Objective: Does snoring during pregnancy influence development of pre-eclampsia?
Method: Five hundred and three pregnant women were presented a questionnaire concerning snoring, daytime sleepiness and edema. Epworth Sleepiness score (ESS) and symptoms of restless legs syndrome were also included. The questionnaire was presented in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester and blood pressure was recorded. Women snoring often-always at visit 2 and/or 3 were denoted habitual snorers, those snoring never-seldom non-snorers and there was also a category occasional snorers. Habitual snorers were offered a sleep respiratory recording (Embletta); 34 volunteered.
Results: 36/503 women (7,2%) snored habitually already at the first visit. At the end of pregnancy the fraction had increased to 19,5%. At the first visit BMI of habitual snorers was 25,3 compared to 22,9 for non-snorers (s.), but there was no difference concerning increase during pregnancy. Habitual snorers reported more edema at visit 2 and 3, higher scores in morning and daytime tiredness and ESS score compared to non-snorers at all visits (s.). Their systolic blood pressure increased more (s.) already between 1st and 2nd visit. Weight and Apgar scores of the newborns showed no difference. Pre-eclampsia developed in 18 women, twice as common among habitual snorers than in those snoring never-occasionally (n.s.). Their snoring scores were higher at all visits; the greatest difference at visit 3 (P50,058). Their diastolic pressure increased more already at the 2nd visit (s.), they had more edema and higher increase in BMI (s.). ESS and tiredness scores did not differ. 9/34 sleep recordings showed supine AHI 45. Two women who later developed pre-eclampsia were recorded; both had supine AHI 45.
Conclusions: Habitual snorers had higher BMI from start, more daytime tiredness, higher ESS scores and their diastolic blood pressure increased more already during early pregnancy. Preeclampsia was twice as common among snorers as non-snorers; not significant due to the low number of cases. The relation between pre-eclampsia and snoring therefore remains elusive.
The objective of the study was to evaluate short- and long-term effects of radiofrequency treatment of the soft palate on snoring. Twenty-nine patients with habitual snoring were studied prospectively and treated up to four times at 4-6 week intervals with an Ellman Surgitrone((R)). Electromyography (EMG) of m. palatoglossus was performed in ten patients. Patients and partners evaluated snoring, sleep quality and daytime sleepiness 1 week preoperatively, 6 months and 3-4 years postoperatively. Snoring was reduced postoperatively (P < 0.0001). Sleep time increased, daytime sleepiness was reduced, and the partners slept better after 6 months. However, 3-4 years postoperatively only 25% of patients were satisfied. Another 25% had received additional treatment. EMG was normal in 6/10 patients preoperatively. They all continued to snore postoperatively. Four patients had pathological EMGs; three were responders. In conclusion, radiofrequency treatment for snoring may lead to long-term improvement in one out of four cases. Pre-evaluation with EMG may predict the outcome.
Conclusion. An inflammatory swelling in the uvula and nose due to vibration might be a contributing factor in snoring. The presence of corticosteroid receptors in the uvula indicates the possibility for treatment with local steroids. Use of mometasone furoate (MF) for 3 months reduced snoring and related symptoms in some patients. Objective. To investigate the effect of a nasal steroid, MF, on snoring and related discomfort. Subjects and methods. In the first part of the study, uvular and nasal biopsies from six patients with social snoring were examined using immunohistochemistry to evaluate whether corticosteroid receptors were present. Then 100 snoring patients were invited to participate in the second part of the study. In all, 72 men and 22 women with a mean age of 47 years and BMI 27 answered a questionnaire about symptoms, had ENT status assessed and reported sleep and related variables for a 7 day period. After randomization to placebo or MF, they used a nasal spray for 3 months at a dosage of 200 mu g. Thereafter the procedure was repeated. Results. Corticosteroid receptors were present in the mucous membranes and around the blood vessels in all uvulas examined. A total of 84 patients were evaluated. No decrease in mean snoring score was seen. Daytime sleepiness showed a slight improvement in the MF group and partners were less disturbed. Minor side effects were equal for both groups.