Giovanni Sorrenti

European position paper on drug-induced sedation endoscopy (DISE)

BackgroundAlthough drug-induced sedation endoscopy (DISE) represents the most widespread diagnostic tool for upper airway endoscopic evaluation of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), many controversies exist about how to perform the sedation, the indications for DISE, and how to report DISE findings. The present position paper reports on a consensus as proposed by a group of European experts in the field of DISE after discussion during a recent dedicated meeting.MethodsThe authors have evaluated all the available evidence reported in the literature and have compared experience among various departments in leading European centers in order to provide a standardization of the DISE procedure and an in-depth insight in the main aspects of this technique.ResultsA proposal of the DISE procedure standardization has been achieved with a general agreement concerning the terminology, indications, contraindications, required preliminary examinations, setting, technical equipment required, staffing, local anesthesia and nasal decongestion, patient positioning, basis and special diagnostic maneuvers, and the applied sedation drugs and observation windows. Otherwise, no consensus has been reached on a scoring and classification system.ConclusionsAlthough consensus has been reached on several aspects of the DISE procedure, some topics remain open to future research, such as a better analysis of the importance of positional aspects during DISE and a further comparison of the differences in degree, level and pattern of upper airway collapse observed during DISE versus during natural sleep and awake endoscopy. Finally, a universally accepted scoring and classification system is lacking.

One-phase management of severe obstructive sleep apnea: Tongue base reduction with hyoepiglottoplasty plus uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

OBJECTIVES: To describe the results of a 1 phase surgical procedure for the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) attributable to tongue base obstruction. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective nonrandomized study at S Orsola Malpighi University Hospital of Bologna, Italy. METHODS: Ten male patients affected by severe OSA (mean apnea/hypopnea index [AHI] of 54.7), underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) associated with tongue base reduction and hyoepiglottoplasty (TBRHE). The indications to this surgical procedure were based on the presence of hyolingual abnormalities and absence of craniofacial deficiencies determined by preoperative assessment. RESULTS: Mean AHI decreased from 54.7 + 11.5 to 9.4 + 5.4 whereas the mean low SaO2 value went from 77% + 6.2 to 90.7% + 3 and the time of sleep with SaO2 < 90% improved from 53% + 17.2 to 7.3% + 8. The overall success rate was 100%. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: TBRHE is an effective and safe treatment in patients with severe OSA attributable to tongue base obstruction and in absence of craniofacial deficiencies.

Functional expansion pharyngoplasty in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

INTRODUCTION Continuous positive airway pressure is usually prescribed as first-line treatment in preventing the upper airway collapse in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), but long-term treatment adherence represents an evident problem. Among the variety of surgical procedures described to expand the pharyngeal lumen, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) remains the most frequently performed technique for the treatment of retropalatal obstruction. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty was first described by Fujita in 1981, and basically consists of a tonsillectomy, trimming of the soft palate and uvula, and suturing of the tonsillar pillars. Due to its low success rate and the considerable morbidities involved, the role of this technique has been questioned since the 1990s, and in the last two decades many modifications of UPPP have been proposed. The recent evolution regarding the techniques of pharyngoplasty has been focused on the concept of obtaining the expansion and stabilization of the pharyngeal airspace through the treatment of lateral pharyngeal wall (LPW) collapse rather than through ablation of the redundant pharyngeal soft tissue. The role of LPW in the pathogenesis of OSAS has been demonstrated by Schwab. The narrowing of the LPW appears to be the sole independent risk factor for OSAS. The aim of this article is to present a new surgical technique, functional expansion pharyngoplasty (FEP), which represents a conservative modification of expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty (ESP), as described by Pang and Woodson. Applying the original technique, which includes a superolateral incision of the soft palatal mucosa to expose the anterior arching fibers of the palatoglossus muscle bilaterally, and the preparation of a dorsal palatal flap, we experienced dehiscence of the rotated palatopharyngeus muscle and troubles related to palate incisions, such as globus sensation and dry throat. The FEP technique involves splinting of the LPW and advancement of the soft palate. This is obtained by means of the supero-lateral repositioning of the palatopharyngeus muscle, with a less aggressive and more ‘‘physiologic’’ approach to the LPW and soft palate, in order to both increase pharyngeal airspace and decrease pharyngeal collapse without undermining velum muscles, and in doing so avoiding scarring of the velum.

Factors associated with the efficacy of mandibular advancing device treatment in adult OSA patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthropometric, demographic, occlusal and cephalometric characteristics of a group of adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients treated with mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and to determine the factors associated with treatment efficacy. Twenty-three consecutive patients with mild to severe OSA (polysomnographically diagnosed [T0]) were recruited for this prospective study; they were treated with a Silensor(®) appliance, and a polysomnographic exam with the MAD in situ was performed 2 to 3 months later (T1) to evaluate MADs efficacy. Based on apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) differences between the T0 and T1 values, patients were classified into two groups: completely recovered and not completely recovered patients. The differences in anthropometric, demographic, occlusal and cephalometric parameters between the two groups were analyzed, and significant parameters verified. The sample showed these prevalent characteristics: deep bite, crossbite, tooth wear, dental and skeletal Class II, mesofacial mandibular vertical growth pattern, low position of the hyoid bone, longer soft palate length. The transverse diameters of upper maxilla had the greatest impact on T0 AHI. The factors associated with MAD efficacy were: age under 55 years, distance between the hyoid bone and the mandibular plane (H-MP) less than 20 mm, divergence of mandibular vertical growth pattern (SN^MP) less than 29°.

Modified Hyoid Suspension Technique in the Treatment of Multilevel Related Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Objective Using the Hörmann technique of hyoid suspension in sleep apnea surgery, a steel wire is placed through the thyroid cartilage and slung around the hyoid bone. However, we experienced thyroid cartilage fracture by steel wire traction. A modification is presented to avoid thyroid cartilage fracture. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting University hospital. Subjects and Methods Twenty-seven patients affected by obstructive sleep apnea syndrome underwent Hörmann hyoid suspension. In 2 patients, the steel wire caused a fracture of the thyroid cartilage. The technique was therefore modified in 25 subsequent patients. The wire is threaded through an adaptation titanium miniplate placed on the surface of the thyroid cartilage. Results The apnea-hypopnea index decreased from 43.1 to 10.9/h. Nineteen patients (76%) met the criteria for a successful outcome. No complications related to this modification were noted. Conclusions The Hörmann hyoid suspension is a procedure that advances the hyoid bone to expand the airway, and its effectiveness has been proven previously. The modified hyoid suspension presented here promises similar results without the risk of serious complications such as thyroid cartilage fracture.

Technique and Preliminary Analysis of Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy With Online Polygraphic Cardiorespiratory Monitoring in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

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).

Diagnostic Accuracy of Obstructive Airway Adult Test for Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Rationale. The gold standard for the diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is polysomnography, whose access is however reduced by costs and limited availability, so that additional diagnostic tests are needed. Objectives. To analyze the diagnostic accuracy of the Obstructive Airway Adult Test (OAAT) compared to polysomnography for the diagnosis of OSA in adult patients. Methods. Ninety patients affected by OSA verified with polysomnography (AHI ≥ 5) and ten healthy patients, randomly selected, were included and all were interviewed by one blind examiner with OAAT questions. Measurements and Main Results. The Spearman rho, evaluated to measure the correlation between OAAT and polysomnography, was 0.72 (p < 0.01). The area under the ROC curve (95% CI) was the parameter to evaluate the accuracy of the OAAT: it was 0.91 (0.81–1.00) for the diagnosis of OSA (AHI ≥ 5), 0.90 (0.82–0.98) for moderate OSA (AHI ≥ 15), and 0.84 (0.76–0.92) for severe OSA (AHI ≥ 30). Conclusions. The OAAT has shown a high correlation with polysomnography and also a high diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of OSA. It has also been shown to be able to discriminate among the different degrees of severity of OSA. Additional large studies aiming to validate this questionnaire as a screening or diagnostic test are needed.

European position paper on drug-induced sleep endoscopy: 2017 Update

The first edition of the European position paper (EPP) on drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) was published in 2014 with the aim to standardise the procedure, to provide an in‐depth insight into the main aspects of this technique and to have a basis for future research. Since 2014, new studies have been published concerning new sedative agents or new insights into the pattern/levels of the obstruction depending on the depth of sedation. Therefore, an enlarged group of European experts in the field of sleep breathing disorders (SBD), including the most of the first DISE EPP main authors, has decided to publish an update of the European position paper on DISE, in order to include new evidence and to find a common language useful for reporting the findings of this endoscopic evaluation in adult population affected by SBD.

Phenotyping the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea using polygraphy/polysomnography: a review of the literature

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first-line treatment for the majority of patients affected by obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA). However, long-term compliance with CPAP therapy may result limited and alternatives to CPAP therapy are required to address the increasing need to provide tailored therapeutic options. Understanding the pathophysiological traits (PTs) of OSA patients [upper airway (UA) anatomical collapsibility, loop gain (LG), arousal threshold (AT), and UA gain (UAG)] lies at the heart of the customized OSA treatment. However, sleep research laboratories capable to phenotype OSA patients are sparse and the diagnostic procedures time-consuming, costly, and requiring significant expertise. The question arises whether the use of routine clinical polysomnography or nocturnal portable multi-channel monitoring (PSG/PM) can provide sufficient information to characterize the above traits. The aim of the present review is to deduce if the information obtainable from the clinical PSG/PM analysis, independently of the scope and context of the original studies, is clinically useful to define qualitatively the PTs of individual OSA patients. In summary, it is possible to identify four patterns using PSG/PM that are consistent with an altered UA collapsibility, three that are consistent with altered LG, two with altered AT, and three consistent with flow limitation/UA muscle response. Furthermore, some PSG/PM indexes and patterns, useful for the suitable management of OSA patient, have been discussed. The delivery of this clinical approach to phenotype pathophysiological traits will allow patients to benefit in a wider range of sleep services by facilitating tailored therapeutic options.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Tongue: An Uncommon Cause of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

IntroductionSolitary fibrous tumor is an uncommon mesenchymal neoplasm that may be found in any location. To date, only a few cases of solitary fibrous tumor involving the tongue have been reported.Case SummaryWe present the case of a 31-year-old man with a history of progressively worsening snoring and daytime sleepiness. Polysomnography revealed severe obstructive sleep apnea. An attempt to treat sleep apnea by continuous positive airway pressure and oral appliance led to a poor clinical response. CT and MRI scans findings revealed a large mass in the tongue base partially obstructing the airway. After the excision of the mass all symptoms, included daytime somnolence, disappeared and a polysomnographic examination showed the normalization of the somnographic parameters.DiscussionAlthough OSA is rarely caused by tumors, each patient with sleep disorders breathing should be examined carefully for the potential presence of an upper aero-digestive tract neoplasm that may contribute to obstruction.