar, Meral; Davutoglu, Vedat

2016-09-01

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is an important health problem which may cause or worsen systemic diseases. Chronic intermittent hypoxia during repetitive airflow cessations may cause endothelial dysfunction. Sleep apnoea is also shown to be associated with hypercoagulability which may be due to decreased nitric oxide levels and impaired vasodilatation. Endothelial dysfunction, increased systemic inflammation, sympathetic nervous system activation, increased oxidative stress and dysglycaemia may all contribute to cardiovascular processes such as hypertension, arrhythmia, stroke, heart failure and coronary artery disease in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Treatment approaches in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea mainly focus on maintaining upper airway patency either with positive airway pressure devices or upper airway appliances. Strategies involving positive airway pressure therapy are associated with decreased morbidity and mortality. Obstructive sleep apnoea should be suspected as an underlying mechanism in patients with cardiovascular disease and warrants appropriate treatment. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Evaluation of 3D airway imaging of obstructive sleep apnea with cone-beam computed tomography.

PubMed

Ogawa, Takumi; Enciso, Reyes; Memon, Ahmed; Mah, James K; Clark, Glenn T

2005-01-01

This study evaluates the use of cone-beam Computer Tomography (CT) for imaging the upper airway structure of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients. The total airway volume and the anteroposterior dimension of oropharyngeal airway showed significant group differences between OSA and gender-matched controls, so if we increase sample size these measurements may distinguish the two groups. We demonstrate the utility of diagnosis of anatomy with the 3D airway imaging with cone-beam Computed Tomography.

Trazodone increases the respiratory arousal threshold in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and a low arousal threshold.

PubMed

Eckert, Danny J; Malhotra, Atul; Wellman, Andrew; White, David P

2014-04-01

The effect of common sedatives on upper airway physiology and breathing during sleep in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been minimally studied. Conceptually, certain sedatives may worsen OSA in some patients. However, sleep and breathing could improve with certain sedatives in patients with OSA with a low respiratory arousal threshold. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that trazodone increases the respiratory arousal threshold in patients with OSA and a low arousal threshold. Secondary aims were to examine the effects of trazodone on upper airway dilator muscle activity, upper airway collapsibility, and breathing during sleep. Patients were studied on 4 separate nights according to a within-subjects cross-over design. Sleep physiology laboratory. Seven patients with OSA and a low respiratory arousal threshold. In-laboratory polysomnograms were obtained at baseline and after 100 mg of trazodone was administered, followed by detailed overnight physiology experiments under the same conditions. During physiology studies, continuous positive airway pressure was transiently lowered to measure arousal threshold (negative epiglottic pressure prior to arousal), dilator muscle activity (genioglossus and tensor palatini), and upper airway collapsibility (Pcrit). Trazodone increased the respiratory arousal threshold by 32 ± 6% (-11.5 ± 1.4 versus -15.3 ± 2.2 cmH2O, P < 0.01) but did not alter the apnea-hypopnea index (39 ± 12 versus 39 ± 11 events/h sleep, P = 0.94). Dilator muscle activity and Pcrit also did not systematically change with trazodone. Trazodone increases the respiratory arousal threshold in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and a low arousal threshold without major impairment in dilator muscle activity or upper airway collapsibility. However, the magnitude of change in arousal threshold was insufficient to overcome the compromised upper airway anatomy in these patients.

[Correlation between obstructive apnea syndrome and difficult airway in ENT surgery].

PubMed

Pera, Marcia Hiray; Tardelli, Maria Angela; Novo, Neil Ferreira; Juliano, Yara; Silva, Helga Cristina Almeida da

2017-12-21

ENT patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome have a tendency of collapsing the upper airways in addition to anatomical obstacles. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is related to the increased risk of difficult airway and also increased perioperative complications. In order to identify these patients in the preoperative period, the STOP Bang questionnaire has been highlighted because it is summarized and easy to apply. Evaluate through the STOP Bang questionnaire whether patients undergoing ENT surgery with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome have a higher risk of complications, particularly the occurrence of difficult airway. Measurements of anatomical parameters for difficult airway and questionnaire application for clinical prediction of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were performed in 48 patients with a previous polysomnographic study. The sample detected difficult airway in about 18.7% of patients, all of them with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. This group had older age, cervical circumference > 40cm, ASA II and Cormack III/IV. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome had higher body mass index, cervical circumference, and frequent apnea. In subgroup analysis, the group with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome showed a significantly higher SB score compared to patients without this syndrome or with a mild/moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The STOP Bang questionnaire was not able to predict difficult airway and mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, but it identified marked obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. All patients with difficult airway had moderate and marked obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, although this syndrome did not involve difficult airway. The variables Cormack III/IV and BMI greater than 35 Kg.m -2 were able to predict difficult airway and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, respectively. Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Toward numerical simulations of fluid-structure interactions for investigation of obstructive sleep apnea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Chien-Jung; Huang, Shao-Ching; White, Susan M.; Mallya, Sanjay M.; Eldredge, Jeff D.

2016-04-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a medical condition characterized by repetitive partial or complete occlusion of the airway during sleep. The soft tissues in the airway of OSA patients are prone to collapse under the low-pressure loads incurred during breathing. This paper describes efforts toward the development of a numerical tool for simulation of air-tissue interactions in the upper airway of patients with sleep apnea. A procedure by which patient-specific airway geometries are segmented and processed from dental cone-beam CT scans into signed distance fields is presented. A sharp-interface embedded boundary method based on the signed distance field is used on Cartesian grids for resolving the airflow in the airway geometries. For simulation of structure mechanics with large expected displacements, a cut-cell finite element method with nonlinear Green strains is used. The fluid and structure solvers are strongly coupled with a partitioned iterative algorithm. Preliminary results are shown for flow simulation inside the three-dimensional rigid upper airway of patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Two validation cases for the fluid-structure coupling problem are also presented.

Upper Airway Elasticity Estimation in Pediatric Down Syndrome Sleep Apnea Patients Using Collapsible Tube Theory.

PubMed

Subramaniam, Dhananjay Radhakrishnan; Mylavarapu, Goutham; McConnell, Keith; Fleck, Robert J; Shott, Sally R; Amin, Raouf S; Gutmark, Ephraim J

2016-05-01

Elasticity of the soft tissues surrounding the upper airway lumen is one of the important factors contributing to upper airway disorders such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The objective of this study is to calculate patient specific elasticity of the pharynx from magnetic resonance (MR) images using a 'tube law', i.e., the relationship between airway cross-sectional area and transmural pressure difference. MR imaging was performed under anesthesia in children with Down syndrome (DS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). An airway segmentation algorithm was employed to evaluate changes in airway cross-sectional area dilated by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). A pressure-area relation was used to make localized estimates of airway wall stiffness for each patient. Optimized values of patient specific Young's modulus for tissue in the velopharynx and oropharynx, were estimated from finite element simulations of airway collapse. Patient specific deformation of the airway wall under CPAP was found to exhibit either a non-linear 'hardening' or 'softening' behavior. The localized airway and tissue elasticity were found to increase with increasing severity of OSA. Elasticity based patient phenotyping can potentially assist clinicians in decision making on CPAP and airway or tissue elasticity can supplement well-known clinical measures of OSA severity.

Trazodone Increases the Respiratory Arousal Threshold in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and a Low Arousal Threshold

PubMed Central

Eckert, Danny J.; Malhotra, Atul; Wellman, Andrew; White, David P.

2014-01-01

Study Objectives: The effect of common sedatives on upper airway physiology and breathing during sleep in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been minimally studied. Conceptually, certain sedatives may worsen OSA in some patients. However, sleep and breathing could improve with certain sedatives in patients with OSA with a low respiratory arousal threshold. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that trazodone increases the respiratory arousal threshold in patients with OSA and a low arousal threshold. Secondary aims were to examine the effects of trazodone on upper airway dilator muscle activity, upper airway collapsibility, and breathing during sleep. Design: Patients were studied on 4 separate nights according to a within-subjects cross-over design. Setting: Sleep physiology laboratory. Patients: Seven patients with OSA and a low respiratory arousal threshold. Interventions: In-laboratory polysomnograms were obtained at baseline and after 100 mg of trazodone was administered, followed by detailed overnight physiology experiments under the same conditions. During physiology studies, continuous positive airway pressure was transiently lowered to measure arousal threshold (negative epiglottic pressure prior to arousal), dilator muscle activity (genioglossus and tensor palatini), and upper airway collapsibility (Pcrit). Measurements and Results: Trazodone increased the respiratory arousal threshold by 32 ± 6% (-11.5 ± 1.4 versus -15.3 ± 2.2 cmH2O, P < 0.01) but did not alter the apnea-hypopnea index (39 ± 12 versus 39 ± 11 events/h sleep, P = 0.94). Dilator muscle activity and Pcrit also did not systematically change with trazodone. Conclusions: Trazodone increases the respiratory arousal threshold in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and a low arousal threshold without major impairment in dilator muscle activity or upper airway collapsibility. However, the magnitude of change in arousal threshold was insufficient to overcome the compromised upper airway anatomy in these patients. Citation: Eckert DJ; Malhotra A; Wellman A; White DP. Trazodone increases the respiratory arousal threshold in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and a low arousal threshold. SLEEP 2014;37(4):811-819. PMID:24899767

Exercising upper respiratory videoendoscopic evaluation of 100 nonracing performance horses with abnormal respiratory noise and/or poor performance.

PubMed

Davidson, E J; Martin, B B; Boston, R C; Parente, E J

2011-01-01

Although well documented in racehorses, there is paucity in the literature regarding the prevalence of dynamic upper airway abnormalities in nonracing performance horses. To describe upper airway function of nonracing performance horses with abnormal respiratory noise and/or poor performance via exercising upper airway videoendoscopy. Medical records of nonracing performance horses admitted for exercising evaluation with a chief complaint of abnormal respiratory noise and/or poor performance were reviewed. All horses had video recordings of resting and exercising upper airway endoscopy. Relationships between horse demographics, resting endoscopic findings, treadmill intensity and implementation of head and neck flexion during exercise with exercising endoscopic findings were examined. Dynamic upper airway obstructions were observed in 72% of examinations. Head and neck flexion was necessary to obtain a diagnosis in 21 horses. Pharyngeal wall collapse was the most prevalent upper airway abnormality, observed in 31% of the examinations. Complex abnormalities were noted in 27% of the examinations. Resting laryngeal dysfunction was significantly associated with dynamic arytenoid collapse and the odds of detecting intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) during exercise in horses with resting DDSP was only 7.7%. Exercising endoscopic observations were different from the resting observations in 54% of examinations. Dynamic upper airway obstructions were common in nonracing performance horses with respiratory noise and/or poor performance. Resting endoscopy was only helpful in determining exercising abnormalities with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. This study emphasises the importance of exercising endoscopic evaluation in nonracing performance horses with abnormal respiratory noise and/or poor performance for accurate assessment of dynamic upper airway function. © 2010 EVJ Ltd.

The eye in sleep apnea syndrome.

PubMed

Abdal, Helen; Pizzimenti, Joseph J; Purvis, Cheryl C

2006-03-01

Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is a disease characterized by recurrent complete or partial upper airway obstructions during sleep. The majority of patients with SAS demonstrate this obstruction either at the nasopharynx or the oropharynx. Risk factors for SAS include obesity, male gender, upper airway abnormalities, alcohol use, snoring, and neck girth of more than 17 in. in men or 16 in. in women. Reported ophthalmic findings in patients with SAS include floppy eyelid syndrome (FES), glaucoma, and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

Role of chemical drive in recruiting upper airway and inspiratory intercostal muscles in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

PubMed

Okabe, S; Chonan, T; Hida, W; Satoh, M; Kikuchi, Y; Takishima, T

1993-01-01

Upper airway dilating muscle activity increases during apneic episodes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). To elucidate the relative contribution of chemical and nonchemical stimuli to augmentation of the upper airway dilating muscle, we measured the response of genioglossus muscle (GG) and inspiratory intercostal muscle (IIM) activities to obstructive apnea during non-REM sleep and compared them with the response to progressive hypoxia and hypercapnia during awake periods in seven male patients with OSA. GG EMG was measured with a wire electrode inserted percutaneously, and IIM EMG was measured with surface electrodes placed in the second intercostal space parasternally. Responses to hypoxia and to hypercapnia were assessed by rebreathing methods in the supine position while awake. Following these measurements, a sleep study was conducted with the EMG electrodes placed in the same locations. The relationship between GG and IIM activities during the cycle of apnea and postapneic ventilation in non-REM sleep was quasi-linear, and the slope of the regression line was significantly greater than those during progressive hypoxia and progressive hypercapnia. The amplitude of GG activity at 70% of maximum IIM activities in the hypoxic test was 140 +/- 20% (mean +/- SEM) during non-REM sleep, which was also significantly greater than that during hypoxia (51 +/- 10%) and that during hypercapnia (59 +/- 15%). These results suggest that nonchemical factors contribute considerably to augmentation of GG activity during obstructive apneic episodes. The nonchemical stimuli may arise from mechanoreceptors activated by upper airway obstruction and behavioral factors associated with change in sleep states.

Dynamic respiratory endoscopy of Standardbred racehorses during qualifying races.

PubMed

Priest, D T; Cheetham, J; Regner, A L; Mitchell, L; Soderholm, L V; Tamzali, Y; Ducharme, N G

2012-09-01

Examination of the equine upper airway during racing has not previously been documented. To describe the feasibility and appearance of the upper airways by overground respiratory endoscopic examination during racing conditions. Overground videoendoscopic examinations were performed on 46 Standardbred racehorses during qualifying races. Examined horses' speeds were recorded throughout the race with a portable GPS device. The procedure did not interfere with performance as there were no significant differences in race times between races in which horses were examined with the endoscope in place and prior unexamined races. Airway obstructions during or after the race were documented in 21 horses. Most previously reported causes of upper airway obstruction were observed; surprisingly bilateral ventro-medial arytenoid displacement (VMAD; n = 5) was seen during exercise as frequently as dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). Although DDSP (n = 10) was the most common diagnosis made, many displacements (n = 5) occurred after the race. Horses that demonstrated DDSP after the race had slower speeds than unaffected horses during the race. Racing endoscopy permits the diagnosis of upper airway obstructions without affecting performance. The occurrence of DDSP immediately after exercise may be clinically relevant. During racing VMAD may be an important anomaly. Racing endoscopy could be used to correlate the sensitivity of diagnostic endoscopy during race-training or treadmill examination. The pathogenesis and significance of VMAD deserves further investigation. © 2012 EVJ Ltd.

Study of the upper airway of obstructive sleep apnea patient using fluid structure interaction.

PubMed

Liu, Yang; Mitchell, Jennifer; Chen, Yitung; Yim, Woosoon; Chu, Wenxiao; Wang, Robert C

2018-02-01

Up to 14% of the U.S. population is estimated to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), while the outcomes of the treatments have variable results. In the current study, a three-dimensional fluid-structure interaction modeling was applied to simulate the upper airway to identify the precise location, severity, and characteristic of airway collapse. This was accomplished using Simpleware ® and ANSYS ® software applied to a 3-D rendering of the airway in a real patient with severe OSA. During this simulation, areas which are prone to collapse and precipitate apneic episodes were identified at the tip of the soft palate and the base of the tongue, with intrathoracic pressure as low as -1370 Pa. These results are consistent with anatomical structures currently indicated and targeted in the treatment of OSA. This improved FSI modeling simulation, which is the first to completely model the whole upper airway without consideration of the nasal cavity in OSA, and can allow virtual modification of the airway prior to actual treatment by doctors. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reduced upper obstructions in N3 and increased lower obstructions in REM sleep stage detected with manometry.

PubMed

Wirth, Markus; Schramm, Juliane; Bautz, Maximilian; Hofauer, Benedikt; Edenharter, Günther; Ott, Armin; Heiser, Clemens

2018-01-01

In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), airway obstruction occurs at different anatomic levels. The frequency and location of obstructions play a crucial role in the planning of surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharyngeal obstruction levels in different sleep stages with manometry in OSA patients. In addition, the manometry results were compared with drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). Forty-one patients with OSA received manometry measurements during one night of sleep. All patients were simultaneously evaluated with polysomnography. The frequency of obstructions in different sleep stages was assessed. Twenty patients were additionally studied with DISE. Obstruction levels detected with manometry were compared with DISE. The frequency of upper and to a lesser extent lower obstructions decreased in sleep stage N3. In rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, lower obstructions increased. The overall proportion of upper and lower obstructions detected with manometry corresponded with DISE in 13 of 20 cases. A significant change in the obstruction levels was detected with manometry in N3 and REM sleep. The reduction of both upper and to a lesser extent lower obstructions in N3 suggests more stable airways in slow-wave sleep. Relevant lower obstructions were not detected in DISE compared to manometry in 5 out of 20 examinations. This could be a potential reason for treatment failure of site-specific surgical OSA treatment when only performing DISE preoperatively. Therefore, manometry could be a useful complementary tool in the preoperative evaluation for OSA.

Late-onset life-threatening angioedema and upper airway obstruction caused by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor: report of a case.

PubMed

Weng, P K; Wang, H W; Lin, J K; Su, W Y

1997-06-01

Angioedema is a rare but potentially lethal adverse effect when associated with upper airway obstruction. Sporadic cases of angioedema secondary to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) have been reported in the literature. The overall incidence is around 0.1% to 0.2%, and the time of onset is usually during the first week of ACEI therapy. Late-onset angioedema secondary to treatment with ACEIs is much more frequent than appreciated, and is largely unrecognized because of the absence of temporal correlation between ACEI therapy and the development of angioedema. Since angioedema may progress to upper airway obstruction, otolaryngologists must be aware of this association. Most importantly, late-onset angioedema should alert the clinician to discontinue the ACEI immediately to prevent further morbidity. This report presents an example of late-onset angioedema which was precipitated by taking a double dose of captopril incidentally. The case is discussed, and the literature, pathophysiology and treatment of angioedema are reviewed.

Understanding Phenotypes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Applications in Anesthesia, Surgery, and Perioperative Medicine

PubMed Central

Subramani, Yamini; Singh, Mandeep; Wong, Jean; Kushida, Clete A.; Malhotra, Atul; Chung, Frances

2017-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep-disordered breathing with potential long-term major neurocognitive and cardiovascular sequelae. The pathophysiology of OSA varies between individuals and is composed of different underlying mechanisms. Several components including the upper airway anatomy, effectiveness of the upper airway dilator muscles such as the genioglossus, arousal threshold of the individual, and inherent stability of the respiratory control system determine the pathogenesis of OSA. Their recognition may have implications for the perioperative health care team. For example, OSA patients with a high arousal threshold are likely to be sensitive to sedatives and narcotics with a higher risk of respiratory arrest in the perioperative period. Supplemental oxygen therapy can help to stabilize breathing in OSA patients with inherent respiratory instability. Avoidance of supine position can minimize airway obstruction in patients with a predisposition to upper airway collapse in this posture. In this review, the clinically relevant endotypes and phenotypes of OSA are described. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the treatment of choice for most patients with OSA but tolerance and adherence can be a problem. Patient-centered individualized approaches to OSA management will be the focus of future research into developing potential treatment options that will help decrease the disease burden and improve treatment effectiveness. PMID:27861433

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Prevents Hypoxia in Dental Patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome under Intravenous Sedation.

PubMed

Kasatkin, Anton A; Reshetnikov, Aleksei P; Urakov, Aleksandr L; Baimurzin, Dmitrii Y

2017-01-01

Use of sedation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in dentistry is limited. Hypoxia may develop during medication sleep in dental patients with OSA because of repetitive partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway. In this regard, anesthesiologists prefer not to give any sedative to surgical patients with OSA or support the use of general anesthesia due to good airway control. We report a case where we could successfully sedate a dental patient with OSA using intraoperative continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) without hypoxia. Use of sedation and intraoperative CPAP in patients with OSA may be considered only if the effectiveness at home CPAP therapy is proven.

Towards numerical simulations of fluid-structure interactions for investigation of obstructive sleep apnea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Chien-Jung; White, Susan M.; Huang, Shao-Ching; Mallya, Sanjay; Eldredge, Jeff D.

2014-11-01

Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) is a medical condition characterized by repetitive partial or complete occlusion of the airway during sleep. The soft tissues in the airway of OSA patients are prone to collapse under the low pressure loads incurred during breathing. The numerical simulation with patient-specific upper airway model can provide assistance for diagnosis and treatment assessment. The eventual goal of this research is the development of numerical tool for air-tissue interactions in the upper airway of patients with OSA. This tool is expected to capture collapse of the airway in respiratory flow conditions, as well as the effects of various treatment protocols. Here, we present our ongoing progress toward this goal. A sharp-interface embedded boundary method is used on Cartesian grids for resolving the air-tissue interface in the complex patient-specific airway geometries. For the structure simulation, a cut-cell FEM is used. Non-linear Green strains are used for properly resolving the large tissue displacements in the soft palate structures. The fluid and structure solvers are strongly coupled. Preliminary results will be shown, including flow simulation inside the 3D rigid upper airway of patients with OSA, and several validation problem for the fluid-structure coupling.

Improvements in current treatments and emerging therapies for adult obstructive sleep apnea

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common and is associated with a number of adverse outcomes, including an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Typical treatment approaches, including positive airway pressure, oral appliances, various upper airway surgeries, and/or weight loss, can improve symptoms and reduce the severity of disease in select patient groups. However, these approaches have several potential limitations, including suboptimal adherence, lack of suitability for all patient groups, and/or absence of adequate outcomes data. Emerging potential therapeutic options, including nasal expiratory positive airway pressure (PAP), oral negative pressure, upper airway muscle stimulation, and bariatric surgery, as well as improvements in existing treatments and the utilization of improving technologies are moving the field forward and should offer effective therapies to a wider group of patients with OSA. PMID:24860658

Design of a new controller to treat the obstructive sleep apnea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Netzel, Thomas

2002-06-01

The obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a sleep related breathing disorder caused by a relaxation of the upper airway structure during the sleep that leads to a complete closure of the upper airway. The most successful therapy is the nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) treatment that keeps the airway opened. More recent devices use an automatic adaptation of the applied pressure. Either the forced oscillation technique (FOT) or the evaluation of the inspiration flow contour are used to evaluate the severity of obstructions. Both methods have disadvantages that may lead to wrong applied pressures. Based on the precise measurement of airflow and mask pressure during nCPAP with a Weinmann SOMNOsmart and additional polysomnography a new parameter set is presented that uses the advantage of both methods to detect the obstructive sleep apnoea. To evaluate the applicability of this parameter set to control Auto-nCPAP-devices a fuzzy-controller is designed under MATLAB/Simulink using an A/D-D/A-converter to control the blower of the SOMNOsmart during Auto-nCPAP-therapy. Obstructive events are detected and treated with a rise of nCPAP-pressure depending on the inspiratory flow requirement. The pressure is lowered after the end of flow limited phases. Although temporary low pressures no oxygen desaturation is recognized by the pulse oxymeter.

Two-Stage Technique Used to Manage Severe Upper Airway Obstruction and Avoid Surgical Tracheostomy: A Case Report.

PubMed

Onwochei, Desire N; El-Boghdadly, Kariem; Ahmad, Imran

2018-03-01

Severe upper airway obstruction is commonly managed with surgical tracheostomy under local anesthesia. We present a 49-year-old woman with postradiotherapy laryngeal fixation and transglottic stenosis for dilation of a pharyngeal stricture who refused elective tracheostomy. A 2-stage technique was used, which involved an awake fiberoptic intubation, followed by the transtracheal insertion of a Cricath needle and ventilation using an ejector-based Ventrain device. We discuss management aspects of this clinical scenario and the principles by which the Ventrain works.

Sudden asphyxial death complicating infectious mononucleosis.

PubMed

Boglioli, L R; Taff, M L

1998-06-01

Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a disease traditionally defined by a triad of clinical, laboratory, and serologic factors. It is typically a benign, self-limited disease of children and young adults. Upper airway obstruction is a rare but potentially fatal complication of IM resulting from massive tonsillar enlargement, pharyngeal edema, or both. We report a case of sudden death due to airway obstruction in IM.

Nerve monitoring-guided selective hypoglossal nerve stimulation in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

PubMed

Heiser, Clemens; Hofauer, Benedikt; Lozier, Luke; Woodson, B Tucker; Stark, Thomas

2016-12-01

Selective stimulation of the upper airway is a new therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. The aim of the study was to determine if a selective nerve integrity monitoring (NIM) system could aid in precise placement of the cuff electrode in selective upper-airway stimulation. Single-center, prospective clinical trial. Twenty patients who received a selective upper-airway stimulation system (Inspire Medical Systems, Maple Grove, MN) were implanted by using a NIM system. The tongue motions were recorded during surgery and 2 months postoperatively from the transoral view and by transnasal endoscopy. All patients exhibited consistent protrusion at tongue front and tongue base. The nerve monitoring system helped to place the cuff electrode around the protrusion and stiffening branches, while excluding the retractor branches of the hypoglossal nerve. This report demonstrated a novel use of a NIM system to identify the functional separation between inclusion and exclusion branches of the hypoglossal nerve for implantation of a selective upper-airway stimulation system. 4. Laryngoscope, 126:2852-2858, 2016. © 2016 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

[Effect of dental arch length decrease during orthodontic treatment in the upper airway development. A review].

PubMed

Haddad, Stéphanie; Kerbrat, Jean-Baptiste; Schouman, Thomas; Goudot, Patrick

2017-03-01

A possible relation between an upper airway space decrease and the development of obstructive sleep apnea syndrom explains the importance to know the effect of the modification of dental arch length on the upper airway during orthodontic treatment. The aim of this article is to expose recent knowledge about upper airway development and dental arch length decrease factors, to determine the influence of this decrease on upper airway development. A review was done to determine the upper airway normal development, to define dental arch to specify if an ideal position of dental arch on apical base exists. All of the length dental arch decrease factors during orthodontic treatment (dental extraction, dental agenesis and dental malpositions) and their upper airway resounding were searched. Some authors found a diminution of upper airway space after premolars extractions while others didn't found this diminution after extractions premolars when incisor retraction is finished. A decrease of transversal maxillary diameter and nasal cavity may be due to absence of permanent teeth. The effect of dental arch length decrease during orthodontic treatment in the upper airway development was not scientifically proved. However we had to be vigilant and adapt our orthodontic treatment case by case to avoid an upper airway modification. © EDP Sciences, SFODF, 2017.

[Asymmetric negative pressure pulmonary edema after acute upper airway obstruction: case report].

PubMed

Peixoto, Aldo José

2002-06-01

Negative pressure pulmonary edema after acute upper airway obstruction is a well-described event, though infrequently diagnosed and reported. This report aimed at presenting a case of upper airway obstruction negative pressure pulmonary edema following acute upper airway obstruction characterized by pulmonary edema asymmetry, being more prominent in the right lung. A 4-year-old boy, 17 kg, phisical status ASA I submitted to combined tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy and turbinate cauterization under general anesthesia with sevoflurane/nitrous oxide/O2. Surgery duration was 90 minutes without complications. During anesthetic recovery and spontaneously breathing, patient reacted to tracheal tube, which was removed. Following, ventilatory efforts resulted in chest wall retraction without apparent air movement, being impossible to ventilate him with facial mask. Symptoms evolved to severe hypoxemia (50% SpO2) requiring reintubation. At this point, it was observed that the lung was stiffer and there were bilateral rales characterizing pulmonary edema. A chest X-ray showed diffuse bilateral infiltrates, right upper lobe atelectasis and marked pulmonary edema asymmetry (right greater than left). Patient was mechanically ventilated with PEEP for 20 hours when he was extubated. There was a progressive pulmonary edema improvement and patient was discharged 48 hours later. Negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) is a rare event with high morbidity risk. It is often not diagnosed and requires from the anesthesiologist an updated knowledge and adequate management. It is usually bilateral, rarely unilateral, and exceptionally asymmetric as in this case. Most cases are treated by mechanical ventilation with PEEP or CPAP without any other therapy. The prognosis is favorable, with most cases recovering within the first 24 hours.

Upper Airway Collapsibility During REM Sleep in Children with the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

PubMed Central

Huang, Jingtao; Karamessinis, Laurie R.; Pepe, Michelle E.; Glinka, Stephen M.; Samuel, John M.; Gallagher, Paul R.; Marcus, Carole L.

2009-01-01

Study Objectives: In children, most obstructive events occur during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. We hypothesized that children with the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), in contrast to age-matched control subjects, would not maintain airflow in the face of an upper airway inspiratory pressure drop during REM sleep. Design: During slow wave sleep (SWS) and REM sleep, we measured airflow, inspiratory time, inspiratory time/total respiratory cycle time, respiratory rate, tidal volume, and minute ventilation at a holding pressure at which flow limitation occurred and at 5 cm H2O below the holding pressure in children with OSAS and in control subjects. Setting: Sleep laboratory. Participants: Fourteen children with OSAS and 23 normal control subjects. Results: In both sleep states, control subjects were able to maintain airflow, whereas subjects with OSAS preserved airflow in SWS but had a significant decrease in airflow during REM sleep (change in airflow of 18.58 ± 12.41 mL/s for control subjects vs −44.33 ± 14.09 mL/s for children with OSAS, P = 0.002). Although tidal volume decreased, patients with OSAS were able to maintain minute ventilation by increasing the respiratory rate and also had an increase in inspiratory time and inspiratory time per total respiratory cycle time Conclusion: Children with OSAS do not maintain airflow in the face of upper-airway inspiratory-pressure drops during REM sleep, indicating a more collapsible upper airway, compared with that of control subjects during REM sleep. However, compensatory mechanisms exist to maintain minute ventilation. Local reflexes, central control mechanisms, or both reflexes and control mechanisms need to be further explored to better understand the pathophysiology of this abnormality and the compensation mechanism. Citation: Huang J; Karamessinis LR; Pepe ME; Glinka SM; Samuel JM; Gallagher PR; Marcus CL. Upper airway collapsibility during REM sleep in children with the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. SLEEP 2009;32(9):1173-1181. PMID:19750922

Outcomes after bronchoscopic procedures for primary tracheobronchial amyloidosis: retrospective study of 6 cases.

PubMed

Alloubi, Ihsan; Thumerel, Matthieu; Bégueret, Hugues; Baste, Jean-Marc; Velly, Jean-François; Jougon, Jacques

2012-01-01

Respiratory amyloidosis is a rare disease which refers to localized aberrant extracellular protein deposits within the airways. Tracheobronchial amyloidosis (TBA) refers to the deposition of localized amyloid deposits within the upper airways. Treatments have historically focused on bronchoscopic techniques including debridement, laser ablation, balloon dilation, and stent placement. We present the outcomes after rigid bronchoscopy to remove the amyloid protein causing the airway obstruction in 6 cases of tracheobronchial amyloidosis. This is the first report of primary diffuse tracheobronchial amyloidosis in our department; clinical features, in addition to therapy in the treatment of TBA, are reviewed. This paper shows that, in patients with TBA causing airway obstruction, excellent results can be obtained with rigid bronchoscopy and stenting of the obstructing lesion.

The assessment of midface distraction osteogenesis in treatment of upper airway obstruction.

PubMed

Xu, Haisong; Yu, Zheyan; Mu, Xiongzheng

2009-09-01

Le Fort III osteotomy with midface distraction osteogenesis (Le Fort III DO) can improve the midface form and change the upper airway space. Some surgeons believe that midface advancement can improve respiratory outcome dramatically, but others think it does not predictably result in the cure of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In this study, we evaluated the structural and functional changes of the upper airway before and after Le Fort III DO; we hope these studies can improve future protocols for midface advancement. A retrospective study of 11 patients with severe midface retrusion who underwent Le Fort III osteotomy with midface external distractor system was undertaken. These patients had an average of 5.4 months of follow-up. Three-dimensional volumetric assessment of the upper airway was used before and after surgery. We also evaluated the two-dimensional cross-sectional area of the upper airway to show the changes in different airway levels. Two patients with preoperative evidence of OSA were evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively by overnight polysomnography. The midface was distracted for an average of 20.27 +/- 8.04 mm. Comparison between preoperative and postoperative three-dimensional computed tomographic data showed an average 64.30% increase in upper airway volume, an improvement of 9.13 +/- 6.94 mL (P < 0.05). The two-dimensional measurement also showed that the cross-sectional area at the posterior nasal spine and uvula airway level increased (P < 0.05), but the cross-sectional area at the epiglottis level and the separation of airway and esophagus level did not increase (P > 0.05). Two patients with preoperative evidence of OSA had both preoperative and postoperative sleeping studies that showed improvement. Le Fort III DO can significantly improve the upper airway space in the cases of syndromic craniosynostosis. The upper airway space above the uvula level was significantly enlarged after Le Fort III DO according to two-dimensional and three-dimensional image measurements, and according to the polysomnography, the OSA was alleviated. Le Fort III DO is a promising procedure in the treatment of severe midface retrusion with OSA in young patients.

Acute inflammatory edema of the uvula (uvulitis) as a cause of respiratory distress: a case report.

PubMed

Hawke, M; Kwok, P

1987-06-01

Acute inflammatory edema of the uvula (uvulitis) is a relatively rare cause of upper airway distress or obstruction. The authors present a case report of a 37-year-old man who developed an acute cellulitis and edema of the uvula with upper airway distress, which was managed by an emergency uvulectomy.

Achieving an adequate minute volume through a 2 mm transtracheal catheter in simulated upper airway obstruction using a modified industrial ejector.

PubMed

Hamaekers, A E W; Götz, T; Borg, P A J; Enk, D

2010-03-01

Needle cricothyrotomy and subsequent transtracheal jet ventilation (TTJV) is one of the last options to restore oxygenation while managing an airway emergency. However, in cases of complete upper airway obstruction, conventional TTJV is ineffective and dangerous. We transformed a small, industrial ejector into a simple, manual ventilator providing expiratory ventilation assistance (EVA). An ejector pump was modified to allow both insufflation of oxygen and jet-assisted expiration through an attached 75 mm long transtracheal catheter (TTC) with an inner diameter (ID) of 2 mm by alternately occluding and releasing the gas outlet of the ejector pump. In a lung simulator, the modified ejector pump was tested at different compliances and resistances. Inspiration and expiration times were measured and achievable minute volumes (MVs) were calculated to determine the effect of EVA. The modified ejector pump shortened the expiration time and an MV up to 6.6 litre min(-1) could be achieved through a 2 mm ID TTC in a simulated obstructed airway. The principle of ejector-based EVA seems promising and deserves further evaluation.

The neuropharmacology of upper airway motor control in the awake and asleep states: implications for obstructive sleep apnoea

PubMed Central

Horner, Richard L

2001-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common and serious breathing problem that is caused by effects of sleep on pharyngeal muscle tone in individuals with narrow upper airways. There has been increasing focus on delineating the brain mechanisms that modulate pharyngeal muscle activity in the awake and asleep states in order to understand the pathogenesis of obstructive apnoeas and to develop novel neurochemical treatments. Although initial clinical studies have met with only limited success, it is proposed that more rational and realistic approaches may be devised for neurochemical modulation of pharyngeal muscle tone as the relevant neurotransmitters and receptors that are involved in sleep-dependent modulation are identified following basic experiments. PMID:11686898

Synchronized imaging and acoustic analysis of the upper airway in patients with sleep-disordered breathing.

PubMed

Chang, Yi-Chung; Huon, Leh-Kiong; Pham, Van-Truong; Chen, Yunn-Jy; Jiang, Sun-Fen; Shih, Tiffany Ting-Fang; Tran, Thi-Thao; Wang, Yung-Hung; Lin, Chen; Tsao, Jenho; Lo, Men-Tzung; Wang, Pa-Chun

2014-12-01

Progressive narrowing of the upper airway increases airflow resistance and can produce snoring sounds and apnea/hypopnea events associated with sleep-disordered breathing due to airway collapse. Recent studies have shown that acoustic properties during snoring can be altered with anatomic changes at the site of obstruction. To evaluate the instantaneous association between acoustic features of snoring and the anatomic sites of obstruction, a novel method was developed and applied in nine patients to extract the snoring sounds during sleep while performing dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The degree of airway narrowing during the snoring events was then quantified by the collapse index (ratio of airway diameter preceding and during the events) and correlated with the synchronized acoustic features. A total of 201 snoring events (102 pure retropalatal and 99 combined retropalatal and retroglossal events) were recorded, and the collapse index as well as the soft tissue vibration time were significantly different between pure retropalatal (collapse index, 2 ± 11%; vibration time, 0.2 ± 0.3 s) and combined (retropalatal and retroglossal) snores (collapse index, 13 ± 7% [P ≤ 0.0001]; vibration time, 1.2 ± 0.7 s [P ≤ 0.0001]). The synchronized dynamic MRI and acoustic recordings successfully characterized the sites of obstruction and established the dynamic relationship between the anatomic site of obstruction and snoring acoustics.

Bilateral vocal fold immobility: a 13 year review of etiologies, management and the utility of the Empey index.

PubMed

Brake, Maria K; Anderson, Jennifer

2015-06-26

Bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) is a rare diagnosis causing dyspnea, dysphonia and dysphagia. Management depends on respiratory performance, airway patency, vocal ability, and quality-of-life priorities. The authors review the presentation, management and outcome in patients diagnosed with BVFI. The utility and efficacy of the Empey index (EI) and the Expiratory Disproportion Index (EDI) are evaluated as an objective monitoring tools for BVFI patients. A 13-year retrospective review was performed of BVFI patients at St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, a tertiary referral centre for laryngology. Forty-eight patients were included; 46 presented with airway obstruction symptoms. Tracheotomy was required for airway management in 40% of patients throughout the course of their treatment, which was reduced to 19% at the end of the study period. Twenty-one patients underwent endoscopic arytenoidectomy/cordotomy. Non-operative management included continuous positive airway pressure devices. Pulmonary function testing was carried out in 29 patients. Only a portion of the BVFI patients met the defined upper airway obstruction criteria (45% EI and 52% EDI). Seven patients had complete pre- and post-operative PFTs for comparison and all seven had ratios that significantly improved post-operatively which correlated clinically. The EI and EDI have limited use in evaluating patients with who have variable upper airway obstruction, but may be helpful in monitoring within subject airway function changes.

Upper airway obstruction in Norwich Terriers: 16 cases.

PubMed

Johnson, L R; Mayhew, P D; Steffey, M A; Hunt, G B; Carr, A H; McKiernan, B C

2013-01-01

Norwich Terriers have grown increasingly popular as show animals and pets, and awareness of respiratory problems within the breed is growing. To describe components of obstructive upper airway syndrome in a nonbrachycephalic terrier breed. Sixteen Norwich Terriers; 12 with and 4 without clinical signs of respiratory disease. Prospective case series. Physical and laryngoscopic examinations were performed by 1 investigator in all dogs. Medical and surgical interventions were summarized and results of follow-up examination or owner reports were recorded. The study population was comprised of 9 females (6 intact) and 7 males (5 intact). Median age was 3.0 years (range, 0.5-11 years). Of 12 dogs presented for a respiratory complaint, physical examination was normal in 4 dogs. Laryngoscopic examination was abnormal in 11/12 dogs with redundant supra-arytenoid folds, laryngeal collapse, everted laryngeal saccules, and a narrowed laryngeal opening in most. Of 4 dogs lacking clinical signs, all had normal physical examination; however, 3/4 dogs had similar appearance of the larynx to dogs with clinical signs. Response to surgical intervention was minimal to moderate in all dogs. Norwich Terriers suffer from an upper airway obstructive syndrome that differs from that encountered in brachycephalic breeds. Affected dogs are difficult to identify without laryngoscopic examination because of the lack of clinical signs and abnormalities in physical examination findings, despite severe airway obstruction. Care is warranted when anesthetizing Norwich Terriers because of the small size of the laryngeal opening. Copyright © 2013 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Outcomes after Bronchoscopic Procedures for Primary Tracheobronchial Amyloidosis: Retrospective Study of 6 Cases

PubMed Central

Alloubi, Ihsan; Thumerel, Matthieu; Bégueret, Hugues; Baste, Jean-Marc; Velly, Jean-François; Jougon, Jacques

2012-01-01

Respiratory amyloidosis is a rare disease which refers to localized aberrant extracellular protein deposits within the airways. Tracheobronchial amyloidosis (TBA) refers to the deposition of localized amyloid deposits within the upper airways. Treatments have historically focused on bronchoscopic techniques including debridement, laser ablation, balloon dilation, and stent placement. We present the outcomes after rigid bronchoscopy to remove the amyloid protein causing the airway obstruction in 6 cases of tracheobronchial amyloidosis. This is the first report of primary diffuse tracheobronchial amyloidosis in our department; clinical features, in addition to therapy in the treatment of TBA, are reviewed. This paper shows that, in patients with TBA causing airway obstruction, excellent results can be obtained with rigid bronchoscopy and stenting of the obstructing lesion. PMID:23326661

[Severe iatrogenic airway obstruction due to lingual lymphangioma].

PubMed

Segado Arenas, A; Flores González, J-C; Rubio Quiñones, F; Quintero Otero, S; Hernández González, A; Pantoja Rosso, S

2011-09-01

Lymphangioma of the tongue is a rare and benign tumour involving congenital and cystic abnormalities derived from lymphatic vessels. Treatment modalities include surgery and a large number of different intralesional injections of sclerosing agents. Presently, OK-432 (Picibanil(®)) is the preferred sclerosant and when administered intralesionally will result in inflammation, sclerosis, and cicatricial contraction of the lesion. We report a case of microcystic lymphangioma of the tongue in a 5-year-old boy treated with an intralesional injection of OK-432. In the immediate postoperative period, the patient suffered severe diffuse swelling, progressive upper airway obstruction with inspiratory stridor, and respiratory distress requiring emergency fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation. Although OK-432 injections are found to be safe and effective as a first line of treatment for lymphangiomas, local swelling with potentially life-threatening airway compromise should be anticipated, especially when treating lesions near the upper airway. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Anatomically correct visualization of the human upper airway using a high-speed long range optical coherence tomography system with an integrated positioning sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jing, Joseph C.; Chou, Lidek; Su, Erica; Wong, Brian J. F.; Chen, Zhongping

2016-12-01

The upper airway is a complex tissue structure that is prone to collapse. Current methods for studying airway obstruction are inadequate in safety, cost, or availability, such as CT or MRI, or only provide localized qualitative information such as flexible endoscopy. Long range optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been used to visualize the human airway in vivo, however the limited imaging range has prevented full delineation of the various shapes and sizes of the lumen. We present a new long range OCT system that integrates high speed imaging with a real-time position tracker to allow for the acquisition of an accurate 3D anatomical structure in vivo. The new system can achieve an imaging range of 30 mm at a frame rate of 200 Hz. The system is capable of generating a rapid and complete visualization and quantification of the airway, which can then be used in computational simulations to determine obstruction sites.

Numerical simulation of soft palate movement and airflow in human upper airway by fluid-structure interaction method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Xiuzhen; Yu, Chi; Wang, Yuefang; Liu, Yingxi

2007-08-01

In this paper, the authors present airflow field characteristics of human upper airway and soft palate movement attitude during breathing. On the basis of the data taken from the spiral computerized tomography images of a healthy person and a patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS), three-dimensional models of upper airway cavity and soft palate are reconstructed by the method of surface rendering. Numerical simulation is performed for airflow in the upper airway and displacement of soft palate by fluid-structure interaction analysis. The reconstructed three-dimensional models precisely preserve the original configuration of upper airways and soft palate. The results of the pressure and velocity distributions in the airflow field are quantitatively determined, and the displacement of soft palate is presented. Pressure gradients of airway are lower for the healthy person and the airflow distribution is quite uniform in the case of free breathing. However, the OSAHS patient remarkably escalates both the pressure and velocity in the upper airway, and causes higher displacement of the soft palate. The present study is useful in revealing pathogenesis and quantitative mutual relationship between configuration and function of the upper airway as well as in diagnosing diseases related to anatomical structure and function of the upper airway.

Role of Orexin in Respiratory and Sleep Homeostasis during Upper Airway Obstruction in Rats

PubMed Central

Tarasiuk, Ariel; Levi, Avishag; Berdugo-Boura, Nilly; Yahalom, Ari; Segev, Yael

2014-01-01

Study Objectives: Chronic upper airway obstruction (UAO) elicits a cascade of complex endocrine derangements that affect growth, sleep, and energy metabolism. We hypothesized that elevated hypothalamic orexin has a role in maintaining ventilation during UAO, while at the same time altering sleep-wake activity and energy metabolism. Here, we sought to explore the UAO-induced changes in hypothalamic orexin and their role in sleep-wake balance, respiratory activity, and energy metabolism. Interventions: The tracheae of 22-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were surgically narrowed; UAO and sham-operated control animals were monitored for 7 weeks. We measured food intake, body weight, temperature, locomotion, and sleep-wake activity. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to quantify subcutaneous and visceral fat tissue volumes. In week 7, the rats were sacrificed and levels of hypothalamic orexin, serum leptin, and corticosterone were determined. The effect of dual orexin receptor antagonist (almorexant 300 mg/kg) on sleep and respiration was also explored. Measurements and Results: UAO increased hypothalamic orexin mRNA and protein content by 64% and 65%, respectively. UAO led to 30% chronic sleep loss, excessive active phase sleepiness, decreased body temperature, increased food intake, reduction of abdominal and subcutaneous fat tissue volume, and growth retardation. Administration of almorexant normalized sleep but induced severe breathing difficulties in UAO rats, while it had no effect on sleep or on breathing of control animals. Conclusions: In upper airway obstruction animals, enhanced orexin secretion, while crucially important for respiratory homeostasis maintenance, is also responsible for chronic partial sleep loss, as well as considerable impairment of energy metabolism and growth. Citation: Tarasiuk A, Levi A, Berdugo-Boura N, Yahalom A, Segev Y. Role of orexin in respiratory and sleep homeostasis during upper airway obstruction in rats. SLEEP 2014;37(5):987-998. PMID:24790278

Asthma mimic: Case report and literature review of vocal cord nodule associated with wheezing.

PubMed

Kashif, Muhammad; Singh, Tushi; Aslam, Ahsan; Khaja, Misbahuddin

2017-01-01

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation. Various clinical conditions can mimic asthma, such as foreign body aspiration, subglottic stenosis, congestive heart failure, diffuse panbronchiolitis, aortic arch anomalies, reactive airway dysfunction syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, retrosternal goiter, vocal cord tumors, other airway tumors, and vocal cord dysfunction. Upper airway obstruction can be a life-threatening emergency. Here, we present the case of a 58-year-old female with recurrent hospital visits for wheezing and exacerbations of asthma, who was later found to have a vocal cord nodule confirmed to be squamous cell carcinoma, which was mimicking like asthma.

Outcomes of Upper Airway Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Multicenter German Postmarket Study.

PubMed

Heiser, Clemens; Maurer, Joachim T; Hofauer, Benedikt; Sommer, J Ulrich; Seitz, Annemarie; Steffen, Armin

2017-02-01

Objective Selective stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve is a new surgical therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, with proven efficacy in well-designed clinical trials. The aim of the study is to obtain additional safety and efficacy data on the use of selective upper airway stimulation during daily clinical routine. Study Design Prospective single-arm study. Setting Three tertiary hospitals in Germany (Munich, Mannheim, Lübeck). Subjects and Methods A multicenter prospective single-arm study under a common implant and follow-up protocol took place in 3 German centers (Mannheim, Munich, Lübeck). Every patient who received an implant of selective upper airway stimulation was included in this trial (apnea-hypopnea index ≥15/h and ≤65/h and body mass index <35 kg/m 2 ). Before and 6 months after surgery, a 2-night home sleep test was performed. Data regarding the safety and efficacy were collected. Results From July 2014 through October 2015, 60 patients were included. Every subject reported improvement in sleep and daytime symptoms. The average usage time of the system was 42.9 ± 11.9 h/wk. The median apnea-hypopnea index was significantly reduced at 6 months from 28.6/h to 8.3/h. No patient required surgical revision of the implanted system. Conclusion Selective upper airway stimulation is a safe and effective therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea and represents a powerful option for its surgical treatment.

Endoscopic examination of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients during drug-induced sleep.

PubMed

Iwanaga, Koichi; Hasegawa, Kiyokazu; Shibata, Nobuhiro; Kawakatsu, Kenji; Akita, Yasutaka; Suzuki, Kenji; Yagisawa, Mikio; Nishimura, Tadao

2003-01-01

Sixty patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). The effects of surgery were studied based on endoscopic findings during drug-induced sleep and determination of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) before and after the operation. Changes in the form of the airway during sleep in the recumbent position were observed, and the role of upper airway endoscopy in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of OSAS was determined. The site of airway obstruction during sleep induced by i.v. injection of 10 mg of diazepam was classified into five types, and changes in AHI and the site of airway obstruction were compared before and after surgery. Changes in airway morphology during sleep in the supine and recumbent positions were also compared before surgery. The postoperative improvement rate was 74.4% for the soft palatal type of obstruction, 76.2% for the tonsillar type, 53.3% for the circumferential palatal type and 34.0% for the mixed type. Treatment produced excellent or good effects for the soft palatal and tonsillar types of obstruction. However, many patients with the circumferential palatal and mixed types of obstruction showed only some improvement or no change. Good airway morphology was maintained in the recumbent position by patients with the soft palatal type of obstruction. With the circumferential palatal and mixed types of obstruction, improvement can be expected from operations which include surgical treatment of the posterior pharyngeal wall or lateral funiculus, or with midline laser glossectomy. A good operative outcome can be predicted in patients showing improvement of apnea in the recumbent position preoperatively.

Mandibular Advancement Appliance for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment.

PubMed

Kostrzewa-Janicka, J; Śliwiński, P; Wojda, M; Rolski, D; Mierzwińska-Nastalska, E

2017-01-01

A combination of abnormal anatomy and physiology of the upper airway can produce its repetitive narrowing during sleep, resulting in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Treatment of sleep-breathing disorder ranges from lifestyle modifications, upper airway surgery, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to the use of oral appliances. A proper treatment selection should be preceded by thorough clinical and instrumental examinations. The type and number of specific oral appliances are still growing. The mandibular advancement appliance (MAA) is the most common type of a dental device in use today. The device makes the mandible protrude forward, preventing or minimizing the upper airway collapse during sleep. A significant variability in the patients' response to treatment has been observed, which can be explained by the severity of sleep apnea at baseline and duration of treatment. In some trials, patients with mild OSA show a similar treatment effect after the use of CPAP or MAA. It is worthwhile to give it a try with an oral appliance of MAA type in snoring, mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, and in individuals who are intolerant to CPAP treatment.

X-cephalometric study of different parts of the upper airway space and changes in hyoid position following mandibular fractures.

PubMed

Chen, L-J; Zhao, M-C; Pan, X-F; Wei, Y-Q; Wang, D-Y

2013-09-01

This study analyses the different parts of the upper airway space and the changes in hyoid position. The results provide a clinical reference for developing timely and effective treatment programmes for patients with mandibular fractures caused by maxillofacial trauma. Standard X-cephalometric measurements of the lateral skull of 210 subjects were taken. The subjects were divided into four fracture groups: condylar, mandibular angle, mandibular body, and parasymphyseal. The radiographs of the mandibular fracture groups were compared with the normal occlusion group to analyse the upper airway space and the changes in hyoid position. Different types of fractures have different effects on the upper airway space. Bilateral mandibular body fracture and the parasymphyseal fracture have a significant influence on the lower oropharyngeal and laryngopharyngeal airway spaces, with serious obstructions severely restricting the ventilatory function of patients. Fractures at different parts of the mandibular structure are closely related to the upper airway and hyoid position.

Double trouble: prolapsing epiglottis and unexpected dual pathology in an infant.

PubMed

De Beer, David; Chambers, Neil

2003-06-01

A 3-week-old full-term female neonate was admitted with a 4-day history of episodic stridor, desaturations and difficult feeding. Initial assessment using fluoroscopy suggested distal tracheomalacia. Inhalational induction for examination under anaesthesia of the upper airway at 4 weeks of age caused almost complete airway obstruction due to severe anterior, or epiglottic, laryngomalacia. This airway obstruction was unresponsive to continuous positive airway pressure, the use of an oropharyngeal airway and hand ventilation and required urgent tracheal intubation using suxamethonium. Epiglottopexy, a relatively unknown procedure, was performed uneventfully 2 days later, with complete relief of the respiratory compromise. However, the infant remained desaturated postoperatively. A ventilation perfusion scan subsequently revealed multiple pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, unsuitable for embolization and requiring nocturnal home oxygen therapy. Review at 3 months of age found a thriving infant with no airway obstruction and good epiglottic positioning on examination under anaesthesia. Although the patient's oxygen requirements had diminished, the long-term outcome remains uncertain.

Practice Parameters for the Surgical Modifications of the Upper Airway for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults

PubMed Central

Aurora, R. Nisha; Casey, Kenneth R.; Kristo, David; Auerbach, Sanford; Bista, Sabin R.; Chowdhuri, Susmita; Karippot, Anoop; Lamm, Carin; Ramar, Kannan; Zak, Rochelle; Morgenthaler, Timothy I.

2010-01-01

Background: Practice parameters for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in adults by surgical modification of the upper airway were first published in 1996 by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (formerly ASDA). The following practice parameters update the previous practice parameters. These recommendations were reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed, and the GRADE system was used to assess the quality of evidence. The findings from this evaluation are provided in the accompanying review paper, and the subsequent recommendations have been developed from this review. The following procedures have been included: tracheostomy, maxillo-mandibular advancement (MMA), laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP),radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and palatal implants. Recommendations: The presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea must be determined before initiating surgical therapy (Standard). The patient should be advised about potential surgical success rates and complications, the availability of alternative treatment options such as nasal positive airway pressure and oral appliances, and the levels of effectiveness and success rates of these alternative treatments (Standard). The desired outcomes of treatment include resolution of the clinical signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and the normalization of sleep quality, the apnea-hypopnea index, and oxyhemoglobin saturation levels (Standard). Tracheostomy has been shown to be an effective single intervention to treat obstructive sleep apnea. This operation should be considered only when other options do not exist, have failed, are refused, or when this operation is deemed necessary by clinical urgency (Option). MMA is indicated for surgical treatment of severe OSA in patients who cannot tolerate or who are unwilling to adhere to positive airway pressure therapy, or in whom oral appliances, which are more often appropriate in mild and moderate OSA patients, have been considered and found ineffective or undesirable (Option). UPPP as a sole procedure, with or without tonsillectomy, does not reliably normalize the AHI when treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Therefore, patients with severe OSA should initially be offered positive airway pressure therapy, while those with moderate OSA should initially be offered either PAP therapy or oral appliances (Option). Use of multi-level or stepwise surgery (MLS), as a combined procedure or as stepwise multiple operations, is acceptable in patients with narrowing of multiple sites in the upper airway, particularly if they have failed UPPP as a sole treatment (Option). LAUP is not routinely recommended as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (Standard). RFA can be considered as a treatment in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate or who are unwilling to adhere to positive airway pressure therapy, or in whom oral appliances have been considered and found ineffective or undesirable (Option). Palatal implants may be effective in some patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate or who are unwilling to adhere to positive airway pressure therapy, or in whom oral appliances have been considered and found ineffective or undesirable (Option). Postoperatively, after an appropriate period of healing, patients should undergo follow-up evaluation including an objective measure of the presence and severity of sleep-disordered breathing and oxygen saturation, as well as clinical assessment for residual symptoms. Additionally, patients should be followed over time to detect the recurrence of disease (Standard). Conclusions: While there has been significant progress made in surgical techniques for the treatment of OSA, there is a lack of rigorous data evaluating surgical modifications of the upper airway. Systematic and methodical investigations are needed to improve the quality of evidence, assess additional outcome measures, determine which populations are most likely to benefit from a particular procedure or procedures, and optimize perioperative care. Citation: Aurora RN; Casey KR; Kristo D; Auerbach S; Bista SR; Chowdhuri S; Karippot A; Lamm C; Ramar K; Zak R; Morgenthaler TI. Practice parameters for the surgical modifications of the upper airway for obstructive sleep apnea in adults. SLEEP 2010;33(10):1408-1413. PMID:21061864

Comparison of drug-induced sleep endoscopy and Müller's maneuver in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea using the VOTE classification system.

PubMed

Yegïn, Yakup; Çelik, Mustafa; Kaya, Kamïl Hakan; Koç, Arzu Karaman; Kayhan, Fatma Tülin

Knowledge of the site of obstruction and the pattern of airway collapse is essential for determining correct surgical and medical management of patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). To this end, several diagnostic tests and procedures have been developed. To determine whether drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) or Müller's maneuver (MM) would be more successful at identifying the site of obstruction and the pattern of upper airway collapse in patients with OSAS. The study included 63 patients (52 male and 11 female) who were diagnosed with OSAS at our clinic. Ages ranged from 30 to 66 years old and the average age was 48.5 years. All patients underwent DISE and MM and the results of these examinations were characterized according to the region/degree of obstruction as well as the VOTE classification. The results of each test were analyzed per upper airway level and compared using statistical analysis (Cohen's kappa statistic test). There was statistically significant concordance between the results from DISE and MM for procedures involving the anteroposterior (73%), lateral (92.1%), and concentric (74.6%) configuration of the velum. Results from the lateral part of the oropharynx were also in concordance between the tests (58.7%). Results from the lateral configuration of the epiglottis were in concordance between the tests (87.3%). There was no statistically significant concordance between the two examinations for procedures involving the anteroposterior of the tongue (23.8%) and epiglottis (42.9%). We suggest that DISE has several advantages including safety, ease of use, and reliability, which outweigh MM in terms of the ability to diagnose sites of obstruction and the pattern of upper airway collapse. Also, MM can provide some knowledge of the pattern of pharyngeal collapse. Furthermore, we also recommend using the VOTE classification in combination with DISE. Copyright © 2016 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

[Three-dimensional finite element study on the change of glossopharyngeum in patient with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome during titrated mandible advancement].

PubMed

Yang, Suixing; Feng, Jing; Zhang, Zuo; Qu, Aili; Gong, Miao; Tang, Jie; Fan, Junheng; Li, Songqing; Zhao, Yanling

2013-04-01

To construct a three-dimensional finite element model of the upper airway and adjacent structure of an obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patient for biomechanical analysis. And to study the influence of glossopharyngeum of an OSAHS patient with three-dimensional finite element model during titrated mandible advancement. DICOM format image information of an OSAHS patient's upper airway was obtained by thin-section CT scanning and digital image processing were utilized to construct a three-dimensional finite element model by Mimics 10.0, Imageware 10.0 and Ansys software. The changes and the law of glossopharyngeum were observed by biomechanics and morphology after loading with titrated mandible advancement. A three-dimensional finite element model of the adjacent upper airway structure of OSAHS was established successfully. After loading, the transverse diameter of epiglottis tip of glossopharyngeum increased significantly, although the sagittal diameter decreased correspondingly. The principal stress was mainly distributed in anterior wall of the upper airway. The location of principal stress concentration did not change significantly with the increasing of distance. The stress of glossopharyngeum increased during titrated mandible advancement. A more precise three-dimensional finite model of upper airway and adjacent structure of an OSAHS patient is established and improved efficiency by Mimics, Imageware and Ansys software. The glossopharyngeum of finite element model of OSAHS is analyzed by titrated mandible advancement and can effectively show the relationship between mandible advancement and the glossopharyngeum.

Risk assessment of sleeping disorder breathing based on upper airway centerline evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alsufyani, Noura; Shen, Rui; Cheng, Irene; Major, Paul

2013-02-01

One of the most important breathing disorders in childhood is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome which affects 2-3% of children, and the reported failure rate of surgical treatment was as high as 54%. A possible reason in respiratory complications is having reduced dimensions of the upper airway which are further compressed when muscle tone is decreased during sleep. In this study, we use Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to assess the location or cause of the airway obstruction. To date, all studies analyzing the upper airway in subjects with Sleeping Disorder Breathing were based on linear, area, or volumetric measurements, which are global computations and can easily ignore local significance. Skeletonization was initially introduced as a 3D modeling technique by which representative medial points of a model are extracted to generate centerlines for evaluations. Although centerlines have been commonly used in guiding surgical procedures, our novelty lies in comparing its geometric properties before and after surgeries. We apply 3D data refinement, registration and projection steps to quantify and localize the geometric deviation in target airway regions. Through cross validation with corresponding subjects' therapy data, we expect to quantify the tolerance threshold beyond which reduced dimensions of the upper airway are not clinically significant. The ultimate goal is to utilize this threshold to identify patients at risk of complications. Outcome from this research will also help establish a predictive model for training and to estimate treatment success based on airway measurements prior to intervention. Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of our approach.

Patient-Specific Geometry Modeling and Mesh Generation for Simulating Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Cases by Maxillomandibular Advancement

PubMed Central

Ito, Yasushi; Cheng, Gary C.; Shih, Alan M.; Koomullil, Roy P.; Soni, Bharat K.; Sittitavornwong, Somsak; Waite, Peter D.

2011-01-01

The objective of this paper is the reconstruction of upper airway geometric models as hybrid meshes from clinically used Computed Tomography (CT) data sets in order to understand the dynamics and behaviors of the pre- and postoperative upper airway systems of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) patients by viscous Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The selection criteria for OSAS cases studied are discussed because two reasonable pre- and postoperative upper airway models for CFD simulations may not be created for every case without a special protocol for CT scanning. The geometry extraction and manipulation methods are presented with technical barriers that must be overcome so that they can be used along with computational simulation software as a daily clinical evaluation tool. Eight cases are presented in this paper, and each case consists of pre- and postoperative configurations. The results of computational simulations of two cases are included in this paper as demonstration. PMID:21625395

OCT imaging in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohtani, K.; Lopez Lisbona, R. M.; Lee, A. M. D.; Hyun, C.; Shaipanich, T.; McWilliams, A.; Lane, P.; Coxson, H. O.; MacAulay, C.; Lam, S.

2013-03-01

Introduction: A recent ex-vivo study using micro-CT in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) showed that narrowing and disappearance of small conducting airways precedes the onset of emphysematous destruction in COPD. Until recently, the airway remodeling process could not be studied in detail in-vivo. In this study, we investigated the repeatability of navigating an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) catheter to image the same airways in smokers with and without COPD. Method: OCT imaging was performed by inserting the catheter through a sub-segmental airway to a small bronchiole. Three-dimensional OCT imaging of 5 cm of airway segments was obtained. The catheter was removed and reinsertion into the same airway was attempted. The number of airway generations and quantitative measurements of the airway wall area were investigated. Results: Sixty-three airways in 30 subjects were analyzed. Repeated insertion into the same airway was observed at 53.8 %, 92.3% and 70.8% of the time in the upper, middle and lower lobes respectively. The percentage differences of paired measurements of airway wall area between matched and unmatched airways in bronchioles were 5.8 +/- 4.6 % and 7.3 +/- 5.4 % respectively Conclusions: Repeated OCT imaging of airways is possible in the majority of cases except in the upper lobes. For airways that are not completely matched, some of the airway segments can still be used for comparison by careful alignment of the airway. OCT may be a useful method to study the remodeling process in small airways and the effect of therapeutic intervention.

Neural Control of the Upper Airway: Respiratory and State-Dependent Mechanisms

PubMed Central

Kubin, Leszek

2017-01-01

Upper airway muscles subserve many essential for survival orofacial behaviors, including their important role as accessory respiratory muscles. In the face of certain predisposition of craniofacial anatomy, both tonic and phasic inspiratory activation of upper airway muscles is necessary to protect the upper airway against collapse. This protective action is adequate during wakefulness, but fails during sleep which results in recurrent episodes of hypopneas and apneas, a condition known as the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA). Although OSA is almost exclusively a human disorder, animal models help unveil the basic principles governing the impact of sleep on breathing and upper airway muscle activity. This article discusses the neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, and neurophysiology of the different neuronal systems whose activity changes with sleep-wake states, such as the noradrenergic, serotonergic, cholinergic, orexinergic, histaminergic, GABAergic and glycinergic, and their impact on central respiratory neurons and upper airway motoneurons. Observations of the interactions between sleep-wake states and upper airway muscles in healthy humans and OSA patients are related to findings from animal models with normal upper airway, and various animal models of OSA, including the chronic-intermittent hypoxia model. Using a framework of upper airway motoneurons being under concurrent influence of central respiratory, reflex and state-dependent inputs, different neurotransmitters, and neuropeptides are considered as either causing a sleep-dependent withdrawal of excitation from motoneurons or mediating an active, sleep-related inhibition of motoneurons. Information about the neurochemistry of state-dependent control of upper airway muscles accumulated to date reveals fundamental principles and may help understand and treat OSA. PMID:27783860

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and upper airway inflammation.

PubMed

Inancli, Hasan M; Enoz, Murat

2010-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with inflammatory processes and elevated plasma cytokines. Inflammatory processes associated with OSAS may also act as potential mediators of cardiovascular morbidity in these patients. OSAS is associated with elevated levels of C reactive protein (CRP), as a marker of inflammation and cardiovascular risk. At the inflammatory point of view, the levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, hsCRP, adhesion molecules, monocyte chemo attractant protein-1 and resist in were markedly and significantly elevated in patients with sleep apnea than those in normal control subjects. We reviewed several recent patents and literature in English about OSAS and upper airway inflammation relation since 1966 from the Medline database.

Upper-Airway Collapsibility and Loop Gain Predict the Response to Oral Appliance Therapy in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

PubMed Central

Andara, Christopher; Landry, Shane; Sands, Scott A.; Joosten, Simon A.; Owens, Robert L.; White, David P.; Hamilton, Garun S.; Wellman, Andrew

2016-01-01

Rationale: Oral appliances (OAs) are commonly used as an alternative treatment to continuous positive airway pressure for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, OAs have variable success at reducing the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), and predicting responders is challenging. Understanding this variability may lie with the recognition that OSA is a multifactorial disorder and that OAs may affect more than just upper-airway anatomy/collapsibility. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine how OA alters AHI and four phenotypic traits (upper-airway anatomy/collapsibility and muscle function, loop gain, and arousal threshold), and baseline predictors of which patients gain the greatest benefit from therapy. Methods: In a randomized crossover study, 14 patients with OSA attended two sleep studies with and without their OA. Under each condition, AHI and the phenotypic traits were assessed. Multiple linear regression was used to determine independent predictors of the reduction in AHI. Measurements and Main Results: OA therapy reduced the AHI (30 ± 5 vs. 11 ± 2 events/h; P < 0.05), which was driven by improvements in upper-airway anatomy/collapsibility under passive (1.9 ± 0.7 vs. 4.7 ± 0.6 L/min; P < 0.005) and active conditions (2.4 ± 0.9 vs. 6.2 ± 0.4 L/min; P < 0.001). No changes were seen in muscle function, loop gain, or the arousal threshold. Using multivariate analysis, baseline passive upper-airway collapsibility and loop gain were independent predictors of the reduction in AHI (r2 = 0.70; P = 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that OA therapy improves the upper-airway collapsibility under passive and active conditions. Importantly, a greater response to therapy occurred in those patients with a mild anatomic compromise and a lower loop gain. PMID:27181367

High-speed upper-airway imaging using full-range optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jing, Joseph; Zhang, Jun; Loy, Anthony Chin; Wong, Brian J. F.; Chen, Zhongping

2012-11-01

Obstruction in the upper airway can often cause reductions in breathing or gas exchange efficiency and lead to rest disorders such as sleep apnea. Imaging diagnosis of the obstruction region has been accomplished using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However CT requires the use of ionizing radiation, and MRI typically requires sedation of the patient to prevent motion artifacts. Long-range optical coherence tomography (OCT) has the potential to provide high-speed three-dimensional tomographic images with high resolution and without the use of ionizing radiation. In this paper, we present work on the development of a long-range OCT endoscopic probe with 1.2 mm OD and 20 mm working distance used in conjunction with a modified Fourier domain swept source OCT system to acquire structural and anatomical datasets of the human airway. Imaging from the bottom of the larynx to the end of the nasal cavity is completed within 40 s.

Fourteen cases of imposed upper airway obstruction.

PubMed Central

Samuels, M P; McClaughlin, W; Jacobson, R R; Poets, C F; Southall, D P

1992-01-01

Imposed upper airway obstruction was diagnosed as the cause of recurrent and severe cyanotic episodes in 14 patients. Episodes started between 0.8 and 33 months of age (median 1.4) and occurred over a period of 0.8 to 20 months (median 3.5). Diagnosis was made by covert video surveillance, instituted after either (a) the observation that episodes began only in the presence of one person, or (b) characteristic findings on physiological recordings, lasting between 12 hours and three weeks, performed in hospital or at home. Surveillance was undertaken for between 15 minutes and 12 days (median 24 hours) and resulted in safety for the patient and psychiatric assessment of the parent: mother (n = 12), father (n = 1), and grandmother (n = 1). These revealed histories of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse (n = 11), self harm (n = 9), factitious illness (n = 7), eating disorder (n = 10), and previous involvement with a psychiatrist (n = 7). Management of the abusing parents is complex, but recognition of their psychosocial characteristics may allow earlier diagnosis. Imposed upper airway obstruction should be considered and excluded by physiological recordings in any infant or young child with recurrent cyanotic episodes. If physiological recordings fail to substantiate a natural cause for episodes, covert video surveillance may be essential to protect the child from further injury or death. PMID:1543373

Practice parameters for the surgical modifications of the upper airway for obstructive sleep apnea in adults.

PubMed

Aurora, R Nisha; Casey, Kenneth R; Kristo, David; Auerbach, Sanford; Bista, Sabin R; Chowdhuri, Susmita; Karippot, Anoop; Lamm, Carin; Ramar, Kannan; Zak, Rochelle; Morgenthaler, Timothy I

2010-10-01

Practice parameters for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in adults by surgical modification of the upper airway were first published in 1996 by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (formerly ASDA). The following practice parameters update the previous practice parameters. These recommendations were reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. A systematic review of the literature was performed, and the GRADE system was used to assess the quality of evidence. The findings from this evaluation are provided in the accompanying review paper, and the subsequent recommendations have been developed from this review. The following procedures have been included: tracheostomy, maxillo-mandibular advancement (MMA), laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and palatal implants. The presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea must be determined before initiating surgical therapy (Standard). The patient should be advised about potential surgical success rates and complications, the availability of alternative treatment options such as nasal positive airway pressure and oral appliances, and the levels of effectiveness and success rates of these alternative treatments (Standard). The desired outcomes of treatment include resolution of the clinical signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and the normalization of sleep quality, the apnea-hypopnea index, and oxyhemoglobin saturation levels (Standard). Tracheostomy has been shown to be an effective single intervention to treat obstructive sleep apnea. This operation should be considered only when other options do not exist, have failed, are refused, or when this operation is deemed necessary by clinical urgency (Option). MMA is indicated for surgical treatment of severe OSA in patients who cannot tolerate or who are unwilling to adhere to positive airway pressure therapy, or in whom oral appliances, which are more often appropriate in mild and moderate OSA patients, have been considered and found ineffective or undesirable (Option). UPPP as a sole procedure, with or without tonsillectomy, does not reliably normalize the AHI when treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Therefore, patients with severe OSA should initially be offered positive airway pressure therapy, while those with moderate OSA should initially be offered either PAP therapy or oral appliances (Option). Use of multi-level or stepwise surgery (MLS), as a combined procedure or as stepwise multiple operations, is acceptable in patients with narrowing of multiple sites in the upper airway, particularly if they have failed UPPP as a sole treatment (Option). LAUP is not routinely recommended as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (Standard). RFA can be considered as a treatment in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate or who are unwilling to adhere to positive airway pressure therapy, or in whom oral appliances have been considered and found ineffective or undesirable (Option). Palatal implants may be effective in some patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate or who are unwilling to adhere to positive airway pressure therapy, or in whom oral appliances have been considered and found ineffective or undesirable (Option). Postoperatively, after an appropriate period of healing, patients should undergo follow-up evaluation including an objective measure of the presence and severity of sleep-disordered breathing and oxygen saturation, as well as clinical assessment for residual symptoms. Additionally, patients should be followed over time to detect the recurrence of disease (Standard). While there has been significant progress made in surgical techniques for the treatment of OSA, there is a lack of rigorous data evaluating surgical modifications of the upper airway. Systematic and methodical investigations are needed to improve the quality of evidence, assess additional outcome measures, determine which populations are most likely to benefit from a particular procedure or procedures, and optimize perioperative care.

Obstructive sleep apnea.

PubMed

White, David P; Younes, Magdy K

2012-10-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by repetitive collapse of the pharyngeal airway during sleep. Control of pharyngeal patency is a complex process relating primarily to basic anatomy and the activity of many pharyngeal dilator muscles. The control of these muscles is regulated by a number of processes including respiratory drive, negative pressure reflexes, and state (sleep) effects. In general, patients with OSA have an anatomically small airway the patency of which is maintained during wakefulness by reflex-driven augmented dilator muscle activation. At sleep onset, muscle activity falls, thereby compromising the upper airway. However, recent data suggest that the mechanism of OSA differs substantially among patients, with variable contributions from several physiologic characteristics including, among others: level of upper airway dilator muscle activation required to open the airway, increase in chemical drive required to recruit the pharyngeal muscles, chemical control loop gain, and arousal threshold. Thus, the cause of sleep apnea likely varies substantially between patients. Other physiologic mechanisms likely contributing to OSA pathogenesis include falling lung volume during sleep, shifts in blood volume from peripheral tissues to the neck, and airway edema. Apnea severity may progress over time, likely due to weight gain, muscle/nerve injury, aging effects on airway anatomy/collapsibility, and changes in ventilatory control stability. © 2012 American Physiological Society

Effect of Sleeping Position on Upper Airway Patency in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Determined by the Pharyngeal Structure Causing Collapse.

PubMed

Marques, Melania; Genta, Pedro R; Sands, Scott A; Azarbazin, Ali; de Melo, Camila; Taranto-Montemurro, Luigi; White, David P; Wellman, Andrew

2017-03-01

In some patients, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be resolved with improvement in pharyngeal patency by sleeping lateral rather than supine, possibly as gravitational effects on the tongue are relieved. Here we tested the hypothesis that the improvement in pharyngeal patency depends on the anatomical structure causing collapse, with patients with tongue-related obstruction and epiglottic collapse exhibiting preferential improvements. Twenty-four OSA patients underwent upper airway endoscopy during natural sleep to determine the pharyngeal structure associated with obstruction, with simultaneous recordings of airflow and pharyngeal pressure. Patients were grouped into three categories based on supine endoscopy: Tongue-related obstruction (posteriorly located tongue, N = 10), non-tongue related obstruction (collapse due to the palate or lateral walls, N = 8), and epiglottic collapse (N = 6). Improvement in pharyngeal obstruction was quantified using the change in peak inspiratory airflow and minute ventilation lateral versus supine. Contrary to our hypothesis, patients with tongue-related obstruction showed no improvement in airflow, and the tongue remained posteriorly located while lateral. Patients without tongue involvement showed modest improvement in airflow (peak flow increased 0.07 L/s and ventilation increased 1.5 L/min). Epiglottic collapse was virtually abolished with lateral positioning and ventilation increased by 45% compared to supine position. Improvement in pharyngeal patency with sleeping position is structure specific, with profound improvements seen in patients with epiglottic collapse, modest effects in those without tongue involvement and-unexpectedly-no effect in those with tongue-related obstruction. Our data refute the notion that the tongue falls back into the airway during sleep via gravitational influences. © Sleep Research Society 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Sleep Research Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

Effect of Sleeping Position on Upper Airway Patency in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Determined by the Pharyngeal Structure Causing Collapse

PubMed Central

Genta, Pedro R.; Sands, Scott A.; Azarbazin, Ali; de Melo, Camila; Taranto-Montemurro, Luigi; White, David P.; Wellman, Andrew

2017-01-01

Abstract Objectives: In some patients, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be resolved with improvement in pharyngeal patency by sleeping lateral rather than supine, possibly as gravitational effects on the tongue are relieved. Here we tested the hypothesis that the improvement in pharyngeal patency depends on the anatomical structure causing collapse, with patients with tongue-related obstruction and epiglottic collapse exhibiting preferential improvements. Methods: Twenty-four OSA patients underwent upper airway endoscopy during natural sleep to determine the pharyngeal structure associated with obstruction, with simultaneous recordings of airflow and pharyngeal pressure. Patients were grouped into three categories based on supine endoscopy: Tongue-related obstruction (posteriorly located tongue, N = 10), non-tongue related obstruction (collapse due to the palate or lateral walls, N = 8), and epiglottic collapse (N = 6). Improvement in pharyngeal obstruction was quantified using the change in peak inspiratory airflow and minute ventilation lateral versus supine. Results: Contrary to our hypothesis, patients with tongue-related obstruction showed no improvement in airflow, and the tongue remained posteriorly located while lateral. Patients without tongue involvement showed modest improvement in airflow (peak flow increased 0.07 L/s and ventilation increased 1.5 L/min). Epiglottic collapse was virtually abolished with lateral positioning and ventilation increased by 45% compared to supine position. Conclusions: Improvement in pharyngeal patency with sleeping position is structure specific, with profound improvements seen in patients with epiglottic collapse, modest effects in those without tongue involvement and—unexpectedly—no effect in those with tongue-related obstruction. Our data refute the notion that the tongue falls back into the airway during sleep via gravitational influences. PMID:28329099

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy with target-controlled infusion using propofol and monitored depth of sedation to determine treatment strategies in obstructive sleep apnea.

PubMed

Heiser, Clemens; Fthenakis, Phillippe; Hapfelmeier, Alexander; Berger, Sebastian; Hofauer, Benedikt; Hohenhorst, Winfried; Kochs, Eberhard F; Wagner, Klaus J; Edenharter, Guenther M

2017-09-01

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) has become an important diagnostic examination tool in the treatment decision process for surgical therapies in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Currently, there is a variety of regimes for the performance of DISE, which renders comparison and assessment across results difficult. It remains unclear how the different regimes influence the findings of the examination and the resulting conclusions and treatment recommendations. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between increasing levels of sedation (i.e., light, medium, and deep) induced by propofol using a target-controlled infusion (TCI) pump, with the obstruction patterns at the levels of the velum, oropharynx, tongue base, and epiglottis (i.e., VOTE classification). A second goal was the establishment of a sufficient sedation level to enable a reliable decision regarding treatment recommendations. Forty-three patients with OSA underwent a DISE procedure using propofol TCI. Three levels of sedation were defined, depending on entropy levels and assessment of sedation: light sedation, medium sedation, and deep sedation. The evaluation of the upper airway at each level, with increasing sedation, was documented using the VOTE classification. The elapsed time at which each assessment was performed was recorded. Upper airway changes occurred and were measured throughout the DISE procedure. Clinically useful determinations of airway closure occurred at medium sedation; this level of sedation was most probably achieved with a blood propofol concentration of 3.2 μg/ml. In all 43 patients, definite treatment decisions could be made at medium sedation level. Increasing sedation did not result in changes in the treatment decision. Changes in upper airway collapse during DISE with propofol TCI occur at levels of medium sedation. Decisions regarding surgical treatment could be made at this level of sedation. Upper Airway Collapse in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome by Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy (URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=NCT02588300&Search=Search ) REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02588300.

Postoperative airway findings after maxillomandibular advancement for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PubMed

Li, K K; Riley, R W; Powell, N B; Zonato, A; Troell, R; Guilleminault, C

2000-02-01

To evaluate the upper airway characteristics in the early postoperative period after maxilomandibular advancement for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Nasopharyngolaryngoscopy was performed before and 48 hours after surgery on 70 consecutive patients who underwent maxillomandibular advancement for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The preoperative and the postoperative evaluations were performed by the same examiner for consistency. Mild to moderate lateral pharyngeal wall edema was identified in 70 consecutive patients. Fourteen patients (20%) had edema as well as ecchymosis involving the pyriform sinus and aryepiglottic fold. Four of these patients (6%) were also noted to have hypopharyngeal hematoma involving the pyriform sinus, aryepiglottic fold, arytenoid, and false vocal cord that partially obstructed the airway. These four patients were closely monitored for 1 to 2 additional days for possible expanding hematoma leading to airway compromise. None of these patients were found to have airway difficulty, and the minimum oxygen saturation was more than 90% throughout the hospitalization. All four patients were discharged uneventfully, and the hematoma resolved completely within 10 days. Although postoperative edema was expected after maxillomandibular advancement, hypopharyngeal hematoma was unexpected. Although none of our patients had evidence of airway difficulty, the possibility of an expanding hypopharyngeal hematoma should be considered in patients complaining of breathing difficulty after maxillomandibular advancement surgery.

In vivo size and shape measurement of the human upper airway using endoscopic longrange optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Armstrong, Julian J.; Leigh, Matthew S.; Walton, Ian D.; Zvyagin, Andrei V.; Alexandrov, Sergey A.; Schwer, Stefan; Sampson, David D.; Hillman, David R.; Eastwood, Peter R.

2003-07-01

We describe a long-range optical coherence tomography system for size and shape measurement of large hollow organs in the human body. The system employs a frequency-domain optical delay line of a configuration that enables the combination of high-speed operation with long scan range. We compare the achievable maximum delay of several delay line configurations, and identify the configurations with the greatest delay range. We demonstrate the use of one such long-range delay line in a catheter-based optical coherence tomography system and present profiles of the human upper airway and esophagus in vivo with a radial scan range of 26 millimeters. Such quantitative upper airway profiling should prove valuable in investigating the pathophysiology of airway collapse during sleep (obstructive sleep apnea).

Obstructive sleep apnea in adults: epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment options.

PubMed

Lurie, Alain

2011-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by repetitive episodes of complete and partial obstructions of the upper airway during sleep. The diagnosis of OSA requires the objective demonstration of abnormal breathing during sleep by measuring the respiratory disturbance index (RDI, events per hour of sleep), i.e. the frequency of apnea (complete upper airway obstruction), hypopnea (partial upper airway obstruction) and arousals from sleep related to respiratory efforts. OSA is defined by combining symptoms and an RDI ≥5 or by an RDI ≥15 without symptoms. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), the frequency of apnea and hypopnea events per hour of sleep, is widely used to define OSA (many clinical and epidemiological studies use this metric). In the general adult population, the prevalence of OSA defined by ≥5 apnea and hypopnea events per hour of sleep associated with excessive sleepiness is approximately 3-7% in men and 2-5% in women. The prevalence of OSA is much higher, e.g. ≥50%, in patients with cardiac or metabolic disorders than in the general population. Risk factors for OSA include obesity (the strongest risk factor), upper airway abnormalities, male gender, menopause and age (the prevalence of OSA associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality increases with age and peaks at approximately 55 years of age). OSA is associated with symptoms during sleep (snoring, choking and nocturia) and wakefulness (excessive sleepiness, fatigue and lack of energy) and with sequelae such as psychological changes, alterations in the quality of life, and social, familial and professional performance including vehicle and industrial accidents. The identification of OSA may be a difficult task for the clinician, even in populations in which OSA is highly prevalent such as patients with cardiovascular disorders because they may not present the cardinal signs of the disease, e.g. excessive sleepiness and obesity. Guidelines have been developed to tailor OSA therapy to patients according to the results of their disease evaluation and their preferences. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Upper aerodigestive tract burn: a case report of firework injury.

PubMed

Kerekhanjanarong, V; Supiyaphun, P; Saengpanich, S

2001-02-01

The case of a 46 year-old German man with upper aerodigestive burn by firework was reported. He presented with the symptoms and signs of upper airway obstruction. Tracheostomy was done and direct laryngoscopy with microscopic examination revealed swelling and denudation of the mucosa of the oral cavity and supraglottic area. Intravenous steroids and antibiotics were administrated for treatment. It is suggested that proper management needs an understanding of the mechanism and effect of the corrosive agent. Careful airway management resulted in a good outcome in this patient.

Airway and feeding problems in infants with Fairbairn-Robin triad deformities.

PubMed

du Plessis, Susanna M; van den Berg, Hester J S; Bütow, Kurt W; Hoogendijk, Christiaan F

2013-01-01

The majority of patients with Pierre Robin sequence in the subdivision Fairbairn- Robin triad (FRT), are born with glossoptosis, retro-/micrognathia and cleft or agenesis of the palate leading to feeding difficulties and airway obstruction. There is limited literature on these problems, and on methods used to address them. Community nurses in the Facial Cleft Deformity Clinic evaluate associated airway obstruction and feeding problems and devise nursing interactions to address these. This retrospective study examined the incidence of airway and feeding difficulties in the neonatal, pre-surgical period, as well as the surgical and nutritional management of these infants. Retrospective records of 215 infants with FRT were examined and data on incidence, airway and feeding difficulties and surgical and nutritional management was collected. Descriptive statistics, including average and percentage values, were compiled. The incidence of FRT amongst the cleft palate patients was 6.0%, with 37.7% of these having feeding difficulties. However, surgical interventions such as glossopexy (5.6%), distraction osteogenesis (0.9%) and tracheotomy (2.3%) for airway management were seldom required. Most of the infants who had upper airway obstruction and feeding problems were handled by means of suction and drinking plates, along with additional specific feeding aids. This reduced airway obstruction in 70.6%, and feeding problems in 62.4% of these infants. Based on this study’s finding the introduction of the suction and drinking plate and the use of specific types of feeding devices and surgical management can improve growth and development in infants with FRT.

Therapeutic CPAP Level Predicts Upper Airway Collapsibility in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

PubMed

Landry, Shane A; Joosten, Simon A; Eckert, Danny J; Jordan, Amy S; Sands, Scott A; White, David P; Malhotra, Atul; Wellman, Andrew; Hamilton, Garun S; Edwards, Bradley A

2017-06-01

Upper airway collapsibility is a key determinant of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which can influence the efficacy of certain non-continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatments for OSA. However, there is no simple way to measure this variable clinically. The present study aimed to develop a clinically implementable tool to evaluate the collapsibility of a patient's upper airway. Collapsibility, as characterized by the passive pharyngeal critical closing pressure (Pcrit), was measured in 46 patients with OSA. Associations were investigated between Pcrit and data extracted from patient history and routine polysomnography, including CPAP titration. Therapeutic CPAP level, demonstrated the strongest relationship to Pcrit (r2=0.51, p < .001) of all the variables investigated including apnea-hypopnea index, body mass index, sex, and age. Patients with a mildly collapsible upper airway (Pcrit ≤ -2 cmH2O) had a lower therapeutic CPAP level (6.2 ± 0.6 vs. 10.3 ± 0.4 cmH2O, p < .001) compared to patients with more severe collapsibility (Pcrit > -2 cmH2O). A therapeutic CPAP level ≤8.0 cmH2O was sensitive (89%) and specific (84%) for detecting a mildly collapsible upper airway. When applied to the independent validation data set (n = 74), this threshold maintained high specificity (91%) but reduced sensitivity (75%). Our data demonstrate that a patient's therapeutic CPAP requirement shares a strong predictive relationship with their Pcrit and may be used to accurately differentiate OSA patients with mild airway collapsibility from those with moderate-to-severe collapsibility. Although this relationship needs to be confirmed prospectively, our findings may provide clinicians with better understanding of an individual patient's OSA phenotype, which ultimately could assist in determining which patients are most likely to respond to non-CPAP therapies. © Sleep Research Society 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Sleep Research Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

Numerical tool development of fluid-structure interactions for investigation of obstructive sleep apnea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Chien-Jung; White, Susan; Huang, Shao-Ching; Mallya, Sanjay; Eldredge, Jeff

2016-11-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a medical condition characterized by repetitive partial or complete occlusion of the airway during sleep. The soft tissues in the upper airway of OSA patients are prone to collapse under the low pressure loads incurred during breathing. The ultimate goal of this research is the development of a versatile numerical tool for simulation of air-tissue interactions in the patient specific upper airway geometry. This tool is expected to capture several phenomena, including flow-induced vibration (snoring) and large deformations during airway collapse of the complex airway geometry in respiratory flow conditions. Here, we present our ongoing progress toward this goal. To avoid mesh regeneration, for flow model, a sharp-interface embedded boundary method is used on Cartesian grids for resolving the fluid-structure interface, while for the structural model, a cut-cell finite element method is used. Also, to properly resolve large displacements, non-linear elasticity model is used. The fluid and structure solvers are connected with the strongly coupled iterative algorithm. The parallel computation is achieved with the numerical library PETSc. Some two- and three- dimensional preliminary results are shown to demonstrate the ability of this tool.

Continuing the Original Stanford Sleep Surgery Protocol From Upper Airway Reconstruction to Upper Airway Stimulation: Our First Successful Case.

PubMed

Liu, Stanley Yung; Riley, Robert Wayne

2017-07-01

In 1993, a surgical protocol for dynamic upper airway reconstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was published, and it became commonly known as the Stanford phase 1 and 2 sleep surgery protocol. It served as a platform on which research and clinical studies have continued to perfect the surgical care of patients with OSA. However, relapse is inevitable in a chronic condition such as OSA, and a subset of previously cured surgical patients return with complaints of excessive daytime sleepiness. This report describes a patient who was successfully treated with phase 1 and 2 operations more than a decade previously. He returned at 65 years of age with relapse of moderate OSA, and after workup with polysomnography and drug-induced sleep endoscopy, he underwent upper airway stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve that resulted in a cure of OSA. This case shows why upper airway stimulation is an appropriate option for patients with OSA relapse, after previously successful maxillomandibular advancement. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Airway symptoms and lung function among male workers in an area polluted from an oil tank explosion.

PubMed

Granslo, Jens-Tore; Bråtveit, Magne; Hollund, Bjørg Eli; Lygre, Stein Håkon Låstad; Svanes, Cecilie; Moen, Bente Elisabeth

2014-09-01

To assess whether working in an industrial harbor where an oil tank exploded was associated with more airway symptoms and lower lung function in men 1.5 years later. In a cross-sectional study of 180 men, 18 to 67 years old, airway symptoms and lung function among men who worked in the industrial harbor at the time of the explosion was compared with those of working men with residence more than 20 km away. Regression analyses are adjusted for smoking, occupational exposure, atopy, recent infection, and age. Exposed men had significantly more upper (ORirritated nose = 2.89 [95% confidence interval = 1.31 to 6.37]) and lower (ORdyspnea uphill = 3.79 [95% confidence interval = 1.69 to 8.46]) airway symptoms, and some indication of more reversible airway obstruction than unexposed workers. Men working in an area with an oil tank explosion had more airway symptoms and indication of more airway obstruction 1.5 years after the event.

Airway recovery after face transplantation.

PubMed

Fischer, Sebastian; Wallins, Joe S; Bueno, Ericka M; Kueckelhaus, Maximilian; Chandawarkar, Akash; Diaz-Siso, J Rodrigo; Larson, Allison; Murphy, George F; Annino, Donald J; Caterson, Edward J; Pomahac, Bohdan

2014-12-01

Severe facial injuries can compromise the upper airway by reducing airway volume, obstructing or obliterating the nasal passage, and interfering with oral airflow. Besides the significant impact on quality of life, upper airway impairments can have life-threatening or life-altering consequences. The authors evaluated improvements in functional airway after face transplantation. Between 2009 and 2011, four patients underwent face transplantation at the authors' institution, the Brigham and Women's Hospital. Patients were examined preoperatively and postoperatively and their records reviewed for upper airway infections and sleeping disorders. The nasal mucosa was biopsied after face transplantation and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Volumetric imaging software was used to evaluate computed tomographic scans of the upper airway and assess airway volume changes before and after transplantation. Before transplantation, two patients presented an exposed naked nasal cavity and two suffered from occlusion of the nasal passage. Two patients required tracheostomy tubes and one had a prosthetic nose. Sleeping disorders were seen in three patients, and chronic cough was diagnosed in one. After transplantation, there was no significant improvement in sleeping disorders. The incidence of sinusitis increased because of mechanical interference of the donor septum and disappeared after surgical correction. All patients were decannulated after transplantation and were capable of nose breathing. Scanning electron micrographs of the respiratory mucosa revealed viable tissue capable of mucin production. Airway volume significantly increased in all patients. Face transplantation successfully restored the upper airway in four patients. Unhindered nasal breathing, viable respiratory mucosa, and a significant increase in airway volume contributed to tracheostomy decannulation.

Sex, stress and sleep apnoea: Decreased susceptibility to upper airway muscle dysfunction following intermittent hypoxia in females.

PubMed

O'Halloran, Ken D; Lewis, Philip; McDonald, Fiona

2017-11-01

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a devastating respiratory control disorder more common in men than women. The reasons for the sex difference in prevalence are multifactorial, but are partly attributable to protective effects of oestrogen. Indeed, OSAS prevalence increases in post-menopausal women. OSAS is characterized by repeated occlusions of the pharyngeal airway during sleep. Dysfunction of the upper airway muscles controlling airway calibre and collapsibility is implicated in the pathophysiology of OSAS, and sex differences in the neuro-mechanical control of upper airway patency are described. It is widely recognized that chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), a cardinal feature of OSAS due to recurrent apnoea, drives many of the morbid consequences characteristic of the disorder. In rodents, exposure to CIH-related redox stress causes upper airway muscle weakness and fatigue, associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Of interest, in adults, there is female resilience to CIH-induced muscle dysfunction. Conversely, exposure to CIH in early life, results in upper airway muscle weakness equivalent between the two sexes at 3 and 6 weeks of age. Ovariectomy exacerbates the deleterious effects of exposure to CIH in adult female upper airway muscle, an effect partially restored by oestrogen replacement therapy. Intriguingly, female advantage intrinsic to upper airway muscle exists with evidence of substantially greater loss of performance in male muscle during acute exposure to severe hypoxic stress. Sex differences in upper airway muscle physiology may have relevance to human OSAS. The oestrogen-oestrogen receptor α axis represents a potential therapeutic target in OSAS, particularly in post-menopausal women. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Endoscopic low coherence interferometry in upper airways

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delacrétaz, Yves; Boss, Daniel; Lang, Florian; Depeursinge, Christian

2009-07-01

We introduce Endoscopic Low Coherence Interferometry to obtain topology of upper airways through commonly used rigid endoscopes. Quantitative dimensioning of upper airways pathologies is crucial to provide maximum health recovery chances, for example in order to choose the correct stent to treat endoluminal obstructing pathologies. Our device is fully compatible with procedures used in day-to-day examinations and can potentially be brought to bedside. Besides this, the approach described here can be almost straightforwardly adapted to other endoscopy-related field of interest, such as gastroscopy and arthroscopy. The principle of the method is first exposed, then filtering procedure used to extract the depth information is described. Finally, demonstration of the method ability to operate on biological samples is assessed through measurements on ex-vivo pork bronchi.

SponTaneous Respiration using IntraVEnous anaesthesia and Hi-flow nasal oxygen (STRIVE Hi) maintains oxygenation and airway patency during management of the obstructed airway: an observational study.

PubMed

Booth, A W G; Vidhani, K; Lee, P K; Thomsett, C-M

2017-03-01

High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) has been shown to benefit oxygenation, ventilation and upper airway patency in a range of clinical scenarios, however its use in spontaneously breathing patients during general anaesthesia has not been described. Spontaneous respiration using i.v. anaesthesia is the primary technique used at our institution for tubeless airway surgery. We hypothesized that the addition of HFNO would increase our margin of safety, particularly during management of an obstructed airway. A retrospective observational study was conducted using a SponTaneous Respiration using IntraVEnous anaesthesia and High-flow nasal oxygen (STRIVE Hi) technique to manage 30 adult patients undergoing elective laryngotracheal surgery. Twenty-six patients (87%) presented with significant airway and/or respiratory compromise (16 were stridulous, 10 were dyspnoeic). No episodes of apnoea or complete airway obstruction occurred during the induction of anaesthesia using STRIVE Hi. The median [IQR (range)] lowest oxygen saturation during the induction period was 100 [99–100 (97–100)] %. The median [IQR (range)] overall duration of spontaneous ventilation was 44 [40–49.5 (18–100)] min. The median [IQR (range)] end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) level at the end of the spontaneous ventilation period was 6.8 [6.4–7.1 (4.8–8.9)] kPa. The mean rate of increase in ETCO2 was 0.03 kPa min−1. STRIVE Hi succeeded in preserving adequate oxygen saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide and airway patency. We suggest that the upper and lower airway benefits attributed to HFNO, are ideally suited to a spontaneous respiration induction, increasing its margin of safety. STRIVE Hi is a modern alternative to the traditional inhalation induction. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Journal of Anaesthesia.

Continuous positive airway pressure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

PubMed

Nurwidya, Fariz; Susanto, Agus Dwi; Juzar, Dafsah A; Kobayashi, Isao; Yunus, Faisal

2016-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a recurrent episode of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep despite ongoing respiratory efforts and is implicated as the risk factor of cardiovascular disease. The OSA syndrome is typified by recurring partial or total occlusion of the pharynx, sleep fragmentation, episodes of gasping, and, eventually, daytime sleepiness. If it is left untreated, OSA syndrome can cause hypertension, coronary artery disease congestive heart disease, insulin resistance and death. In this review, we describe the pathogenesis and diagnosis of OSA. We also focused on the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as the main therapy for OSA. CPAP has been shown to provide benefit for not only respiratory system, but also for cardiovascular system and metabolic system. Finally, we discussed briefly about the issue of adherence of using CPAP that could contribute to lower compliant in patient with OSA.

Nocturnal Asthma

MedlinePlus

... caused by an upper airway obstruction Treatment and Management Treatment of any underlying causes of nocturnal asthma ... trials . Asthma Types Allergic Asthma Nocturnal Asthma Patients & Visitors Giving For Professionals About Us Treatment & Programs Health ...

The tongue and its control by sleep state-dependent modulators.

PubMed

Horner, R L

2011-12-01

The neural networks controlling vital functions such as breathing are embedded in the brain, the neural and chemical environment of which changes with state, i.e., wakefulness, non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep and REM sleep, and with commonly administered drugs such as anaesthetics, sedatives and ethanol. One particular output from the state-dependent chemical brain is the focus of attention in this paper; the motor output to the muscles of the tongue, specifically the actions of state-dependent modulators acting at the hypoglossal motor pool. Determining the mechanisms underlying the modulation of the hypoglossal motor output during sleep is relevant to understanding the spectrum of increased upper airway resistance, airflow limitation, hypoventilation and airway obstructions that occur during natural and drug-influenced sleep in humans. Understanding the mechanisms underlying upper airway dysfunction in sleep-disordered breathing is also important given the large and growing prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome which constitutes a major public health problem with serious clinical, social and economic consequences.

The role of drug-induced sleep endoscopy in surgical planning for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PubMed

Aktas, Ozturk; Erdur, Omer; Cirik, Ahmet Adnan; Kayhan, Fatma Tulin

2015-08-01

This study investigated the role of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in the surgical treatment planning of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This study was conducted using patients diagnosed with OSAS between January 2007 and March 2009, who were scheduled for surgical treatment. DISE was performed using propofol in patients considered to have upper respiratory tract obstruction as indicated by Muller's maneuver. After completing the sleep endoscopy, the patient was intubated and surgery was performed (tonsillectomy and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty). A successful operation was defined as a decrease in the respiratory disturbance index to below 5 or a decrease of ≥50 % following the operation. The study included 20 patients (4 female and 16 male) aged 19-57 years. No statistically significant correlation between modified Mallampati class and operation success or between the polysomnographic stage of disease and operation success was identified. A significantly high operation success rate was found in the group with obstruction of the upper airway according to DISE (p < 0.05), whereas a significantly low operation success rate was found in the group with obstruction of the lower airway according to DISE (p < 0.01). DISE may be used to identify the localization of obstruction for diagnostic purposes, and it can be helpful in selecting the treatment method.

Choosing an Oronasal Mask to Deliver Continuous Positive Airway Pressure May Cause More Upper Airway Obstruction or Lead to Higher Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Requirements than a Nasal Mask in Some Patients: A Case Series

PubMed Central

Ng, Justin R.; Aiyappan, Vinod; Mercer, Jeremy; Catcheside, Peter G.; Chai-Coetzer, Ching Li; McEvoy, R. Doug; Antic, Nick

2016-01-01

Study Objectives: The choice of mask interface used with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy can affect the control of upper airway obstruction (UAO) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We describe a case series of four patients with paradoxical worsening of UAO with an oronasal mask and the effect of changing to a nasal mask. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the case histories of 4 patients and recorded patient demographics, in-laboratory and ambulatory CPAP titration data, CPAP therapy data, type of mask interface used and potential confounding factors. Results: The 4 cases (mean ± SD: age = 59 ± 16 y; BMI = 30.5 ± 4.5 kg/m2) had a high residual apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) (43 ± 14.2 events/h) and high CPAP pressure requirements (14.9 ± 6.6 cmH2O) with an oronasal mask. Changing to a nasal mask allowed adequate control of UAO with a significant reduction in the average residual AHI (3.1 ± 1.5 events/h). In two of the four cases, it was demonstrated that control of UAO was obtained at a much lower CPAP pressure compared to the oronasal mask (Case one = 17.5 cmH2O vs 12cmH2O; Case two = 17.9 cmH2O vs 7.8 cmH2O). Other potential confounding factors were unchanged. There are various physiological observations that may explain these findings but it is uncertain which individuals are susceptible to these mechanisms. Conclusions: If patients have OSA incompletely controlled by CPAP with evidence of residual UAO and/or are requiring surprisingly high CPAP pressure to control OSA with an oronasal mask, the choice of mask should be reviewed and consideration be given to a trial of a nasal mask. Commentary: A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 1209. Citation: Ng JR, Aiyappan V, Mercer J, Catcheside PG, Chai-Coetzer CL, McEvoy RD, Antic N. Choosing an oronasal mask to deliver continuous positive airway pressure may cause more upper airway obstruction or lead to higher continuous positive airway pressure requirements than a nasal mask in some patients: a case series. J Clin Sleep Med 2016;12(9):1227–1232. PMID:27306398

Differentiating Obstructive from Central and Complex Sleep Apnea Using an Automated Electrocardiogram-Based Method

PubMed Central

Thomas, Robert Joseph; Mietus, Joseph E.; Peng, Chung-Kang; Gilmartin, Geoffrey; Daly, Robert W.; Goldberger, Ary L.; Gottlieb, Daniel J.

2007-01-01

Study Objectives: Complex sleep apnea is defined as sleep disordered breathing secondary to simultaneous upper airway obstruction and respiratory control dysfunction. The objective of this study was to assess the utility of an electrocardiogram (ECG)-based cardiopulmonary coupling technique to distinguish obstructive from central or complex sleep apnea. Design: Analysis of archived polysomnographic datasets. Setting: A laboratory for computational signal analysis. Interventions: None. Measurements and Results: The PhysioNet Sleep Apnea Database, consisting of 70 polysomnograms including single-lead ECG signals of approximately 8 hours duration, was used to train an ECG-based measure of autonomic and respiratory interactions (cardiopulmonary coupling) to detect periods of apnea and hypopnea, based on the presence of elevated low-frequency coupling (e-LFC). In the PhysioNet BIDMC Congestive Heart Failure Database (ECGs of 15 subjects), a pattern of “narrow spectral band” e-LFC was especially common. The algorithm was then applied to the Sleep Heart Health Study–I dataset, to select the 15 records with the highest amounts of broad and narrow spectral band e-LFC. The latter spectral characteristic seemed to detect not only periods of central apnea, but also obstructive hypopneas with a periodic breathing pattern. Applying the algorithm to 77 sleep laboratory split-night studies showed that the presence of narrow band e-LFC predicted an increased sensitivity to induction of central apneas by positive airway pressure. Conclusions: ECG-based spectral analysis allows automated, operator-independent characterization of probable interactions between respiratory dyscontrol and upper airway anatomical obstruction. The clinical utility of spectrographic phenotyping, especially in predicting failure of positive airway pressure therapy, remains to be more thoroughly tested. Citation: Thomas RJ; Mietus JE; Peng CK; Gilmartin G; Daly RW; Goldberger AL; Gottlieb DJ. Differentiating obstructive from central and complex sleep apnea using an automated electrocardiogram-based method. SLEEP 2007;30(12):1756-1769. PMID:18246985

Effects of unilateral laser-assisted ventriculocordectomy in horses with laryngeal hemiplegia.

PubMed

Robinson, P; Derksen, F J; Stick, J A; Sullins, K E; DeTolve, P G; Robinson, N E

2006-11-01

Recent studies have evaluated surgical techniques aimed at reducing noise and improving airway function in horses with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN). These techniques require general anaesthesia and are invasive. A minimally invasive transnasal surgical technique for treatment of RLN that may be employed in the standing, sedated horse would be advantageous. To determine whether unilateral laser-assisted ventriculocordectomy (LVC) improves upper airway function and reduces noise during inhalation in exercising horses with laryngeal hemiplegia (LH). Six Standardbred horses were used; respiratory sound and inspiratory transupper airway pressure (Pui) measured before and after induction of LH, and 60, 90 and 120 days after LVC. Inspiratory sound level (SL) and the sound intensities of formants 1, 2 and 3 (Fl, F2 and F3, respectively), were measured using computer-based sound analysis programmes. In addition, upper airway endoscopy was performed at each time interval, at rest and during treadmill exercise. In LH-affected horses, Pui, SL and the sound intensity of F2 and F3 were increased significantly from baseline values. At 60 days after LVC, Pui and SL had returned to baseline, and F2 and F3 values had improved partially compared to LH values. At 90 and 120 days, however, SL increased again to LH levels. LVC decreases LH-associated airway obstruction by 60 days after surgery, and reduces inspiratory noise but not as effectively as bilateral ventriculocordectomy. LVC may be recommended as a treatment of LH, where reduction of upper airway obstruction and respiratory noise is desired and the owner wishes to avoid risks associated with a laryngotomy incision or general anaesthesia.

Cervical computed tomography in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: influence of head elevation on the assessment of upper airway volume

PubMed Central

Souza, Fábio José Fabrício de Barros; Evangelista, Anne Rosso; Silva, Juliana Veiga; Périco, Grégory Vinícius; Madeira, Kristian

2016-01-01

Objective : Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has a high prevalence and carries significant cardiovascular risks. It is important to study new therapeutic approaches to this disease. Positional therapy might be beneficial in reducing the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Imaging methods have been employed in order to facilitate the evaluation of the airways of OSAS patients and can be used in order to determine the effectiveness of certain treatments. This study was aimed at determining the influence that upper airway volume, as measured by cervical CT, has in patients diagnosed with OSAS. Methods : This was a quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study. We evaluated 10 patients who had been diagnosed with OSAS by polysomnography and on the basis of the clinical evaluation. All of the patients underwent conventional cervical CT in the supine position. Scans were obtained with the head of the patient in two positions (neutral and at a 44° upward inclination), and the upper airway volume was compared between the two. Results : The mean age, BMI, and neck circumference were 48.9 ± 14.4 years, 30.5 ± 3.5 kg/m2, and 40.3 ± 3.4 cm, respectively. The mean AHI was 13.7 ± 10.6 events/h (range, 6.0-41.6 events/h). The OSAS was classified as mild, moderate, and severe in 70%, 20%, and 10% of the patients, respectively. The mean upper airway volume was 7.9 cm3 greater when the head was at a 44° upward inclination than when it was in the neutral position, and that difference (17.5 ± 11.0%) was statistically significant (p = 0.002). Conclusions : Elevating the head appears to result in a significant increase in the caliber of the upper airways in OSAS patients. PMID:26982042

Pulmonary edema associated with upper airway obstruction in dogs.

PubMed

Algren, J T; Price, R D; Buchino, J J; Stremel, R W

1993-12-01

In order to evaluate the effect of acute upper airway obstruction upon pulmonary edema (PE) formation, we studied seven dogs that were subjected to inspiratory obstruction for three hours. Hypoxia was avoided by the administration of supplemental oxygen during the study period. Six dogs developed pulmonary vascular congestion, and four developed histologic findings of PE. Inspiratory intrapleural pressure decreased to -28 +/- 4 mmHg in dogs that developed PE and to -23 +/- 2 mmHg in dogs that did not. Transmural pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary artery wedge pressure did not increase significantly. Central venous pressure during inspiration (CVPi) increased in all dogs, and CVP at end expiration (CVPe) was significantly higher in dogs with PE. Dogs that developed PE experienced a decrease in cardiac output and an increase in systemic vascular resistance. Furthermore, alveolar ventilation declined in dogs with PE, ultimately resulting in ventilatory failure. Pulmonary edema formation was not preceded by an increase in pulmonary vascular pressures but was associated with higher CVP, pulmonary vascular congestion, and hypercarbia.

Impact of upper airway abnormalities on the success and adherence to mandibular advancement device treatment in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

PubMed

Prescinotto, Renato; Haddad, Fernanda Louise Martinho; Fukuchi, Ilana; Gregório, Luiz Carlos; Cunali, Paulo Afonso; Tufik, Sérgio; Bittencourt, Lia Rita Azeredo

2015-01-01

The mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a option to treat patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). To assess the influence of upper airway abnormalities on the success of and adherence to MAD in patients with OSAS. Prospective study with 30 patients with mild to moderate OSAS and indications for MAD. The protocol included questionnaires addressing sleep and nasal complaints, polysomnography, and upper airway assessment. The analyzed parameters of patients who showed therapeutic success and failure and those who exhibited good and poor treatment adherence were compared. 28 patients completed the protocol; 64.3% responded successfully to treatment with MAD, and 60.7% exhibited good adherence to treatment. Factors associated with greater success rates were younger age (p=0.02), smaller cervical circumference (p=0.05), and lower AHI at baseline (p=0.05). There was a predominance of patients without nasal abnormalities among patients treated successfully compared to those with treatment failure (p=0.04), which was not observed in relation to adherence. Neither pharyngeal nor facial skeletal abnormalities were significantly associated with either therapeutic success or adherence. MAD treatment success was significantly lower among patients with nasal abnormalities; however, treatment adherence was not influenced by the presence of upper airway or facial skeletal abnormalities. Copyright © 2015 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Pathophysiology of Sleep Apnea

PubMed Central

Veasey, Sigrid C.; Morgan, Barbara J.; O'Donnell, Christopher P.

2010-01-01

Sleep-induced apnea and disordered breathing refers to intermittent, cyclical cessations or reductions of airflow, with or without obstructions of the upper airway (OSA). In the presence of an anatomically compromised, collapsible airway, the sleep-induced loss of compensatory tonic input to the upper airway dilator muscle motor neurons leads to collapse of the pharyngeal airway. In turn, the ability of the sleeping subject to compensate for this airway obstruction will determine the degree of cycling of these events. Several of the classic neurotransmitters and a growing list of neuromodulators have now been identified that contribute to neurochemical regulation of pharyngeal motor neuron activity and airway patency. Limited progress has been made in developing pharmacotherapies with acceptable specificity for the treatment of sleep-induced airway obstruction. We review three types of major long-term sequelae to severe OSA that have been assessed in humans through use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment and in animal models via long-term intermittent hypoxemia (IH): 1) cardiovascular. The evidence is strongest to support daytime systemic hypertension as a consequence of severe OSA, with less conclusive effects on pulmonary hypertension, stroke, coronary artery disease, and cardiac arrhythmias. The underlying mechanisms mediating hypertension include enhanced chemoreceptor sensitivity causing excessive daytime sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity, combined with overproduction of superoxide ion and inflammatory effects on resistance vessels. 2) Insulin sensitivity and homeostasis of glucose regulation are negatively impacted by both intermittent hypoxemia and sleep disruption, but whether these influences of OSA are sufficient, independent of obesity, to contribute significantly to the “metabolic syndrome” remains unsettled. 3) Neurocognitive effects include daytime sleepiness and impaired memory and concentration. These effects reflect hypoxic-induced “neural injury.” We discuss future research into understanding the pathophysiology of sleep apnea as a basis for uncovering newer forms of treatment of both the ventilatory disorder and its multiple sequelae. PMID:20086074

Comparison between Growth Patterns and Pharyngeal Widths in Different Skeletal Malocclusions in South Indian Population.

PubMed

Lakshmi, K Bhagya; Yelchuru, Sri Harsha; Chandrika, V; Lakshmikar, O G; Sagar, V Lakshmi; Reddy, G Vivek

2018-01-01

The main aim is to determine whether growth pattern had an effect on the upper airway by comparing different craniofacial patterns with pharyngeal widths and its importance during the clinical examination. Sixty lateral cephalograms of patients aged between 16 and 24 years with no pharyngeal pathology or nasal obstruction were selected for the study. These were divided into skeletal Class I ( n = 30) and skeletal Class II ( n = 30) using ANB angle subdivided into normodivergent, hyperdivergent, and hypodivergent facial patterns based on SN-GoGn angle. McNamara's airway analysis was used to determine the upper- and lower-airway dimensions. One-way ANOVA was used to do the intergroup comparisons and the Tukey's test as the secondary statistical analysis. Statistically significant difference exists between the upper-airway dimensions in both the skeletal malocclusions with hyperdivergent growth patterns when compared to other growth patterns. In both the skeletal malocclusions, vertical growers showed a significant decrease in the airway size than the horizontal and normal growers. There is no statistical significance between the lower airway and craniofacial growth pattern.

Arytenoid lateralization for management of combined laryngeal paralysis and laryngeal collapse in small dogs.

PubMed

Nelissen, Pieter; White, Richard A S

2012-02-01

To identify combined laryngeal paralysis and collapse in small dogs and describe postoperative outcome after arytenoid lateralization. Case series. Small nonbrachycephalic breed dogs with laryngeal paralysis and collapse (n = 6). Medical records of small breed dogs with airway problems and undergoing laryngeal surgery (January-December 2008) were reviewed. Dogs with combined laryngeal paralysis and laryngeal collapse (LPLC) had arytenoid lateralization. The immediate, 4 week and 6 month postoperative outcomes were described. Direct visual laryngeal exam under a light plane of anesthesia revealed bilateral failure of arytenoid and vocal fold movement and concurrent bilateral medial folding with contact of the cuneiform processes in all dogs. None of the dogs had intra- or immediate postoperative complications after arytenoid lateralization. Two dogs required a 2nd contralateral procedure. Follow-up after 6 months revealed marked improvement in clinical signs related to upper airway obstruction, but all dogs continued to have mild respiratory noise. Concurrent laryngeal paralysis and collapse should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis for small, nonbrachycephalic dogs with upper airway disease. Arytenoid lateralization resulted in improvement of clinical signs related to obstructive airway disease. © Copyright 2011 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Validation of the Sonomat Against PSG and Quantitative Measurement of Partial Upper Airway Obstruction in Children With Sleep-Disordered Breathing.

PubMed

Norman, Mark B; Pithers, Sonia M; Teng, Arthur Y; Waters, Karen A; Sullivan, Colin E

2017-03-01

To validate the Sonomat against polysomnography (PSG) metrics in children and to objectively measure snoring and stertor to produce a quantitative indicator of partial upper airway obstruction that accurately reflects the pathology of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Simultaneous PSG and Sonomat recordings were performed in 76 children (46 male, age 5.8 ± 2.8, BMI = 18.5 ± 3.8 kg/m2). Sleep time, individual respiratory events and the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) were compared. Obstructed breathing sounds were measured from the unobtrusive non-contact experimental device. There was no significant difference in total sleep time (TST), respiratory events or AHI values, the latter over-estimated by 0.3 events hr-1 by the Sonomat. Poor signal quality was minimal and gender, BMI, and body position did not adversely influence event detection. Obstructive and central events were classified correctly. The number of runs and duration of snoring (13 399 events, 20% TST) and stertor (5748 events, 24% TST) were an order of magnitude greater than respiratory events (1367 events, 1% TST). Many children defined as normal by PSG had just as many or more runs of snoring and stertor as those with mild, moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Sonomat accurately diagnoses SDB in children using current metrics. In addition, it permits quantification of partial airway obstruction that can be used to better describe pediatric SDB. Its non-contact design makes it ideal for use in children. © Sleep Research Society 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Sleep Research Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

[Bronchial inflammation during chronic bronchitis, importance of fenspiride].

PubMed

Melloni, B

2002-09-01

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD): Chronic inflammation of the upper airways, pulmonary parenchyma and pulmonary vasculature is the characteristic feature of COPD. Two mechanisms besides inflammation are also involved: oxidative stress and imbalance between proteinases and antiproteinases. Cellular infiltration of the upper airways involved neutrophils, macrophages, T lymphocytes and eosinophils. Inflammatory mediators appear to play a crucial role in the interaction between inflammation and obstruction. PROPERTIES OF FENSPIRIDE: A nonsteroidal drug, fenspiride, exhibits interesting properties documented in vitro: anti-bronchoconstriction activity, anti-secretory activity, and anti-inflammatory activity (reduction in the activity of phospholipase A2 and release of proinflammatory leukotriens). Two french clinical trials have studied the efficacy of fenspiride in patients with acute excerbation or stable COPD and have demonstrated an improvement in the group treated with fenspiride compared with the placebo group.

Desipramine improves upper airway collapsibility and reduces OSA severity in patients with minimal muscle compensation

PubMed Central

Taranto-Montemurro, Luigi; Sands, Scott A.; Edwards, Bradley A.; Azarbarzin, Ali; Marques, Melania; de Melo, Camila; Eckert, Danny J.; White, David P.; Wellman, Andrew

2017-01-01

We recently demonstrated that desipramine reduces the sleep-related loss of upper airway dilator muscle activity and reduces pharyngeal collapsibility in healthy humans without obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The aim of the present physiological study was to determine the effects of desipramine on upper airway collapsibility and apnoea–hypopnea index (AHI) in OSA patients. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised crossover trial in 14 OSA patients was performed. Participants received treatment or placebo in randomised order before sleep. Pharyngeal collapsibility (critical collapsing pressure of the upper airway (Pcrit)) and ventilation under both passive (V′0,passive) and active (V′0,active) upper airway muscle conditions were evaluated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) manipulation. AHI was quantified off CPAP. Desipramine reduced active Pcrit (median (interquartile range) −5.2 (4.3) cmH2O on desipramine versus −1.9 (2.7) cmH2O on placebo; p=0.049) but not passive Pcrit (−2.2 (3.4) versus −0.7 (2.1) cmH2O; p=0.135). A greater reduction in AHI occurred in those with minimal muscle compensation (defined as V′0,active−V′0, passive) on placebo (r=0.71, p=0.009). The reduction in AHI was driven by the improvement in muscle compensation (r=0.72, p=0.009). In OSA patients, noradrenergic stimulation with desipramine improves pharyngeal collapsibility and may be an effective treatment in patients with minimal upper airway muscle compensation. PMID:27799387

Use of silicone tracheal stoma stents for temporary tracheostomy in dogs with upper airway obstruction.

PubMed

Trinterud, T; Nelissen, P; White, R A S

2014-11-01

To report the use of silicone tracheal stoma stents for temporary tracheostomy in dogs with upper airway obstruction. Retrospective review of medical records for dogs in which silicone tracheal stoma stents were placed. Eighteen dogs had a silicone tracheal stoma stent placed for maintenance of a tracheostomy stoma for periods ranging from three hours to eight months. No intra-operative or immediate postoperative complications were recorded. In 11 dogs the stent was removed by simple traction after a period ranging from 36 hours to 6 weeks, and the tracheal stoma was left to heal by second intention. Five of the 18 dogs were determined as being tracheostomy dependent and underwent conversion to permanent tracheostomy after a period ranging from five days to eight months following stent placement. One dog was euthanased after three months, with the stent still in place, because of poor respiratory function, and one dog died of unrelated reasons. In 6 of 10 dogs (60%) where the stent was in place for five days or more, granulation tissue formation caused dislodgement of the stent. Silicone tracheal stoma stents may be used as an alternative to conventional tracheostomy tubes in selected dogs with upper airway obstruction. Long-term use of the stent beyond five days is not recommended because of granulation tissue formation. The long-term consequences of partial tracheal ring resection are unknown. © 2014 British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

Clinical experiences with axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds in 52 racehorses.

PubMed

King, D S; Tulleners, E; Martin, B B; Parente, E J; Boston, R

2001-01-01

To describe the clinical findings in 52 racehorses with axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds (ADAF) and to report outcome in 33 of these horses after either rest or transendoscopic laser excision of aryepiglottic fold tissue. Retrospective study. Racehorses admitted for high-speed treadmill (HST) evaluation of poor performance. Medical records and videotapes of resting and exercising videoendoscopic examinations were reviewed. Racing performance records and owner or trainer interviews, at least 1 year after HST examination, were used to compare results after either surgical management or rest in 33 horses with ADAF and no other upper-airway abnormalities. ADAF occurred in 6% of horses evaluated for poor performance. No breed or gender predisposition existed, but horses with ADAF were younger than the overall population evaluated on the HST. Of 52 horses with ADAF, 19 horses had at least one other upper-airway abnormality. There was no apparent association between ADAF and other causes of dynamic upper-respiratory obstruction. Surgical correction was successfully performed in standing or anesthetized horses without complications. When ADAF was the only upper-airway obstruction, 75% of horses that had surgery and 50% of rested horses had objective improvement in performance. Owners and trainers also perceived greater improvement in performance in horses that had surgery. Whereas surgical management of ADAF is recommended, clinical experience indicated that it is not required to resolve ADAF in all horses. However, owners and trainers of horses that had surgery were more satisfied with outcome than those with horses managed conservatively. Diagnosis of ADAF can only be made by videoendoscopic evaluation during high-speed exercise. Transendoscopic laser excision of the collapsing portion of the aryepiglottic folds can be performed safely in standing horses and results in resolution of airway obstruction and rapid return to training. Copyright 2001 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Comparison of the upper airway dynamics of oronasal and nasal masks with positive airway pressure treatment using cine magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Ebben, Matthew R; Milrad, Sara; Dyke, Jonathan P; Phillips, C Douglas; Krieger, Ana C

2016-03-01

It is known that oronasal masks are not as effective at opening the upper airway compared to nasal only continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks in patients with sleep-disordered breathing. However, the physiological mechanism for this difference in efficacy is not known; although, it has been hypothesized to involve the retroglossal and/or retropalatal region of the upper airway. The objective of this study was to investigate differences in retroglossal and retropalatal anterior-posterior space with the use of oronasal vs. nasal CPAP masks using real-time cine magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI). Ten subjects (eight men, two women) with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were given cMRI with both nasal and oronasal CPAP masks. Each subject was imaged with each interface at pressures of 5, 10, and 15 cm of H2O, while in the supine position along the sagittal plane. The oronasal mask produced significantly less airway opening in the retropalatal region of the upper airway compared to the nasal mask interface. During exhalation, mask style had a significant effect on anterior-posterior distance p = 0.016. No differences were found in the retroglossal region between mask styles. Our study confirmed previous findings showing differences in treatment efficacy between oronasal and nasal mask styles. We have shown anatomic evidence that the nasal mask is more effective in opening the upper airway compared to the oronasal mask in the retropalatal region.

Comparison of the Upper Airway Dynamics of Oronasal and Nasal Masks with Positive Airway Pressure Treatment using cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging

PubMed Central

Ebben, Matthew R.; Milrad, Sara; Dyke, Jonathan P.; Phillips, C. Douglas; Krieger, Ana C.

2016-01-01

Purpose It is known that oronasal masks are not as effective at opening the upper airway compared to nasal only continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks in patients with sleep disordered breathing. However, the physiological mechanism for this difference in efficacy is not known; although, it has been hypothesized to involve the retroglossal and/or retropalatal region of the upper airway. The objective of this study was to investigate differences in retroglossal and retropalatal anterior-posterior space with the use of oronasal vs. nasal CPAP masks using real-time cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (cMRI). Methods 10-Subjects (8-men, 2-women) with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were given cMRI with both nasal and oronasal CPAP masks. Each subject was imaged with each interface at pressures of 5, 10 and 15 cm of H2O, while in the supine position along the sagittal plane. Results The oronasal mask produced significantly less airway opening in the retropalatal region of the upper airway compared to the nasal mask interface. During exhalation, mask style had a significant effect on anterior-posterior distance p=0.016. No differences were found in the retroglossal region between mask styles. Conclusions Our study confirmed previous findings showing differences in treatment efficacy between oronasal and nasal mask styles. We have shown anatomic evidence that the nasal mask is more effective in opening the upper airway compared to the oronasal mask in the retropalatal region. PMID:25924934

Genetically determined heterogeneity of lung disease in a mouse model of airway mucus obstruction

PubMed Central

Grubb, Barbara R.; Kelly, Elizabeth J.; Wilkinson, Kristen J.; Yang, Huifang; Geiser, Marianne; Randell, Scott H.; Boucher, Richard C.; O'Neal, Wanda K.

2012-01-01

Mucus clearance is an important airway innate defense mechanism. Airway-targeted overexpression of the epithelial Na+ channel β-subunit [encoded by sodium channel nonvoltage gated 1, beta subunit (Scnn1b)] in mice [Scnn1b-transgenic (Tg) mice] increases transepithelial Na+ absorption and dehydrates the airway surface, which produces key features of human obstructive lung diseases, including mucus obstruction, inflammation, and air-space enlargement. Because the first Scnn1b-Tg mice were generated on a mixed background, the impact of genetic background on disease phenotype in Scnn1b-Tg mice is unknown. To explore this issue, congenic Scnn1b-Tg mice strains were generated on C57BL/6N, C3H/HeN, BALB/cJ, and FVB/NJ backgrounds. All strains exhibited a two- to threefold increase in tracheal epithelial Na+ absorption, and all developed airway mucus obstruction, inflammation, and air-space enlargement. However, there were striking differences in neonatal survival, ranging from 5 to 80% (FVB/NJ

Arousal from sleep does not lead to reduced dilator muscle activity or elevated upper airway resistance on return to sleep in healthy individuals.

PubMed

Jordan, Amy S; Cori, Jennifer M; Dawson, Andrew; Nicholas, Christian L; O'Donoghue, Fergal J; Catcheside, Peter G; Eckert, Danny J; McEvoy, R Doug; Trinder, John

2015-01-01

To compare changes in end-tidal CO2, genioglossus muscle activity and upper airway resistance following tone-induced arousal and the return to sleep in healthy individuals with small and large ventilatory responses to arousal. Observational study. Two sleep physiology laboratories. 35 men and 25 women with no medical or sleep disorders. Auditory tones to induce 3-s to 15-s cortical arousals from sleep. During arousal from sleep, subjects with large ventilatory responses to arousal had higher ventilation (by analytical design) and tidal volume, and more marked reductions in the partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 compared to subjects with small ventilatory responses to arousal. However, following the return to sleep, ventilation, genioglossus muscle activity, and upper airway resistance did not differ between high and low ventilatory response groups (Breath 1 on return to sleep: ventilation 6.7±0.4 and 5.5±0.3 L/min, peak genioglossus activity 3.4%±1.0% and 4.8%±1.0% maximum, upper airway resistance 4.7±0.7 and 5.5±1.0 cm H2O/L/s, respectively). Furthermore, dilator muscle activity did not fall below the pre-arousal sleeping level and upper airway resistance did not rise above the pre-arousal sleeping level in either group for 10 breaths following the return to sleep. Regardless of the magnitude of the ventilatory response to arousal from sleep and subsequent reduction in PETCO2, healthy individuals did not develop reduced dilator muscle activity nor increased upper airway resistance, indicative of partial airway collapse, on the return to sleep. These findings challenge the commonly stated notion that arousals predispose to upper airway obstruction. © 2014 Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC.

Oxygen supplementation is required in healthy volunteers during bronchoscopy with lavage

EPA Science Inventory

Hypoxemia can complicate bronchoscopy. Common causes of hypoxemia during bronchoscopy include preexisting lung disease, upper airway obstruction, pneumothorax and bleeding secondary to either transbronchial lung biopsy or another interventional bronchoscopic procedure, hypoventil...

REM sleep-like episodes of motoneuronal depression and respiratory rate increase are triggered by pontine carbachol microinjections in in situ perfused rat brainstem preparation.

PubMed

Brandes, Ivo F; Stettner, Georg M; Mörschel, Michael; Kubin, Leszek; Dutschmann, Mathias

2011-05-01

Hypoglossal nerve activity (HNA) controls the position and movements of the tongue. In persons with compromised upper airway anatomy, sleep-related hypotonia of the tongue and other pharyngeal muscles causes increased upper airway resistance, or total upper airway obstructions, thus disrupting both sleep and breathing. Hypoglossal nerve activity reaches its nadir, and obstructive episodes are longest and most severe, during rapid eye movement stage of sleep (REMS). Microinjections of a cholinergic agonist, carbachol, into the pons have been used in vivo to investigate the mechanisms of respiratory control during REMS. Here, we recorded inspiratory-modulated phrenic nerve activity and HNA and microinjected carbachol (25-50 nl, 10 mm) into the pons in an in situ perfused working heart-brainstem rat preparation (WHBP), an ex vivo model previously validated for studies of the chemical and reflex control of breathing. Carbachol microinjections were made into 40 sites in 33 juvenile rat preparations and, at 24 sites, they triggered depression of HNA with increased respiratory rate and little change of phrenic nerve activity, a pattern akin to that during natural REMS in vivo. The REMS-like episodes started 151 ± 73 s (SD) following microinjections, lasted 20.3 ± 4.5 min, were elicited most effectively from the dorsal part of the rostral nucleus pontis oralis, and were prevented by perfusion of the preparation with atropine. The WHBP offers a novel model with which to investigate cellular and neurochemical mechanisms of REMS-related upper airway hypotonia in situ without anaesthesia and with full control over the cellular environment.

Computed tomography-guided tissue engineering of upper airway cartilage.

PubMed

Brown, Bryan N; Siebenlist, Nicholas J; Cheetham, Jonathan; Ducharme, Norm G; Rawlinson, Jeremy J; Bonassar, Lawrence J

2014-06-01

Normal laryngeal function has a large impact on quality of life, and dysfunction can be life threatening. In general, airway obstructions arise from a reduction in neuromuscular function or a decrease in mechanical stiffness of the structures of the upper airway. These reductions decrease the ability of the airway to resist inspiratory or expiratory pressures, causing laryngeal collapse. We propose to restore airway patency through methods that replace damaged tissue and improve the stiffness of airway structures. A number of recent studies have utilized image-guided approaches to create cell-seeded constructs that reproduce the shape and size of the tissue of interest with high geometric fidelity. The objective of the present study was to establish a tissue engineering approach to the creation of viable constructs that approximate the shape and size of equine airway structures, in particular the epiglottis. Computed tomography images were used to create three-dimensional computer models of the cartilaginous structures of the larynx. Anatomically shaped injection molds were created from the three-dimensional models and were seeded with bovine auricular chondrocytes that were suspended within alginate before static culture. Constructs were then cultured for approximately 4 weeks post-seeding and evaluated for biochemical content, biomechanical properties, and histologic architecture. Results showed that the three-dimensional molded constructs had the approximate size and shape of the equine epiglottis and that it is possible to seed such constructs while maintaining 75%+ cell viability. Extracellular matrix content was observed to increase with time in culture and was accompanied by an increase in the mechanical stiffness of the construct. If successful, such an approach may represent a significant improvement on the currently available treatments for damaged airway cartilage and may provide clinical options for replacement of damaged tissue during treatment of obstructive airway disease.

Eye disorders associated with obstructive sleep apnoea.

PubMed

West, Sophie D; Turnbull, Chris

2016-11-01

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is increasing in prevalence due to rising obesity. Public awareness is also growing. Although OSA is a disorder primarily of the upper airway during sleep, its physiological impact on other parts of the body is now well recognized. There is increasing interest in the association of OSA with various eye disorders. Work in this field has been directed predominantly to OSA prevalence and association studies, but some authors have tried to elucidate the effect of OSA therapies on eye diseases, including continuous positive airway pressure, upper airway surgery or bariatric surgery. This review discusses the publications in this area from the past year. The key ocular disorders featured in the studies and meta-analayses include glaucoma, floppy eyelid syndrome, nonarteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy, keratoconus, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Associations with OSA were found with all these conditions, but aspects of the studies still leave gaps in our knowledge. This review highlights the need for ophthalmologists to consider OSA in their patients and also makes recommendations for future research studies, especially whether therapies for OSA can be effective for ocular disorders also.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: knowing what we mean, meaning what we say.

PubMed

Joshi, J M

2008-01-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined in several different ways using different criteria based on symptoms, physiological impairment and pathological abnormalities. While some use COPD to mean smoking related chronic airway disease, others include all disorders causing chronic airway obstruction. When COPD is used as a broad descriptive term, specific disorders that cause chronic airway obstruction remain under-diagnosed and the prevalence estimates vary considerably. The lack of agreement over the precise terminology and classification of COPD has resulted in widespread confusion. Terminology includes definition, diagnostic criteria, and a system for staging severity. Recently, COPD is defined more clearly and diagnosed using precise criteria that include tobacco smoking greater than 10 pack years, symptoms and airway obstruction on spirometry. A multi-dimensional severity grading system, the BODE (body mass index, obstruction, dyspnoea, and exercise tolerance) index has been designed to assess the respiratory and systemic expressions of COPD. This review proposes that the broad group of chronic disorders of the airways (with or without airway obstruction) be called chronic airway disease (CAD). The term COPD should be used exclusively for tobacco smoking related chronic airway disease. Chronic airway obstruction or obstructive lung disease may be used to define those conditions with airways obstruction caused by factors other than tobacco smoking. The aetiology may be appended to the label, for example, chronic airway obstruction/obstructive lung disease associated with bronchiectasis, chronic airway obstruction/obstructive lung disease associated with obliterative bronchiolitis or chronic airway obstruction/obstructive lung disease due to biomass fuel/occupational exposure.

Chronic Cough: Evaluation and Management.

PubMed

Michaudet, Charlie; Malaty, John

2017-11-01

Although chronic cough in adults (cough lasting longer than eight weeks) can be caused by many etiologies, four conditions account for most cases: upper airway cough syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease/laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, asthma, and nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis. Patients should be evaluated clinically (with spirometry, if indicated), and empiric treatment should be initiated. Other potential causes include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use, environmental triggers, tobacco use, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. Chest radiography can rule out concerning infectious, inflammatory, and malignant thoracic conditions. Patients with refractory chronic cough may warrant referral to a pulmonologist or otolaryngologist in addition to a trial of gabapentin, pregabalin, and/or speech therapy. In children, cough is considered chronic if present for more than four weeks. In children six to 14 years of age, it is most commonly caused by asthma, protracted bacterial bronchitis, and upper airway cough syndrome. Evaluation should focus initially on these etiologies, with targeted treatment and monitoring for resolution.

[Arousal of respiratory origin and upper airway resistance syndrome: pathophysiological and diagnostic aspects].

PubMed

Puertas, F J; Ondzé, B; Carlander, B; Billiard, M

The description of Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) let us to recognize the importance of the pair 'respiratory effort-arousal' on sleep-disordered breathing pathophysiology. First part of this paper reviews knowledge about respiratory arousal pathophysiology. Arousal response is normally needed to end obstructive respiratory episodes, but it is also the cause of sleep fragmentation. Among respiratory stimuli able to provoke arousal (respiratory effort, hypoxemia and hypercapnia), respiratory effort is the most constant. Neurophysiological mechanisms involved in arousal, sleep and vegetative consequences, and the possible role of non visible arousals, are also discussed. In UARS, because of the absence of apnea/hypopnea and significative O2 desaturations, arousals are induced by the increased respiratory effort. Diagnosis needs the simultaneous recording of polysomnography and esophageal pressure. Some symptoms and signs of UARS are similar to those of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. However, UARS shows any differences: a lower Body Mass Index, less constant snoring, males and females are similarly affected or higher frequency of craniofacial abnormalities. Diagnostic difficulties may be due to confusion between hypopneas and episodes of increased resistance of upper airway, or to the lack of definitive diagnostic criteria. Finally, differential diagnosis needs a broad knowledge of disorders of excessive daytime sleepiness.

Influence of Gender and Age on Upper-Airway Length During Development

PubMed Central

Ronen, Ohad; Malhotra, Atul; Pillar, Giora

2008-01-01

OBJECTIVE Obstructive sleep apnea has a strong male predominance in adults but not in children. The collapsible portion of the upper airway is longer in adult men than in women (a property that may increase vulnerability to collapse during sleep). We sought to test the hypothesis that in prepubertal children, pharyngeal airway length is equal between genders, but after puberty boys have a longer upper airway than girls, thus potentially contributing to this change in apnea propensity. METHODS Sixty-nine healthy boys and girls who had undergone computed tomography scans of their neck for other reasons were selected from the computed tomography archives of Rambam and Carmel hospitals. The airway length was measured in the midsagittal plane and defined as the length between the lower part of the posterior hard palate and the upper limit of the hyoid bone. Airway length and normalized airway length/body height were compared between the genders in prepubertal (4- to 10-year-old) and postpubertal (14- to 19-year-old) children. RESULTS In prepubertal children, airway length was similar between boys and girls (43.2 ± 5.9 vs 46.8 ± 7.7 mm, respectively). When normalized to body height, airway length/body height was significantly shorter in prepubertal boys than in girls (0.35 ± 0.03 vs 0.38 ± 0.04 mm/cm). In contrast, postpubertal boys had longer upper airways (66.5 ± 9.2 vs 52.2 ± 7.0 mm) and normalized airway length/body height (0.38 ± 0.05 vs 0.33 ± 0.05 mm/cm) than girls. CONCLUSIONS Although boys have equal or shorter airway length compared with girls among prepubertal children, after puberty, airway length and airway length normalized for body height are significantly greater in boys than in girls. These data suggest that important anatomic changes at puberty occur in a gender-specific manner, which may be important in explaining the male predisposition to pharyngeal collapse in adults. PMID:17908723

Acoustic analysis of snoring sounds recorded with a smartphone according to obstruction site in OSAS patients.

PubMed

Koo, Soo Kweon; Kwon, Soon Bok; Kim, Yang Jae; Moon, J I Seung; Kim, Young Jun; Jung, Sung Hoon

2017-03-01

Snoring is a sign of increased upper airway resistance and is the most common symptom suggestive of obstructive sleep apnea. Acoustic analysis of snoring sounds is a non-invasive diagnostic technique and may provide a screening test that can determine the location of obstruction sites. We recorded snoring sounds according to obstruction level, measured by DISE, using a smartphone and focused on the analysis of formant frequencies. The study group comprised 32 male patients (mean age 42.9 years). The spectrogram pattern, intensity (dB), fundamental frequencies (F 0 ), and formant frequencies (F 1 , F 2 , and F 3 ) of the snoring sounds were analyzed for each subject. On spectrographic analysis, retropalatal level obstruction tended to produce sharp and regular peaks, while retrolingual level obstruction tended to show peaks with a gradual onset and decay. On formant frequency analysis, F 1 (retropalatal level vs. retrolingual level: 488.1 ± 125.8 vs. 634.7 ± 196.6 Hz) and F 2 (retropalatal level vs. retrolingual level: 1267.3 ± 306.6 vs. 1723.7 ± 550.0 Hz) of retrolingual level obstructions showed significantly higher values than retropalatal level obstruction (p < 0.05). This suggests that the upper airway is more severely obstructed with retrolingual level obstruction and that there is a greater change in tongue position. Acoustic analysis of snoring is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that can be easily applied at a relatively low cost. The analysis of formant frequencies will be a useful screening test for the prediction of occlusion sites. Moreover, smartphone can be effective for recording snoring sounds.

Role of the Allergist-Immunologist and Upper Airway Allergy in Sleep-Disordered Breathing.

PubMed

Shusterman, Dennis; Baroody, Fuad M; Craig, Timothy; Friedlander, Samuel; Nsouli, Talal; Silverman, Bernard

Sleep-disordered breathing in general and obstructive sleep apnea in particular are commonly encountered conditions in allergy practice. Physiologically, nasal (or nasopharyngeal) obstruction from rhinitis, nasal polyposis, or adenotonsillar hypertrophy are credible contributors to snoring and nocturnal respiratory obstructive events. Nevertheless, existing practice parameters largely relegate the role of the allergist to adjunctive treatment in cases of continuous positive airway pressure intolerance. To survey active American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology members regarding their perceptions and practices concerning sleep-disordered breathing in adult and pediatric patients with rhinitis, and to review the medical literature concerning this connection to identify therapeutic implications and research gaps. Members of the Work Group on Rhinitis and Sleep-disordered Breathing composed and distributed a Web-based clinically oriented survey to active American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology members in mid-2015. The group, in addition, conducted an English-language literature review using PubMed and other sources. Survey results were returned by 339 of 4881 active members (7%). More than two-third of respondents routinely asked about sleep problems, believed that sleep-disordered breathing was a problem for at least a "substantial minority" (10%-30%) of their adult patients, and believed that medical therapy for upper airway inflammatory conditions could potentially help ameliorate sleep-related complaints. Literature review supported the connection between high-grade nasal congestion/adenotonsillar hypertrophy and obstructive sleep apnea, and at least in the case of pediatric patients, supported the use of anti-inflammatory medication in the initial management of obstructive sleep apnea of mild-to-moderate severity. Clinical allergy practice and the medical literature support a proactive role for allergists in the diagnosis and management of sleep-disordered breathing. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Computational Study of the Respiratory Airflow Characteristics in Normal and Obstructed Human Airways

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

normal and three different obstructed airway geometries, consisting of symmetric, asym- metric, and random obstructions. Fig. 2 shows the geometric ...normal and obstructed airways Airway resistance is a measure of the opposition to the airflow caused by geometric properties, such as airway obstruction...pressure drops. Resistance values were dependent on the degree and geometric distribution of the obstruction sites. In the symmetric obstruction model

Fluid structure interaction simulations of the upper airway in obstructive sleep apnea patients before and after maxillomandibular advancement surgery.

PubMed

Chang, Kwang K; Kim, Ki Beom; McQuilling, Mark W; Movahed, Reza

2018-06-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze pharyngeal airflow using both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and fluid structure interactions (FSI) in obstructive sleep apnea patients before and after maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery. The airflow characteristics before and after surgery were compared with both CFD and FSI. In addition, the presurgery and postsurgery deformations of the airway were evaluated using FSI. Digitized pharyngeal airway models of 2 obstructive sleep apnea patients were generated from cone-beam computed tomography scans before and after MMA surgery. CFD and FSI were used to evaluate the pharyngeal airflow at a maximum inspiration rate of 166 ml per second. Standard steady-state numeric formulations were used for airflow simulations. Airway volume increased, pressure drop decreased, maximum airflow velocity decreased, and airway resistance dropped for both patients after the MMA surgery. These findings occurred in both the CFD and FSI simulations. The FSI simulations showed an area of marked airway deformation in both patients before surgery, but this deformation was negligible after surgery for both patients. Both CFD and FSI simulations produced airflow results that indicated less effort was needed to breathe after MMA surgery. The FSI simulations demonstrated a substantial decrease in airway deformation after surgery. These beneficial changes positively correlated with the large improvements in polysomnography outcomes after MMA surgery. Copyright © 2018 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ultrasonography assessment of vocal cords mobility in children after cardiac surgery.

PubMed

Shaath, Ghassan A; Jijeh, Abdulraouf; Alkurdi, Ahmad; Ismail, Sameh; Elbarbary, Mahmoud; Kabbani, Mohamed S

2012-07-01

Upper airway obstruction after pediatric cardiac surgery is not uncommon. In the cardiac surgical population, an important etiology is vocal cord paresis or paralysis following extubation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of ultrasonography (US) assessment of the vocal cords mobility and compare it to fiber-optic laryngoscope (FL). A prospective pilot study has been conducted in Pediatric Cardiac ICU (PCICU) at King Abdulaziz Cardiac Center (KACC) from the 1st of June 2009 till the end of July 2010. Patients who had cardiac surgery manifested with significant signs of upper airway obstruction were included. Each procedure was performed by different operators who were blinded to each other report. Results of invasive (FL) and non-invasive ultrasonography (US) investigations were compared. Ten patients developed persistent significant upper airway obstruction after cardiac surgery were included in the study. Their mean ± SEM of weight and age were 4.6 ± 0.4 kg and 126.4 ± 51.4 days, respectively. All patients were referred to bedside US screening for vocal cord mobility. The results of US were compared subsequently with FL findings. Results were identical in nine (90%) patients and partially different in one (10%). Six patients showed abnormal glottal movement while the other four patients demonstrated normal vocal cords mobility by FL. Sensitivity of US was 100% and specificity of 80%. US assessment of vocal cord is simple, non-invasive and reliable tool to assess vocal cords mobility in the critical care settings. This screening tool requires skills that can be easily obtained.

Role of orexin in respiratory and sleep homeostasis during upper airway obstruction in rats.

PubMed

Tarasiuk, Ariel; Levi, Avishag; Berdugo-Boura, Nilly; Yahalom, Ari; Segev, Yael

2014-05-01

Chronic upper airway obstruction (UAO) elicits a cascade of complex endocrine derangements that affect growth, sleep, and energy metabolism. We hypothesized that elevated hypothalamic orexin has a role in maintaining ventilation during UAO, while at the same time altering sleep-wake activity and energy metabolism. Here, we sought to explore the UAO-induced changes in hypothalamic orexin and their role in sleep-wake balance, respiratory activity, and energy metabolism. The tracheae of 22-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were surgically narrowed; UAO and sham-operated control animals were monitored for 7 weeks. We measured food intake, body weight, temperature, locomotion, and sleep-wake activity. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to quantify subcutaneous and visceral fat tissue volumes. In week 7, the rats were sacrificed and levels of hypothalamic orexin, serum leptin, and corticosterone were determined. The effect of dual orexin receptor antagonist (almorexant 300 mg/kg) on sleep and respiration was also explored. UAO increased hypothalamic orexin mRNA and protein content by 64% and 65%, respectively. UAO led to 30% chronic sleep loss, excessive active phase sleepiness, decreased body temperature, increased food intake, reduction of abdominal and subcutaneous fat tissue volume, and growth retardation. Administration of almorexant normalized sleep but induced severe breathing difficulties in UAO rats, while it had no effect on sleep or on breathing of control animals. In upper airway obstruction animals, enhanced orexin secretion, while crucially important for respiratory homeostasis maintenance, is also responsible for chronic partial sleep loss, as well as considerable impairment of energy metabolism and growth.

Cortical Drive to Breathe during Wakefulness in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

PubMed

Launois, Claire; Attali, Valérie; Georges, Marjolaine; Raux, Mathieu; Morawiec, Elise; Rivals, Isabelle; Arnulf, Isabelle; Similowski, Thomas

2015-11-01

The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) involves recurrent sleep-related upper airways (UA) collapse. UA mechanical properties and neural control are altered, imposing a mechanical load on inspiration. UA collapse does not occur during wakefulness, hence arousal-dependent compensation. Experimental inspiratory loading in normal subjects elicits respiratory-related cortical activity. The objective of this study was to test whether awake OSAS patients would exhibit a similar cortical activity. Descriptive physiology study. Sleep laboratory in a large university affiliated tertiary hospital. 26 patients with moderate OSAS according to polysomnography (5 < apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] ≤ 30, n = 14) or severe OSAS (AHI > 30, n = 12); 13 non-OSAS patients for comparison. None. Respiratory time-locked electroencephalographic segments ensemble averaged and analyzed for slow premotor potentials preceding inspiration ("pre-inspiratory potentials" [PIPs]). PIPs were present in 1/13 controls and 11/26 patients (P = 0.0336; 4/14 "moderate" and 7/12 "severe" patients). Awake OSAS patients therefore exhibit respiratory-related cortical activity during quiet breathing significantly more frequently than non-OSAS individuals. The corresponding PIPs resemble those observed during prepared voluntary inspirations and in response to experimental inspiratory loads in normal subjects, which involve a cortical network comprising the supplementary motor area. A respiratory-related cortical activity could contribute to the increased neural drive to upper airway and to inspiratory muscles that has previously been described in obstructive sleep apnea, and could therefore contribute to the arousal-dependent compensation of upper airway abnormalities. Whether or not such cortical compensatory mechanisms have cognitive consequences remains to be determined. © 2015 Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC.

Effects of the use of multi-layer filter on radiation exposure and the quality of upper airway radiographs compared to the traditional copper filter.

PubMed

Klandima, Somphan; Kruatrachue, Anchalee; Wongtapradit, Lawan; Nithipanya, Narong; Ratanaprakarn, Warangkana

2014-06-01

The problem of image quality in a large number of upper airway obstructed patients is the superimposition of the airway over the bone of the spine on the AP view. This problem was resolved by increasing KVp to high KVp technique and adding extra radiographic filters (copper filter) to reduce the sharpness of the bone and increase the clarity of the airway. However, this raises a concern that patients might be receiving an unnecessarily higher dose of radiation, as well as the effectiveness of the invented filter compared to the traditional filter. To evaluate the level of radiation dose that patients receive with the use of multi-layer filter compared to non-filter and to evaluate the image quality of the upper airways between using the radiographic filter (multi-layer filter) and the traditional filter (copperfilter). The attenuation curve of both filter materials was first identified. Then, both the filters were tested with Alderson Rando phantom to determine the appropriate exposure. Using the method described, a new type of filter called the multi-layer filter for imaging patients was developed. A randomized control trial was then performed to compare the effectiveness of the newly developed multi-layer filter to the copper filter. The research was conducted in patients with upper airway obstruction treated at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health from October 2006 to September 2007. A total of 132 patients were divided into two groups. The experimental group used high kVp technique with multi-layer filter, while the control group used copper filter. A comparison of film interpretation between the multi-layer filter and the copper filter was made by a number of radiologists who were blinded to both to the technique and type of filter used. Patients had less radiation from undergoing the kVp technique with copper filter and multi-layer filter compared to the conventional technique, where no filter is used. Patients received approximately 65.5% less radiation dose using high kVp technique with multi-layer filter compared to the conventional technique, and 25.9% less than using the traditional copper filter 45% of the radiologists who participated in this study reported that the high kVp technique with multi-layer filter was better for diagnosing stenosis, or narrowing of the upper airways. 33% reported that, both techniques were equal, while 22% reported that the traditional copper filter allowed for better details of airway obstruction. These findings showed that the multi-layered filter was comparable to the copper filter in terms of film interpretation. Using the multi-layer filter resulted in patients receiving a lower dose of radiation, as well as similar film interpretation when compared to the traditional copper filter.

Postoperative respiratory muscle dysfunction: pathophysiology and preventive strategies.

PubMed

Sasaki, Nobuo; Meyer, Matthew J; Eikermann, Matthias

2013-04-01

Postoperative pulmonary complications are responsible for significant increases in hospital cost as well as patient morbidity and mortality; respiratory muscle dysfunction represents a contributing factor. Upper airway dilator muscles functionally resist the upper airway collapsing forces created by the respiratory pump muscles. Standard perioperative medications (anesthetics, sedatives, opioids, and neuromuscular blocking agents), interventions (patient positioning, mechanical ventilation, and surgical trauma), and diseases (lung hyperinflation, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea) have differential effects on the respiratory muscle subgroups. These effects on the upper airway dilators and respiratory pump muscles impair their coordination and function and can result in respiratory failure. Perioperative management strategies can help decrease the incidence of postoperative respiratory muscle dysfunction. Such strategies include minimally invasive procedures rather than open surgery, early and optimal mobilizing of respiratory muscles while on mechanical ventilation, judicious use of respiratory depressant anesthetics and neuromuscular blocking agents, and noninvasive ventilation when possible.

Upper Airway Collapsibility (Pcrit) and Pharyngeal Dilator Muscle Activity are Sleep Stage Dependent

PubMed Central

Carberry, Jayne C.; Jordan, Amy S.; White, David P.; Wellman, Andrew; Eckert, Danny J.

2016-01-01

Study Objectives: An anatomically narrow/highly collapsible upper airway is the main cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Upper airway muscle activity contributes to airway patency and, like apnea severity, can be sleep stage dependent. Conversely, existing data derived from a small number of participants suggest that upper airway collapsibility, measured by the passive pharyngeal critical closing pressure (Pcrit) technique, is not sleep stage dependent. This study aimed to determine the effect of sleep stage on Pcrit and upper airway muscle activity in a larger cohort than previously tested. Methods: Pcrit and/or muscle data were obtained from 72 adults aged 20–64 y with and without OSA.Pcrit was determined via transient reductions in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) during N2, slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Genioglossus and tensor palatini muscle activities were measured: (1) awake with and without CPAP, (2) during stable sleep on CPAP, and (3) in response to the CPAP reductions used to quantify Pcrit. Results: Pcrit was 4.9 ± 1.4 cmH2O higher (more collapsible) during REM versus SWS (P = 0.012), 2.3 ± 0.6 cmH2O higher during REM versus N2 (P < 0.001), and 1.6 ± 0.7 cmH2O higher in N2 versus SWS (P = 0.048). Muscle activity decreased from wakefulness to sleep and from SWS to N2 to REM sleep for genioglossus but not for tensor palatini. Pharyngeal muscle activity increased by ∼50% by breath 5 following CPAP reductions. Conclusions: Upper airway collapsibility measured via the Pcrit technique and genioglossus muscle activity vary with sleep stage. These findings should be taken into account when performing and interpreting “passive” Pcrit measurements. Citation: Carberry JC, Jordan AS, White DP, Wellman A, Eckert DJ. Upper airway collapsibility (Pcrit) and pharyngeal dilator muscle activity are sleep stage dependent. SLEEP 2016;39(3):511–521. PMID:26612386

Drug-induced sedation endoscopy in children <2 years with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: upper airway findings and treatment outcomes.

PubMed

Boudewyns, A; Van de Heyning, P; Verhulst, S

2017-05-01

Few data are available about the pattern of upper airway (UA) obstruction in children <2 years with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Also, the role of adenoidectomy versus adenotonsillectomy (AT) is poorly defined in this age group. We performed drug-induced sedation endoscopy (DISE) in young OSAS children to investigate the pattern of UA obstruction and the value of DISE in therapeutic decision making. Retrospective analysis of ≤2-year-old children undergoing DISE-directed UA surgery. OSAS severity and the treatment outcomes were documented by polysomnography. Data are available for 28 patients, age 1.5 years (1.3-1.8), BMI-z score 0.5 (-0.7 to 1.3) with severe OSAS, obstructive apnea/hypopnea index (oAHI) 13.8/hr (7.5-28.3). All but 3 had (>50%) obstruction at the level of the adenoids, and all but 5 had (>50%) tonsillar obstruction. DISE-directed treatment consisted of adenoidectomy (n = 4), tonsillectomy (n = 1), and AT (n = 23). There was a significant improvement in respiratory parameters. Twenty children (71.4%) had a postoperative oAHI <2/hr. None had palatal or tongue base obstruction. Five children had a circumferential UA narrowing (hypotonia), 2 of them had residual OSAS. DISE showed a collapse of the epiglottis in 6 and late-onset laryngomalacia in 4. These findings did not affect surgical outcome. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the major cause of UA obstruction, and DISE-directed UA surgery was curative in 71,4% of children ≤2 years. We suggest that DISE may be helpful in surgical decision making. Circumferential UA narrowing may result in less favorable surgical outcomes.

REM sleep-like episodes of motoneuronal depression and respiratory rate increase are triggered by pontine carbachol microinjections in in situ perfused rat brainstem preparation

PubMed Central

Brandes, Ivo F.; Stettner, Georg M.; Mörschel, Michael; Kubin, Leszek; Dutschmann, Mathias

2015-01-01

Hypoglossal nerve activity (HNA) controls the position and movements of the tongue. In persons with compromised upper airway anatomy, sleep-related hypotonia of the tongue and other pharyngeal muscles causes increased upper airway resistance, or total upper airway obstructions, thus disrupting both sleep and breathing. Hypoglossal nerve activity reaches its nadir, and obstructive episodes are longest and most severe, during rapid eye movement stage of sleep (REMS). Microinjections of a cholinergic agonist, carbachol, into the pons have been used in vivo to investigate the mechanisms of respiratory control during REMS. Here, we recorded inspiratory-modulated phrenic nerve activity and HNA and microinjected carbachol (25–50 nl, 10 mm) into the pons in an in situ perfused working heart–brainstem rat preparation (WHBP), an ex vivo model previously validated for studies of the chemical and reflex control of breathing. Carbachol microinjections were made into 40 sites in 33 juvenile rat preparations and, at 24 sites, they triggered depression of HNA with increased respiratory rate and little change of phrenic nerve activity, a pattern akin to that during natural REMS in vivo. The REMS-like episodes started 151±73 s (SD) following microinjections, lasted 20.3±4.5 min, were elicited most effectively from the dorsal part of the rostral nucleus pontis oralis, and were prevented by perfusion of the preparation with atropine. The WHBP offers a novel model with which to investigate cellular and neurochemical mechanisms of REMS-related upper airway hypotonia in situ without anaesthesia and with full control over the cellular environment. PMID:21335420

Upper airway surgery of obstructive sleep apnea in pycnodysostosis: case report and literature review.

PubMed

Testani, Elisa; Scarano, Emanuele; Leoni, Chiara; Dittoni, Serena; Losurdo, Anna; Colicchio, Salvatore; Gnoni, Valentina; Vollono, Catello; Zampino, Giuseppe; Paludetti, Gaetano; Della Marca, Giacomo

2014-08-01

Pycnodysostosis is an autosomal recessive disorder due to a mutation in the cathepsin K gene, which causes a decrease of the bone turnover; a review of the literature suggests that pycnodysostosis is frequently associated with severe respiratory obstruction, which needs surgical treatment. The aim of this paper is to describe the surgical treatment of a 3½-year-old girl affected by Pycnodysostosis complicated by a severe sleep-related respiratory disorder. The surgical treatment, consisting of adenotonsillectomy and palatoplasty, resulted in a striking amelioration of respiratory parameters and increased posterior airway space, and allowed the patient to avoid tracheotomy while awaiting for maxillo-mandibular surgery. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Occult central venous stenosis leading to airway obstruction after subtotal parathyroidectomy.

PubMed

Meiklejohn, Duncan A; Chan, Dylan K; Lalakea, M Lauren

2016-07-01

Subtotal parathyroidectomy may be indicated in patients with chronic renal failure and tertiary hyperparathyroidism, a population at increased risk for central venous stenosis (CVS) due to repeated vascular access. Here we report a case of complete upper airway obstruction precipitated by subtotal parathyroidectomy with ligation of anterior jugular vein collaterals in a patient with occult CVS. This case demonstrates a previously unreported risk of anterior neck surgery in patients with chronic renal failure. We present a review of the literature and discuss elements of the history and physical examination suggestive of occult CVS, with additional workup proposed for appropriate cases. Recommendations are discussed for perioperative and postoperative care in patients at increased risk for CVS.

Laser vocal cordectomy fails to effectively reduce respiratory noise in horses with laryngeal hemiplegia.

PubMed

Brown, Jennifer A; Derksen, Frederik J; Stick, John A; Hartmann, William M; Robinson, N Edward

2005-01-01

To report the effect of unilateral laser vocal cordectomy on respiratory noise and airway function in horses with experimentally induced laryngeal hemiplegia (LH). Experimental study. Six Standardbred horses without upper airway abnormalities at rest or during high-speed treadmill exercise. Respiratory sounds and inspiratory trans-upper airway pressure (P(Ui)) were measured before (baseline) and 14 days after induction of LH by left recurrent laryngeal neurectomy, and again 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after endoscopically assisted laser cordectomy of the left vocal cord. Data were collected with the horses exercising on a treadmill at a speed producing maximum heart rate (HR(max)). In horses exercising at HR(max), induction of LH caused a significant increase in P(Ui), sound level (SL), and the sound intensity of formant 2 (F(2)) and 3 (F(3)). The sound intensity of formant 1 (F(1)) was unaffected by induction of LH. Laser vocal cordectomy had no effect on SL, or on the sound intensity of F(1) and F(3). At 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after surgery, P(Ui) and the sound intensity of F(2) were significantly reduced, but these variables remained significantly different from baseline values. Unilateral laser vocal cordectomy did not effectively improve upper airway noise in horses with LH. The procedure decreased upper airway obstruction to the same degree as bilateral ventriculocordectomy. Currently, laser vocal cordectomy cannot be recommended for the treatment of upper airway noise in horses with LH.

Sensitization of Upper Airway Mechanoreceptors as a New Pharmacologic Principle to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Investigations with AVE0118 in Anesthetized Pigs

PubMed Central

Wirth, Klaus J.; Steinmeyer, Klaus; Ruetten, Hartmut

2013-01-01

Study Objectives: Drug treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is desirable because at least 30% of patients do not tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. The negative pressure reflex (NPR) involving superficially located mechanoreceptors in the upper airway (UA) is an important mechanism for UA patency inhibitable by topical UA anesthesia (lidocaine). The NPR may serve as a target for pharmacological intervention for a topical treatment of OSA. The objective was to determine the effect of pharmacological augmentation of the NPR on UA collapsibility. Design: We developed a model of UA collapsibility in which application of negative pressures caused UA collapses in spontaneously breathing α-chloralose-urethane anesthetized pigs as indicated by characteristic tracheal pressure and air flow changes. Setting: N/A. Patients or Participants: N/A. Interventions: N/A. Measurements and Results: The potassium channel blocker AVE0118 administered topically to the UA in doses of 1, 3, and 10 mg per nostril sensitized the NPR, shifting the mechanoreceptor response threshold for the genioglossus muscle to more positive pressures (P < 0.001; n = 6 per group) and dose-dependently inhibited UA collapsibility. Ten mg of AVE0118 prevented UA collapses against negative pressures of -150 mbar (P < 0.01) for > 4 h in all pigs, while in control pigs the UA collapsed at -50 mbar or less negative pressures. The effect of AVE0118 was abolished by UA lidocaine anesthesia. Acute intravenous administration of naloxone or acetazolamide was ineffective; paroxetine and mirtazepine were weakly effective and fluoxetine was moderately effective in line with reported clinical efficacy. Conclusion: Topical administration of AVE0118 to the UA is a promising pharmacologic approach for the treatment of OSA. Citation: Wirth KJ; Steinmeyer K; Ruetten H. Sensitization of upper airway mechanoreceptors as a new pharmacologic principle to treat obstructive sleep apnea: investigations with AVE0118 in anesthetized pigs. SLEEP 2013;36(5):699-708. PMID:23633752

Air and blood fluid dynamics: at the interface between engineering and medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pollard, A.; Secretain, F.; Milne, B.

2014-08-01

The flows in the human upper airway and human heart during open heart surgery are considered. Beginning with idealized models of the human upper airway, current methods to extract realistic airway geometries using a novel implementation of optical coherent tomography modality are introduced. Complementary direct numerical simulations are considered that will assist in pre-surgery planning for obstructive sleep apnea. Cardiac air bubbles often arise during open heart surgery. These bubbles are potential emboli that can cause neurological impairment and even death. An experimental programme is outlined that uses acoustic sound to instil bubble surface oscillations that result in bubble breakup. A novel algorithm is introduced that enables a surgical team to obtain real-time in-vivo bubble data to aid cardiac de-airation procedures.

Multilevel Obstructive Sleep Apnea Surgery.

PubMed

Lin, Hsin-Ching; Weaver, Edward M; Lin, Ho-Sheng; Friedman, Michael

2017-01-01

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the primary treatment of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSA). Most sleep physicians are in agreement that a certain number of OSA patients cannot or will not use CPAP. Although other conservative therapies, such as oral appliance, sleep hygiene, and sleep positioning, may help some of these patients, there are many who fail all conservative treatments. As sleep surgeons, we have the responsibility to screen patients for both symptoms and signs of OSA. As experts of upper airway diseases, we often view an airway clearly and help the patient understand the importance of assessment and treatment for OSA. Surgery for OSA is not a substitute for CPAP but is a salvage treatment for those who failed CPAP and other conservative therapies and therefore have no other options. Most early studies and reviews focused on the efficacy of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, a single-level procedure for the treatment of OSA. Since OSA is usually caused by multilevel obstructions, the true focus on efficacy should be on multilevel surgical intervention. The purpose here is to provide an updated overview of multilevel surgery for OSA patients. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Effect of ventriculectomy versus ventriculocordectomy on upper airway noise in draught horses with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy.

PubMed

Cramp, P; Derksen, F J; Stick, J A; Nickels, F A; Brown, K E; Robinson, P; Robinson, N E

2009-11-01

Little is known about the efficacy of bilateral ventriculectomy (VE) or bilateral ventriculocordectomy (VCE) in draught horses. To compare the effect of VE and VCE on upper airway noise in draught horses with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) by use of quantitative sound analysis techniques. In competitive draught horses with grade 4 RLN, VE and VCE reduce upper airway noise during exercise, but VCE is more effective. Thirty competitive hitch or pulling draught horses with grade 4 RLN were evaluated for upper airway sound during exercise. Respiratory rate (RR), inspiratory (Ti) and expiratory time (Te), the ratio between Ti and Te (Ti/Te), inspiratory (Sli) and expiratory sound levels (Sle), the ratio between Sli and Sle (Sli/Sle), and peak sound intensity of the second formant (F2) were calculated. Eleven horses were treated with VE and 19 with VCE. After 90 days of voice and physical rest and 30 days of work, the horses returned for post operative upper airway sound evaluation and resting videoendoscopy. VE significantly reduced Ti/Te, Sli, Sli/Sle and the sound intensity of F2. Respiratory rate, Ti, Te and Sle were unaffected by VE. VCE significantly reduced Ti/Te, Ti, Te, Sli, Sli/Sle and the sound intensity of F2, while RR and Sle were unaffected. The reduction in sound intensity of F2 following VCE was significantly greater than following VE. After VE and VCE, 7/11 (64%) and 15/18 (83%) owners, respectively, concluded that the surgery improved upper airway sound in their horses sufficiently for successful competition. VE and VCE significantly reduce upper airway noise and indices of airway obstruction in draught horses with RLN, but VCE is more effective than VE. The procedures have few post operative complications. VCE is recommended as the preferred treatment for RLN in draught horses. Further studies are required to evaluate the longevity of the procedure's results.

Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Or is it OSA and Obesity?

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

sleep apnea syn- drome on serum aminotransferase levels in obese patients, Am. J. Med. 114 (2003) 370...code) A o g t c e i b r a m P K 1 b d s p d g t s m t b R T 0 d Pathophysiology 15 (2008) 71–77 Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea : Or is it OSA and...accepted 30 April 2008 bstract Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) consists of repetitive choking spells due to sleep -induced reduction of upper airway

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: natural history, diagnosis, and emerging treatment options

PubMed Central

Gharibeh, Tarek; Mehra, Reena

2010-01-01

Sleep apnea is an entity characterized by repetitive upper airway obstruction resulting in nocturnal hypoxia and sleep fragmentation. It is estimated that 2%–4% of the middle-aged population has sleep apnea with a predilection in men relative to women. Risk factors of sleep apnea include obesity, gender, age, menopause, familial factors, craniofacial abnormalities, and alcohol. Sleep apnea has been increasingly recognized as a major health burden associated with hypertension and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Increased airway collapsibility and derangement in ventilatory control responses are the major pathological features of this disorder. Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold-standard method for diagnosis of sleep apnea and assessment of sleep apnea severity; however, portable sleep monitoring has a diagnostic role in the setting of high pretest probability sleep apnea in the absence of significant comorbidity. Positive pressure therapy is the mainstay therapy of sleep apnea. Other treatment modalities, such as upper airway surgery or oral appliances, may be used for the treatment of sleep apnea in select cases. In this review, we focus on describing the sleep apnea definition, risk factor profile, underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms, associated adverse consequences, diagnostic modalities, and treatment strategies. PMID:23616712

Contemporary Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has been available in some form for greater than three decades. Early management for airway obstruction during sleep relied on tracheotomy which although life saving was not well accepted by patients. In the early eighties two new forms of treatment for OSAS were developed. Surgically a technique described as a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) was used to treat the retropalatal region for snoring and sleep apnea. Concurrently sleep medicine developed a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device to manage nocturnal airway obstruction. Both of these measures were used to expand and stabilize the pharyngeal airway space during sleep. The goal for each technique was to limit or alleviate OSAS. Almost 30 yr later these two treatment modalities continue to be the mainstay of contemporary treatment. As expected, CPAP device technology improved over time along with durable goods. Surgery followed suit and additional techniques were developed to treat soft and bony structures of the entire upper airway (nose, palate and tongue base). This review will only focus on the contemporary surgical methods that have demonstrated relatively consistent positive clinical outcomes. Not all surgical and medical treatment modalities are successful or even partially successful for every patient. Advances in the treatment of OSAS are hindered by the fact that the primary etiology is still unknown. However, both medicine and surgery continue to improve diagnostic and treatment methods. Methods of diagnosis as well as treatment regimens should always include both medical and surgical collaborations so the health and quality of life of our patients can best be served. PMID:19784401

The Finite Element Simulation of the Upper Airway of Patients with Moderate and Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome

PubMed Central

Luo, Huiping; Scholp, Austin

2017-01-01

Objectives To investigate the snoring modes of patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome and to discover the main sources of snoring in soft tissue vibrations. Methods A three-dimensional finite element model was developed with SolidEdge to simulate the human upper airway. The inherent modal simulation was conducted to obtain the frequencies and the corresponding shapes of the soft tissue vibrations. The respiration process was simulated with the fluid-solid interaction method through ANSYS. Results The first 6 orders of modal vibration were 12 Hz, 18 Hz, 21 Hz, 22 Hz, 36 Hz, and 39 Hz. Frequencies of modes 1, 2, 4, and 5 were from tongue vibrations. Frequencies of modes 3 and 6 were from soft palate vibrations. Steady pressure distribution and air distribution lines in the upper airway were shown clearly in the fluid-solid interaction simulation results. Conclusions We were able to observe the vibrations of soft tissue and the modeled airflow by applying the finite element methods. Future studies could focus on improving the soft tissues vibration compliances by adjusting the model parameters. Additionally, more attention should be paid to vibrational components below 20 Hz when performing an acoustic analysis of human snore sounds due to the presence of these frequencies in this model. PMID:29204444

The Finite Element Simulation of the Upper Airway of Patients with Moderate and Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome.

PubMed

Luo, Huiping; Scholp, Austin; Jiang, Jack J

2017-01-01

To investigate the snoring modes of patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome and to discover the main sources of snoring in soft tissue vibrations. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed with SolidEdge to simulate the human upper airway. The inherent modal simulation was conducted to obtain the frequencies and the corresponding shapes of the soft tissue vibrations. The respiration process was simulated with the fluid-solid interaction method through ANSYS. The first 6 orders of modal vibration were 12 Hz, 18 Hz, 21 Hz, 22 Hz, 36 Hz, and 39 Hz. Frequencies of modes 1, 2, 4, and 5 were from tongue vibrations. Frequencies of modes 3 and 6 were from soft palate vibrations. Steady pressure distribution and air distribution lines in the upper airway were shown clearly in the fluid-solid interaction simulation results. We were able to observe the vibrations of soft tissue and the modeled airflow by applying the finite element methods. Future studies could focus on improving the soft tissues vibration compliances by adjusting the model parameters. Additionally, more attention should be paid to vibrational components below 20 Hz when performing an acoustic analysis of human snore sounds due to the presence of these frequencies in this model.

The obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in adolescents.

PubMed

Marcus, Carole L; Keenan, Brendan T; Huang, Jingtao; Yuan, Haibo; Pinto, Swaroop; Bradford, Ruth M; Kim, Christopher; Bagchi, Sheila; Comyn, Francois-Louis; Wang, Stephen; Tapia, Ignacio E; Maislin, Greg; Cielo, Christopher M; Traylor, Joel; Torigian, Drew A; Schwab, Richard J

2017-08-01

The obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) results from a combination of structural and neuromotor factors; however, the relative contributions of these factors have not been studied during the important developmental phase of adolescence. We hypothesised that adenotonsillar volume (ATV), nasopharyngeal airway volume (NPAV), upper airway critical closing pressure (Pcrit) in the hypotonic and activated neuromotor states, upper airway electromyographic response to subatmospheric pressure and the ventilatory response to CO 2 during sleep would be major predictors of OSAS risk. 42 obese adolescents with OSAS and 37 weight-matched controls underwent upper airway MRI, measurements of Pcrit, genioglossal electromyography and ventilatory response to CO 2 during wakefulness and sleep. ATV, NPAV, activated and hypotonic Pcrit, genioglossal electromyography and ventilatory response to CO 2 during sleep were all associated with OSAS risk. Multivariate models adjusted for age, gender, body mass index and race indicated that ATV, NPAV and activated Pcrit each independently affected apnoea risk in adolescents; genioglossal electromyography was independently associated in a reduced sample. There was significant interaction between NPAV and activated Pcrit (p=0.021), with activated Pcrit more strongly associated with OSAS in adolescents with larger NPAVs and NPAV more strongly associated with OSAS in adolescents with more negative activated closing pressure. OSAS in adolescents is mediated by a combination of anatomic (ATV, NPAV) and neuromotor factors (activated Pcrit). This may have important implications for the management of OSAS in adolescents. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Velopharyngeal mucosal surface topography in healthy subjects and subjects with obstructive sleep apnea.

PubMed

Lambeth, Christopher; Amatoury, Jason; Wang, Ziyu; Foster, Sheryl; Amis, Terence; Kairaitis, Kristina

2017-03-01

Macroscopic pharyngeal anatomical abnormalities are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of upper airway (UA) obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Microscopic changes in the UA mucosal lining of OSA subjects are reported; however, the impact of these changes on UA mucosal surface topography is unknown. This study aimed to 1 ) develop methodology to measure UA mucosal surface topography, and 2 ) compare findings from healthy and OSA subjects. Ten healthy and eleven OSA subjects were studied. Awake, gated (end expiration), head and neck position controlled magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the velopharynx (VP) were obtained. VP mucosal surfaces were segmented from axial images, and three-dimensional VP mucosal surface models were constructed. Curvature analysis of the models was used to study the VP mucosal surface topography. Principal, mean, and Gaussian curvatures were used to define surface shape composition and surface roughness of the VP mucosal surface models. Significant differences were found in the surface shape composition, with more saddle/spherical and less flat/cylindrical shapes in OSA than healthy VP mucosal surface models ( P < 0.01). OSA VP mucosal surface models were also found to have more mucosal surface roughness ( P < 0.0001) than healthy VP mucosal surface models. Our novel methodology was utilized to model the VP mucosal surface of OSA and healthy subjects. OSA subjects were found to have different VP mucosal surface topography, composed of increased irregular shapes and increased roughness. We speculate increased irregularity in VP mucosal surface may increase pharyngeal collapsibility as a consequence of friction-related pressure loss. NEW & NOTEWORTHY A new methodology was used to model the upper airway mucosal surface topography from magnetic resonance images of patients with obstructive sleep apnea and healthy adults. Curvature analysis was used to analyze the topography of the models, and a new metric was derived to describe the mucosal surface roughness. Increased roughness was found in the obstructive sleep apnea vs. healthy group, but further research is required to determine the functional effects of the measured difference on upper airway airflow mechanics. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Arousal from Sleep Does Not Lead to Reduced Dilator Muscle Activity or Elevated Upper Airway Resistance on Return to Sleep in Healthy Individuals

PubMed Central

Jordan, Amy S.; Cori, Jennifer M.; Dawson, Andrew; Nicholas, Christian L.; O'Donoghue, Fergal J.; Catcheside, Peter G.; Eckert, Danny J.; McEvoy, R. Doug; Trinder, John

2015-01-01

Study Objectives: To compare changes in end-tidal CO2, genioglossus muscle activity and upper airway resistance following tone-induced arousal and the return to sleep in healthy individuals with small and large ventilatory responses to arousal. Design: Observational study. Setting: Two sleep physiology laboratories. Patients or Participants: 35 men and 25 women with no medical or sleep disorders. Interventions: Auditory tones to induce 3-s to 15-s cortical arousals from sleep. Measurements and Results: During arousal from sleep, subjects with large ventilatory responses to arousal had higher ventilation (by analytical design) and tidal volume, and more marked reductions in the partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 compared to subjects with small ventilatory responses to arousal. However, following the return to sleep, ventilation, genioglossus muscle activity, and upper airway resistance did not differ between high and low ventilatory response groups (Breath 1 on return to sleep: ventilation 6.7 ± 0.4 and 5.5 ± 0.3 L/min, peak genioglossus activity 3.4% ± 1.0% and 4.8% ± 1.0% maximum, upper airway resistance 4.7 ± 0.7 and 5.5 ± 1.0 cm H2O/L/s, respectively). Furthermore, dilator muscle activity did not fall below the pre-arousal sleeping level and upper airway resistance did not rise above the pre-arousal sleeping level in either group for 10 breaths following the return to sleep. Conclusions: Regardless of the magnitude of the ventilatory response to arousal from sleep and subsequent reduction in PETCO2, healthy individuals did not develop reduced dilator muscle activity nor increased upper airway resistance, indicative of partial airway collapse, on the return to sleep. These findings challenge the commonly stated notion that arousals predispose to upper airway obstruction. Citation: Jordan AS, Cori JM, Dawson A, Nicholas CL, O'Donoghue FJ, Catcheside PG, Eckert DJ, McEvoy RD, Trinder J. Arousal from sleep does not lead to reduced dilator muscle activity or elevated upper airway resistance on return to sleep in healthy individuals. SLEEP 2015;38(1):53–59. PMID:25325511

[Importance of the obstructive sleep apnea disorder for perioperative medicine].

PubMed

Covarrubias-Gómez, Alfredo; Guevara-López, Uriah; Haro-Valencia, Reyes; Alvarado-Suárez, Mariela

2007-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related disorder among the general population. This disorder occurs in all sleep stages, although is more intense during the REM sleep (rapid eye movement). In this stage appears generalized muscle atony, which includes the hypopharyngeal muscles; this causes narrowing of the upper airway lumen, difficult inside/outside air movement and mechanical obstruction. OSA is considered a risk for: a) difficult airway intubation/ventilation; b) increase of cardiovascular morbidity; c) development of hypoxia and hypercarbia during spontaneous or assisted ventilation techniques. For these reasons, it is possible to assume that OSA may increase the perioperative risk and should be timely and properly ascertained. The main objective of this paper is to review the effect of OSA in patients undergoing anesthetic and surgical procedures, whether it increases the perioperative risk, and the advantages of its timely identification and assessment when carrying out the pre-anesthetic evaluation.

Removal of obstructing T-tube and stabilization of the airway.

PubMed

Athavale, Sanjay M; Dang, Jennifer; Rangarajan, Sanjeet; Garrett, Gaelyn

2011-05-01

Although they are extremely effective in maintaining tracheal and subglottic patency, T-tubes themselves can result in airway obstruction from plugging. Many practitioners educate patients on placing a small (5.0) endotracheal tube (ETT) through the tracheal limb of the T-tube if they develop airway obstruction. Unfortunately, this can be a difficult task to complete during acute airway obstruction. In this article, we describe a simple set of steps for rapid relief of airway obstruction and stabilization of the airway in the event of T-tube obstruction. This method requires removal of the T-tube with a Kelly clamp and stabilization of the airway with a tracheostomy tube. Although it is simple, we hope that this technique will prevent morbidity and mortality from acute airway obstructions related to T-tubes. Copyright © 2011 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.

[Clinical analysis of interventional bronchoscopy for the treatment of malignant obstructive atelectasis].

PubMed

Wang, Hongwu; Li, Dongmei; Zhang, Nan; Zou, Hang; Zhou, Yunzhi; Li, Jing; Liang, Sujuan

2011-08-01

Obstructive atelectasis is frequently accompanied by pulmonary infection and hypoxia. The key to treating this condition is by directly reopening the obstructive airway. The aim of the present study is to explore the safety and efficacy of interventional bronchoscopy for the treatment of malignant obstructive atelectasis. A total of 120 cases with pathology-proved malignant obstructive atelectasis were retrospectively analyzed for the treatment of argon plasma coagulation and cryosurgery under bronchoscopy. Patients' age is between 5 and 90 years old. A total of 120 cases had 187 atelectasis originating from 98 lesions with primary airway tumors and 89 with metastases. The most common location of atelectasis was in the upper lobe in the primary group and in the single lung in the metastasis group. Although there was no significant difference in tumor debulging between the two groups, the reopening rate of atelectasis was lower in the primary group than that in the metastasis group. The Karnofsky physical score significantly increased, and shortbreath scale decreased after interventional bronchoscopy. Among the patients, 3/4 had hypoxemia and 3.4% had severe bleeding, which caused the death of 1 patient during a procedure. The mean survival time was 6 months, and the survival rate of 1 year was 27.1%. Bronchoscopy can rapidly and effectively debulge the airway tumor and reopen the atelectasis.

Forced oscillometry track sites of airway obstruction in bronchial asthma.

PubMed

Hafez, Manal Refaat; Abu-Bakr, Samiha Mohamed; Mohamed, Alyaa Abdelnaser

2015-07-01

Spirometry is the most commonly used method for assessment of airway function in bronchial asthma but has several limitations. Forced oscillometry was developed as a patient-friendly test that requires passive cooperation of the patient breathing normally through the mouth. To compare spirometry with forced oscillometry to assess the role of forced oscillometry in the detection of the site of airway obstruction. This case-and-control study included 50 patients with known stable asthma and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. All participants underwent spirometry (ratio of force expiration volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity, percentage predicted for forced expiration volume in 1 second, percentage predicted for forced vital capacity, percentage predicted for vital capacity, and forced expiratory flow at 25-75%) and forced oscillometry (resistance at 5, 20, and 5-20 Hz). By spirometry, all patients with asthma had airway obstruction, 8% had isolated small airway obstruction, 10% had isolated large airway obstruction, and 82% had large and small airway obstruction. By forced oscillometry, 12% had normal airway resistance, 50% had isolated small airway obstruction with frequency-dependent resistance, and 38% had large and small airway obstruction with frequency-independent resistance. There was significant difference between techniques for the detection of the site of airway obstruction (P = .012). Forced oscillometry indices were negatively correlated with spirometric indices (P < .01). Forced oscillometry as an effortless test, conducted during quiet tidal breathing, and does not alter airway caliber; thus, it can detect normal airway function better than spirometry in patients with asthma. Forced oscillometry detects isolated small airway obstruction better than spirometry in bronchial asthma. Copyright © 2015 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Are distinct etiologies of upper airway obstruction in mouth-breathing children associated with different cephalometric patterns?

PubMed

Franco, Letícia P; Souki, Bernardo Q; Cheib, Paula L; Abrão, Marcel; Pereira, Tatiana B J; Becker, Helena M G; Pinto, Jorge A

2015-02-01

To test the null hypothesis that mouth-breathing (MB) children by distinct obstructive tissues present a similar cephalometric pattern. The sample included 226 prepubescent children (113 MB and 113 nasal breathing (NB) controls). An ENT clinical examination, including flexible nasal endoscopy, orthodontic clinical and cephalometric examinations, was performed on the MB population. MB children were grouped into three categories, according to the obstructive tissues: 1) adenoid group (AG), 2) tonsillar group (TG), and 3) adenotonsillar group (ATG). The NB controls were matched by gender, age, sagittal dental relationship and skeletal maturation status. Lateral cephalometric radiography provided the cephalometric pattern comparisons between the MB and NB groups. MB cephalometric measurements were significantly different from those of NB children, exception in the SNB° (P=0.056). All comparisons between the three groups of MB children with the NB children showed a significant difference. Finally, even among the three groups of MB children, a significant difference was observed in the measurements of the SNB° (P<0.036), NSGn° (P<0.028) and PFH/TAFH ratio (posterior facial height/total anterior facial height) (P<0.012). The cephalometric pattern of MB and NB children was not similar. Cephalometric measurements of the MB group differed according to the etiology of upper airway obstruction. Children with isolated hypertrophy of the palatine tonsils presented with a mandible that was positioned more forward and upward compared to children obstructed only by the enlarged adenoid. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Midface alterations in childhood as pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

PubMed

Rangel Chávez, José de Jesús; Espinosa Martínez, Cynthia; Medina Serpa, Aldo Uzziel

The onset of nasal breathing sets a genetically determined impulse to aerate the face cavities or paranasal sinuses, which in turn initiate its growth creating the useful trafficable space for air during the development of the midface. Considering the evidence that the upper airway obstruction has a primary role in the pathogenesis of respiratory sleep disorders, any condition that causes a permanent difficulty to the nasal airflow during breathing will cause hypo-development of the required amplitude in this airway, reducing the growth stimulation of the sinus cavities and altering the development of the midface as a whole. Copyright © 2016 Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

The Supraglottic Effect of a Reduction in Expiratory Mask Pressure During Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

PubMed Central

Masdeu, Maria J.; Patel, Amit V.; Seelall, Vijay; Rapoport, David M.; Ayappa, Indu

2012-01-01

Study Objectives: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea may have difficulty exhaling against positive pressure, hence limiting their acceptance of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). C-Flex is designed to improve comfort by reducing pressure in the mask during expiration proportionally to expiratory airflow (3 settings correspond to increasing pressure changes). When patients use CPAP, nasal resistance determines how much higher supraglottic pressure is than mask pressure. We hypothesized that increased nasal resistance results in increased expiratory supraglottic pressure swings that could be mitigated by the effects of C-Flex on mask pressure. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Sleep center. Participants: Seventeen patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome and a mechanical model of the upper airway. Interventions: In patients on fixed CPAP, CPAP with different C-Flex levels was applied multiple times during the night. In the model, 2 different respiratory patterns and resistances were tested. Measurements and Results: Airflow, expiratory mask, and supraglottic pressures were measured on CPAP and on C-Flex. Swings in pressure during expiration were determined. On CPAP, higher nasal resistance produced greater expiratory pressure swings in the supraglottis in the patients and in the model, as expected. C-Flex 3 produced expiratory drops in mask pressure (range −0.03 to −2.49 cm H2O) but mitigated the expira-tory pressure rise in the supraglottis only during a sinusoidal respiratory pattern in the model. Conclusions: Expiratory changes in mask pressure induced by C-Flex did not uniformly transmit to the supraglottis in either patients with obstructive sleep apnea on CPAP or in a mechanical model of the upper airway with fixed resistance. Data suggest that the observed lack of expiratory drop in supraglottic pressure swings is related to dynamics of the C-Flex algorithm. Citation: Masdeu MJ; Patel AV; Seelall V; Rapoport DM; Ayappa I. The supraglottic effect of a reduction in expiratory mask pressure during continuous positive airway pressure. SLEEP 2012;35(2):263-272. PMID:22294817

Neostigmine but not sugammadex impairs upper airway dilator muscle activity and breathing

PubMed Central

Eikermann, M.; Zaremba, S.; Malhotra, A.; Jordan, A. S.; Rosow, C.; Chamberlin, N. L.

2008-01-01

Background Cholinesterase inhibitor-based reversal agents, given in the absence of neuromuscular block, evoke a partial upper airway obstruction by decreasing skeletal upper airway muscle function. Sugammadex reverses neuromuscular block by encapsulating rocuronium. However, its effects on upper airway integrity and breathing are unknown. Methods Fifty-one adult male rats were anaesthetized with isoflurane, tracheostomized, and a femoral artery and vein were cannulated. First, we compared the efficacy of sugammadex 15 mg kg−1 and neostigmine 0.06 mg kg−1 to reverse respiratory effects of rocuronium-induced partial paralysis [train-of-four ratio (T4/T1)=0.5]. Subsequently, we compared the safety of sugammadex and neostigmine given after recovery of the T4/T1 to 1, by measuring phasic genioglossus activity and breathing. Results During partial paralysis (T4/T1=0.5), time to recovery of minute volume to baseline values was 10.9 (2), 75.8 (18), and 153 (54) s with sugammadex, neostigmine, and placebo, respectively (sugammadex was significantly faster than neostigmine and placebo, P<0.05). Recovery of T4/T1 was also faster for sugammadex than neostigmine and placebo. Neostigmine administration after complete recovery of T4/T1 decreased upper airway dilator muscle activity to 64 (30)% of baseline and decreased tidal volume (P<0.05 for both variables), whereas sugammadex had no effect on either variable. Conclusions In contrast to neostigmine, which significantly impairs upper airway dilator muscle activity when given after recovery from neuromuscular block, a reversal dose of sugammadex given under the same conditions does not affect genioglossus muscle activity and normal breathing. Human studies will be required to evaluate the clinical relevance of our findings. PMID:18559352

Craniofacial morphology and sleep apnea in children with obstructed upper airways: differences between genders.

PubMed

Di Francesco, Renata; Monteiro, Roberta; Paulo, Maria Luiza de Melo; Buranello, Fernando; Imamura, Rui

2012-06-01

To correlate sleep apnea with craniofacial characteristics and facial patterns according to gender. In this prospective survey we studied 77 male and female children (3-12 years old) with an upper airway obstruction due to tonsil and adenoid enlargement. Children with lung problems, neurological disorders and syndromes, obstructive septal deviation, previous orthodontic treatment, orthodontic surgeries or oral surgeries, or obesity were excluded. Patients were subjected to physical examinations, nasal fiberoptic endoscopy, teleradiography for cephalometric analysis, and polysomnography. Cephalometric analysis included the following skeletal craniofacial measurements: facial axis (FA), facial depth (FD), mandibular plane angle (MP), lower facial height (LFH), mandibular arch (MA), and vertical growth coefficient (VERT) index. The prevalence of sleep apnea was 46.75% with no statistical difference between genders. Among children with obstructive sleep apnea (Apneia Hypopnea Index - AHI ≥ 1) boys had higher AHI values than girls. A predominance of the dolichofacial pattern (81.9%) was observed. The following skeletal craniofacial measurements correlated with AHI in boys: FD (r(s)=-0.336/p=0.020), MP (r(s)=0.486/p=0.00), and VERT index (r(s)=-0.337/p=0.019). No correlations between craniofacial measurements and AHI were identified in girls. Craniofacial morphology may influence the severity of sleep apnea in boys but not in girls. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Drug-induced sedation endoscopy (DISE) classification systems: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Dijemeni, Esuabom; D'Amone, Gabriele; Gbati, Israel

2017-12-01

Drug-induced sedation endoscopy (DISE) classification systems have been used to assess anatomical findings on upper airway obstruction, and decide and plan surgical treatments and act as a predictor for surgical treatment outcome for obstructive sleep apnoea management. The first objective is to identify if there is a universally accepted DISE grading and classification system for analysing DISE findings. The second objective is to identify if there is one DISE grading and classification treatment planning framework for deciding appropriate surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The third objective is to identify if there is one DISE grading and classification treatment outcome framework for determining the likelihood of success for a given OSA surgical intervention. A systematic review was performed to identify new and significantly modified DISE classification systems: concept, advantages and disadvantages. Fourteen studies proposing a new DISE classification system and three studies proposing a significantly modified DISE classification were identified. None of the studies were based on randomised control trials. DISE is an objective method for visualising upper airway obstruction. The classification and assessment of clinical findings based on DISE is highly subjective due to the increasing number of DISE classification systems. Hence, this creates a growing divergence in surgical treatment planning and treatment outcome. Further research on a universally accepted objective DISE assessment is critically needed.

The benefit of HH during the CPAP titration in the cool sleeping environment.

PubMed

Li, Yayong; Wang, Yina

2016-12-01

Upper airway symptom associated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment is an important factor influencing CPAP adherence. There are conflicting data on the effect of a heated humidifier (HH) during CPAP titration for patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). This study investigated the effects of HH during CPAP titration in the cool sleeping environment. Forty newly diagnosed OSAHS patients who received CPAP titration in the cool sleeping environment were randomly assigned to HH and non-HH groups. A questionnaire was used to evaluate upper airway symptoms, satisfaction with initial CPAP treatment, and willingness to further use CPAP. Some therapy parameters including leak, apnea hypopnea index (AHI) reduction, and optimal CPAP pressure level were analyzed. We compared these subjective and objective data between the two groups. In subjective sensation, the use of HH can alleviate upper airway symptoms associated with CPAP titration (P < 0.001). The HH group has benefit in satisfaction with initial CPAP treatment (P < 0.001) and further willingness to use CPAP (P < 0.01), although there were no significant differences in leak, AHI reduction, and optimal CPAP pressure between the two groups. The use of HH is recommended during CPAP titration in the cool sleeping environment because of its benefit in the treatment of upper airway symptoms associated with CPAP therapy and improvement of the CPAP acceptance.

Constructing a patient-specific computer model of the upper airway in sleep apnea patients.

PubMed

Dhaliwal, Sandeep S; Hesabgar, Seyyed M; Haddad, Seyyed M H; Ladak, Hanif; Samani, Abbas; Rotenberg, Brian W

2018-01-01

The use of computer simulation to develop a high-fidelity model has been proposed as a novel and cost-effective alternative to help guide therapeutic intervention in sleep apnea surgery. We describe a computer model based on patient-specific anatomy of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) subjects wherein the percentage and sites of upper airway collapse are compared to findings on drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). Basic science computer model generation. Three-dimensional finite element techniques were undertaken for model development in a pilot study of four OSA patients. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to capture patient anatomy and software employed to outline critical anatomical structures. A finite-element mesh was applied to the volume enclosed by each structure. Linear and hyperelastic soft-tissue properties for various subsites (tonsils, uvula, soft palate, and tongue base) were derived using an inverse finite-element technique from surgical specimens. Each model underwent computer simulation to determine the degree of displacement on various structures within the upper airway, and these findings were compared to DISE exams performed on the four study patients. Computer simulation predictions for percentage of airway collapse and site of maximal collapse show agreement with observed results seen on endoscopic visualization. Modeling the upper airway in OSA patients is feasible and holds promise in aiding patient-specific surgical treatment. NA. Laryngoscope, 128:277-282, 2018. © 2017 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Radon-enriched hot spring water therapy for upper and lower respiratory tract inflammation.

PubMed

Passali, Desiderio; Gabelli, Giacomo; Passali, Giulio Cesare; Mösges, Ralph; Bellussi, Luisa Maria

2017-08-31

Background Radon-222-enriched hot spring therapy, which is characterized by a safe level of radioactivity, is used for the treatment of rheumatic disorders, and its efficacy has already been studied in several clinical trials. Radon-water inhalation therapy for the treatment of upper and lower airway inflammatory diseases is used in many hot springs centers. However, its application has not been reviewed to date. Methods We systematically searched the PubMed and Scopus databases for clinical trials published in the last 20 years in which objective parameters of upper and lower airway function had been tested before and after radon-enriched inhalation treatment. Results Four prospective studies were found: 1 asthma trial, 1 placebo-controlled chronic rhinosinusitis trial, 1 upper respiratory tract inflammation with nasal obstruction trial, and 1 case-control allergic rhinitis trial. Patients were treated with nasal inhalations of radon-enriched water for 12 to 28 days and were assessed at baseline and after therapy. After 2 weeks of treatment, nasal resistance decreased, flow increased, mucociliary clearance was enhanced, ciliated-to-muciparous cell ratio increased, and %FEV1 increased in asthmatic patients. Conclusion Radon-enriched inhalation therapy improves objective indicators of nasal function in allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis, and causes relief of pulmonary obstruction in asthma.

Use of the silicone tracheal T-tube for tracheostenosis or tracheomalacia.

PubMed

Liu, H C; Wang, L S; Fahn, H J; Lee, Y C; Lu, C C; Chan, K H; Huang, M H

1996-09-01

Tracheobtenosib and tracheomalacia are trivial diseases. The conventional choice of managements with tracheostomy, either temporary or long-term usage, can only partially resolve the problems of airway obstruction. Silicone tracheal T-tube presents a substitute for it. We present 5 patients with tracheostenosis or tracheomalacia managed with nine procedures of long silicone Montgomery T-tube prothesis between 1984 and 1994 in VGH-Taipei. The primary diagnosis included tracheal injury (2), postintubation tracheal stenosis (2), and stenosis due to endotracheal tuberculosis (1). Three patients received a long segmental T-tube for permanent endotracheal stenting and the other two patients used T-tube insertion for temporary stenting of the trachea for 7 and 11 months, respectively, with satisfactory results. All patients got immediate benefit from the prothesis in respiration with simple postoperative care. Two patients with temporary T-tube placement had it successfully removed in 7 and 11 months, respectively. Placement of the T-tube for subglottic stenosis also protected the function of phonation. The tracheal T-tube restored airway patency reliably with good long-term results and could be the preferred management of chronic upper airway obstructive disease not amenable to surgical repair. The most common complication was airway obstruction caused by either granulations or sticky mucoid substance. Three patients and six tubes (60%) developed granulation obstruction and the average duration of granuloma formation was 7.7 months. Laser phototherapy or surgical intervention, such as tracheoplasty, with change of the T-tube was carried out for granuloma obstruction. T-tube is a good endoprothesis for tracheostenosis and tracheomalacia with minimal complication for cases of long tracheostenosis or complex tracheal injury.

Three-dimensional Evaluation of Nasal Surgery in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

PubMed

Cui, Dan-Mo; Han, De-Min; Nicolas, Busaba; Hu, Chang-Long; Wu, Jun; Su, Min-Min

2016-03-20

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder and is characterized by airway collapse at multiple levels of upper airway. The effectiveness of nasal surgery has been discussed in several studies and shows a promising growing interest. In this study, we intended to evaluate the effects of nasal surgery on the upper airway dimensions in patients with OSA using three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of cone-beam computed tomography (CT). Twelve patients with moderate to severe OSA who underwent nasal surgery were included in this study. All patients were diagnosed with OSA using polysomnography (PSG) in multi sleep health centers associated with Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and the Partners Health Care from May 31, 2011 to December 14, 2013. The effect of nasal surgery was evaluated by the examination of PSG, subjective complains, and 3D reconstructed CT scan. Cross-sectional area was measured in eleven coronal levels, and nasal cavity volume was evaluated from anterior nasal spine to posterior nasal spine. The thickness of soft tissue in oral pharynx region was also measured. Five out of the 12 patients were successfully treated by nasal surgery, with more than 50% drop of apnea-hypopnea index. All the 12 patients showed significant increase of cross-sectional area and volume postoperatively. The thickness of soft tissue in oral pharynx region revealed significant decrease postoperatively, which decreased from 19.14 ± 2.40 cm 2 and 6.11 ± 1.76 cm 2 to 17.13 ± 1.91 cm 2 and 5.22 ± 1.20 cm 2 . Nasal surgery improved OSA severity as measured by PSG, subjective complaints, and 3D reconstructed CT scan. 3D assessment of upper airway can play an important role in the evaluation of treatment outcome.

Influence of arousal threshold and depth of sleep on respiratory stability in man: analysis using a mathematical model.

PubMed

Longobardo, G S; Evangelisti, C J; Cherniack, N S

2009-12-01

We examined the effect of arousals (shifts from sleep to wakefulness) on breathing during sleep using a mathematical model. The model consisted of a description of the fluid dynamics and mechanical properties of the upper airways and lungs, as well as a controller sensitive to arterial and brain changes in CO(2), changes in arterial oxygen, and a neural input, alertness. The body was divided into multiple gas store compartments connected by the circulation. Cardiac output was constant, and cerebral blood flows were sensitive to changes in O(2) and CO(2) levels. Arousal was considered to occur instantaneously when afferent respiratory chemical and neural stimulation reached a threshold value, while sleep occurred when stimulation fell below that value. In the case of rigid and nearly incompressible upper airways, lowering arousal threshold decreased the stability of breathing and led to the occurrence of repeated apnoeas. In more compressible upper airways, to maintain stability, increasing arousal thresholds and decreasing elasticity were linked approximately linearly, until at low elastances arousal thresholds had no effect on stability. Increased controller gain promoted instability. The architecture of apnoeas during unstable sleep changed with the arousal threshold and decreases in elasticity. With rigid airways, apnoeas were central. With lower elastances, apnoeas were mixed even with higher arousal thresholds. With very low elastances and still higher arousal thresholds, sleep consisted totally of obstructed apnoeas. Cycle lengths shortened as the sleep architecture changed from mixed apnoeas to total obstruction. Deeper sleep also tended to promote instability by increasing plant gain. These instabilities could be countered by arousal threshold increases which were tied to deeper sleep or accumulated aroused time, or by decreased controller gains.

Numerical and experimental study of expiratory flow in the case of major upper airway obstructions with fluid structure interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chouly, F.; van Hirtum, A.; Lagrée, P.-Y.; Pelorson, X.; Payan, Y.

2008-02-01

This study deals with the numerical prediction and experimental description of the flow-induced deformation in a rapidly convergent divergent geometry which stands for a simplified tongue, in interaction with an expiratory airflow. An original in vitro experimental model is proposed, which allows measurement of the deformation of the artificial tongue, in condition of major initial airway obstruction. The experimental model accounts for asymmetries in geometry and tissue properties which are two major physiological upper airway characteristics. The numerical method for prediction of the fluid structure interaction is described. The theory of linear elasticity in small deformations has been chosen to compute the mechanical behaviour of the tongue. The main features of the flow are taken into account using a boundary layer theory. The overall numerical method entails finite element solving of the solid problem and finite differences solving of the fluid problem. First, the numerical method predicts the deformation of the tongue with an overall error of the order of 20%, which can be seen as a preliminary successful validation of the theory and simulations. Moreover, expiratory flow limitation is predicted in this configuration. As a result, both the physical and numerical models could be useful to understand this phenomenon reported in heavy snorers and apneic patients during sleep.

Exercising videoendoscopic evaluation of 45 horses with respiratory noise and/or poor performance after laryngoplasty.

PubMed

Davidson, Elizabeth J; Martin, Benson B; Rieger, Randall H; Parente, Eric J

2010-12-01

To (1) assess upper airway function by videoendoscopy in horses performing poorly after laryngoplasty and (2) establish whether dynamic collapse of the left arytenoid can be predicted by the degree of resting postsurgical abduction. Case series. Horses that had left laryngoplasty (n=45). Medical records (June 1993-December 2007) of horses evaluated for abnormal respiratory noise and/or poor performance after laryngoplasty were reviewed. Horses with video recordings of resting and exercising upper airway endoscopy were included and postsurgical abduction categorized. Horses with immediate postoperative endoscopy recordings were also evaluated and postsurgical abduction categorized. Relationships between resting postsurgical abduction and historical information with exercising endoscopic findings were examined. Dynamic collapse of the left arytenoid cartilage was probable in horses with no postsurgical abduction and could not be predicted in horses with grade 3 or 4 postsurgical abduction. Respiratory noise was associated with upper airway obstruction but was not specific for arytenoid collapse. Most horses with a left vocal fold had billowing of the fold during exercise. Other forms of dynamic collapse involved the right vocal fold, aryepiglottic folds, corniculate process of left arytenoid cartilage, dorsal displacement of soft palate, and pharyngeal collapse. Complex obstructions were observed in most examinations and in all horses with exercising collapse of the left arytenoid cartilage. There was no relationship between exercising collapse of the left arytenoid cartilage and grade 3 or 4 postsurgical abduction but was likely in horses with no abduction. © Copyright 2010 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Upper airway sensory function in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PubMed

Tapia, Ignacio E; Bandla, Preetam; Traylor, Joel; Karamessinis, Laurie; Huang, Jingtao; Marcus, Carole L

2010-07-01

Children with the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) have impaired responses to hypercapnia, subatmospheric pressure, and inspiratory resistive loading during sleep. This may be due, in part, to an impairment in the afferent limb of the upper airway sensory pathway. Therefore, we hypothesized that children with OSAS had diminished upper airway sensation compared to controls. Case-control. Academic hospital. Subjects with OSAS aged 6-16 years, and age- and BMI-matched controls. Two-point discrimination (TPD) was measured during wakefulness with modified calipers in the anterior tongue, right interior cheek, and hard palate. Thirteen children with OSAS and 9 controls were tested. The age (mean +/- SD) for OSAS and controls was 11 +/- 4 vs. 13 +/- 2 years (NS); OSAS BMI Z score 2.4 +/- 0.5, controls 2.2 +/- 0.5 (NS); OSAS apnea hypopnea index 31 +/- 48, controls 0.4 +/- 0.5 events/hour (P < 0.001). Children with OSAS had impaired TPD in the anterior tongue (median [range]) = 9 [3-14] mm, controls 3 [1-7], P = 0.002) and hard palate (OSAS 6 [3-9] mm, controls 3 [1-4], P < 0.001). TPD in the cheek was similar between the groups (P = 0.12). TPD in the anterior tongue and hard palate was impaired in children with OSAS during wakefulness. We speculate that this impairment might be due to a primary sensory function abnormality or secondary to nerve damage and/or hypoxemia caused by OSAS. Further studies after treatment of OSAS are needed.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia as an Unusual Cause of Rapid Airway Compromise

PubMed Central

Ezzell, Erin E.; Renshaw, John S.

2017-01-01

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in Western countries predominantly affecting adults over the age of 65. CLL is commonly indolent in nature but can present locally and aggressively at extranodal sites. Although CLL may commonly present with cervical lymphadenopathy, manifestation in nonlymphoid regions of the head and neck is not well described. CLL causing upper airway obstruction is even more uncommon. We describe a case of a patient with known history of CLL and stable lymphocytosis that developed an enlarging lymphoid base of tongue (BOT) mass resulting in rapid airway compromise. PMID:28396813

Rescue patient from tracheal obstruction by dislocated bronchial stent during tracheostomy surgery with readily available tools: A case report.

PubMed

Chang, Hung-Yu; Man, Kee-Ming; Liao, Kate Hsiurong; Chiang, Yi-Ying; Chen, Kuen-Bao

2017-09-01

Airway stenting is a well-established method that relieves symptoms and maintains airway patency in patients with airway obstruction. Serious complications caused by airway stents such as stent dislocation and airway obstruction during surgery are life-threatening. An 80-year-old man was treated with bronchial stent for left bronchus obstruction caused by metastatic esophageal cancer. During tracheostomy surgery, he suffered from acute tracheal obstruction caused by dislocated bronchial stent. Esophageal cancer, left bronchus obstruction, respiratory failure, tracheal obstruction. Threading a 5.0-sized endotracheal tube combined with an Eschmann tracheal tube introducer to prop up the collapsed stent. The bronchial stent was re-expanded and threaded into right main bronchus and ventilation restored. Patient with airway stent undergoing surgery with airway involved should be performed under the support of a backup physician and equipment that are capable of handling potentially life-threatening complications of airway stent. If not, in the emergent situation of tracheal obstruction due to tracheal/bronchial stent, protruding through the stent with a suitable, small-sized endotracheal tube with Eschmann tracheal tube introducer may be an alternative skill for saving life weighted with possible complications.

Early experience with high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNOT) in pediatric endoscopic airway surgery.

PubMed

Riva, Thomas; Theiler, Lorenz; Jaquet, Yves; Giger, Roland; Nisa, Lluís

2018-05-01

Reporting our institutional experience with high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNOT), a recently-introduced technique, for endoscopic airway approaches. Prospective collection of data of children (<16 years) undergoing endoscopic between January 2016 and August 2017 at a tertiary referral university hospital. HFNOT was used in 6 children who underwent 14 procedures for different forms and causes of upper airway obstruction of various origins. No intraoperative complications; related to oxygenation were observed, and the surgical procedures could be carried out as; initially planned. We found that HFNOT is an effective and safe technique with a variety of potential applications in the field of endoscopic pediatric airway surgery. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Volumetric changes in the upper airway after bimaxillary surgery for skeletal class III malocclusions: a case series study using 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography.

PubMed

Lee, Yoonjung; Chun, Youn-Sic; Kang, Nara; Kim, Minji

2012-12-01

Postsurgical changes of the airway have become a great point of interest and often have been reported to be a predisposing factor for obstructive sleep apnea after mandibular setback surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 3-dimensional volumetric changes in the upper airway space of patients who underwent bimaxillary surgery to correct Class III malocclusions. This study was performed retrospectively in a group of patients who underwent bimaxillary surgery for Class III malocclusion and had full cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images taken before surgery and 1 day, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. The upper and lower parts of the airway volume and the diameters of the airway were measured from 2 different levels. Presurgical measurements and the amount of surgical correction were evaluated for their effect on airway volume. Data analyses were performed by analysis of variance and multiple stepwise regression analysis. The subjects included 21 patients (6 men and 15 women; mean age, 22.7 yrs). The surgeries were Le Fort I impaction (5.27 ± 2.58 mm impaction from the posterior nasal spine) and mandibular setback surgery (9.20 ± 4.60 mm set back from the pogonion). No statistically significant differences were found in the total airway volume for all time points. In contrast, the volume of the upper part showed an increase (12.35%) and the lower part showed a decrease (14.07%), with a statistically significant difference 6 months after surgery (P < .05). Predictor variables affecting the upper and lower parts of the airway volume were presurgical A point to Nasion-perpendicular (A to N-perp) and vertical surgical correction of the pogonion and the posterior nasal spine (P < .05). Bimaxillary surgery for the correction of Class III malocclusion affected the morphology by increasing the upper part and decreasing the lower part of the airway, but not the total volume. Copyright © 2012 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The lung tissue microbiota of mild and moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Pragman, Alexa A; Lyu, Tianmeng; Baller, Joshua A; Gould, Trevor J; Kelly, Rosemary F; Reilly, Cavan S; Isaacson, Richard E; Wendt, Chris H

2018-01-09

Oral taxa are often found in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) lung microbiota, but it is not clear if this is due to a physiologic process such as aspiration or experimental contamination at the time of specimen collection. Microbiota samples were obtained from nine subjects with mild or moderate COPD by swabbing lung tissue and upper airway sites during lung lobectomy. Lung specimens were not contaminated with upper airway taxa since they were obtained surgically. The microbiota were analyzed with 16S rRNA gene qPCR and 16S rRNA gene hypervariable region 3 (V3) sequencing. Data analyses were performed using QIIME, SourceTracker, and R. Streptococcus was the most common genus in the oral, bronchial, and lung tissue samples, and multiple other taxa were present in both the upper and lower airways. Each subject's own bronchial and lung tissue microbiota were more similar to each other than were the bronchial and lung tissue microbiota of two different subjects (permutation test, p = 0.0139), indicating more within-subject similarity than between-subject similarity at these two lung sites. Principal coordinate analysis of all subject samples revealed clustering by anatomic sampling site (PERMANOVA, p = 0.001), but not by subject. SourceTracker analysis found that the sources of the lung tissue microbiota were 21.1% (mean) oral microbiota, 8.7% nasal microbiota, and 70.1% unknown. An analysis using the neutral theory of community ecology revealed that the lung tissue microbiota closely reflects the bronchial, oral, and nasal microbiota (immigration parameter estimates 0.69, 0.62, and 0.74, respectively), with some evidence of ecologic drift occurring in the lung tissue. This is the first study to evaluate the mild-moderate COPD lung tissue microbiota without potential for upper airway contamination of the lung samples. In our small study of subjects with COPD, we found oral and nasal bacteria in the lung tissue microbiota, confirming that aspiration is a source of the COPD lung microbiota.

Loop Gain Predicts the Response to Upper Airway Surgery in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

PubMed

Joosten, Simon A; Leong, Paul; Landry, Shane A; Sands, Scott A; Terrill, Philip I; Mann, Dwayne; Turton, Anthony; Rangaswamy, Jhanavi; Andara, Christopher; Burgess, Glen; Mansfield, Darren; Hamilton, Garun S; Edwards, Bradley A

2017-07-01

Upper airway surgery is often recommended to treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who cannot tolerate continuous positive airways pressure. However, the response to surgery is variable, potentially because it does not improve the nonanatomical factors (ie, loop gain [LG] and arousal threshold) causing OSA. Measuring these traits clinically might predict responses to surgery. Our primary objective was to test the value of LG and arousal threshold to predict surgical success defined as 50% reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and AHI <10 events/hour post surgery. We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who underwent upper airway surgery for OSA (n = 46). Clinical estimates of LG and arousal threshold were calculated from routine polysomnographic recordings presurgery and postsurgery (median of 124 [91-170] days follow-up). Surgery reduced both the AHI (39.1 ± 4.2 vs. 26.5 ± 3.6 events/hour; p < .005) and estimated arousal threshold (-14.8 [-22.9 to -10.2] vs. -9.4 [-14.5 to -6.0] cmH2O) but did not alter LG (0.45 ± 0.08 vs. 0.45 ± 0.12; p = .278). Responders to surgery had a lower baseline LG (0.38 ± 0.02 vs. 0.48 ± 0.01, p < .05) and were younger (31.0 [27.3-42.5] vs. 43.0 [33.0-55.3] years, p < .05) than nonresponders. Lower LG remained a significant predictor of surgical success after controlling for covariates (logistic regression p = .018; receiver operating characteristic area under curve = 0.80). Our study provides proof-of-principle that upper airway surgery most effectively resolves OSA in patients with lower LG. Predicting the failure of surgical treatment, consequent to less stable ventilatory control (elevated LG), can be achieved in the clinic and may facilitate avoidance of surgical failures. © Sleep Research Society 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Sleep Research Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

Central Airway Obstruction: Benign Strictures, Tracheobronchomalacia, and Malignancy-related Obstruction.

PubMed

Murgu, Septimiu Dan; Egressy, Katarine; Laxmanan, Balaji; Doblare, Guillermo; Ortiz-Comino, Rosamaria; Hogarth, D Kyle

2016-08-01

The purpose of this article is to provide an update on methods for palliating symptoms in patients with histologically benign and malignant central airway obstruction. We review the published literature within the past decade on postintubation, posttracheostomy, and TB- and transplant-related airway strictures; tracheobronchomalacia; and malignant airway obstruction. We review terminology, classification systems, and parameters that impact treatment decisions. The focus is on how airway stent insertion fits into the best algorithm of care. Several case series and cohort studies demonstrate that airway stents improve dyspnea, lung function, and quality of life in patients with airway obstruction. Airway stenting, however, is associated with high rates of adverse events and should be used only when curative open surgical interventions are not feasible or are contraindicated. Copyright © 2016 American College of Chest Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bronchoscopic management of patients with symptomatic airway stenosis and prognostic factors for survival.

PubMed

Okiror, Lawrence; Jiang, Li; Oswald, Nicola; Bille, Andrea; Rajesh, Pala; Bishay, Ehab; Steyn, Richard; Naidu, Babu; Kalkat, Maninder

2015-05-01

Interventional bronchoscopy is effective in the management of patients with symptomatic airway obstruction for both malignant and benign conditions. The main aim of this study is to report our experience with emergency interventional bronchoscopy in patients with symptomatic airway obstruction and identify prognostic factors for survival. This is a retrospective observational study of patients undergoing emergency interventional bronchoscopy over a 4-year period. Survival times were analyzed separately for patients with benign and malignant airway obstruction by the Kaplan-Meier method. Between June 2009 and July 2013, 168 emergency interventional bronchoscopies were performed in 112 patients for airway obstruction. The median age was 63 years (range, 20 to 86), and 91 patients (54%) patients were female. Seventy-two cases (43%) had airway obstruction due to malignant disease. There were 3 in-hospital deaths (2.7%). Median survival of the study population was 5.6 months (range, 0 to 51) with a median follow-up of 7.3 months (range, 0 to 51). Median survival for patients with malignant airway obstruction was 3.5 months (range, 0 to 21), and 9.8 months (range, 0.1 to 51) for those with benign disease. Airway intervention facilitated palliative chemotherapy in 32 patients (44%) of those with malignant airway obstruction. At multivariate analysis in patients with malignant airway obstruction, presence of stridor (hazard ratio 1.919, 95% confidence interval: 1.082 to 3.404, p = 0.026) and not receiving postprocedure chemotherapy (hazard ratio 2.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.156 to 3.636, p = 0.014) were independent prognostic factors for death. Emergency interventional bronchoscopy for airway obstruction is safe, relieved symptoms, and facilitated palliative chemotherapy, which improved survival. Copyright © 2015 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Surgery for adult patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: A review for general practitioners.

PubMed

Phan, Nga T; Wallwork, Benjamin; Panizza, Benedict

2016-08-01

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a complex disease process that involves collapse of the upper airway during sleep and subsequent reduction or cessation of airflow. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the primary treatment for OSA and is the recommended first-line treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe forms of the disease. However, some patients are unable to tolerate CPAP or are unwilling to accept it as a form of permanent management. In these cases, surgical management aimed at addressing anatomical obstruction may be useful and warranted. This article presents an overview of the surgical options available for OSA. The review also describes a useful approach for selecting appropriate patients for surgery. On the basis of an OSA model that accounts for observed increased risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and motor vehicle accidents, there is evidence to support that surgery is beneficial and cost-effective for patients with severe OSA who are intolerant of CPAP. There are many surgical options available for OSA.

Update in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children.

PubMed

Balbani, Aracy P S; Weber, Silke A T; Montovani, Jair C

2005-01-01

The prevalence of OSAS in children is 0.7-3%, with peak incidence in pre-schoolers. It is characterised by partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, causing intermittent hypoxia. Both anatomical (severe nasal obstruction, craniofacial anomalies, hypertrophy of the pharyngeal lymphoid tissue, laryngeal anomalies, etc.) and functional factors (neuromuscular diseases) predispose to OSAS during childhood. The main cause of OSAS in children in adenotonsillar hypertrophy. The most common clinical manifestations of OSAS are: nocturnal snoring, respiratory pauses, restless sleep and mouth breathing. Nocturnal pulse oximetry, nocturnal noise audio/videotape recording and nap polysomnography are useful tools for screening suspected cases of OSAS in children, and the gold-standard for diagnosis is overnight polysomnography in the sleep laboratory. On the contrary of SAOS adults, children usually present: less arousals associated to apnea events, more numerous apneas/hypopneas during REM sleep, and more significant oxyhemoglobin desaturation even in short apneas. The treatment of OSAS may be surgical (adenotonsillectomy, craniofacial abnormalities correction, tracheostomy) or clinical (sleep hygiene, continuous positive airway pressure--CPAP).

State-dependent and reflex drives to the upper airway: basic physiology with clinical implications

PubMed Central

Hughes, Stuart W.; Malhotra, Atul

2013-01-01

The root cause of the most common and serious of the sleep disorders is impairment of breathing, and a number of factors predispose a particular individual to hypoventilation during sleep. In turn, obstructive hypopneas and apneas are the most common of the sleep-related respiratory problems and are caused by dysfunction of the upper airway as a conduit for airflow. The overarching principle that underpins the full spectrum of clinical sleep-related breathing disorders is that the sleeping brain modifies respiratory muscle activity and control mechanisms and diminishes the ability to respond to respiratory distress. Depression of upper airway muscle activity and reflex responses, and suppression of arousal (i.e., “waking-up”) responses to respiratory disturbance, can also occur with commonly used sedating agents (e.g., hypnotics and anesthetics). Growing evidence indicates that the sometimes critical problems of sleep and sedation-induced depression of breathing and arousal responses may be working through common brain pathways acting on common cellular mechanisms. To identify these state-dependent pathways and reflex mechanisms, as they affect the upper airway, is the focus of this paper. Major emphasis is on the synthesis of established and recent findings. In particular, we specifically focus on 1) the recently defined mechanism of genioglossus muscle inhibition in rapid-eye-movement sleep; 2) convergence of diverse neurotransmitters and signaling pathways onto one root mechanism that may explain pharyngeal motor suppression in sleep and drug-induced brain sedation; 3) the lateral reticular formation as a key hub of respiratory and reflex drives to the upper airway. PMID:23970535

Airway Obstruction Among Latino Poultry Processing Workers in North Carolina

PubMed Central

MIRABELLI, MARIA C.; CHATTERJEE, ARJUN B.; MORA, DANA C.; ARCURY, THOMAS A.; BLOCKER, JILL N.; CHEN, HAIYING; GRZYWACZ, JOSEPH G.; MARÍN, ANTONIO J.; SCHULZ, MARK R.; QUANDT, SARA A.

2015-01-01

This analysis was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of airway obstruction among Latino poultry processing workers. Data were collected from 279 poultry processing workers and 222 other manual laborers via spirometry and interviewer-administered questionnaires. Participants employed in poultry processing reported the activities they perform at work. Participants with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) or FEV1/forced expiratory volume (FVC) below the lower limits of normal were categorized as having airway obstruction. Airway obstruction was identified in 13% of poultry processing workers and 12% of the comparison population. Among poultry processing workers, the highest prevalence of airway obstruction (21%) occurred among workers deboning chickens (prevalence ratio: 1.75; 95% confidence interval: 0.97, 3.15). These findings identify variations in the prevalence of airway obstruction across categories of work activities. PMID:24965321

[Electrocautery and bronchoscopy as a first step for the management of central airway obstruction and associated hemoptysis].

PubMed

Jalilie, Alfredo; Carvajal, Juan Carlos; Aparicio, Rodrigo; Meneses, Manuel

2016-11-01

Central airway obstruction caused by malignant or benign lesions, associated in some cases with hemoptysis, is a condition with high morbidity and mortality. The use of electrocautery by flexible bronchoscopy is an initial treatment option with immediate improvement of obstruction symptoms. It is as effective as Nd: YAG laser. To describe the usefulness of electrocautery in the management of central obstruction of the airway and hemoptysis. A retrospective, descriptive study of patients referred for management of central airway obstruction or associated hemoptysis. Diagnoses, symptoms (dyspnea, cough, and hemoptysis) and radiology before and after the procedures were analyzed. Eighteen patients aged 59 ± 12 years (66% males) were evaluated, registering 25 endoscopic procedures. Three conditions were found: partial or complete airway obstruction, hemoptysis and post lung transplant bronchial stenosis. Seventy two percent presented with dyspnea, 61% with cough and 33% with hemoptysis. Sixty six percent of patients had airway obstruction caused by malignant metastatic lesions. After electrocautery, 17 patients (94.4%) improved their symptoms and achieved complete airway clearing. Three patients had significant bronchial stenosis after lung transplant achieving subsequent clearing after electrocautery. Electrocautery during flexible bronchoscopy is an effective and safe procedure for the management of central airway obstruction and associated hemoptysis.

Prevalence of upper airway obstruction in patients with apparently asymptomatic euthyroid multi nodular goitre

PubMed Central

Menon, Sunil K.; Jagtap, Varsha S.; Sarathi, Vijaya; Lila, Anurag R.; Bandgar, Tushar R.; Menon, Padmavathy S; Shah, Nalini S.

2011-01-01

Aims: To study the prevalence of upper airway obstruction (UAO) in “apparently asymptomatic” patients with euthyroid multinodular goitre (MNG) and find correlation between clinical features, UAO on pulmonary function test (PFT) and tracheal narrowing on computerised tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients with apparently asymptomatic euthyroid MNG attending thyroid clinic in a tertiary centre underwent clinical examination to elicit features of UAO, PFT, and CT of neck and chest. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done with SPSS version 11.5 using paired t-test, Chi square test, and Fisher's exact test. P value of <0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: Fifty-six patients (52 females and four males) were studied. The prevalence of UAO (PFT) and significant tracheal narrowing (CT) was 14.3%. and 9.3%, respectively. Clinical features failed to predict UAO or significant tracheal narrowing. Tracheal narrowing (CT) did not correlate with UAO (PFT). Volume of goitre significantly correlated with degree of tracheal narrowing. Conclusions: Clinical features do not predict UAO on PFT or tracheal narrowing on CT in apparently asymptomatic patients with euthyroid MNG. PMID:21966649

Multilevel Combined Surgery With Transoral Robotic Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

PubMed

Kayhan, Fatma Tülin; Kaya, Kamil Hakan; Koç, Arzu Karaman; Yegin, Yakup; Yazici, Zahide Mine; Türkeli, Serkan; Sayin, Ibrahim

2016-06-01

To evaluate the results of combined multilevel surgery with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome for multilevel upper airway obstruction. Subjects who underwent combined sleep surgery via TORS were evaluated. The drug-induced sleep endoscopy was used in diagnosing the presence of level-specific upper airway collapse and to detect the type of surgery. Pre- and postoperative Apnea-hypopnea index, Epworth sleepiness scale lowest oxygen saturation, total operation time, robotic set-up time and robotic surgery time, blood loss value, and complications were recorded. Twenty five subjects were identified. All subjects underwent base of tongue (BOT) + epiglottoplasty. The tracheotomy was not performed for any patient. Overall, 72% of patients met the criteria for cure, 8% met the criteria for cure, and 20% of patients met the criteria for failure. There was a significant decrease between preoperative and postoperative Apnea-hypopnea index scores (28.7 ± 17.8 SD versus 9.4 ± 12.4, P = 0.000) and Epworth sleepiness scale scores (13.5 ± 2.8 versus 3.4 ± 1.6, P = 0.000). There was a significant increase between preoperative and postoperative ED SPO2 levels (80.7 ± 7.6 versus 82.6 ± 18.1, P = 0.001). TORS BOT, epiglottoplasty, and multilevel procedures in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome can be regarded as feasible, safe, and effective technique.

Ultrasonic scissors-assisted 'open-book' thyroidectomy in massive goiter compressing airway and causing unilateral vocal cord paralysis.

PubMed

M, Irfan; Yaroko, Ali Ango; S M, Najeb; Periasamy, Centilnathan

2013-04-01

A massive goiter may constrict the trachea resulting in shortness of breath. Recurrent laryngeal nerve compression may cause vocal cord paralysis. We highlight a case of a 62- year-old female with a 30 year history of an anterior neck swelling gradually increasing in size. She presented with acute symptoms of upper airway obstruction and voice changes. Emergency thyroidectomy was performed by dividing the middle part of the gland using ultrasonic scissors. The recovery was uneventful and the patient regained normal vocal cord function post operatively.

Understanding the Anatomic Basis for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Adolescents

PubMed Central

Kim, Christopher; Bagchi, Sheila; Keenan, Brendan T.; Comyn, François-Louis; Wang, Stephen; Tapia, Ignacio E.; Huang, Shirley; Traylor, Joel; Torigian, Drew A.; Bradford, Ruth M.; Marcus, Carole L.

2015-01-01

Rationale: Structural risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in adolescents have not been well characterized. Because many adolescents with OSAS are obese, we hypothesized that the anatomic OSAS risk factors would be more similar to those in adults than those in children. Objectives: To investigate the anatomic risk factors in adolescents with OSAS compared with obese and lean control subjects using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Three groups of adolescents (age range: 12–16 yr) underwent MRI: obese individuals with OSAS (n = 49), obese control subjects (n = 38), and lean control subjects (n = 50). Measurements and Main Results: We studied 137 subjects and found that (1) obese adolescents with OSAS had increased adenotonsillar tissue compared with obese and lean control subjects; (2) obese OSAS adolescents had a smaller nasopharyngeal airway than control subjects; (3) the size of other upper airway soft tissue structures (volume of the tongue, parapharyngeal fat pads, lateral walls, and soft palate) was similar between subjects with OSAS and obese control subjects; (4) although there were no major craniofacial abnormalities in most of the adolescents with OSAS, the ratio of soft tissue to craniofacial space surrounding the airway was increased; and (5) there were sex differences in the pattern of lymphoid proliferation. Conclusions: Increased size of the pharyngeal lymphoid tissue, rather than enlargement of the upper airway soft tissue structures, is the primary anatomic risk factor for OSAS in obese adolescents. These results are important for clinical decision making and suggest that adenotonsillectomy should be considered as the initial treatment for OSAS in obese adolescents, a group that has poor continuous positive airway pressure adherence and difficulty in achieving weight loss. PMID:25835282

Tube Law of the Pharyngeal Airway in Sleeping Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

PubMed

Genta, Pedro R; Edwards, Bradley A; Sands, Scott A; Owens, Robert L; Butler, James P; Loring, Stephen H; White, David P; Wellman, Andrew

2016-02-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by repetitive pharyngeal collapse during sleep. However, the dynamics of pharyngeal narrowing and re-expansion during flow-limited breathing are not well described. The static pharyngeal tube law (end-expiratory area versus luminal pressure) has demonstrated increasing pharyngeal compliance as luminal pressure decreases, indicating that the airway would be sucked closed with sufficient inspiratory effort. On the contrary, the airway is rarely sucked closed during inspiratory flow limitation, suggesting that the airway is getting stiffer. Therefore, we hypothesized that during inspiratory flow limitation, as opposed to static conditions, the pharynx becomes stiffer as luminal pressure decreases. Upper airway endoscopy and simultaneous measurements of airflow and epiglottic pressure were performed during natural nonrapid eye movement sleep. Continuous positive (or negative) airway pressure was used to induce flow limitation. Flow-limited breaths were selected for airway cross-sectional area measurements. Relative airway area was quantified as a percentage of end-expiratory area. Inspiratory airway radial compliance was calculated at each quintile of epiglottic pressure versus airway area plot (tube law). Eighteen subjects (14 males) with OSA (apnea-hypopnea index = 57 ± 27 events/h), aged 49 ± 8 y, with a body mass index of 35 ± 6 kg/m(2) were studied. A total of 163 flow limited breaths were analyzed (9 ± 3 breaths per subject). Compliances at the fourth (2.0 ± 4.7 % area/cmH2O) and fifth (0.0 ± 1.7 % area/cmH2O) quintiles were significantly lower than the first (12.2 ± 5.5 % area/cmH2O) pressure quintile (P < 0.05). The pharyngeal tube law is concave (airway gets stiffer as luminal pressure decreases) during respiratory cycles under inspiratory flow limitation. © 2016 Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC.

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy in the identification of obstruction sites in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review.

PubMed

Viana, Alonço da Cunha; Thuler, Luiz Claudio Santos; Araújo-Melo, Maria Helena de

2015-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome has multifactorial causes. Although indications for surgery are evaluated by well-known diagnostic tests in the awake state, these do not always correlate with satisfactory surgical results. To undertake a systematic review on endoscopy during sleep, as one element of the diagnosis routine, aiming to identify upper airway obstruction sites in adult patients with OSAS. By means of electronic databases, a systematic review was performed of studies using drug-induced sleep endoscopy to identify obstruction sites in patients with OSAS. Ten articles were selected that demonstrated the importance of identifying multilevel obstruction, especially in relation to retrolingual and laryngeal collapse in OSAS. DISE is an additional method to reveal obstruction sites that have not been detected in awake patients. Copyright © 2015 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Immunohistochemical localization of alpha and beta adrenergic receptors in the human nasal turbinate.

PubMed

Shirasaki, Hideaki; Kanaizumi, Etsuko; Himi, Tetsuo

2016-06-01

Adrenergic receptors (ARs) include four general types (α1, α2, β1 and β2), which are found in different target tissues. α-AR agonists are commonly used for decongestant therapy of upper airway diseases. In order to clarify the roles of AR subtypes in the upper airways, we investigated the localization of these receptors by immunohistochemistry. Human turbinates were obtained after turbinectomy from 12 patients with nasal obstruction refractory to medical therapy. The specific cells expressing α- and β-AR proteins were identified by immunostaining using an anti-human AR subtype-specific antibodies (α1A-, α1D-, α2C- and β2-ARs) antibody. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that immunoreactivities for α1D- and β2-ARs were densely distributed in submucosal glands. In contrast, immunoreactivities for α1A- and 2C-ARs were densely distributed in vascular smooth muscle. Our results suggested that adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes had different roles in upper airway diseases, such as allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

RESPIRATORY MODULATION OF LINGUAL MUSCLE ACTIVITY ACROSS SLEEP-WAKE STATES IN RATS

PubMed Central

Stettner, Georg M.; Rukhadze, Irma; Mann, Graziella L.; Lei, Yanlin; Kubin, Leszek

2013-01-01

In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients, inspiratory activation (IA) of lingual muscles protects the upper airway from collapse. We aimed to determine when rats’ lingual muscles exhibit IA. In 5 Sprague-Dawley and 3 Wistar rats, we monitored cortical EEG and lingual, diaphragmatic and nuchal electromyograms (EMGs), and identified segments of records when lingual EMG exhibited IA. Individual segments lasted 2.4–269 s (median: 14.5 s), most (89%) occurred during slow-wave sleep (SWS), and they collectively occupied 0.3–6.1% of the total recording time. IA usually started to increase with a delay after SWS onset and ended with an arousal, or declined prior to rapid eye movement sleep. IA of lingual EMG was not accompanied by increased diaphragmatic activity or respiratory rate changes, but occurred when cortical EEG power was particularly low in a low beta-1 frequency range (12.5–16.4 Hz). A deep SWS-related activation of upper airway muscles may be an endogenous phenomenon designed to protect the upper airway against collapse. PMID:23732510

Equine respiratory pharmacology.

PubMed

Foreman, J H

1999-12-01

Differentiation of diseases of the equine respiratory tract is based on history, clinical signs, auscultation, endoscopy, imaging, and sampling of airway exudate. Upper respiratory therapies include surgical correction of airway obstructions; flushing of localized abscesses (strangles), guttural pouch disease, or sinusitis; and oral or parenteral antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy if deemed necessary. Pneumonia usually is treated with antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, and bronchodilators. Pleural drainage is indicated if significant pleural effusion is present. The most commonly used therapies for early inflammatory and chronic allergic obstructive conditions include bronchodilators and anti-inflammatories. Acute respiratory distress, particularly acute pulmonary edema, is treated with diuretics (usually furosemide), intranasal oxygen, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and alleviation of the underlying cause. Furosemide also had been used in North America as a race-day preventative for exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), but recent data have shown that furosemide may be a performance-enhancing agent itself.

Choosing an Oronasal Mask to Deliver Continuous Positive Airway Pressure May Cause More Upper Airway Obstruction or Lead to Higher Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Requirements than a Nasal Mask in Some Patients: A Case Series.

PubMed

Ng, Justin R; Aiyappan, Vinod; Mercer, Jeremy; Catcheside, Peter G; Chai-Coetzer, Ching Li; McEvoy, R Doug; Antic, Nick

2016-09-15

The choice of mask interface used with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy can affect the control of upper airway obstruction (UAO) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We describe a case series of four patients with paradoxical worsening of UAO with an oronasal mask and the effect of changing to a nasal mask. We retrospectively reviewed the case histories of 4 patients and recorded patient demographics, in-laboratory and ambulatory CPAP titration data, CPAP therapy data, type of mask interface used and potential confounding factors. The 4 cases (mean ± SD: age = 59 ± 16 y; BMI = 30.5 ± 4.5 kg/m(2)) had a high residual apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) (43 ± 14.2 events/h) and high CPAP pressure requirements (14.9 ± 6.6 cmH2O) with an oronasal mask. Changing to a nasal mask allowed adequate control of UAO with a significant reduction in the average residual AHI (3.1 ± 1.5 events/h). In two of the four cases, it was demonstrated that control of UAO was obtained at a much lower CPAP pressure compared to the oronasal mask (Case one = 17.5 cmH2O vs 12cmH2O; Case two = 17.9 cmH2O vs 7.8 cmH2O). Other potential confounding factors were unchanged. There are various physiological observations that may explain these findings but it is uncertain which individuals are susceptible to these mechanisms. If patients have OSA incompletely controlled by CPAP with evidence of residual UAO and/or are requiring surprisingly high CPAP pressure to control OSA with an oronasal mask, the choice of mask should be reviewed and consideration be given to a trial of a nasal mask. A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 1209. © 2016 American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Sleep disordered breathing in children with achondroplasia.

PubMed

Zaffanello, Marco; Cantalupo, Gaetano; Piacentini, Giorgio; Gasperi, Emma; Nosetti, Luana; Cavarzere, Paolo; Ramaroli, Diego Alberto; Mittal, Aliza; Antoniazzi, Franco

2017-02-01

Children with achondroplasia often have breathing problems, especially during sleep. The most important treatments are adenotonsillectomy (for treating upper obstruction) and/or neurosurgery (for resolving cervicomedullar junction stenosis). We reviewed the scientific literature on polysomnographic investigations which assessed the severity of respiratory disorders during sleep. Recent findings have highlighted the importance of clinical investigations in patients with achondroplasia, differentiating between those that look for neurological patterns and those that look for respiratory problems during sleep. In particular, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and somatosensory evoked potentials are the main tools to evaluate necessary neurosurgery and over myelopathy, respectively. The use of polysomnography enables clinicians to identify children with upper airway obstruction and to quantify disease severity; it is not suitable for MRI and/or neurosurgery considerations.

Respiratory and sleep disorders in mucopolysaccharidosis.

PubMed

Berger, Kenneth I; Fagondes, Simone C; Giugliani, Roberto; Hardy, Karen A; Lee, Kuo Sheng; McArdle, Ciarán; Scarpa, Maurizio; Tobin, Martin J; Ward, Susan A; Rapoport, David M

2013-03-01

MPS encompasses a group of rare lysosomal storage disorders that are associated with the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in organs and tissues. This accumulation can lead to the progressive development of a variety of clinical manifestations. Ear, nose, throat (ENT) and respiratory problems are very common in patients with MPS and are often among the first symptoms to appear. Typical features of MPS include upper and lower airway obstruction and restrictive pulmonary disease, which can lead to chronic rhinosinusitis or chronic ear infections, recurrent upper and lower respiratory tract infections, obstructive sleep apnoea, impaired exercise tolerance, and respiratory failure. This review provides a detailed overview of the ENT and respiratory manifestations that can occur in patients with MPS and discusses the issues related to their evaluation and management.

[Percutaneous tracheostomy in the ventilated patient].

PubMed

Añón, J M; Araujo, J B; Escuela, M P; González-Higueras, E

2014-04-01

The medical indications of tracheostomy comprise the alleviation of upper airway obstruction; the prevention of laryngeal and upper airway damage due to prolonged translaryngeal intubation in patients subjected to prolonged mechanical ventilation; and the facilitation of airway access for the removal of secretions. Since 1985, percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) has gained widespread acceptance as a method for creating a surgical airway in patients requiring long-term mechanical ventilation. Since then, several comparative trials of PT and surgical tracheostomy have been conducted, and new techniques for PT have been developed. The use of percutaneous dilatation techniques under bronchoscopic control are now increasingly popular throughout the world. Tracheostomy should be performed as soon as the need for prolonged intubation is identified. However a validated model for the prediction of prolonged mechanical ventilation is not available, and the timing of tracheostomy should be individualized. The present review analyzes the state of the art of PT in mechanically ventilated patients--this being regarded by many as the technique of choice in performing tracheostomy in critically ill patients. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier España, S.L. and SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.

Unimodality and Multimodality Cryodebridement for Airway Obstruction. A Single-Center Experience with Safety and Efficacy.

PubMed

Inaty, Hanine; Folch, Erik; Berger, Robert; Fernandez-Bussy, Sebastian; Chatterji, Sumit; Alape, Daniel; Majid, Adnan

2016-06-01

Cryodebridement (CD) refers to the removal of obstructive material from the lumen of the tracheobronchial tree by freezing with a cryoprobe, which is usually inserted through a flexible bronchoscope. This method of achieving instant recanalization of airways has been established for over 20 years, but published experience comprises limited case series. This study describes a single large-volume referral center experience, including clinical outcomes and safety profile. Electronic medical records of 156 patients who underwent bronchoscopic CD between December 2007 and March 2012 as the primary method to relieve airway obstruction were reviewed retrospectively. The most frequent cause of airway obstruction was malignancy (n = 88), with non-small-cell lung cancer and metastatic renal cell carcinoma being the most common etiologies. The site of obstruction was localized to the central airways in 63 patients (40%) and the distal airways in 44 patients (28%), and it was diffuse in 49 patients (32%). Bronchoscopic airway patency was achieved in 95% of patients, with the highest success rates found in those with obstruction localized in the central airways. Improvement in symptoms occurred in 118 (82%) of 144 symptomatic patients. Serious complications were reported in 17 patients (11%) and included respiratory distress, severe bleeding, airway injury, and hemodynamic instability. All patients responded to treatment, and no intra- or postoperative deaths were reported. CD, when used alone or in combination with other endoscopic treatment modalities, appears to be safe and effective in treating endoluminal airway obstruction.

Computed Tomographic Airway Morphology in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Remodeling or Innate Anatomy?

PubMed

Diaz, Alejandro A; Estépar, Raul San José; Washko, George R

2016-01-01

Computed tomographic measures of central airway morphology have been used in clinical, epidemiologic, and genetic investigation as an inference of the presence and severity of small-airway disease in smokers. Although several association studies have brought us to believe that these computed tomographic measures reflect airway remodeling, a careful review of such data and more recent evidence may reveal underappreciated complexity to these measures and limitations that prompt us to question that belief. This Perspective offers a review of seminal papers and alternative explanations of their data in the light of more recent evidence. The relationships between airway morphology and lung function are observed in subjects who never smoked, implying that native airway structure indeed contributes to lung function; computed tomographic measures of central airways such as wall area, lumen area, and total bronchial area are smaller in smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease versus those without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and the airways are smaller as disease severity increases. The observations suggest that (1) native airway morphology likely contributes to the relationships between computed tomographic measures of airways and lung function; and (2) the presence of smaller airways in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease versus those without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as well as their decrease with disease severity suggests that smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may simply have smaller airways to begin with, which put them at greater risk for the development of smoking-related disease.

A Case of Concomitant Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Treated With CPAP Therapy

PubMed Central

Bajantri, Bharat; Lvovsky, Dmitry

2018-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a disorder of sleep breathing that is a result of recurrent and intermittent hypoxia during sleep induced by the repeated partial or complete collapse of the upper airway, eventually causing chronic intermittent hypoxia. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is divided into non-alcoholic fatty liver and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Animal and human studies showed that obesity is associated with chronic liver hypoxia, even in the presence of systemic normoxia causing inflammation and release of cytokines. A “two-hit” model has been proposed. The first hit is characterized by insulin resistance and excess hepatic lipid accumulation secondary to abnormal fatty acid metabolism. Oxidative stress and inflammation are thought to comprise the second hit. Gold standard for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is a liver biopsy. Many clinical scores and non-invasive tools are used for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Conservative management with lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise and weight loss remains the therapy of choice today. We present a case report of a 39-year-old man who was diagnosed with concomitant non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and severe obstructive sleep apnea. He was started treatment with continuous positive airway pressure and demonstrated excellent adherence to therapy for 6 years, with concomitant obstructive sleep apnea and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis which reversed with prolonged optimal continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Physical examination remained unremarkable except for morbid obesity. His abdominal girth, as well as body mass index, remained unchanged. After 6 years of optimal continuous positive airway pressure therapy, liver enzymes and relevant lipid panel normalized, suggesting reversal of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. PMID:29915639

ASTHMA, CHRONIC BRONCHITIS AND EMPHYSEMA—The Use of Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing with Inspiratory Flow Rate Control: A Review of the Literature

PubMed Central

Sheldon, Gerard P.

1963-01-01

In chronic obstructive lung disease (asthma, chronic bronchitis, obstructive emphysema) there is a segmental reduction in the caliber of the airways, which always results in obstruction to air-flow. Increased airway resistance is a physiological expression of airway obstruction. The addition of inspiratory flow rate control to an intermittent positive pressure breathing device permits slow filling of a lung with obstructed airways, and is presented as a simple means of reducing the high pulmonary flow resistance and increasing the tidal volume. ImagesFigure 1. PMID:13977070

Pediatric Tracheotomy: A 5-Year Experience in Düzce University Medical Faculty

PubMed Central

Ünlü, İlhan; İlhan, Ethem; Ünlü, Elif Nisa; Ateş, Hakan; Gün, Emrah; Yaman, Hüseyin; Güçlü, Ender

2015-01-01

Objective Tracheotomy is one of the oldest surgical procedures. Pediatric tracheotomy indications have changed in recent decades. Currently, tracheotomy is performed because of prolonged intubation, upper airway obstruction, neuromuscular, and craniofacial anomalies instead of acute airway infections. This study aims to present our experience regarding indications and complications of tracheotomy in pediatric patients. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 17 pediatric patients who underwent tracheotomy because of prolonged intubation, increased pulmonary secretions, and upper respiratory tract obstruction from June 2010 to June 2015. The patients’ age, gender, tracheotomy indications, duration of intubation, complications, and actual clinical condition were recorded. Results Tracheotomy was performed on 17 pediatric patients in our clinic. Discharged patients were followed with a 3-month routine check. Six patients (35.29%) had died because of a primary disease during follow-up, and one (5.88%) of them was a one-day-old newborn who had anomalies that were incompatible with life. In one patient, emergency tracheotomy was performed because of a tracheal trauma. None of the patients has been decannulated except one (5.88%). One (5.88%) patient had an accidental decannulation, while another had bleeding in the operation field. The total minor complication rate was 11.76%, and no major complication was observed. Two (11.76%) of the discharged patients underwent re-operation for widening of the tracheotomy stoma during their routine visit. Conclusion Currently, tracheotomy in pediatric patients is mostly performed for prolonged intubation and upper respiratory tract obstruction for which intubation is not possible. Tracheotomy enables the discharge of these patients after training their families. PMID:29391991

Multi-level obstruction in obstructive sleep apnoea: prevalence, severity and predictive factors.

PubMed

Phua, C Q; Yeo, W X; Su, C; Mok, P K H

2017-11-01

To characterise multi-level obstruction in terms of prevalence, obstructive sleep apnoea severity and predictive factors, and to collect epidemiological data on upper airway morphology in obstructive sleep apnoea patients. Retrospective review of 250 obstructive sleep apnoea patients. On clinical examination, 171 patients (68.4 per cent) had multi-level obstruction, 49 (19.6 per cent) had single-level obstruction and 30 (12 per cent) showed no obstruction. Within each category of obstructive sleep apnoea severity, multi-level obstruction was more prevalent. Multi-level obstruction was associated with severe obstructive sleep apnoea (more than 30 events per hour) (p = 0.001). Obstructive sleep apnoea severity increased with the number of obstruction sites (correlation coefficient = 0.303, p < 0.001). Multi-level obstruction was more likely in younger (p = 0.042), male (p = 0.045) patients, with high body mass index (more than 30 kg/m2) (p < 0.001). Palatal (p = 0.004), tongue (p = 0.026) and lateral pharyngeal wall obstructions (p = 0.006) were associated with severe obstructive sleep apnoea. Multi-level obstruction is more prevalent in obstructive sleep apnoea and is associated with increased severity. Obstruction at certain anatomical levels contributes more towards obstructive sleep apnoea severity.

Reimbursed drugs in patients with sleep-disordered breathing: A static-charge-sensitive bed study.

PubMed

Anttalainen, Ulla; Polo, Olli; Vahlberg, Tero; Saaresranta, Tarja

2010-01-01

Co-morbidities in men and women with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) were compared retrospectively to an age-standardized, general Finnish population. The prevalence of diseases was based on the reimbursement refunds of medications. Two hundred thirty-three age- and BMI-matched male-female pairs and 368 consecutive women identified from our sleep recording database were included. Data on medication were gathered from the National Agency for Medicines and Social Insurance Institution database. Men with SDB had three-fold prevalence of reimbursed medication for diabetes and two-fold prevalence of reimbursed medication for chronic arrhythmia. Women with SDB had three-fold prevalence of reimbursed medication for thyroid insufficiency, and postmenopausal women had two-fold prevalence of reimbursed medication for psychosis. BMI and age did not explain prevalence of reimbursed medications for chronic arrhythmia or psychosis. In both genders with SDB, prevalence of reimbursed medications compared to the general population was two-fold for hypertension and seven-fold for asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Partial upper airway obstruction was associated with three-fold prevalence of reimbursed medication for asthma and/or COPD in both genders and 60% reduced prevalence of reimbursed medication for hypertension in females matched for age and BMI. Co-morbidity profile differed between genders. Our results emphasize the importance of diagnosis and treatment of co-morbidities and partial upper airway obstruction. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Decision making for position-dependent obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on the basis of patient information and physical examinations of the upper airway, acquired on an outpatient basis.

PubMed

Endo, Minoru; Kondo, Takahito; Shimada, Rie; Tsukahara, Kiyoaki

2018-06-01

Patients with body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m 2 and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are highly suspicious for position-dependent OSAS. Diagnosis of position-dependent/position-independent OSAS can be difficult in patients satisfying both 'BMI >25 kg/m 2 ' and 'any of tongue enlargement (TE), palatine tonsil hypertrophy (PTH) and obstruction by Muller's maneuver (OMM)'. Polysomnography is warranted in such patients. The objective was to retrospectively elucidate criteria for differentiating position-dependent OSAS on the basis of patient information and physical examinations of the upper airway obtainable in clinics. The 643 patients were categorized as positional patients (PPs) or non-positional patients (NPPs). The patient background factors examined were sex, age, BMI, and hypertension. TE, PTH, pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy, and OMM were evaluated. Cross-validation was performed using even-numbered registrations as the training set group (Group A) and odd-numbered registrations as the test case group (Group B). In Group A, patients with BMI <25 kg/m 2 were clearly more frequent among PP than among NPP. In Group A with BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 , significant differences were found for TE, PTH and OMM. Significant differences were found between 0 and 1/2/3 for number of factors. Results generated from Group A were validated in Group B.

The upper airway in sleep-disordered breathing: UA in SDB.

PubMed

Taranto Montemurro, L; Kasai, T

2014-02-01

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a common condition and could be a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the pathogenesis of SDB remains to be elucidated. In general, SDB is divided into two forms, obstructive and central sleep apnea (OSA and CSA, respectively). OSA results from the sleep-related collapse of the upper airway (UA) in association with multiple factors like race, gender, obesity and UA dimensions. CSA primarily results from a fall in PaCO2 to a level below the apnea threshold during sleep through the reflex inhibition of central respiratory drive. It has been reported that UA alterations (i.e., collapse or dilation) can be observed in CSA. This review highlights the roles of the UA in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of SDB.

[Modalities in the treatment of obstructive breathing in sleep].

PubMed

Vukčević, Miodrag

2011-01-01

The goals of OSAS therapy are to improve daytime symptoms especially excessive sleepiness, prevent neurocognitve, metabolic and cardiovascular consequences and quality of life in patients with sleep apnea. A variety of therapy exist starting from general measures that include weight reduction, change in life style, postional therapy, oral devices, upper airway surgery and pharmacotherapy. However, CPAP has been demonstrated to be the most important and highly effective therapy in these disorders. CPAP therapy dramatically improves symptoms and decreases cadriovascular and metabolic consequences stoping the occurence of the apneas. Hoewer, not all patients tolerate CPAP especially patients with milder forms of the disease. The individualised approach wich pay attention to different phenotypes and genotype could select patients for selecitively acting treatment modalities such us mandibular advancement devices and electical stimulation of the upper airway muscles.

Obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome in adults with Down syndrome.

PubMed

Hill, Elizabeth A

2016-12-01

Adults with Down syndrome are predisposed to obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) due to overlap between the Down syndrome phenotype and OSAHS risk factors.The prevalence of OSAHS in adults with Down syndrome is estimated at 35-42%. This is up to ten-times higher than in the general adult population.Symptoms of OSAHS, including behavioural and emotional disturbances as well as standard symptoms such as sleepiness, should be monitored as part of regular health surveillance in adults with Down syndrome.There is evidence that the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in adults with Down syndrome and comorbid OSAHS can lead to significant improvements in subjective sleepiness, behaviour and cognitive function, though further large-scale trials are required. To discuss the relationship between the phenotypic features of Down syndrome and the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS).To examine the prevalence of OSAHS in adults with Down syndrome.To review recent research into the effectiveness of treatment of OSAHS in adults with Down syndrome using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) is characterised by repeated cycles of upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to diurnal symptoms. Individuals with Down syndrome are predisposed to OSAHS due to overlap between the Down syndrome phenotype and OSAHS risk factors. Recent large studies using subjective and objective measures estimate that OSAHS affects around 40% of adults with Down syndrome, in contrast to 2-4% of the general adult population. The "double-hit" of comorbid Down syndrome and OSAHS may accelerate cognitive decline in adults with Down syndrome. However, with the appropriate care and support, OSAHS can be treated effectively in this group using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, improving daytime function and behaviour. Symptoms of OSAHS should be routinely monitored in this population, with testing and treatment available to all adults with Down syndrome; however, this is not currently commonplace, and health inequalities are evident.

Substance deposition assessment in obstructed pulmonary system through numerical characterization of airflow and inhaled particles attributes.

PubMed

Lalas, Antonios; Nousias, Stavros; Kikidis, Dimitrios; Lalos, Aris; Arvanitis, Gerasimos; Sougles, Christos; Moustakas, Konstantinos; Votis, Konstantinos; Verbanck, Sylvia; Usmani, Omar; Tzovaras, Dimitrios

2017-12-20

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are considered as the two most widespread obstructive lung diseases, whereas they affect more than 500 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, the requirement for detailed geometric models of the lungs in combination with the increased computational resources needed for the simulation of the breathing did not allow great progress to be made in the past for the better understanding of inflammatory diseases of the airways through detailed modelling approaches. In this context, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations accompanied by fluid particle tracing (FPT) analysis of the inhaled ambient particles are deemed critical for lung function assessment. Also they enable the understanding of particle depositions on the airways of patients, since these accumulations may affect or lead to inflammations. In this direction, the current study conducts an initial investigation for the better comprehension of particle deposition within the lungs. More specifically, accurate models of the airways obstructions that relate to pulmonary disease are developed and a thorough assessment of the airflow behavior together with identification of the effects of inhaled particle properties, such as size and density, is conducted. Our approach presents a first step towards an effective personalization of pulmonary treatment in regards to the geometric characteristics of the lungs and the in depth understanding of airflows within the airways. A geometry processing technique involving contraction algorithms is established and used to employ the different respiratory arrangements associated with lung related diseases that exhibit airways obstructions. Apart from the normal lung case, two categories of obstructed cases are examined, i.e. models with obstructions in both lungs and models with narrowings in the right lung only. Precise assumptions regarding airflow and deposition fraction (DF) over various sections of the lungs are drawn by simulating these distinct incidents through the finite volume method (FVM) and particularly the CFD and FPT algorithms. Moreover, a detailed parametric analysis clarifies the effects of the particles size and density in terms of regional deposition upon several parts of the pulmonary system. In this manner, the deposition pattern of various substances can be assessed. For the specific case of the unobstructed lung model most particles are detected on the right lung (48.56% of total, when the air flowrate is 12.6 L/min), a fact that is also true when obstructions arise symmetrically in both lungs (51.45% of total, when the air flowrate is 6.06 L/min and obstructions occur after the second generation). In contrast, when narrowings are developed on the right lung only, most particles are pushed on the left section (68.22% of total, when the air flowrate is 11.2 L/min) indicating that inhaled medication is generally deposited away from the areas of inflammation. This observation is useful when designing medical treatment of lung diseases. Furthermore, particles with diameters from 1 μm to 10 μm are shown to be mainly deposited on the lower airways, whereas particles with diameters of 20 μm and 30 μm are mostly accumulated in the upper airways. As a result, the current analysis indicates increased DF levels in the upper airways when the particle diameter is enlarged. Additionally, when the particles density increases from 1000 Kg/m 3 to 2000 Kg/m 3 , the DF is enhanced on every generation and for all cases investigated herein. The results obtained by our simulations provide an accurate and quantitative estimation of all important parameters involved in lung modeling. The treatment of respiratory diseases with inhaled medical substances can be advanced by the clinical use of accurate CFD and FPT simulations and specifically by evaluating the deposition of inhaled particles in a regional oriented perspective in regards to different particle sizes and particle densities. Since a drug with specific characteristics (i.e. particle size and density) exhibits maximum deposition on particular lung areas, the current study provides initial indications to a qualified physician for proper selection of medication.

Control of upper airway muscle activity in younger versus older men during sleep onset

PubMed Central

Fogel, Robert B; White, David P; Pierce, Robert J; Malhotra, Atul; Edwards, Jill K; Dunai, Judy; Kleverlaan, Darci; Trinder, John

2003-01-01

Pharyngeal dilator muscles are clearly important in the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSA). We have previously shown that the activity of both the genioglossus (GGEMG) and tensor palatini (TPEMG) are decreased at sleep onset, and that this decrement in muscle activity is greater in the apnoea patient than in healthy controls. We have also previously shown this decrement to be greater in older men when compared with younger ones. In order to explore the mechanisms responsible for this decrement in muscle activity nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was applied to reduce negative pressure mediated muscle activation. We then investigated the effect of sleep onset (transition from predominantly α to predominantly θ EEG activity) on ventilation, upper airway muscle activation and upper airway resistance (UAR) in middle-aged and younger healthy men. We found that both GGEMG and TPEMG were reduced by the application of nasal CPAP during wakefulness, but that CPAP did not alter the decrement in activity in either muscle seen in the first two breaths following an α to θ transition. However, CPAP prevented both the rise in UAR at sleep onset that occurred on the control night, and the recruitment in GGEMG seen in the third to fifth breaths following the α to θ transition. Further, GGEMG was higher in the middle-aged men than in the younger men during wakefulness and was decreased more in the middle-aged men with the application of nasal CPAP. No differences were seen in TPEMG between the two age groups. These data suggest that the initial sleep onset reduction in upper airway muscle activity is due to loss of a ‘wakefulness’ stimulus, rather than to loss of responsiveness to negative pressure. In addition, it suggests that in older men, higher wakeful muscle activity is due to an anatomically more collapsible upper airway with more negative pressure driven muscle activation. Sleep onset per se does not appear to have a greater effect on upper airway muscle activity as one ages. PMID:12963804

Problem in tracheostomy patient care: recognizing the patient with a displaced tracheostomy tube.

PubMed

Seay, S J; Gay, S L

1997-01-01

There are times when a tracheostomy tube slips out of the trachea. A displaced tracheostomy tube can occur in any patient but is frequently seen in the patient with a full neck. In the overweight patient or patient with a full neck, the tracheostomy tube must pass through a greater amount of soft tissue. Because of this, a smaller portion of the tube is actually within the lumen of the trachea. When the patient coughs excessively or moves the head, the tube can easily slip out of the trachea and into the interstitial tissues of the neck. If the patient has complete obstruction of the upper airway, a displaced tracheostomy tube will result in immediate respiratory distress and can lead to respiratory arrest. If the patient has an intact or at least a partially open upper airway, the displaced tube may not cause an immediate problem. Therefore, displacement of the tracheostomy tube may not be obvious in the patient with a partial airway.

Effect of Deviated Nasal Septum on Mean Platelet Volume: A Prospective Study.

PubMed

Poorey, Vijay Kumar; Thakur, Pooja

2014-12-01

In E.N.T clinical practice, patients with nasal obstruction due to deviated nasal septum is a common presentation. Nasal airway obstruction is a common cause of upper airway obstruction further leading to obstructive and hypoxic manifestations. Mean platelet volume (MPV) levels increase in hypoxic conditions. MPV is one of the platelet activation index which reflects the platelet production rate. Present prospective study conducted in the department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck surgery, Gandhi Medical College and Hamidia Hospital, Bhopal, on 63 patients with the clinical evidence of DNS and 63 healthy age matched subjects as control group, aimed to evaluate the relationship between MPV levels and nasal obstruction due to deviated nasal septum (DNS). The diagnosis of patients with DNS was based on anterior rhinoscopy and endoscopic nasal examination. Blood samples were collected before surgical correction. In present study, the authors found that there is preponderance of DNS in the age group of 25-45 years being the most active age group, males having the higher incidence. Majority of cases of DNS being left sided and of obstructed type. MPV were significantly higher in patients with DNS than the control group. Among the cases MPV being higher in females and in the impacted type of DNS. Present study reemphasized the concept that MPV is increased in chronic nasal obstruction due to DNS and this increase is in accordance with the severity of DNS.

[Helium-Oxigen (Heliox) mixture in airway obstruction

PubMed

Ulhôa, C A; Larner, L

2000-01-01

OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate the effectiveness and the good outcome of the patients treated with helium-oxygen (Heliox) mixture. This mixture (Heliox) has been used in patients with airway obstruction, from different ethiologies, who did not respond to a conventional treatment with oxygen. METHODS: Case report of five patients that received Heliox as treatment for airway obstruction. All of them had good results without side effects during the treatment. CONCLUSION: Heliox is a promising treatment for severe airway obstruction with good results in a short period of time, until the final treatment is established.

Difficulties in Management of a Sessile Subglottic Polyp

PubMed Central

Guggarigoudar, S.P.

2015-01-01

Benign laryngeal polyps are usually managed with micro-laryngeal surgery. Occasionally surgery becomes challenging because of size of the polyp or its location. Maintaining the anaesthesia and the airway becomes difficult either during immediate management or during excision. Upper airway obstruction still remains the major indication for tracheostomy in many centers. Nowadays Laryngeal tumour has become the main indication of tracheostomy. Conditions like infections, trauma, benign lesions and prolonged intubation were leading indications previously. Otolaryngologist has to decide a method, often on the spot. Here we are presenting such a case where emergency tracheostomy was the only choice. PMID:26816924

Lingual Haematoma due to Tenecteplase in a Patient with Acute Myocardial Infarction

PubMed Central

Bal, Muhlis; Salturk, Ziya; Ateş, Ahmet Hakan; Yağcı, Serkan; Coşkun Bal, Gökçen

2013-01-01

The use of intravenous thrombolytic agents has revolutionised the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. However, the improvement in mortality rate achieved with these drugs is tempered by the risk of serious bleeding complications, including intracranial haemorrhage. Tenecteplase is a genetically engineered mutant tissue plasminogen activator. Haemorrhagic complications of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) are well known. Compared to other tPAs, tenecteplase use leads to lower rates of bleeding complications. Here, we report a case of unusual site of spontaneous bleeding, intralingual haematoma during tenecteplase therapy following acute myocardial infarction, which caused significant upper airway obstruction and required tracheotomy to maintain the patient's airway. Clinical dilemmas related to securing the airway or reversing the effects of tissue plasminogen activator are discussed. PMID:23862086

The influential factors on the morphological changes of upper airway associated with mouth opening.

PubMed

Hu, Bin; Ye, Jingying; Yin, Guoping; Zhang, Yuhuan

2018-04-15

This study aimed to evaluate the influential factors on the morphological changes of upper airway caused by mouth opening (MO). One hundred and thirty-eight obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients were enrolled. Anthropometric and demographic data, Friedman tongue position (FTP), and tonsil scores were recorded. Overnight polysomnography and upper airway computed tomography scans under two conditions (mouth closed [MC] and MO) were acquired. Morphological parameters of upper airway were compared between MC and MO. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed with the variation ratio of upper airway parameters (Para-VRs) from MC to MO as the dependent variable, with age, gender, body mass index, neck circumference, waist circumference, four mandibular indexes, net angle or amount of MO, FTP, and tonsil scores as the independent variables. Overall analysis and subgroup analyses based on OSAHS severity revealed that the minimal cross-sectional area of oropharyngeal lumen (OXmin) significantly decreased (P < 0.05) with MO, whereas the minimal cross-sectional area of velopharyngeal lumen (VXmin) did not significantly change with MO (P > 0.05). The net angle of MO or amount of MO combined with tonsil scores were identified to have significant positive correlation with EXP (OXmin-VR), [OXmin-VR was logarithmically transformed with an exponential function, EXP(n) = e n ]; FTP appeared to be more related to EXP (VXmin-VR). Mouth opening induced a significant increase VXmin for patient subgroup with FTP grading I and a significant decrease VXmin for patient subgroup with FTP grading IV (P < 0.05). Wider MO combined with larger tonsils lead to narrower oropharyngeal airway. The relative position of tongue to soft palate is the main factor influencing the changes of velopharyngeal lumen with MO. IV. Laryngoscope, 2018. © 2018 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

A randomised titrated crossover study comparing two oral appliances in the treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome.

PubMed

Zhou, J; Liu, Y H

2012-12-01

The objective of this study was to compare the efficiency of two oral appliances in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) by the analysis of objective and subjective evaluations and measurement of upper airway parameter. A randomised crossover design trial was carried out on 16 patients with OSAHS. Two different types of oral appliances were tested in each patient, a one-piece monoblock and the SILENT NITE(®) (GlideWell Laboratories, Newport Beach, CA, USA), a two-piece appliance. Each oral appliance needed to be worn for two 3-month periods separated by a 2-week wash-out period in between. The objective and subjective efficiency and upper airway parameters associated with the oral appliances were assessed. One-way analysis of variance (anova) test was performed to compare the changes in upper airway morphology and the treatment efficiency between the appliances. The monoblock and SILENT NITE(®) (GlideWell Laboratories) appliances reduced Apnoea Hypopnoea Index (AHI) from 26·38 ± 4·13 to 7·58 ± 2·28 (P < 0·001) and 8·87 ± 2·88 (P < 0·001), respectively. The monoblock appliance was statistically more efficient in reducing AHI and Apnoea Index (AI) than the SILENT NITE(®) (GlideWell Laboratories) (P < 0·05). The scores on Epworth's Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Snoring Scale (SS) were improved significantly by both appliances. The upper airway spaces showed considerable enlargement by both mandibular advancement appliances (MAAs) (P < 0·05), while no significant differences were found between the two appliances (P > 0·05). Both MAAs showed good efficacy in the treatment for mild to moderate OSAHS. Use of the monoblock appliance should be considered when patients with OSAHS choose MAA treatment, as it was more efficient in reducing the AHI and AI compared to the two-piece appliance and was preferred by most patients. Long-term efficiency should be evaluated in future prospective studies. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Sonographic evaluation of tongue motions during upper airway stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea-a pilot study.

PubMed

Hofauer, Benedikt; Strohl, Kingman; Knopf, Andreas; Bas, Murat; Wirth, Markus; Stock, Konrad; Heiser, Clemens

2017-03-01

The objective was to evaluate the feasibility of sonographic evaluation of functional tongue motion as a tool to evaluate postoperative outcomes in human subjects using breathing-synchronized stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve-a novel therapy option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sixteen patients with OSA (n = 16, age 60.4 ± 10.2, BMI 28.7 ± 2.4, AHI 35.0 ± 11.8) underwent sonographic evaluation of tongue motion after initiation of therapy with the Inspire II Upper Airway Stimulation system. Sonographic examination was performed in four different planes (A = floor of the mouth frontal, B = base of the tongue horizontal, C = floor of the mouth parallel to mandible, and D = floor of the mouth median sagittal) in an attempt to visualize tongue surface, tongue and hyoid motion, and the distance of protrusion. Identification of the tongue surface was achieved in all cases in planes B, C, and D and 81 % of patients in plane A. Tongue motion was evident on the right (implant) side in 63 % in plane A and 75 % in plane B. Distance of protrusion was measured in plane B at 1.04 cm (±0.51), in plane C at 1.08 cm (±0.47), and in plane D at 0.96 cm (±0.45). Hyoid protrusion was measured in plane C or D and was 0.57 cm (±0.39). Significant correlations among the three planes were observed, but there was no correlation to the reduction of apnea-hypopnea index. The results indicate feasibility of sonography to identify tongue and hyoid motions during upper airway stimulation. Useful sonographic planes and landmarks, which allow visualization of dynamic effects of upper airway stimulation, could be established. The evaluation of the tongue in a horizontal (B) and in a sagittal plane (D) appears to be superior to the other investigated planes. The approximate tongue protrusion needed to generate a significant reduction of AHI and ODI was 1 cm.

A computational study of the respiratory airflow characteristics in normal and obstructed human airways.

PubMed

Sul, Bora; Wallqvist, Anders; Morris, Michael J; Reifman, Jaques; Rakesh, Vineet

2014-09-01

Obstructive lung diseases in the lower airways are a leading health concern worldwide. To improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of lower airways, we studied airflow characteristics in the lung between the 8th and the 14th generations using a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model, where we compared normal and obstructed airways for a range of breathing conditions. We employed a novel technique based on computing the Pearson׳s correlation coefficient to quantitatively characterize the differences in airflow patterns between the normal and obstructed airways. We found that the airflow patterns demonstrated clear differences between normal and diseased conditions for high expiratory flow rates (>2300ml/s), but not for inspiratory flow rates. Moreover, airflow patterns subjected to filtering demonstrated higher sensitivity than airway resistance for differentiating normal and diseased conditions. Further, we showed that wall shear stresses were not only dependent on breathing rates, but also on the distribution of the obstructed sites in the lung: for the same degree of obstruction and breathing rate, we observed as much as two-fold differences in shear stresses. In contrast to previous studies that suggest increased wall shear stress due to obstructions as a possible damage mechanism for small airways, our model demonstrated that for flow rates corresponding to heavy activities, the wall shear stress in both normal and obstructed airways was <0.3Pa, which is within the physiological limit needed to promote respiratory defense mechanisms. In summary, our model enables the study of airflow characteristics that may be impractical to assess experimentally. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Telling patients about medical negligence.

PubMed Central

Warner, E.

1983-01-01

A 7-year-old boy, diagnosed as having croup, develops an upper airway obstruction due to epiglottitis during the therapy, resulting in cerebral anoxia. Pediatricians to whom the boy is referred feel that failure to consider epiglottitis in the original diagnosis constitutes negligence. The parents suspect nothing. What should the pediatricians say or do? Images p367-a p368-a PMID:6871805

Kinesthetic stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: An "on-off" proof of concept trial.

PubMed

Hernández, Alfredo I; Pérez, Diego; Feuerstein, Delphine; Loiodice, Corinne; Graindorge, Laurence; Guerrero, Gustavo; Limousin, Nadège; Gagnadoux, Frédéric; Dauvilliers, Yves; Tamisier, Renaud; Prigent, Arnaud; Mabo, Philippe; Amblard, Amel; Senhadji, Lotfi; Pépin, Jean-Louis

2018-02-15

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the upper airway narrows or collapses due to the loss of upper airway muscle activation at sleep onset. This study investigated the effectiveness of triggered kinesthetic stimulation in patients with OSA. This proof-of-concept, open-label, multicenter prospective study was conducted on 24 patients with severe OSA. During a one night evaluation, kinesthetic stimulation was intermittently delivered in 30 minute periods. The duration of apneas and hypopneas during Stim on and Stim off periods were compared. Five hospital-based university centers in France participated. Sleep studies were evaluated by a single scorer at a core laboratory (CHU Grenoble). Results show that during the Stim on phases, statistically significant decreases in durations of apneas and hypopneas were observed in 56% and 46% of patients, respectively. Overall, 75% of patients showed an improvement in apneas or hypopneas durations. The mean reduction in durations for patients with a significant decrease was 4.86 seconds for apneas and 6.00 seconds for hypopneas. This proof of concept study is the first to identify kinesthetic stimulation as a potentially effective therapy for OSA. These data justify evaluation in a controlled study.

Sleep disruption in chronic rhinosinusitis.

PubMed

Mahdavinia, Mahboobeh; Schleimer, Robert P; Keshavarzian, Ali

2017-05-01

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease of the upper airways and paranasal sinuses with a marked decline in quality of life (QOL). CRS patients suffer from sleep disruption at a significantly higher proportion (60 to 75%) than in the general population (8-18 %). Sleep disruption in CRS causes decreased QOL and is linked to poor functional outcomes such as impaired cognitive function and depression. Areas covered: A systematic PubMed/Medline search was done to assess the results of studies that have investigated sleep and sleep disturbances in CRS. Expert commentary: These studies reported sleep disruption in most CRS patients. The main risk factors for sleep disruption in CRS include allergic rhinitis, smoking, and high SNOT-22 total scores. The literature is inconsistent with regard to the prevalence of sleep-related disordered breathing (e.g. obstructive sleep apnea) in CRS patients. Although nasal obstruction is linked to sleep disruption, the extent of sleep disruption in CRS seems to expand beyond that expected from physical blockage of the upper airways alone. Despite the high prevalence of sleep disruption in CRS, and its detrimental effects on QOL, the literature contains a paucity of studies that have investigated the mechanisms underlying this major problem in CRS.

Response of genioglossus muscle to increasing chemical drive in sleeping obstructive apnea patients.

PubMed

Loewen, Andrea H S; Ostrowski, Michele; Laprairie, John; Maturino, Frances; Hanly, Patrick J; Younes, Magdy

2011-08-01

Subjects with a collapsible upper airway must activate their pharyngeal dilators sufficiently in response to increasing chemical drive if they are to maintain airway patency without arousal from sleep. Little is known about the response of pharyngeal dilators to increasing chemical drive in these subjects. We wished to determine, in obstructive apnea patients, the response of the genioglossus to increasing chemical drive and the contribution of mechanoreceptor feedback to this response. Physiological study. University-based sleep laboratory. 20 patients with obstructive apnea. Genioglossus activity was monitored during overnight polysomnography on optimal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Intermittently, inspired gases were altered to produce different levels of ventilatory stimulation. CPAP was then briefly reduced to 1.0 cm H(2)O (dial-down), inducing an obstruction. Without mechanoreceptor feedback (i.e., on CPAP) the increase in genioglossus activity as ventilation increased from 6.1 ± 1.4 to 16.1 ± 4.8 L/min was modest (ΔTonic activity 0.3% ± 0.5%maximum; ΔPhasic activity 1.7% ± 3.4%maximum). Genioglossus activity increased immediately upon dial-down, reflecting mechanoreceptor feedback, but only when ventilation before dial-down exceeded a threshold value. This threshold varied among patients and, once surpassed, genioglossus activity increased briskly with further increases in chemical drive (1.1% ± 0.84%GG(MAX) per L/min increase in V(E)). In sleeping obstructive apnea patients: (1) Mechanoreceptor feedback is responsible for most of the genioglossus response to chemical drive. (2) Mechanoreceptor feedback is effective only above a threshold chemical drive, which varies greatly among patients. These findings account in part for the highly variable relation between pharyngeal mechanical abnormalities and apnea severity.

Mass loading of the upper airway extraluminal tissue space in rabbits: effects on tissue pressure and pharyngeal airway lumen geometry.

PubMed

Kairaitis, Kristina; Howitt, Lauren; Wheatley, John R; Amis, Terence C

2009-03-01

Lateral pharyngeal fat pad compression of the upper airway (UA) wall is thought to influence UA size in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. We examined interactions between acute mass/volume loading of the UA extra-luminal tissue space and UA patency. We studied 12 supine, anesthetized, spontaneously breathing, head position-controlled (50 degrees ), New Zealand White rabbits. Submucosal extraluminal tissue pressures (ETP) in the anterolateral (ETPlat) and anterior (ETPant) pharyngeal wall were monitored with surgically inserted pressure transducer-tipped catheters (Millar). Tracheal pressure (Ptr) and airflow (V) were measured via a pneumotachograph and pressure transducer inserted in series into the intact trachea, with hypopharyngeal cross-sectional area (CSA) measured via computed tomography, while graded saline inflation (0-1.5ml) of a compliant tissue expander balloon in the anterolateral subcutaneous tissue was performed. Inspiratory UA resistance (Rua) at 20 ml/s was calculated from a power function fitted to Ptr vs. V data. Graded expansion of the anterolateral balloon increased ETPlat from 2.3 +/- 0.5 cmH(2)O (n = 11, mean +/- SEM) to 5.0 +/- 1.1 cmH(2)O at 1.5-ml inflation (P < 0.05; ANOVA). However, ETPant was unchanged from 0.5 +/- 0.5 cmH(2)O (n = 9; P = 0.17). Concurrently, Rua increased to 119 +/- 4.2% of baseline value (n = 12; P < 0.001) associated with a significant reduction in CSA between 10 and 70% of airway length to a minimum of 82.2 +/- 4.4% of baseline CSA at 40% of airway length (P < 0.05). We conclude that anterolateral loading of the upper airway extraluminal tissue space decreases upper airway patency via an increase in ETPlat, but not ETPant. Lateral pharyngeal fat pad size may influence UA patency via increased tissue volume and pressure causing UA wall compression.

Life threatening angioedema in a patient on ACE inhibitor (ACEI) confined to the upper airway

PubMed Central

Tharayil, Abdulgafoor Muslim; Chanda, Arshad Hussain; Shiekh, Hakim Ahmad; Elkhatib, Mohamed Saad; Nayeemuddin, Mohammed; Alshamandy, Abdelhafiz Ali Ahmed

2014-01-01

Introduction: ACE inhibitors accounts for 8% of all cases of angioneurotic edema and the overall incidence is 0.1 to 0.7% of patients on ACE inhibitors. It is a leading cause (20-40%) of emergency room visits in the US with angioedema. We report a case of angioedema caused by ACE inhibitors confined to the upper airway after four years on treatment with Lisinopril which persisted for three weeks and required endotracheal intubation and subsequent tracheostomy due to delayed resolution. This case is one of the rare cases presented as upper airway edema which persisted for a long time. Presentation: A 60-year-old Sudanese male patient with osteoarthritis in both knees underwent bilateral total knee replacement under single-shot epidural anesthesia. He had significant past medical history of type II diabetes, bipolar affective disorder and hypertension managed with Lisinopril for the past four years. Postoperatively after 10 hours the patient desaturated and developed airway obstruction requiring intubation. Laryngoscopy revealed an edematous tongue and upper airway and vocal cords were not visualized. In view of this clinical picture a provisional diagnosis of angioedema secondary to Lisinopril was made and it was discontinued. CT scan of the neck and soft tissues revealed severe airway edema with snugly fitting endotracheal tube with no peritubal air. A repeat CT neck on the tenth postoperative day showed no signs of resolution and an elective tracheostomy was performed on the eleventh postoperative day. C1 inhibitor protein and C4 levels were assayed to exclude hereditary angioedema and were found to be within normal range. Decannulation of tracheostomy was done after airway edema resolved on the twenty-fourth postoperative day as confirmed by CT scan. Subsequently he was transferred to the ward and discharged home. Conclusion: ACEI induced angioedema is a well-recognized condition. Early diagnosis based on a high index of suspicion, immediate withdrawal of the offending drug followed by supportive therapy is the cornerstone of management. PMID:25745598

Within-breath respiratory impedance and airway obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Silva, Karla Kristine Dames da; Faria, Alvaro Camilo Dias; Lopes, Agnaldo José; Melo, Pedro Lopes de

2015-07-01

Recent work has suggested that within-breath respiratory impedance measurements performed using the forced oscillation technique may help to noninvasively evaluate respiratory mechanics. We investigated the influence of airway obstruction on the within-breath forced oscillation technique in smokers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and evaluated the contribution of this analysis to the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Twenty healthy individuals and 20 smokers were assessed. The study also included 74 patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We evaluated the mean respiratory impedance (Zm) as well as values for the inspiration (Zi) and expiration cycles (Ze) at the beginning of inspiration (Zbi) and expiration (Zbe), respectively. The peak-to-peak impedance (Zpp=Zbe-Zbi) and the respiratory cycle dependence (ΔZrs=Ze-Zi) were also analyzed. The diagnostic utility was evaluated by investigating the sensitivity, the specificity and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01888705. Airway obstruction increased the within-breath respiratory impedance parameters that were significantly correlated with the spirometric indices of airway obstruction (R=-0.65, p<0.0001). In contrast to the control subjects and the smokers, the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients presented significant expiratory-inspiratory differences (p<0.002). The adverse effects of moderate airway obstruction were detected based on the Zpp with an accuracy of 83%. Additionally, abnormal effects in severe and very severe patients were detected based on the Zm, Zi, Ze, Zbe, Zpp and ΔZrs with a high degree of accuracy (>90%). We conclude the following: (1) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease introduces higher respiratory cycle dependence, (2) this increase is proportional to airway obstruction, and (3) the within-breath forced oscillation technique may provide novel parameters that facilitate the diagnosis of respiratory abnormalities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

[Recurrent upper respiratory tract obstruction in children].

PubMed

Sacre Hazouri, J A

1999-01-01

The systematic approach of the pediatric patient with recurrent upper airway obstruction (RUAO) must be based on a through clinical history, physical examination, and the adequate use of the laboratory and diagnostic procedures, which must complement the correct identification of the causes of UAO and its interrelation with comorbid conditions as allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis and adenoiditis, with or without significant hypertrophy. this work, is to propose the study protocol of the patient with recurrent upper airway obstruction used in our own Instituto Privado de Alergia, Inmunología y Vías Respiratorias. We studied in a prospective fashion, a cohort of 117 pediatric patients, 12 years old and under, with clinical complaints of RUAO. 2/3 of these patients had a suggestive cytology pattern of nasal allergy and infection at the same time, following the method proposed by Dr. Alfredo Jalowayski from UC San Diego. The use of conventional radiology (lateral neck x ray) in the diagnosis of hypertrophy/hyperplasia of adenoidal tissue is useful and give us an orientation regarding the adenoidal size in 75% of the patients; nevertheless, it should not be considered as the most sensible diagnostic procedure to decide the best therapeutic option. If this study shows a decrease in diameter of the airway between the hard palate and the adenoidal shadow of 20% or more, we should proceeded with a flexible rhinopharyngoscopy to evaluate not only the real size of the adenoidal tissue, its mucosal appearance and its relation within the posterior pharynx with the Eustaquian tube (oto-pharyngeal tube-OPT). The endoscopic procedure is easy to perform, even in small children and showed us that almost half of the patients with abnormal lateral X-ray, have at least some degree of OFT obstruction. Aside from these results, the nasopharyngoscope give us useful information about comorbid and or existing conditions such as allergic rhintis, nasal polyposis, status of the osteomeatal complex, presence of bullae, anatomic variations, septal deviations and status of the olfactory epithelium. The use and feasibility to perform the nasal cytology test using the rhinoprobe technique, allow us to know the predominant cellular pattern of the nasal mucous, differentiate the allergic or non allergic rhintis, eosinophilic, basophilic, infectious or non infectious process.

Obstructive sleep apnea in Down syndrome: Benefits of surgery and noninvasive respiratory support.

PubMed

Dudoignon, Benjamin; Amaddeo, Alessandro; Frapin, Annick; Thierry, Briac; de Sanctis, Livio; Arroyo, Jorge Olmo; Khirani, Sonia; Fauroux, Brigitte

2017-08-01

Children with Down syndrome are at increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of the study was to describe the management of OSA in a large cohort of children with Down syndrome. A retrospective analysis of sleep studies and consequent management was performed for all consecutive Down syndrome patients evaluated between September 2013 and April 2016. The data of 57 patients were analyzed: 51/53 had an interpretable overnight polygraphy and 4 the recording of nocturnal gas exchange. Mean age at baseline sleep study was 6.2 ± 5.9 years. Eighteen patients (32%) had prior upper airway surgery. Mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 14 ± 16 events/hr with 41 of the 51 (80%) patients having OSA with an AHI >1 event/hr and 20 patients (39%) having an AHI ≥10 events/hr. Consequently, eight patients (14%) had upper airway surgery. OSA improved in all patients except two who needed noninvasive respiratory support. Nineteen (33%) patients required noninvasive respiratory support. Mean age at noninvasive respiratory support initiation was 7 ± 7 years. On 11 patients with objective adherence data available, mean compliance at 2 ± 1 years of treatment was excellent with an average use per night of 8 hr46 ± 3 hr59 and 9 patients using the noninvasive respiratory support >4 hr/night. Noninvasive respiratory support was associated with an improvement of nocturnal gas exchange. The prevalence of OSA is high in Down syndrome. Upper airway surgery is not always able to correct OSA. Noninvasive respiratory support represents then an effective treatment for OSA and good compliance may be achieved in a majority of patients. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Dental arch dimensional changes after adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy in children with airway obstruction: A meta-analysis and systematic review under PRISMA guidelines.

PubMed

Zhu, Yanfei; Li, Jiaying; Tang, Yanmei; Wang, Xiaoling; Xue, Xiaochen; Sun, Huijun; Nie, Ping; Qu, Xinhua; Zhu, Min

2016-09-01

Children with severe airway obstruction tend to have a vertical direction of growth, class II malocclusion, and narrow arches. Adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy were recommended for the promotion of balanced dentition growth in these children.The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy on the growth of dental morphology in children with airway obstruction. A comprehensive search of the Medline, Embase, Web of science, and OVID databases for studies published through to January 17, 2016 was conducted. Prospective, comparative, clinical studies assessing the efficacy of adenoidectomy, or tonsillectomy in children with airway obstruction were included. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for continuous variables. Forest plots were drawn to demonstrate effects in the meta-analyses. Eight papers were included in our study. We found that adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy led to a significant change in nasal-breathing in children with airway obstruction. Children with airway obstruction had a significantly narrower posterior maxillary dental arch than children without airway obstruction (WMD = -0.94, 95% CI [-1.13, -0.76]; P < 0.001). After surgery, these children still had a significantly narrower dental arch than the nasal-breathing children (WMD = -0.60, 95% CI [-0.79, -0.42]; P < 0.001). In terms of dental arch width, malocclusion, palatal height, overjet, overbite, dental arch perimeter, and arch length, a tendency toward normalization was evident following adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy, with no significant differences evident between the surgical group and the normal group. The small number of studies and lack of randomized controlled trials were the main limitations of this meta-analysis. Following adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy, the malocclusion and narrow arch width of children with airway obstruction could not be completely reversed. Therefore, other treatments such as functional training or orthodontic maxillary widening should be considered after removing the obstruction in the airway.

Comparison of Efficacy and Tolerance of Automatic Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Devices With the Optimum Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.

PubMed

Tommi, George; Aronow, Wilbert S; Sheehan, John C; McCleay, Matthew T; Meyers, Patrick G

Patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were randomly placed on automatic continuous positive airway pressure (ACPAP) for 2 hours followed by manual titration for the rest of the night. One hundred sixty-one patients entered the study, with at least 50 patients titrated with each of 3 ACPAP devices. The optimum continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was defined as the lowest pressure with an apnea-hypoxia index of ≤5/hr, which ranged from 4 cm to 18 cm. Success with ACPAP was approximately 60%-80% when the optimum CPAP was 4-6 cm but fell to below 30% if the optimum CPAP was ≥8 cm (P = 0.001). Average ACPAP ranged from 2 to 10 cm below the optimum level if the optimum CPAP was ≥8 cm. Patients who responded to a low CPAP but deteriorated on higher pressures failed to respond to any of the automatic devices. We recommend that CPAP titration be performed manually before initiation of ACPAP in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The basal pressure for ACPAP should be the optimum pressure obtained by manual titration. Limits on the upper level of ACPAP may be necessary for patients who deteriorate on higher positive pressures.

The Contribution of Small Airway Obstruction to the Pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

PubMed

Hogg, James C; Paré, Peter D; Hackett, Tillie-Louise

2017-04-01

The hypothesis that the small conducting airways were the major site of obstruction to airflow in normal lungs was introduced by Rohrer in 1915 and prevailed until Weibel introduced a quantitative method of studying lung anatomy in 1963. Green repeated Rohrer's calculations using Weibels new data in 1965 and found that the smaller conducting airways offered very little resistance to airflow. This conflict was resolved by seminal experiments conducted by Macklem and Mead in 1967, which confirmed that a small proportion of the total lower airways resistance is attributable to small airways <2 mm in diameter. Shortly thereafter, Hogg, Macklem, and Thurlbeck used this technique to show that small airways become the major site of obstruction in lungs affected by emphysema. These and other observations led Mead to write a seminal editorial in 1970 that postulated the small airways are a silent zone within normal lungs where disease can accumulate over many years without being noticed. This review provides a progress report since the 1970s on methods for detecting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the structural nature of small airways' disease, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are thought to underlie its pathogenesis. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

A Novel Approach to Brachycephalic Syndrome. 1. Evaluation of Anatomical Intranasal Airway Obstruction.

PubMed

Oechtering, Gerhard U; Pohl, Sabine; Schlueter, Claudia; Lippert, Johanna P; Alef, Michaele; Kiefer, Ingmar; Ludewig, Eberhard; Schuenemann, Riccarda

2016-02-01

To evaluate airway obstruction due to abnormal intranasal anatomy in 3 brachycephalic dog breeds using computed tomography and rhinoscopy. Prospective clinical study. A total of 132 brachycephalic dogs (66 Pugs, 55 French Bulldogs, and 11 English Bulldogs) with severe respiratory distress due to brachycephalic syndrome. Computed tomography and anterior and posterior rhinoscopy were performed to evaluate endonasal obstruction. All dogs had abnormal conchal growth that obstructed the intranasal airways. Rostral aberrant turbinates (RAT) were common in Pugs (90.9%) but less frequent in French (56.4%) and English (36.4%) Bulldogs. Caudal aberrant turbinates (CAT) obstructing the nasopharyngeal meatus were commonly found in all breeds (66.7%). Deviation of the nasal septum was an almost consistent finding in Pugs (98.5%) but was less common in bulldogs. Obstructing turbinates had multiple points of mucosal contact responsible for obstruction of the intranasal airway. Interconchal and intraconchal mucosal contacts were evident in 91.7% of dogs. Selective breeding for short head conformation reduces the size of the nasal cavities to such an extent that intranasal structures grow aberrantly and malformed, leading to obstructed air conducting spaces. Intranasal airway obstruction of brachycephalic dogs may contribute to their exercise and heat intolerance because of impaired pulmonary ventilation and compromised thermoregulatory functions of the canine nose. Failure to address intranasal obstruction might be an explanation for lack of therapeutic success after conventional surgery for brachycephalic syndrome. Future consideration should be given to the diagnosis, management, and treatment of this newly described aspect of airway obstruction. © Copyright 2016 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Air trapping and airflow obstruction in newborn cystic fibrosis piglets.

PubMed

Adam, Ryan J; Michalski, Andrew S; Bauer, Christian; Abou Alaiwa, Mahmoud H; Gross, Thomas J; Awadalla, Maged S; Bouzek, Drake C; Gansemer, Nicholas D; Taft, Peter J; Hoegger, Mark J; Diwakar, Amit; Ochs, Matthias; Reinhardt, Joseph M; Hoffman, Eric A; Beichel, Reinhard R; Meyerholz, David K; Stoltz, David A

2013-12-15

Air trapping and airflow obstruction are being increasingly identified in infants with cystic fibrosis. These findings are commonly attributed to airway infection, inflammation, and mucus buildup. To learn if air trapping and airflow obstruction are present before the onset of airway infection and inflammation in cystic fibrosis. On the day they are born, piglets with cystic fibrosis lack airway infection and inflammation. Therefore, we used newborn wild-type piglets and piglets with cystic fibrosis to assess air trapping, airway size, and lung volume with inspiratory and expiratory X-ray computed tomography scans. Micro-computed tomography scanning was used to assess more distal airway sizes. Airway resistance was determined with a mechanical ventilator. Mean linear intercept and alveolar surface area were determined using stereologic methods. On the day they were born, piglets with cystic fibrosis exhibited air trapping more frequently than wild-type piglets (75% vs. 12.5%, respectively). Moreover, newborn piglets with cystic fibrosis had increased airway resistance that was accompanied by luminal size reduction in the trachea, mainstem bronchi, and proximal airways. In contrast, mean linear intercept length, alveolar surface area, and lung volume were similar between both genotypes. The presence of air trapping, airflow obstruction, and airway size reduction in newborn piglets with cystic fibrosis before the onset of airway infection, inflammation, and mucus accumulation indicates that cystic fibrosis impacts airway development. Our findings suggest that early airflow obstruction and air trapping in infants with cystic fibrosis might, in part, be caused by congenital airway abnormalities.

Computational fluid dynamics endpoints to characterize obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children

PubMed Central

Luo, Haiyan; Persak, Steven C.; Sin, Sanghun; McDonough, Joseph M.; Isasi, Carmen R.; Arens, Raanan

2013-01-01

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis may quantify the severity of anatomical airway restriction in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) better than anatomical measurements alone. However, optimal CFD model endpoints to characterize or assess OSAS have not been determined. To model upper airway fluid dynamics using CFD and investigate the strength of correlation between various CFD endpoints, anatomical endpoints, and OSAS severity, in obese children with OSAS and controls. CFD models derived from magnetic resonance images were solved at subject-specific peak tidal inspiratory flow; pressure at the choanae was set by nasal resistance. Model endpoints included airway wall minimum pressure (Pmin), flow resistance in the pharynx (Rpharynx), and pressure drop from choanae to a minimum cross section where tonsils and adenoids constrict the pharynx (dPTAmax). Significance of endpoints was analyzed using paired comparisons (t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test) and Spearman correlation. Fifteen subject pairs were analyzed. Rpharynx and dPTAmax were higher in OSAS than control and most significantly correlated to obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (oAHI), r = 0.48 and r = 0.49, respectively (P < 0.01). Airway minimum cross-sectional correlation to oAHI was weaker (r = −0.39); Pmin was not significantly correlated. CFD model endpoints based on pressure drops in the pharynx were more closely associated with the presence and severity of OSAS than pressures including nasal resistance, or anatomical endpoints. This study supports the usefulness of CFD to characterize anatomical restriction of the pharynx and as an additional tool to evaluate subjects with OSAS. PMID:24265282

Adjustable tongue advancement for obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study.

PubMed

Hamans, Evert; Boudewyns, An; Stuck, Boris A; Baisch, Alexander; Willemen, Marc; Verbraecken, Johan; Van de Heyning, Paul

2008-11-01

Surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) caused by hypopharyngeal collapse of the upper airway can be considered in patients who are intolerant to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The present procedures addressing the hypopharynx are invasive and have substantial morbidity and limited efficacy. Ten patients (mean age, 44 years) with moderate to severe OSA, ie, an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) between 15 and 50, with CPAP intolerance were included in a prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter study to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a novel tongue advancement procedure. The procedure consists of the implantation of a tissue anchor in the tongue base and an adjustment spool at the mandible. Titration of this tissue anchor results in advancement of the tongue and a patent upper airway. The mean AHI decreased from 22.8 at baseline to 11.8 at the 6-month follow-up (p = 0.007). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale score decreased from 11.4 at baseline to 7.7 at the 6-month follow-up (p = 0.094), and the snoring score decreased from 7.5 at baseline to 3.9 at the 6-month follow-up (p = 0.005). Four technical adverse events were noted, and 1 clinical adverse event occurred. Adjustable tongue advancement is a feasible and relatively safe way to reduce the AHI and snoring in selected patients with moderate to severe OSA and CPAP intolerance. Technical improvements and refinements to the procedure are ongoing.

Endotracheal intubation - A life saving procedure, still potential hazardous to upper airway: A case report.

PubMed

Afreen, Mahrukh; Ansari, Murtaza Ahsan

2015-12-01

Endotracheal intubation plays a key role in the management of upper airway obstruction in emergency situations. It is non-invasive and easily learned technique by medical professionals as compared to other more skilled, surgical procedures, e.g., tracheostomy and cricothyrotomies etc. But prolonged intubation may result in numerous complications, most notorious being tracheoesophageal fistula and narrowing of subglottic area. We report a profile of a patient who had been diagnosed as case of Guillian-Barre Syndrome, had difficulty in breathing due to paralysis of respiratory muscles. The patient was admitted in Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) for 40 days and was kept on artificial breathing through endotracheal intubation, which remained in place for 19 days. Later tracheostomy was performed. Patient ultimately developed severe subglottic stenosis and became dependent on tracheostomy tube.

Airway mucus, inflammation and remodeling: emerging links in the pathogenesis of chronic lung diseases.

PubMed

Zhou-Suckow, Zhe; Duerr, Julia; Hagner, Matthias; Agrawal, Raman; Mall, Marcus A

2017-03-01

Airway mucus obstruction is a hallmark of many chronic lung diseases including rare genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and primary ciliary dyskinesia, as well as common lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which have emerged as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, the role of excess airway mucus in the in vivo pathogenesis of these diseases remains poorly understood. The generation of mice with airway-specific overexpression of epithelial Na + channels (ENaC), exhibiting airway surface dehydration (mucus hyperconcentration), impaired mucociliary clearance (MCC) and mucus plugging, led to a model of muco-obstructive lung disease that shares key features of CF and COPD. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the understanding of causes of impaired MCC and in vivo consequences of airway mucus obstruction that can be inferred from studies in βENaC-overexpressing mice. These studies confirm that mucus hyperconcentration on airway surfaces plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of impaired MCC, mucus adhesion and airway plugging that cause airflow obstruction and provide a nidus for bacterial infection. In addition, these studies support the emerging concept that excess airway mucus per se, probably via several mechanisms including hypoxic epithelial necrosis, retention of inhaled irritants or allergens, and potential immunomodulatory effects, is a potent trigger of chronic airway inflammation and associated lung damage, even in the absence of bacterial infection. Finally, these studies suggest that improvement of mucus clearance may be a promising therapeutic strategy for a spectrum of muco-obstructive lung diseases.

A mechanism for upper airway stability during slow wave sleep.

PubMed

McSharry, David G; Saboisky, Julian P; Deyoung, Pam; Matteis, Paul; Jordan, Amy S; Trinder, John; Smales, Erik; Hess, Lauren; Guo, Mengshuang; Malhotra, Atul

2013-04-01

The severity of obstructive sleep apnea is diminished (sometimes markedly) during slow wave sleep (SWS). We sought to understand why SWS stabilizes the upper airway. Increased single motor unit (SMU) activity of the major upper airway dilating muscle (genioglossus) should improve upper airway stability. Therefore, we hypothesized that genioglossus SMUs would increase their activity during SWS in comparison with Stage N2 sleep. The activity of genioglossus SMUs was studied on both sides of the transition between Stage N2 sleep and SWS. Sleep laboratory. Twenty-nine subjects (age 38 ± 13 yr, 17 males) were studied. SWS. Subjects slept overnight with fine-wire electrodes in their genioglossus muscles and with full polysomnographic and end tidal carbon dioxide monitors. Fifteen inspiratory phasic (IP) and 11 inspiratory tonic (IT) units were identified from seven subjects and these units exhibited significantly increased inspiratory discharge frequencies during SWS compared with Stage N2 sleep. The peak discharge frequency of the inspiratory units (IP and IT) was 22.7 ± 4.1 Hz in SWS versus 20.3 ± 4.5 Hz in Stage N2 (P < 0.001). The IP units also fired for a longer duration (expressed as a percentage of inspiratory time) during SWS (104.6 ± 39.5 %TI) versus Stage N2 sleep (82.6 ± 39.5 %TI, P < 0.001). The IT units fired faster during expiration in SWS (14.2 ± 1.8 Hz) versus Stage N2 sleep (12.6 ± 3.1 Hz, P = 0.035). There was minimal recruitment or derecruitment of units between SWS and Stage N2 sleep. Increased genioglossus SMU activity likely makes the airway more stable and resistant to collapse throughout the respiratory cycle during SWS.

Timing Matters: Circadian Rhythm in Sepsis, Obstructive Lung Disease, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Cancer.

PubMed

Truong, Kimberly K; Lam, Michael T; Grandner, Michael A; Sassoon, Catherine S; Malhotra, Atul

2016-07-01

Physiological and cellular functions operate in a 24-hour cyclical pattern orchestrated by an endogenous process known as the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms represent intrinsic oscillations of biological functions that allow for adaptation to cyclic environmental changes. Key clock genes that affect the persistence and periodicity of circadian rhythms include BMAL1/CLOCK, Period 1, Period 2, and Cryptochrome. Remarkable progress has been made in our understanding of circadian rhythms and their role in common medical conditions. A critical review of the literature supports the association between circadian misalignment and adverse health consequences in sepsis, obstructive lung disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and malignancy. Circadian misalignment plays an important role in these disease processes and can affect disease severity, treatment response, and survivorship. Normal inflammatory response to acute infections, airway resistance, upper airway collapsibility, and mitosis regulation follows a robust circadian pattern. Disruption of normal circadian rhythm at the molecular level affects severity of inflammation in sepsis, contributes to inflammatory responses in obstructive lung diseases, affects apnea length in obstructive sleep apnea, and increases risk for cancer. Chronotherapy is an underused practice of delivering therapy at optimal times to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity. This approach has been shown to be advantageous in asthma and cancer management. In asthma, appropriate timing of medication administration improves treatment effectiveness. Properly timed chemotherapy may reduce treatment toxicities and maximize efficacy. Future research should focus on circadian rhythm disorders, role of circadian rhythm in other diseases, and modalities to restore and prevent circadian disruption.

[Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome among holders of a category B driver's license and among professionals in the Province of Pesaro-Urbino (Italy)].

PubMed

Vittoria, Emanuela; Sisti, Davide; Pascucci, Paolo; Carlotti, Eugenio; Cappelli, Giorgio; Grossi, Paola

2017-01-01

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a sleeping disorder caused by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airways during sleep. During 2013, a pilot project was performed in the Marche region (Italy), co-jointly by the University "Politecnica delle Marche" and the Italian National Institute of Work Accident Insurance (INAIL), among holders of a category "B" driver's licence and among professionals undergoing screening at an Occupational Medicine Service covering the Province of Pesaro-Urbino (Italy). Nineteen percent of 553 subjects undergoing a screening examination were found to be affected by OSAS. The data collected is of great interest in the phase of implementation of new national laws.

Declining vision: saved by a tracheostomy.

PubMed

Hett, Kirsty L; Chutter, Lily J; Hassan, Mohamed; Okosieme, Onyebuchi E

2013-10-07

A 37-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a history of headaches, blurred vision and declining visual acuity. She had a history of obstructive sleep apnoea associated with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare congenital disorder characterised by craniofacial deformities and obstruction of the upper airways. On funduscopy we noted bilateral papilloedema and retinal haemorrhages. A CT scan of the brain excluded a space occupying lesion and contrast-enhanced CT did not show evidence of venous sinus thrombosis. The cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure on lumbar puncture was normal. We made a diagnosis of visual loss and papilloedema secondary to chronic CO2 retention from obstructive sleep apnoea. Her vision and headaches improved remarkably following a permanent tracheostomy. This case highlights the association between obstructive sleep apnoea and papilloedema and shows that the associated visual loss can ultimately be restored with a tracheostomy.

Nasal versus oronasal continuous positive airway pressure masks for obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot investigation of pressure requirement, residual disease, and leak.

PubMed

Bakker, Jessie P; Neill, Alister M; Campbell, Angela J

2012-09-01

This single-blinded, randomized, controlled pilot study aimed to investigate whether there is a difference between nasal and oronasal masks in therapeutic continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) requirement, residual disease, or leak when treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and if differences were related to measures of upper airway size. Patients with severe OSA currently using CPAP at ≥4 h/night with a nasal mask were examined (including Mallampati scale, incisal relationship, and mandibular protrusion) and then randomized to receive auto-positive airway pressure (PAP) or fixed CPAP at a manually titrated pressure for 1 week each at home, with immediate crossover. Within each week, a nasal mask and two oronasal masks were to be used for two or three nights each in random order. Data were downloaded from the device. Twelve patients completed the trial (mean ± SD AHI 59.8 ± 28.6 events/h; CPAP 11.1 ± 3.2 cmH(2)O; BMI 37.7 ± 5.0 kg/m(2)). During auto-PAP, the median 95th percentile pressure delivered with all masks was within 0.5 cmH(2)O (p > 0.05). During CPAP, median residual AHI was 0.61 (IQR = 1.18) for the nasal mask, 1.70 (IQR = 4.04) for oronasal mask 1, and 2.48 (IQR = 3.74) for oronasal mask 2 (p = 0.03). The 95th percentile leak was lowest with the nasal mask during both CPAP and auto-PAP (both p < 0.01). Differences in pressure or residual disease were not related to measures of upper airway shape or body habitus. In obese OSA patients changing from a nasal to oronasal mask increased leak and residual AHI but did not affect the therapeutic pressure requirement. The findings of the current study highlight mask leak as the major difficulty in the use of oronasal masks.

Bilateral Cricoarytenoid Arthritis: A Cause of Recurrent Upper Airway Obstruction in Rheumatoid Arthritis

PubMed Central

Pradhan, Pradeep; Bhardwaj, Abhishek; Venkatachalam, VP

2016-01-01

We report a case of bilateral cricoarytenoid joint arthritis with history of rheumatoid arthritis, presented with stridor to the outpatient department. Endolaryngoscopy revealed adducted vocal cords and a nodule over left arytenoid which later confirmed to be rheumatoid nodule on histopathologic examination. Initially, although patient responded well to medical treatment, recurrence was noticed after 6 months follow-up. PMID:27418875

Notch3-Jagged signaling controls the pool of undifferentiated airway progenitors

PubMed Central

Mori, Munemasa; Mahoney, John E.; Stupnikov, Maria R.; Paez-Cortez, Jesus R.; Szymaniak, Aleksander D.; Varelas, Xaralabos; Herrick, Dan B.; Schwob, James; Zhang, Hong; Cardoso, Wellington V.

2015-01-01

Basal cells are multipotent airway progenitors that generate distinct epithelial cell phenotypes crucial for homeostasis and repair of the conducting airways. Little is known about how these progenitor cells expand and transition to differentiation to form the pseudostratified airway epithelium in the developing and adult lung. Here, we show by genetic and pharmacological approaches that endogenous activation of Notch3 signaling selectively controls the pool of undifferentiated progenitors of upper airways available for differentiation. This mechanism depends on the availability of Jag1 and Jag2, and is key to generating a population of parabasal cells that later activates Notch1 and Notch2 for secretory-multiciliated cell fate selection. Disruption of this mechanism resulted in aberrant expansion of basal cells and altered pseudostratification. Analysis of human lungs showing similar abnormalities and decreased NOTCH3 expression in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease suggests an involvement of NOTCH3-dependent events in the pathogenesis of this condition. PMID:25564622

Fatal Airway Obstruction in a Man With a Cystic Hygroma.

PubMed

Wygant, Cassandra Maria; Cohle, Stephen D

2018-05-03

We describe a 24-year-old man with a cystic hygroma of the left side of the lower neck that led to sudden death. Cystic hygroma (cystic lymphangioma) is a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system. The patient, who had a tracheostomy because of airway obstruction from the cystic hygroma, was found dead with his tracheostomy tube on the floor next to him. Complications of cystic hygroma include infiltration of the neck causing airway obstruction, dysphagia, pain, and obstructive sleep apnea.

Crisis management during anaesthesia: obstruction of the natural airway.

PubMed

Visvanathan, T; Kluger, M T; Webb, R K; Westhorpe, R N

2005-06-01

Obstruction of the natural airway, while usually easily recognised and managed, may present simply as desaturation, have an unexpected cause, be very difficult to manage, and have serious consequences for the patient. To examine the role of a previously described core algorithm "COVER ABCD-A SWIFT CHECK", supplemented by a specific sub-algorithm for obstruction of the natural airway, in the management of acute airway obstruction occurring in association with anaesthesia. The potential performance for this structured approach for each of the relevant incidents among the first 4000 reported to the Australian Incident Monitoring Study (AIMS) was compared with the actual management as reported by the anaesthetists involved. There were 62 relevant incidents among the first 4000 reports to the AIMS. It was considered that the correct use of the structured approach would have led to earlier recognition of the problem and/or better management in 11% of cases. Airway management is a fundamental anaesthetic responsibility and skill. Airway obstruction demands a rapid and organised approach to its diagnosis and management and undue delay usually results in desaturation and a potential threat to life. An uncomplicated pre-learned sequence of airway rescue instructions is an essential part of every anaesthetist's clinical practice requirements.

RSV-encoded NS2 promotes epithelial cell shedding and distal airway obstruction

PubMed Central

Liesman, Rachael M.; Buchholz, Ursula J.; Luongo, Cindy L.; Yang, Lijuan; Proia, Alan D.; DeVincenzo, John P.; Collins, Peter L.; Pickles, Raymond J.

2014-01-01

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the major cause of bronchiolitis in young children. The factors that contribute to the increased propensity of RSV-induced distal airway disease compared with other commonly encountered respiratory viruses remain unclear. Here, we identified the RSV-encoded nonstructural 2 (NS2) protein as a viral genetic determinant for initiating RSV-induced distal airway obstruction. Infection of human cartilaginous airway epithelium (HAE) and a hamster model of disease with recombinant respiratory viruses revealed that NS2 promotes shedding of infected epithelial cells, resulting in two consequences of virus infection. First, epithelial cell shedding accelerated the reduction of virus titers, presumably by clearing virus-infected cells from airway mucosa. Second, epithelial cells shedding into the narrow-diameter bronchiolar airway lumens resulted in rapid accumulation of detached, pleomorphic epithelial cells, leading to acute distal airway obstruction. Together, these data indicate that RSV infection of the airway epithelium, via the action of NS2, promotes epithelial cell shedding, which not only accelerates viral clearance but also contributes to acute obstruction of the distal airways. Our results identify RSV NS2 as a contributing factor for the enhanced propensity of RSV to cause severe airway disease in young children and suggest NS2 as a potential therapeutic target for reducing the severity of distal airway disease. PMID:24713657

Insomnia complaints in lean patients with obstructive sleep apnea negatively affect positive airway pressure treatment adherence.

PubMed

Eysteinsdottir, Bjorg; Gislason, Thorarinn; Pack, Allan I; Benediktsdottir, Bryndís; Arnardottir, Erna S; Kuna, Samuel T; Björnsdottir, Erla

2017-04-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the determinants of long-term adherence to positive airway pressure treatment among patients with obstructive sleep apnea, with special emphasis on patients who stop positive airway pressure treatment within 1 year. This is a prospective long-term follow-up of subjects in the Icelandic Sleep Apnea Cohort who were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea between 2005 and 2009, and started on positive airway pressure treatment. In October 2014, positive airway pressure adherence was obtained by systematically evaluating available clinical files (n = 796; 644 males, 152 females) with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index ≥15 events per h). The mean follow-up time was 6.7 ± 1.2 years. In total, 123 subjects (15.5%) returned their positive airway pressure device within the first year, 170 (21.4%) returned it later and 503 (63.2%) were still using positive airway pressure. The quitters within the first year had lower body mass index, milder obstructive sleep apnea, less sleepiness, and more often had symptoms of initial and late insomnia compared with long-term positive airway pressure users at baseline. Both initial and late insomnia were after adjustment still significantly associated with being an early quitter among subjects with body mass index <30 kg m -2 , but not among those with body mass index ≥30 kg m -2 . The prevalence of early quitters decreased significantly during the study period (2005-2009). Almost two-thirds of patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea are positive airway pressure users after 7 years. Obesity level, obstructive sleep apnea severity and daytime sleepiness are important determinants of long-term adherence. Symptoms of initial and late insomnia are associated with early quitting on positive airway pressure among non-obese subjects. © 2016 European Sleep Research Society.

Airway obstruction due to aspiration of muddy water.

PubMed

Schober, Patrick; Christiaans, Herman M T; Loer, Stephan A; Schwarte, Lothar A

2013-10-01

We report a case of complete airway obstruction due to aspiration of muddy water. An innovative approach to clear the airway is described, which may be a potentially life saving manoeuver in similar cases of suspected muddy water aspiration.

Pulmonary actions of the neurokinin1-specific agonist [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-substance P.

PubMed

Yiamouyiannis, C A; Stengel, P W; Cockerham, S L; Silbaugh, S A

1995-01-01

We examined the relationship between airway obstruction and plasma extravasation produced by the intravenous administration of the selective NK1 receptor agonist [Sar9, Met(O2)11]-substance P(SP). Conscious guinea-pigs were injected with Evans' blue dye followed by intravenous [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP. Animals were killed 3 min later and airway obstruction, determined via excised lung gas volumes, and plasma extravasation in the trachea, mainstem bronchi and intrapulmonary airways quantitated. Maximal plasma protein extravasation occurred at a dose about 30 times less than that required to elicit airway obstruction. Neither the neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitor, thiorphan, or the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, captopril, altered the extravasation response to [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP. However, thiorphan alone or combined with captopril produced a small but significant potentiation of the airway obstructive response. The marked difference between pulmonary gas trapping and Evans' blue extravasation responses suggest that [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP-induced airway obstruction is not secondary to increased pulmonary edema.

Oronasal mask may compromise the efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure on OSA treatment: is there evidence for avoiding the oronasal route?

PubMed

Andrade, Rafaela Garcia Santos; Madeiro, Fernanda; Genta, Pedro Rodrigues; Lorenzi-Filho, Geraldo

2016-11-01

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) delivered by nasal mask is the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, oral and oronasal masks are also available. We considered experimental evidence and reviewed clinical trials that evaluated the impact of oral and oronasal mask on OSA treatment. One recent study in 18 OSA patients that slept with a customized oronasal mask with two sealed compartments showed that the change of CPAP flow from nasal to oronasal and oral caused upper airway obstruction because of posterior displacement of the tongue demonstrated by nasoendoscopy. Oral masks use a mouthpiece that may stabilize the jaw and the tongue and have shown to be effective. However, oral masks are not widely used in clinical practice. Four out of five observational studies and all five reviewed randomized studies showed a worse performance of oronasal when compared with nasal masks. Oronasal masks were associated with higher residual apnea-hypopnea index, lower adherence, more leaks, and less satisfaction than nasal mask in the majority of the studies. Nasal CPAP must be the first choice to treat OSA. Patients on oronasal mask should be carefully followed. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

A child with a difficult airway: what do I do next?

PubMed

Engelhardt, Thomas; Weiss, Markus

2012-06-01

Difficulties in pediatric airway management are common and continue to result in significant morbidity and mortality. This review reports on current concepts in approaching a child with a difficult airway. Routine airway management in healthy children with normal airways is simple in experienced hands. Mask ventilation (oxygenation) is always possible and tracheal intubation normally simple. However, transient hypoxia is common in these children usually due to unexpected anatomical and functional airway problems or failure to ventilate during rapid sequence induction. Anatomical airway problems (upper airway collapse and adenoid hypertrophy) and functional airway problems (laryngospasm, bronchospasm, insufficient depth of anesthesia and muscle rigidity, gastric hyperinflation, and alveolar collapse) require urgent recognition and treatment algorithms due to insufficient oxygen reserves. Early muscle paralysis and epinephrine administration aids resolution of these functional airway obstructions. Children with an 'impaired' normal (foreign body, allergy, and inflammation) or an expected difficult (scars, tumors, and congenital) airway require careful planning and expertise. Training in the recognition and management of these different situations as well as a suitably equipped anesthesia workstation and trained personnel are essential. The healthy child with an unexpected airway problem requires clear strategies. The 'impaired' normal pediatric airway may be handled by anesthetists experienced with children, whereas the expected difficult pediatric airway requires dedicated pediatric anesthesia specialist care and should only be managed in specialized centers.

Swept-source anatomic optical coherence elastography of porcine trachea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bu, Ruofei; Price, Hillel; Mitran, Sorin; Zdanski, Carlton; Oldenburg, Amy L.

2016-02-01

Quantitative endoscopic imaging is at the vanguard of novel techniques in the assessment upper airway obstruction. Anatomic optical coherence tomography (aOCT) has the potential to provide the geometry of the airway lumen with high-resolution and in 4 dimensions. By coupling aOCT with measurements of pressure, optical coherence elastography (OCE) can be performed to characterize airway wall stiffness. This can aid in identifying regions of dynamic collapse as well as informing computational fluid dynamics modeling to aid in surgical decision-making. Toward this end, here we report on an anatomic optical coherence tomography (aOCT) system powered by a wavelength-swept laser source. The system employs a fiber-optic catheter with outer diameter of 0.82 mm deployed via the bore of a commercial, flexible bronchoscope. Helical scans are performed to measure the airway geometry and to quantify the cross-sectional-area (CSA) of the airway. We report on a preliminary validation of aOCT for elastography, in which aOCT-derived CSA was obtained as a function of pressure to estimate airway wall compliance. Experiments performed on a Latex rubber tube resulted in a compliance measurement of 0.68+/-0.02 mm2/cmH2O, with R2=0.98 over the pressure range from 10 to 40 cmH2O. Next, ex vivo porcine trachea was studied, resulting in a measured compliance from 1.06+/-0.12 to 3.34+/-0.44 mm2/cmH2O, (R2>0.81). The linearity of the data confirms the elastic nature of the airway. The compliance values are within the same order-of-magnitude as previous measurements of human upper airways, suggesting that this system is capable of assessing airway wall compliance in future human studies.

Obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome in adults with Down syndrome

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Key points Adults with Down syndrome are predisposed to obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) due to overlap between the Down syndrome phenotype and OSAHS risk factors. The prevalence of OSAHS in adults with Down syndrome is estimated at 35–42%. This is up to ten-times higher than in the general adult population. Symptoms of OSAHS, including behavioural and emotional disturbances as well as standard symptoms such as sleepiness, should be monitored as part of regular health surveillance in adults with Down syndrome. There is evidence that the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in adults with Down syndrome and comorbid OSAHS can lead to significant improvements in subjective sleepiness, behaviour and cognitive function, though further large-scale trials are required. Educational aims To discuss the relationship between the phenotypic features of Down syndrome and the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS). To examine the prevalence of OSAHS in adults with Down syndrome. To review recent research into the effectiveness of treatment of OSAHS in adults with Down syndrome using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) is characterised by repeated cycles of upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to diurnal symptoms. Individuals with Down syndrome are predisposed to OSAHS due to overlap between the Down syndrome phenotype and OSAHS risk factors. Recent large studies using subjective and objective measures estimate that OSAHS affects around 40% of adults with Down syndrome, in contrast to 2–4% of the general adult population. The “double-hit” of comorbid Down syndrome and OSAHS may accelerate cognitive decline in adults with Down syndrome. However, with the appropriate care and support, OSAHS can be treated effectively in this group using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, improving daytime function and behaviour. Symptoms of OSAHS should be routinely monitored in this population, with testing and treatment available to all adults with Down syndrome; however, this is not currently commonplace, and health inequalities are evident. PMID:28270865

Predictive Success Factors in Selective Upper Airway Stimulation.

PubMed

Heiser, Clemens; Hofauer, Benedikt

2017-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common diseases in Western industrialized countries. A variety of conservative and surgical treatment options are available for its treatment. In recent years, selective upper airway stimulation (sUAS) has been shown to be effective and safe. Different biomarkers have been investigated as predictive clinical success factors in a number of clinical trials. Age does not matter in sUAS, as compared to its predictive role in other therapies. Weight seems to play a limited role, depending on drug-induced sleep endoscopy to rule out a complete concentric collapse with an increased body mass index. For surgical success and the related postoperative tongue motions, a nerve integrity monitoring methodology has been developed for predicting correct cuff placement. Postoperative sonography remains a promising method for the future assessment of predictive markers in sUAS. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Updates of operative techniques for upper airway stimulation.

PubMed

Heiser, Clemens; Thaler, Erica; Boon, Maurits; Soose, Ryan J; Woodson, B Tucker

2016-09-01

Selective upper airway stimulation has been established as an additional treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Essential for the treatment is the precise placement of the cuff electrode for select branches of the hypoglossal nerve, which innervate the protrusors and stiffeners of the tongue. A direct approach to the distal hypoglossal nerve has been established to achieve this goal. For surgeons, detailed knowledge of this anatomy is vital. Another decisive step is the placement of the sensing lead between the intercostal muscles. Also, the complexity of follow-up care postoperatively should be kept in mind. The aim of this article is to provide the latest knowledge on the neuroanatomy of the hypoglossal nerve and to give surgeons a step-by-step guide on the current operative technique. Laryngoscope, 126:S12-S16, 2016. © 2016 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Surgical anatomy of the hypoglossal nerve: A new classification system for selective upper airway stimulation.

PubMed

Heiser, Clemens; Knopf, Andreas; Hofauer, Benedikt

2017-12-01

Selective upper airway stimulation (UAS) has shown effectiveness in treating patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The terminating branches of the hypoglossal nerve show a wide complexity, requiring careful discernment of a functional breakpoint between branches for inclusion and exclusion from the stimulation cuff electrode. The purpose of this study was to describe and categorize the topographic phenotypes of these branches. Thirty patients who received an implant with selective UAS from July 2015 to June 2016 were included. All implantations were recorded using a microscope and resultant tongue motions were captured perioperatively for comparison. Eight different variations of the branches were encountered and described, both in a tabular numeric fashion and in pictorial schema. The examinations showed the complex phenotypic surgical anatomy of the hypoglossal nerve. A schematic classification system has been developed to help surgeons identify the optimal location for cuff placement in UAS. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Swallowing and pharyngo-esophageal manometry in obstructive sleep apnea.

PubMed

Oliveira, Luciana Almeida Moreira da Paz; Fontes, Luiz Henrique de Souza; Cahali, Michel Burihan

2015-01-01

Upper airway nerve and muscle damage associated with obstructive sleep apnea may impair the strength and dynamics of pharyngeal and esophageal contractions during swallowing. To evaluate the presence of alterations in pharyngoesophageal manometry in patients with obstructive sleep apnea with and without oropharyngeal dysphagia. This study prospectively evaluated 22 patients with obstructive sleep apnea without spontaneous complaints of dysphagia, using a questionnaire, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, and pharyngoesophageal manometry, including measurement of the upper and lower esophageal sphincter pressures and mean pharyngeal pressures at three levels during swallowing. The dysphagia group consisted of 17 patients (77.3%) in whom swallowing abnormalities were detected on fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (n=15; 68.2%) and/or in the questionnaire (n=7; 31.8%). The five remaining cases comprised a control group without oropharyngeal dysphagia. In all cases of abnormalities on fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, there was premature bolus leakage into the pharynx. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding any of the pharyngoesophageal manometry measurements, age, or severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Pharyngoesophageal manometry detected no statistically significant difference between the groups with and without oropharyngeal dysphagia. Copyright © 2015 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

[Quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnea].

PubMed

Kasibowska-Kuźniar, Kamilla; Jankowska, Renata; Kuźniar, Tomasz

2004-11-01

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is a condition affecting up to 5% of the population, in which episodes of upper airway obstruction lead to temporary cessation of airflow, disturbed sleep architecture and daily somnolence. The health consequences of OSA also include psychological and cognitive deficits, an increased risk of systemic and pulmonary hypertension, coronary disease, bradyarrhythmias and motor vehicle accidents. Symptoms and complications of OSA lead to a significant decrease of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of affected patients. We review the current literature on HRQOL effects of OSA and its treatment. There is good evidence of beneficial effect of the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on the quality of life of patients with OSA. Improvements in HRQOL are most appreciable in patients with moderate to severe OSA, although they also seem to be present in selected patients with mild OSA. The effects of dental devices and surgical procedures on HRQOL of patients with OSA have not been studied in randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Health-related quality of life has become one of the major outcome measures in patients with sleep apnea. Assessment of HRQOL has become a crucial part of any clinical study involving patients with OSA.

Acute renal failure and rhabdomyolysis in a patient with infectious mononucleosis: a case report.

PubMed

Aloizos, Stavros; Gourgiotis, Stavros; Oikonomou, Konstantinos; Stakia, Paraskevi

2008-10-07

We report a very rare case of acute renal failure and rhabdomyolysis in an Intensive Care treated 20-years-old male with upper airway obstruction due to Epstein-Barr infection.In our opinion this was a manifestation of the very rare and potentially lethal propofol infusion syndrome and not a direct complication of the underlying infection, although renal biopsy was not performed in our patient.

Detection of Obstructive sleep apnea in awake subjects by exploiting body posture effects on the speech signal.

PubMed

Kriboy, M; Tarasiuk, A; Zigel, Y

2014-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder. OSA is associated with several anatomical and functional abnormalities of the upper airway. It was shown that these abnormalities in the upper airway are also likely to be the reason for increased rate of apneic events in the supine position. Functional and structural changes in the vocal tract can affect the acoustic properties of speech. We hypothesize that acoustic properties of speech that are affected by body position may aid in distinguishing between OSA and non-OSA patients. We aimed to explore the possibility to differentiate OSA and non-OSA patients by analyzing the acoustic properties of their speech signal in upright sitting and supine positions. 35 awake patients were recorded while pronouncing sustained vowels in the upright sitting and supine positions. Using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier, accuracy of 84.6%, sensitivity of 92.7%, and specificity of 80.0% were achieved. This study provides the proof of concept that it is possible to screen for OSA by analyzing and comparing speech properties acquired in upright sitting vs. supine positions. An acoustic-based screening system during wakefulness may address the growing needs for a reliable OSA screening tool; further studies are needed to support these findings.

Effects of simultaneous palatal expansion and mandibular advancement in a child suffering from OSA.

PubMed

Galeotti, A; Festa, P; Pavone, M; De Vincentiis, G C

2016-08-01

This clinical report describes a child suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and class II skeletal malocclusion with maxillary contraction and anterior open bite. He presented moderate obstructive sleep apnoea with large impact on quality of life of patient and parents. He was treated using an innovative orthodontic device (Sleep Apnea Twin Expander) to simultaneously carry out palatal expansion and mandibular advancement. After orthodontic therapy, the OSA-18 questionnaire demonstrated an improvement of the main respiratory symptoms, while cardiorespiratory sleep study revealed a reduction in obstructive sleep apnoea events. Post-treatment, clinical assessment and cephalometric analysis showed a reduction of sagittal maxillary discrepancy and an extension of upper airway space. In conclusion, this case report suggests that orthodontic treatment might be a valuable alternative treatment in children with obstructive sleep apnoea related to craniofacial anomalies. © Copyright by Società Italiana di Otorinolaringologia e Chirurgia Cervico-Facciale, Rome, Italy.

[Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, hypertension and artery].

PubMed

Baguet, Jean-Philippe; Barone-Rochette, Gilles; Pépin, Jean-Louis

2009-04-01

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), due to upper airway collapse, is frequent but still underestimated. The dose-response relation between OSAS and hypertension (HTN) is now well established. Logically, therefore, blood pressure must be tested in every apneic patient, if necessary by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Multiple mechanisms explain this relation, most importantly the increase in sympathetic activity during apnea episodes. OSAS-related hypertension has several characteristics: it is highly prevalent, predominantly diastolic and nocturnal, and frequently affects non-dippers; and the HTN tends to be resistant to treatment. OSAS promotes the formation of arterial lesions (parietal thickening of the carotid artery, increased aortic stiffness, and endothelial dysfunction); the more severe the OSAS, the more severe the lesions. The beneficial effects on blood pressure of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), the benchmark treatment for OSAS, are still debated but appear to be significant for untreated or refractory hypertension, for severe OSAS, and when CPAP compliance is good. It also seems promising for the reduction of arterial lesions linked to OSAS.

Alternatives to CPAP in the treatment of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PubMed

Bloch, Konrad E

2006-04-29

The obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) results in excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired quality of life, and is associated with an increased risk of traffic accidents and cardiovascular disease. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), the standard treatment for OSAS provides immediate relief of symptoms and has only minor side effects. Nevertheless, an alternative treatment is needed if CPAP is not feasible for medical or psychological reasons. Removable oral appliances that advance the mandible when fitted to the teeth during sleep also improve nocturnal breathing disturbances, symptoms, quality of life, vigilance and blood pressure in OSAS patients. Their long-term effectiveness and side effects require further study. In morbidly obese patients suffering from OSAS bariatric surgery should be considered as a treatment that reduces obesity and at the same time improves OSAS. In selected patients including those with adeno-tonsillar hypertrophy, and cranio-facial malformations various surgical techniques that enlarge the upper airway may be a treatment option for OSAS.

A modification of the Bjork flap in tracheostomies for head and neck cancer patients.

PubMed

Stathopoulos, P; Stassen, L

2018-05-07

The etymology of the word tracheotomy derives from two Ancient Greek words: the word trachea (Greek τραχɛία tracheía) and the word stoma (Greek στóμα stóma) meaning "mouth," and refers to the making of an opening. It is believed that an early tracheostomy was performed by the Greek physician Asclepiades of Bithynia, in order to treat upper airway obstruction. A secure airway in the intraoperative and early postoperative period is of paramount importance for a number patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery. We describe a modification of the Bjork flap used in tracheostomies for head and neck cancer patients, which allows tracheal outline reconstitution and significantly decreases the risk of respiratory obstruction and clinically evident tracheal stenosis, as our results have shown, at least five years after the last patient was discharged. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Obstructive sleep apnea: current perspectives

PubMed Central

Osman, Amal M; Carter, Sophie G; Carberry, Jayne C; Eckert, Danny J

2018-01-01

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) continues to rise. So too do the health, safety, and economic consequences. On an individual level, the causes and consequences of OSA can vary substantially between patients. In recent years, four key contributors to OSA pathogenesis or “phenotypes” have been characterized. These include a narrow, crowded, or collapsible upper airway “anatomical compromise” and “non-anatomical” contributors such as ineffective pharyngeal dilator muscle function during sleep, a low threshold for arousal to airway narrowing during sleep, and unstable control of breathing (high loop gain). Each of these phenotypes is a target for therapy. This review summarizes the latest knowledge on the different contributors to OSA with a focus on measurement techniques including emerging clinical tools designed to facilitate translation of new cause-driven targeted approaches to treat OSA. The potential for some of the specific pathophysiological causes of OSA to drive some of the key symptoms and consequences of OSA is also highlighted. PMID:29416383

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and fatty liver: Association or causal link?

PubMed Central

Ahmed, Mohamed H; Byrne, Christopher D

2010-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a complex disorder that consists of upper airway obstruction, chronic intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation. OSA is well known to be associated with hypoxia, insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, and these factors can occur in the presence or absence of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Although it is well established that insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and obesity occur frequently with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), it is now becoming apparent that hypoxia might also be important in the development of NAFLD, and it is recognized that there is increased risk of NAFLD with OSA. This review discusses the association between OSA, NAFLD and cardiovascular disease, and describes the potential role of hypoxia in the development of NAFLD with OSA. PMID:20818807

MR image analytics to characterize upper airway architecture in children with OSAS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, Yubing; Udupa, Jayaram K.; Torigian, Drew A.; Matsumoto, Monica M. S.; Sin, Sanghun; Arens, Raanan

2015-03-01

Mechanisms leading to Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) in obese children are not well understood. We previously analyzed polysomnographic and demographic data to study the anatomical characteristics of the upper airway and body composition in two groups of obese children with and without OSAS, where object volume was evaluated. In this paper, in order to better understand the disease we expand the analysis considering a variety of features that include object-specific features such as size, surface area, sphericity, and image intensity properties of fourteen objects in the vicinity of the upper airway, as well as inter-object relationships such as distance between objects. Our preliminary results indicate several interesting phenomena: volumes and surface areas of adenoid and tonsils increase statistically significantly in OSAS. Standardized T2-weighted MR image intensities differ statistically significantly between the two groups, implying that perhaps intrinsic tissue composition undergoes changes in OSAS. Inter-object distances are significantly different between the two groups for object pairs (skin, oropharynx), (skin, fat pad), (skin, soft palate), (mandible, tongue), (oropharynx, soft palate), (left tonsil, oropharynx), (left tonsil, fat pad) and (left tonsil, right tonsil). We conclude that treatment methods for OSAS such as adenotonsillectomy should respect proportional object size relationships and spatial arrangement of objects as they exist in control subjects.

A Mechanism for Upper Airway Stability during Slow Wave Sleep

PubMed Central

McSharry, David G.; Saboisky, Julian P.; DeYoung, Pam; Matteis, Paul; Jordan, Amy S.; Trinder, John; Smales, Erik; Hess, Lauren; Guo, Mengshuang; Malhotra, Atul

2013-01-01

Study Objectives: The severity of obstructive sleep apnea is diminished (sometimes markedly) during slow wave sleep (SWS). We sought to understand why SWS stabilizes the upper airway. Increased single motor unit (SMU) activity of the major upper airway dilating muscle (genioglossus) should improve upper airway stability. Therefore, we hypothesized that genioglossus SMUs would increase their activity during SWS in comparison with Stage N2 sleep. Design: The activity of genioglossus SMUs was studied on both sides of the transition between Stage N2 sleep and SWS. Setting: Sleep laboratory. Participants: Twenty-nine subjects (age 38 ± 13 yr, 17 males) were studied. Intervention: SWS. Measurement and Results: Subjects slept overnight with fine-wire electrodes in their genioglossus muscles and with full polysomnographic and end tidal carbon dioxide monitors. Fifteen inspiratory phasic (IP) and 11 inspiratory tonic (IT) units were identified from seven subjects and these units exhibited significantly increased inspiratory discharge frequencies during SWS compared with Stage N2 sleep. The peak discharge frequency of the inspiratory units (IP and IT) was 22.7 ± 4.1 Hz in SWS versus 20.3 ± 4.5 Hz in Stage N2 (P < 0.001). The IP units also fired for a longer duration (expressed as a percentage of inspiratory time) during SWS (104.6 ± 39.5 %TI) versus Stage N2 sleep (82.6 ± 39.5 %TI, P < 0.001). The IT units fired faster during expiration in SWS (14.2 ± 1.8 Hz) versus Stage N2 sleep (12.6 ± 3.1 Hz, P = 0.035). There was minimal recruitment or derecruitment of units between SWS and Stage N2 sleep. Conclusion: Increased genioglossus SMU activity likely makes the airway more stable and resistant to collapse throughout the respiratory cycle during SWS. Citation: McSharry DG; Saboisky JP; DeYoung P; Matteis P; Jordan AS; Trinder J; Smales E; Hess L; Guo M; Malhotra A. A mechanism for upper airway stability during slow wave sleep. SLEEP 2013;36(4):555-563. PMID:23565001

Quality of Life and Capsaicin Sensitivity in Patients with Airway Symptoms Induced by Chemicals and Scents: A Longitudinal Study

PubMed Central

Ternesten-Hasséus, Ewa; Lowhagen, Olle; Millqvist, Eva

2007-01-01

Objective It is common in asthma and allergy clinics to see patients presenting with upper and lower airway symptoms that are induced by chemicals and scents and not explained by allergic or asthmatic reactions. Previous studies have shown that these patients often have increased cough sensitivity to inhaled capsaicin; such sensitivity is known to reflect the airway sensory reactivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the duration of symptoms induced by chemicals and scents and to measure health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with chemically induced airway symptoms. We also wished to determine and compare repeatability of the cough response to capsaicin inhalation, and to evaluate the patients’ airway sensory reactivity in a long-term perspective. Participants Seventeen patients with a history of at least 12 months of airway symptoms induced by chemicals and scents were followed over 5 years with repeated questionnaires, measurements of HRQL, and capsaicin inhalation tests. Results The symptoms persisted and did not change significantly over time, and the patients had a reduced HRQL that did not change during the 5-year period. The capsaicin sensitivity was increased at the start of the study, the cough sensitivity was long-lasting, and the repeatability of the capsaicin inhalation test was considered to be good in a long-term perspective. Conclusions Upper and lower airway symptoms induced by chemicals and scents represent an entity of chronic diseases, different from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with persistent symptoms, a reduced HRQL, and unchanged sensory hyperreactivity. PMID:17431493

Eicosanoids modulate hyperpnea-induced late phase airway obstruction and hyperreactivity in dogs.

PubMed

Davis, Michael S; McCulloch, Sharron; Myers, Teresa; Freed, Arthur N

2002-01-01

A canine model of exercise-induced asthma was used to test the hypothesis that the development of a late phase response to hyperventilation depends on the acute production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Peripheral airway resistance, reactivity to hypocapnia and aerosol histamine, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell and eicosanoid content were measured in dogs approximately 5 h after dry air challenge (DAC). DAC resulted in late phase obstruction, hyperreactivity to histamine, and neutrophilic inflammation. Both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors administered in separate experiments attenuated the late phase airway obstruction and hyperreactivity to histamine. Neither drug affected the late phase inflammation nor the concentrations of eicosanoids in the BALF obtained 5 h after DAC. This study confirms that hyperventilation of peripheral airways with unconditioned air causes late phase neutrophilia, airway obstruction, and hyperreactivity. The late phase changes in airway mechanics are related to the hyperventilation-induced release of both prostaglandins and leukotrienes, and appear to be independent of the late phase infiltration of inflammatory cells.

Obstructive sleep apnea and sedation in the endoscopy suite.

PubMed

Moos, Daniel D

2006-01-01

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea are at risk of mortality and morbidity related to the administration of sedatives, anesthetics, and opioids. Commonly employed sedatives and analgesics promote pharyngeal collapse and alter normal respiratory responses to obstruction and apnea. Literature concerning patients with obstructive sleep apnea undergoing moderate and deep sedation in the endoscopy suite is lacking. The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with a review of normal airway patency, the effects of obstructive sleep apnea on airway patency, and the impact that analgesics and sedatives may impart on the airway of patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The goal of this article is to increase awareness, stimulate discussions within the gastroenterological community, and encourage research regarding sedation in this at-risk population.

Oral appliance to assist non-invasive ventilation in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

PubMed

Veldhuis, Steffanie K B; Doff, Michiel H J; Stegenga, Boudewijn; Nieuwenhuis, Jellie A; Wijkstra, Peter J

2015-03-01

From the moment the respiratory muscle groups are affected in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), respiratory complications will be the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Untreated respiratory muscle impairment leads to respiratory insufficiency and additionally to difficulties in airway secretion clearance. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is the first choice in treating respiratory insufficiency in ALS as it improves sleep-related symptoms, quality of life and life expectancy. Nevertheless, NIV is not always effective, probably due to bulbar dysfunction or anatomical abnormalities. As a result, tracheostomy ventilation (TV) may become necessary. In this case report, we present a 60-year-old female with ALS, for whom it was not possible to provide a sufficient tidal volume with NIV. A chin lift was performed while the patient was awake to see if a more anterior jaw position would lead to an increased tidal volume. As this was the case, a mandibular advancement device (MAD) was fabricated. With a combination of a MAD and NIV, the upper airway obstructions were overcome and a good ventilation and adherence to therapy were seen. When there is the presumption of airway obstructions in combination with an ineffective NIV, we advise to perform a chin lift to assess whether the obstructions can be overcome by a more anterior jaw position. If that is the case, NIV may be combined with MAD to establish effective ventilation and avoid the use of TV.

Outcome after one year of upper airway stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea in a multicenter German post-market study.

PubMed

Steffen, Armin; Sommer, J Ulrich; Hofauer, Benedikt; Maurer, Joachim T; Hasselbacher, Katrin; Heiser, Clemens

2018-02-01

Upper airway stimulation (UAS) of the hypoglossal nerve has been implemented in the routine clinical practice for patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who could not adhere to continuous positive airway pressure. This study reports objective and patient-reported outcome after 12 months of implantation. Multicenter prospective single-arm study. Consecutive patients who received the UAS system (Inspire Medical Systems, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, Maple Grove, MN, U.S.A.) were enrolled in three German centers. Key study exclusion criteria included body mass index > 35 kg/m 2 , apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) < 15 or > 65, or complete concentric collapse at the soft palate during sedated endoscopy. Data collection at 6- and 12-month visit include home sleep test and patient-reported outcome measures. Among the total of 60 participants, the median AHI reduced from 28.6 to 9.5 from baseline to 12 months. Patient-reported outcome measured in Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire both improved significantly from baseline to 12 months. The average usage time was 39.1 ± 14.9 hours per week among all participants based on recordings by the implanted device. One patient requested a removal of the device for cosmetic and other personal reasons and was completed without sequelae. This study supported that UAS is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with OSA in routine clinical practice. 4. Laryngoscope, 128:509-515, 2018. © 2017 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Equivalence of nasal and oronasal masks during initial CPAP titration for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PubMed

Teo, Ming; Amis, Terence; Lee, Sharon; Falland, Karina; Lambert, Stephen; Wheatley, John

2011-07-01

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration studies are commonly performed using a nasal mask but some patients may prefer a full-face or oronasal mask. There is little evidence regarding the equivalence of different mask interfaces used to initiate treatment. We hypothesized that oronasal breathing when using an oronasal mask increases upper airway collapsibility and that a higher pressure may be required to maintain airway patency. We also assessed patient preferences for the 2 mask interfaces. Prospective, randomized, cross-over design with 2 consecutive CPAP titration nights. Accredited laboratory in a university hospital. Twenty-four treatment-naive subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and respiratory disturbance index of greater than 15 events per hour. CPAP titration was performed using an auto-titrating machine with randomization to a nasal or oronasal mask, followed by a second titration night using the alternate mask style. There was no significant difference in the mean pressures determined between nasal and oronasal masks, although 43% of subjects had nasal-to-oronasal mask-pressure differences of 2 cm H(2)O or more. Residual respiratory events, arousals, and measured leak were all greater with the oronasal mask. Seventy-nine percent of subjects preferred the nasal mask. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome can generally switch between nasal and oronasal masks without changing machine pressure, although there are individual differences that may be clinically significant. Measured leak is greater with the oronasal mask. Most patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome prefer a nasal mask as the interface for initiation of CPAP. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). ACTRN: ACTRN12611000243910. URL: http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12611000243910.aspx

Timing Matters: Circadian Rhythm in Sepsis, Obstructive Lung Disease, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Cancer

PubMed Central

Truong, Kimberly K.; Lam, Michael T.; Grandner, Michael A.; Sassoon, Catherine S.

2016-01-01

Physiological and cellular functions operate in a 24-hour cyclical pattern orchestrated by an endogenous process known as the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms represent intrinsic oscillations of biological functions that allow for adaptation to cyclic environmental changes. Key clock genes that affect the persistence and periodicity of circadian rhythms include BMAL1/CLOCK, Period 1, Period 2, and Cryptochrome. Remarkable progress has been made in our understanding of circadian rhythms and their role in common medical conditions. A critical review of the literature supports the association between circadian misalignment and adverse health consequences in sepsis, obstructive lung disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and malignancy. Circadian misalignment plays an important role in these disease processes and can affect disease severity, treatment response, and survivorship. Normal inflammatory response to acute infections, airway resistance, upper airway collapsibility, and mitosis regulation follows a robust circadian pattern. Disruption of normal circadian rhythm at the molecular level affects severity of inflammation in sepsis, contributes to inflammatory responses in obstructive lung diseases, affects apnea length in obstructive sleep apnea, and increases risk for cancer. Chronotherapy is an underused practice of delivering therapy at optimal times to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity. This approach has been shown to be advantageous in asthma and cancer management. In asthma, appropriate timing of medication administration improves treatment effectiveness. Properly timed chemotherapy may reduce treatment toxicities and maximize efficacy. Future research should focus on circadian rhythm disorders, role of circadian rhythm in other diseases, and modalities to restore and prevent circadian disruption. PMID:27104378

[A case of postoperative airway obstruction by Quincke edema].

PubMed

Ebata, S; Fujii, Y; Kojima, Y; Tanaka, H

1994-05-01

A 42-year-old female was scheduled for removal of brain tumor under general anesthesia with nitrous oxide, oxygen and isoflurane. Two days after operation, airway obstruction by increased swelling around the neck was observed. The first neck X-ray films and CT-scans after operation were not indicative of the hematoma or cyst but suggestive of the neurovascular edema (Quincke). It is necessary not to overlook postoperative airway obstruction by Quincke's edema.

Airway hyperreactivity in asymptomatic military personnel.

PubMed

Morris, Michael J; Schwartz, Darin S; Nohrenberg, Jana L; Dooley, Sean N

2007-11-01

Asthma is frequently diagnosed in military personnel despite strict guidelines that disqualify persons with active disease or a recent history of asthma. It is generally considered incompatible with military service, because of the regular physical training, outdoor training exercises, and deployments to remote locations. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of airway hyperreactivity in asymptomatic military personnel, as an estimate of subclinical reactive airway disease. A prospective study of healthy, asymptomatic, military personnel with no previous history of asthma and <1 year on active duty status was conducted. After completion of a screening questionnaire, personnel underwent baseline spirometry with a portable spirometer. Personnel with obstructive indices (based on published guidelines) and matched control subjects participated in an exercise test (1.5-mile run), with pre- and postexercise spirometry. A total of 222 asymptomatic military personnel completed baseline spirometry, and 31 (14%) were found have airway obstruction. A normal matched control group of 31 military personnel and 26 personnel with obstruction performed exercise spirometry. Twenty-three percent of the participants with obstruction demonstrated increased airway hyper-reactivity after exercise, based on a reduction in forced expiratory volume at 1 second, compared with 19% of control subjects. Asymptomatic airway obstruction has a prevalence of 14% in young military personnel. A significant percentage of individuals also have evidence of worsening obstruction during exercise. These data suggest that screening spirometry may identify early reactive airway disease in asymptomatic individuals and should be considered as a method to identify persons predisposed to developing symptomatic asthma.

Scaled experiments for improving diagnosis of pathological lower-airway obstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chang; Kiger, Ken; Hariprasad, Daniel; Sul, Bora; Wallqvist, Anders; Reifman, Jaques

2017-11-01

Many lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are characterized by obstructed airflow, particularly, in the lower airway branches in the lung. Existing diagnostic tools cannot detect some diseases due to a lack of instrumentation capable of resolving the flow in the lower airways. Recent developments in MRI techniques using hyperpolarized 3He now permit measurement of velocity profiles within the trachea. Motivated by these advances, we aim to provide a better understanding of the connection between lower-airway obstruction and velocity profiles within the trachea. Specifically, we asked whether the flow deficits created by lower-airway obstructions could be detected in the trachea to permit diagnosis of the pathology. To test this idea, we used refractive index-matched materials to construct a scaled, patient-specific, transparent lung model, and coupled it to 5 independently controlled piston pumps that could generate arbitrary flow histories (healthy or diseased) for the 5 different lung lobes. Results obtained by stereo PIV within various regions of the airway network will be presented documenting the system performance and examining the detectability of under-performing lobes within the tracheal flow profile. This work supported by the Henry M. Jackson Foundation under award #3270.

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke from husband more strongly impacts on the airway obstruction of nonsmoking women.

PubMed

Suyama, Kazuaki; Kozu, Ryo; Tanaka, Takako; Ishimatsu, Yuji; Sawai, Terumitsu

2018-01-01

The impact of airway obstruction of nonsmoking women caused by their husband's smoking is unclear, despite the association between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure at home and obstructive pulmonary diseases among nonsmoking women. The aim of this study was to provide evidence that ETS exposure from the husband at home has a more significant influence on the airway obstruction of nonsmoking women than other housemates. Nonsmoking women aged 40 years or older were recruited from the health checkup during May 2015-December 2016, Japan. They answered structured questionnaires, including ETS exposure from their husbands and other housemates (parents, siblings and dependants), and performed spirometry. We categorized the women with any history of ETS exposure from housemates into three groups (A = husband, B = others and C = both of husband and others) and defined the control group as those with no ETS exposure from housemates. A total of 811 nonsmoking women completed questionnaires and spirometry. The proportion of nonsmoking women who had airway obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV 1 ]/forced vital capacity [FVC] <70%) among Group A (7.5%) was significantly higher than those in the control group (1.1%, p <0.01) and Group B (0.8%, p <0.01). The proportion of airway obstruction in Group C (6.4%) was also higher than that in the control group ( p <0.05) and Group B ( p <0.05). ETS exposure from husband (odds ratio [OR], 3.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48-8.42) remained strongly associated with airway obstruction after multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, housemate's smoking habits, family history and ETS exposure in childhood and at work. Nonsmoking women who were exposed to ETS from their husband had the lowest FEV 1 /FVC, and a higher proportion of them had airway obstruction when compared to nonsmoking women who experienced ETS from housemates other than their husbands. The findings suggest that tobacco control in husbands is the most important measure to prevent airway obstruction of nonsmoking women at home.

The influence of multilevel upper airway surgery on CPAP tolerance in non-responders to obstructive sleep apnea surgery.

PubMed

Azbay, Sule; Bostanci, Asli; Aysun, Yasin; Turhan, Murat

2016-09-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of multilevel upper airway surgery on subsequent continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use and tolerance in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study cohort enrolled 67 consecutive patients, who underwent septoplasty plus modified uvulopharyngopalatoplasty (mUPPP) with or without modified tongue base suspension (mTBS) due to CPAP intolerance, and who had residual OSA requiring CPAP therapy [non-responders to surgery, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) >15 events/h] that had been confirmed by control polysomnography at the sixth month postoperatively. A questionnaire including questions on postoperative CPAP use, problems faced during CPAP use after the surgery, change in OSA symptoms, and satisfaction with the surgery was designed, and filled through interviews. Seventeen (25.4 %) patients had septoplasty plus mUPPP and 50 (74.6 %) had septoplasty plus mUPPP combined with mTBS. Postoperatively, mean AHI (45.00 ± 19.76 vs. 36.60 ± 18.34), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) score (18.00 ± 4.45 vs. 13.00 ± 4.72), oxygen desaturation index (ODI) (48.98 ± 16.73 vs. 37.81 ± 17.03), and optimal CPAP level (11.80 ± 1.40 vs. 8.96 ± 1.20) were decreased (p < 0.001 for all parameters). Fifty-nine percent of patients reported that they fairly satisfied with the surgery and 49.2 % reported that their symptoms were completely resolved. While none of the cases could tolerate CPAP before surgery, almost half (47.8 %) of the cases used CPAP without problems postoperatively. Postoperative CPAP users had significantly higher postoperative AHI (p = 0.001), supine AHI (p = 0.009), ESS (p = 0.019), and ODI (p = 0.014), and significantly lower postoperative minimum O2 saturation (p = 0.001) compared with non-users. Multilevel upper airway surgery with less invasive techniques may improve CPAP tolerance in well-selected patients.

Effect of Sandostatin LAR on sleep apnoea in acromegaly: correlation with computerized tomographic cephalometry and hormonal activity.

PubMed

Ip, M S; Tan, K C; Peh, W C; Lam, K S

2001-10-01

Sleep apnoea has been reported to occur in subjects with acromegaly. This study evaluates the relationship among biochemical activity, sleep apnoeic activity and upper airway anatomic profile in acromegaly, and the effect of Sandostatin LAR, a long-acting somatostatin analogue, on these parameters. Fourteen subjects with acromegaly were recruited. Subjects were assessed at baseline and those with apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) > or = 5 were reassessed after 6 months of treatment with Sandostatin LAR 20-30 mg IMI 4-weekly. Biochemical activity was assessed with levels of GH and IGF-1. Sleep disordered breathing was assessed with overnight polysomnography. Upper airway anatomic profile was defined with computerized tomographic cephalometry. Of 14 subjects (age 42.0 +/- 8.1 years, mean +/- SD; 11 men) at baseline, there was a positive correlation between GH and tongue length (VT; P = 0.004), and between AHI and cephalometric indices: length of soft palate (PMU; P = 0.002); mandibular plane-hyoid bone distance (MPH; P = 0.017), maximum thickness of soft palate (Max-SP; P = 0.018) and VT (P = 0.027). Eight patients had sleep disordered breathing (AHI > or = 5) which was predominantly obstructive in nature (AHI = 29.4 +/- 22.6). After treatment, there were significant improvements in hormonal profile: GH, mU/l (before, 51.5 +/- 27.8; after, 8.0 +/- 7.4; P = 0.017) and IGF-1, nmol/l (before, 95.5 +/- 23.4; after, 35.0 +/- 12.4; P = 0.012); sleep-disordered breathing: AHI (before, 29.4 +/- 22.6; after, 13.4 +/- 11.12; P = 0.025), snoring episodes (before, 486 +/- 240; after, 165 +/- 170; P = 0.05); cephalometric indices, mm: MPH (before, 18.8 +/- 12.1; after, 14.8 +/- 8.4; P = 0.018), VT (before, 72.3 +/- 4.4; after, 69.7 +/- 4.3; P = 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the reduction in GH and AHI (r = 0.738, P = 0.037). The findings demonstrated that there was correlation between sleep apnoea severity and soft tissue overgrowth at the upper airway region in acromegaly. They also suggest that Sandostatin LAR improved obstructive sleep apnoea in acromegaly, and the effect might be partly mediated via a reduction in upper airway soft tissue, in particular that of the tongue, concomitant with a reduction in GH levels.

CORRELATES BETWEEN HUMAN LUNG INJURY AFTER PARTICLE EXPOSURE AND RECURRENT AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION IN THE HORSE

EPA Science Inventory

Characteristics of the clinical presentation, physiologic changes, and pathology of the human response to particulate matter (PM) are comparable to inflammatory airway disease (lAD) and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO)lheaves in the horse. Both present with symptoms of cough,...

Childhood-Onset Asthma in Smokers. Association between CT Measures of Airway Size, Lung Function, and Chronic Airflow Obstruction

PubMed Central

Hardin, Megan E.; Come, Carolyn E.; San José Estépar, Raúl; Ross, James C.; Kurugol, Sila; Okajima, Yuka; Han, MeiLan K.; Kim, Victor; Ramsdell, Joe; Silverman, Edwin K.; Crapo, James D.; Lynch, David A.; Make, Barry; Barr, R. Graham; Hersh, Craig P.; Washko, George R.

2014-01-01

Rationale and Objectives: Asthma is associated with chronic airflow obstruction. Our goal was to assess the association of computed tomographic measures of airway wall volume and lumen volume with the FEV1 and chronic airflow obstruction in smokers with childhood-onset asthma. Methods: We analyzed clinical, lung function, and volumetric computed tomographic airway volume data from 7,266 smokers, including 590 with childhood-onset asthma. Small wall volume and small lumen volume of segmental airways were defined as measures 1 SD below the mean. We assessed the association between small wall volume, small lumen volume, FEV1, and chronic airflow obstruction (post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio < 0.7) using linear and logistic models. Measurements and Main Results: Compared with subjects without childhood-onset asthma, those with childhood-onset asthma had smaller wall volume and lumen volume (P < 0.0001) of segmental airways. Among subjects with childhood-onset asthma, those with the smallest wall volume and lumen volume had the lowest FEV1 and greatest odds of chronic airflow obstruction. A similar tendency was seen in those without childhood-onset asthma. When comparing these two groups, both small wall volume and small lumen volume were more strongly associated with FEV1 and chronic airflow obstruction among subjects with childhood-asthma in multivariate models. Conclusion: In smokers with childhood-onset asthma, smaller airways are associated with reduced lung function and chronic airflow obstruction. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00608764). PMID:25296268

Childhood-onset asthma in smokers. association between CT measures of airway size, lung function, and chronic airflow obstruction.

PubMed

Diaz, Alejandro A; Hardin, Megan E; Come, Carolyn E; San José Estépar, Raúl; Ross, James C; Kurugol, Sila; Okajima, Yuka; Han, MeiLan K; Kim, Victor; Ramsdell, Joe; Silverman, Edwin K; Crapo, James D; Lynch, David A; Make, Barry; Barr, R Graham; Hersh, Craig P; Washko, George R

2014-11-01

Asthma is associated with chronic airflow obstruction. Our goal was to assess the association of computed tomographic measures of airway wall volume and lumen volume with the FEV1 and chronic airflow obstruction in smokers with childhood-onset asthma. We analyzed clinical, lung function, and volumetric computed tomographic airway volume data from 7,266 smokers, including 590 with childhood-onset asthma. Small wall volume and small lumen volume of segmental airways were defined as measures 1 SD below the mean. We assessed the association between small wall volume, small lumen volume, FEV1, and chronic airflow obstruction (post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio < 0.7) using linear and logistic models. Compared with subjects without childhood-onset asthma, those with childhood-onset asthma had smaller wall volume and lumen volume (P < 0.0001) of segmental airways. Among subjects with childhood-onset asthma, those with the smallest wall volume and lumen volume had the lowest FEV1 and greatest odds of chronic airflow obstruction. A similar tendency was seen in those without childhood-onset asthma. When comparing these two groups, both small wall volume and small lumen volume were more strongly associated with FEV1 and chronic airflow obstruction among subjects with childhood-asthma in multivariate models. In smokers with childhood-onset asthma, smaller airways are associated with reduced lung function and chronic airflow obstruction. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00608764).

Tongue posture improvement and pharyngeal airway enlargement as secondary effects of rapid maxillary expansion: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

PubMed

Iwasaki, Tomonori; Saitoh, Issei; Takemoto, Yoshihiko; Inada, Emi; Kakuno, Eriko; Kanomi, Ryuzo; Hayasaki, Haruaki; Yamasaki, Youichi

2013-02-01

Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is known to improve nasal airway ventilation. Recent evidence suggests that RME is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in children with maxillary constriction. However, the effect of RME on tongue posture and pharyngeal airway volume in children with nasal airway obstruction is not clear. In this study, we evaluated these effects using cone-beam computed tomography. Twenty-eight treatment subjects (mean age 9.96 ± 1.21 years) who required RME treatment had cone-beam computed tomography images taken before and after RME. Twenty control subjects (mean age 9.68 ± 1.02 years) received regular orthodontic treatment. Nasal airway ventilation was analyzed by using computational fluid dynamics, and intraoral airway (the low tongue space between tongue and palate) and pharyngeal airway volumes were measured. Intraoral airway volume decreased significantly in the RME group from 1212.9 ± 1370.9 mm(3) before RME to 279.7 ± 472.0 mm(3) after RME. Nasal airway ventilation was significantly correlated with intraoral airway volume. The increase of pharyngeal airway volume in the control group (1226.3 ± 1782.5 mm(3)) was only 41% that of the RME group (3015.4 ± 1297.6 mm(3)). In children with nasal obstruction, RME not only reduces nasal obstruction but also raises tongue posture and enlarges the pharyngeal airway. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome by mandible advanced device reduced neuron apoptosis in frontal cortex of rabbits.

PubMed

Lu, Hai-Yan; Wang, Wen; Zhou, Zheng; Liu, Chun-Yan; Liu, Ye; Xiao, Wei; Dong, Fu-Sheng; Wang, Jie

2018-05-25

To investigate effects of mandible advanced device (MAD) therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) on the neuron apoptosis and acetylcholine esterase activity in frontal cortex. Thirty male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10 in each group): group OSAHS, group MAD, and control group. Hydrophilic polyacrylamide gel was injected into soft palate of the animals to induce OSAHS in group OSAHS and group MAD. The group MAD animals wore MAD to relief the obstructiveness. The control group was not given any treatment. Computed tomography (CT) examination of the upper airway and polysomnography (PSG) recordings were performed in supine position. All rabbits were induced to sleep in a supine position for 4 to 6 hours every day and were observed for consecutive 8 weeks. The frontal cortices of three groups were dissected and the neuron apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry. Acetylcholine esterase (AchE) activity in the frontal cortex was measured by spectrophotometry. The group OSAHS exhibited high neuron apoptosis rate and low AchE activity than those of group MAD and control group. The blood oxygen saturation was negatively correlated with neuronal apoptosis rate and positively correlated with AchE activity. Applying MAD in OSAHS animals significantly improve the neuronal damage and function deficits by apnoea-hypoxia caused by narrowed upper airway. This study provided evidence that MAD therapy for OSAHS can significantly decrease neuronal apoptosis and increase AchE activity in the frontal cortex.

Effects of Positive Airway Pressure on Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea during Acute Ascent to Altitude

PubMed Central

Nishida, Katsufumi; Cloward, Tom V.; Weaver, Lindell K.; Brown, Samuel M.; Bell, James E.; Grissom, Colin K.

2015-01-01

Rationale: In acute ascent to altitude, untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is often replaced with central sleep apnea (CSA). In patients with obstructive sleep apnea who travel to altitude, it is unknown whether their home positive airway pressure (PAP) settings are sufficient to treat their obstructive sleep apnea, or altitude-associated central sleep apnea. Methods: Ten participants with positive airway pressure–treated obstructive sleep apnea, who reside at 1,320 m altitude, underwent polysomnography on their home positive airway pressure settings at 1,320 m and at a simulated altitude of 2,750 m in a hypobaric chamber. Six of the participants were subsequently studied without positive airway pressure at 2,750 m. Measurements and Main Results: At 1,320 m, all participants’ sleep apnea was controlled with positive airway pressure on home settings; at 2,750, no participants’ sleep apnea was controlled. At higher altitude, the apnea–hypopnea index was higher (11 vs. 2 events/h; P < 0.01), mostly due to hypopneas (10.5 vs. 2 events/h; P < 0.01). Mean oxygen saturations were lower (88 vs. 93%; P < 0.01) and total sleep time was diminished (349 vs. 393 min; P = 0.03). Four of six participants without positive airway pressure at 2,750 m required supplemental oxygen to prevent sustained oxygen saturation (as determined by pulse oximetry) less than 80%. Positive airway pressure also was associated with reduced central sleep apnea (0 vs. 1; P = 0.03), improved sleep time (358 vs. 292 min; P = 0.06), and improved sleep efficiency (78 vs. 63%; P = 0.04). Conclusions: Acute altitude exposure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea treated with positive airway pressure is associated with hypoxemia, decreased sleep time, and increased frequency of hypopneas compared with baseline altitude. Application of positive airway pressure at altitude is associated with decreased central sleep apnea and increased sleep efficiency. PMID:25884271

Equivalence of Nasal and Oronasal Masks during Initial CPAP Titration for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

PubMed Central

Teo, Ming; Amis, Terence; Lee, Sharon; Falland, Karina; Lambert, Stephen; Wheatley, John

2011-01-01

Study Objective: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration studies are commonly performed using a nasal mask but some patients may prefer a full-face or oronasal mask. There is little evidence regarding the equivalence of different mask interfaces used to initiate treatment. We hypothesized that oronasal breathing when using an oronasal mask increases upper airway collapsibility and that a higher pressure may be required to maintain airway patency. We also assessed patient preferences for the 2 mask interfaces. Design: Prospective, randomized, cross-over design with 2 consecutive CPAP titration nights. Setting: Accredited laboratory in a university hospital. Patients or Participants: Twenty-four treatment-naive subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and respiratory disturbance index of greater than 15 events per hour. Interventions: CPAP titration was performed using an auto-titrating machine with randomization to a nasal or oronasal mask, followed by a second titration night using the alternate mask style. Measurements and Results: There was no significant difference in the mean pressures determined between nasal and oronasal masks, although 43% of subjects had nasal-to-oronasal mask-pressure differences of 2 cm H2O or more. Residual respiratory events, arousals, and measured leak were all greater with the oronasal mask. Seventy-nine percent of subjects preferred the nasal mask. Conclusions: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome can generally switch between nasal and oronasal masks without changing machine pressure, although there are individual differences that may be clinically significant. Measured leak is greater with the oronasal mask. Most patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome prefer a nasal mask as the interface for initiation of CPAP. Clinical Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). ACTRN: ACTRN12611000243910. URL: http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12611000243910.aspx Citation: Teo M; Amis T; Lee S; Falland K; Lambert S; Wheatley J. Equivalence of nasal and oronasal masks during initial CPAP titration for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. SLEEP 2011;34(7):951-955. PMID:21731145

The effect of sleep onset on upper airway muscle activity in patients with sleep apnoea versus controls

PubMed Central

Fogel, Robert B; Trinder, John; White, David P; Malhotra, Atul; Raneri, Jill; Schory, Karen; Kleverlaan, Darci; Pierce, Robert J

2005-01-01

Pharyngeal dilator muscles are important in the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSA). We have previously shown that during wakefulness, the activity of both the genioglossus (GGEMG) and tensor palatini (TPEMG) is greater in patients with OSA compared with controls. Further, EMG activity decreases at sleep onset, and the decrement is greater in apnoea patients than in healthy controls. In addition, it is known that the prevalence of OSA is greater in middle-aged compared with younger men. Thus, we had two goals in this study. First we compared upper airway muscle activity between young and middle-aged healthy men compared with men with OSA. We also explored the mechanisms responsible for the decrement in muscle activity at sleep onset in these groups. We investigated muscle activity, ventilation , and upper airway resistance (UAR) during wakefulness and sleep onset (transition from α to θ EEG activity) in all three groups. Measurements were obtained during basal breathing (BB) and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was applied to reduce negative pressure-mediated muscle activation). We found that during wakefulness there was a gradation of GGEMG and UAR (younger < older < OSA) and that muscle activity was reduced by the application of nasal CPAP (to a greater degree in the OSA patients). Although CPAP eliminated differences in UAR during wakefulness and sleep, GGEMG remained greater in the OSA patients. During sleep onset, a greater initial fall in GGEMG was seen in the OSA patients followed by subsequent muscle recruitment in the third to fifth breaths following the α to θ transition. On the CPAP night, and GGEMG still fell further in the OSA patients compared with control subjects. CPAP prevented the rise in UAR at sleep onset along with the associated recruitment in GGEMG. Differences in TPEMG among the groups were not significant. These data suggest that the middle-aged men had upper airway function midway between that of young normal men and the abnormal airway of those with OSA. Furthermore it suggests that the initial sleep onset reduction in upper airway muscle activity is due to loss of a ‘wakefulness’ stimulus, rather than to loss of responsiveness to negative pressure, and that this wakefulness stimulus may be greater in the OSA patient than in healthy controls. PMID:15695240

Antenatal diagnosis and management of a vallecular cyst.

PubMed

Cuillier, F; Samperiz, S; Testud, R; Fossati, P

2002-12-01

Vallecular cysts are rare. It is important to be aware of their presence as they can cause upper airway obstruction. We describe a case of congenital vallecular cyst diagnosed at 28 weeks of gestation. This early diagnosis enabled us to plan careful perinatal management. We believe that, in cases of suspected oropharyngeal tumors, elective delivery should be carried out in a tertiary referral center in which emergency ventilation and tracheostomy are possible.

Complications of the 'treatment' of tonsillar infection by traditional healers in Nigeria.

PubMed

Olu Ibekwe, A

1983-09-01

Traditional healers in Nigeria attempt to treat tonsillar infections either by performing uvulectomy with a sickle knife or by digital rupture of the tonsil. These procedures result in various complications, including haemorrhage, septicaemia, cellulitis of the neck, peritonsillar and parapharyngeal abscess, upper airway obstruction, and pharyngo-laryngocele with pneumothorax. These complications are illustrated with case reports. The danger of encouraging traditional healers to practise unsupervised and unscientific medicine is stressed.

Central adenosine A1 receptors inhibit cough via suppression of excitatory glutamatergic and tachykininergic neurotransmission.

PubMed

El-Hashim, Ahmed Z; Mathews, Seena; Al-Shamlan, Fajer

2018-05-16

The A 1 adenosine receptor is reported to mediate several excitatory effects in the airways and has inhibitory effects in the central nervous system. In this study, we investigated the role of peripheral and central A 1 adenosine receptors in regulating cough and airway obstruction. Drugs were administered to guinea pigs via the inhaled or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) routes. Cough was induced by exposing guinea pigs to aerosolised 0.4 M citric acid, following drug inhalation or i.c.v. infusion, in a plethysmograph box. An automated analyzer recorded simultaneously both cough and airway obstruction. Inhaled A 1 receptor agonist, cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), dose-dependently inhibited cough (cough: 8 ± 3.4, 6.0 ± 4.5 and 1.9 ± 0.6 vs. 15.4 ± 3.7 for 0.3, 0.6 and 1, mg ml -1 vs. vehicle, respectively) and also inhibited airway obstruction. Similarly, CPA, administered i.c.v., inhibited both the citric acid-induced cough (cough: 21.3 ± 4.0 and 8.8 ± 3.4 vs. 23 ± 3.0 for 1.8 and 3 nmole ml -1 vs. vehicle, respectively) and airway obstruction; this was prevented by pretreatment with the A 1 adenosine receptor antagonist cyclopenty l-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX; i.c.v.). Treatment with DPCPX alone, dose-dependently enhanced the citric acid-induced cough and airway obstruction. This was reversed following treatment with either the GLUN1 receptor antagonist DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid or the NK 1 receptor antagonist FK-888. These findings suggest that activation of either peripheral or central A 1 adenosine receptors inhibits citric acid-induced cough and airway obstruction. The data also suggest that tonic activation of central adenosine A 1 receptors serves as a negative regulator of cough and airway obstruction, secondary to inhibition of excitatory glutamatergic and tachykininergic neurotransmission. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Does CPAP Affect Patient-Reported Voice Outcomes?

PubMed

Hartke, Vance; Gillespie, Amanda; Smith, Libby J; Soose, Ryan J

2018-04-01

Upper aerodigestive tract symptoms are common in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It remains unclear whether continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) improves or worsens these otolaryngology symptoms. As therapy-related side effects limit CPAP adherence, this study aimed to determine if CPAP negatively affects voice, sinonasal, and reflux symptoms of the upper airway. Case series with planned data collection was performed at an academic otolaryngology sleep center. Newly diagnosed patients with OSA were evaluated before and 6 months after initiating CPAP therapy. Data collected included CPAP data download, Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Voice Handicap Index 10 (VHI-10), Sino-Nasal Questionnaire (SNQ), and oral dryness visual analog scale (VAS). For the 11 CPAP-adherent participants, the RSI significantly improved with CPAP (mean RSI, 22.0-9.5; P = .002); however, the VAS, VHI-10, and SNQ did not change after 6 months of CPAP therapy. In a small sample size, patient-reported voice outcomes (VHI-10) and other upper aerodigestive tract symptoms did not worsen with CPAP; rather, CPAP therapy was associated with a reduction in reflux symptoms.

Functional outcome of tongue motions with selective hypoglossal nerve stimulation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

PubMed

Heiser, C; Maurer, J T; Steffen, A

2016-05-01

Selective upper airway stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve is a novel therapy option for obstructive sleep apnea. Different tongue motions were observed after surgery during active therapy. We examined tongue motions in 14 patients (mean age 51 ± 10 years) who received an implantation of an upper airway stimulation system (Inspire Medical Systems) from September 2013 to February 2014 in three different implantation centers in Germany after surgery. Sleep recording was performed preoperatively: 2 months (M02) and 6 months (M06) after surgery. There were three different tongue motions observed after surgery at 1 month (M01), M02, and M06 after surgery: bilateral protrusion (BP), right protrusion (RP), and mixed activation (MA). At M01: 10 BP, 2 RP, and 2 MA; at M02: 12 BP, 0 RP, and 2 MA; and at M06: 12 BP, 0 RP, and 2 MA could be detected. The average apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was reduced from 32.5 ± 14.2/h before surgery to 17.9 ± 23.3/h at M02 and 14.1 ± 19.8/h at M06. An increased reduction in AHI was found in BP and RP group (Baseline: 29.6 ± 12.6/h; M02: 12.06 ± 14.1/h; M06: 9.7 ± 12.6/h) compared to the MA group (Baseline 49.6 ± 13.8/h; M02: 49.7 ± 5.1/h; M06: 40.5 ± 4.1/h). These findings suggest that the postoperative tongue motions in upper airway stimulation are associated with the therapy outcome. The stimulation electrode placement on the hypoglossal nerve for selective muscle recruitment may play a role in the mechanism of action.

[Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome in adults aged over 60 yeaes in dongying city].

PubMed

Su, Yi; Xu, Weiwei; Wang, Xiangyun; Zhang, Zhili; Cao, Yingchun; Yu, Qiuhong; Li, Jiandong

2016-02-01

To survey the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS) in adults aged over 60 years in Dongying city,and analyze the risk factors and the extent of damage to the quality of life for the elderly to provide the basis for prevention and treatment of OSAHS people. One thousand subjects were derived from a random cluster sampling in seven districts of Dongying city:they were asked to answer the questions from questionnaires. According to the questionnaire scoring, 100 subjects in high-risk group were selected randomly to make polysomnography monitoring for a whole night,so that the prevalence of the disease was calculated and the related risk factors were analyzed; elderly patients diagnosed with OSAHS were asked to assess the quality of life assessment questionnaire by face to face to understand the quality of life dimensions injury. The actual number of completed surveys was 934, and the efficiency was 93.4%. The estimated prevalence of OSARS in elder people defined by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI ≥ 5) was 32.5%; Multivariate analysis revealed that age smoking, family snoring,neck circumference, waist circumference, and abnormality of the upper airway were respectively independent risk factors of OSAHS,and the abnormalities of the upper airway had the most obvious impact on AHI. The damage caused by OSAHS to the quality of life for elderly people followed their daily work life, social relationships, symptoms, alertness, emotional, general health, symptoms. The estimated prevalences of OSAHS in elder people were high. Actively promoting good habits to older people, weight loss, early detection and correct upper airway abnormalities may reduce the estimated prevalence of OSAHS. In the treatment process, the patient's physician should pay attention to their emotional and groom their psychological problems to improve the quality of life in elder people.

Clinical use of Heliox in asthma and COPD.

PubMed

Valli, G; Paoletti, P; Savi, D; Martolini, D; Palange, P

2007-09-01

Heliox is a low density gas mixture of helium and oxygen commonly used in deep diving (> 6 ATM). This mixture has been also used for clinical purposes, particularly in the critical care setting. Due to of its physical proprieties, Heliox breathing reduces air flow resistances within the bronchial tree; in patients with obstructive lung diseases Heliox may also reduce the work of breathing and improve pulmonary gas exchange efficiency. Beneficial effects have been documented in severe asthma attacks and in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A reduction in WOB during mechanical ventilation and an increase in exercise endurance capacity have also been described in COPD. Heliox has been also used in the treatment of upper airways obstruction, bronchiolitis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Despite the encouraging results, Heliox use in routine practice remains controversial because of technical implications and high costs.

Laryngeal debridement: an alternative treatment for a laryngopyocele presenting with severe airway obstruction.

PubMed

Fraser, L; Pittore, B; Frampton, S; Brennan, P; Puxeddu, R

2011-04-01

The laryngocele is an abnormal saccular dilatation of the ventricle of Morgagni, which maintains its communication with the laryngeal vestibule. Three types of laryngoceles have been described: internal, external, and combined or mixed in relation to the position of the sac with respect to the thyrohyoid membrane. If the laryngocele becomes obstructed and infected it leads to the so-called laryngopyocele which, although a rare disease (8% of laryngoceles), can become an emergency causing severe airway obstruction needing urgent management, even tracheostomy. An alternative method is presented of emergency management of an internal laryngopyocele causing severe airway obstruction using a laryngeal microdebrider and avoiding tracheostomy.

Airway Obstruction and the Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Deformity: Contributions by the Bony Septum.

PubMed

Friel, Michael T; Starbuck, John M; Ghoneima, Ahmed M; Murage, Kariuki; Kula, Katherine S; Tholpady, Sunil; Havlik, Robert J; Flores, Roberto L

2015-07-01

Patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) deformities commonly develop nasal airway obstruction, necessitating septoplasty at the time of definitive rhinoplasty. We assessed the contribution of the bony septum to airway obstruction using computed tomography (CT) and cone beam CT (CBCT). A 2-year retrospective review of all subjects with unilateral CLP who underwent CBCT imaging (n = 22) and age-matched controls (n = 9) who underwent CT imaging was conducted. Control CT scans were used to determine the segment of nasal septum comprised almost entirely of bone. The CBCT of the nasal airway was assessed using Dolphin software to determine the contribution of the bony septum to septal deviation and airway obstruction. The nasal septum posterior to the midpoint between anterior and posterior nasal spine is comprised of 96% bone. The nasal airway associated with this posterior bony segment was 43.1% (P < 0.001) larger by volume on the non-cleft side in patients with unilateral CLP. The average septal deviation within the posterior bony segment was 5.4 mm, accounting for 74.4% of the maximal deviation within the nasal airway. The average airway stenosis within the posterior bony nasal airway was 0.45 mm (0-2.2 mm). In patients with unilateral CLP, the bony nasal septum can demonstrate significant deviation and airway stenosis. Surgeons should consider a bony septoplasty in their treatment algorithm in unilateral CLP patients who have reached skeletal maturity.

Cardiorespiratory interaction with continuous positive airway pressure

PubMed Central

Bonafini, Sara; Fava, Cristiano; Steier, Joerg

2018-01-01

The treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). Since its introduction in clinical practice, CPAP has been used in various clinical conditions with variable and heterogeneous outcomes. In addition to the well-known effects on the upper airway CPAP impacts on intrathoracic pressures, haemodynamics and blood pressure (BP) control. However, short- and long-term effects of CPAP therapy depend on multiple variables which include symptoms, underlying condition, pressure used, treatment acceptance, compliance and usage. CPAP can alter long-term cardiovascular risk in patients with cardiorespiratory conditions. Furthermore, the effect of CPAP on the awake patient differs from the effect on the patients while asleep, and this might contribute to discomfort and removal of the use interface. The purpose of this review is to highlight the physiological impact of CPAP on the cardiorespiratory system, including short-term benefits and long-term outcomes. PMID:29445529

Atopic asthmatic immune phenotypes associated with airway microbiota and airway obstruction.

PubMed

Turturice, Benjamin A; McGee, Halvor S; Oliver, Brian; Baraket, Melissa; Nguyen, Brian T; Ascoli, Christian; Ranjan, Ravi; Rani, Asha; Perkins, David L; Finn, Patricia W

2017-01-01

Differences in asthma severity may be related to inflammation in the airways. The lower airway microbiota has been associated with clinical features such as airway obstruction, symptom control, and response to corticosteroids. To assess the relationship between local airway inflammation, severity of disease, and the lower airway microbiota in atopic asthmatics. A cohort of young adult, atopic asthmatics with intermittent or mild/moderate persistent symptoms (n = 13) were assessed via bronchoscopy, lavage, and spirometry. These individuals were compared to age matched non-asthmatic controls (n = 6) and to themselves after six weeks of treatment with fluticasone propionate (FP). Inflammation of the airways was assessed via a cytokine and chemokine panel. Lower airway microbiota composition was determined by metagenomic shotgun sequencing. Unsupervised clustering of cytokines and chemokines prior to treatment with FP identified two asthmatic phenotypes (AP), termed AP1 and AP2, with distinct bronchoalveolar lavage inflammatory profiles. AP2 was associated with more obstruction, compared to AP1. After treatment with FP reduced MIP-1β and TNF-α and increased IL-2 was observed. A module of highly correlated cytokines that include MIP-1β and TNF-α was identified that negatively correlated with pulmonary function. Independently, IL-2 was positively correlated with pulmonary function. The airway microbiome composition correlated with asthmatic phenotypes. AP2, prior to FP treatment, was enriched with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Unique associations between IL-2 or the cytokine module and the microbiota composition of the airways were observed in asthmatics subjects prior to treatment but not after or in controls. The underlying inflammation in atopic asthma is related to the composition of microbiota and is associated with severity of airway obstruction. Treatment with inhaled corticosteroids was associated with changes in the airway inflammatory response to microbiota.

Obstructive airway in Morquio A syndrome, the past, the present and the future

PubMed Central

Tomatsu, Shunji; Averill, Lauren W.; Sawamoto, Kazuki; Mackenzie, William G.; Bober, Michael B.; Pizarro, Christian; Goff, Christopher J.; Xie, Li; Orii, Tadao; Theroux, Mary

2015-01-01

Patients with severe tracheal obstruction in Morquio A syndrome are at risk of dying of sleep apnea and related complications. Tracheal obstruction also leads to life-threatening complications during anesthesia as a result of the difficulty in managing the upper airway due to factors inherent to the Morquio A syndrome, compounded by the difficulty in intubating the trachea. A detailed description of the obstructive pathology of the trachea is not available in the literature probably due to lack of a homogenous group of Morquio A patients to study at any one particular center. We present a series of cases with significant tracheal obstruction who were unrecognized due to the difficulty in interpreting tracheal narrowing airway symptoms. Our goal is to provide the guidelines in the management of these patients that allow earlier recognition and intervention of tracheal obstruction. Sagittal MRI images of the cervical spine of 28 Morquio A patients (12 ± 8.14 years) showed that19/28 (67.9%) patients had at least 25% tracheal narrowing and that narrowing worsened with age (all 8 patients over 15 years had greater than 50% narrowing). Eight out of 28 patients were categorized as severe (>75%) tracheal narrowing when images were evaluated in neutral head and neck position. Of the 19 patients with tracheal narrowing, compression by the tortuous brachiocephalic artery was the most common cause (n = 15). Evidence of such tracheal narrowing was evident as early as at 2 years of age. The etiology of tracheal impingement by the brachiocephalic artery in Morquio A appears to be due to a combination of the narrow thoracic inlet crowding structures and the disproportionate growth of trachea and brachiocephalic artery in relationship to the chest cavity leading to tracheal tortuosity. In conclusion, tracheal narrowing, often due to impression from the crossing tortuous brachiocephalic artery, increases with age in Morquio A patients. Greater attention to the trachea is needed when evaluating cervical spine MRIs as well as other imaging and clinical investigations, with the goal of establishing a timely treatment protocol to reduce the mortality rate in this patient population. PMID:26432669

Continuous positive airway pressure and ventilation are more effective with a nasal mask than a full face mask in unconscious subjects: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Oto, Jun; Li, Qian; Kimball, William R; Wang, Jingping; Sabouri, Abdolnabi S; Harrell, Priscilla G; Kacmarek, Robert M; Jiang, Yandong

2013-12-23

Upper airway obstruction (UAO) is a major problem in unconscious subjects, making full face mask ventilation difficult. The mechanism of UAO in unconscious subjects shares many similarities with that of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), especially the hypotonic upper airway seen during rapid eye movement sleep. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) via nasal mask is more effective at maintaining airway patency than a full face mask in patients with OSA. We hypothesized that CPAP via nasal mask and ventilation (nCPAP) would be more effective than full face mask CPAP and ventilation (FmCPAP) for unconscious subjects, and we tested our hypothesis during induction of general anesthesia for elective surgery. In total, 73 adult subjects requiring general anesthesia were randomly assigned to one of four groups: nCPAP P0, nCPAP P5, FmCPAP P0, and FmCPAP P5, where P0 and P5 represent positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) 0 and 5 cm H2O applied prior to induction. After apnea, ventilation was initiated with pressure control ventilation at a peak inspiratory pressure over PEEP (PIP/PEEP) of 20/0, then 20/5, and finally 20/10 cm H2O, each applied for 1 min. At each pressure setting, expired tidal volume (Vte) was calculated by using a plethysmograph device. The rate of effective tidal volume (Vte > estimated anatomical dead space) was higher (87.9% vs. 21.9%; P<0.01) and the median Vte was larger (6.9 vs. 0 mL/kg; P<0.01) with nCPAP than with FmCPAP. Application of CPAP prior to induction of general anesthesia did not affect Vte in either approach (nCPAP pre- vs. post-; 7.9 vs. 5.8 mL/kg, P = 0.07) (FmCPAP pre- vs. post-; 0 vs. 0 mL/kg, P = 0.11). nCPAP produced more effective tidal volume than FmCPAP in unconscious subjects. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01524614.

Plasma radiofrequency preceded by pressure recording enhances success for treating sleep-related breathing disorders.

PubMed

Tvinnereim, Magne; Mitic, Svetislav; Hansen, Rolf K

2007-04-01

Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) that cannot be treated conservatively are commonly treated using uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, although success rates are generally less than 70%. The purpose of this study was to assess a plasma-mediated radiofrequency (RF)-based coblation assisted upper airway procedure (CAUP) to treat SRBD patients determined to have obstruction localized to the upper (mid)-pharyngeal region. Prospective case series (n = 40). Six patients had socially bothersome snoring, and 34 patients had mild to moderate sleep apnea (apnea/hypopnea index [AHI] <20), with the primary level of obstruction (>50%) within the upper pharyngeal region as determined using whole night recordings, including airway pressure fluctuation monitoring (ApneaGraph, MRA-Medical Ltd, Gloucestershire, UK). CAUP consisted of making a lateral palatal incision, ablating three upward channels on each side of the midline (fan-shaped) into the soft palate using a plasma mediated RF-based device (ArthroCare Corporation, Austin, TX), and performing a partial uvulectomy. Clinical outcomes included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), partner rating of snoring using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and night-time apnea and hypopnea events (AHI, hypopnea index [HI], apnea index [AI]). Patients were 28 to 68 (46 +/- 12) years old; 28 (70%) were male. Preoperatively, clinical assessment scores (median +/- interquartile range) were as follows: ESS (11.0 +/- 3.0), VAS (8.15 +/- 1.00), AHI (9.58 +/- 5.58), HI (9.00 +/- 5.29), AI (0.333 +/- 0.625). After CAUP, no postoperative scarring, fibrosis, or any other clinically significant side effects were observed. Postoperatively (9.1 +/- 1.5; 7-15 mo), ESS (4.0 +/- 1.0), VAS (2.70 +/- 1.38), AHI (3.75 +/- 2.92), HI (3.58 +/- 2.50), and AI (0.167 +/- 0.167) were significantly improved (P < .001). CAUP preceded by site-specific obstruction diagnosis using pressure recording is a well-tolerated outpatient treatment that is well suited for treating SRBD.

The groningen laryngomalacia classification system--based on systematic review and dynamic airway changes.

PubMed

van der Heijden, Martijn; Dikkers, Frederik G; Halmos, Gyorgy B

2015-12-01

Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of dyspnea and stridor in newborn infants. Laryngomalacia is a dynamic change of the upper airway based on abnormally pliable supraglottic structures, which causes upper airway obstruction. In the past, different classification systems have been introduced. Until now no classification system is widely accepted and applied. Our goal is to provide a simple and complete classification system based on systematic literature search and our experiences. Retrospective cohort study with literature review. All patients with laryngomalacia under the age of 5 at time of diagnosis were included. Photo and video documentation was used to confirm diagnosis and characteristics of dynamic airway change. Outcome was compared with available classification systems in literature. Eighty-five patients were included. In contrast to other classification systems, only three typical different dynamic changes have been identified in our series. Two existing classification systems covered 100% of our findings, but there was an unnecessary overlap between different types in most of the systems. Based on our finding, we propose a new a classification system for laryngomalacia, which is purely based on dynamic airway changes. The groningen laryngomalacia classification is a new, simplified classification system with three types, based on purely dynamic laryngeal changes, tested in a tertiary referral center: Type 1: inward collapse of arytenoids cartilages, Type 2: medial displacement of aryepiglottic folds, and Type 3: posterocaudal displacement of epiglottis against the posterior pharyngeal wall. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

CLCA1 and TMEM16A: the link towards a potential cure for airway diseases.

PubMed

Brett, Tom J

2015-10-01

The hallmark traits of chronic obstructive airway diseases are inflammation, airway constriction due to hyperreactivity and mucus overproduction. The current common treatments for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease target the first two traits with none currently targeting mucus overproduction. The main source of obstructive mucus production is mucus cell metaplasia (MCM), the transdifferentiation of airway epithelial cells into mucus-producing goblet cells, in the small airways. Our current understanding of MCM is profusely incomplete. Few of the molecular players involved in driving MCM in humans have been identified and for many of those that have, their functions and mechanisms are unknown. This fact has limited the development of therapeutics that target mucus overproduction by inhibiting MCM. Current work in the field is aiming to change that.

Sleep and metabolic function.

PubMed

Morselli, Lisa L; Guyon, Aurore; Spiegel, Karine

2012-01-01

Evidence for the role of sleep on metabolic and endocrine function has been reported more than four decades ago. In the past 30 years, the prevalence of obesity and diabetes has greatly increased in industrialized countries, and self-imposed sleep curtailment, now very common, is starting to be recognized as a contributing factor, alongside with increased caloric intake and decreased physical activity. Furthermore, obstructive sleep apnea, a chronic condition characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction leading to intermittent hypoxemia and sleep fragmentation, has also become highly prevalent as a consequence of the epidemic of obesity and has been shown to contribute, in a vicious circle, to the metabolic disturbances observed in obese patients. In this article, we summarize the current data supporting the role of sleep in the regulation of glucose homeostasis and the hormones involved in the regulation of appetite. We also review the results of the epidemiologic and laboratory studies that investigated the impact of sleep duration and quality on the risk of developing diabetes and obesity, as well as the mechanisms underlying this increased risk. Finally, we discuss how obstructive sleep apnea affects glucose metabolism and the beneficial impact of its treatment, the continuous positive airway pressure. In conclusion, the data available in the literature highlight the importance of getting enough good sleep for metabolic health.

The relationship between partial upper-airway obstruction and inter-breath transition period during sleep.

PubMed

Mann, Dwayne L; Edwards, Bradley A; Joosten, Simon A; Hamilton, Garun S; Landry, Shane; Sands, Scott A; Wilson, Stephen J; Terrill, Philip I

2017-10-01

Short pauses or "transition-periods" at the end of expiration and prior to subsequent inspiration are commonly observed during sleep in humans. However, the role of transition periods in regulating ventilation during physiological challenges such as partial airway obstruction (PAO) has not been investigated. Twenty-nine obstructive sleep apnea patients and eight controls underwent overnight polysomnography with an epiglottic catheter. Sustained-PAO segments (increased epiglottic pressure over ≥5 breaths without increased peak inspiratory flow) and unobstructed reference segments were manually scored during apnea-free non-REM sleep. Nasal pressure data was computationally segmented into inspiratory (T I , shortest period achieving 95% inspiratory volume), expiratory (T E , shortest period achieving 95% expiratory volume), and inter-breath transition period (T Trans , period between T E and subsequent T I ). Compared with reference segments, sustained-PAO segments had a mean relative reduction in T Trans (-24.7±17.6%, P<0.001), elevated T I (11.8±10.5%, P<0.001), and a small reduction in T E (-3.9±8.0, P≤0.05). Compensatory increases in inspiratory period during PAO are primarily explained by reduced transition period and not by reduced expiratory period. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Clinical predictors of effective continuous positive airway pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome.

PubMed

Lai, Chi-Chih; Friedman, Michael; Lin, Hsin-Ching; Wang, Pa-Chun; Hwang, Michelle S; Hsu, Cheng-Ming; Lin, Meng-Chih; Chin, Chien-Hung

2015-08-01

To identify standard clinical parameters that may predict the optimal level of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). This is a retrospective study in a tertiary academic medical center that included 129 adult patients (117 males and 12 females) with OSAHS confirmed by diagnostic polysomnography (PSG). All OSAHS patients underwent successful full-night manual titration to determine the optimal CPAP pressure level for OSAHS treatment. The PSG parameters and completed physical examination, including body mass index, tonsil size grading, modified Mallampati grade (also known as updated Friedman's tongue position [uFTP]), uvular length, neck circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, thyroid-mental distance, and hyoid-mental distance (HMD) were recorded. When the physical examination variables and OSAHS disease were correlated singly with the optimal CPAP pressure, we found that uFTP, HMD, and apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) were reliable predictors of CPAP pressures (P = .013, P = .002, and P < .001, respectively, by multiple regression). When all important factors were considered in a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, a significant correlation with optimal CPAP pressure was formulated by factoring the uFTP, HMD, and AHI (optimal CPAP pressure = 1.01 uFTP + 0.74 HMD + 0.059 AHI - 1.603). This study distinguished the correlation between uFTP, HMD, and AHI with the optimal CPAP pressure. The structure of the upper airway (especially tongue base obstruction) and disease severity may predict the effective level of CPAP pressure. 4. © 2015 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

All APAPs Are Not Equivalent for the Treatment of Sleep Disordered Breathing: A Bench Evaluation of Eleven Commercially Available Devices.

PubMed

Zhu, Kaixian; Roisman, Gabriel; Aouf, Sami; Escourrou, Pierre

2015-07-15

This study challenged on a bench-test the efficacy of auto-titrating positive airway pressure (APAP) devices for obstructive sleep disordered breathing treatment and evaluated the accuracy of the device reports. Our bench consisted of an active lung simulator and a Starling resistor. Eleven commercially available APAP devices were evaluated on their reactions to single-type SDB sequences (obstructive apnea and hypopnea, central apnea, and snoring), and to a long general breathing scenario (5.75 h) simulating various SDB during four sleep cycles and to a short scenario (95 min) simulating one sleep cycle. In the single-type sequence of 30-minute repetitive obstructive apneas, only 5 devices normalized the airflow (> 70% of baseline breathing amplitude). Similarly, normalized breathing was recorded with 8 devices only for a 20-min obstructive hypopnea sequence. Five devices increased the pressure in response to snoring. Only 4 devices maintained a constant minimum pressure when subjected to repeated central apneas with an open upper airway. In the long general breathing scenario, the pressure responses and the treatment efficacy differed among devices: only 5 devices obtained a residual obstructive AHI < 5/h. During the short general breathing scenario, only 2 devices reached the same treatment efficacy (p < 0.001), and 3 devices underestimated the AHI by > 10% (p < 0.001). The long scenario led to more consistent device reports. Large differences between APAP devices in the treatment efficacy and the accuracy of report were evidenced in the current study. © 2015 American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Experience with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in a developing country: impact of tracheostomy.

PubMed

Orji, Foster Tochukwu; Okorafor, Ijeoma A; Akpeh, James O

2013-02-01

The frequent relapses of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) sometimes demand repeated surgical excision with tracheostomy. This situation plays a vital role in the management of RRP in developing countries such as ours because of late presentation. This study was conducted to evaluate our experience with RRP and to determine the incidence and impact of tracheostomy in the overall management and outcomes of our patients. The records of 59 patients with histologically confirmed RRP treated between 1994 and 2008 at our tertiary institution were reviewed. We collected data such as age at onset, tracheostomy frequency and duration, number of required surgical excisions, papilloma spread to the lower airways. Patients' characteristics and the course of the disease were compared between a juvenile-onset papillomatosis (JoRRP) group and an adult-onset group (AdRRP). Overall, 68 % of our patients were in the JoRRP group (ages 2-11 years, mean 6 years). The other 32 % were 22-58 years of age (AdRRP group). Two cases of JoRRP continued into adult life. Multiple RRP dominated in the JoRRP group (93 %), whereas solitary papillomas predominated in the AdRRP group (63 %). Tracheostomy was performed because of upper airway obstruction in 42 % of our patients, with children accounting for 72 %. The mean duration of tracheostomy was 3.5 months, with 80 % lasting <4 months. Significantly more JoRRP patients had severe upper airway obstruction, required tracheostomy, and underwent multiple surgical excisions (p = 0.04, 0.02, and 0.009, respectively). Tracheobronchial spread occurred in a patient with prolonged tracheostomy. Multiple laryngeal papillomatosis clearly followed a more severe and less predictable course than the solitary type in both groups. Although there was a high incidence of tracheostomy in this study, short-duration tracheostomies accounted for the low incidence of extralaryngeal spread.

Pharyngeal airspace of asthmatic individuals and those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: Study by CBCT.

PubMed

Dultra, Fátima Karoline Araújo Alves; Tavares, Alana; Dultra, Joaquim de Almeida; Salles, Cristina; Crusoé-Rebelo, Iêda Margarida; Barbosa, Inessa; Souza-Machado, Adelmir

2017-10-01

The objective of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the oropharyngeal space of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) and asthma by means of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images. The study included individuals with OSA and asthma (n=10), with OSA and without asthma (n=6), asthmatics without OSA (n=6) and healthy individuals (n=25). All patients were evaluated by a pneumologist and submitted to a nocturnal polysomnogram. Participants underwent CBCT examinations using an I-CAT ® device (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, PA, U.S.A.) and all images were exported to Dolphin Image 3D ® software. Cephalometric measurements were taken, as well as measurements of length (C), volume (VOL), sagittal area (SA) and minimum cross-sectional area (MCA); an evaluation was made of the format and contour of the upper airway in three dimensions, with p<0.05 considered significant. In the results of the present study, a statistically significant difference was found between VOL, SA and MCA (p=0.011; p=0.009; p=0.010) with reduced elevated values among the OSA+Asthma, OSA, Asthma and Control groups. Significant differences were seen between the linear (AP), cross-sectional (TR) and mean transverse area (TA) measurements in the group of patients with OSA and asthma as compared to the control group. In the control group, the greatest narrowing of the airway was observed either in the retroglossal or retropalatal area, while more patients in the experimental groups showed narrowing in the retropalatal area. The condition of OSA+asthma was associated with a substantial reduction in upper airway measurements in comparison to controls. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

When to Suspect Sleep Apnea and What to Do About It.

PubMed

Kimoff, R John

2015-07-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep with resultant hypoxia-reoxygenation and sleep fragmentation, is prevalent among patients with cardiovascular disease. Refractory hypertension, nocturnal angina or arrhythmias, and stroke in particular should prompt consideration of OSA. The symptoms of OSA include snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness; risk factors include obesity and reduced upper airway dimensions. Up to 50% of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) may manifest OSA, central sleep apnea-Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSA-CSR), or both. Patients with CSA-CSR may present with fatigue, disrupted sleep, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. Objective sleep recording is required to document the nature and severity of sleep apnea. The gold standard is in-laboratory overnight polysomnography (PSG), including monitoring of electroencephalography and other signals to determine sleep-wake state, and recording of body position, airflow, respiratory effort, and pulse oximetry. Portable cardiorespiratory recorders are now approved for diagnosis in patients without comorbidities. Full PSG is recommended for diagnosis in all other cases, although OSA and CSA-CSR can be identified from portable recorders in some patients with CHF and other conditions. The objectives of treatment are to improve symptoms, quality of life, and cardiovascular outcomes. The mainstay of treatment for moderate-to-severe OSA is positive airway pressure (PAP). Automated PAP devices may be used in uncomplicated OSA, whereas continuous fixed PAP is the treatment of choice for other patients with OSA, and may also treat a proportion of patients with CSA-CSR. A form of bi-level PAP known as adaptive servoventilation is effective in treating a majority of patients with CSA-CSR. Copyright © 2015 Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Upper Airway Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Results from the ADHERE Registry.

PubMed

Boon, Maurits; Huntley, Colin; Steffen, Armin; Maurer, Joachim T; Sommer, J Ulrich; Schwab, Richard; Thaler, Erica; Soose, Ryan; Chou, Courtney; Strollo, Patrick; Kezirian, Eric J; Chia, Stanley; Withrow, Kirk; Weidenbecher, Mark; Strohl, Kingman; Doghramji, Karl; Hofauer, Benedikt; Heiser, Clemens

2018-03-01

Objective Upper airway stimulation (UAS) is an alternative treatment option for patients unable to tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Studies support the safety and efficacy of this therapy. The aim of this registry is to collect retrospective and prospective objective and subjective outcome measures across multiple institutions in the United States and Germany. To date, it represents the largest cohort of patients studied with this therapy. Study Design Retrospective and prospective registry study. Setting Ten tertiary care hospitals in the United States and Germany. Subjects and Methods Patients were included who had moderate to severe OSA, were intolerant to CPAP, and were undergoing UAS implantation. Baseline demographic and sleep study data were collected. Objective and subjective treatment outcomes, adverse events, and patient and physician satisfaction were reviewed. Results The registry enrolled 301 patients between October 2016 and September 2017. Mean ± SD AHI decreased from 35.6 ± 15.3 to 10.2 ± 12.9 events per hour ( P < .0001), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores decreased from 11.9 ± 5.5 to 7.5 ± 4.7 ( P < .0001) from baseline to the posttitration visit. Patients utilized therapy for 6.5 hours per night. There were low rates of procedure- and device-related complications. Clinical global impression scores demonstrated that the majority of physicians (94%) saw improvement in their patients' symptoms with therapy. The majority of patients (90%) were more satisfied with UAS than CPAP. Conclusions Across a multi-institutional registry, UAS therapy demonstrates significant improvement in subjective and objective OSA outcomes, good therapy adherence, and high patient satisfaction.

Incomplete Spontaneous Recovery from Airway Obstruction During Inhaled Anesthesia Induction: A Computational Simulation.

PubMed

Kuo, Alexander S; Vijjeswarapu, Mary A; Philip, James H

2016-03-01

Inhaled induction with spontaneous respiration is a technique used for difficult airways. One of the proposed advantages is if airway patency is lost, the anesthetic agent will spontaneously redistribute until anesthetic depth is reduced and airway patency can be recovered. There are little and conflicting clinical or experimental data regarding the kinetics of this anesthetic technique. We used computer simulation to investigate this situation. We used GasMan, a computer simulation of inhaled anesthetic kinetics. For each simulation, alveolar ventilation was initiated with a set anesthetic induction concentration. When the vessel-rich group level reached the simulation specified airway obstruction threshold, alveolar ventilation was set at 0 to simulate complete airway obstruction. The time until the vessel-rich group anesthetic level decreased below the airway obstruction threshold was designated time to spontaneous recovery. We varied the parameters for each simulation, exploring the use of sevoflurane and halothane, airway obstruction threshold from 0.5 to 2 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), anesthetic induction concentration 2 to 4 MAC sevoflurane and 4 to 6 MAC halothane, cardiac output 2.5 to 10 L/min, functional residual capacity 1.5 to 3.5 L, and relative vessel-rich group perfusion 67% to 85%. In each simulation, there were 3 general phases: anesthetic wash-in, obstruction and overshoot, and then slow redistribution. During the first 2 phases, there was a large gradient between the alveolar and vessel-rich group. Alveolar do not reflect vessel-rich group anesthetic levels until the late third phase. Time to spontaneous recovery varied between 35 and 749 seconds for sevoflurane and 13 and 222 seconds for halothane depending on the simulation parameters. Halothane had a faster time to spontaneous recovery because of the lower alveolar gradient and less overshoot of the vessel-rich group, not faster redistribution. Higher airway obstruction thresholds, decreased anesthetic induction, and higher cardiac output reduced time to spontaneous recovery. To a lesser effect, decreased functional residual capacity and the decreased relative vessel-rich groups' perfusion also reduced the time to spontaneous recovery. Spontaneous recovery after complete airway obstruction during inhaled induction is plausible, but the recovery time is highly variable and depends on the clinical and physiologic situation. These results emphasize that induction is a non-steady-state situation, thus effect-site anesthetic levels should be modeled in future research, not alveolar concentration. Finally, this study provides an example of using computer simulation to explore situations that are difficult to investigate clinically.

PubMed Central

PASSALI, D.; CARUSO, G.; ARIGLIANO, L.C.; PASSALI, F.M.; BELLUSSI, L.

2012-01-01

SUMMARY Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) results from upper airway collapse during sleep. It represents an increasingly recognized pathology associated with many diseases. Herein, we describe a database for patients with OSAS. This has different goals: to facilitate good uniformity in clinical assessment, to allow the use of the application even by non-ENT specialists, to evaluate the results of medical and/or surgical treatments and to enable a statistical meta-analysis derived from the data collected in many OSAS medical centres. PMID:23093815

Treatment of macroglossia in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

PubMed

Clauser, Luigi; Tieghi, Riccardo; Polito, Jessica

2006-03-01

A case of macroglossia caused by Beckwith Wiedemann syndrome is reported. Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome is an overgrowth disorder characterized by a constellation of congenital anomalies. The most common manifestations are omphalocele, macroglossia, gigantism, and visceromegaly. When the tongue reaches a huge dimension, clinical symptoms are represented by dysphagia, alterations in speech, difficulty in chewing, obstruction of the upper airways, and psychologic consequences derived from the patient's physical appearance. The authors describe the surgical strategy performed in the reported case.

Palatoglossus coupling in selective upper airway stimulation.

PubMed

Heiser, Clemens; Edenharter, Günther; Bas, Murat; Wirth, Markus; Hofauer, Benedikt

2017-10-01

Selective upper airway stimulation (sUAS) of the hypoglossal nerve is a useful therapy to treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Is it known that multiple obstructions can be solved by this stimulation technique, even at the retropalatal region. The aim of this study was to verify the palatoglossus coupling at the soft palate during stimulation. Single-center, prospective clinical trail. Twenty patients who received an sUAS implant from April 2015 to April 2016 were included. A drug-induced sedated endoscopy (DISE) was performed before surgery. Six to 12 months after activation of the system, patients' tongue motions were recorded, an awake transnasal endoscopy was performed with stimulation turned on, and a DISE with stimulation off and on was done. Patients with a bilateral protrusion of the tongue base showed a significantly increased opening at the retropalatal level compared to ipsilateral protrusions. Furthermore, patients with a clear activation of the geniohyoid muscle showed a better reduction in apnea-hypopnea index. A bilateral protrusion of the tongue base during sUAS seems to be accompanied with a better opening of the soft palate. This effect can be explained by the palatoglossal coupling, due to its linkage of the muscles within the soft palate to those of the lateral tongue body. 4 Laryngoscope, 127:E378-E383, 2017. © 2017 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Indications and outcome of pediatric tracheostomy: results from a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

PubMed

Adoga, Adeyi A; Ma'an, Nuhu D

2010-01-12

There is a change in the concept of pediatric tracheostomy. This study investigates the indications and outcomes of pediatric tracheostomy in a Nigerian teaching hospital finding out whether there is also a change in the trend in our environment as compared to other centers. A retrospective chart review of 46 patients aged between 2 months and 15 years who presented to our Otorhinolaryngological facility and had tracheostomy between January 2000 and December 2008. The age range was 2 months to 15 years. There were 29 males and 17 females. Thirty two (69.6%) patients were in the age range 6-10 years. Forty tracheostomies (87%) were performed as emergency while 6 (13%) as elective procedures. The commonest indication for tracheostomy was upper airway obstruction (n = 29, 63%). Transverse skin incision was employed in all the cases. No intra-operative complication was recorded. The post-operative complication rate was 15.2%. The duration of tracheostomy ranged from 5 days to 3 months. All the patients were successfully decannulated. The overall mortality was 8 (17.4%). There was no tracheostomy related mortality. There is no increase in the incidence of tracheostomy in patients under 1 year of age and the commonest indication for the procedure in Nigeria has remained relief of upper airway obstruction. Pediatric tracheostomy is safe when performed in the tertiary hospital setting.

Pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnoea in hypertensive patients: role of fluid retention and nocturnal rostral fluid shift.

PubMed

White, L H; Bradley, T D; Logan, A G

2015-06-01

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is highly prevalent in hypertensive patients, particularly those with drug resistance. Evidence from animal experiments, epidemiologic studies and clinical trials strongly suggest a causal link. Mechanistic studies argue for increased sympathetic neural activity and endothelial dysfunction. However, disturbances in fluid volume regulation and distribution may also be involved in the pathogenesis of these two conditions. Several studies have shown a high prevalence of OSA in fluid-retaining states including hypertension, a direct relationship between the severity of OSA and the volume of fluid displaced from the legs to the neck during sleep, and a decrease in upper airway cross-sectional area in response to graded lower body positive pressure. Treatments targeting fluid retention and redistribution, including diuretics, mineralocorticoid antagonists, exercise, and possibly renal denervation lower blood pressure and reduce the apnoea-hypopnoea index, a measure of OSA severity. From these observations, it has been postulated that during the daytime, excess fluid collects in the lower extremities due to gravity, and on lying down overnight is redistributed rostrally to the neck, where it may narrow the upper airway and increase its collapsibility, predisposing to OSA when pharyngeal dilator muscle activity decreases during sleep. This article discusses the associations between OSA and hypertension and reviews the evidence for fluid accumulation and its nocturnal rostral redistribution in the pathogenesis of OSA in hypertensive patients.

New frontiers in obstructive sleep apnoea.

PubMed

Ayas, Najib T; Hirsch, Allen A J; Laher, Ismail; Bradley, T Douglas; Malhotra, Atul; Polotsky, Vsevolod Y; Tasali, Esra

2014-08-01

OSA (obstructive sleep apnoea), the most common respiratory disorder of sleep, is caused by the loss of upper airway dilating muscle activity during sleep superimposed on a narrow upper airway. This results in recurrent nocturnal asphyxia. Termination of these events usually requires arousal from sleep and results in sleep fragmentation and hypoxaemia, which leads to poor quality sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, reduced quality of life and numerous other serious health consequences. Furthermore, patients with untreated sleep apnoea are at an increased risk of hypertension, stroke, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Although there are many predisposing risk factors for OSA, including male gender, endocrine disorders, use of muscle relaxants, smoking, fluid retention and increased age, the strongest risk factor is obesity. The aim of the present review is to focus on three cutting-edge topics with respect to OSA. The section on animal models covers various strategies used to simulate the physiology or the effects of OSA in animals, and how these have helped to understand some of the underlying mechanisms of OSA. The section on diabetes discusses current evidence in both humans and animal models demonstrating that intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation has a negative impact on glucose tolerance. Finally, the section on cardiovascular biomarkers reviews the evidence supporting the use of these biomarkers to both measure some of the negative consequences of OSA, as well as the potential benefits of OSA therapies.

[Guide for the use of jet-ventilation during ENT and oral surgery].

PubMed

Bourgain, J-L; Chollet, M; Fischler, M; Gueret, G; Mayne, A

2010-10-01

The aim of this synthesis was to give recommendations on the use of jet-ventilation during ENT surgical and endoscopy procedures. Literature was collected from PUBMED and analysed by the members of French association of anaesthesiologists in ENT surgery, all skilled in this field. Presentation of these recommendations was given during the general assembly held in Reims, the 15th May 2009. Jet-ventilation is especially indicated during upper airway endoscopy and laryngeal invasive endoscopic surgery. Furthermore, transtracheal jet ventilation is included on most of difficult oxygenation and difficult intubation algorithm. The main risk of jet-ventilation is pulmonary barotrauma when expiration of injected gas is impeded by an upper airway obstruction. Failure and complications of tracheal puncture are rare when performed by experimented operators. Clinical use of jet ventilation requires a dedicated device. Practice of jet ventilation without intubation may be dangerous when applied without control of driving pressure and end expiratory tracheal pressure. Every anaesthetist should be familiar with transtracheal ventilation since they may face a "cannot ventilate cannot intubate" situation. Upper airway endoscopy and laryngeal surgery are the ideal field for training jet ventilation, even more so as this technique offers perfect operative conditions. To apply this project, jet ventilation should be used more frequently in routine practice. To maintain skill, regular use of these techniques is required. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

CT-abnormalities, bacteriology and symptoms of sinonasal disease in children with Cystic Fibrosis.

PubMed

Berkhout, M C; Klerx-Melis, F; Fokkens, W J; Nuijsink, M; van Aalderen, W M C; Heijerman, H G M

2016-11-01

Sinonasal pathology in adults with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is common but the extent of CT-abnormalities and symptoms of sinonasal disease in children with CF and the age of onset are less frequently studied. In this observational, cross-sectional study 58 children with CF from two CF centres were included. All subjects completed a questionnaire regarding sinonasal symptoms, underwent a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses, and in each subject a culture of the upper airways was performed. Subjects were divided in 6 age cohorts (0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14 and 15-17years) and were divided into severe and mild CF based on their CFTR mutation. Opacification of the sinonasal system of the subjects was compared with opacification on MRI-scans of an age-matched control group without CF. Most frequently reported symptoms were nasal obstruction and posterior/anterior nasal discharge. Opacification was abundant in every age cohort of the study group and was significantly more compared to the control group. In patients with severe CF the opacification was higher than subjects with mild CF. Upper airway cultures showed predominantly Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CT-abnormalities indicating sinonasal disease and symptoms are present from shortly after birth which may argue for a thorough examination of the upper airways in children with CF. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor prevents airway obstruction, respiratory failure and death due to sulfur mustard analog inhalation.

PubMed

Rancourt, Raymond C; Veress, Livia A; Ahmad, Aftab; Hendry-Hofer, Tara B; Rioux, Jacqueline S; Garlick, Rhonda B; White, Carl W

2013-10-01

Sulfur mustard (SM) inhalation causes airway injury, with enhanced vascular permeability, coagulation, and airway obstruction. The objective of this study was to determine whether recombinant tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) could inhibit this pathogenic sequence. Rats were exposed to the SM analog 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) via nose-only aerosol inhalation. One hour later, TFPI (1.5mg/kg) in vehicle, or vehicle alone, was instilled into the trachea. Arterial O2 saturation was monitored using pulse oximetry. Twelve hours after exposure, animals were euthanized and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and plasma were analyzed for prothrombin, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), active plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels, and fluid fibrinolytic capacity. Lung steady-state PAI-1 mRNA was measured by RT-PCR analysis. Airway-capillary leak was estimated by BALF protein and IgM, and by pleural fluid measurement. In additional animals, airway cast formation was assessed by microdissection and immunohistochemical detection of airway fibrin. Airway obstruction in the form of fibrin-containing casts was evident in central conducting airways of rats receiving CEES. TFPI decreased cast formation, and limited severe hypoxemia. Findings of reduced prothrombin consumption, and lower TAT complexes in BALF, demonstrated that TFPI acted to limit thrombin activation in airways. TFPI, however, did not appreciably affect CEES-induced airway protein leak, PAI-1 mRNA induction, or inhibition of the fibrinolytic activity present in airway surface liquid. Intratracheal administration of TFPI limits airway obstruction, improves gas exchange, and prevents mortality in rats with sulfur mustard-analog-induced acute lung injury. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Persistence of Upper-Airway Symptoms During CPAP Compromises Adherence at 1 Year.

PubMed

Kreivi, Hanna-Riikka; Maasilta, Paula; Bachour, Adel

2016-05-01

The most common adverse effects of CPAP are related to the upper airways. We evaluated upper-airway symptoms before and after a CPAP trial as well as their effect on CPAP adherence. We also evaluated the effect of humidification added to CPAP therapy on upper-airway symptoms. We followed for 1 y 536 subjects with obstructive sleep apnea scheduled consecutively for CPAP initiation. Subjects completed visual analog questionnaires on nasal stuffiness, rhinorrhea, and mouth dryness (0 = no symptoms, 100 = severe symptoms). Before CPAP initiation, mean nasal stuffiness score was 29.6 ± 24.9, rhinorrhea score was 16.0 ± 21.7, and mouth dryness score was 43.8 ± 33.1. In subjects who quit CPAP treatment before the 1-y follow-up, the increase in rhinorrhea score during CPAP initiation was significant, 5.3 (95% CI 0.5-9.5, P = .02), and in those using CPAP at 1 y, nasal stuffiness score and mouth dryness score decreased significantly during initiation, -5.1 (95% CI -7.9 to -2.4, P < .001) and -21.2 (-25.5 to -17.4, P < .001). Mouth dryness score decreased significantly with CPAP regardless of humidification: change with humidification, -18.1 (95% CI -22.1 to -14.3), P < .001; change without, -10.5 (95% CI -16.9 to -4.1), P = .002. Humidification also prevented the aggravation of rhinorrhea (change, -0.4 [95% CI -2.6 to 1.9], P = .75) and alleviated nasal stuffiness (change -5.3 [95% CI -7.8 to -2.6], P < .001) with CPAP, whereas its absence induced a significant rise in symptom scores: change in rhinorrhea, 11.5 (95% CI 7.1-16.7), P < .001; change in nasal stuffiness, 8.5 (95% CI 3.9-13.5, P < .001). The severity of upper-airway symptoms before CPAP does not predict CPAP use at 1 y, whereas CPAP non-users at 1 y had smaller or no alleviation in symptom scores during initiation compared with those who continued CPAP treatment. Copyright © 2016 by Daedalus Enterprises.

Fetal tracheolaryngeal airway obstruction: prenatal evaluation by sonography and MRI

PubMed Central

Courtier, Jesse; Poder, Liina; Wang, Zhen J.; Westphalen, Antonio C.; Yeh, Benjamin M.

2010-01-01

We reviewed the sonographic and MRI findings of tracheolaryngeal obstruction in the fetus. Conditions that can cause tracheolaryngeal obstruction include extrinsic causes such as lymphatic malformation, cervical teratoma and vascular rings and intrinsic causes such as congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS). Accurate distinction of these conditions by sonography or MRI can help facilitate parental counseling and management, including the decision to utilize the ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure. PMID:20737145

Systematic review: the influence of nasal obstruction on sleep apnea.

PubMed

Migueis, Debora Petrungaro; Thuler, Luiz Claudio Santos; Lemes, Lucas Neves de Andrade; Moreira, Chirlene Santos Souza; Joffily, Lucia; Araujo-Melo, Maria Helena de

2016-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disorder that can lead to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, as well as to metabolic, neurological, and behavioral consequences. It is currently believed that nasal obstruction compromises the quality of sleep when it results in breathing disorders and fragmentation of sleep. However, recent studies have failed to objectively associate sleep quality and nasal obstruction. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the influence of nasal obstruction on OSAS and polysomnographic indices associated with respiratory events. Eleven original articles published from 2003 to 2013 were selected, which addressed surgical and non-surgical treatment for nasal obstruction, performing polysomnography type 1 before and after the intervention. In most trials, nasal obstruction was not related to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), indicating no improvement in OSAS with reduction in nasal resistance. However, few researchers evaluated other polysomnography indices, such as the arousal index and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep percentage. These could change with nasal obstruction, since it is possible that the nasal obstruction does not completely block the upper airways, but can increase negative intrathoracic pressure, leading to sleep fragmentation. Copyright © 2015 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

[Postextubation laryngeal edema seven years after undergoing neck dissection].

PubMed

Daijo, Hiroki; Habara, Toshie; Katagawa, Tomoko; Yoshikawa, Yukiko; Shinomura, Tetsutaro

2008-05-01

We report a case of upper airway obstruction after extubation in a 69-year-old female patient who underwent transurethral ureterolithotripsy (TUL). She had underwent bilateral modified radical neck dissection 7 years previously. TUL went smoothly in Trenderenburg position, and the extubation was performed after antagonism of neuromuscular block. The patient was closely observed in the operating theater, but about 10 minutes after extubation, she was noted to have dyspnea and tracheal tug. Dexamathasone 2 mg IV was given but was unsuccessful. Although we could support the airway with bag-mask ventilation, continuous stridor required re-intubation. Direct laryngoscopy revealed severe obstruction caused by laryngeal edema. An otolaryngologist was consulted and he performed tracheostomy. We transferred the patient to the intensive care unit for observation. Flexible fiberoptic scope examination performed on postoperative day (POD) 1 showed the decrease of the laryngeal edema. Tacheal tube was removed on POD 7 and she was discharged from the hospital POD 10 without further complications. Patients after a neck dissection may be at elevated risk for postoperative laryngeal edema caused by lymphatic destruction or venous congestion of the neck.

Evidence-based hypnotherapy for asthma: a critical review.

PubMed

Brown, Daniel

2007-04-01

Asthma is a chronic disease with intermittent acute exacerbations, characterized by obstructed airways, hyper-responsiveness, and sometimes by chronic airway inflammation. Critically reviewing evidence primarily from controlled outcome studies on hypnosis for asthma shows that hypnosis is possibly efficacious for treatment of symptom severity and illness-related behaviors and is efficacious for managing emotional states that exacerbate airway obstruction. Hypnosis is also possibly efficacious for decreasing airway obstruction and stabilizing airway hyper-responsiveness in some individuals, but there is insufficient evidence that hypnosis affects asthma's inflammatory process. Promising research needs to be replicated with larger samples and better designs with careful attention paid to the types of hypnotic suggestions given. The critical issue is not so much whether it is used but how it is used. Future outcome research must address the relative contribution of expectancies, hypnotizability, hypnotic induction, and specific suggestions.

Squamous metaplasia amplifies pathologic epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in COPD patients

PubMed Central

Araya, Jun; Cambier, Stephanie; Markovics, Jennifer A.; Wolters, Paul; Jablons, David; Hill, Arthur; Finkbeiner, Walter; Jones, Kirk; Broaddus, V. Courtney; Sheppard, Dean; Barzcak, Andrea; Xiao, Yuanyuan; Erle, David J.; Nishimura, Stephen L.

2007-01-01

Squamous metaplasia (SM) is common in smokers and is associated with airway obstruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A major mechanism of airway obstruction in COPD is thickening of the small airway walls. We asked whether SM actively contributes to airway wall thickening through alteration of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in COPD. Using immunohistochemical staining, airway morphometry, and fibroblast culture of lung samples from COPD patients; genome-wide analysis of an in vitro model of SM; and in vitro modeling of human airway epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, we provide evidence that SM, through the increased secretion of IL-1β, induces a fibrotic response in adjacent airway fibroblasts. We identify a pivotal role for integrin-mediated TGF-β activation in amplifying SM and driving IL-1β–dependent profibrotic mesenchymal responses. Finally, we show that SM correlates with increased severity of COPD and that fibroblast expression of the integrin αvβ8, which is the major mediator of airway fibroblast TGF-β activation, correlated with disease severity and small airway wall thickening in COPD. Our findings have identified TGF-β as a potential therapeutic target for COPD. PMID:17965775

Nitric oxide deficiency contributes to impairment of airway relaxation in cystic fibrosis mice.

PubMed

Mhanna, M J; Ferkol, T; Martin, R J; Dreshaj, I A; van Heeckeren, A M; Kelley, T J; Haxhiu, M A

2001-05-01

The pulmonary disease of cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by persistent airway obstruction, which has been attributed to chronic endobronchial infection and inflammation. The levels of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) are reduced in CF patients, which could contribute to bronchial obstruction through dysregulated constriction of airway smooth muscle. Because airway epithelium from CF mice has been shown to have reduced expression of inducible NO synthase, we examined airway responsiveness and relaxation in isolated tracheas of CF mice. Airway relaxation as measured by percent relaxation of precontracted tracheal segments to electrical field stimulation (EFS) and substance P, a nonadrenergic, noncholinergic substance, was significantly impaired in CF mice. The airway relaxation in response to prostaglandin E2 was similar in CF and non-CF animals. Treatment with the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester reduced tracheal relaxation induced by EFS in wild-type animals but had virtually no effect in the CF mice. Conversely, exogenous NO and L-arginine, a NO substrate, reversed the relaxation defect in CF airway. We conclude that the relative absence of NO compromises airways relaxation in CF, and may contribute to the bronchial obstruction seen in the disease.

Nano-based theranostics for chronic obstructive lung diseases: challenges and therapeutic potential.

PubMed

Vij, Neeraj

2011-09-01

The major challenges in the delivery and therapeutic efficacy of nano-delivery systems in chronic obstructive airway conditions are airway defense, severe inflammation and mucous hypersecretion. Chronic airway inflammation and mucous hypersecretion are hallmarks of chronic obstructive airway diseases, including asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and CF (cystic fibrosis). Distinct etiologies drive inflammation and mucous hypersecretion in these diseases, which are further induced by infection or components of cigarette smoke. Controlling chronic inflammation is at the root of treatments such as corticosteroids, antibiotics or other available drugs, which pose the challenge of sustained delivery of drugs to target cells or tissues. In spite of the wide application of nano-based drug delivery systems, very few are tested to date. Targeted nanoparticle-mediated sustained drug delivery is required to control inflammatory cell chemotaxis, fibrosis, protease-mediated chronic emphysema and/or chronic lung obstruction in COPD. Moreover, targeted epithelial delivery is indispensable for correcting the underlying defects in CF and targeted inflammatory cell delivery for controlling other chronic inflammatory lung diseases. We propose that the design and development of nano-based targeted theranostic vehicles with therapeutic, imaging and airway-defense penetrating capability, will be invaluable for treating chronic obstructive lung diseases. This paper discusses a novel nano-theranostic strategy that we are currently evaluating to treat the underlying cause of CF and COPD lung disease.

THE SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RAT: AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF SULFUR DIOXIDE-INDUCED AIRWAYS DISEASE

EPA Science Inventory

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airway obstruction, inflammation and mucus hypersecretion; features that capture bronchitis, emphysema and often asthma. However, current rodent models do not reflect this human disease. Because genetically predisp...

Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) associated with cervical myelomeningocele.

PubMed

Adin, Mehmet Emin

2017-10-01

Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is a rare and potentially fatal entity resulting from complete or near complete developmental airway obstruction. Although most reported cases of CHAOS are sporadic, the condition may also be associated with certain syndromes and a variety of cervical masses. Meningocele and myelomeningocele have not yet been reported in association with CHAOS. We describe the typical constellation of sonographic findings in a case of early diagnosis of CHAOS associated with cervical myelomeningocele. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:507-510, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lung Microbiome for Clinicians. New Discoveries about Bugs in Healthy and Diseased Lungs

PubMed Central

Rom, William N.; Weiden, Michael D.

2014-01-01

Microbes are readily cultured from epithelial surfaces of the skin, mouth, and colon. In the last 10 years, culture-independent DNA-based techniques demonstrated that much more complex microbial communities reside on most epithelial surfaces; this includes the lower airways, where bacterial culture had failed to reliably demonstrate resident bacteria. Exposure to a diverse bacterial environment is important for adequate immunological development. The most common microbes found in the lower airways are also found in the upper airways. Increasing abundance of oral characteristic taxa is associated with increased inflammatory cells and exhaled nitric oxide, suggesting that the airway microbiome induces an immunological response in the lung. Furthermore, rhinovirus infection leads to outgrowth of Haemophilus in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and human immunodeficiency virus–infected subjects have more Tropheryma whipplei in the lower airway, suggesting a bidirectional interaction in which the host immune defenses also influence the microbial niche. Quantitative and/or qualitative changes in the lung microbiome may be relevant for disease progression and exacerbations in a number of pulmonary diseases. Future investigations with longitudinal follow-up to understand the dynamics of the lung microbiome may lead to the development of new therapeutic targets. PMID:24460444

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor prevents airway obstruction, respiratory failure and death due to sulfur mustard analog inhalation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rancourt, Raymond C., E-mail: raymond.rancourt@ucdenver.edu; Veress, Livia A., E-mail: livia.veress@ucdenver.edu; Ahmad, Aftab, E-mail: aftab.ahmad@ucdenver.edu

Sulfur mustard (SM) inhalation causes airway injury, with enhanced vascular permeability, coagulation, and airway obstruction. The objective of this study was to determine whether recombinant tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) could inhibit this pathogenic sequence. Methods: Rats were exposed to the SM analog 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) via nose-only aerosol inhalation. One hour later, TFPI (1.5 mg/kg) in vehicle, or vehicle alone, was instilled into the trachea. Arterial O{sub 2} saturation was monitored using pulse oximetry. Twelve hours after exposure, animals were euthanized and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and plasma were analyzed for prothrombin, thrombin–antithrombin complex (TAT), active plasminogen activatormore » inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels, and fluid fibrinolytic capacity. Lung steady-state PAI-1 mRNA was measured by RT-PCR analysis. Airway-capillary leak was estimated by BALF protein and IgM, and by pleural fluid measurement. In additional animals, airway cast formation was assessed by microdissection and immunohistochemical detection of airway fibrin. Results: Airway obstruction in the form of fibrin-containing casts was evident in central conducting airways of rats receiving CEES. TFPI decreased cast formation, and limited severe hypoxemia. Findings of reduced prothrombin consumption, and lower TAT complexes in BALF, demonstrated that TFPI acted to limit thrombin activation in airways. TFPI, however, did not appreciably affect CEES-induced airway protein leak, PAI-1 mRNA induction, or inhibition of the fibrinolytic activity present in airway surface liquid. Conclusions: Intratracheal administration of TFPI limits airway obstruction, improves gas exchange, and prevents mortality in rats with sulfur mustard-analog-induced acute lung injury. - Highlights: • TFPI administration to rats after mustard inhalation reduces airway cast formation. • Inhibition of thrombin activation is the likely mechanism for limiting casts. • Rats given TFPI had improved tissue oxygenation, and mortality was prevented.« less

Technique and Preliminary Analysis of Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy With Online Polygraphic Cardiorespiratory Monitoring in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

PubMed

Gobbi, Riccardo; Baiardi, Simone; Mondini, Susanna; Cerritelli, Luca; Piccin, Ottavio; Scaramuzzino, Giuseppe; Milano, Francesca; Melotti, Maria Rita; Mordini, Francesco; Pirodda, Antonio; Cirignotta, Fabio; Sorrenti, Giovanni

2017-05-01

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy is a diagnostic technique that allows dynamic evaluation of the upper airway during artificial sleep. The lack of a standardized procedure and the difficulties associated with direct visual detection of obstructive events result in poor intraobserver and interobserver reliability, especially when otolaryngology surgeons not experienced in the technique are involved. To describe a drug-induced sleep endoscopy technique implemented with simultaneous polygraphic monitoring of cardiorespiratory parameters (DISE-PG) in patients with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and discuss the technique's possible advantages compared with the standard procedure. This prospective cohort study included 50 consecutive patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome who underwent DISE-PG from March 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014. A standard protocol was adopted, and all the procedures were carried out in an operation room by an experienced otolaryngology surgeon under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. Endoscopic and polygraphic obstructive respiratory events were analyzed offline in a double-blind setting and randomized order. The feasibility and safety of the DISE-PG technique, as well as its sensitivity in detecting respiratory events compared with that of the standard drug-induced sleep endoscopy procedure. All 50 patients (43 men and 7 women; mean [SD] age, 51.1 [12.1] years) underwent DISE-PG without technical problems or patient difficulties regarding the procedure. As expected, polygraphic scoring was more sensitive than endoscopic scoring in identifying obstructive events (mean [SD] total events, 13.3 [6.8] vs 5.3 [3.6]; mean [SD] difference, 8.8 [5.6]; 95% CI, 7.3 to 10.4; Cohen d, -1.5). This difference was most pronounced in patients with a higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) at baseline (mean [SD] difference for AHI >30, 27.1% [31.0%]; 95% CI, -36.2% to 90.4%; Cohen d, 0.2; for AH I >40, 76.0% [35.5%]; 95% CI, 4.6% to 147.4%; Cohen d, 0.5; for AHI >50, 92.2% [37.2%]; 95% CI, 17.3% to 167.1%; Cohen d, 0.6) and a high percentage of hypopneas (≥75% of all obstructive events) at baseline (mean [SD] difference, 20.2% [5.4%]; 95% CI, 9.2% to 31.3%; Cohen d, 1.1). No other anthropomorphic or polygraphic features at baseline were associated with the differences between the DISE-PG and baseline home sleep apnea test. The DISE-PG technique is feasible, safe, and more sensitive at detecting an obstructed breathing pattern than is drug-induced sleep endoscopy alone. The DISE-PG technique could be helpful for accurate comprehension of upper airway obstructive dynamics (ie, degree of obstruction and multilevel pattern) and a nonobstructive breathing pattern (ie, central apneas).

Pulmonary distribution of an inhaled radioaerosol in obstructive pulmonary disease

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lin, M.S.; Goodwin, D.A.

1976-03-01

Pulmonary distribution of an inhaled radioaerosol was analyzed in 20 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 8 of other OPD. Nonciliary/ciliary partition of the distribution correlated with the severity of airway obstruction and approximated 3 : 1 in mild and 1 : 3 in very severe obstruction. In nuclear images, the distribution featured contrast abnormalities of hyperdeposition and hypodeposition. Intense hyperdeposition most commonly occurred in hilar and perihilar large airways. In isolated instances, hyperdeposition almost certainly occurred focally at sites of partial bronchial obstruction and diffusely by expiratory trapping; hypodeposition occurred distally to bronchial obstruction and in areasmore » of parenchymal loss. (auth)« less

The Role of the Immune Response in the Pathogenesis of Bronchiectasis.

PubMed

King, Paul T

2018-01-01

Bronchiectasis is a prevalent respiratory condition characterised by permanent and abnormal dilation of the lung airways (bronchi). There are a large variety of causative factors that have been identified for bronchiectasis; all of these compromise the function of the immune response to fight infection. A triggering factor may lead to the establishment of chronic infection in the lower respiratory tract. The bacteria responsible for the lower respiratory tract infection are usually found as commensals in the upper respiratory tract microbiome. The consequent inflammatory response to infection is largely responsible for the pathology of this condition. Both innate and adaptive immune responses are activated. The literature has highlighted the central role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis. Proteases produced in the lung by the inflammatory response damage the airways and lead to the pathological dilation that is the pathognomonic feature of bronchiectasis. The small airways demonstrate infiltration with lymphoid follicles that may contribute to localised small airway obstruction. Despite aggressive treatment, most patients will have persistent disease. Manipulating the immune response in bronchiectasis may potentially have therapeutic potential.

Recurrent airway obstructions in a patient with benign tracheal stenosis and a silicone airway stent: a case report

PubMed Central

Sriram, KB; Robinson, PC

2008-01-01

Airway stents (silicone and metal stents) are used to treat patients with benign tracheal stenosis, who are symptomatic and in whom tracheal surgical reconstruction has failed or is not appropriate. However airway stents are often associated with complications such as migration, granuloma formation and mucous hypersecretion, which cause significant morbidity, especially in patients with benign tracheal stenosis and relatively normal life expectancy. We report a patient who had frequent critical airway obstructions over 8 years due to granuloma and mucus hypersecretion in a silicone airway stent. The problem was resolved when the silicone stent was removed and replaced with a covered self expanding metal stent. PMID:18840299

Diversity of respiratory impedance based on quantitative computed tomography in patients with COPD.

PubMed

Wada, Yosuke; Kitaguchi, Yoshiaki; Yasuo, Masanori; Ueno, Fumika; Kawakami, Satoshi; Fukushima, Kiyoyasu; Fujimoto, Keisaku; Hanaoka, Masayuki

2018-01-01

This study was conducted in order to investigate the diversity of respiratory physiology, including the respiratory impedance and reversibility of airway obstruction, based on quantitative computed tomography (CT) in patients with COPD. Medical records of 174 stable COPD patients were retrospectively reviewed to obtain the patients' clinical data, including the pulmonary function and imaging data. According to the software-based quantification of the degree of emphysema and airway wall thickness, the patients were classified into the "normal by CT" phenotype, the airway-dominant phenotype, the emphysema-dominant phenotype, and the mixed phenotype. The pulmonary function, including the respiratory impedance evaluated by using the forced oscillation technique (FOT) and the reversibility of airway obstruction in response to inhaled short-acting β 2 -agonists, was then compared among the four phenotypes. The respiratory system resistance at 5 and 20 Hz (R5 and R20) was significantly higher, and the respiratory system reactance at 5 Hz (X5) was significantly more negative in the airway-dominant and mixed phenotypes than in the other phenotypes. The within-breath changes of X5 (ΔX5) were significantly greater in the mixed phenotype than in the "normal by CT" and emphysema-dominant phenotypes. The FOT parameters (R5, R20, and X5) were significantly correlated with indices of the degree of airway wall thickness and significantly but weakly correlated with the reversibility of airway obstruction. There was no significant correlation between the FOT parameters (R5, R20, and X5) and the degree of emphysema. There is a diversity of respiratory physiology, including the respiratory impedance and reversibility of airway obstruction, based on quantitative CT in patients with COPD. The FOT measurements may reflect the degree of airway disease and aid in detecting airway remodeling in patients with COPD.

Comparison of the effects of continuous positive airway pressure and mandibular advancement devices on sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: a network meta-analysis.

PubMed

Bratton, Daniel J; Gaisl, Thomas; Schlatzer, Christian; Kohler, Malcolm

2015-11-01

Excessive daytime sleepiness is the most important symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea and can affect work productivity, quality of life, and the risk of road traffic accidents. We aimed to quantify the effects of the two main treatments for obstructive sleep apnoea (continuous positive airway pressure and mandibular advancement devices) on daytime sleepiness and to establish predictors of response to continuous positive airway pressure. We searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library from inception to May 31, 2015, to identify randomised controlled trials comparing the effects of continuous positive airway pressure, mandibular advancement devices or an inactive control (eg, placebo or no treatment) on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS, range 0-24 points) in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. We did a network meta-analysis using multivariate random-effects meta-regression to assess the effect of each treatment on ESS. We used meta-regression to assess the association of the reported effects of continuous positive airway pressure versus inactive controls with the characteristics of trials and their risk of bias. We included 67 studies comprising 6873 patients in the meta-analysis. Compared with an inactive control, continuous positive airway pressure was associated with a reduction in ESS score of 2·5 points (95% CI 2·0-2·9) and mandibular advancement devices of 1·7 points (1·1-2·3). We estimated that, on average, continuous positive airway pressure reduced the ESS score by a further 0·8 points compared with mandibular advancement devices (95% CI 0·1-1·4; p=0·015). However, there was a possibility of publication bias in favour of continuous positive airway pressure that might have resulted in this difference. We noted no evidence that studies reporting higher continuous positive airway pressure adherence also reported larger treatment effects (p=0·70). Continuous positive airway pressure and mandibular advancement devices are effective treatments for reducing daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Continuous positive airway pressure seemed to be a more effective treatment than mandibular advancement devices, and had an increasingly larger effect in more severe or sleepier obstructive sleep apnoea patients when compared with inactive controls. However, mandibular advancement devices are an effective alternative treatment should continuous positive airway pressure not be tolerated. Swiss National Science Foundation and the University of Zurich Clinical Research Priority Program Sleep and Health. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Drug-induced sedation endoscopy in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PubMed

Boudewyns, A; Verhulst, S; Maris, M; Saldien, V; Van de Heyning, P

2014-12-01

To describe the pattern of upper airway (UA) obstruction during drug-induced sedation endoscopy (DISE) and to evaluate the outcome of DISE-directed treatment. Prospective study of DISE in surgically naive obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) children without syndromic comorbidity or craniofacial abnormalities. Treatment was individually tailored according to UA findings during DISE and polysomnographic data. Reported values are median (lower-upper quartile). Thirty-seven children aged 4.1 years (2.1-6.0), with body mass index z-score 0.3 (-0.9 to 0.9), and obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (oAHI) 9.0/h (6.1-19.3) were included. Adenotonsillar obstruction was found in 33 cases (89%) as an isolated entity or as part of a multi-level obstruction. These children were treated with adenotonsillectomy (n = 28), adenoidectomy (n = 3), or tonsillectomy (n = 2). The remaining four patients received non-surgical treatment. Pre-postoperative polysomnographic data in 22 patients showed a significant improvement in oAHI from 8.6/h (6.7-20.7) to 1.0/h (0.6-2.0) (P = 0.001). Only two of these 22 children had residual OSAS (oAHI ≥ 5/h), indicating a success rate of 91%. Based on UA findings during DISE, a non-surgical treatment was proposed for 11% of children. A 91% success rate was obtained in those treated with (adeno)tonsillectomy. These data suggest that DISE may be helpful to identify patients most likely to benefit from UA surgery. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The prevalence of reversible airway obstruction in professional football players.

PubMed

Ross, R G

2000-12-01

To determine the prevalence of reversible airway obstruction in a group of professional football training camp participants. All attendees at a Canadian Football League team rookie preseason training camp were invited to participate in a protocol designed to elicit symptoms and signs of reversible airway obstruction (asthma) during the initial preparticipation examination. Those agreeing to the protocol completed a questionnaire containing standardized inquiries about a past history of asthma and the presence of symptoms. Participants then underwent spirometry testing to determine lung function before and after receiving a standardized dose of bronchodilator medication. Players showing evidence of airway obstruction during initial testing and still on the team roster underwent repeat spirometry testing and formal pulmonary function testing during the football season. The follow-up pulmonary function tests were performed to determine those that might benefit from treatment for asthma. Nineteen of 34 (56%) players agreeing to participate had significant reversible airway obstruction as defined by a 12% or greater reversibility in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and/or forced expiratory flow rate between 25 and 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF 25-75). In most participants, the diagnosis was made on the basis of spirometry alone. Of those testing positive during initial inquiry, 88% remained positive on repeat spirometry, and 73% had reversible airway obstruction during more stringently controlled hospital-based pulmonary function testing. Those players treated for previously undiagnosed asthma noted an improvement in subjective athletic performance during the football season. Based on the remarkably high prevalence of undiagnosed asthma in this group, it may prove worthwhile to test elite football players using lung function parameters.

All APAPs Are Not Equivalent for the Treatment of Sleep Disordered Breathing: A Bench Evaluation of Eleven Commercially Available Devices

PubMed Central

Zhu, Kaixian; Roisman, Gabriel; Aouf, Sami; Escourrou, Pierre

2015-01-01

Study Objectives: This study challenged on a bench-test the efficacy of auto-titrating positive airway pressure (APAP) devices for obstructive sleep disordered breathing treatment and evaluated the accuracy of the device reports. Methods: Our bench consisted of an active lung simulator and a Starling resistor. Eleven commercially available APAP devices were evaluated on their reactions to single-type SDB sequences (obstructive apnea and hypopnea, central apnea, and snoring), and to a long general breathing scenario (5.75 h) simulating various SDB during four sleep cycles and to a short scenario (95 min) simulating one sleep cycle. Results: In the single-type sequence of 30-minute repetitive obstructive apneas, only 5 devices normalized the airflow (> 70% of baseline breathing amplitude). Similarly, normalized breathing was recorded with 8 devices only for a 20-min obstructive hypopnea sequence. Five devices increased the pressure in response to snoring. Only 4 devices maintained a constant minimum pressure when subjected to repeated central apneas with an open upper airway. In the long general breathing scenario, the pressure responses and the treatment efficacy differed among devices: only 5 devices obtained a residual obstructive AHI < 5/h. During the short general breathing scenario, only 2 devices reached the same treatment efficacy (p < 0.001), and 3 devices underestimated the AHI by > 10% (p < 0.001). The long scenario led to more consistent device reports. Conclusion: Large differences between APAP devices in the treatment efficacy and the accuracy of report were evidenced in the current study. Citation: Zhu K, Roisman G, Aouf S, Escourrou P. All APAPs are not equivalent for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing: a bench evaluation of eleven commercially available devices. J Clin Sleep Med 2015;11(7):725–734. PMID:25766708

Interventional bronchoscopy for treatment of tracheal obstruction secondary to benign or malignant thyroid disease.

PubMed

Noppen, Marc; Poppe, Kris; D'Haese, Jan; Meysman, Marc; Velkeniers, Brigitte; Vincken, Walter

2004-02-01

Surgery is the treatment of choice for symptomatic tracheal obstruction due to benign or malignant thyroid disease. In case of inoperability, or when surgery is refused, few therapeutic alternatives are available. Interventional bronchoscopic procedures have only been reported anecdotally. The objective of this study is to evaluate the results of interventional bronchoscopic procedures in the treatment of severe tracheal obstruction due to thyroid disease. Retrospective cohort analysis. University hospital, tertiary referral center. Thirty consecutive patients referred for bronchoscopic treatment of benign (n = 17) or malignant (n = 13) thyroid-related upper airway obstruction due to tracheomalacia, extrinsic compression, and/or tracheal ingrowth. Indications for bronchoscopic treatment were medical or surgical inoperability, prevention or treatment of tracheomalacia, and refusal of surgery. There were no procedure-related complications. Rigid bronchoscopy with dilatation, stenting and/or Nd-YAG laser treatment, and clinical follow-up. Subjective improvement, pulmonary function tests, early and late complications, and survival. In the benign group, immediate (100% relief of dyspnea) and long-term (88% relief of dyspnea) results were excellent after airway stenting (21 stents used in 17 patients). There was one unrelated death 1 week after stenting in a 98-year-old patient. There were 6% and 30% short-term and long-term complications, respectively, that could be managed endoscopically. In the malignant group, Nd-YAG laser treatment (n = 3) and stenting (n = 13) yielded immediate and long-term success in 92% of patients. There were 15% short-term and 8% long-term complications. Median survival time was 540 days. Interventional bronchoscopic procedures including Nd-YAG laser treatment and stenting are valuable alternatives to surgery in inoperable thyroid-induced tracheal obstruction, or when surgery is refused.

Application of Personalized, Predictive, Preventative, and Participatory (P4) Medicine to Obstructive Sleep Apnea. A Roadmap for Improving Care?

PubMed

Pack, Allan I

2016-09-01

Dr. Leroy Hood promotes a paradigm to advance medical care that he calls P4 medicine. The four Ps are: personalized, predictive, preventative, and participatory. P4 medicine encourages a convergence of systems medicine, the digital revolution, and consumer-driven healthcare. Might P4 medicine be applicable to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? OSA should be personalized in that there are different structural and physiological pathways to disease. Obesity is a major risk factor. The link between obesity and OSA is likely to be fat deposits in the tongue compromising the upper airway. Clinical features at presentation also vary between patients. There are three distinct subgroups: (1) patients with a primary complaint of insomnia, (2) relatively asymptomatic patients with a high prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities, and (3) excessively sleepy patients. Currently, there have been limited efforts to identify subgroups of patients on the basis of measures obtained by polysomnography. Yet, these diagnostic studies likely contain considerable predictive information. Likewise, there has currently been limited application of -omic approaches. Determining the relative role of obesity and OSA for particular consequences is challenging, because they both affect the same molecular pathways. There is evidence that the effects of OSA are modified by the level of obesity. These insights may lead to improvements in predicting outcomes to personalized therapies. The final P-participatory-is ideally suited to OSA, with technology to obtain extensive data remotely from continuous positive airway pressure machines. Providing adherence data directly to patients increases their use of continuous positive airway pressure. Thus, the concept of P4 medicine is very applicable to obstructive sleep apnea and can be the basis for future research efforts.

Time of day affects the frequency and duration of breathing events and the critical closing pressure during NREM sleep in participants with sleep apnea.

PubMed

El-Chami, Mohamad; Shaheen, David; Ivers, Blake; Syed, Ziauddin; Badr, M Safwan; Lin, Ho-Sheng; Mateika, Jason H

2015-09-15

We investigated if the number and duration of breathing events coupled to upper airway collapsibility were affected by the time of day. Male participants with obstructive sleep apnea completed a constant routine protocol that consisted of sleep sessions in the evening (10 PM to 1 AM), morning (6 AM to 9 AM), and afternoon (2 PM to 5 PM). On one occasion the number and duration of breathing events was ascertained for each sleep session. On a second occasion the critical closing pressure that demarcated upper airway collapsibility was determined. The duration of breathing events was consistently greater in the morning compared with the evening and afternoon during N1 and N2, while an increase in event frequency was evident during N1. The critical closing pressure was increased in the morning (2.68 ± 0.98 cmH2O) compared with the evening (1.29 ± 0.91 cmH2O; P ≤ 0.02) and afternoon (1.25 ± 0.79; P ≤ 0.01). The increase in the critical closing pressure was correlated to the decrease in the baseline partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the morning compared with the afternoon and evening (r = -0.73, P ≤ 0.005). Our findings indicate that time of day affects the duration and frequency of events, coupled with alterations in upper airway collapsibility. We propose that increases in airway collapsibility in the morning may be linked to an endogenous modulation of baseline carbon dioxide levels and chemoreflex sensitivity (12), which are independent of the consequences of sleep apnea.

Small-airway obstruction and emphysema in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

McDonough, John E; Yuan, Ren; Suzuki, Masaru; Seyednejad, Nazgol; Elliott, W Mark; Sanchez, Pablo G; Wright, Alexander C; Gefter, Warren B; Litzky, Leslie; Coxson, Harvey O; Paré, Peter D; Sin, Don D; Pierce, Richard A; Woods, Jason C; McWilliams, Annette M; Mayo, John R; Lam, Stephen C; Cooper, Joel D; Hogg, James C

2011-10-27

The major sites of obstruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are small airways (<2 mm in diameter). We wanted to determine whether there was a relationship between small-airway obstruction and emphysematous destruction in COPD. We used multidetector computed tomography (CT) to compare the number of airways measuring 2.0 to 2.5 mm in 78 patients who had various stages of COPD, as judged by scoring on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) scale, in isolated lungs removed from patients with COPD who underwent lung transplantation, and in donor (control) lungs. MicroCT was used to measure the extent of emphysema (mean linear intercept), the number of terminal bronchioles per milliliter of lung volume, and the minimum diameters and cross-sectional areas of terminal bronchioles. On multidetector CT, in samples from patients with COPD, as compared with control samples, the number of airways measuring 2.0 to 2.5 mm in diameter was reduced in patients with GOLD stage 1 disease (P=0.001), GOLD stage 2 disease (P=0.02), and GOLD stage 3 or 4 disease (P<0.001). MicroCT of isolated samples of lungs removed from patients with GOLD stage 4 disease showed a reduction of 81 to 99.7% in the total cross-sectional area of terminal bronchioles and a reduction of 72 to 89% in the number of terminal bronchioles (P<0.001). A comparison of the number of terminal bronchioles and dimensions at different levels of emphysematous destruction (i.e., an increasing value for the mean linear intercept) showed that the narrowing and loss of terminal bronchioles preceded emphysematous destruction in COPD (P<0.001). These results show that narrowing and disappearance of small conducting airways before the onset of emphysematous destruction can explain the increased peripheral airway resistance reported in COPD. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and others.).

Wheeze sound analysis using computer-based techniques: a systematic review.

PubMed

Ghulam Nabi, Fizza; Sundaraj, Kenneth; Chee Kiang, Lam; Palaniappan, Rajkumar; Sundaraj, Sebastian

2017-10-31

Wheezes are high pitched continuous respiratory acoustic sounds which are produced as a result of airway obstruction. Computer-based analyses of wheeze signals have been extensively used for parametric analysis, spectral analysis, identification of airway obstruction, feature extraction and diseases or pathology classification. While this area is currently an active field of research, the available literature has not yet been reviewed. This systematic review identified articles describing wheeze analyses using computer-based techniques on the SCOPUS, IEEE Xplore, ACM, PubMed and Springer and Elsevier electronic databases. After a set of selection criteria was applied, 41 articles were selected for detailed analysis. The findings reveal that 1) computerized wheeze analysis can be used for the identification of disease severity level or pathology, 2) further research is required to achieve acceptable rates of identification on the degree of airway obstruction with normal breathing, 3) analysis using combinations of features and on subgroups of the respiratory cycle has provided a pathway to classify various diseases or pathology that stem from airway obstruction.

Bronchoscopic management of critical central airway obstruction by thyroid cancer: Combination airway stenting using tracheal and inverted-Y carinal self-expanding metallic stents

PubMed Central

Madan, Karan; Shrestha, Prajowl; Garg, Rakesh; Hadda, Vijay; Mohan, Anant; Guleria, Randeep

2017-01-01

Central airway obstruction (CAO) can result from various benign and malignant etiologies. Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer. Rapid airway compromise is the main cause of death in ATC. We report a patient with ATC who presented with a large neck mass leading to CAO with long segment tracheal and right main bronchial compression and respiratory failure. Urgent Rigid Bronchoscopy was performed for airway stabilization and patient was managed with a combination airway stenting approach. A combination of self expanding, metallic, covered inverted Y and straight tracheal stents was used to stabilize the near complete airway structure. We herein highlight the role of therapeutic rigid bronchoscopy with airway stenting as an efficacious treatment modality for management of malignant CAO. PMID:28360477

Investigation of the effects of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion on airflow in the upper airway of an adult patient with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome using computational fluid-structure interaction analysis

PubMed Central

Hur, Jae-Sik; Kim, Hyoung-Ho; Choi, Jin-Young; Suh, Sang-Ho

2017-01-01

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) on changes in airflow in the upper airway (UA) of an adult patient with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) using computational fluid-structure interaction analysis. Methods Three-dimensional UA models fabricated from cone beam computed tomography images obtained before (T0) and after (T1) MARPE in an adult patient with OSAS were used for computational fluid dynamics with fluid-structure interaction analysis. Seven and nine cross-sectional planes (interplane distance of 10 mm) in the nasal cavity (NC) and pharynx, respectively, were set along UA. Changes in the cross-sectional area and changes in airflow velocity and pressure, node displacement, and total resistance at maximum inspiration (MI), rest, and maximum expiration (ME) were investigated at each plane after MARPE. Results The cross-sectional areas at most planes in NC and the upper half of the pharynx were significantly increased at T1. Moreover, airflow velocity decreased in the anterior NC at MI and ME and in the nasopharynx and oropharynx at MI. The decrease in velocity was greater in NC than in the pharynx. The airflow pressure in the anterior NC and entire pharynx exhibited a decrease at T1. The amount of node displacement in NC and the pharynx was insignificant at both T0 and T1. Absolute values for the total resistance at MI, rest, and ME were lower at T1 than at T0. Conclusions MARPE improves airflow and decreases resistance in UA; therefore, it may be an effective treatment modality for adult patients with moderate OSAS. PMID:29090123

Oxidative stress and quality of life in elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: are there differences after six months of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure treatment?

PubMed Central

Yagihara, Fabiana; Lucchesi, Ligia Mendonça; D'Almeida, Vânia; de Mello, Marco Túlio; Tufik, Sergio; Bittencourt, Lia Rita Azeredo

2012-01-01

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure treatment on oxidative stress parameters and the quality of life of elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. METHODS: In total, 30 obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients and 27 subjects without obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were included in this study. Both groups underwent quality of life and oxidative stress evaluations at baseline and after six months. Polysomnography was performed in both groups at baseline and a second time in the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome group after six months of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure treatment. All of the variables were compared between the control and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome groups in this prospective case-control study. RESULTS: The baseline concentrations of the antioxidant enzyme catalase were higher in the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome group than the control group. After Continuous Positive Airway Pressure treatment, the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome group exhibited a reduction in the level of oxidative stress, as indicated by a decrease in the level of lipid peroxidation measured by the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration [pre: 2.7 nmol malondialdehyde/mL (95% 1.6-3.7) vs. post: 1.3 nmol MDA/mL (0.7-1.9), p<0.01]. Additionally, improvements were observed in two domains covered by the SF-36 questionnaire: functional capacity [pre: 77.4 (69.2-85.5) vs. post: 83.4 (76.9-89.9), p = 0.002] and pain [pre: 65.4 (52.8-78.1) vs. post: 77.8 (67.2-88.3), p = 0.004]. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure to treat obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in elderly patients reduced oxidative stress and improved the quality of life. PMID:22760893

Restoration of Patency to Central Airways Occluded by Malignant Endobronchial Tumors Using Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin.

PubMed

Mehta, Hiren J; Begnaud, Abbie; Penley, Andrea M; Wynne, John; Malhotra, Paras; Fernandez-Bussy, Sebastian; Cope, Jessica; Shuster, Jonathan J; Jantz, Michael A

2015-09-01

Malignant airway obstruction is commonly found in patients with lung cancer and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Relieving malignant obstruction may improve symptoms, quality of life, and life expectancy. The objective of this study was to analyze our experience with bronchoscopic endobronchial intratumoral injection of cisplatin for malignant airway obstruction. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with malignant airway obstruction treated with bronchoscopic intratumoral injection of cisplatin. Patient characteristics, histology, degree of airway obstruction, procedural methods, treatment cycles, performance status, and therapeutic outcomes were evaluated. Tumor response was analyzed based on bronchoscopic measurements performed on completion the of final treatment session. Adverse events and overall survival were abstracted. Between January 2009 and September 2014, 22 patients (10 men, 12 women; mean age ± SD, 64.4 ± 9.5 yr) were treated with one to four injections of 40 mg of cisplatin mixed in 40 ml of 0.9% NaCl. Treatments were completed 1 week apart. The primary etiologies of airway obstruction included squamous cell carcinoma (n = 11), adenocarcinoma (n = 6), small cell carcinoma (n = 2), large cell undifferentiated carcinoma (n = 1), and metastatic endobronchial cancer (n = 2). Twenty-one of 22 patients were evaluable for response. The majority of patients (15/21, 71.4%) responded to therapy, defined as greater than 50% relative reduction in obstruction from baseline. Treatment response was obtained regardless of tumor histology, concurrent systemic therapy, number of treatment cycles administered, performance status, or use of additional ablative interventions. Responders had significantly improved overall survival as compared with nonresponders, although the difference was small. Severe treatment-related side effects or complications were not observed. Subject to the limitations of a single-center retrospective study and a subjective primary outcome measure, we have demonstrated the feasibility of improving the patency of central airways that are largely or completely occluded by endobronchial malignant tumor using intraluminal injection of cisplatin. Additional longer-term, larger-scale safety and comparative effectiveness studies of this palliative treatment modality are warranted.

Detection of the airway obstruction stage in asthma using impulse oscillometry system.

PubMed

Qi, Guang-Sheng; Zhou, Zhi-Cai; Gu, Wen-Chao; Xi, Feng; Wu, Hao; Yang, Wen-Lan; Liu, Jin-Ming

2013-02-01

Although spirometry is the most common method for evaluating the airway obstruction stage in asthma patients, it is difficult to perform in some patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether impulse oscillometry, an easy-to-perform technique, can detect asthmatic airway obstruction stage. A total of 80 subjects, including healthy volunteers and patients with asthma, were enrolled in this study. The asthma patients were classified into three groups according to American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS)-2005: the mild group (forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) ≥ 70% predicted (Pred), n = 20), the moderate group (50% Pred ≤ FEV(1) <70% Pred, n = 20), and the severe group (FEV(1) < 50% Pred, n = 20). Spirometry and impulse oscillometry (IOS) parameters were obtained from every subject. Correlation analysis was used to compare spirometry measurements and IOS parameters. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare IOS parameters among different groups. The potential of using all individual IOS parameters to detect the different stages of asthmatic airway obstruction was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The correlation analysis showed that IOS parameters, such as respiratory resistance at 5 Hz (R(5)), respiratory resistance at 10 Hz (R(10)), respiratory resistance at 20 Hz (R(20)), difference in resistance between 5 Hz and 20 Hz (R(5-20)), impedance at 5 Hz (Z(5)), resonant frequency (Fres), and area of reactance (AX) were negatively correlated with FEV(1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF), while reactance at 5 Hz (X(5)) was positively correlated with FEV(1) and PEF. The increase in R(5), R(10), R(20), Z(5), R(5-20), Fres, (-X(5)), and AX parameters corresponded significantly with an increase in the airway obstruction stage, as determined by one-way ANOVA . ROC curve analysis revealed that all the IOS parameters studied, except for Fres, were capable of classifying asthmatic airway obstruction. R(5), R(5-20), and Z(5) were the most accurate parameters. IOS provides an accurate, reliable, and patient-friendly technique for classifying asthmatic airway obstruction.

Follow-up of obstructive sleep apnea in children.

PubMed

Barros, Emília Leite de; Pradella-Hallinan, Marcia; Moreira, Gustavo Antonio; Stefanini, Daniele de Oliveira Soares; Tufik, Sergio; Fujita, Reginaldo Raimundo

2014-01-01

the evolution of snoring and OSAS in children is not well established since few studies of patients without surgical treatment have been published. to evaluate the evolution of sleep disordered breathing in children who had not been submitted to upper airway surgery. twenty-six children with snoring who had not undergone upper airway surgery were evaluated prospectively. Patients were evaluated by full physical examination and nocturnal polysomnography, after which they were divided into 2 groups: apnea (16 children) and snoring (10 children). After 6 months following the initial evaluation, patients were submitted to a new nocturnal polysomnography, and all data were compared to those of the first examination. the groups did not show any differences regarding age, weight, height and airway physical examination. After 6 months of follow-up, the apnea index did not change, but the respiratory disturbance index increased in the snoring group and the number of hypopneas decreased in the group apnea. there was an increase in the percentage of N1 sleep stage and the respiratory disturbance index in the patients with primary snore. The AHI did not show significant alteration in both groups, but the number of hypopneas decreased in patients with SAOS. Copyright © 2014 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

External bioresorbable airway rigidification to treat refractory localized tracheomalacia.

PubMed

Gorostidi, François; Reinhard, Antoine; Monnier, Philippe; Sandu, Kishore

2016-11-01

Our study evaluates the efficacy of extraluminal bioresorbable plates to treat refractory localized airway malacia in patients undergoing corrective surgery for complex multilevel laryngotracheal stenosis. Retrospective case series. Secondary malacic airway segments were characterized (severity, site, type) by a dynamic transnasal flexible laryngotracheobronchoscopy before surgery. Extraluminal bioresorbable plates were used to stabilize the malacic segment through a transcervical approach under intraoperative flexible endoscopic guidance. Results were evaluated subjectively and by a postoperative dynamic endoscopy. We report our experience in seven patients (6 children, 1 adult). External tracheal stiffening allowed complete or partial resolution of refractory proximal airway malacia in six of seven complex cases described (result in one case is awaited). It allowed quick decannulation in four of seven patients who experienced multiple previous failures. Decannulation failures were due to recurrence of stenosis. With up to 2 years of follow-up, we report no direct complications related to the presence of extraluminal bioresorbable plates around the airway. Extraluminal biodegradable tracheal stiffening represents a valid therapeutic option in select cases of upper airway malacia. It can be highly useful in cases of complex multilevel airway obstructions. External stiffening needs to be planned on a case-to-case basis according to the type of malacia and must be performed under endoscopic guidance. 4. Laryngoscope, 126:2605-2610, 2016. © 2016 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Cluster-specific small airway modeling for imaging-based CFD analysis of pulmonary air flow and particle deposition in COPD smokers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haghighi, Babak; Choi, Jiwoong; Choi, Sanghun; Hoffman, Eric A.; Lin, Ching-Long

2017-11-01

Accurate modeling of small airway diameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a crucial step toward patient-specific CFD simulations of regional airflow and particle transport. We proposed to use computed tomography (CT) imaging-based cluster membership to identify structural characteristics of airways in each cluster and use them to develop cluster-specific airway diameter models. We analyzed 284 COPD smokers with airflow limitation, and 69 healthy controls. We used multiscale imaging-based cluster analysis (MICA) to classify smokers into 4 clusters. With representative cluster patients and healthy controls, we performed multiple regressions to quantify variation of airway diameters by generation as well as by cluster. The cluster 2 and 4 showed more diameter decrease as generation increases than other clusters. The cluster 4 had more rapid decreases of airway diameters in the upper lobes, while cluster 2 in the lower lobes. We then used these regression models to estimate airway diameters in CT unresolved regions to obtain pressure-volume hysteresis curves using a 1D resistance model. These 1D flow solutions can be used to provide the patient-specific boundary conditions for 3D CFD simulations in COPD patients. Support for this study was provided, in part, by NIH Grants U01-HL114494, R01-HL112986 and S10-RR022421.

A Subject-Specific Acoustic Model of the Upper Airway for Snoring Sounds Generation

PubMed Central

Saha, Shumit; Bradley, T. Douglas; Taheri, Mahsa; Moussavi, Zahra; Yadollahi, Azadeh

2016-01-01

Monitoring variations in the upper airway narrowing during sleep is invasive and expensive. Since snoring sounds are generated by air turbulence and vibrations of the upper airway due to its narrowing; snoring sounds may be used as a non-invasive technique to assess upper airway narrowing. Our goal was to develop a subject-specific acoustic model of the upper airway to investigate the impacts of upper airway anatomy, e.g. length, wall thickness and cross-sectional area, on snoring sounds features. To have a subject-specific model for snoring generation, we used measurements of the upper airway length, cross-sectional area and wall thickness from every individual to develop the model. To validate the proposed model, in 20 male individuals, intensity and resonant frequencies of modeled snoring sounds were compared with those measured from recorded snoring sounds during sleep. Based on both modeled and measured results, we found the only factor that may positively and significantly contribute to snoring intensity was narrowing in the upper airway. Furthermore, measured resonant frequencies of snoring were inversely correlated with the upper airway length, which is a risk factor for upper airway collapsibility. These results encourage the use of snoring sounds analysis to assess the upper airway anatomy during sleep. PMID:27210576

Birth prevalence and initial treatment of Robin sequence in Germany: a prospective epidemiologic study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background We conducted a monthly epidemiological survey to determine the birth prevalence of Robin sequence (RS) and the use of various therapeutic approaches for it. Methods Between August 2011 and July 2012, every pediatric department in Germany was asked to report new admissions of infants with RS to the Surveillance Unit for Rare Pediatric Diseases in Germany. RS was defined as retro- or micrognathia and at least one of the following: clinically evident upper airway obstruction including recessions, snoring or hypoxemia; glossoptosis; feeding difficulties; failure to thrive; cleft palate or RS-associated syndrome. Hospitals reporting a case were asked to return an anonymized questionnaire and discharge letter. Results Of 96 cases reported, we received detailed information on 91. Of these, 82 were included; seven were duplicates and two erroneous reports. Given 662,712 live births in Germany in 2011, the birth prevalence was 12.4 per 100,000 live births. Therapeutic approaches applied included prone positioning in 50 infants, followed by functional therapy in 47. Conventional feeding plates were used in 34 infants and the preepiglottic baton plate (PEBP) in 19. Surgical therapy such as mandibular traction was applied in 2 infants, tracheotomy in 3. Conclusion Compared to other cohort studies on RS, surgical procedures were relatively rarely used as an initial therapy for RS in Germany. This may be due to differences in phenotype or an underrecognition of upper airway obstruction in these infants. PMID:24433508

Post-obstructive pulmonary edema from aspirated nuts.

PubMed

Bashir, Ahsan; Ahmad, Sabina Qureshi; Silverman, Joshua; Concepcion, Emily; Lee, Haesoon

2017-01-01

Post-obstructive pulmonary edema is thought to occur from hemodynamic changes secondary to forced inspiration against the closed airway due to acute or chronic airway obstruction. We report a case of a 13 month-old boy who developed pulmonary edema from aspirated foreign body, nuts. He underwent emergency bronchoscopy to confirm the clinical diagnosis of aspirated nuts in the trachea and nuts were removed endoscopically. His trachea was then intubated and he was mechanically ventilated with oxygen. He developed florid pulmonary edema early in the course with tracheal obstruction and during endoscopic removal of nuts. After removal of obstruction he was ventilated mechanically and pulmonary edema cleared rapidly. Aspirated nuts obstructing trachea can induce obstructive pulmonary edema. Early recognition of foreign body obstruction based on clinical history and its removal resolved pulmonary edema.

PAI-1 gain-of-function genotype, factors increasing PAI-1 levels, and airway obstruction: The GALA II Cohort.

PubMed

Sherenian, M G; Cho, S H; Levin, A; Min, J-Y; Oh, S S; Hu, D; Galanter, J; Sen, S; Huntsman, S; Eng, C; Rodriguez-Santana, J R; Serebrisky, D; Avila, P C; Kalhan, R; Smith, L J; Borrell, L N; Seibold, M A; Keoki Williams, L; Burchard, E G; Kumar, R

2017-09-01

PAI-1 gain-of-function variants promote airway fibrosis and are associated with asthma and with worse lung function in subjects with asthma. We sought to determine whether the association of a gain-of-function polymorphism in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) with airway obstruction is modified by asthma status, and whether any genotype effect persists after accounting for common exposures that increase PAI-1 level. We studied 2070 Latino children (8-21y) with genotypic and pulmonary function data from the GALA II cohort. We estimated the relationship of the PAI-1 risk allele with FEV1/FVC by multivariate linear regression, stratified by asthma status. We examined the association of the polymorphism with asthma and airway obstruction within asthmatics via multivariate logistic regression. We replicated associations in the SAPPHIRE cohort of African Americans (n=1056). Secondary analysis included the effect of the at-risk polymorphism on postbronchodilator lung function. There was an interaction between asthma status and the PAI-1 polymorphism on FEV 1 /FVC (P=.03). The gain-of-function variants, genotypes (AA/AG), were associated with lower FEV 1 /FVC in subjects with asthma (β=-1.25, CI: -2.14,-0.35, P=.006), but not in controls. Subjects with asthma and the AA/AG genotypes had a 5% decrease in FEV 1 /FVC (P<.001). In asthmatics, the risk genotype (AA/AG) was associated with a 39% increase in risk of clinically relevant airway obstruction (OR=1.39, CI: 1.01, 1.92, P=.04). These associations persisted after exclusion of factors that increase PAI-1 including tobacco exposure and obesity. The decrease in the FEV 1 /FVC ratio associated with the risk genotype was modified by asthma status. The genotype increased the odds of airway obstruction by 75% within asthmatics only. As exposures known to increase PAI-1 levels did not mitigate this association, PAI-1 may contribute to airway obstruction in the context of chronic asthmatic airway inflammation. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Snoring Sounds Predict Obstruction Sites and Surgical Response in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome

PubMed Central

Lee, Li-Ang; Lo, Yu-Lun; Yu, Jen-Fang; Lee, Gui-She; Ni, Yung-Lun; Chen, Ning-Hung; Fang, Tuan-Jen; Huang, Chung-Guei; Cheng, Wen-Nuan; Li, Hsueh-Yu

2016-01-01

Snoring sounds generated by different vibrators of the upper airway may be useful indicators of obstruction sites in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). This study aimed to investigate associations between snoring sounds, obstruction sites, and surgical responses (≥50% reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] and <10 events/hour) in patients with OSAHS. This prospective cohort study recruited 36 OSAHS patients for 6-hour snoring sound recordings during in-lab full-night polysomnography, drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), and relocation pharyngoplasty. All patients received follow-up polysomnography after 6 months. Fifteen (42%) patients with at least two complete obstruction sites defined by DISE were significantly, positively associated with maximal snoring sound intensity (40–300 Hz; odds ratio [OR], 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.49) and body mass index (OR, 1.48, 95% CI 1.02–2.15) after logistic regression analysis. Tonsil obstruction was significantly, inversely correlated with mean snoring sound intensity (301–850 Hz; OR, 0.84, 95% CI 0.74–0.96). Moreover, baseline tonsil obstruction detected by either DISE or mean snoring sound intensity (301–850 Hz), and AHI could significantly predict the surgical response. Our findings suggest that snoring sound detection may be helpful in determining obstruction sites and predict surgical responses. PMID:27471038

Quality of life among untreated sleep apnea patients compared with the general population and changes after treatment with positive airway pressure.

PubMed

Bjornsdottir, Erla; Keenan, Brendan T; Eysteinsdottir, Bjorg; Arnardottir, Erna Sif; Janson, Christer; Gislason, Thorarinn; Sigurdsson, Jon Fridrik; Kuna, Samuel T; Pack, Allan I; Benediktsdottir, Bryndis

2015-06-01

Obstructive sleep apnea leads to recurrent arousals from sleep, oxygen desaturations, daytime sleepiness and fatigue. This can have an adverse impact on quality of life. The aims of this study were to compare: (i) quality of life between the general population and untreated patients with obstructive sleep apnea; and (ii) changes of quality of life among patients with obstructive sleep apnea after 2 years of positive airway pressure treatment between adherent patients and non-users. Propensity score methodologies were used in order to minimize selection bias and strengthen causal inferences. The enrolled obstructive sleep apnea subjects (n = 822) were newly diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who were starting positive airway pressure treatment, and the general population subjects (n = 742) were randomly selected Icelanders. The Short Form 12 was used to measure quality of life. Untreated patients with obstructive sleep apnea had a worse quality of life when compared with the general population. This effect remained significant after using propensity scores to select samples, balanced with regard to age, body mass index, gender, smoking, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. We did not find significant overall differences between full and non-users of positive airway pressure in improvement of quality of life from baseline to follow-up. However, there was a trend towards more improvement in physical quality of life for positive airway pressure-adherent patients, and the most obese subjects improved their physical quality of life more. The results suggest that co-morbidities of obstructive sleep apnea, such as obesity, insomnia and daytime sleepiness, have a great effect on life qualities and need to be taken into account and addressed with additional interventions. © 2014 European Sleep Research Society.

Airway stents

PubMed Central

Keyes, Colleen

2018-01-01

Stents and tubes to maintain the patency of the airways are commonly used for malignant obstruction and are occasionally employed in benign disease. Malignant airway obstruction usually results from direct involvement of bronchogenic carcinoma, or by extension of carcinomas occurring in the esophagus or the thyroid. External compression from lymph nodes or metastatic disease from other organs can also cause central airway obstruction. Most malignant airway lesions are surgically inoperable due to advanced disease stage and require multimodality palliation, including stent placement. As with any other medical device, stents have significantly evolved over the last 50 years and deserve an in-depth understanding of their true capabilities and complications. Not every silicone stent is created equal and the same holds for metallic stents. Herein, we present an overview of the topic as well as some of the more practical and controversial issues surrounding airway stents. We also try to dispel the myths surrounding stent removal and their supposed use only in central airways. At the end, we come to the long-held conclusion that stents should not be used as first line treatment of choice, but after ruling out the possibility of curative surgical resection or repair. PMID:29707506

Airway Obstruction Due to Bronchial Vascular Injury after Sulfur Mustard Analog Inhalation

PubMed Central

Veress, Livia A.; O'Neill, Heidi C.; Hendry-Hofer, Tara B.; Loader, Joan E.; Rancourt, Raymond C.; White, Carl W.

2010-01-01

Rationale: Sulfur mustard (SM) is a frequently used chemical warfare agent, even in modern history. SM inhalation causes significant respiratory tract injury, with early complications due to airway obstructive bronchial casts, akin to those seen after smoke inhalation and in single-ventricle physiology. This process with SM is poorly understood because animal models are unavailable. Objectives: To develop a rat inhalation model for airway obstruction with the SM analog 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), and to investigate the pathogenesis of bronchial cast formation. Methods: Adult rats were exposed to 0, 5, or 7.5% CEES in ethanol via nose-only aerosol inhalation (15 min). Airway microdissection and confocal microscopy were used to assess cast formation (4 and 18 h after exposure). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) retrieval and intravascular dye injection were done to evaluate vascular permeability. Measurements and Main Results: Bronchial casts, composed of abundant fibrin and lacking mucus, occluded dependent lobar bronchi within 18 hours of CEES exposure. BALF contained elevated concentrations of IgM, protein, and fibrin. Accumulation of fibrin-rich fluid in peribronchovascular regions (4 h) preceded cast formation. Monastral blue dye leakage identified bronchial vessels as the site of leakage. Conclusions: After CEES inhalation, increased permeability from damaged bronchial vessels underlying damaged airway epithelium leads to the appearance of plasma proteins in both peribronchovascular regions and BALF. The subsequent formation of fibrin-rich casts within the airways then leads to airways obstruction, causing significant morbidity and mortality acutely after exposure. PMID:20639443

The importance of side difference in nasal obstruction and rhinomanometry: a retrospective correlation of symptoms and rhinomanometry in 1000 patients.

PubMed

Thulesius, H L; Cervin, A; Jessen, M

2012-02-01

The correlation between subjective and objective outcomes of nasal obstruction is still a matter of controversy. The aim of this study was to determine the minimal level of side difference in nasal airway resistance (NAR measured by Broms'v(2)) between the two nasal cavities, which could be discerned subjectively by the patient on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Nasal airway resistance was calculated from rhinomanometric measurements of nasal airflow and transnasal pressure after decongestion of the nasal mucosa. A retrospective study. ENT department, Vaxjo Central Hospital, Sweden. We studied 1000 active anterior rhinomanometries from patients with nasal obstructions. We compared the side difference of nasal airway resistance with the side difference of VAS estimated immediately prior to the rhinomanometry. Each measurement was performed after nasal decongestion. When the difference in nasal airway resistance between the two nasal cavities was larger than 20° (Broms'v(2)) or R(2) > 0.36 Pa/cm(3) /s, we found a significant correlation between side differences of the objective measurement and the subjective assessment (VAS). With a nasal airway resistance side difference over 20°, an additional 20° difference corresponded to a 0.9 centimetre average VAS change. The more obstructed side of the nose could be determined by VAS in 823 (82.3%) of 1000 patients. Yet, 177 (17.7%) patients had a paradoxical sensation of nasal obstruction with the low resistance side of the nose experienced as the most congested side. A significant correlation between the side differences of nasal airway resistance and VAS can serve as a supplement to rhinoscopy in decisions about nasal surgery. This study also showed that in 17.7% of patients, there was a negative correlation between subjective and objective evaluations of nasal airway resistance. But in this group, the nasal airway resistance side difference was mostly under 20°. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Crosstalk between beta-2-adrenoceptor and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the airway.

PubMed

Pera, Tonio; Penn, Raymond B

2014-06-01

The M3 and M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) and beta-2-adrenoceptors (β2ARs) are important regulators of airway cell function, and drugs targeting these receptors are among the first line drugs in the treatment of the obstructive lung diseases asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Cross-regulation or crosstalk between mAChRs and β2ARs in airway smooth muscle (ASM) helps determine the contractile state of the muscle, thus airway diameter and resistance to airflow. In this review we will detail mAChR and β2AR-signaling and crosstalk, focusing on events in the ASM cell but also addressing the function of these receptors in other cell types that impact airway physiology. We conclude by discussing how recent advances in GPCR pharmacology offer a unique opportunity to fine tune mAChR and β2AR signaling and their crosstalk, and thereby produce superior therapeutics for obstructive lung and other diseases. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The epidemiology of adult obstructive sleep apnea.

PubMed

Punjabi, Naresh M

2008-02-15

Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic condition characterized by frequent episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep. Its effect on nocturnal sleep quality and ensuing daytime fatigue and sleepiness are widely acknowledged. Increasingly, obstructive sleep apnea is also being recognized as an independent risk factor for several clinical consequences, including systemic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and abnormal glucose metabolism. Estimates of disease prevalence are in the range of 3% to 7%, with certain subgroups of the population bearing higher risk. Factors that increase vulnerability for the disorder include age, male sex, obesity, family history, menopause, craniofacial abnormalities, and certain health behaviors such as cigarette smoking and alcohol use. Despite the numerous advancements in our understanding of the pathogenesis and clinical consequences of the disorder, a majority of those affected remain undiagnosed. Simple queries of the patient or bed-partner for the symptoms and signs of the disorder, namely, loud snoring, observed apneas, and daytime sleepiness, would help identify those in need of further diagnostic evaluation. The primary objective of this article is to review some of the epidemiologic aspects of obstructive sleep apnea in adults.

Multimodality bonchoscopic imaging of tracheopathica osteochondroplastica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colt, Henri; Murgu, Septimiu D.; Ahn, Yeh-Chan; Brenner, Matt

2009-05-01

Results of a commercial optical coherence tomography system used as part of a multimodality diagnostic bronchoscopy platform are presented for a 61-year-old patient with central airway obstruction from tracheopathica osteochondroplastica. Comparison to results of white-light bronchoscopy, histology, and endobronchial ultrasound examination are accompanied by a discussion of resolution, penetration depth, contrast, and field of view of these imaging modalities. White-light bronchoscopy revealed irregularly shaped, firm submucosal nodules along cartilaginous structures of the anterior and lateral walls of the trachea, sparing the muscular posterior membrane. Endobronchial ultrasound showed a hyperechoic density of 0.4 cm thickness. optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed using a commercially available, compact time-domain OCT system (Niris System, Imalux Corp., Cleveland, Ohio) with a magnetically actuating probe (two-dimensional, front imaging, and inside actuation). Images showed epithelium, upper submucosa, and osseous submucosal nodule layers corresponding with histopathology. To our knowledge, this is the first time these commercially available systems are used as part of a multimodality bronchoscopy platform to study diagnostic imaging of a benign disease causing central airway obstruction. Further studies are needed to optimize these systems for pulmonary applications and to determine how new-generation imaging modalities will be integrated into a multimodality bronchoscopy platform.

The importance of obstructive sleep apnoea and hypopnea pathophysiology for customized therapy.

PubMed

Bosi, Marcello; De Vito, Andrea; Gobbi, Riccardo; Poletti, Venerino; Vicini, Claudio

2017-03-01

The objective of this study is to highlight the importance of anatomical and not-anatomical factors' identification for customized therapy in OSAHS patients. The data sources are: MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library and EMBASE. A systematic review was performed to identify studies that analyze the role of multiple interacting factors involved in the OSAHS pathophysiology. 85 out of 1242 abstracts were selected for full-text review. A variable combinations pathophysiological factors contribute to realize differentiated OSAHS phenotypes: a small pharyngeal airway with a low resistance to collapse (increased critical closing pressure), an inadequate responses of pharyngeal dilator muscles (wakefulness drive to breathe), an unstable ventilator responsiveness to hypercapnia (high loop gain), and an increased propensity to wake related to upper airway obstruction (low arousal threshold). Identifying if the anatomical or not-anatomical factors are predominant in each OSAHS patient represents the current challenge in clinical practice, moreover for the treatment decision-making. In the future, if a reliable and accurate pathophysiological pattern for each OSAHS patient can be identified, a customized therapy will be feasible, with a significant improvement of surgical success in sleep surgery and a better understanding of surgical failure.

The successful use of lipectomy in the management of airway obstruction in a woman with HIV-associated lipodystrophy

PubMed Central

Tsui, Edison; Bogdasarian, Ronald; Blomain, Eric

2015-01-01

Lipodystrophy is a common complication of highly active antiretroviral therapy and is associated with significant comorbidities. Altered fat distribution, particularly lipohypertrophy of the dorsal cervical fat pad is associated with reduced quality of life as well as medical complications. We report the rare case of a patient with airway obstruction secondary to HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction was successfully performed to relieve her airway obstruction and to facilitate a tracheostomy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of its kind. We also provide a brief review of the literature on the current management options for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. PMID:25694636

Evaluation of neuromuscular activity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea using chin surface electromyography of polysomnography.

PubMed

Yin, Guo-ping; Ye, Jing-ying; Han, De-min; Wang, Xiao-yi; Zhang, Yu-huan; Li, Yan-ru

2013-01-01

It is believed that defects in upper airway neuromuscular control play a role in sleep apnea pathogenesis. Currently, there is no simple and non-invasive method for evaluating neuromuscular activity for the purpose of screening in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. This study was designed to assess the validity of chin surface electromyography of routine polysomnography in evaluating the neuromuscular activity of obstructive sleep apnea subjects and probe the neuromuscular contribution in the pathogenesis of the condition. The chin surface electromyography of routine polysomnography during normal breathing and obstructive apnea were quantified in 36 male patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The change of chin surface electromyography from normal breathing to obstructive apnea was expressed as the percent compensated electromyography value, where the percent compensated electromyography value = (normal breath surface electromyography - apnea surface electromyography)/normal breath surface electromyography, and the percent compensated electromyography values among subjects were compared. The relationship between sleep apnea related parameters and the percent compensated electromyography value was examined. The percent compensated electromyography value of the subjects varied from 1% to 90% and had a significant positive correlation with apnea hypopnea index (R(2) = 0.382, P < 0.001). Recording and analyzing chin surface electromyography by routine polysomnography is a valid way of screening the neuromuscular activity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The neuromuscular contribution is different among subjects with obstructive sleep apnea.

[Rare case of upper respiratory tract obstruction secondary to massive hematoma of pharynx, larynx and trachea].

PubMed

Kozakiewicz, Jacek; Gierlotka, Agata; Dec, Maciej; Stockfish, Jerzy

2010-01-01

The rare case of 75-years-old female patient was presented in this paper. She reported hoarseness in addition to pharyngeal pain, dysphagia and medium level dyspnea. Her exploration revealed a wide hematoma of the left lateral wall of orohypopharynx spreading to the left aryepiglottic fold, left aryepiglottic cartilage, false and true vocal fold and later to left lateral and posterior tracheal wall. The patient did not require a control of airway by intubation or tracheotomy according to quick relief after pharmacological treatment.

Irreversible airway obstruction assessed by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), and biological markers in induced sputum in patients with asthma.

PubMed

Zhang, Lanlan; Gang, Jin; Zhigang, Cao; Yali, Cui; Baozhong, Shen; Fangbiao, Zhang; Liu, Chuntao

2014-09-01

The objective of this study was to explore the significance of assessing irreversible airway obstruction (IAO) in asthma patients by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), biological markers in induced sputum, and exhaled nitric oxide (FENO). The study was conducted in 34 patients with IAO, 46 patients with reversible airway obstruction (RAO), 40 patients who did not have airway obstruction (NAO), and 40 healthy subjects serving as controls. These patients received a step therapy for at least 3 months based on the guidelines for the prevention and treatment of asthma. After achieving complete or partial control of asthma, HRCT, lung function, FENO, and chemokine levels in induced sputum were measured. The airway wall area (WA; %) correlated with forced expiratory volume-1 (FEV-1(L); r = -0.67, p < 0.0001), and significant differences in bronchial wall thickening (BWT) of the LEVEL E generation airways were observed between the asthma and control groups (p < 0.01). FENO levels correlated with FEV-1 (%) in the IAO group (r = 0.49, p = 0.01). The levels of matrix metalloproteases-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in asthma patients with IAO, RAO, and NAO were significantly higher than those in the controls (p < 0.05). The level of neutrophilia in the sputum from the IAO group was higher than that from the RAO, NAO and control groups. Asthma patients with IAO have an increased BWT. Airway measurements with HRCT scans appear to be valuable in the evaluation of airway remodeling in asthma patients with IAO.

Changes in airway dimensions following functional appliances in growing patients with skeletal class II malocclusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Xiang, MingLi; Hu, Bo; Liu, Yang; Sun, Jicheng; Song, Jinlin

2017-06-01

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the treatment effects of functional appliances (FAs) on upper airway dimensions in growing Class II patients with mandibular retrognathism. Five databases and the references of identified articles were electronically searched for relevant studies that met our eligibility criteria. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The effects of FAs on airway dimensions were combined by meta-analysis using the RevMan and STATA software. Seven studies (177 treated patients with mean age: 11.48 years and 153 untreated controls with mean age: 11.20 years) were included in this review. Compared to the control group, the oropharyngeal dimensions in the treatment group subjects were significantly increased at the superior pharyngeal space (MD = 1.73 mm/year, 95% CI, 1.13-2.32 mm, P < 0.00001), middle pharyngeal space (MD = 1.68 mm/year, 95% CI, 1.13-2.23 mm, P < 0.00001) and inferior pharyngeal space (MD = 1.21 mm/year, 95% CI, 0.48-1.95 mm, P = 0.001). No significant differences were found in nasopharyngeal and hypopharyngeal dimensions and the position of hyoid bone (P > 0.05). Soft palate length and soft palate inclination were improved significantly in the treatment group (P < 0.05). The results showed that FAs can enlarge the upper airway dimensions, specifically in the oropharyngeal region, in growing subjects with skeletal Class II malocclusion. The early intervention for mandibular retrognathism with FAs may help enlarge the airway dimensions and decrease potential risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome for growing patients in the future. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CT demonstration of pharyngeal narrowing in adult obstructive sleep apnea

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bohlman, M.E.; Haponik, E.F.; Smith, P.L.

Sleep apnea is a major cause of daytime hypersomnolence. Among the proposed etiologies, focal obstruction of the airways at the level of the pharynx has been suggested but not proven. Using computed tomography, the cross-sectional area of the airway can be readily assessed. Thirty-three adults with clinically proven sleep apnea and 12 normal adults underwent systematic computed tomography of the neck. Significant airway narrowing was demonstrated in all the patients with obstructive sleep apnea, whereas no such narrowing was seen in the controls. In 11, the narrowing was at a single level, whereas in 22 patients two or more levelsmore » were affected. This study has shown that a structurally abnormal airway may serve as an anatomic substrate for the development of sleep apnea. On the basis of this evidence, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty has been performed in two patients with relief of symptoms in one.« less

Correlations of sleep disorders with severity of obstructive airway disease in mustard gas-injured patients.

PubMed

Vahedi, Ensieh; Taheri, Saeed; Alaedini, Farshid; Poursaleh, Zohreh; Ameli, Javad; Ghanei, Mostafa

2012-06-01

Mustard gas has serious adverse effects on several organs and functions in humans. In this study, we analyzed potential correlations between obstructive airway disease and sleep disorders in Iranian mustard gas-injured patients. We enrolled 30 male mustard gas-injured veterans and civilians from the Chemical Warfare Exposure Clinic at Baqiyatallah Hospital, Tehran. All the subjects underwent comprehensive polysomnographic and spirometric evaluations for diagnosis of sleep disorders. Patients were categorized into three groups according to the severity of their obstructive airway disease based on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria: group 1 (GOLD I and II), group 2 (GOLD III), and group 3 (GOLD IV). Patients with less severe obstructive airway disease had significantly higher rate of hypopnea (p = 0.05) and AHI (p = 0.05). The number of REM events was significantly higher in patients with less severe airway disease (p = 0.028). Stage 1 sleep among patients with higher FEV1 significantly constituted a higher proportion of sleep, and stage 4 sleep was significantly longer in patients with higher DLCO (p = 0.043, both). We found that sleep parameters in SM-exposed patients have some relations with spirometric parameters. Future studies with large patient populations are needed for confirmation of our results, and therapeutic interventions are needed to evaluate endeavors we can do to enhance health and quality of life in our mustard gas-injured population.

[Hungarian Society for Sleep Medicine guideline for detecting drivers with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

PubMed

Szakács, Zoltán; Ádám, Ágnes; Annus, János Kristóf; Csatlós, Dalma; László, Andrea; Kalabay, László; Torzsa, Péter

2016-06-05

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most frequent sleep-disordered breathing. The prevalence of sleep apnea in the general population is 2-4% and the main characteristics of the disease are the intermittent cessation or substantial reduction of airflow during sleep, which is caused by complete, or near complete upper airway obstruction. Decreased airflow is followed by oxygen desaturation and intermittent arousals. Untreated patients are 4-6 times more likely to cause traffic accidents than their healthy counterparts. The aims of the obstructive sleep apnea screening are to prevent and reduce the incidence of serious car accidents, which are often caused by one of the most dangerous sleep disorders. Since April 1, 2015 a modification of the 13/1992 regulation has been in force in Hungary which orders screening of obstructive sleep apnea during medical checkup of drivers. The Hungarian Society for Sleep Medicine made a guideline according to the regulation which was adapted to national circumstances and family doctors, occupational health specialists can more easily screen obstructive sleep apnea in suspected patients. In sleep ambulances the disease can be diagnosed and effective treatment can be started. Patients receiving appropriate treatment and with appropriate compliance can get their driving licence under regular care and control.

Physiology-Based Modeling May Predict Surgical Treatment Outcome for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

PubMed Central

Li, Yanru; Ye, Jingying; Han, Demin; Cao, Xin; Ding, Xiu; Zhang, Yuhuan; Xu, Wen; Orr, Jeremy; Jen, Rachel; Sands, Scott; Malhotra, Atul; Owens, Robert

2017-01-01

Study Objectives: To test whether the integration of both anatomical and nonanatomical parameters (ventilatory control, arousal threshold, muscle responsiveness) in a physiology-based model will improve the ability to predict outcomes after upper airway surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: In 31 patients who underwent upper airway surgery for OSA, loop gain and arousal threshold were calculated from preoperative polysomnography (PSG). Three models were compared: (1) a multiple regression based on an extensive list of PSG parameters alone; (2) a multivariate regression using PSG parameters plus PSG-derived estimates of loop gain, arousal threshold, and other trait surrogates; (3) a physiological model incorporating selected variables as surrogates of anatomical and nonanatomical traits important for OSA pathogenesis. Results: Although preoperative loop gain was positively correlated with postoperative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (P = .008) and arousal threshold was negatively correlated (P = .011), in both model 1 and 2, the only significant variable was preoperative AHI, which explained 42% of the variance in postoperative AHI. In contrast, the physiological model (model 3), which included AHIREM (anatomy term), fraction of events that were hypopnea (arousal term), the ratio of AHIREM and AHINREM (muscle responsiveness term), loop gain, and central/mixed apnea index (control of breathing terms), was able to explain 61% of the variance in postoperative AHI. Conclusions: Although loop gain and arousal threshold are associated with residual AHI after surgery, only preoperative AHI was predictive using multivariate regression modeling. Instead, incorporating selected surrogates of physiological traits on the basis of OSA pathophysiology created a model that has more association with actual residual AHI. Commentary: A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 1023. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.Gov; Title: The Impact of Sleep Apnea Treatment on Physiology Traits in Chinese Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea; Identifier: NCT02696629; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02696629 Citation: Li Y, Ye J, Han D, Cao X, Ding X, Zhang Y, Xu W, Orr J, Jen R, Sands S, Malhotra A, Owens R. Physiology-based modeling may predict surgical treatment outcome for obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2017;13(9):1029–1037. PMID:28818154

Inflammation and asthma control in children with comorbid obstructive sleep apnea.

PubMed

Rogers, Valerie E; Bollinger, Mary E; Tulapurkar, Mohan E; Zhu, Shijun; Hasday, Jeffrey D; Pereira, Kevin D; Scharf, Steven M

2018-06-03

A bi-directional relationship exists between asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in which presence of one is associated with increased prevalence and severity of the other. Our objective was to determine whether OSA accounted for differences in airway and systemic inflammation in asthmatic children and whether inflammation was associated with asthma control. We hypothesized that greater severity of SDB would correlate with increased upper airway and systemic inflammation and result in reduced asthma control. Non-obese children aged 4-12 years with persistent asthma, with or without OSA were recruited. Asthma control was measured with the Childhood Asthma Control Test. Children underwent polysomnography and blood sampling, and children with OSA underwent clinically indicated adenotonsillectomy. Tonsils and sera were analyzed for 11 cytokines. Twenty-seven children (20 with OSA, seven without OSA) participated, mean age 7.9 years, 55.6% female, 92.6% African American. Levels did not differ for any cytokine between children with and without OSA. Lower nadir oxygen saturation was associated with higher levels of tonsil TNF-α (P < 0.001) and IL-10 (P < 0.05). Higher REM-related apnea-hypopnea index was associated with higher levels of tonsil TNF-α (P < 0.05). Children with uncontrolled asthma had significantly higher levels of serum IL-10, IL-13, and TNF-α, and tonsil TNF-α (all P < 0.05) than well-controlled asthmatic children. There was no association between OSA, or any polysomnography variable, and asthma control. Despite the presence of OSA-associated airway inflammation, and asthma control-associated airway and systemic inflammation, OSA was not related to level of asthma control in this non-obese, largely minority, low income sample. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Anxiety and depression are improved by continuous positive airway pressure treatments in obstructive sleep apnea.

PubMed

Li, Yu-Ying; Mazarakis, Thodoris; Shen, Yu-Chih; Yang, Miao-Chun; Chang, En-Ting; Wang, Hsiu-Mei

2016-08-01

Background Obstructive sleep apnea involves repeated nocturnal desaturation and sleep fragmentation that leads to poor sleep quality, anxiety, and depression. This study aimed to investigate short- and long-term improvements in the anxiety and depression of patients with different obstructive sleep apnea treatments. Methods This is a prospective, non-randomized hospital-based study evaluated 55 patients (46 male, 9 female) with obstructive sleep apnea. The patients were divided into three groups based on different treatment: uvulopalatopharyngoplasty group, continuous positive airway pressure group, and no treatment group (by their own decision). They completed the Beck Depression Inventory II, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index before treatment and at one and six months after treatment. Results Compared to the no treatment group, the surgery and continuous positive airway pressure groups had higher body mass index, AHI, and Epworth sleepiness scale, but no difference in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Chinese Health Questionnaire-12, Beck Depression Inventory II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. The continuous positive airway pressure and surgery groups still had no improvements in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Chinese Health Questionnaire-12, Beck Depression Inventory II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory scores one month after treatment. At six months after treatment, the continuous positive airway pressure group had significantly decreased Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Chinese Health Questionnaire-12, Beck Depression Inventory II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory, whereas the surgery group had significant difference in Beck Anxiety Inventory only and the no treatment group still had no significant difference in any of the parameters. Conclusions Continuous positive airway pressure can improve the sleep quality, quality of life, depression, and anxiety of obstructive sleep apnea patients after six months of treatment. However, surgery can significantly improve anxiety only in the same period.

Reconstructive procedures for disturbed functions within the upper airway: pharyngeal breathing/snoring

PubMed Central

Verse, Thomas

2005-01-01

Breathing disorders which have their origin within the pharynx mainly occur during sleep. These so-called obstructive sleep-related breathing disorders include three different disturbances which have to be distinguished properly: simple snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Each disturbance requires a different treatment. Simple snoring does not affect the physical health of the snorer himself, but often leads to social problems due to the annoying character of the breathing sounds. Appropriate treatment modalities are oral devices and transcutaneous or ttransmucosal electrical stimulation of the muscles of the floor of the mouth via surface electrodes. As reconstructive surgical procedures adenotomies, tonsillectomies, tonsillotomies, or adenotonsillectomies are successfully used in children. Moreover, in adults radiofrequency treatments of the tonsils, the soft palate and of the base of tongue, as well as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) and palatal implants are adequate treatments for simple snoring. Adequate therapies for UARS and mild OSA (less than 20 breathing events per hour of sleep) are oral appliances. Nasal continuos positive airway pressure (NCPAP) ventilation is a very successful treatment modality, but shows low compliance in these patients, as daytime symptoms like excessive sleepiness or or impaired cognitive functions are often unincisive in patients with mild OSA. Reconstructive procedures like UPPP, radiofrequency surgery of the tonsils or the base of tongue, hyoid suspension, mandibular osteotomy with genioglossus advancement (MO) are successful treatment options either as isolated procedures or in combination within so-called multi-level surgery concepts. Goldstandard for the treatment of moderate to severe OSA is the nCPAP ventilation. All patients should at least try this treatment modality. Only in the rare cases of nCPAP failure (2%) and in the relatively frequent cases of nCPAP incompliance (30%) reconstructive surgical procedures become necessary as second choice treatments. These are adenectomies, tonsillectomies, tonsillotomies in children and hyoid suspension, MO, multi-level surgery concepts, or maxillomandibular advancement osteotomies in adults. PMID:22073056

Use of intranasal corticosteroids in adenotonsillar hypertrophy.

PubMed

Sakarya, E U; Bayar Muluk, N; Sakalar, E G; Senturk, M; Aricigil, M; Bafaqeeh, S A; Cingi, C

2017-05-01

This review examined the efficacy of intranasal corticosteroids for improving adenotonsillar hypertrophy. The related literature was searched using PubMed and Proquest Central databases. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy causes mouth breathing, nasal congestion, hyponasal speech, snoring, obstructive sleep apnoea, chronic sinusitis and recurrent otitis media. Adenoidal hypertrophy results in the obstruction of nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, and blocks the clearance of nasal mucus. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy and obstructive sleep apnoea are associated with increased expression of various mediators of inflammatory responses in the tonsils, and respond to anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids. Topical nasal steroids most likely affect the anatomical component by decreasing inspiratory upper airway resistance at the nasal, adenoidal or tonsillar levels. Corticosteroids, by their lympholytic or anti-inflammatory effects, might reduce adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Intranasal corticosteroids reduce cellular proliferation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a tonsil and adenoid mixed-cell culture system. Intranasal corticosteroids have been used in adenoidal hypertrophy and adenotonsillar hypertrophy patients, decreasing rates of surgery for adenotonsillar hypertrophy.

Technique and Preliminary Analysis of Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy With Online Polygraphic Cardiorespiratory Monitoring in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

PubMed Central

Gobbi, Riccardo; Mondini, Susanna; Cerritelli, Luca; Piccin, Ottavio; Scaramuzzino, Giuseppe; Milano, Francesca; Melotti, Maria Rita; Mordini, Francesco; Pirodda, Antonio; Cirignotta, Fabio; Sorrenti, Giovanni

2017-01-01

Importance Drug-induced sleep endoscopy is a diagnostic technique that allows dynamic evaluation of the upper airway during artificial sleep. The lack of a standardized procedure and the difficulties associated with direct visual detection of obstructive events result in poor intraobserver and interobserver reliability, especially when otolaryngology surgeons not experienced in the technique are involved. Objectives To describe a drug-induced sleep endoscopy technique implemented with simultaneous polygraphic monitoring of cardiorespiratory parameters (DISE-PG) in patients with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and discuss the technique’s possible advantages compared with the standard procedure. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective cohort study included 50 consecutive patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome who underwent DISE-PG from March 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014. A standard protocol was adopted, and all the procedures were carried out in an operation room by an experienced otolaryngology surgeon under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. Endoscopic and polygraphic obstructive respiratory events were analyzed offline in a double-blind setting and randomized order. Main Outcomes and Measures The feasibility and safety of the DISE-PG technique, as well as its sensitivity in detecting respiratory events compared with that of the standard drug-induced sleep endoscopy procedure. Results All 50 patients (43 men and 7 women; mean [SD] age, 51.1 [12.1] years) underwent DISE-PG without technical problems or patient difficulties regarding the procedure. As expected, polygraphic scoring was more sensitive than endoscopic scoring in identifying obstructive events (mean [SD] total events, 13.3 [6.8] vs 5.3 [3.6]; mean [SD] difference, 8.8 [5.6]; 95% CI, 7.3 to 10.4; Cohen d, –1.5). This difference was most pronounced in patients with a higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) at baseline (mean [SD] difference for AHI >30, 27.1% [31.0%]; 95% CI, –36.2% to 90.4%; Cohen d, 0.2; for AH I >40, 76.0% [35.5%]; 95% CI, 4.6% to 147.4%; Cohen d, 0.5; for AHI >50, 92.2% [37.2%]; 95% CI, 17.3% to 167.1%; Cohen d, 0.6) and a high percentage of hypopneas (≥75% of all obstructive events) at baseline (mean [SD] difference, 20.2% [5.4%]; 95% CI, 9.2% to 31.3%; Cohen d, 1.1). No other anthropomorphic or polygraphic features at baseline were associated with the differences between the DISE-PG and baseline home sleep apnea test. Conclusions and Relevance The DISE-PG technique is feasible, safe, and more sensitive at detecting an obstructed breathing pattern than is drug-induced sleep endoscopy alone. The DISE-PG technique could be helpful for accurate comprehension of upper airway obstructive dynamics (ie, degree of obstruction and multilevel pattern) and a nonobstructive breathing pattern (ie, central apneas). PMID:28253389

The predictive value of drug-induced sleep endoscopy for CPAP titration in OSA patients.

PubMed

Lan, Ming-Chin; Hsu, Yen-Bin; Lan, Ming-Ying; Huang, Yun-Chen; Kao, Ming-Chang; Huang, Tung-Tsun; Chiu, Tsan-Jen; Yang, Mei-Chen

2017-12-15

The aim of this study was to identify possible upper airway obstructions causing a higher continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration level, utilizing drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). A total of 76 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) underwent CPAP titration and DISE. DISE findings were recorded using the VOTE classification system. Polysomnographic (PSG) data, anthropometric variables, and patterns of airway collapse during DISE were analyzed with CPAP titration levels. A significant association was found between the CPAP titration level and BMI, oxygen desaturation index (ODI), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and neck circumference (NC) (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively, by Spearman correlation). Patients with concentric collapse of the velum or lateral oropharyngeal collapse were associated with a significantly higher CPAP titration level (P < 0.001 and P = 0.043, respectively, by nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test; P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively, by Spearman correlation). No significant association was found between the CPAP titration level and any other collapse at the tongue base or epiglottis. By analyzing PSG data, anthropometric variables, and DISE results with CPAP titration levels, we can better understand possible mechanisms resulting in a higher CPAP titration level. We believe that the role of DISE can be expanded as a tool to identify the possible anatomical structures that may be corrected by oral appliance therapy or surgical intervention to improve CPAP compliance.

Three-dimensional airways reconstruction in syndromic pedriatric patients following mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

PubMed

Spinelli, Giuseppe; Agostini, Tommaso; Arcuri, Francesco; Conti, Marco; Raffaini, Mirco

2015-05-01

Airway obstruction, associated with mandibular hypoplasia, is a frequent complication in syndromic pediatric patients. The clinical signs of airway obstruction change from mild positional obstruction to severe respiratory distress with cyanosis. The young age of the patients makes medical management extremely complex. The purpose was to evaluate the success of surgery, evaluating the expansion of the respiratory volumes measured by computer tomography analyzed through a software (SimPlant Pro 15). Twelve patients with mandibular hypoplasia and respiratory distress were treated between December 2010 and December 2013. Eleven of them had tracheostomy in the preoperative period. The goal of surgery was to prevent permanent tracheostomy or to remove it, if present. Volume and surface area increased by an average of 279.2% and 89.4%, respectively. Tracheostomy was avoided in 1 patient who underwent surgery precociously, and it was removed in 10 patients. Only 1 case failed in volume airway augmentation, and tracheostomy was not removed. Computer tomography can calculate the cross-sectional areas of the airway in 3 planes of space: coronal, sagittal, and axial. In most patients, changes in airways have been accompanied by improvements in sleep and breathing, allowing for the removal of tracheostomy with an improved quality of life. Three-dimensional reconstruction of airways revealed a useful tool to better understand the success of surgery. IV.

Airway and alveolar nitric oxide production, lung function, and pulmonary blood flow in sickle cell disease.

PubMed

Lunt, Alan; Ahmed, Na'eem; Rafferty, Gerrard F; Dick, Moira; Rees, David; Height, Sue; Thein, Swee Lay; Greenough, Anne

2016-02-01

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) often have obstructive lung function abnormalities which could be due to asthma or increased pulmonary blood volume; it is important to determine the underlying mechanism to direct appropriate treatment. In asthmatics, exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is elevated. FeNO, however, can also be raised due to increased alveolar production. Our aim, therefore, was to determine if airway or alveolar NO production differed between SCD children and ethnic and age-matched controls. Lung function, airway NO flux and alveolar NO production, and effective pulmonary blood flow were assessed in 18 SCD children and 18 ethnic and age-matched controls. The SCD children compared to the controls had a higher respiratory system resistance (P = 0.0008), alveolar NO production (P = 0.0224), and pulmonary blood flow (P < 0.0001), but not airway NO flux. There was no significant correlation between FeNO and respiratory system resistance in either group, but in the SCD children, there were correlations between alveolar NO production (P = 0.0006) and concentration (P < 0.0001) and pulmonary blood flow. Airway NO flux was not elevated in the SCD children nor correlated with airways obstruction, suggesting that airways obstruction, at least in some SCD children, is not due to asthma.

Airway obstruction related to diacetyl exposure at microwave popcorn production facilities.

PubMed

Lockey, J E; Hilbert, T J; Levin, L P; Ryan, P H; White, K L; Borton, E K; Rice, C H; McKay, R T; LeMasters, G K

2009-07-01

Obstructive lung diseases including bronchiolitis obliterans have been reported among microwave popcorn production employees. Butter flavourings including diacetyl have been associated with these findings. The present study was initiated at four microwave popcorn production plants to determine if exposure to diacetyl was associated with decrements in pulmonary function. Comprehensive diacetyl exposure assessment was undertaken for all job tasks. Spirometry was conducted for 765 full-time employees between 2005 and 2006. Outcomes included decrement in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) % predicted, airway obstruction and persistent decline in FEV(1). Inclusion in the high-exposure group (mixers) prior to respirator use was associated with a significantly decreased FEV(1) % pred in non-Asian and Asian males at -6.1 and -11.8% pred, respectively, and an eight-fold increased risk for airway obstruction. Cumulative diacetyl exposure >or=0.8 ppm-yr caused similar results. No significant impact was seen in nonmixers or between current diacetyl exposure and persistent decline in FEV(1). Unprotected exposure as a mixer to butter flavouring including diacetyl resulted in decrements in FEV(1) (% pred) and increased airway obstruction. Control of employee exposure to butter flavouring additives is warranted in regard to both short-term peak and 8-h workday exposure.

Assessment of central airway obstruction using impulse oscillometry before and after interventional bronchoscopy.

PubMed

Handa, Hiroshi; Huang, Jyongsu; Murgu, Septimiu D; Mineshita, Masamichi; Kurimoto, Noriaki; Colt, Henri G; Miyazawa, Teruomi

2014-02-01

Spirometry is used to physiologically assess patients with central airway obstruction (CAO) before and after interventional bronchoscopy, but is not always feasible in these patients, does not localize the anatomic site of obstruction, and may not correlate with the patient's functional impairment. Impulse oscillometry may overcome these limitations. We assessed the correlations between impulse oscillometry measurements, symptoms, and type of airway narrowing, before and after interventional bronchoscopy, and whether impulse oscillometry parameters can discriminate between fixed and dynamic CAO. Twenty consecutive patients with CAO underwent spirometry, impulse oscillometry, computed tomography, dyspnea assessment, and bronchoscopy, before and after interventional bronchoscopy. The collapsibility index (the percent difference in airway lumen diameter during expiration versus during inspiration) was calculated using morphometric bronchoscopic images during quiet breathing. Variable CAO was defined as a collapsibility index of > 50%. Fixed CAO was defined as a collapsibility index of < 50%. The degree of obstruction was analyzed with computed tomography measurements. After interventional bronchoscopy, all impulse oscillometry measurements significantly improved, especially resistance at 5 Hz, which decreased from 0.67 ± 0.29kPa/L/s to 0.38 ± 0.17kPa/L/s (P < .001), and reactance at 20 Hz, which increased from -0.09 ± 0.11 to 0.03 ± 0.08 (P < .001). Changes in dyspnea score correlated with resistance at 5 Hz, the difference between the resistance at 5 Hz and the resistance at 20 Hz, and the reactance at 5 Hz, but not with spirometry measurements. The type of obstruction also correlated with dyspnea score, and showed distinct impulse oscillometry measurements. Impulse oscillometry measurements correlate with symptom improvements after interventional bronchoscopy. Impulse oscillometry might be useful to discriminate variable from fixed central airway obstruction. (University Hospital Medical Information Network, http://www.umin.ac.jp/english, ID000005322).

Cardiovascular causes of airway compression.

PubMed

Kussman, Barry D; Geva, Tal; McGowan, Francis X

2004-01-01

Compression of the paediatric airway is a relatively common and often unrecognized complication of congenital cardiac and aortic arch anomalies. Airway obstruction may be the result of an anomalous relationship between the tracheobronchial tree and vascular structures (producing a vascular ring) or the result of extrinsic compression caused by dilated pulmonary arteries, left atrial enlargement, massive cardiomegaly, or intraluminal bronchial obstruction. A high index of suspicion of mechanical airway compression should be maintained in infants and children with recurrent respiratory difficulties, stridor, wheezing, dysphagia, or apnoea unexplained by other causes. Prompt diagnosis is required to avoid death and minimize airway damage. In addition to plain chest radiography and echocardiography, diagnostic investigations may consist of barium oesophagography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography, cardiac catheterization and bronchoscopy. The most important recent advance is MRI, which can produce high quality three-dimensional reconstruction of all anatomic elements allowing for precise anatomic delineation and improved surgical planning. Anaesthetic technique will depend on the type of vascular ring and the presence of any congenital heart disease or intrinsic lesions of the tracheobronchial tree. Vascular rings may be repaired through a conventional posterolateral thoracotomy, or utilizing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robotic endoscopic surgery. Persistent airway obstruction following surgical repair may be due to residual compression, secondary airway wall instability (malacia), or intrinsic lesions of the airway. Simultaneous repair of cardiac defects and vascular tracheobronchial compression carries a higher risk of morbidity and mortality.

[Clinical analysis of 4 children with negative pressure pulmonary edema].

PubMed

Chen, Jiehua; Wang, Shu; Ma, Hongling; Wang, Wenjian; Fu, Dan; Huang, Wenxian; Deng, Jikui; Tang, Huiying; He, Yanxia; Zheng, Yuejie

2014-02-01

To analyze the clinical characteristics of negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE). A retrospective investigation of the clinical manifestation, imageology, clinical course and outcome of 4 children with NPPE seen between June 2012 and July 2013 in a children's hospital. The causation of the airway obstruction was also explored. All the 4 cases were boys, the range of age was 40 days to 9 years. They had no history of respiratory and circulatory system disease. In 3 cases the disease had a sudden onset after the obstruction of airway, and in one the onset occurred 1.5 hours after removing the airway foreign body. All these cases presented with tachypnea, dyspnea, and cyanosis, none had fever. Three cases had coarse rales. Chest radiography was performed in 3 cases and CT scan was performed in 1 case, in all of them both lungs displayed diffuse ground-glass-like change and patchy consolidative infiltrates. Three cases were admitted to the ICU, duration of mechanical ventilation was less than 24 hours in 2 cases and 39 hours in one. Oxygen was given by mask to the remaining one in emergency department, whose symptoms were obviously improved in 10 hours. None was treated with diuretics, glucocorticoids or inotropic agents. Chest radiographs were taken within 24 hours of treatment in 2 cases and 24-48 hours in the other 2; almost all the pulmonary infiltrates were resolved. All the 4 cases were cured. The causes of airway obstruction were airway foreign bodies in two cases, laryngospasm in one and laryngomalacia in the other. NPPE is a life-threatening emergency, which is manifested by rapid onset of respiratory distress rapidly (usually in several minutes, but might be hours later) after relief of the airway obstruction, with findings of pulmonary edema in chest radiograph. The symptoms resolve rapidly by oxygen therapy timely with or without mechanical ventilation. In children with airway obstruction, NPPE should be considered.

Three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography analysis of enlargement of the pharyngeal airway by the Herbst appliance.

PubMed

Iwasaki, Tomonori; Takemoto, Yoshihiko; Inada, Emi; Sato, Hideo; Saitoh, Issei; Kakuno, Eriko; Kanomi, Ryuzo; Yamasaki, Youichi

2014-12-01

Pharyngeal airway size is increasingly recognized as an important factor in obstructive sleep apnea. However, few studies have examined the changes of pharyngeal airway form after dental procedures for treating obstructive sleep apnea during growth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Herbst appliance on the 3-dimensional form of the pharyngeal airway using cone-beam computed tomography. Twenty-four Class II subjects (ANB, ≥5°; 11 boys; mean age, 11.6 years) who required Herbst therapy with edgewise treatment had cone-beam computed tomography images taken before and after Herbst treatment. Twenty Class I control subjects (9 boys; mean age, 11.5 years) received edgewise treatment only. The volume, depth, and width of the pharyngeal airway were compared between the groups using measurements from 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography images of the entire pharyngeal airway. The increase of the oropharyngeal airway volume in the Herbst group (5000.2 mm(3)) was significantly greater than that of the control group (2451.6 mm(3)). Similarly, the increase of the laryngopharyngeal airway volume in the Herbst group (1941.8 mm(3)) was significantly greater than that of the control group (1060.1 mm(3)). The Herbst appliance enlarges the oropharyngeal and laryngopharyngeal airways. These results may provide a useful assessment of obstructive sleep apnea treatment during growth. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

SLC26A9-mediated chloride secretion prevents mucus obstruction in airway inflammation

PubMed Central

Anagnostopoulou, Pinelopi; Riederer, Brigitte; Duerr, Julia; Michel, Sven; Binia, Aristea; Agrawal, Raman; Liu, Xuemei; Kalitzki, Katrin; Xiao, Fang; Chen, Mingmin; Schatterny, Jolanthe; Hartmann, Dorothee; Thum, Thomas; Kabesch, Michael; Soleimani, Manoocher; Seidler, Ursula; Mall, Marcus A.

2012-01-01

Asthma is a chronic condition with unknown pathogenesis, and recent evidence suggests that enhanced airway epithelial chloride (Cl–) secretion plays a role in the disease. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Cl– secretion and its relevance in asthma pathophysiology remain unknown. To determine the role of the solute carrier family 26, member 9 (SLC26A9) Cl– channel in asthma, we induced Th2-mediated inflammation via IL-13 treatment in wild-type and Slc26a9-deficient mice and compared the effects on airway ion transport, morphology, and mucus content. We found that IL-13 treatment increased Cl– secretion in the airways of wild-type but not Slc26a9-deficient mice. While IL-13–induced mucus overproduction was similar in both strains, treated Slc26a9-deficient mice exhibited airway mucus obstruction, which did not occur in wild-type controls. In a study involving healthy children and asthmatics, a polymorphism in the 3′ UTR of SLC26A9 that reduced protein expression in vitro was associated with asthma. Our data demonstrate that the SLC26A9 Cl– channel is activated in airway inflammation and suggest that SLC26A9-mediated Cl– secretion is essential for preventing airway obstruction in allergic airway disease. These results indicate that SLC26A9 may serve as a therapeutic target for airway diseases associated with mucus plugging. PMID:22945630

Geniohyoid muscle properties and myosin heavy chain composition are altered after short-term intermittent hypoxic exposure.

PubMed

Pae, Eung-Kwon; Wu, Jennifer; Nguyen, Daniel; Monti, Ryan; Harper, Ronald M

2005-03-01

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often exhibit fatigued or inefficient upper airway dilator and constrictor muscles; an upper airway dilator, the geniohyoid (GH) muscle, is a particular example. Intermittent hypoxia (IH) is a frequent concomitant of OSA, and it may trigger muscle fiber composition changes that are characteristic of a fatigable nature. We examined effects of short-term IH on diaphragmatic and GH muscle fiber composition and fatigue properties by exposing 24 rats to alternating 10.3% O(2)-balance N(2) and room air every 480 s (240 s duty cycle) for a total duration of 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 h. Sternohyoid fiber composition was also examined. Control animals were exposed to room air on the same schedule. Single-fiber analyses showed that GH muscle fiber types changed completely from myosin heavy chain (MHC) type 2A to MHC type 2B after 10 h of exposure, and the conversion was maintained for at least 30 h. Sternohyoid muscle fibers showed a delayed transition from MHC type 2A/2B to MHC type 2B. In contrast, major fiber types of the diaphragm were not significantly altered. The GH muscles showed similar tension-frequency relationships in all groups, but an increased fatigability developed, proportional to the duration of IH treatment. We conclude that short-term IH exposure alters GH muscle composition and physical properties toward more fatigable, fast-twitch types and that it may account for the fatigable upper airway fiber types found in sleep-disturbed breathing.

Biomechanics of the soft-palate in sleep apnea patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

PubMed

Subramaniam, Dhananjay Radhakrishnan; Arens, Raanan; Wagshul, Mark E; Sin, Sanghun; Wootton, David M; Gutmark, Ephraim J

2018-05-17

Highly compliant tissue supporting the pharynx and low muscle tone enhance the possibility of upper airway occlusion in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The present study describes subject-specific computational modeling of flow-induced velopharyngeal narrowing in a female child with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with OSA and a non-OSA control. Anatomically accurate three-dimensional geometries of the upper airway and soft-palate were reconstructed for both subjects using magnetic resonance (MR) images. A fluid-structure interaction (FSI) shape registration analysis was performed using subject-specific values of flow rate to iteratively compute the biomechanical properties of the soft-palate. The optimized shear modulus for the control was 38 percent higher than the corresponding value for the OSA patient. The proposed computational FSI model was then employed for planning surgical treatment for the apneic subject. A virtual surgery comprising of a combined adenoidectomy, palatoplasty and genioglossus advancement was performed to estimate the resulting post-operative patterns of airflow and tissue displacement. Maximum flow velocity and velopharyngeal resistance decreased by 80 percent and 66 percent respectively following surgery. Post-operative flow-induced forces on the anterior and posterior faces of the soft-palate were equilibrated and the resulting magnitude of tissue displacement was 63 percent lower compared to the pre-operative case. Results from this pilot study indicate that FSI computational modeling can be employed to characterize the mechanical properties of pharyngeal tissue and evaluate the effectiveness of various upper airway surgeries prior to their application. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Auscultated forced expiratory time as a clinical and epidemiologic test of airway obstruction.

PubMed

Kern, D G; Patel, S R

1991-09-01

Seeking an inexpensive, readily available, clinical, screening, and field surveillance test of airway obstruction, we determined the validity of current dogma that forced expiratory time (FET) is a good clinical test of airway obstruction yet is of no epidemiologic use given excessive intrasubject variability. Two hundred twenty-nine white male plumbers and pipefitters were evaluated by spirometry, chest roentgenography, and a standardized respiratory questionnaire during a union-sponsored asbestos screening program. Subjects were classified as having large airway obstruction (LAO), small airway obstruction (SAO) alone, or no obstruction, on the basis of standard spirometric prediction equations. Two physicians, blinded to clinical and spirometric data, independently measured FET while auscultating the trachea with a stethoscope. The FET was defined as the time taken for an individual to forcefully exhale through an open mouth from total lung capacity until airflow became inaudible. Five such times were recorded for each subject. The mean of the three times having the narrowest range was deemed the FET for calculating test sensitivity and specificity. Based on previous literature, an FET greater than or equal to 6 s was considered abnormally prolonged. Two hundred five subjects completed both spirometry and FET testing; 67 had LAO, 5 SAO, and 133 no obstruction. A total of 83 percent had three FETs reproducible within a range of less than or equal to 1 s. The sensitivity and specificity of FET for LAO were 92 and 43 percent, respectively, while for SAO alone, 60 and 44 percent, respectively. Overall, FET misclassified 56 percent of nonobstructed subjects. Adjusting the normal-abnormal cutoff points for both FET and SAO minimally improved the performance of FET. Although FET is a simple, inexpensive, sensitive, and fairly reproducible clinical test of LAO, it cannot be recommended as a clinical or an epidemiologic tool because of its extremely low specificity.

Upper airway compromise by extravasated fluid: a rare complication after arthroscopic repair of atrophic cuff tear.

PubMed

Venkat, Gorthi; Moon, Young Lae; Na, Woong Chae; So, Keum Young

2009-10-01

During arthroscopic procedures, leakage of irrigation fluid into surrounding tissue planes is a frequently noticed phenomenon usually clinically asymptomatic and resolving within 12 hours postoperatively. Although rare, this fluid may produce life-threatening complications such as airway compromise. This article describes a case of upper airway obstruction in a 60-year-old man undergoing arthroscopic repair for an atrophic rotator cuff tear. The patient presented with a 6-month history of pain and weakness in the left shoulder. Magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed a massive rotator cuff tear with significant retraction and fatty degeneration of cuff musculature. Perioperatively, all vital cardiorespiratory parameters were within normal limits. Postoperatively, immediately on extubation, he was dyspneic, and examination revealed a diffuse swelling extending from the left shoulder up to the neck and face. He was reintubated and sent to the recovery room, where he recovered 12 hours later. This article highlights the possibility of respiratory compromise due to the extravasation of irrigation fluid into the neck and chest during arthroscopic repair of massive and atrophied cuff tears, even with shorter surgical time as is this case. The widened suprascapular space will offer less resistance to the spread of fluid into the neck and chest from the shoulder. We advocate monitoring the patient continuously to prevent this serious complication from becoming life-threatening.

Does personality play a role in continuous positive airway pressure compliance?

PubMed Central

Maschauer, Emily L.; Fairley, Donna M.

2017-01-01

Key points Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence is low among individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea. Type D personality and high scores on the depression and hypochondriasis scales on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) have been identified as factors contributing to non-compliance with CPAP. Further research into personality type may assist in understanding why some people adhere to CPAP, while others fail. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition characterised by repetitive, intermittent partial or complete collapse/obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is highly efficacious in treating OSA but its effectiveness is limited due to suboptimal acceptance and adherence rates, with as many as 50% of OSA patients discontinuing CPAP treatment within the first year. Until recently, research has focused on examining mechanistic and demographic factors that could explain nonadherence (e.g. age, sex, race and education level) with limited applicability in a prospective or clinical manner. More recent research has focused on personality factors or types of patients with OSA who comply and do not comply with CPAP adherence in an attempt to enhance the accuracy of predicting treatment compliance. Type D personality has been found to be prevalent in one third of patients with OSA. The presence of Type D personality increases noncompliance and poor treatment outcomes due to negative affectivity, social inhibition, unhealthy lifestyle, and a reluctance to consult and/or follow medical advice. Conversely, individuals who are more likely to adhere to CPAP treatment tend to have a high internal locus of control and high self-efficacy, self-refer for treatment, and have active coping skills. By assessing personality and coping skills, the clinician may gain insight into the likelihood of a patient’s adherence to treatment. If the patient displays potential risk factors for CPAP noncompliance, the clinician can offer the patient education, refer them to a support group, engage in behavioural/motivational therapy and undertake regular follow-up visits or phone calls incorporating troubleshooting to increase CPAP adherence, especially in individuals with Type D personality. PMID:28289449

Respiratory system involvement in Costello syndrome.

PubMed

Gomez-Ospina, Natalia; Kuo, Christin; Ananth, Amitha Lakshmi; Myers, Angela; Brennan, Marie-Luise; Stevenson, David A; Bernstein, Jonathan A; Hudgins, Louanne

2016-07-01

Costello syndrome (CS) is a multisystem disorder caused by heterozygous germline mutations in the HRAS proto-oncogene. Respiratory system complications have been reported in individuals with CS, but a comprehensive description of the full spectrum and incidence of respiratory symptoms in these patients is not available. Here, we report the clinical course of four CS patients with respiratory complications as a major cause of morbidity. Review of the literature identified 56 CS patients with descriptions of their neonatal course and 17 patients in childhood/adulthood. We found that in the neonatal period, respiratory complications are seen in approximately 78% of patients with transient respiratory distress reported in 45% of neonates. Other more specific respiratory diagnoses were reported in 62% of patients, the majority of which comprised disorders of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Symptoms of upper airway obstruction were reported in CS neonates but were more commonly diagnosed in childhood/adulthood (71%). Analysis of HRAS mutations and their respiratory phenotype revealed that the common p.Gly12Ser mutation is more often associated with transient respiratory distress and other respiratory diagnoses. Respiratory failure and dependence on mechanical ventilation occurs almost exclusively with rare mutations. In cases of prenatally diagnosed CS, the high incidence of respiratory complications in the neonatal period should prompt anticipatory guidance and development of a postnatal management plan. This may be important in cases involving rarer mutations. Furthermore, the high frequency of airway obstruction in CS patients suggests that otorhinolaryngological evaluation and sleep studies should be considered. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Asymptomatic cardiopulmonary changes caused by adenoid hypertrophy.

PubMed

Abdel-Aziz, Mosaad

2011-07-01

Adenoid hypertrophy is the most common cause of pediatric upper airway obstruction, and it can lead to cardiopulmonary complications such as pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale, and even heart failure. The aim of this study was to detect the asymptomatic cardiopulmonary changes that could happen in children with adenoid hypertrophy.Eighty children with adenoid hypertrophy were included in this study. Chest x-ray was used to assess the cardiothoracic ratio, whereas echocardiography was used for measuring the pulmonary arterial pressures, right ventricular diastolic filling parameters, and right ventricular end-diastolic diameters. All patients underwent adenoidectomy with or without tonsillectomy, and they were subjected again to echocardiographic assessment 6 months after the operation. No patient showed an increase in the cardiothoracic ratio on x-ray. Preoperative echocardiography showed an increase in pulmonary artery pressure (22.7 [SD, 3.8] mm Hg), a decrease in right ventricular diastolic filling parameters (E/A = 1.03 [SD, 0.17]), and an increase in right ventricular end-diastolic diameters (1.89 [SD, 0.19] cm). Postoperatively, pulmonary artery pressure decreased to 17.2 [SD, 2.1] mm Hg, right ventricular diastolic filling (E/A) increased to 1.25 [SD, 0.11], and right ventricular end-diastolic diameters decreased to 1.68 [SD, 0.12] cm. The comparison between preoperative and postoperative results for each individual parameter was statistically significant. Clinically asymptomatic cardiopulmonary changes due to adenoid hypertrophy are not rare. Early diagnosis and treatment of upper airway obstruction can prevent these serious complications. Echocardiographic examination should be recommended for these patients as a part of preoperative preparation to avoid anesthetic complications.

Methods for increasing upper airway muscle tonus in treating obstructive sleep apnea: systematic review.

PubMed

Valbuza, Juliana Spelta; de Oliveira, Márcio Moysés; Conti, Cristiane Fiquene; Prado, Lucila Bizari F; de Carvalho, Luciane Bizari Coin; do Prado, Gilmar Fernandes

2010-12-01

Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using methods for increasing upper airway muscle tonus has been controversial and poorly reported. Thus, a review of the evidence is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these methods. The design used was a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Data sources are from the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase and Scielo, registries of ongoing trials, theses indexed at Biblioteca Regional de Medicina/Pan-American Health Organization of the World Health Organization and the reference lists of all the trials retrieved. This was a review of randomized or quasi-randomized double-blind trials on OSA. Two reviewers independently applied eligibility criteria. One reviewer assessed study quality and extracted data, and these processes were checked by a second reviewer. The primary outcome was a decrease in the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) of below five episodes per hour. Other outcomes were subjective sleep quality, sleep quality measured by night polysomnography, quality of life measured subjectively and adverse events associated with the treatments. Three eligible trials were included. Two studies showed improvements through the objective and subjective analyses, and one study showed improvement of snoring, but not of AHI while the subjective analyses showed no improvement. The adverse events were reported and they were not significant. There is no accepted scientific evidence that methods aiming to increase muscle tonus of the stomatognathic system are effective in reducing AHI to below five events per hour. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the efficacy of such methods.

Identification of a pharmacological target for genioglossus reactivation throughout sleep.

PubMed

Grace, Kevin P; Hughes, Stuart W; Horner, Richard L

2014-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a significant public health problem caused by repeated episodes of upper airway closure that occur only during sleep. Attempts to treat OSA pharmacologically have been unsuccessful because there has not been identification of a target operating at cranial motor nuclei, blockade of which can reactivate pharyngeal muscle activity throughout sleep. Increasing potassium conductance is a common mechanism by which state-dependent neuromodulators reduce motoneuron excitability. Therefore, we aimed to determine if potassium channel blockade is an effective strategy to reactivate the pharyngeal musculature throughout sleep. In rats chronically instrumented for recording sleep-wake states and respiratory motor activities, we locally microperfused pharmacological agents into the hypoglossal motor pool to modulate potassium channels of three major classes: inwardly rectifying, two-pore domain, and voltage-gated. Microperfusion of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel blocker, barium, as well as the voltage-gated potassium channel blockers, tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine, increased tonic and respiratory-related genioglossus activities throughout nonrapid eye movement (non-REM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep to 133-300% of levels present during baseline wakefulness. In contrast, microperfusion of methanandamide (TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium [TASK] channel blocker/cannabinoid receptor agonist) activated genioglossus in wakefulness but not in sleep. These findings establish proof-of-principle that targeted blockade of certain potassium channels at the hypoglossal motor pool is an effective strategy for reversing upper airway hypotonia and causing sustained reactivation of genioglossus throughout nonrapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep. These findings identify an important new direction for translational approaches to the pharmacological treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

Indirect costs related to caregivers' absence from work after paediatric tonsil surgery.

PubMed

Gudnadottir, Gunnhildur; Tennvall, G Ragnarson; Stalfors, J; Hellgren, J

2017-06-01

Tonsillotomy has gradually replaced tonsillectomy as the surgical method of choice in children with upper airway obstruction during sleep, because of less postoperative pain and a shorter recovery time. The aim of this study was to examine the costs related to caregivers' absenteeism from work after tonsillectomy (TE) and tonsillotomy (TT). All tonsillectomies and tonsillotomies in Sweden due to upper airway obstruction during 1 year, reported to the National Tonsil Surgery Register in children aged 1-11 were included, n = 4534. The number of days the child needed analgesics after surgery was used as a proxy to estimate the number of work days lost for the caregiver. Data from the Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) regarding the days the parents received temporary parental benefits in the month following surgery were also analysed. The indirect costs due to the caregivers' absenteeism after tonsillectomy vs tonsillotomy were calculated, using the human capital method. The patient-reported use of postoperative analgesic use was 77% (n = 3510). Data from the Social Insurance Agency were gathered for all 4534 children. The mean duration of analgesic treatment was 4.6 days (indirect cost of EUR 747). The mean number of days with parental benefits was 2.9 (EUR 667). The indirect cost of tonsillectomy was 61% higher than that of tonsillotomy (EUR 1010 vs EUR 629). The results show that the choice of surgical method affects the indirect costs, favouring the use of tonsillotomy over tonsillectomy for the treatment of children with SDB, due to less postoperative pain.

Effects of Le Fort I Osteotomy on the Nasopharyngeal Airway-6-Month Follow-Up.

PubMed

Almuzian, Mohammed; Almukhtar, Anas; Ju, Xiangyang; Al-Hiyali, Ali; Benington, Philip; Ayoub, Ashraf

2016-02-01

The literature discussing the impact of a single Le Fort I osteotomy on nasopharyngeal airways is limited. This study assessed the volumetric changes in the nasopharyngeal airway after a single Le Fort I osteotomy and explored the correlation between these changes and 3-dimensional surgical movements of the upper jaw. This retrospective study was conducted in 40 patients who had undergone a single Le Fort I (maxillary advancement with or without impaction) to correct Class III malocclusion with maxillary hypoplasia. Preoperative (T1) and 6-month postoperative (T2) cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans of these patients were used for analysis. Maxillary surgical movements and volumetric changes in the nasopharyngeal airway were measured. The reproducibility of the measurements was evaluated using paired t tests and intraclass correlation coefficients. The Wilcoxon test and Pearson correlation coefficient were applied to evaluate the volumetric changes in the nasopharyngeal airway space and assess the correlations of these changes to the maxillary surgical movements. Six patients were excluded from the study owing to major differences (>5°) in their head and neck posture between the T1 and T2 CBCT scans. The errors of the repeated measurements were insignificant (P > .05), with a high level of agreement (r = 0.99; P < .05) between the repeated digitization of the landmarks. There was a statistically significant impact of a Le Fort I osteotomy on the right maxillary sinus (decreased by 17.8%) and the lower retropalatal space (expanded by 17.3%; P < .05). The correlation between the change in airway volume and the magnitude of surgical maxillary movements was moderate (r = .4). Similarly, there was a moderate correlation between changes in the upper nasopharynx and those in the hypopharynx. The single Le Fort I osteotomy was found to increase the retroglossal airway volume. This could be important for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with maxillary deficiency. A long-term follow-up assessment of a larger sample with a functional assessment of airway would be beneficial to confirm these findings. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Functional variables associated with the clinical grade of dyspnoea in coal miners with pneumoconiosis and mild bronchial obstruction.

PubMed

Bauer, T T; Schultze-Werninghaus, G; Kollmeier, J; Weber, A; Eibel, R; Lemke, B; Schmidt, E W

2001-12-01

Dyspnoea is a common symptom in coal miners with pneumoconiosis. Among others, gas exchange disturbances due to airway obstruction or mismatch between ventilation and perfusion may be underlying mechanisms. The validation of dyspnoea by the degree of airway obstruction is controversial, because the extent of airway obstruction often does not correlate with the clinical grade of breathlessness. The association was investigated between breathlessness (self reported, on a six point scale) and indices of submaximal spiroergometry in 66 coal workers with radiographically confirmed pneumoconiosis (International Labour Organisation (ILO) grade of profusion > or =1/0, mean (SD) age 64 (5.5) years, mean (SD) forced expired volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) 77.5 (22.9) % predicted). The clinical degree of breathlessness was independently associated with minute ventilation/oxygen consumption (VE/VO(2)) ratio (beta 0.423, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.18 to 0.67, p=0.001) and smoking (beta 0.318, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.79, p=0.014) in a multiple linear regression analysis. The VE/VO(2) ratio (beta 0.556, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.90, p=0.003) was also the best predictor of breathlessness when only coal miners with airway obstruction (FEV(1) < 80% predicted) were analyzed. The VE/VO(2) ratio as a measurement of mismatch between ventilation and perfusion predicted the clinical grade of breathlessness better than measurements of bronchial obstruction at rest in coal workers with pneumoconiosis.

Prehospital removal improves neurological outcomes in elderly patient with foreign body airway obstruction.

PubMed

Igarashi, Yutaka; Yokobori, Shoji; Yoshino, Yudai; Masuno, Tomohiko; Miyauchi, Masato; Yokota, Hiroyuki

2017-10-01

In Japan, the number of patients with foreign body airway obstruction by food is rapidly increasing with the increase in the population of the elderly and a leading cause of unexpected death. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence prognosis of these patients. This is a retrospective single institutional study. A total of 155 patients were included. We collected the variables from the medical records and analyzed them to determine the factors associated with patient outcome. Patient outcomes were evaluated using cerebral performance categories (CPCs) when patients were discharged or transferred to other hospitals. A favorable outcome was defined as CPC 1 or 2, and an unfavorable outcome was defined as CPC 3, 4, or 5. A higher proportion of patients with favorable outcomes than unfavorable outcomes had a witness present at the accident scene (68.8% vs. 44.7%, P=0.0154). Patients whose foreign body were removed by a bystander at the accident scene had a significantly high rate of favorable outcome than those whose foreign body were removed by emergency medical technicians or emergency physician at the scene (73.7% vs. 31.8%, P<0.0075) and at the hospital after transfer (73.7% vs. 9.6%, P<0.0001). The presence of a witness to the aspiration and removal of the airway obstruction of patients by bystanders at the accident scene improves outcomes in patients with foreign body airway obstruction. When airway obstruction occurs, bystanders should remove foreign bodies immediately. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Changes in sleep characteristics and airway obstruction in OSAHS patients with multi-level obstruction following simple UPPP, UPPP-GA, or UPPP-TBA: a prospective, single-center, parallel group study.

PubMed

Chen, Shicai; Shi, Song; Xia, Yanghui; Liu, Fei; Chen, Donghui; Zhu, Minhui; Li, Meng; Zheng, Hongliang

2014-01-01

To investigate changes in S3 sleep and the apnea hypopnea index (AHI), SpO2 desaturation and CT90, and to determine changes in the degree of airway collapse and in the cross-sectional area of the retropalatal and lingual region in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome patients. All subjects underwent overnight polysomnography and were evaluated using Müller's test and magnetic resonance imaging at baseline, 3, and 12 months following surgery. The mean S3 scores in patients receiving uvulopalatopharyngoplasty combined with genioglossus advancement (UPPP-GA) or UPPP combined with tongue base advancement using the Repose™ system (UPPP-TBA) noticeably increased. Marked improvement was seen in the mean AHI, LSO2, and CT90 scores 3 and 12 months following surgery compared to baseline. Airway collapsed by 25-50% in the greatest proportion undergoing surgery at the tongue base. UPPP-GA and UPPP-TBA more effectively improve S3 sleep, and mean AHI, LSO2, and CT90 scores. In addition, they effectively alleviate airway obstruction by improving the cross-sectional area of these regions. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The protective effect of a beta 2 agonist against excessive airway narrowing in response to bronchoconstrictor stimuli in asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease.

PubMed Central

Bel, E. H.; Zwinderman, A. H.; Timmers, M. C.; Dijkman, J. H.; Sterk, P. J.

1991-01-01

Beta 2 agonists reduce airway hypersensitivity to bronchoconstrictor stimuli acutely in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease. To determine whether these drugs also protect against excessive airway narrowing, the effect of inhaled salbutamol on the position and shape of the dose-response curves for histamine or methacholine was investigated in 12 patients with asthma and 11 with chronic obstructive lung disease. After pretreatment with salbutamol (200 or 400 micrograms) or placebo in a double blind manner dose-response curves for inhaled histamine and methacholine were obtained by a standard method on six days in random order. Airway sensitivity was defined as the concentration of histamine or methacholine causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20). A maximal response plateau on the log dose-response curve was considered to be present if two or more data points for FEV1 fell within a 5% response range. In the absence of a plateau, the test was continued until a predetermined level of severe bronchoconstriction was reached. Salbutamol caused an acute increase in FEV1 (mean increase 11.5% predicted in asthma, 7.2% in chronic obstructive lung disease), and increase in PC20 (mean 15 fold in asthma, fivefold in chronic obstructive lung disease), and an increase in the slope of the dose-response curves in both groups. In subjects in whom a plateau of FEV1 response could be measured salbutamol did not change the level of the plateau. In subjects without a plateau salbutamol did not lead to the development of a plateau, despite achieving a median FEV1 of 44% predicted in asthma and 39% in chronic obstructive lung disease. These results show that, although beta 2 agonists acutely reduce the airway response to a given strength of bronchoconstrictor stimulus, they do not protect against excessive airflow obstruction if there is exposure to relatively strong stimuli. This, together with the steepening of the dose-response curve, could be a disadvantage of beta 2 agonists in the treatment of moderate and severe asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease. PMID:1871705

Differential effects of phosphoramidon on neurokinin A- and substance P-induced airflow obstruction and airway microvascular leakage in guinea-pig.

PubMed Central

Lötvall, J. O.; Elwood, W.; Tokuyama, K.; Barnes, P. J.; Chung, K. F.

1991-01-01

1. The effects of the inhaled neuropeptides, neurokinin A (NKA) and substance P (SP) on lung resistance (RL) and airway microvascular permeability were studied in anaesthetized guinea-pigs. 2. Single doses of inhaled NKA (3 x 10(-5), 1 x 10(-4), 3 x 10(-4) M; 45 breaths) and SP (1 x 10(-4), 3 x 10(-4), 1 x 10(-3); 45 breaths) caused a dose-dependent increase in both RL and airway microvascular leakage, assessed as extravasation of the albumin marker, Evans blue dye. 3. NKA at 1 x 10(-4) and 3 x 10(-4) M resulted in a significantly higher increase in RL than SP at the same doses. 4. Inhaled SP (3 x 10(-4) M; 45 breaths) caused significantly higher Evans blue dye extravasation in main bronchi and proximal intrapulmonary airways compared to the same dose of NKA. 5. Pretreatment with the specific inhibitor of neural endopeptidase (NEP24.11), phosphoramidon, caused an approximately 100 fold leftward shift of the RL responses to inhaled NKA and SP. 6. Phosphoramidon significantly potentiated both NKA- and SP-induced airway microvascular leakage at proximal intrapulmonary airways, but not at any other airway level. 7. Inhibition of NEP24.11 potentiate both the SP- or NKA-induced airflow obstruction to a larger extent than the induced airway microvascular leakage, suggesting that NEP24.11 is more important in the modulation of the airflow obstruction observed after these mediators. PMID:1725766

Differential effects of phosphoramidon on neurokinin A- and substance P-induced airflow obstruction and airway microvascular leakage in guinea-pig.

PubMed

Lötvall, J O; Elwood, W; Tokuyama, K; Barnes, P J; Chung, K F

1991-12-01

1. The effects of the inhaled neuropeptides, neurokinin A (NKA) and substance P (SP) on lung resistance (RL) and airway microvascular permeability were studied in anaesthetized guinea-pigs. 2. Single doses of inhaled NKA (3 x 10(-5), 1 x 10(-4), 3 x 10(-4) M; 45 breaths) and SP (1 x 10(-4), 3 x 10(-4), 1 x 10(-3); 45 breaths) caused a dose-dependent increase in both RL and airway microvascular leakage, assessed as extravasation of the albumin marker, Evans blue dye. 3. NKA at 1 x 10(-4) and 3 x 10(-4) M resulted in a significantly higher increase in RL than SP at the same doses. 4. Inhaled SP (3 x 10(-4) M; 45 breaths) caused significantly higher Evans blue dye extravasation in main bronchi and proximal intrapulmonary airways compared to the same dose of NKA. 5. Pretreatment with the specific inhibitor of neural endopeptidase (NEP24.11), phosphoramidon, caused an approximately 100 fold leftward shift of the RL responses to inhaled NKA and SP. 6. Phosphoramidon significantly potentiated both NKA- and SP-induced airway microvascular leakage at proximal intrapulmonary airways, but not at any other airway level. 7. Inhibition of NEP24.11 potentiate both the SP- or NKA-induced airflow obstruction to a larger extent than the induced airway microvascular leakage, suggesting that NEP24.11 is more important in the modulation of the airflow obstruction observed after these mediators.

The use of expandable metallic airway stents for tracheobronchial obstruction in children.

PubMed

Filler, R M; Forte, V; Fraga, J C; Matute, J

1995-07-01

Expandable metallic angioplasty stents (Palmaz stent) have been implanted in the trachea and/or bronchi of seven children. Three children had severe tracheal stenosis after tracheoplasty for congenital tracheal stenosis repair, and four had tracheomalacia or bronchomalacia with or without vascular compression. The mean age at stenting was 9.7 months (range, 2 to 15 months). Balloon expandable stents were inserted into the trachea or bronchus through a 3.5-mm bronchoscope under fluoroscopic control. Initially a single tracheal stent was used for all patients except for one with obstruction in the trachea and both bronchi, in whom three stents were implanted. Three children had recurrent airway obstruction 1 month later; one was cured with a second stent; one child died 1 year later; and the other is being treated for heart disease. The others have no serious respiratory problems. The stents in all have been in place for 1 to 25 (mean, 11) months. No immediate complications were noted. Early and late bronchoscopy showed incomplete epithelialization of the stent and patches of granulation tissue on it. Two stents were removed bronchoscopically, one at the completion of treatment for tracheomalacia and the other at the time of recurrent airway obstruction. This preliminary experience indicates that expandable metallic stents have a useful role in the treatment of selected lower airway obstructions.

Noninvasive estimation of pharyngeal airway resistance and compliance in children based on volume-gated dynamic MRI and computational fluid dynamics.

PubMed

Persak, Steven C; Sin, Sanghun; McDonough, Joseph M; Arens, Raanan; Wootton, David M

2011-12-01

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was used to model the effect of collapsing airway geometry on internal pressure and velocity in the pharyngeal airway of three sedated children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and three control subjects. Model geometry was reconstructed from volume-gated magnetic resonance images during normal tidal breathing at 10 increments of tidal volume through the respiratory cycle. Each geometry was meshed with an unstructured grid and solved using a low-Reynolds number k-ω turbulence model driven by flow data averaged over 12 consecutive breathing cycles. Combining gated imaging with CFD modeling created a dynamic three-dimensional view of airway anatomy and mechanics, including the evolution of airway collapse and flow resistance and estimates of the local effective compliance. The upper airways of subjects with OSAS were generally much more compliant during tidal breathing. Compliance curves (pressure vs. cross-section area), derived for different locations along the airway, quantified local differences along the pharynx and between OSAS subjects. In one subject, the distal oropharynx was more compliant than the nasopharynx (1.028 vs. 0.450 mm(2)/Pa) and had a lower theoretical limiting flow rate, confirming the distal oropharynx as the flow-limiting segment of the airway in this subject. Another subject had a more compliant nasopharynx (0.053 mm(2)/Pa) during inspiration and apparent stiffening of the distal oropharynx (C = 0.0058 mm(2)/Pa), and the theoretical limiting flow rate indicated the nasopharynx as the flow-limiting segment. This new method may help to differentiate anatomical and functional factors in airway collapse.

Free DNA in Cystic Fibrosis Airway Fluids Correlates with Airflow Obstruction

PubMed Central

Marcos, Veronica; Zhou-Suckow, Zhe; Önder Yildirim, Ali; Bohla, Alexander; Hector, Andreas; Vitkov, Ljubomir; Krautgartner, Wolf Dietrich; Stoiber, Walter; Griese, Matthias; Eickelberg, Oliver; Mall, Marcus A.; Hartl, Dominik

2015-01-01

Chronic obstructive lung disease determines morbidity and mortality of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF airways are characterized by a nonresolving neutrophilic inflammation. After pathogen contact or prolonged activation, neutrophils release DNA fibres decorated with antimicrobial proteins, forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs have been described to act in a beneficial way for innate host defense by bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal actions. On the other hand, excessive NET formation has been linked to the pathogenesis of autoinflammatory and autoimmune disease conditions. We quantified free DNA structures characteristic of NETs in airway fluids of CF patients and a mouse model with CF-like lung disease. Free DNA levels correlated with airflow obstruction, fungal colonization, and CXC chemokine levels in CF patients and CF-like mice. When viewed in combination, our results demonstrate that neutrophilic inflammation in CF airways is associated with abundant free DNA characteristic for NETosis, and suggest that free DNA may be implicated in lung function decline in patients with CF. PMID:25918476

MR Image Analytics to Characterize the Upper Airway Structure in Obese Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

PubMed Central

Tong, Yubing; Udupa, Jayaram K.; Sin, Sanghun; Liu, Zhengbing; Wileyto, E. Paul; Torigian, Drew A.; Arens, Raanan

2016-01-01

Purpose Quantitative image analysis in previous research in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has focused on the upper airway or several objects in its immediate vicinity and measures of object size. In this paper, we take a more general approach of considering all major objects in the upper airway region and measures pertaining to their individual morphological properties, their tissue characteristics revealed by image intensities, and the 3D architecture of the object assembly. We propose a novel methodology to select a small set of salient features from this large collection of measures and demonstrate the ability of these features to discriminate with very high prediction accuracy between obese OSAS and obese non-OSAS groups. Materials and Methods Thirty children were involved in this study with 15 in the obese OSAS group with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) = 14.4 ± 10.7) and 15 in the obese non-OSAS group with an AHI = 1.0 ± 1.0 (p<0.001). Subjects were between 8–17 years and underwent T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the upper airway during wakefulness. Fourteen objects in the vicinity of the upper airways were segmented in these images and a total of 159 measurements were derived from each subject image which included object size, surface area, volume, sphericity, standardized T2-weighted image intensity value, and inter-object distances. A small set of discriminating features was identified from this set in several steps. First, a subset of measures that have a low level of correlation among the measures was determined. A heat map visualization technique that allows grouping of parameters based on correlations among them was used for this purpose. Then, through T-tests, another subset of measures which are capable of separating the two groups was identified. The intersection of these subsets yielded the final feature set. The accuracy of these features to perform classification of unseen images into the two patient groups was tested by using logistic regression and multi-fold cross validation. Results A set of 16 features identified with low inter-feature correlation (< 0.36) yielded a high classification accuracy of 96% with sensitivity and specificity of 97.8% and 94.4%, respectively. In addition to the previously observed increase in linear size, surface area, and volume of adenoid, tonsils, and fat pad in OSAS, the following new markers have been found. Standardized T2-weighted image intensities differed between the two groups for the entire neck body region, pharynx, and nasopharynx, possibly indicating changes in object tissue characteristics. Fat pad and oropharynx become less round or more complex in shape in OSAS. Fat pad and tongue move closer in OSAS, and so also oropharynx and tonsils and fat pad and tonsils. In contrast, fat pad and oropharynx move farther apart from the skin object. Conclusions The study has found several new anatomic bio-markers of OSAS. Changes in standardized T2-weighted image intensities in objects may imply that intrinsic tissue composition undergoes changes in OSAS. The results on inter-object distances imply that treatment methods should respect the relationships that exist among objects and not just their size. The proposed method of analysis may lead to an improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying OSAS. PMID:27487240

Effects of Inhaled Fluticasone on Upper Airway during Sleep and Wakefulness in Asthma: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Teodorescu, Mihaela; Xie, Ailiang; Sorkness, Christine A.; Robbins, JoAnne; Reeder, Scott; Gong, Yuanshen; Fedie, Jessica E.; Sexton, Ann; Miller, Barb; Huard, Tiffany; Hind, Jaqueline; Bioty, Nora; Peterson, Emily; Kunselman, Susan J.; Chinchilli, Vernon M.; Soler, Xavier; Ramsdell, Joe; Loredo, Jose; Israel, Elliott; Eckert, Danny J.; Malhotra, Atul

2014-01-01

Study Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea is prevalent among people with asthma, but underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Inhaled corticosteroids may contribute. We tested the effects of orally inhaled fluticasone propionate (FP) on upper airway (UAW) during sleep and wakefulness. Study design: 16-week single-arm study. Participants: 18 (14 females, mean [ ± SD] age 26 ± 6 years) corticosteroid-naïve subjects with mild asthma (FEV1 89 ± 8% predicted). Interventions: High dose (1,760 mcg/day) inhaled FP. Measurements: (1) UAW collapsibility (passive critical closing pressure [Pcrit]); (2) tongue strength (maximum isometric pressure—Pmax, in KPa) and endurance—time (in seconds) able to maintain 50% Pmax across 3 trials (Ttot)—at anterior and posterior locations; (3) fat fraction and volume around UAW, measured by magnetic resonance imaging in three subjects. Results: Pcrit overall improved (became more negative) (mean ± SE) (-8.2 ± 1.1 vs. -12.2 ± 2.2 cm H2O, p = 0.04); the response was dependent upon baseline characteristics, with older, male gender, and worse asthma control predicting Pcrit deterioration (less negative). Overall, Pmax increased (anterior p = 0.02; posterior p = 0.002), but Ttot generally subsided (anterior p = 0.0007; posterior p = 0.06), unrelated to Pcrit response. In subjects studied with MRI, fat fraction and volume increased by 20.6% and 15.4%, respectively, without Pcrit changes, while asthma control appeared improved. Conclusions: In this study of young, predominantly female, otherwise healthy subjects with well-controlled asthma and stiff upper airways, 16-week high dose FP treatment elicited Pcrit changes which may be dependent upon baseline characteristics, and determined by synchronous and reciprocally counteracting local and lower airway effects. The long-term implications of these changes on sleep disordered breathing severity remain to be determined. Citation: Teodorescu M; Xie A; A. Sorkness CA; Robbins J; Reeder S; Gong Y; Fedie JE; Sexton A; Miller B; Huard T; Hind J; Bioty N; Peterson E; Kunselman SJ; Chinchilli VM; Soler X; Ramsdell J; Loredo J; Israel E; Eckert DJ; Malhotra A. Effects of inhaled fluticasone on upper airway during sleep and wakefulness in asthma: a pilot study. J Clin Sleep Med 2014;10(2):183-193. PMID:24533002

Functional variables associated with the clinical grade of dyspnoea in coal miners with pneumoconiosis and mild bronchial obstruction

PubMed Central

Bauer, T; Schultze-Werningh..., G; Kollmeier, J; Weber, A; Eibel, R; Lemke, B; Schmidt, E

2001-01-01

OBJECTIVES—Dyspnoea is a common symptom in coal miners with pneumoconiosis. Among others, gas exchange disturbances due to airway obstruction or mismatch between ventilation and perfusion may be underlying mechanisms. The validation of dyspnoea by the degree of airway obstruction is controversial, because the extent of airway obstruction often does not correlate with the clinical grade of breathlessness.
METHODS—The association was investigated between breathlessness (self reported, on a six point scale) and indices of submaximal spiroergometry in 66 coal workers with radiographically confirmed pneumoconiosis (International Labour Organisation (ILO) grade of profusion ⩾1/0, mean (SD) age 64 (5.5) years, mean (SD) forced expired volume in 1 second (FEV1) 77.5 (22.9) % predicted).
RESULTS—The clinical degree of breathlessness was independently associated with minute ventilation/oxygen consumption (V̇E/V̇O2) ratio (β 0.423, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.18 to 0.67, p=0.001) and smoking (β 0.318, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.79, p=0.014) in a multiple linear regression analysis. The V̇E/V̇O2 ratio (β 0.556, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.90, p=0.003) was also the best predictor of breathlessness when only coal miners with airway obstruction (FEV1 < 80% predicted) were analyzed.
CONCLUSION—The V̇E/V̇O2 ratio as a measurement of mismatch between ventilation and perfusion predicted the clinical grade of breathlessness better than measurements of bronchial obstruction at rest in coal workers with pneumoconiosis.


Keywords: coal workers' pneumoconiosis; bronchial obstruction; ventilation PMID:11706146

Exercise-induced airway obstruction in young asthmatics measured by impulse oscillometry.

PubMed

Lee, J H; Lee, Y W; Shin, Y S; Jung, Y H; Hong, C S; Park, J W

2010-01-01

Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is a good method for measuring airway resistance. It does not require special breathing skills and it can reflect different aspects of airway obstruction to those revealed by spirometry, which is an effort-dependent maneuver. To evaluate the characteristics of airway obstruction in young asthmatics after an exercise bronchial provocation test (EBPT) using IOS. Forty-seven young adults were enrolled in the study. All the participants underwent a methacholine bronchial provocation test (MBPT) and an EBPT for the evaluation of their asthma. IOS and spirometric parameters were collected at baseline and at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes post-EBPT.The participants were divided into 2 groups according to MBPT positivity: an airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) group and a no-AHR group. There were differences in the percent decrease in forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) between the 2 groups at 5, 10, and 20 minutes after exercise. Resistance at 5 Hz (R5) increased in the AHR group but not in the no-AHR group at 5 and 10 minutes after exercise. Integration of reactance from 5 Hz to resonance frequency (area of reactance, AX) was also increased in the AHR group at only 5 and 10 minutes post-EBPT. Delta R5 and delta AX at 5 and 10 minutes post-exercise were well correlated with the percent decrease in FEV1. IOS parameters, especially delta R5 and delta AX, may be useful for performing objective evaluations and improving our understanding of exercise-induced airway obstruction in young asthmatics.

SUBCHRONIC ENDOTOXIN INHALATION CAUSES PERSISTENT AIRWAY DISEASE

EPA Science Inventory

ABSTRACT

The endotoxin component of organic dusts causes acute reversible airflow obstruction and airway inflammation. To test the hypothesis that endotoxin alone causes airway remodeling, we have compared the response of two inbred mouse strains to subchronic endotoxin ...

The importance of clinical monitoring for compliance with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.

PubMed

Pelosi, Lucas B; Silveira, Mariana L C; Eckeli, Alan L; Chayamiti, Emilia M P C; Almeida, Leila A; Sander, Heidi H; Küpper, Daniel S; Valera, Fabiana C P

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is currently a public health problem of great importance. When misdiagnosed or improperly treated, it can lead to serious consequences on patients' quality of life. The gold standard treatment for cases of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, especially in mild to severe and symptomatic cases, is continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy is directly dependent on the active participation of the patient, which can be influenced by several factors. The objective of this study is to describe the factors related to compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy, and to analyze which associated factors directly influence the efficiency of the treatment. Patients who received continuous positive airway pressure therapy through the Municipal Health Department of the city of Ribeirão Preto were recruited. A structured questionnaire was administered to the patients. Compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy was assessed by average hours of continuous positive airway pressure therapy usage per night. Patients with good compliance (patients using continuous positive airway pressure therapy ≥4h/night) were compared to those with poor compliance (patients using <4h/night). 138 patients were analyzed: 77 (55.8%) were considered compliant while 61 (44.2%) were non-compliant. The comparison between the two groups showed that regular monitoring by a specialist considerably improved compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy (odds ratio, OR=2.62). Compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy is related to educational components, which can be enhanced with continuous and individualized care to patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Copyright © 2016 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Nasal high-frequency oscillatory ventilation impairs heated humidification: A neonatal bench study.

PubMed

Ullrich, Tim L; Czernik, Christoph; Bührer, Christoph; Schmalisch, Gerd; Fischer, Hendrik S

2017-11-01

Nasal high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (nHFOV) is a novel mode of non-invasive ventilation used in neonates. However, upper airway obstructions due to viscous secretions have been described as specific adverse effects. We hypothesized that high-frequency oscillations reduce air humidity in the oropharynx, resulting in upper airway desiccation. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of nHFOV ventilatory settings on oropharyngeal gas conditions. NHFOV or nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) was applied, along with heated humidification, to a previously established neonatal bench model that simulates oropharyngeal gas conditions during spontaneous breathing through an open mouth. A digital thermo-hygro sensor measured oropharyngeal temperature (T) and humidity at various nHFOV frequencies (7, 10, 13 Hz), amplitudes (10, 20, 30 cmH 2 O), and inspiratory-to-expiratory (I:E) ratios (25:75, 33:66, 50:50), and also during nCPAP. Relative humidity was always >99%, but nHFOV resulted in lower mean T and absolute humidity (AH) in comparison to nCPAP (P < 0.001). Specifically, decreasing the nHFOV frequency and increasing nHFOV amplitude caused a decline in T and AH (P < 0.001). Mean T and AH were highest during nCPAP (T 34.8 ± 0.6°C, AH 39.3 ± 1.3 g · m -3 ) and lowest during nHFOV at a frequency of 7 Hz and an amplitude of 30 cmH 2 O (T 32.4 ± 0.3°C, AH 34.7 ± 0.5 g · m -3 ). Increasing the I:E ratio also reduced T and AH (P = 0.03). Intensified nHFOV settings with low frequencies, high amplitudes, and high I:E ratios may place infants at an increased risk of upper airway desiccation. Future studies should investigate strategies to optimize heated humidification during nHFOV. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Aspergillus epidural abscess in a patient with obstructive airway disease.

PubMed Central

Chee, Y. C.; Poh, S. C.

1983-01-01

A 54-year-old Chinese man with episodic bronchial asthma since 25 years of age was treated for pulmonary tuberculosis in 1976 because of left upper lobe lesions on chest radiograph. In 1981 he presented with an extradural mass compressing the thoracic spinal cord, thought to be tuberculosis but which on biopsy was found to be aspergillosis. Sputum culture, type on skin-prick reactivity and serum precipitating antibodies were positive for Aspergillus. Amphotericin B intravenously, then ketoconazole orally did not substantially improve his clinical course. He died about four months post-laminectomy. PMID:6866873

Ground zero: not asthma at all.

PubMed

de Benedictis, Fernando Maria; de Benedictis, Diletta; Mirabile, Lorenzo; Pozzi, Marco; Guerrieri, Arcangela; Di Pillo, Sabrina

2015-09-01

Upper airway obstruction is commonly misdiagnosed as asthma. We report on four children with recurrent respiratory symptoms who had been erroneously diagnosed as having asthma and who received anti-asthma medication for several years. The evaluation of spirometry tracing was neglected in all cases. Subglottic stenosis, tracheomalacia secondary to tracheo-esophageal fistula, double aortic arch, and vocal cord dysfunction were suspected by direct inspection of the flow-volume curves and eventually diagnosed. The value of clinical history and careful evaluation of spirometry tracing in children with persistent respiratory symptoms is critically discussed. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Laryngeal Involvement of Rhabdomyosarcoma in an Adult

PubMed Central

Abali, Hüseyin; Aksoy, Sercan; Sungur, Arzu; Yalçin, Suayib

2003-01-01

Background Although initial presentation of sarcomas in the head and neck region is relatively common, involvements of the larynx by rhabdomyosarcoma either primary or metastatic have been reported rarely. Case report A case of rhabdomyosarcoma in the right thigh, which involved laryngeal structures three years after the diagnosis, is presented. Conclusions The laryngeal involvement by primary and metastatic rhabdosarcomas is very rare, however when it occurs it can result in life treating upper airway obstruction. After emergency intervention, radiotherapy and / or chemotherapy must be undertaken for long-term benefit and surgery may be helpful only in selected cases. PMID:14556654

[Brachycephaly in dog and cat: a "human induced" obstruction of the upper airways].

PubMed

Oechtering, G U; Schlüter, C; Lippert, J P

2010-07-01

Selective breeding for exaggerated features caused in many brachycephalic dog and cat breeds virtually a loss of the nose, with serious anatomical and functional consequences. In addition to respiratory and olfactory tasks, in dogs the nose is of vital importance for thermoregulation. As obligatory nose breathers, dogs suffer far more than humans when their nasal ventilation is restricted. An open discussion in the broad public has to motivate authorities and kennel clubs to recognize extreme brachycephalic breeding as seriously affecting animal health and welfare. Copyright Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart . New York.

Suicidal ingestion of potassium permanganate crystals: a rare encounter.

PubMed

Karthik, Ravikanti; Veerendranath, Hari Prasad Kanakapura; Wali, Siddraj; Mohan, Murali N T; Kumar, Praveen A C; Trimurty, Gaganam

2014-01-01

Potassium permanganate poisoning is not common. Although Symptoms of potassium permanganate ingestion are gastrointestinal and Complications due to ingestion of potassium permanganate include cardiovascular depression, hepatic and renal damage, upper airway obstruction, bleeding tendency and methemoglobinemia. Gastric damage due to potassium permanganate has rarely been reported previously. We are reporting a 34-year old female patient who presented to our Emergency Department after suicidal ingestion of potassium permanganate crystals. After treatment, the patient was discharged home on the 8(th) day after admission. So we conclude that Emergency endoscopy has a significant role in diagnosis and management of potassium permanganate ingestion.

Gasoline immersion injury

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Simpson, L.A.; Cruse, C.W.

1981-01-01

Chemical burns and pulmonary complications are the most common problems encountered in the patient immersed in gasoline. Our patient demonstrated a 46-percent total-body-surface area, partial-thickness chemical burn. Although he did not develop bronchitis or pneumonitis, he did display persistent atelectasis, laryngeal edema, and subsequent upper airway obstruction. This had not previously been reported in gasoline inhalation injuries. Hydrocarbon hepatitis secondary to the vascular endothelial damage is apparently a reversible lesion with no reported long-term sequelae. Gasoline immersion injuries may be a series multisystem injury and require the burn surgeon to take a multisystem approach to its diagnosis and treatment.

[Anaesthesia for patients with obstructive airway diseases].

PubMed

Groeben, H; Keller, V; Silvanus, M T

2014-01-01

Obstructive lung diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive lung diseases have a high prevalence and are one of the four most frequent causes of death. Obstructive lung diseases can be significantly influenced by the choice of anesthetic techniques and anesthetic agents. Basically, the severity of the COPD and the degree of bronchial hyperreactivity will determine the perioperative anesthetic risk. This risk has to be assessed by a thorough preoperative evaluation and will give the rationale on which to decide for the adequate anaesthetic technique. In particular, airway instrumentation can cause severe reflex bronchoconstriction. The use of regional anaesthesia alone or in combination with general anaesthesia can help to avoid airway irritation and leads to reduced postoperative complications. Prophylactic antiobstructive treatment, volatile anesthetics, propofol, opioids, and an adequate choice of muscle relaxants minimize the anesthetic risk, when general anesthesia is required In case, despite all precautions intra-operative bronchospasm occurs, deepening of anaesthesia, repeated administration of beta2-adrenergic agents and parasympatholytics, and a single systemic dose of corticosteroids represent the main treatment options.

Inhaled foreign bodies in children: a global perspective on their epidemiological, clinical, and preventive aspects.

PubMed

Foltran, Francesca; Ballali, Simonetta; Rodriguez, Hugo; Sebastian van As, Arjan B; Passali, Desiderio; Gulati, Achal; Gregori, Dario

2013-04-01

While several articles describe clinical management of foreign bodies injuries in the upper air tract, little epidemiological evidence is available from injury databases. This article aims to understand the burden of airway FB injuries in high-, low-, and middle-income countries as emerging from scientific literature. One thousand six hundred ninety-nine published articles 1978-2008. A free text search on PubMed database ((foreign bodies) or (foreign body)) and ((aspiration) or (airways) or (tracheobronchial) or (nasal) or (inhalation) or (obstruction) or (choking) or (inhaled) or (aspirations) or (nose) or (throat) or (asphyxiation)) and ((children) or (child)). Information on reported injuries according to country, time period, children sex and age, FB type, site of obstruction, symptoms, signs, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, delay at the diagnosis, complications, number of deaths. Serious complications occur both in high-income and low-middle income countries in a considerable proportion of cases (10% and 20%, respectively). Similarly, death is not infrequent (5-7% of cases). Few countries have good systematic data collection and there's a lack of sensibility in parents and clinicians in terms of acknowledge of the choking risk. On the contrary, international surveillance systems able to collect information in a standardized way need to be implemented. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Impact of obstructive sleep apnea on lung volumes and mechanical properties of the respiratory system in overweight and obese individuals.

PubMed

Abdeyrim, Arikin; Zhang, Yongping; Li, Nanfang; Zhao, Minghua; Wang, Yinchun; Yao, Xiaoguang; Keyoumu, Youledusi; Yin, Ting

2015-07-25

Even through narrowing of the upper-airway plays an important role in the generation of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the peripheral airways is implicated in pre-obese and obese OSA patients, as a result of decreased lung volume and increased lung elastic recoil pressure, which, in turn, may aggravate upper-airway collapsibility. A total of 263 male (n = 193) and female (n = 70) subjects who were obese to various degrees without a history of lung diseases and an expiratory flow limitation, but troubled with snoring or suspicion of OSA were included in this cross-sectional study. According to nocturnal-polysomnography the subjects were distributed into OSA and non-OSA groups, and were further sub-grouped by gender because of differences between males and females, in term of, lung volume size, airway resistance, and the prevalence of OSA among genders. Lung volume and respiratory mechanical properties at different-frequencies were evaluated by plethysmograph and an impulse oscillation system, respectively. Functional residual capacity (FRC) and expiratory reserve volume were significantly decreased in the OSA group compared to the non-OSA group among males and females. As weight and BMI in males in the OSA group were greater than in the non-OSA group (90 ± 14.8 kg vs. 82 ± 10.4 kg, p < 0.001; 30.5 ± 4.2 kg/m(2) vs. 28.0 ± 3.0 kg/m(2), p < 0.001), multiple regression analysis was required to adjust for BMI or weight and demonstrated that these lung volumes decreases were independent from BMI and associated with the severity of OSA. This result was further confirmed by the female cohort. Significant increases in total respiratory resistance and decreases in respiratory conductance (Grs) were observed with increasing severity of OSA, as defined by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in both genders. The specific Grs (sGrs) stayed relatively constant between the two groups in woman, and there was only a weak association between AHI and sGrs among man. Multiple-stepwise-regression showed that reactance at 5 Hz was highly correlated with AHI in males and females or hypopnea index in females, independently-highly correlated with peripheral-airway resistance and significantly associated with decreasing FRC. Total respiratory resistance and peripheral airway resistance significantly increase, and its inverse Grs decrease, in obese patients with OSA in comparison with those without OSA, and are independently associated with OSA severity. These results might be attributed to the abnormally increased lung elasticity recoil pressure on exhalation, due to increase in lung elasticity and decreased lung volume in obese OSA.

Respiratory pathophysiology: sleep-related breathing disorders

PubMed Central

Schäfer, Thorsten

2006-01-01

A widespread network of respiratory-related neurons within the brainstem controls the regular respiratory cycle, which is dependent upon unspecific and specific drives like hypoxia or hypercapnia. This respiratory network and its respiratory drives are subjects to typical changes during the transition from wakefulness to sleep and within the various sleep states, which favor a destabilization of breathing during sleep. There is also a respiratory-related innervation of the dilating and stiffening pharyngeal muscles as well as a local reflex control of the basic tone of upper airway muscles, both of which are influenced by the different states of wakefulness and sleep. These sleep-related changes cause an increase in upper airway resistance during sleep. In healthy subjects, however, these features during sleep are almost completely compensated and the gas exchange is hardly hindered. However, in the case of illness, severe disordered breathing, disturbed gas exchange and interrupted sleep may occur. The central hypoventilation syndrome, central apnea-hypopnea syndromes, as well as the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome belong to these diseases. Because of the intense research, we have a detailed picture of the pathophysiological mechanisms of the origin and the maintenance of sleep-related breathing disorders. PMID:22073070

Oral Appliances for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Executive Summary Objective The objective of this review was to determine the clinical effectiveness of oral appliances compared to ‘no treatment’, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or surgery for the management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Clinical Need: Condition and Target Population OSA is characterized by repeated occurrences of upper airway collapse and obstruction during sleep. The condition leads to excessive daytime sleepiness, diminished quality of life, and increased risks of accidents, cardiovascular disease and death. In the general population, the prevalence of OSA is estimated to be 4% in men and 2% in women. Risk factors for OSA include obesity, male gender, increasing age, alcohol use, sedative use, and a family history of OSA. Description of Oral Appliances Oral appliances for OSA fall into two broad categories: mandibular advancement splints (MAS), also known as mandibular repositioning devices, and tongue repositioning or retaining devices. The aim of MAS devices is to advance the mandible forward slightly to enlarge the upper airway and prevent it from collapsing. Similarly, tongue repositioning devices suction the tongue forward to prevent it from falling back and obstructing the airway during sleep. The alternatives to oral appliances include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, surgery, drug therapy, positional devices, and lifestyle modification. CPAP is the gold standard of treatment, but despite its effectiveness, compliance rates for CPAP have declined because required systems are noisy and because wearing the mask can be uncomfortable, causing claustrophobia in some users. Evidence-Based Analysis Methods Research Questions Are oral appliances effective in improving sleep-disordered breathing in patients with OSA compared to alternative treatments? Are there safety concerns with oral appliances? What is the evidence regarding patient preference, quality of life, and compliance for oral appliances? If effective, are oral appliances cost effective? Literature Search A literature search was conducted up to February 2009. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with more than 20 adults with OSA were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcomes of interest were the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), measures of daytime sleepiness, patient preference, compliance, and adverse events. Summary of Findings Five systematic reviews and 16 RCTs that met the inclusion criteria were identified. The systematic reviews consistently concluded that CPAP was more effective than oral appliances at improving sleep disordered breathing, although there may be a niche area for the latter, especially among those with mild OSA as CPAP is difficult to tolerate by some users. Based on the results of the RCTs analyzed for this review, MAS devices are less effective than CPAP when AHI is used as the outcome of interest. MAS devices were shown to decrease AHI levels, but whether this reduction is clinically meaningful is uncertain. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was not able to achieve statistical significance in comparisons of MAS versus CPAP and MAS versus placebo. Nonetheless, after treatment with either MAS or CPAP, patients seem to be able to achieve normal ESS levels. The ESS has substantial limitations including its subjective nature and low construct validity (i.e. it is unclear if the scale is an accurate measure of sleepiness). Adverse events among patients with MAS devices in the RCTs were common, but mostly mild and transient. Jaw discomfort was the most commonly reported adverse event. Based on the results of the RCTs, compliance does not seem to be better or worse with MAS or CPAP. Similarly, there is no clear patient preference for MAS or CPAP among the studies reporting preference and satisfaction. Keywords Obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances, mandibular advancement splints, tongue repositioning devices PMID:23074535

Cerebral hemodynamics in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome monitored with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during positive airways pressure (CPAP) therapy: a pilot study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhongxing; Schneider, Maja; Laures, Marco; Fritschi, Ursula; Lehner, Isabella; Qi, Ming; Khatami, Ramin

2014-03-01

In obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) the periodic reduction or cessation of breathing due to narrowing or occlusion of the upper airway during sleep leads to daytime symptoms and increased cardiovascular risk, including stroke. The higher risk of stroke is related to the impairment in cerebral vascular autoregulation. Continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) therapy at night is the most effective treatment for OSA. However, there is no suitable bedside monitoring method evaluating the treatment efficacy of CPAP therapy, especially to monitor the recovery of cerebral hemodynamics. NIRS is ideally suited for non-invasive monitoring the cerebral hemodynamics during sleep. In this study, we will for first time assess dynamic changes of cerebral hemodynamics during nocturnal CPAP therapy in 3 patients with OSA using NIRS. We found periodic oscillations in HbO2, HHb, tissue oxygenation index (TOI) and blood volume associated with periodic apnea events without CPAP in all OSA patients. These oscillations were gradually attenuated and finally eliminated with the stepwise increments of CPAP pressures. The oscillations were totally eliminated in blood volume earlier than in other hemodynamic parameters. These results suggested that 1) the cerebral hemodynamic oscillations induced by OSA events can effectively be attenuated by CPAP therapy, and 2) blood flow and blood volume recovered first during CPAP therapy, followed by the recovery of oxygen consumption. Our study suggested that NIRS is a useful tool to evaluate the efficacy of CPAP therapy in patients with OSA bedside and in real time.

Management of difficult airway in intratracheal tumor surgery.

PubMed

Goyal, Amit; Tyagi, Isha; Tewari, Prabhat; Agarwal, Surendra K; Syal, Rajan

2005-06-07

Tracheal malignancies are usual victim of delay in diagnosis by virtue of their symptoms resembling asthma. Sometimes delayed diagnosis may lead to almost total airway obstruction. For difficult airways, not leaving any possibility of manipulation into neck region or endoscopic intervention, femorofemoral cardiopulmonary bypass can be a promising approach. We are presenting a case of tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma (cylindroma) occupying about 90% of the tracheal lumen. It was successfully managed by surgical excision of mass by sternotomy and tracheotomy under femorofemoral cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Any patient with recurrent respiratory symptoms should be evaluated by radiological and endoscopic means earlier to avoid delay in diagnosis of such conditions. Femorofemoral cardiopulmonary bypass is a relatively safe way of managing certain airway obstructions.

Management of difficult airway in intratracheal tumor surgery

PubMed Central

Goyal, Amit; Tyagi, Isha; Tewari, Prabhat; Agarwal, Surendra K; Syal, Rajan

2005-01-01

Background Tracheal malignancies are usual victim of delay in diagnosis by virtue of their symptoms resembling asthma. Sometimes delayed diagnosis may lead to almost total airway obstruction. For difficult airways, not leaving any possibility of manipulation into neck region or endoscopic intervention, femorofemoral cardiopulmonary bypass can be a promising approach. Case Presentation We are presenting a case of tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma (cylindroma) occupying about 90% of the tracheal lumen. It was successfully managed by surgical excision of mass by sternotomy and tracheotomy under femorofemoral cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Conclusion Any patient with recurrent respiratory symptoms should be evaluated by radiological and endoscopic means earlier to avoid delay in diagnosis of such conditions. Femorofemoral cardiopulmonary bypass is a relatively safe way of managing certain airway obstructions. PMID:15941480

Obstructive sleep apnea presenting as pseudopheochromocytoma

PubMed Central

Marmouch, Hela; Arfa, Sondes; Graja, Sameh; Slim, Tensim; Khochtali, Ines

2016-01-01

A 52-year-old female with a history of poorly controlled resistant hypertension was admitted to our hospital with severe hypertension. She had a history of fatigue and intermittent episodes of palpitations. Laboratory evaluation was significant for elevated 24-h urinary catecholamine levels (3,5 times the upper normal levels). This case was presenting with a clinical and biochemical picture indistinguishable from that of pheochromocytoma. However, neither computed tomography nor meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine scintigraphy detected any catecholamine-producing tumor in or outside the adrenal glands. Our patient was screened with full polysomnography because of heavy snoring, daytime somnolence and obesity. It revealed severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. After three months of continuous positive airway pressure therapy, the patient experienced resolution of his presenting symptoms, improved blood pressure control and normalization of his urinary catecholamine levels. This case highlights sleep disordered breathing as a potentially reversible cause of pseudo-pheochromocytoma. PMID:27217898

Obstructive sleep apnea in children: a critical update

PubMed Central

Tan, Hui-Leng; Gozal, David; Kheirandish-Gozal, Leila

2013-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children is a highly prevalent disorder caused by a conglomeration of complex pathophysiological processes, leading to recurrent upper airway dysfunction during sleep. The clinical relevance of OSA resides in its association with significant morbidities that affect the cardiovascular, neurocognitive, and metabolic systems. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently reiterated its recommendations that children with symptoms and signs suggestive of OSA should be investigated with polysomnography (PSG), and treated accordingly. However, treatment decisions should not only be guided by PSG results, but should also integrate the magnitude of symptoms and the presence or absence of risk factors and signs of OSA morbidity. The first-line therapy in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy is adenotonsillectomy, although there is increasing evidence that medical therapy, in the form of intranasal steroids or montelukast, may be considered in mild OSA. In this review, we delineate the major concepts regarding the pathophysiology of OSA, its morbidity, diagnosis, and treatment. PMID:24109201

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: An important piece in the puzzle of cardiovascular risk factors.

PubMed

Costa, Cátia; Santos, Beatriz; Severino, Davide; Cabanelas, Nuno; Peres, Marisa; Monteiro, Isabel; Leal, Margarida

2015-01-01

The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is a clinical entity characterized by recurring episodes of apnea and/or hypopnea during sleep, due to a total or partial collapse, respectively, of the upper airway. This collapse originates a set of pathophysiological changes that determine the appearance of several cardiovascular complications. OSA contributes for the development of hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias and coronary heart disease. Nowadays it is recognized to be an important public health problem, taking into account not just its repercussions but also its prevalence, since the main risk factor for the disease is obesity, a growing problem worldwide, both in developed and developing countries. The present review summarizes the current knowledge about OSA, as regards its definition, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, cardiovascular effects and treatment. Copyright © 2014 Sociedad Española de Arteriosclerosis. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

Snore related signals processing in a private cloud computing system.

PubMed

Qian, Kun; Guo, Jian; Xu, Huijie; Zhu, Zhaomeng; Zhang, Gongxuan

2014-09-01

Snore related signals (SRS) have been demonstrated to carry important information about the obstruction site and degree in the upper airway of Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) patients in recent years. To make this acoustic signal analysis method more accurate and robust, big SRS data processing is inevitable. As an emerging concept and technology, cloud computing has motivated numerous researchers and engineers to exploit applications both in academic and industry field, which could have an ability to implement a huge blue print in biomedical engineering. Considering the security and transferring requirement of biomedical data, we designed a system based on private cloud computing to process SRS. Then we set the comparable experiments of processing a 5-hour audio recording of an OSAHS patient by a personal computer, a server and a private cloud computing system to demonstrate the efficiency of the infrastructure we proposed.

Chronic Cough and OSA: A New Association?

PubMed Central

Sundar, Krishna M.; Daly, Sarah E.

2011-01-01

Chronic cough is defined as cough lasting more than 2 months. Common causes for chronic cough in nonsmokers with normal chest radiographs and pulmonary functions include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), cough-variant asthma (CVA), and upper airway cough syndrome (UACS). Current guidelines recommend diagnosing the etiology of chronic cough based upon the results of therapy for suspected GERD, CVA, and UACS. Despite following current recommendations for diagnosis and treatment, the cause for a significant proportion of chronic cough remains unexplained. Recent reports indicate the resolution of chronic cough following treatment of concomitantly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Whether this represents a co-occurrence of two commonly prevalent disorders or a pathophysiologic relationship between OSA and cough remains unknown. This review offers insights into a pathophysiologic link between OSA and the commonly purported etiologies for cough, namely, GERD, UACS, and CVA. In addition, evidence for a relationship between airway inflammation that can trigger or perpetuate cough and OSA is discussed. This review explores mechanisms by which nocturnal continuous positive airway therapy resolves cough by improving underlying airway inflammation secondary to OSA and impacts upon GERD, CVA, and UACS. Citation: Sundar KM; Daly SE. Chronic cough and OSA: a new association? J Clin Sleep Med 2011;7(6):669-677. PMID:22171209

Total Airway Count on Computed Tomography and the Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Progression. Findings from a Population-based Study.

PubMed

Kirby, Miranda; Tanabe, Naoya; Tan, Wan C; Zhou, Guohai; Obeidat, Ma'en; Hague, Cameron J; Leipsic, Jonathon; Bourbeau, Jean; Sin, Don D; Hogg, James C; Coxson, Harvey O

2018-01-01

Studies of excised lungs show that significant airway attrition in the "quiet" zone occurs early in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To determine if the total number of airways quantified in vivo using computed tomography (CT) reflects early airway-related disease changes and is associated with lung function decline independent of emphysema in COPD. Participants in the multicenter, population-based, longitudinal CanCOLD (Canadian Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) study underwent inspiratory/expiratory CT at visit 1; spirometry was performed at four visits over 6 years. Emphysema was quantified as the CT inspiratory low-attenuation areas below -950 Hounsfield units. CT total airway count (TAC) was measured as well as airway inner diameter and wall area using anatomically equivalent airways. Participants included never-smokers (n = 286), smokers with normal spirometry at risk for COPD (n = 298), Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) I COPD (n = 361), and GOLD II COPD (n = 239). TAC was significantly reduced by 19% in both GOLD I and GOLD II compared with never-smokers (P < 0.0001) and by 17% in both GOLD I and GOLD II compared with at-risk participants (P < 0.0001) after adjusting for low-attenuation areas below -950 Hounsfield units. Further analysis revealed parent airways with missing daughter branches had reduced inner diameters (P < 0.0001) and thinner walls (P < 0.0001) compared with those without missing daughter branches. Among all CT measures, TAC had the greatest influence on FEV 1 (P < 0.0001), FEV 1 /FVC (P < 0.0001), and bronchodilator responsiveness (P < 0.0001). TAC was independently associated with lung function decline (FEV 1 , P = 0.02; FEV 1 /FVC, P = 0.01). TAC may reflect the airway-related disease changes that accumulate in the "quiet" zone in early/mild COPD, indicating that TAC acquired with commercially available software across various CT platforms may be a biomarker to predict accelerated COPD progression.

Attenuation of tachykinin-induced airflow obstruction and microvascular leakage in immature airways.

PubMed Central

Tokuyama, K.; Yokoyama, T.; Morikawa, A.; Mochizuki, H.; Kuroume, T.; Barnes, P. J.

1993-01-01

1. To study the effect of maturation on substance P (SP)- and neurokinin A (NKA)-induced airflow obstruction and airway microvascular leakage (MVL), we have measured changes in both lung resistance (RL) and extravasation of Evans blue dye in anaesthetized immature (aged 14 +/- 1 days) and adult guinea-pigs (aged 80 +/- 3 days). 2. RL and its recovery after hyperinflation at 5 min were measured for 6 min after i.v. SP (0.2, 1 and 30 nmol kg-1), NKA (1 and 10 nmol kg-1) or vehicle (0.9% NaCl). After measurement of RL, MVL in trachea, main bronchi and intrapulmonary airways was also examined. 3. The order of potency in inducing airflow obstruction did not change with age (NKA > SP) but immature animals required a larger dose of SP or NKA than adults to cause a significant increase in RL. 4. The order of potency in inducing airway microvascular leakage was SP > NKA in both immature and adult animals. The amount of extravasated dye after SP was significantly less in immature airways, especially in central airways. 5. Phosphoramidon (2.5 mg kg-1), a neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitor, significantly increased RL after 0.2 nmol kg-1 SP only in adult airways. Phosphoramidon enhanced the dye extravasation after 0.2 nmol kg-1 SP in both immature and adult airways with a significantly greater amount of dye in adult animals, suggesting that mechanisms other than changes in NEP activity may be responsible for this age-related difference.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:7679033

Infection-induced airway fibrosis in two rat strains with differential susceptibility.

PubMed Central

McIntosh, J C; Simecka, J W; Ross, S E; Davis, J K; Miller, E J; Cassell, G H

1992-01-01

Chronic infections play a significant role in the morbidity and mortality of patients with chronic airflow limitation. By stimulating airway inflammation, persistent infection has the potential to cause airway fibrosis. However, in patient this condition is most typically found in lungs damaged by other factors, such as smoking, abnormal secretions, or barotrauma. We report the characterization of Mycoplasma pulmonis infection-induced lung fibrosis in two immunocompetent rat strains with no preexisting lung disease. The fibrosis was predominantly in the airways, as demonstrated by the findings for infected animals of increased airway inflammation, airway fibrosis, and airway wall thickness, which correlated with the collagen content of the lungs. Also, the physiological alterations were the opposite of those found in interstitial fibrosis, with a positive correlation between lung compliance and collagen content. The airway fibrosis was noted earlier and to a greater extent in Lewis rats than in Fisher rats, and this result apparently was related to regulation of the inflammatory response. Airway wall thickness, airway inflammation, and airway fibrosis are commonly reported in tissue specimens from patients with chronic airway diseases and have been shown to correlate with airflow limitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thus, this model may be useful in furthering our understanding of the role of chronic infection and airway inflammation in airflow obstruction. Images PMID:1612760

Nasopharyngeal airway stenting devices for obstructive sleep apnoea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Kumar, A R; Guilleminault, C; Certal, V; Li, D; Capasso, R; Camacho, M

2015-01-01

To systematically review outcomes of adults with obstructive sleep apnoea treated with nasopharyngeal airway stenting devices. Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases were searched, and data on device use and tolerability, sleepiness, oxygen saturation, apnoea index, apnoea-hypopnoea index, and sleep quality were collected. Of 573 potential studies, 29 were retrieved for detailed evaluation and 16 met the study criteria. Polysomnography data for patients treated with nasal trumpets as an isolated therapy were pooled for meta-analysis. The mean apnoea index ± standard deviation, for 53 patients, decreased from 32.4 ± 15.9 to 9.0 ± 7.2 episodes per hour (p < 0.00001). The mean apnoea-hypopnoea index, for 193 patients, decreased from 44.1 ± 18.9 to 22.7 ± 19.3 episodes per hour (p < 0.00001). The mean lowest oxygen saturation, for 193 patients, increased from 66.5 ± 14.2 to 75.5 ± 13.9 per cent (p < 0.00001). Some studies have demonstrated limited effectiveness and low tolerability of nasopharyngeal airway stenting devices, while other studies have shown a significant benefit in treating obstructive sleep apnoea, with a high level of patient acceptance. Nasal trumpets have been successful in decreasing airway obstruction in the short term.

Inspissated oral secretions and a review of their clinical, biological, and physiological significance.

PubMed

Flanagan, Dennis

2012-06-01

People with some chronic diseases may dehydrate and develop thick, viscous inspissated oronasal secretions that include cellular debris. This material can lead to ductal or airway obstructions that can prove to be life threatening. Asthma, allergy with superinfection, cystic fibrosis, intubated ventilation, burn injuries, and medication-induced complications are discussed in this paper. Many patients with chronic debilitating conditions may also be unable to communicate, and so may be unable to verbally convey that they have a compromised airway or an obstruction. Therefore, it is essential to maintain hydration and good oral hygiene that not only addresses the teeth and prostheses, but also the oral mucosal surfaces. People who are institutionalized and bed-ridden, in particular, need to be closely monitored to prevent adverse sequellae. A daily oral sweep with a 4 × 4 surgical sponge moistened with chlorhexidine may prevent aspiration pneumonia or a fatality due to an airway obstruction. Human oronasal secretions are involved with immunity, digestion, lubrication, and speech. Saliva is the most volumetrically important. These secretions moisturize inspired and expired air but can lose water, causing an increase in viscosity. The viscous secretions trap particles, food debris, and bacterial colonies, thereby increasing inspissations that may obstruct the airway. © 2012 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Utility of Pulmonary Function Tests in Predicting Emphysema in Ever-Smokers

PubMed Central

Hesselbacher, Sean E.; Ross, Robert; Schabath, Matthew B.; Smith, E. O’Brian; Perusich, Sarah; Barrow, Nadia; Smithwick, Pamela; Mammen, Manoj J.; Coxson, Harvey; Krowchuk, Natasha; Corry, David B.; Kheradmand, Farrah

2011-01-01

Emphysema is largely an under-diagnosed medical condition that can exist in smokers in the absence of airway obstruction. We aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in assessing emphysema using quantitative CT scans as the reference standard. We enrolled 224 ever-smokers (current or former) over the age of 40. CT of thorax was used to quantify the low attenuation area (% emphysema), and to measure the standardized airway wall thickness. PFTs were used individually and in combination to predict their ability to discriminate radiographic emphysema. Significant emphysema (>7%) was detected in 122 (54%) subjects. Twenty six (21%) emphysema subjects had no evidence of airflow obstruction (FEV1/FVC ratio <70%), while all subjects with >23% emphysema showed airflow obstruction. The sensitivity and specificity of spirometry for detecting radiographic emphysema were 79% and 75%, respectively. Standardized airway wall thickness was increased in subjects with airflow obstruction, but did not correlate with emphysema severity. In this cohort of lifetime ever-smokers, PFTs alone were inadequate for diagnosing emphysema. Airway wall thickness quantified by CT morphometry was associated with airflow limitation, but not with emphysema indicating that the heterogeneous nature of lung disease in smokers may represent distinct phenotypes. PMID:21655122

Club Cell Protein 16 (CC16) Augmentation: A Potential Disease-modifying Approach for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

PubMed

Laucho-Contreras, Maria E; Polverino, Francesca; Tesfaigzi, Yohannes; Pilon, Aprile; Celli, Bartolome R; Owen, Caroline A

2016-07-01

Club cell protein 16 (CC16) is the most abundant protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. CC16 has anti-inflammatory properties in smoke-exposed lungs, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with CC16 deficiency. Herein, we explored whether CC16 is a therapeutic target for COPD. We reviewed the literature on the factors that regulate airway CC16 expression, its biologic functions and its protective activities in smoke-exposed lungs using PUBMED searches. We generated hypotheses on the mechanisms by which CC16 limits COPD development, and discuss its potential as a new therapeutic approach for COPD. CC16 plasma and lung levels are reduced in smokers without airflow obstruction and COPD patients. In COPD patients, airway CC16 expression is inversely correlated with severity of airflow obstruction. CC16 deficiency increases smoke-induced lung pathologies in mice by its effects on epithelial cells, leukocytes, and fibroblasts. Experimental augmentation of CC16 levels using recombinant CC16 in cell culture systems, plasmid and adenoviral-mediated over-expression of CC16 in epithelial cells or smoke-exposed murine airways reduces inflammation and cellular injury. Additional studies are necessary to assess the efficacy of therapies aimed at restoring airway CC16 levels as a new disease-modifying therapy for COPD patients.

Prevalence of upper airway tumors and cysts among patients who snore.

PubMed

Suzuki, Masaaki; Saigusa, Hanako; Chiba, Shintaro; Hoshino, Tadahiko; Okamoto, Makito

2007-11-01

Sleep specialists usually do not pay much attention to the upper airway in patients who snore, because they can make the diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing without performing nasopharyngeal endoscopy if they have the Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores and the results of polysomnography. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of benign and malignant tumors and cysts in the upper airway in patients who snore. A retrospective multicenter trial was performed in 4 sleep laboratories. Adult male and female patients whose chief complaint on their first visit was witnessed snoring were enrolled in this study. All of the patients were evaluated by otolaryngologists using nasopharyngeal endoscopy to detect organic diseases in the upper airway. Among 2,923 patients, 2 patients had malignant tumors, 5 had benign tumors, and 2 had cysts in the upper airway. The prevalence of upper airway benign and malignant tumors and cysts among adult male and female patients was 0.24%. Routine detailed nasopharyngeal endoscopy should be carried out in each institution so as not to overlook organic diseases in the upper airway among patients who snore.

Inhibition of pan neurotrophin receptor p75 attenuates diesel particulate-induced enhancement of allergic airway responses in C57/B16J mice.

PubMed

Farraj, Aimen K; Haykal-Coates, Najwa; Ledbetter, Allen D; Evansky, Paul A; Gavett, Stephen H

2006-06-01

Recent investigations have linked neurotrophins, including nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), to allergic airways diseases. Antibody blockade of NGF attenuates airway resistance in allergic mice. Diesel exhaust particle (DEP) exposure has been linked to asthma exacerbation in many cities with vehicular traffic congestion. We tested the hypothesis that DEP-induced enhancement of the hallmark features of allergic airway disease in a murine model is dependent on the function of the pan neurotrophin receptor p75. Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized C57B1/6J mice were intranasally instilled with an antibody against the p75 receptor or saline alone 1 h before OVA challenge. The mice were then exposed nose-only to the PM2.5 fraction of SRM2975 DEP or air alone for 5 h beginning 1 h after OVA challenge. Two days later, air-exposed OVA-allergic mice developed a small but insignificant increase in methacholine-induced airflow obstruction relative to air-exposed, vehicle-sensitized mice. DEP-exposed OVA-allergic mice had a significantly greater degree of airway obstruction than all other groups. Instillation of anti-p75 significantly attenuated the DEP-induced increase in airway obstruction in OVA-allergic mice to levels similar to non-sensitized mice. The DEP-induced exacerbation of allergic airway responses may, in part, be mediated by neurotrophins.

A resource of potential drug targets and strategic decision-making for obstructive sleep apnoea pharmacotherapy.

PubMed

Horner, Richard L; Grace, Kevin P; Wellman, Andrew

2017-07-01

There is currently no pharmacotherapy for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) but there is no principled a priori reason why there should not be one. This review identifies a rational decision-making strategy with the necessary logical underpinnings that any reasonable approach would be expected to navigate to develop a viable pharmacotherapy for OSA. The process first involves phenotyping an individual to quantify and characterize the critical predisposing factor(s) to their OSA pathogenesis and identify, a priori, if the patient is likely to benefit from a pharmacotherapy that targets those factors. We then identify rational strategies to manipulate those critical predisposing factor(s), and the barriers that have to be overcome for success of any OSA pharmacotherapy. A new analysis then identifies candidate drug targets to manipulate the upper airway motor circuitry for OSA pharmacotherapy. The first conclusion is that there are two general pharmacological approaches for OSA treatment that are of the most potential benefit and are practically realistic, one being fairly intuitive but the second perhaps less so. The second conclusion is that after identifying the critical physiological obstacles to OSA pharmacotherapy, there are current therapeutic targets of high interest for future development. The final analysis provides a tabulated resource of 'druggable' targets that are relatively restricted to the circuitry controlling the upper airway musculature, with these candidate targets being of high priority for screening and further study. We also emphasize that a pharmacotherapy may not cure OSA per se, but may still be a useful adjunct to improve the effectiveness of, and adherence to, other treatment mainstays. © 2017 The Authors. Respirology published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.

Selective upper airway stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea: a single center clinical experience.

PubMed

Heiser, Clemens; Knopf, Andreas; Bas, Murat; Gahleitner, Constanze; Hofauer, Benedikt

2017-03-01

Selective upper airway stimulation (UAS) is a novel therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of this study was to analyze the application and outcome of UAS in patients with moderate to severe OSA in the clinical routine of a tertiary referral center. The design of this study is single-center, prospective clinical trial. Thirty-one patients who received a UAS device (Inspire Medical Systems) were included. Treatment outcome was evaluated at 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Data collection included demographics, body mass index (BMI), apnea hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen saturation and desaturation index (ODI), Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS), adverse events, and adherence to therapy. Sher criteria were used to evaluate treatment response. The mean age was 59.6 years with thirty patients being male. Mean BMI was 28.8 kg/m 2 . The mean pre-implantation AHI of 32.9/h could be reduced to 7.1/h after 12 months (p < 0.001). The mean pre-implantation ODI of 30.7/h could be reduced to 9.9/h after 12 months (p = 0.004). The mean pre-implantation ESS of 12.6 could be reduced to 5.9 after 12 months (p = 0.006). Serious adverse events did not occur. Therapy adherence was a usage of 6.6 h/night after 12 months. OSA severity and subjective daytime sleepiness were improved in patients with moderate to severe OSA after receiving UAS therapy. Patients maintained high adherence to therapy use after 12 months. It is encouraging that UAS has been shown to be successfully implemented in the routine clinical management of OSA outside of a clinical trial setting.

Model-based stability assessment of ventilatory control in overweight adolescents with obstructive sleep apnea during NREM sleep.

PubMed

Nava-Guerra, L; Tran, W H; Chalacheva, P; Loloyan, S; Joshi, B; Keens, T G; Nayak, K S; Davidson Ward, S L; Khoo, M C K

2016-07-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) involves the interplay of several different factors such as an unfavorable upper airway anatomy, deficiencies in pharyngeal muscle responsiveness, a low arousal threshold, and ventilatory control instability. Although the stability of ventilatory control has been extensively studied in adults, little is known about its characteristics in the pediatric population. In this study, we developed a novel experimental setup that allowed us to perturb the respiratory system during natural non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep conditions by manipulating the inspiratory pressure, provided by a bilevel pressure ventilator, to induce sighs after upper airway stabilization. Furthermore, we present a modeling framework that utilizes the noninvasively measured ventilatory responses to the induced sighs and spontaneous breathing data to obtain representations of the processes involved in the chemical regulation of respiration and extract their stability characteristics. After validation with simulated data, the modeling technique was applied to data collected experimentally from 11 OSA and 15 non-OSA overweight adolescents. Statistical analysis of the model-derived stability parameters revealed a significantly higher plant gain and lower controller gain in the OSA group (P = 0.046 and P = 0.007, respectively); however, no differences were found in loop gain (LG) and circulatory time delay between the groups. OSA severity and LG, within the 0.03-0.04-Hz frequency band, were significantly negatively associated (r = -0.434, P = 0.026). Contrary to what has been found in adults, our results suggest that in overweight adolescents, OSA is unlikely to be initiated through ventilatory instability resulting from elevated chemical loop gain. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Neuromuscular Disease: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges.

PubMed

Aboussouan, Loutfi S; Mireles-Cabodevila, Eduardo

2017-10-01

Normal sleep-related rapid eye movement sleep atonia, reduced lung volumes, reduced chemosensitivity, and impaired airway dilator activity become significant vulnerabilities in the setting of neuromuscular disease. In that context, the compounding effects of respiratory muscle weakness and disease-specific features that promote upper airway collapse or cause dilated cardiomyopathy contribute to various sleep-disordered breathing events. The reduction in lung volumes with neuromuscular disease is further compromised by sleep and the supine position, exaggerating the tendency for upper airway collapse and desaturation with sleep-disordered breathing events. The most commonly identified events are diaphragmatic/pseudo-central, due to a decrease in the rib cage contribution to the tidal volume during phasic rapid eye movement sleep. Obstructive and central sleep apneas are also common. Noninvasive ventilation can improve survival and quality of sleep but should be used with caution in the context of dilated cardiomyopathy or significant bulbar symptoms. Noninvasive ventilation can also trigger sleep-disordered breathing events, including ineffective triggering, autotriggering, central sleep apnea, and glottic closure, which compromise the potential benefits of the intervention by increasing arousals, reducing adherence, and impairing sleep architecture. Polysomnography plays an important diagnostic and therapeutic role by correctly categorizing sleep-disordered events, identifying sleep-disordered breathing triggered by noninvasive ventilation, and improving noninvasive ventilation settings. Optimal management may require dedicated hypoventilation protocols and a technical staff well versed in the identification and troubleshooting of respiratory events. Copyright © 2017 American College of Chest Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Supplemental Carbon Dioxide Stabilizes the Upper Airway in Volunteers Anesthetized with Propofol.

PubMed

Ruscic, Katarina Jennifer; Bøgh Stokholm, Janne; Patlak, Johann; Deng, Hao; Simons, Jeroen Cedric Peter; Houle, Timothy; Peters, Jürgen; Eikermann, Matthias

2018-05-10

Propofol impairs upper airway dilator muscle tone and increases upper airway collapsibility. Preclinical studies show that carbon dioxide decreases propofol-mediated respiratory depression. We studied whether elevation of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2) via carbon dioxide insufflation reverses the airway collapsibility (primary hypothesis) and impaired genioglossus muscle electromyogram that accompany propofol anesthesia. We present a prespecified, secondary analysis of previously published experiments in 12 volunteers breathing via a high-flow respiratory circuit used to control upper airway pressure under propofol anesthesia at two levels, with the deep level titrated to suppression of motor response. Ventilation, mask pressure, negative pharyngeal pressure, upper airway closing pressure, genioglossus electromyogram, bispectral index, and change in end-expiratory lung volume were measured as a function of elevation of PETCO2 above baseline and depth of propofol anesthesia. PETCO2 augmentation dose-dependently lowered upper airway closing pressure with a decrease of 3.1 cm H2O (95% CI, 2.2 to 3.9; P < 0.001) under deep anesthesia, indicating improved upper airway stability. In parallel, the phasic genioglossus electromyogram increased by 28% (23 to 34; P < 0.001). We found that genioglossus electromyogram activity was a significant modifier of the effect of PETCO2 elevation on closing pressure (P = 0.005 for interaction term). Upper airway collapsibility induced by propofol anesthesia can be reversed in a dose-dependent manner by insufflation of supplemental carbon dioxide. This effect is at least partly mediated by increased genioglossus muscle activity.

Arginase activity and nitric oxide levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

PubMed Central

Yüksel, Meral; Okur, Hacer Kuzu; Pelin, Zerrin; Öğünç, Ayliz Velioğlu; Öztürk, Levent

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is characterized by repetitive obstruction of the upper airways, and it is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. There have been several studies demonstrating low levels of nitric oxide in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome compared with healthy controls. In this study, we hypothesized that reduced nitric oxide levels would result in high arginase activity. Arginase reacts with L-arginine and produces urea and L-ornithine, whereas L-arginine is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase, which produces nitric oxide. METHODS: The study group consisted of 51 obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients (M/F: 43/8; mean age 49±10 years of age) and 15 healthy control subjects (M/F: 13/3; mean age 46±14 years of age). Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients were divided into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of cardiovascular disease. Nitric oxide levels and arginase activity were measured via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of serum samples. RESULTS: Serum nitric oxide levels in the control subjects were higher than in the obstructive sleep apnea patients with and without cardiovascular diseases (p<0.05). Arginase activity was significantly higher (p<0.01) in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients without cardiovascular diseases compared with the control group. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients with cardiovascular diseases had higher arginase activity than the controls (p<0.001) and the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients without cardiovascular diseases (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Low nitric oxide levels are associated with high arginase activity. The mechanism of nitric oxide depletion in sleep apnea patients suggests that increased arginase activity might reduce the substrate availability of nitric oxide synthase and thus could reduce nitric oxide levels. PMID:24714832

Causes of poor performance of horses during training, racing, or showing: 348 cases (1992-1996).

PubMed

Martin, B B; Reef, V B; Parente, E J; Sage, A D

2000-02-15

To determine results for horses undergoing a high-speed treadmill examination, including videoendoscopy of the pharynx and larynx before and during exercise, echocardiography before and after exercise, and electrocardiography before, during, and after exercise, because of poor performance. Retrospective study. 348 horses. A definitive diagnosis was obtained for 256 (73.5%) horses. One hundred forty-eight horses had dynamic obstruction of the airway during exercise, 33 had clinically important cardiac arrhythmias alone, 22 had a combination of dynamic airway obstruction and clinically important cardiac arrhythmias, 19 had poor cardiac fractional shortening immediately after exercise, 10 had exertional rhabdomyolyis, 15 had clinically apparent lameness, and 9 had other disorders. Thirty-nine of the horses with dynamic obstruction of the airway during exercise had multiple airway abnormalities. Fifty-three horses also had subclinical myopathy Results suggest that a complete evaluation, including a high-speed treadmill examination, should be conducted in horses with poor performance, regardless or whether horses do or do not have a history of abnormal respiratory noises and particularly if the horses have grade-II or -III left laryngeal hemiplegia.

Pressure-volume behavior of the upper airway.

PubMed

Fouke, J M; Teeter, J P; Strohl, K P

1986-09-01

The study was performed to investigate the relationship between force generation and upper airway expansion during respiratory efforts by upper airway muscles. In 11 anesthetized dogs we isolated the upper airway (nasal, oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal regions) by transecting the cervical trachea and sealing the nasal and oral openings. During spontaneous respiratory efforts the pressure within the sealed upper airway, used as an index of dilating force, decreased during inspiration. On alternate breaths the upper airway was opened to a pneumotachograph, and an increase in volume occurred, also during inspiration. Progressive hyperoxic hypercapnia produced by rebreathing increased the magnitude of change in pressure and volume. At any level of drive, peak pressure or volume occurred at the same point during inspiration. At any level of drive, volume and pressure changes increased with end-expiratory occlusion of the trachea. The force-volume relationship determined from measurements during rebreathing was compared with pressure-volume curves performed by passive inflation of the airway while the animal was apneic. The relationship during apnea was 1.06 +/- 0.55 (SD) ml/cmH2O, while the force-volume relationship from rebreathing trials was -1.09 +/- 0.45 ml/cmH2O. We conclude that there is a correspondence between force production and volume expansion in the upper airway during active respiratory efforts.

Rigid bronchoscopy and silicone stents in the management of central airway obstruction

PubMed Central

Yarmus, Lonny

2015-01-01

The field of interventional pulmonology has grown significantly over the past several decades now including the diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of complex airway disease. Rigid bronchoscopy is an invaluable tool in the diagnosis and management of several malignant and non-malignant causes of central airway obstruction (CAO) and has become integral after the inception of airway stenting. The management of CAO can be a complicated endeavor with significant risks making the understanding of basic rigid bronchoscopy techniques, ablative technologies, anesthetic care and stenting of utmost importance in the care of these complex patients. This review article will focus on the history of rigid bronchoscopy, the technical aspects of performing a rigid bronchoscopy as well as the use of silicone stents their indications, complications and placement techniques. PMID:26807283

Treatment of atelectasis: where is the evidence?

PubMed Central

Schindler, Margrid B

2005-01-01

Lobar atelectasis is a common problem caused by a variety of mechanisms including resorption atelectasis due to airway obstruction, passive atelectasis from hypoventilation, compressive atelectsis from abdominal distension and adhesive atelectasis due to increased surface tension. However, evidence-based studies on the management of lobar atelectasis are lacking. Examination of air-bronchograms on a chest radiograph may be helpful to determine whether proximal or distal airway obstruction is involved. Chest physiotherapy, nebulised DNase and possibly fibreoptic bronchoscopy might be helpful in patients with mucous plugging of the airways. In passive and adhesive atelectasis, positive end-expiratory pressure might be a useful adjunct to treatment. PMID:16137380

Guideline-oriented perioperative management of patients with bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Yamakage, Michiaki; Iwasaki, Sohshi; Namiki, Akiyoshi

2008-01-01

Increased airway hyperresponsiveness is a major concern in the perioperative management of patients with bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Guidelines using evidence-based medicine are continually being updated and published regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these respiratory disorders. Perioperative management in these patients involves: (1) adequate control of airway hyperresponsiveness, including detection of purulent sputum and infection before surgery; (2) evidence-based control of anesthesia; and (3) the aggressive use of beta-2 adrenergic stimulants and the systemic administration of steroids for the treatment of acute attacks. Good preoperative control, including the use of leukotriene antagonists, can reduce the incidence of life-threatening perioperative complications. Awareness of recent guidelines is thus important in the management of patients with airway hyperresponsiveness. This review covers the most recent guidelines for the perioperative management of patients with bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

FAMM Flap in Reconstructing Postsurgical Nasopharyngeal Airway Stenosis

PubMed Central

Nangole, Ferdinand Wanjala; Khainga, Stanley Ominde

2014-01-01

Introduction. Postsurgical nasopharyngeal airway stenosis can be a challenge to manage. The stenosis could be as a result of any surgical procedure in the nasopharyngeal region that heals extensive scarring and fibrosis. Objective. To evaluate patients with nasopharyngeal stenosis managed with FAMM flap. Study Design. Prospective study of patients with nasopharyngeal stenosis at the Kenyatta National Hospital between 2010 and 2013 managed with FAMM flap. Materials and Methods. Patients with severe nasopharyngeal airway stenosis were reviewed and managed with FAMM flaps at the Kenyatta National Hospital. Postoperatively they were assessed for symptomatic improvement in respiratory distress, patency of the nasopharyngeal airway, and donor site morbidity. Results. A total of 8 patients were managed by the authors in a duration of 4 years with nasopharyngeal stenosis. Five patients were managed with unilateral FAMM flaps in a two-staged surgical procedure. Four patients had complete relieve of the airway obstruction with a patent airway created. One patient had a patent airway created though with only mild improvement in airway obstruction. Conclusion. FAMM flap provides an alternative in the management of postsurgical severe nasopharyngeal stenosis. It is a reliable flap that is easy to raise and could provide adequate epithelium for the stenosed pharynx. PMID:25328699

Insights on persistent airway infection by non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

PubMed Central

Ahearn, Christian P.; Gallo, Mary C.

2017-01-01

Abstract Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is the most common bacterial cause of infection of the lower airways in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Infection of the COPD airways causes acute exacerbations, resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality. NTHi has evolved multiple mechanisms to establish infection in the hostile environment of the COPD airways, allowing the pathogen to persist in the airways for months to years. Persistent infection of the COPD airways contributes to chronic airway inflammation that increases symptoms and accelerates the progressive loss of pulmonary function, which is a hallmark of the disease. Persistence mechanisms of NTHi include the expression of multiple redundant adhesins that mediate binding to host cellular and extracellular matrix components. NTHi evades host immune recognition and clearance by invading host epithelial cells, forming biofilms, altering gene expression and displaying surface antigenic variation. NTHi also binds host serum factors that confer serum resistance. Here we discuss the burden of COPD and the role of NTHi infections in the course of the disease. We provide an overview of NTHi mechanisms of persistence that allow the pathogen to establish a niche in the hostile COPD airways. PMID:28449098

In Vitro Microfluidic Models of Mucus-Like Obstructions in Small Airways

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulligan, Molly K.; Grotberg, James B.; Sznitman, Josué

2012-11-01

Liquid plugs can form in the lungs as a result of a host of different diseases, including cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The existence of such fluid obstructions have been found as far down in the bronchiole tree as the sixteenth generation, where bronchiole openings have diameters on the order of a hundred to a few hundred microns. Understanding the propagation of liquid plugs within the bifurcating branches of bronchiole airways is important because their presence in the lungs, and their rupture and break-up, can cause injury to the epithelial cells lining the airway walls as a result of high wall shear stresses. In particular, liquid plug rupture and break-up frequently occurs at airway bifurcations. Until present, however, experimental studies of liquid plugs have generally been restricted to Newtonian fluids that do not reflect the actual pseudoplastic properties of lung mucus. The present work attempts to uncover the propagation, rupture and break-up of mucus-like liquid plugs in the lower generations of the airway tree using microfluidic models. Our approach allows the dynamics of mucus-like plug break-up to be studied in real-time, in a one-to-one in vitro model, as a function of mucus rheology and bronchial tree geometry.

Operative rigid bronchoscopy: indications, basic techniques and results.

PubMed

Petrella, Francesco; Borri, Alessandro; Casiraghi, Monica; Cavaliere, Sergio; Donghi, Stefano; Galetta, Domenico; Gasparri, Roberto; Guarize, Juliana; Pardolesi, Alessandro; Solli, Piergiorgio; Tessitore, Adele; Venturino, Marco; Veronesi, Giulia; Spaggiari, Lorenzo

2014-05-27

Palliative airway treatments are essential to improve quality and length of life in lung cancer patients with central airway obstruction. Rigid bronchoscopy has proved to be an excellent tool to provide airway access and control in this cohort of patients. The main indication for rigid bronchoscopy in adult bronchology remains central airway obstruction due to neoplastic or non-neoplastic disease. We routinely use negative pressure ventilation (NPV) under general anaesthesia to prevent intraoperative apnoea and respiratory acidosis. This procedure allows opioid sparing, a shorter recovery time and avoids manually assisted ventilation, thereby reducing the amount of oxygen needed, while maintaining optimal surgical conditions. The major indication for NPV rigid bronchoscopy at our institution has been airway obstruction by neoplastic tracheobronchial tissue, mainly treated by laser-assisted mechanical dissection. When strictly necessary, we use silicone stents for neoplastic or cicatricial strictures, reserving metal stents to cover tracheo-oesophageal fistulae. NPV rigid bronchoscopy is an excellent tool for the endoscopic treatment of locally advanced tumours of the lung, especially when patients have exhausted the conventional therapeutic resources. Laser-assisted mechanical resection and stent placement are the most effective procedures for preserving quality of life in patients with advanced stage cancer. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

The use of electrocautery as the primary ablation modality for malignant and benign airway obstruction.

PubMed

Wahidi, Momen M; Unroe, Mark A; Adlakha, Natasha; Beyea, Mathew; Shofer, Scott L

2011-09-01

Laser has been the main ablative modality in the airways, but a growing experience with endobronchial electrocautery suggests a comparable efficacy and safety profile. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of electrocautery as the primary heat therapy for malignant and benign airway obstruction. A retrospective review of all patients undergoing endobronchial electrocautery, alone or in combination with other airway tools, at Duke University Medical Center between April 2004 and November 2009. Data on efficacy (luminal patency, symptomatic, radiographic, or physiologic improvement) and safety (complication rate) were collected. Ninety-four patients underwent 117 procedures with endobronchial electrocautery for endobronchial malignant and nonmalignant disease. Endoscopic improvement was seen in 94% of cases. Seventy-one percent of patients reported symptomatic improvement. Radiographic studies demonstrated luminal improvement in 78% of patients on chest computed tomography, improved aeration on chest computed tomography and chest x-ray in 63% and 43% of patients, respectively. The rate of major complications was 0.8%, whereas minor complications occurred in 6.8% of cases. There was no perioperative mortality. Endobronchial electrocautery is effective and safe when used as an ablative modality in malignant and benign airway obstruction and has a comparable profile to laser with the advantage of lower cost.

Observational study on efficacy of negative expiratory pressure test proposed as screening for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome among commercial interstate bus drivers - protocol study

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a respiratory disease characterized by the collapse of the extrathoracic airway and has important social implications related to accidents and cardiovascular risk. The main objective of the present study was to investigate whether the drop in expiratory flow and the volume expired in 0.2 s during the application of negative expiratory pressure (NEP) are associated with the presence and severity of OSA in a population of professional interstate bus drivers who travel medium and long distances. Methods/Design An observational, analytic study will be carried out involving adult male subjects of an interstate bus company. Those who agree to participate will undergo a detailed patient history, physical examination involving determination of blood pressure, anthropometric data, circumference measurements (hips, waist and neck), tonsils and Mallampati index. Moreover, specific questionnaires addressing sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness will be administered. Data acquisition will be completely anonymous. Following the medical examination, the participants will perform a spirometry, NEP test and standard overnight polysomnography. The NEP test is performed through the administration of negative pressure at the mouth during expiration. This is a practical test performed while awake and requires little cooperation from the subject. In the absence of expiratory flow limitation, the increase in the pressure gradient between the alveoli and open upper airway caused by NEP results in an increase in expiratory flow. Discussion Despite the abundance of scientific evidence, OSA is still underdiagnosed in the general population. In addition, diagnostic procedures are expensive, and predictive criteria are still unsatisfactory. Because increased upper airway collapsibility is one of the main determinants of OSA, the response to the application of NEP could be a predictor of this disorder. With the enrollment of this study protocol, the expectation is to encounter predictive NEP values for different degrees of OSA in order to contribute toward an early diagnosis of this condition and reduce its impact and complications among commercial interstate bus drivers. Trial registration Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinicos (local acronym RBEC) [Internet]: Rio de Janeiro (RJ): Instituto de Informaçao Cientifica e Tecnologica em Saude (Brazil); 2010 - Identifier RBR-7dq5xx. Cross-sectional study on efficacy of negative expiratory pressure test proposed as screening for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome among commercial interstate bus drivers; 2011 May 31 [7 pages]. Available from http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-7dq5xx/. PMID:22151802

Sex differences in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease evaluated using optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirby, Miranda; Zhang, Wei; Laratta, Peter K.; Sin, Don D.; Lam, Stephen; Coxson, Harvey O.

2014-03-01

Although there are more women than men dying of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the United States and elsewhere, we still do not have a clear understanding of the differences in the pathophysiology of airflow obstruction between the sexes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging imaging technology that has the capability of imaging small bronchioles with resolution approaching histology. Therefore, our objective was to compare OCT-derived airway wall measurements between males and females matched for lung size and in anatomically matched small airways. Subjects 50-80 yrs were enrolled in the British Columbia Lung Health Study and underwent OCT and spirometry. OCT was performed using a 1.5mm diameter probe/sheath in anatomically matched airways for males and females; the right lower lobe (RB8 or RB9) or left lower lobe (LB8 or LB9) during end-expiration. OCT airway wall area (Aaw) was obtained by manual segmentation. For males and females there was no significant difference in OCT Aaw (p=0.12). Spearman correlation coefficients indicated that the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and Aaw were significantly correlated for males (r=-0.78, p=0.004) but not for females (r=-0.20, p=0.49) matched for lung size. These novel OCT findings demonstrate that while there were no overall sex differences in airway wall thickness, the relationship between lung function and airway wall thickness was correlated only in men. Therefore, factors other than airway remodeling may be driving COPD pathogenesis in women and OCT may provide important information for investigating airway remodeling and its relationship with COPD progression.

Safety of an alkalinizing buffer designed for inhaled medications in humans.

PubMed

Davis, Michael D; Walsh, Brian K; Dwyer, Scott T; Combs, Casey; Vehse, Nico; Paget-Brown, Alix; Pajewski, Thomas; Hunt, John F

2013-07-01

Airway acidification plays a role in disorders of the pulmonary tract. We hypothesized that the inhalation of alkalinized glycine buffer would measurably alkalinize the airways without compromising lung function or causing adverse events. We evaluated the safety of an inhaled alkaline glycine buffer in both healthy subjects and in subjects with stable obstructive airway disease. This work includes 2 open-label safety studies. The healthy controls were part of a phase 1 safety study of multiple inhalations of low-dose alkaline glycine buffer; nebulized saline was used as a comparator in 8 of the healthy controls. Subsequently, a phase 2 study in subjects with stable obstructive airway disease was completed using a single nebulized higher-dose strategy of the alkaline inhalation. We studied 20 non-smoking adults (10 healthy controls and 10 subjects with obstructive airway disease), both at baseline and after inhalation of alkaline buffer. We used spirometry and vital signs as markers of clinical safety. We used changes in fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH as surrogate markers of airway pH modification. Alkaline glycine inhalation was tolerated by all subjects in both studies, with no adverse effects on spirometric parameters or vital signs. Airway alkalinization was confirmed by a median increase in EBC pH of 0.235 pH units (IQR 0.56-0.03, P = .03) in subjects after inhalation of the higher-dose alkaline buffer (2.5 mL of 100 mmol/L glycine). Alkalinization of airway lining fluid is accomplished with inhalation of alkaline glycine buffer and causes no adverse effects on pulmonary function or vital signs.

Safety and Efficacy of Thoracic External Beam Radiotherapy After Airway Stenting in Malignant Airway Obstruction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rochet, Nathalie, E-mail: nrochet@partners.org; Hauswald, Henrik; Schmaus, Martina

Purpose: We retrospectively evaluated the outcome and toxicity of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) after airway stents were placed in patients treated for malignant airway obstruction. Methods and Materials: Between 2004 and 2009, we performed airway stenting followed by EBRT in 43 patients for symptomatic primary lung cancer (n = 31) or other thoracic malignancies (n = 12). The median time interval between stent placement and first irradiation was 14 days. A median total dose of 50 Gy was delivered. Sixty-seven percent of the patients had reduced performance status (Karnofsky performance score, {<=}70). Results: EBRT had to be stopped prematurely inmore » 16 patients (37%), at a median total dose of 17 Gy, for various reasons. In this group of patients, the survival was poor, with a median overall survival (OS) of only 21 days. Twenty-seven patients (63%) completed radiotherapy as planned, with a median OS of 8.4 months. Fourteen of 43 patients (33%) developed at least one Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event of grade 3 to 5. The most common event was a malignant restenosis of the stent leading to asphyxia (n = 7), followed by fistula formation (n = 4), necrosis (n = 3), mediastinitis with abscess (n = 1), secondary nonmalignant airway stenosis (n = 1), and hemoptysis (n = 1). With the exception of one event, all events were associated with a local progression of the tumor. Conclusions: Although the long-term prognosis for patients with malignant airway obstruction is poor, airway stenting combined with EBRT offers a possible therapeutic option, achieving fast relief of acute respiratory distress with an associated antitumor effect, resulting in a potential survival benefit. However, due to local advanced tumor growth, increased rates of adverse events are to be expected, necessitating careful monitoring.« less

Indications and interventional options for non-resectable tracheal stenosis

PubMed Central

Bacon, Jenny Louise; Patterson, Caroline Marie

2014-01-01

Non-specific presentation and normal examination findings in early disease often result in tracheal obstruction being overlooked as a diagnosis until patients present acutely. Once diagnosed, surgical options should be considered, but often patient co-morbidity necessitates other interventional options. Non-resectable tracheal stenosis can be successfully managed by interventional bronchoscopy, with therapeutic options including airway dilatation, local tissue destruction and airway stenting. There are common aspects to the management of tracheal obstruction, tracheomalacia and tracheal fistulae. This paper reviews the pathogenesis, presentation, investigation and management of tracheal disease, with a focus on tracheal obstruction and the role of endotracheal intervention in management. PMID:24624290

Emergency airway puncture - series (image)

MedlinePlus

... passes to the lungs. The thryoid and cricoid cartilage form the narrowest section of this airway. ... the larynx bounded by the thyroid and cricoid cartilage is a frequent site for obstruction, either by ...

Responses to negative pressure surrounding the neck in anesthetized animals.

PubMed

Wolin, A D; Strohl, K P; Acree, B N; Fouke, J M

1990-01-01

Continuous positive pressure applied at the nose has been shown to cause a decrease in upper airway resistance. The present study was designed to determine whether a similar positive transmural pressure gradient, generated by applying a negative pressure at the body surface around the neck, altered upper airway patency. Studies were performed in nine spontaneously breathing anesthetized supine dogs. Airflow was measured with a pneumotachograph mounted on an airtight muzzle placed over the nose and mouth of each animal. Upper airway pressure was measured as the differential pressure between the extrathoracic trachea and the inside of the muzzle. Upper airway resistance was monitored as an index of airway patency. Negative pressure (-2 to -20 cmH2O) was applied around the neck by using a cuirass extending from the jaw to the thorax. In each animal, increasingly negative pressures were transmitted to the airway wall in a progressive, although not linear, fashion. Decreasing the pressure produced a progressive fall in upper airway resistance, without causing a significant change in respiratory drive or respiratory timing. At -5 cmH2O pressure, there occurred a significant fall in upper airway resistance, comparable with the response of a single, intravenous injection of sodium cyanide (0.5-3.0 mg), a respiratory stimulant that produces substantial increases in respiratory drive. We conclude that upper airway resistance is influenced by the transmural pressure across the airway wall and that such a gradient can be accomplished by making the extraluminal pressure more negative.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Assessing Airflow Sensitivity to Healthy and Diseased Lung Conditions in a Computational Fluid Dynamics Model Validated In Vitro.

PubMed

Sul, Bora; Oppito, Zachary; Jayasekera, Shehan; Vanger, Brian; Zeller, Amy; Morris, Michael; Ruppert, Kai; Altes, Talissa; Rakesh, Vineet; Day, Steven; Robinson, Risa; Reifman, Jaques; Wallqvist, Anders

2018-05-01

Computational models are useful for understanding respiratory physiology. Crucial to such models are the boundary conditions specifying the flow conditions at truncated airway branches (terminal flow rates). However, most studies make assumptions about these values, which are difficult to obtain in vivo. We developed a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of airflows for steady expiration to investigate how terminal flows affect airflow patterns in respiratory airways. First, we measured in vitro airflow patterns in a physical airway model, using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The measured and computed airflow patterns agreed well, validating our CFD model. Next, we used the lobar flow fractions from a healthy or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) subject as constraints to derive different terminal flow rates (i.e., three healthy and one COPD) and computed the corresponding airflow patterns in the same geometry. To assess airflow sensitivity to the boundary conditions, we used the correlation coefficient of the shape similarity (R) and the root-mean-square of the velocity magnitude difference (Drms) between two velocity contours. Airflow patterns in the central airways were similar across healthy conditions (minimum R, 0.80) despite variations in terminal flow rates but markedly different for COPD (minimum R, 0.26; maximum Drms, ten times that of healthy cases). In contrast, those in the upper airway were similar for all cases. Our findings quantify how variability in terminal and lobar flows contributes to airflow patterns in respiratory airways. They highlight the importance of using lobar flow fractions to examine physiologically relevant airflow characteristics.

The lung in space.

PubMed

Prisk, G Kim

2005-09-01

The lung is exquisitely sensitive to gravity, which induces gradients in ventilation, blood flow, and gas exchange. Studies of lungs in microgravity provide a means of elucidating the effects of gravity. They suggest a mechanism by which gravity serves to match ventilation to perfusion, making for a more efficient lung than anticipated. Despite predictions, lungs do not become edematous, and there is no disruption to, gas exchange in microgravity. Sleep disturbances in microgravity are not a result of respiratory-related events; obstructive sleep apnea is caused principally by the gravitational effects on the upper airways. In microgravity, lungs may be at greater risk to the effects of inhaled aerosols.

Somnambulism (sleepwalking).

PubMed

Remulla, Agnes; Guilleminault, Christian

2004-10-01

Somnambulism is an arousal parasomnia consisting of a series of complex behaviours that result in large movements in bed or walking during sleep. It occurs in 2-14% of children and 1.6-2.4% of adults. Occasional benign episodes are managed conservatively. However, recurrent sleepwalking with a risk of injury to self or others mandates immediate treatment with pharmacotherapy while awaiting work-up. The most commonly used medications are benzodiazepines, particularly clonazepam, with tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin selective re-uptake inhibitors also administered. Treatment of underlying causes such as obstructive sleep apnoea, upper airway resistance syndrome, restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements, is currently the best approach and usually eliminates somnambulism in children and adults.

Suicidal Ingestion of Potassium Permanganate Crystals: A Rare Encounter

PubMed Central

Karthik, Ravikanti; Veerendranath, Hari Prasad Kanakapura; Wali, Siddraj; Mohan, Murali N T; Kumar, Praveen A. C.; Trimurty, Gaganam

2014-01-01

Potassium permanganate poisoning is not common. Although Symptoms of potassium permanganate ingestion are gastrointestinal and Complications due to ingestion of potassium permanganate include cardiovascular depression, hepatic and renal damage, upper airway obstruction, bleeding tendency and methemoglobinemia. Gastric damage due to potassium permanganate has rarely been reported previously. We are reporting a 34-year old female patient who presented to our Emergency Department after suicidal ingestion of potassium permanganate crystals. After treatment, the patient was discharged home on the 8th day after admission. So we conclude that Emergency endoscopy has a significant role in diagnosis and management of potassium permanganate ingestion. PMID:25948978

The lung in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prisk, G. Kim

2005-01-01

The lung is exquisitely sensitive to gravity, which induces gradients in ventilation, blood flow, and gas exchange. Studies of lungs in microgravity provide a means of elucidating the effects of gravity. They suggest a mechanism by which gravity serves to match ventilation to perfusion, making for a more efficient lung than anticipated. Despite predictions, lungs do not become edematous, and there is no disruption to, gas exchange in microgravity. Sleep disturbances in microgravity are not a result of respiratory-related events; obstructive sleep apnea is caused principally by the gravitational effects on the upper airways. In microgravity, lungs may be at greater risk to the effects of inhaled aerosols.

Corticosteroid therapy in Epstein-Barr virus infection. Effect on lymphocyte class, subset, and response to early antigen.

PubMed

Brandfonbrener, A; Epstein, A; Wu, S; Phair, J

1986-02-01

Corticosteroid treatment of impending upper airway obstruction due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infectious mononucleosis did not alter the pattern of lymphocyte changes induced by this viral infection during the first two weeks following administration of prednisone. By 12 weeks, 11 treated students had significantly fewer lymphocytes, including B, total T, helper, and T-suppressor cell numbers, than 11 untreated EBV-infected students, and values were closer to those noted in uninfected controls. Corticosteroid therapy did not alter the serologic response to early antigens of EBV. Fever and lymphadenopathy resolved somewhat more quickly in treated students.

Management of tracheal chondrosarcoma almost completely obstructing the airway: a case report.

PubMed

Andolfi, Marco; Vaccarili, Maurizio; Crisci, Roberto; Puma, Francesco

2016-07-11

Primary malignant tracheal tumors account for only 0.2 % of all malignancies of the respiratory tract. Tracheal chondrosarcoma is a rare condition and only 17 cases have been described in the literature from 1965 to date. Herein we report the very unusual case of a patient with a tracheal chondrosarcoma, electively treated by curative surgery despite the virtually complete obstruction of the airway. We present the case of a 79-year old Caucasian man with long-lasting wheezing misdiagnosed as asthma and affected by a tracheal chondrosarcoma almost completely obstructing the airway. Videobronchoscopy and imaging investigations revealed a well-circumscribed mass arising from the cartilaginous rings of the cervical trachea with a posterior residual respiratory space of about 1 mm. Because of the mobility and flaccidity of the uninvolved pars membranacea, the tiny respiratory space slightly expanded during inspiration and expiration allowing the patient to be treated without an essential emergency procedure. Standard tracheal intubation was impossible. Rigid bronchoscopy enabled placement of a small tracheal tube distally to the tumor. Successful cervical tracheal resection and reconstruction was then performed, achieving complete tumor excision. Histologically, the mass was characterized as a low-grade tracheal chondrosarcoma. Videobronchoscopy performed 9 months after surgery showed a wide, well healed tracheal anastomosis. Ten months after surgery, the patient is alive and disease free. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice for tracheal chondrosarcoma. Rigid bronchoscopy is an essential tool for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It allows the palliative maneuvers for obstruction relief but also, in resectable patients, the intraoperative safe and straightforward management of the obstructed airway.

Club Cell Protein 16 (CC16) Augmentation: A Potential Disease-modifying Approach for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

PubMed Central

Laucho-Contreras, Maria E.; Polverino, Francesca; Tesfaigzi, Yohannes; Pilon, Aprile; Celli, Bartolome R.; Owen, Caroline A.

2016-01-01

Introduction Club cell protein 16 (CC16) is the most abundant protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. CC16 has anti-inflammatory properties in smoke-exposed lungs, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with CC16 deficiency. Herein, we explored whether CC16 is a therapeutic target for COPD. Areas Covered We reviewed the literature on the factors that regulate airway CC16 expression, its biologic functions and its protective activities in smoke-exposed lungs using PUBMED searches. We generated hypotheses on the mechanisms by which CC16 limits COPD development, and discuss its potential as a new therapeutic approach for COPD. Expert Opinion CC16 plasma and lung levels are reduced in smokers without airflow obstruction and COPD patients. In COPD patients, airway CC16 expression is inversely correlated with severity of airflow obstruction. CC16 deficiency increases smoke-induced lung pathologies in mice by its effects on epithelial cells, leukocytes, and fibroblasts. Experimental augmentation of CC16 levels using recombinant CC16 in cell culture systems, plasmid and adenoviral-mediated over-expression of CC16 in epithelial cells or smoke-exposed murine airways reduces inflammation and cellular injury. Additional studies are necessary to assess the efficacy of therapies aimed at restoring airway CC16 levels as a new disease-modifying therapy for COPD patients. PMID:26781659