Long-Term Results of Uvulopaloplasty in Patients with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Objective: to assess severity of daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) and possibility of their correction in the long-term uvulopaloplasty period (UPP) in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Material and methods. The data of the 41 patients with nighttime snoring, witnessed sleep apneas and daytime drowsiness: men and women of 40-65 years without cardiac or lung insufficiency. Group 1 - 22 patients, who underwent UPP 3-5 years prior to consultation. Group 2 - 19 patients, who underwent UPP 6-12 months earlier. Tests: cardiorespiratory sleep monitoring, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Sleep Quality Scale. Re-interview 2 months after initiation of some therapy. Results. Group 1 (n = 22): obesity (BMI 34,2 ± 6,1), severe OSAS (AHI 55,2 ± 18,5), high level of daytime drowsiness (18,7 ± 6,3 points) and low sleep quality (13,0 ± 6,8 points). Group 2 (n = 19): reduction in AHI level. It was significant statistically, but not clinically. Daytime drowsiness and sleep quality did not change. The majority of patients in both groups had distinctive anatomical features of oropharynx and dental-maxillary system. In 29 cases out of 41, it was possible to reduce daytime sleepiness and improve the quality of night sleep with the help of CPAP-therapy or intraoral device. Conclusion. UPP does not exert a clinically significant affect the severity of sleep disturbance in patients with obesity and severe OSAS. Clinical state correction of patients in the long-term period of UPP is possible with the help of CPAP therapy or intraoral fixation devices.