BACKGROUND: Signs of both motor and sensory nervous lesions have previously been shown in the upper airway of patients with OSA and habitual snorers. Snoring per se may damage all upper airway neurons over time, thereby causing progression to manifest sleep apnea. To test this hypothesis, nonsnoring subjects, untreated snorers, and CPAP-treated patients underwent repeated sensory testing of the soft palate in a prospective long-term study. METHODS: Cold detection threshold (CDT) testing at the soft palate and lip with a thermode and nocturnal respiratory recordings were performed in 2008 to 2009 with retesting 6 to 7 years later. RESULTS: In 25 untreated snorers, palatal CDT worsened from a median (25th-75th percentile range) 4.2 degrees C (3.2-5.9) to 11.0 degrees C (7.0-17.4) (P < .001). The apnea-hypopnea index increased from a median 7.0 to 14.0 events/h (P < .05). There was no significant correlation between changes in CDT and the apnea-hypopnea index. In 21 nonsnoring control subjects, palatal CDT increased from a median 3.2 degrees C to 5.6 degrees C (P < .005). In 19 CPAP-treated patients, palatal CDT did not significantly change; eight patients had improved values. CDTs worsened significantly more in the snorers group than in the control subjects (P < .05) and the CPAP-treated patients (P < .001). There was no significant difference between control subjects and CPAP-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: CDT worsened considerably over time in untreated snorers, significantly more than in nonsnoring control subjects and CPAP-treated patients. Untreated snorers therefore risk developing poor sensitivity in the upper airway. In contrast, efficient treatment of OSA seems to protect the sensory innervation, as the CPAP-treated group maintained their sensitivity to cold and, in some cases, the sensitivity even improved.

BACKGROUND: Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) have poor outcome. Studies on outcome beyond 1 year post-aSAH are few, and late recovery is poorly investigated, initiating this prospective outcome study on patients 12-15 years after an aSAH. We hypothesized to find; functional improvement > 1 year post-ictus; increased long-term mortality in aSAH patients vs matched controls, and finally to present; predictors of long-term favorable outcome (GOS 4-5).

METHODS: We prospectively investigated patients, admitted 2000-2003 to the Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 1 year post-ictus using Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). The patients were revalidated 12-15 years post-aSAH by structured-telephone interviews (GOS), followed by statistical analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 158 patients were included, (women n = 114, men n = 44), with a mean age of 55 years at aSAH. Patients treated with surgical clipping had lower mortality. At the follow-up 12-15 years post-aSAH, all 103 survivors (65.2%) were categorized as having; good recovery (39.9%), moderate disability (15.2%), or severe disability (10.1%). Within the patient cohort, 23.6% improved GOS over time. Fifty-five patients died, median at 4 years post-ictus. aSAH patients had 3.5 times increased mortality 12-15 years post-ictus vs matched controls (P < .0001). Patients with favorable outcome at 1 year (67.3%, n = 101) had similar survival probability as control patients. Prognostic indicators of long-term favorable outcome were low age and high GOS at 1-year follow-up, (AUCROC, 0.79).

CONCLUSIONS: Individual functional improvement was found >1 year post-ictus. Patients with favorable outcome at 1 year had similar long-term life expectancy as the general population. Indicators of long-term favorable prognosis were low age at ictus and high GOS at 1-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) can be divided into primary and secondary injuries. Intensive care protocols focus on preventing secondary injuries. This prospective cohort study was initiated to investigate outcome, including mortality, in patients treated according to the Lund Concept after a sTBI covering 10-15 years post-trauma.

METHODS: Patients were included during 2000-2004 when admitted to the neurointensive care unit, Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Inclusion criteria were: Glasgow coma scale score of ≤8, need for artificial ventilation and intracranial monitoring. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was used to evaluate outcome both at 1-year and 10-15 years post-trauma.

RESULTS: Ninety-five patients, (27 female and 68 male), were initially included. Both improvement and deterioration were noted between 1- and 10-15 years post-injury. Mortality rate (34/95) was higher in the studied population vs. a matched Swedish population, (Standard mortality rate (SMR) 9.5; P < 0.0001). When dividing the cohort into Good (GOS 4-5) and Poor (GOS 2-3) outcome at 1-year, only patients with Poor outcome had a higher mortality rate than the matched population (SMR 7.3; P < 0.0001). Further, good outcome (high GOS) at 1-year was associated with high GOS 10-15 years post-trauma (P < 0.0001). Finally, a majority of patients demonstrated symptoms of mental fatigue.

CONCLUSION: This indicates that patients with severe traumatic brain injury with Good outcome at 1-year have similar survival probability as a matched Swedish population and that high Glasgow outcome scale at 1-year is related to good long-term outcome. Our results further emphasise the advantage of the Lund concept.

Purpose: To investigate the possible association between depressive symptoms in the postpartum period and sleep related problems during pregnancy, using screening instruments.

Methods: In a prospective study 293 women in the last trimester of pregnancy answered a questionnaire about sleep related problems in terms of symptoms of restless legs, snoring and daytime sleepiness. They also completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The same women were screened for depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) four to ten weeks after giving birth. Additional information about social data, pregnancy and delivery was received from the medical charts.

Results: Women with postpartum depressive symptoms had higher prevalence of sleep related problems including excessive daytime sleepiness defined as ESS score ≥10 (OR 3.84, CI 1.57-9.39), and restless legs syndrome (OR 2.837 CI 1.18-6.84) in last trimester of pregnancy, when adjusted for sociodemographic factors and obstetric risk factors.

Conclusions: Depressive symptoms after childbirth are preceded by disturbed sleep already during pregnancy. The results from Epworth Sleepiness Scale completed during pregnancy might be used for detecting women at risk, enabling preventive interventions.

Study objectives: To investigate if sleep recordings show differences in prevalence of sleep-disturbed breathing among pregnant women compared to non-pregnant controls. To compare the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) scores between the two groups. To evaluate obstetric outcomes.

Setting: At one antenatal care center at an outpatient unit in Linköping, Sweden.

Participants: One hundred pregnant women (gestational week 24-34) and 80 non-pregnant women age- and body mass index-matched as controls.

Interventions: Whole-night respiratory recordings were performed in the homes of all participants, who also answered the same questionnaire, including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Measurements and results: Objectively recorded snoring was more common among the pregnant women (median value 10% of total estimated sleep time) than among the non-pregnant controls (2.5% of total sleep time, p<0.001). The prevalence of obstructive events was low and similar in pregnant and non-pregnant women (1% vs. 3% had obstructive apnea-hypopnea index ≥5). The total ESS score was higher among pregnant women than controls (median 9 vs. 7, p<0.001) but no significant differences were found between the two groups in the scores for the separate items of the ESS. Sleep-disturbed breathing and snoring showed no impact on obstetric outcome. There were no significant associations between either subjectively reported or objectively recorded snoring and ESS scores.

Conclusion: Snoring increases during pregnancy, but sleep recordings could not verify an increased prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea among pregnant women. Development of obstructive sleep apnea is not a likely explanation for the increased daytime sleepiness seen in pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine if melatonin is equally efficient as partial sleep deprivation in inducing sleep without interfering with epileptiform discharges in EEG recordings in children 1-16years old.

METHODS:

We retrospectively analysed 129 EEGs recorded after melatonin intake and 113 EEGs recorded after partial sleep deprivation. Comparisons were made concerning occurrence of epileptiform discharges, the number of children who fell asleep and the technical quality of EEG recordings. Comparison between different age groups was also made.

RESULTS:

No significant differences were found regarding occurrence of epileptiform discharges (33% after melatonin intake, 36% after sleep deprivation), or proportion of unsuccessful EEGs (8% and 10%, respectively). Melatonin and sleep deprivation were equally efficient in inducing sleep (70% in both groups). Significantly more children aged 1-4years obtained sleep after melatonin intake in comparison to sleep deprivation (82% vs. 58%, p⩽0.01), and in comparison to older children with melatonin induced sleep (58-67%, p⩽0.05). Sleep deprived children 9-12years old had higher percentage of epileptiform discharges (62%, p⩽0.05) compared to younger sleep deprived children.

CONCLUSION:

Melatonin is equally efficient as partial sleep deprivation to induce sleep and does not affect the occurrence of epileptiform discharges in the EEG recording. Sleep deprivation could still be preferable in older children as melatonin probably has less sleep inducing effect.

SIGNIFICANCE:

Melatonin induced sleep have advantages, especially in younger children as they fall asleep easier than after sleep deprivation. The procedure is easier for the parents than keeping a young child awake for half the night.

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is prevalent in patients with heart failure (HF). The clinical signs of newly diagnosed HF and untreated SDB may overlap and patients in need of SDB treatment can therefore be difficult to identify in patients participating in disease management programmes (DMP). The aim was to describe the care process of two patients with HF involved in a DMP, focusing on the difficulties to identify and initiate treatment of SDB.A prospective case study design was used to follow one male (70 yrs) and one female (74 yrs) patient during 18 months at a Swedish University hospital. It took 5 to 10 months from diagnosis of HF until optimal treatment was reached for their heart conditions and 12 to 17 months until SDB was treated. None of the patients complained of poor sleep, but suffered from fatigue. In the male SDB was detected by the wife’s complaints of her husband’s snoring, apnoeas and restless sleep. In the female, SDB was detected after a detailed assessment of fatigue which was shown to be sleepiness. After optimal treatment of HF but before imitation of SDB treatment both cases cardiac function improved. For the female case improvements also were found in the blood pressure. SDB treatment improved fatigue in both patients. Initiation of HF treatment and self-care routines, as well as identification of SDB is complex and time consuming. Treatment of HF and SDB can improve sleep, cardiac function as well as disturbing associated symptoms.

A variety of techniques have been developed to monitor the depth of anaesthesia. Propofols pharmacokinetics and response vary greatly, which might be explained by genetic polymorphisms. We investigated the impact of genetic variations on dosage, anaesthetic depth and recovery after total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol. A total of 101 patients were enrolled in the study. The plasma concentration of propofol during anaesthesia was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. EEG was monitored during the surgical procedure as a measure of anaesthetic depth. Pyrosequencing was used to determine genetic polymorphisms in CYP2B6, CYP2C9, the UGTIA9-promotor and the GABRE gene. The correlation between genotype and to plasma concentration at the time of loss of consciousness (LOC), the total induction dose, the time to anaesthesia, eye opening and clearance were investigated. EEG monitoring showed that the majority of the patients had not reached a sufficient level of anaesthetic depth (subdelta) at the time of loss of consciousness despite a high induction dose of propofol. Patients with UGT1A9-331C/T had a higher propofol clearance than those without (p=0.03) and required a higher induction dose (p=0.03). The patients with UGT1A9-1818T/C required a longer time to LOC (p=0.03). The patients with CYP2C9*2 had a higher concentration of propofol at the time of LOC (p=0.02). The polymorphisms in the metabolizing enzymes and the receptor could not explain the large variation seen in the pharmacokinetics of propofol and the clinical response seen. At LOC, the patients showed a large difference in EEG pattern.

Purpose: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, but adherence is often low and side effects are common. It is unclear from previous research whether side effects are significant causes of non-adherence. No study has examined if side effects vary within subjects over time. The aims were to 1) examine the evolution of CPAP side effects over time; and 2) prospectively assess correlations  between early CPAP side effects and treatment adherence. Methods: 186 obstructive sleep apnea patients from three sleep centres were prospectively enrolled. They completed the Side Effects to CPAP Inventory, where the respondent rates the frequency, magnitude and perceived impact on adherence from 15 side effects. Adherence was measured by treatment dropout and machine usage time. Results: The most common side effects were dry mouth, increased number of awakenings, blocked up nose, mask pressure and mask leaks. While some side effects were stable over time, others could both resolve and emerge within subjects. Dry mouth, mask leakage and blocked up nose emerged within one year in approximately 30% of patients who had not experienced them after two weeks. Increased number of awakenings and dry mouth after 1-2 weeks were significantly associated to treatment dropout during the first year and machine usage time after six months. Conclusions: While some side effects are related to adherence, most are not. Not all side effects are stable over time. This, together with differences in methodology between studies, might explain the conflicting findings in earlier research.

Background: The incidence of snoring and sleepiness is known to increase during pregnancy, and this might impact maternal health and obstetric outcome. However, the association between snoring and sleepiness during pregnancy is not fully understood. This study was aimed at investigating the development of snoring during pregnancy and prospectively assessing if there is an association between snoring and sleepiness or adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia, mode of delivery, and fetal complications. Methods: Consecutively recruited pregnant women (n = 500) received a questionnaire concerning snoring and sleep at the 1st and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The women who had rated their frequency of snoring at both occasions (n = 340) were divided into subgroups according to the development of snoring they reported and included in the subsequent analyses. Additional medical data were collected from the medical records. Results: The frequency of snoring was 7.9% in the 1st trimester and increased to 21.2% in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The women who snored already in early pregnancy had significantly higher baseline BMI (p = 0.001) than the women who never snored, but snoring was not associated with the magnitude of weight gain during pregnancy. Snoring women were more likely to experience edema in late pregnancy than the non-snorers. Women who started to snore during pregnancy had higher Epworth Sleepiness Scores than the non snorers in both early and late pregnancy. No significant association between obstetric outcome and snoring was found. Conclusion: Snoring does increase during pregnancy, and this increase is associated with sleepiness, higher BMI at the start of pregnancy and higher prevalence of edema, but not with weight gain.

Rationale, aims and objectives  Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has a low long-term adherence. Educational interventions are few and sparsely described regarding content, pedagogical approach and participants' perceptions. The aim was to describe adherence to CPAP treatment, knowledge about OSA/CPAP, as well as OSA patients' perceptions of participating in a group-based programme using problem-based learning (PBL) for CPAP initiation. Educational programme  The PBL programme incorporated elements from theories and models concerning motivation and habits. Tutorial groups consisting of four to eight patients met at six sessions during 6 months. Methods  A sequential explanatory mixed method design was used on 25 strategically selected patients. Quantitative data regarding, clinical variables, OSA severity, CPAP use, and knowledge were collected at baseline, after 2 weeks and 6 months. Qualitative data regarding patients' perceptions of participation were collected after 6 months by semi-structured interviews using a phenomenographic approach. Results  72% of the patients were adherent to CPAP treatment after 2 weeks and 6 months. All patients improved their baseline knowledge about OSA and CPAP after 2 weeks and sustained it after 6 months. Anxiety and fear, as well as difficulties and needs were motivational factors for participation. Patients described the difficulties of behavioural change, an awareness that improvements do not occur immediately, a realization of the importance of both technical and emotional support and the need for a healthier lifestyle. Conclusion and practice implications  A group-based programme using PBL seems to facilitate adaptive and developmental learning and result in acceptable CPAP adherence levels.

The importance of adequate sleep for good health and immune system function is well documented as is reduced sleep quality experienced by ICU patients. In the previous issue of Critical Care, Elliot and co-workers present a well done, largest of its kind, single-center study on sleep patterns in critically ill patients. They base their study on the gold standard, the polysomnography technique, which is resource demanding to perform and often difficult to evaluate. The results are especially interesting as the authors not only used polysomnography in a large sample but also, in contrast to others, excluded patients with prior sleep problems. They also recorded patients subjective sleep experiences in the ICU and thereafter in the ward (validated questionnaires) with simultaneous data collection of factors known to affect sleep in the ICU (mainly treatment interventions, light and sound disturbances). Interestingly, but not surprisingly, sleep was both quantitatively and qualitatively poor. Furthermore, there seemed to be little or no improvement over time when compared to earlier studies. This study stresses the magnitude of the sleep problem despite interventions such as earplugs and/or eyeshades. Sound disturbance was found to be the most significant but improvable factor. The study highlights the challenge and the importance of evaluating sleep in the critical care setting and the present need for alternative methods to measure it. All that in conjunction can be used to solve an important problem for this patient group.

Background: Hypertension (HT) and obesity have both been linked to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Difficulties have been described in identifying patients with OSA in primary care, causing low referral rates to sleep clinics. Increased knowledge about gender-specific characteristics and symptoms may help to identify patients. Aim: The aim was to describe gender differences regarding undiagnosed OSA, self-rated sleep, insomnia and daytime sleepiness in middle-aged primary care patients with HT and different degrees of obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used and 394 patients (52.5% women), mean age 57.8 years (SD 6.7 years), with HT (BP >140/90 mmHg) were included. Clinical examinations, respiratory recordings and self-rated scales regarding OSA symptoms, sleep, insomnia and daytime sleepiness were used. Body mass index (BMI) was classified according to the criteria from the National Institutes of Health. Results: Pre-obesity and obesity classes I and II were seen among 53%, 26% and 8% of the men and 37%, 19% and 14% of the women, respectively. Occurrence of mild, moderate and severe OSA increased significantly across the BMI classes for both genders (p<0.01). Ninety percent of the men and 80% of the women in obesity class II had OSA. Insomnia was prevalent in obese patients. Other clinical variables did not differ between BMI classes or genders. Conclusion: The occurrence of overweight/obesity and OSA was high among both genders. A high BMI might be a convenient clinical marker for healthcare personnel to identify hypertensive patients with possible OSA in need of further evaluation and treatment.

Background

Hypertension (HT) and obesity have both been linked to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Difficulties have been described in identifying patients with OSA in primary care, causing low referral rates to sleep clinics. Increased knowledge about gender-specific characteristics and symptoms may help to identify patients.

Aim

The aim was to describe gender differences regarding undiagnosed OSA, self-rated sleep, insomnia and daytime sleepiness in middle-aged primary care patients with HT and different degrees of obesity.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was used and 394 patients (52.5% women), mean age 57.8 years (SD 6.7 years), with HT (BP >140/90 mmHg) were included. Clinical examinations, respiratory recordings and self-rated scales regarding OSA symptoms, sleep, insomnia and daytime sleepiness were used. Body mass index (BMI) was classified according to the criteria from the National Institutes of Health.

Results

Pre-obesity and obesity classes I and II were seen among 53%, 26% and 8% of the men and 37%, 19% and 14% of the women, respectively. Occurrence of mild, moderate and severe OSA increased significantly across the BMI classes for both genders (p<0.01). Ninety percent of the men and 80% of the women in obesity class II had OSA. Insomnia was prevalent in obese patients. Other clinical variables did not differ between BMI classes or genders.

Conclusion

The occurrence of overweight/obesity and OSA was high among both genders. A high BMI might be a convenient clinical marker for healthcare personnel to identify hypertensive patients with possible OSA in need of further evaluation and treatment.

Purpose: The apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) is used to grade obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) into mild, moderate, and severe forms. Obstructive events are most common in the supine position. The amount of supine sleep thus influences total AHI. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of position-dependent OSA (POSA) and its relation to OSA severity classification as recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

Methods: Two hundred sixty-five subjects were recruited from primary care hypertension clinics. Whole-night respiratory recordings were performed to determine the AHI in the supine and non-supine positions, respectively. POSA was defined as supine AHI twice the non-supine AHI with supine AHI ≥5.

Results: Fifty-three percent had POSA, 22% had non-position-dependent OSA, and 25% had normal respiration. By AASM classification, 81 subjects did not have OSA, but 42% of them had some degree of obstruction when supine, and 5 subjects would have been classified as moderate–severe if they had only slept supine. Conversely, of the 53 classified as mild OSA, 30% would have changed to a more severe classification if they had exclusively slept supine.

Conclusions: POSA was common both in subjects that by AASM classification had OSA as well as those without. The severity of OSA, as defined by AASM, could be dependent on supine time in a substantial amount of subjects

Purpose

The apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) is used to grade obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) into mild, moderate, and severe forms. Obstructive events are most common in the supine position. The amount of supine sleep thus influences total AHI. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of position-dependent OSA (POSA) and its relation to OSA severity classification as recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

Methods

Two hundred sixty-five subjects were recruited from primary care hypertension clinics. Whole-night respiratory recordings were performed to determine the AHI in the supine and non-supine positions, respectively. POSA was defined as supine AHI twice the non-supine AHI with supine AHI ≥5.

Results

Fifty-three percent had POSA, 22% had non-position-dependent OSA, and 25% had normal respiration. By AASM classification, 81 subjects did not have OSA, but 42% of them had some degree of obstruction when supine, and 5 subjects would have been classified as moderate–severe if they had only slept supine. Conversely, of the 53 classified as mild OSA, 30% would have changed to a more severe classification if they had exclusively slept supine.

Conclusions

POSA was common both in subjects that by AASM classification had OSA as well as those without. The severity of OSA, as defined by AASM, could be dependent on supine time in a substantial amount of subjects.

The aim of this study was to explore whether there are gender differences in sleep and health-related quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and a matched population-based sample and to see how subjectively rated sleep is associated with actigraphy. Secondly, to explore whether factors that predict patients sleep quality could be identified. Fifty-seven patients with stable CAD and 47 participants from a population-based sample were included. All participants completed the Uppsala Sleep Inventory (USI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the SF-36. Actigraphy recordings and a sleep diary were performed for seven 24-h periods. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that sleep duration, sleep onset latency, nocturnal awakenings, vitality (SF-36) and body mass index explained 60% of the sleep quality outcome (USI). Sleep duration, sleep efficiency and fragmentation index assessed with actigraphy and sleep diary accounted for 36% of the sleep quality outcome (diary). The result can form the basis for a non-pharmacological, self-care programme supported and led by nurses.

Purpose

Differential item functioning (DIF) is said to exist in an item if a subject’s response to the item is affected by other aspects than that which the test is intended to assess. DIF might affect the validity of a test. The aim of this study was thus to examine whether any of the items in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) exhibits DIF regarding age or gender, and if so, to which degree.

Methods

Using previously collected cross-sectional ESS data from 1,168 subjects with different clinical characteristics (61% males, mean age 67.8 year (SD 12.2 year)), ordinal regression as well as Rasch-based DIF analyses were performed.

Results

Concerning age, both DIF analyses showed DIF for age in items 3 (inactive in a public place), 4 (passenger in a car), and 8 (in a car that has stopped in traffic). The Rasch model also showed DIF for gender in item 3. The DIF magnitudes as judged by McFadden pseudo-R² changes were, however, only minor.

Conclusions

ESS has small but reproducible DIF for age in items 3, 4, and 8. The detected DIF might be worth to consider in large-sample studies, although it probably has no effect on an individual basis.

Objective: 1) To describe the prevalence of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and depressive symptoms in hypertensive men and women below 65 years of age, and 2) to describe the association of OSA to subjective sleep complaints, depressive symptoms and global perceived health. Design: Cross-sectional design focusing on nursing care outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea. Setting: Four primary care health centres in Sweden. PATIENTS: 411 consecutive patients (52% women), mean age 57.9 years (SD 5.9 years), with diagnosed hypertension (BP > 140/90). Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence of OSA and depressive symptoms, and association of OSA to sleep complaints, depressive symptoms and global perceived health. RESULTS: Mild, moderate and severe OSA was seen among 29%, 16% and 14% of patients, respectively. Depressive symptoms were seen in 16% of the total group, with a higher prevalence among men, compared to women, 21% vs. 12%. No differences were found regarding blood pressure, estimated sleep need, sleep sufficiency index, insomnia symptoms, daytime sleepiness or depressive symptoms with respect to different degrees of OSA. Apnea-hypopnea index was significantly associated to perceived health after adjustment for gender and comorbidities, but when depressive symptoms and non-restorative sleep were added to the model, 33% of the variance in global perceived health was explained. Conclusion: OSA is highly prevalent among patients with hypertension in primary care and does together with sleep complaints and depressive symptoms have a negative impact on global perceived health. Hypertensive patients without subjective sleep complaints or depressive symptoms may still have OSA

Methods: a total of 331 community-dwelling elderly aged 71-87 years underwent a clinical examination and one-night polygraphic recordings in their homes. Mortality data were collected after seven years. Results: a total of 55% had SDB, 38% had OSA and 17% had CSA. Compared with those with no SDB and OSA, more participants with CSA had a left ventricular ejection fraction less than 50% (LVEF less than 50%) ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and transient ischaemic attack (TIA)/stroke. There was no difference in the rate of IHD and TIA/stroke between OSA and no SDB, but more LVEF less than 50% was found in those with OSA. CSA significantly increased the risk for all-cause (P = 0.002) and CV mortality (P = 0.018) by more than two times. After adjustments for CV disease, diabetes and the biomarker NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide CSA associations to all-cause mortality and CV mortality lost significance. Conclusion: OSA, in persons greater than 75 years does not appear to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) disease or mortality, whereas CSA might be a pathological marker of CVD and impaired systolic function associated with higher mortality.

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Background and Research Objective: Effective treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can reduce morbidity and mortality, but adherence rates are low. The partner has an important role in supporting the patient, but this role may be adversely affected by difficulties during the early phase of the CPAP initiation. The aim of this study was to explore and describe decisive situations affecting partners support to patients with OSAS and how the partners manage these situations during the initial phase of CPAP treatment. Subjects and Methods: A qualitative descriptive design using critical incident technique was used. A total of 542 decisive situations affecting partners support and 222 situations describing managing were collected by means of interviews with 25 strategically selected partners of patients with CPAP treated OSAS. Results: Adverse effects, limited effect, practical and psychosocial problems, limited presence, and inappropriate initiation emerged as negative influences on the partners support. A well-functioning treatment, improvements, high motivation, and receiving support from others were identified as positive influences on the partners support. The partner managed the situations by letting the patient handle the CPAP treatment by himself/herself, by handling the treatment together with the patient, or taking over the handling of CPAP treatment. Conclusion: Increased knowledge about the different situations that affect the partners support negatively or positively and how these situations are managed by partners can be used in educational situations involving both patients and partners during CPAP initiation.

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Scand J Caring Sci; 2011 Everyday life for the spouses of patients with untreated OSA syndrome The aim of this study was to generate a theoretical model describing concerns for spouses of patients with untreated obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and how they manage these concerns in their everyday life. Twelve spouses were interviewed about their experiences and how they manage everyday life. The interviews were analysed according to the Grounded Theory method as described by Strauss and Corbin. Two main categories emerged from the data: 'Social adjustment' and 'New feelings'. 'Social adjustment' reveals how the spouses made adjustments in their daily lives, both according to their partners' tiredness and owing to their own fatigue. 'New feelings' reveals emotional reactions related to the effects of their partner's illness and the impact it had on the spouse's everyday life. These two main categories could be seen in relation to four dimensions describing how the spouses manage their everyday life: 'Sacrificing', 'Controlling', 'Changing' and 'Understanding'. The results show how the spouses made adjustments in everyday life and how their feelings were affected by their partner's OSAS. Healthcare personnel could use information from this study to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of what spouses of untreated patients with OSAS experience as their main concerns and how they manage their everyday life. This knowledge can be used to improve the support to the spouses, as well as in the educational situation concerning the illness, as well as the treatment.

Objective. In hypertensive primary care patients below 65 years of age, (i) to describe the occurrence of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and (ii) to identify the determinants of moderate/severe OSA. Design. Cross-sectional. Setting. Four primary care health centres in Sweden. Patients. 411 consecutive patients (52% women), mean age 57.9 years (SD 5.9 years), with diagnosed and treated hypertension (BP andgt; 140/90). Main outcome measures. Occurrence of OSA as measured by the apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI). Results. Mild (AHI 5-14.9/h) and moderate/severe (AHI andgt; 15/h) OSA were seen among 29% and 30% of the patients, respectively. Comparing those without OSA with those with mild or moderate/severe OSA, no differences were found in blood pressure, pharmacological treatment (anti-hypertensive, anti-depressive, and hypnotics), sleep, insomnia symptoms, daytime sleepiness, or depressive symptoms. Obesity (BMI andgt; 30 kg/m(2)) was seen in 30% and 68% of the patients with mild and moderate/severe OSA, respectively. Male gender, BMI andgt; 30 kg/m(2), snoring, witnessed apnoeas, and sleep duration andgt; 8 hours were determinants of obstructive sleep apnoea. Conclusion. Previously undiagnosed OSA is common among patients with hypertension in primary care. Obesity, snoring, witnessed apnoeas, long sleep duration, and male gender were the best predictors of OSA, even in the absence of daytime sleepiness and depressive symptoms.

Objective. In hypertensive primary care patients below 65 years of age, (i) to describe the occurrence of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and (ii) to identify the determinants of moderate/severe OSA. Design. Cross-sectional. Setting. Four primary care health centres in Sweden. Patients. 411 consecutive patients (52% women), mean age 57.9 years (SD 5.9 years), with diagnosed and treated hypertension (BP >140/90). Main outcome measures. Occurrence of OSA as measured by the apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI). Results. Mild (AHI 5–14.9/h) and moderate/severe (AHI > 15/h) OSA were seen among 29% and 30% of the patients, respectively. Comparing those without OSA with those with mild or moderate/severe OSA, no differences were found in blood pressure, pharmacological treatment (anti-hypertensive, anti-depressive, and hypnotics), sleep, insomnia symptoms, daytime sleepiness, or depressive symptoms. Obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) was seen in 30% and 68% of the patients with mild and moderate/severe OSA, respectively. Male gender, BMI > 30 kg/m2, snoring, witnessed apnoeas, and sleep duration >8 hours were determinants of obstructive sleep apnoea. Conclusion. Previously undiagnosed OSA is common among patients with hypertension in primary care. Obesity, snoring, witnessed apnoeas, long sleep duration, and male gender were the best predictors of OSA, even in the absence of daytime sleepiness and depressive symptoms. 

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INTRODUCTION: Actigraphy allows long-time evaluation of physical activity and resting behaviour in a normal environment. The aim of this study was, by use of actigraphy, to measure motor function, energy expenditure and resting/sleeping time in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients before and after surgery, and compare the results with healthy individuals (HI).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 33 patients (mean 73 year) and 17 HI (mean 73 year) participated. Actigraphy with SenseWear (BodyMedia Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA) was recorded in the iNPH patients before and three months postoperatively and twice in the HI with a three-month interval. In addition, gait speed, timed up and Go (TUG) and MMSE were registered pre- and post-operatively.

RESULTS: During daytime the patients took fewer steps (p<0.001) and their total energy expenditure (TEE) was lower (p<0.01) than in the HI. Twenty patients were evaluated pre- and post-operatively and no change in either the number of steps, TEE, or time spent lying/sleeping after surgery could be detected. iNPH patients had lower gait speed, worse TUG and MMSE compared to the HI. Gait and TUG improved after surgery.

CONCLUSION: Actigraphy in iNPH patients indicated reduced ambulatory activity and lower energy expenditure compared to HI preoperatively. This did not change postoperatively in spite of improved TUG and gait speed.

Objective. To study development of restless legs syndrome (RLS) during and after pregnancy, and whether RLS is related to snoring or other pregnancy-related symptoms. Design. Prospective study. Setting. Antenatal care clinics in the catchment area of Linkoping university hospital, Sweden. Population. Five hundred consecutively recruited pregnant women. Methods. Sleep disturbances, including symptoms of RLS and snoring, were assessed with questionnaires in each trimester. A complementary questionnaire was sent three years after delivery to women experiencing symptoms of RLS during pregnancy. Main outcome measures. Symptoms of RLS in relation to snoring in each trimester. Results. Symptoms of RLS were reported by 17.0% of the women in the first trimester, by 27.1% in the second trimester and by 29.6% in the third trimester. Snoring in the first trimester was correlated to increased prevalence of RLS in all three trimesters (p= 0.003, 0.017 and 0.044 in the first, second and third trimester, respectively). No correlation was found between RLS and anemia, parity or body mass index. Among the women who experienced RLS, 31% still had symptoms three years after delivery. Fifty-eight per cent of those whose symptoms had disappeared stated that this happened within one month after delivery. Conclusions. Symptoms of RLS progressed most between the first and second trimester. Women who snored in the first or second trimester of pregnancy had a higher prevalence of RLS in the third trimester, which indicates that snoring in early pregnancy might predict RLS later. Symptoms of RLS disappear quite soon after delivery, but about one-third of women with RLS during pregnancy may still have symptoms three years after childbirth.

BACKGROUND:

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has been linked to hypertension in sleep clinic populations, but little is known about the symptom profile of undiagnosed OSA in hypertensive outpatients in primary care.

AIM:

To explore characteristics associated with undiagnosed  OSA in hypertensive primary care patients.

METHODS:

Cross-sectional design, including 411 consecutive patients (52% women), mean age 57.9 years (standard deviation [SD] 5.9 years), with diagnosed hypertension (blood pressure >140/90 mmHg) from four primary care centres. All subjects  underwent a full-night, home-based, respiratory recording to establish the presence and severity of OSA. Clinical variables, medication and comorbidities, as well as data from self-rating scales regarding symptoms/characteristics, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, depressive symptoms  and health were collected during a clinical examination. Factor analyses and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to explore the relationships between self-rated symptoms, clinical characteristics and objectively verified diagnosis of OSA. Main outcome: Measures symptom  profile of undiagnosed OSA (as measured by the Apnoea/Hypopnoea Index [AHI]) in hypertensive outpatients in primary care.

RESULTS:

Fifty-nine percent of the patients had an AHI ≥ 5/hour indicating OSA. An exploratory factor analysis based on 19 variables yielded a six-factor model  (anthropometrics, blood pressure, OSA-related symptoms, comorbidity, health complaints and physical activity) explaining 58% of the variance. SEM analyses showed strong significant associations between anthropometrics (body mass index, neck circumference, waist circumference) (0.45), OSA-related  symptoms (snoring, witnessed apnoeas, dry mouth) (0.47) and AHI. No direct effects of OSA on comorbidities, blood pressure, dyssomnia or self-rated health were observed.

CONCLUSION:

OSA was highly prevalent and was directly associated with anthropometrics and OSA-related symptoms  (snoring, witnessed apnoeas and dry mouth in the morning). When meeting patients with hypertension, these characteristics could be used by general practitioners to identify patients who are in need of referral to a sleep clinic for OSA evaluation.

Background

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has been linked to hypertension in sleep clinic populations, but little is known about the symptom profile of undiagnosed OSA in hypertensive outpatients in primary care.

Aim

To explore characteristics associated with undiagnosed OSA in hypertensive primary care patients.

Methods

Cross-sectional design, including 411 consecutive patients (52% women), mean age 57.9 years (standard deviation [SD] 5.9 years), with diagnosed hypertension (blood pressure >140/90 mmHg) fromfour primary care centres. All subjects underwent a full-night, home-based, respiratory recording to establish the presence and severity of OSA. Clinical variables, medication and comorbidities, as well as data from self-rating scales regarding symptoms/characteristics, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, depressive symptoms and health were collected during a clinical examination. Factor analyses and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to explore the relationships between selfrated symptoms, clinical characteristics and objectively verified diagnosis of OSA.

Main outcome

Measures symptom profile of undiagnosed OSA (as measured by the Apnoea/ Hypopnoea Index [AHI]) in hypertensive outpatients in primary care.

Results

Fifty-nine percent of the patients had an AHI _ 5/hour indicating OSA. An exploratory factor analysis based on 19 variables yielded a six-factor model (anthropometrics, blood pressure, OSA-related symptoms, comorbidity, health complaints and physical activity) explaining 58% of the variance. SEM analyses showed strong significant associations between anthropometrics (body mass index, neck circumference, waist circumference) (0.45), OSA-related symptoms (snoring, witnessed apnoeas, dry mouth) (0.47) and AHI. No direct effects of OSA on comorbidities, blood pressure, dyssomnia or self-rated health were observed.

Conclusion

OSA was highly prevalent and was directly associated with anthropometrics and OSArelated symptoms (snoring, witnessed apnoeas and dry mouth in the morning). When meeting patients with hypertension, these characteristics could be used by general practitioners to identify patients who are in need of referral to a sleep clinic for OSA evaluation. 

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Conclusions: This follow-up showed a stable and significant decrease in median oxygen desaturation index 4% (ODI(4)) values over the years. Approximately two-thirds of the patients fulfilled the success criteria (ODI4 reduction of 50% and andlt;20) after 15 years. A majority had improved/cured excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and were satisfied. No increased mortality rate was seen. Objectives: To evaluate sleep apnoea recordings and symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome 15 years after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) compared to baseline and previous follow-ups. Methods: This was a non-randomized, prospective intervention study on 50 patients who underwent UPPP during 1985-88. Their initial median age was 49 years (range 38-71) and ODI4 was 26.5 (4-82). Results: In all, 13 patients had died; 26 patients underwent sleep apnoea recordings. Median ODI4 had decreased from 26.5 (range 4-82) to 8.5 (0-60), p andlt; 0.01, a mean reduction of 52%; 65% of patients achieved the success criteria. One-third was objectively categorized as non-snorers. Median body mass index was unchanged. The questionnaires were answered by 32 of 37 patients; 88% reported improved or cured EDS and 78% were satisfied. Pharyngeal disturbances ratings were low. The standardized mortality rate did not differ from the general Swedish population.

Rationale, aims and objectives Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has a low long-term adherence. Educational interventions are few and sparsely described regarding content, pedagogical approach and participants' perceptions. The aim was to describe adherence to CPAP treatment, knowledge about OSA/CPAP, as well as OSA patients' perceptions of participating in a group-based programme using problem-based learning (PBL) for CPAP initiation.

Educational programme The PBL programme incorporated elements from theories and models concerning motivation and habits. Tutorial groups consisting of four to eight patients met at six sessions during 6 months.

Methods A sequential explanatory mixed method design was used on 25 strategically selected patients. Quantitative data regarding, clinical variables, OSA severity, CPAP use, and knowledge were collected at baseline, after 2 weeks and 6 months. Qualitative data regarding patients' perceptions of participation were collected after 6 months by semi-structured interviews using a phenomenographic approach.

Results 72% of the patients were adherent to CPAP treatment after 2 weeks and 6 months. All patients improved their baseline knowledge about OSA and CPAP after 2 weeks and sustained it after 6 months. Anxiety and fear, as well as difficulties and needs were motivational factors for participation. Patients described the difficulties of behavioural change, an awareness that improvements do not occur immediately, a realization of the importance of both technical and emotional support and the need for a healthier lifestyle.

Conclusion and practice implications A group-based programme using PBL seems to facilitate adaptive and developmental learning and result in acceptable CPAP adherence levels. 

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Aim. To evaluate whether there are gender differences in insomnia, sleep quality, sleep efficiency (%), general arousal, disease-specific and health-related quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease, compared with an age- and gender-matched randomly selected group from the general population.

Background.  There are gender difference effects of sleep disturbances in the general population, but this perspective among patients with coronary artery disease has been poorly analysed.

Design.  In this prospective study, comparative, descriptive and model testing designs were used.

Method.  The patients with coronary artery disease, 556 men and 324 women aged 25–86, were compared with a matched population-based group. Data were collected by validated and reliability-tested questionnaires.

Results.  The prevalence of severe insomnia varied between 17–44% in all four groups. The severe insomniac coronary artery disease patients displayed a two- or threefold higher presleep arousal, had two hours shorter nocturnal sleep duration/night and were more limited in their physical exercise level than the population-based group. Gender differences in sleep quality, sleep efficiency (%) and general arousal disappeared with increased insomnia severity.

Conclusions.  Independent of gender, age and comorbidity, physical exercise, general arousal behaviour and delayed poststress recovery after mental stress were found to have a negative impact on the coronary artery disease patients’ sleep quality and sleep efficiency (%), interfering with their health-related quality of life. The variables significantly explained 41% of the sleep quality outcome and 29% of the sleep efficiency (%).

Relevance to clinical practice.  Insomnia because of hyperarousal behaviour can be an important factor in the development of an individual self-care management programme supported by a healthcare team.

Introduction: Sleep disordered breathing (SDB), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and impaired cardiac function are common in elderly people. We investigated the association of SDB and mortality in a community dwelling elderly population, considering CVD and objectively measured impaired cardiac function have been poorly studied thus far. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanAim: To investigate whether SDB is a factor that affects mortality in elderly people, with a focus on those with CVD and/or signs of impaired cardiac function. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanMethods: A prospective cohort design was used and 331 community dwelling elderly aged 71-87 years underwent one-night polygraphic recordings in the subjects homes. CVD and systolic function were objectively established. Mortality data were collected after 6 years. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanResults: in the total population there were no significant associations between mortality and SOB. In those with CVD and impaired systolic function, as measured by NT-proBNP, oxygen desaturation index (ODI) andgt;= 10 was associated with mortality. The hazard ratio of 3.0 (Cl 95% 1.1-8.6, p = 0.03) remained statistically significant after adjustments for age, gender, diabetes and plasma values of NT-proBNP. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanConclusion: SOB in community dwelling elderly has no overall association to mortality irrespective of degree of SDB. However, hypoxic events (i.e., ODI andgt;= 10) were associated with mortality in the group who had CVD in combination with impaired systolic function.

Objectives/Hypothesis: In general, obstructive sleep apnea (USA) seems to be a progressive disorder whose pathogenesis is not fully understood. One hypothesis is that long-standing snoring vibrations cause a local neuropathy in the upper airway, which predisposes to obstructive events during sleep. The aim of this study was to investigate sensory function in the upper airway in a cohort of subjects comprising nonsnorers, snorers, and untreated subjects with USA, and to correlate data to apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and duration of snoring. Study Design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Methods: Subjects were recruited from primary care hypertension clinics. Whole-night respiratory recordings were performed to determine presence and degree of USA. Three groups were formed based on AHI and snoring history: 1) nonsnorers (n = 25); 2) snorers, AHI andlt; 10 (n = 32); 3) USA subjects, AHI andgt;= 10 (n = 33). Quantitative cold sensory testing of the soft palate and lip was used to assess neuropathy. Results: There were no significant differences concerning lip sensory function between groups. Nonsnorers showed significantly lower thresholds for cold (i.e., better sensitivity) in the soft palate compared to both other groups (P andlt; .01). Snorers had lower thresholds than USA subjects (P andlt; .05). There were significant correlations (P andlt; .01) between decreased sensory function and AHI (r(s) = .41) and to duration of snoring (r(s) = .47). Conclusions: The degree of sensory neuropathy in the upper airway correlates with degree of obstructive sleep disorder. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that snoring vibrations may cause a neuropathy in the upper airway, which contributes to the progression and development of USA.

Objectives/ Hypothesis:In general, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) seems to be a progressive disorder whose pathogenesis is not fully understood. One hypothesis is that long-standing snoring vibrations cause a local neuropathy in the upper airway, which predisposes to obstructive events during sleep. The aim of this study was to investigate sensory function in the upper airway in a cohort of subjects comprising nonsnorers, snorers, and untreated subjects with OSA, and to correlate data to apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and duration of snoring.

Study Design:Cross-sectional cohort study.

Methods:Subjects were recruited from primary care hypertension clinics. Whole-night respiratory recordings were performed to determine presence and degree of OSA. Three groups were formed based on AHI and snoring history: 1) nonsnorers (n = 25); 2) snorers, AHI < 10 (n = 32); 3) OSA subjects, AHI ≥ 10 (n = 33). Quantitative cold sensory testing of the soft palate and lip was used to assess neuropathy.

Results:There were no significant differences concerning lip sensory function between groups. Nonsnorers showed significantly lower thresholds for cold (i.e., better sensitivity) in the soft palate compared to both other groups (P < .01). Snorers had lower thresholds than OSA subjects (P < .05). There were significant correlations (P < .01) between decreased sensory function and AHI (rs = .41) and to duration of snoring (rs = .47).

Conclusions:The degree of sensory neuropathy in the upper airway correlates with degree of obstructive sleep disorder. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that snoring vibrations may cause a neuropathy in the upper airway, which contributes to the progression and development of OSA. Laryngoscope, 2011

ontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), but low adherence rates are common. The aim was to develop the attitudes to CPAP treatment inventory (ACTI), and to investigate the validity and reliability of the instrument among patients with OSAS. ACTI was developed on the basis of: (i) in-depth interviews with 23 patients; (ii) examination of the scientific literature; and (iii) consensus agreement of a multi-professional expert panel. This yielded five different types of attitudes to CPAP treatment. A prospective longitudinal design was used. Two-hundred and eighty-nine patients with OSAS were recruited at three different CPAP centres. Data were collected with ACTI and obtained from medical records. The homogeneity and internal consistency reliability were satisfactorily reflected by the item-total correlations (0.59-0.81) and Cronbachs alpha (0.89), respectively. Construct validity was confirmed with factor analysis (principal component analysis with orthogonal rotation; PCF). The PCF based on baseline data resulted in a one single-factor solution explaining 69% of the total variance. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed 2 weeks after CPAP initiation, resulting in the same factor solution. No indication of uniform differential item functioning was found. The predictive validity was tested with receiver operating characteristic analyses, and a cut-off of 10 on the ACTI gave a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 44% for CPAP termination within 6 months. The satisfactory measurement properties of this new pragmatic instrument are promising and indicate that ACTI can be useful in clinical practice to reliably measure attitudes to CPAP treatment.

The relationships between heart failure (HF), sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), insomnia, depressive symptoms, and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), as well as their relationship to Global Perceived Health (GPH) in an elderly community-dwelling population, have not been explored. Data from 331 community-dwelling elderly (71-87 years old) were collected by echocardiography, polygraphy, and specific questionnaires. Factor analyses and structural equation modeling were used to explore the relationships between HF, SDB, sleep, psychosocial factors, and GPH. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses derived a 5-factor model representing SDB, insomnia, systolic function, breathlessness/physical function, and psychosocial function. Structural equation modeling analyses were used to explore the relationships between the 5 factors and to GPH. Sleep-disordered breathing had a weak effect on systolic function, but no effects on any of the other factors or GPH were found. Psychosocial function and breathlessness/physical function directly affected GPH. Indirect effects on GPH, mediated by psychosocial function, were found for breathlessness/physical function and insomnia. Systolic function also had an indirect effect on GPH. The fact that SDB in the elderly has no obvious negative associations to sleep complaints or GPH does not exclude them from being adequately treated for SDB. However, the present study has shown that SDB, by means of self-rated sleep complaints and health-related quality of life, can be problematic to detect. Psychosocial function was the most important factor for perceived GPH as it had a direct effect, as well as mediated the factors breathlessness/physical function and insomnia effects, on GPH. This study indicates that interventions in clinical practice targeting psychosocial dysfunction, such as depressive symptoms, could help to improve GPH in the elderly with or without HF.

Objective: Several studies indicate an upper airway peripheral neuropathy in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The sensation of cold, as measured by cold detection thresholds (CDT), in the oropharynx has been shown to be compromised in patients with sleep apnea and, to a lesser extent, habitual snoring. To reveal whether this neuropathy is part of the pathogenetic process of OSAS, longitudinal studies of snorers are needed. The objective of the present study was to establish the test-retest repeatability for the two most commonly used thermal testing methods: the reaction time exclusive method of levels (MLE) and the method of limits (MLI). Methods: Forty non-snoring subjects were tested at the soft palate and the lip at two separate occasions (mean interval 45 days) using a Medoc TSA - 2001 equipment with an intra-oral thermode. Results: With MLE mean CDTs were lower for both the lip and soft palate than with MLI. However, MLI showed a better test-retest repeatability (r = 2.2 vs. 2.6) for the soft palate. Conclusions: MLI should be used in longitudinal studies. The performance of this method is also faster. Significance: We have established a quick, safe and reliable method suitable for longitudinal studies of peripheral neuropathy in sleep apnea pathogenesis.

Objective

Several studies indicate an upper airway peripheral neuropathy in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The sensation of cold, as measured by cold detection thresholds (CDT), in the oropharynx has been shown to be compromised in patients with sleep apnea and, to a lesser extent, habitual snoring. To reveal whether this neuropathy is part of the pathogenetic process of OSAS, longitudinal studies of snorers are needed. The objective of the present study was to establish the test–retest repeatability for the two most commonly used thermal testing methods: the reaction time exclusive method of levels (MLE) and the method of limits (MLI).

Methods

Forty non-snoring subjects were tested at the soft palate and the lip at two separate occasions (mean interval 45 days) using a Medoc TSA – 2001 equipment with an intra-oral thermode.

Results

With MLE mean CDT’s were lower for both the lip and soft palate than with MLI. However, MLI showed a better test–retest repeatability (r = 2.2 vs. 2.6) for the soft palate.

Conclusions

MLI should be used in longitudinal studies. The performance of this method is also faster.

Significance

We have established a quick, safe and reliable method suitable for longitudinal studies of peripheral neuropathy in sleep apnea pathogenesis.

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.

Objective - The neuropathy associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathy (IgM-MG) is regarded as a sensorimotor, mainly demyelinating neuropathy. It is not fully known whether the neuropathy in IgG-MG is caused by the same mechanisms and shows the same electrophysiological characteristics. We aimed at making a comparison between clinical and neurophysiological findings in these two conditions. Patients and methods - Twenty-seven patients with IgM-associated neuropathy [18 with anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (anti-MAG) antibodies] were compared with 15 age-matched patients with IgG-associated neuropathy. Results - Patients with IgM-associated neuropathy (especially those with anti-MAG antibodies) had significantly clinically more severe disabilities with involvement of both motor and sensory functions compared with patients with IgG-associated neuropathy in whom clinical sensory disturbances were more prominent than motor dysfunction. Motor and sensory conduction velocities were significantly lower and distal latencies significantly longer in the IgM group than in the IgG group concerning the median, ulnar and peroneal nerves. Fifty-four per cent of the patients in the IgM group did not present a sensory response of the median nerve vs 13% in the IgG group. There was also a significant difference concerning absent responses from the peroneal and sural nerves in the IgM vs IgG group (peroneal: 48% vs 13%, sural: 88% vs 27%). Conclusion - Polyneuropathy associated with IgM-MG, especially when associated with anti-MAG antibodies, appears to have more of a demyelinating involvement that meets the criteria for demyelination. This was not as clear in those associated with IgG. The IgG neuropathy showed less and milder deficit in the electrophysiological studies.

Introduction: Effective treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can reduce morbidity and mortality, but adherence rates are low without a clear consensus Of causes. Objective: To explore the experiences of adherence to CPAP treatment in patients with OSAS. Methods: A qualitative content analysis was employed. Data were collected by in-depth interviews with 23 purposively selected patients. Results: Adherence to CPAP treatment was summarized according to "facilitators" and "barriers" to CPAP treatment. Facilitators for adherence, as described by the patients were a desire to avoid symptoms, knowledge about the risk for medical consequences, fear of negative social consequences and disturbing the sleep of significant others. Other facilitators were a positive attitude to CPAP treatment, trust in healthcare personnel, a sense of engagement from the spouse and a feeling of physical improvement. Barriers included experiencing practical problems, negative psychological effects of the equipment, and negative attitudes to the treatment. Other barriers were side-effects as well as insufficient support from healthcare personnel and the spouse. Conclusion: Adherence to CPAP treatment is a multifaceted problem including patient, treatment, condition, social and healthcare related factors. Knowledge about facilitators and barriers for adherence to CPAP treatment can be used in interventional Strategies.