[Continuous positive airway pressure in obstructive sleep apnea]

The specific branches leading to the genioglossus muscle: three-dimensional localisation using skin reference points

INTRODUCTION

Supra-selective stimulation of the branches destined for the horizontal part of genioglossus muscle (GGh) could be a target of choice in the treatment of mild-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The main aim of our study was to assess a percutaneous method for the three-dimensional localisation of the terminal branches destined to GGh.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty cadaveric hypoglossal nerves were dissected and included in the injection protocol. The distance between the posterior edge of the mandibular symphysis and the hyoid bone on the sagittal midline as the approximated distance of the geniohyoid muscle (dGH) was measured before any dissection. Methylene blue mixed with a thickening agent, was injected. The injection point was defined in relation to dGH, in an orthonormal coordinate system. For each dissection, we recorded the theoretical and the real (X, Y, Z) coordinates of GGh motor points and measured their distance to each other.

RESULTS

X was accurately estimated. Y and Z were overestimated by + 5.34 ± 5.21 mm ([Formula: see text]) and + 4.79 ± 3.99 mm ([Formula: see text]) on average, respectively. We found a more significant difference between the theoretical and real Y and Z coordinates in the subgroup BMI < 25 kg/m² (8.6 ± 4.5 mm and 6.9 ± 2.5 mm, respectively, p = 0.0009), and of Z in subgroup with dGH ≥ 50 mm (6.89 ± 3.26 mm, p = 0.0494).

CONCLUSIONS

X can be estimated accurately using the relationship [Formula: see text]. Y seems to be related to BMI and Z may be estimated with the relationship [Formula: see text]. This three-dimensional localisation could be very helpful to facilitate placement of cuff electrodes to manage refractory sleep apnea.

[Non-surgical treatment of the sleep related breathing disorders in adults]

The treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) must allow for the suppression of symptoms and also prevent its immediate and long-term consequences. The evaluation of the effectiveness of treatments is now based on a normal apnea/hypopnea index, a normal oxygen saturation and the disappearance of sleep fragmentation. Clinical and biological follow-up of co-morbidities must be ensured. Compliance with treatment, a major element of success, must be monitored. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is still the most effective and widely used treatment. However, mandibular advancement orthosis is now recommended as a first-line treatment in moderate forms in the absence of severe cardiovascular comorbidities (CV) and remains a therapeutic alternative in the event of refusal or intolerance to CPAP. Nutritional management in cases of obesity and a physical activity program must be systematically offered. A reduction in nocturnal breathing disorders can also be achieved by using a device in the event of positional OSAHS, or by limiting fluid movements. The contribution of myofunctional therapy is currently being evaluated. Very recently, a study testing the efficiency of pharmacological treatment on the severity of OSAHS and the reactivity of geniogloss appears to be promising. The evaluation of these different treatments and their combination should make it possible to evolve towards a personalised management adapted to each patient.