A review on drug-induced sedation endoscopy - Technique, grading systems and controversies

The use of CBCT in orthodontics with special focus on upper airway analysis in patients with sleep-disordered breathing

Applications of cone-beam CT (CBCT) in orthodontics have been increasingly discussed and evaluated in science and practice over the last two decades. The present work provides a comprehensive summary of current consolidated practice guidelines, cutting-edge innovative applications, and future outlooks about potential use of CBCT in orthodontics with a special focus on upper airway analysis in patients with sleep-disordered breathing. The present scoping review reveals that clinical applications of CBCT in orthodontics are broadly supported by evidence for the diagnosis of dental anomalies, temporomandibular joint disorders, and craniofacial malformations. On the other hand, CBCT imaging for upper airway analysis-including soft tissue diagnosis and airway morphology-needs further validation in order to provide better understanding regarding which diagnostic questions it can be expected to answer. Internationally recognized guidelines for CBCT use in orthodontics are existent, and similar ones should be developed to provide clear indications about the appropriate use of CBCT for upper airway assessment, including a list of specific clinical questions justifying its prescription.

A Critical Analysis of Pharyngeal Patterns of Collapse in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Beyond the Endoscopic Classification Systems

(1) Background: Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) enables the three-dimensional and dynamic visualization of the upper airway (UA) during sleep, which is useful in selecting the best treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients, particularly for surgical procedures. Despite international consensus statements or position papers, a universally accepted DISE methodology and classification system remain a controversial open question. (2) Methods: A review of the English scientific literature on DISE related to endoscopic classification systems and surgical outcome predictors (3) Results: Of the 105 articles, 47 were included in the analysis based on their content's relevance to the searched keywords. (4) Conclusions: A final report and scoring classification system is not universally accepted; the most internationally applied endoscopic classification system during DISE does not cover all patterns of events that occur simultaneously during the endoscopic examination, highlighting that several configurations of collapse and obstruction at different UA levels could be observed during DISE, which should be described in detail if DISE has to be considered in the decision-making process for the UA surgical treatment in OSA patients and if DISE has to have a role as a predictive factor for surgical outcomes analysis.

Polysomnographic Findings Versus Degree of Obstruction During Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy and Muller's Maneuver

PURPOSE

To investigate associations between polysomnographic findings and the severity of upper airway obstructions during Muller's Maneuver (MM) and Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study. Adult patients newly diagnosed with OSAS in a tertiary sleep center were included consecutively and evaluated by polysomnography and MM. They then underwent DISE in an operating room. The associations between polysomnographic findings and the severity of upper airway obstructions during MM and DISE were assessed. Also, the degree and pattern of obstructions were compared using a modified VOTE questionnaire.

RESULTS

145 patients (mean age 41.5 ± 10.1 years) were enrolled. There were no associations between Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI), mean and lowest O2 saturation, and body mass index on the one hand, and obstruction degree in MM and DISE (p > 0.05). However, a significant positive correlation was observed between RDI and total VOTE scores in DISE and MM (r = 0.179, p = 0.031 and r = 0.221, p = 0.008 respectively). There were no differences between MM and DISE in diagnosing the degree of obstruction in the velum area (p = 0.687) and the epiglottis (p = 0.50). However, a significant difference was observed between the two techniques in the oropharynx lateral wall (p < 0.001) and tongue base (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

Although there was no association between polysomnographic findings and the severity of obstruction in MM and DISE for the separate levels of the upper airway, obstruction severity may be assessed more accurately by total VOTE score, which is representative of RDI severity.

Association Between Breathing Route, Oxygen Desaturation, and Upper Airway Morphology

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

This study aimed to assess the role of capnography in objectively evaluating breathing routes during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and further elucidate the relationship between breathing route, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity, and DISE findings.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

METHODS

Nighty-five patients with established OSA were recruited for this study from May 2017 to May 2019. DISE was performed in the operating room. Sedation was maintained with propofol using a target-controlled infusion system and the depth of sedation was monitored based on the bispectral index. The breathing routes, which included oral breathing, oronasal breathing, and nasal breathing, were detected using capnography. DISE findings were recorded using the VOTE (velum, oropharynx, base of tongue, and epiglottis) classification.

RESULTS

Patients with mouth breathing were associated with increased OSA severity, worse oximetric variables, and higher body mass index in comparison with those with other breathing routes. Mouth breathing was associated with a higher degree and higher prevalence of lateral pharyngeal wall collapse and tongue base collapse during DISE.

CONCLUSIONS

Mouth breathing was significantly associated with worse oxygen desaturation and increased degree of upper airway collapse. Therefore, patients with mouth breathing during propofol-based intravenous anesthesia should be carefully monitored.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E659-E664, 2021.

Updates on management of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects about 1%-5% of the pediatric population. The consequences of untreated OSA in children include neurocognitive deficits, behavioral problems, poor school performance as well as systemic and pulmonary hypertension. The treatment options for pediatric OSA are numerous with a variety of surgical and non-surgical interventions. As our understanding of the complexities of OSA grows, the options for management have continued to expand as well. The objectives of this review are to describe the commonly prescribed treatments for pediatric OSA including adenotonsillectomy as well as use of positive airway pressure. We also highlight other surgical and non-surgical interventions available. In addition, we provide updates on current research focusing on newer diagnostic and experimental treatment modalities.

Positional Awake Endoscopy Versus DISE in Assessment of OSA: A Comparative Study

OBJECTIVE

To compare awake endoscopy with Müller's maneuver (MM) during both sitting and supine positions, with drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) as regard determination of different levels, patterns, and degrees of collapse of the upper airway in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

The study included adult patients with OSA symptoms, who had apnea hypopnea index (AHI) > 15. Patients were examined by MM in a sitting position, then during supine position; DISE then followed. Site, pattern, and degree of obstruction were assessed by experienced examiners according to the nose oropharynx hypopharynx and larynx classification.

RESULTS

Eighty-one adult subjects were included. The most common pattern of collapse at the retro-palatal level was the concentric pattern, while the predominant pattern at the hypopharyngeal level was the lateral wall collapse. The analysis of the pattern of collapse of the study group revealed that the individual pattern did not change (for the same patient at the same level) in the majority of patients whatever the maneuver or the position.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the feasibility of positional awake endoscopy for providing valuable surgical information as regard level, pattern, and degree of severity in OSA. The data of positional awake endoscopy were comparable to those gained from DISE with less morbidity and costs. The idea and results of this work provide a useful foundation for future research in this area. Multicenter studies are encouraged to obtain more reliable conclusions and more clear standards aiming at a better surgical planning.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2269-2274, 2020.

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy: Clinical Application and Surgical Outcomes

The visualization of the level and pattern of apnea and hypopnea events is of pivotal importance in the diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). There are numerous techniques available to assess upper airway obstruction, which include imaging, acoustic analysis, pressure transducer recording, and endoscopic evaluation. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is a diagnostic tool that allows the dynamic, three-dimensional evaluation of the patterns of vibration and collapse of the upper airway of SDB patients. DISE may change the initial surgical planning in a high percentage of cases. A universally accepted and methodologically standardized DISE could provide significant insight into its role to improve surgical outcomes. However, up to now the ideal DISE protocol remains an open question.

A pilot study to determine the effects of nasal co-phenylcaine on drug-induced sleep endoscopy

Purpose

The use of nasal decongestant and nasal anaesthesia is currently not recommended during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) according to the European position paper. The evaluation of the effects of nasal decongestant/anaesthesia on DISE has not been performed before and our aim is to perform a pilot study to determine whether nasal decongestants/anaesthesia affects DISE outcomes.

Methods

27 patients undergoing DISE for OSA or for simple snoring were included. On each patient, DISE was performed twice, before and approximately 10 min after the administration of two puffs of co-phenylcaine nasal spray (lidocaine hydrochloride 5%, phenylephrine 0.5%, and benzalkonium chloride 0.01%) into each nostril. A nasal peak inspiratory flow was used for the objective assessment of nasal airway obstruction. During the first and the second DISE the loudness of the snoring was also recorded.

Results

Change in DISE total grading after nasal spray administration was not statistically significant. For the same grading, changes in percentage of contribution to collapse were not statistically significant. Sex, AHI, BMI, tonsils grade, presence of rhinitis, turbinate hypertrophy, nasal septal deviation, or nasal peak inspiratory flow limitation had no influence on the effect of nasal spray. Co-phenylcaine did not significantly influence the loudness of snoring.

Conclusions

Our pilot study supports the use of co-phenylcaine nasal spray during DISE and the positive effects of the nasal spray do not influence the grading outcome. Importantly, the decongestant enhances the nasal assessment during DISE and potentially aids in the diagnosis of nasal obstruction while the nasal anaesthetic component may be beneficial by reducing nasal discomfort during DISE and thereby helping to reduce the total dose of intravenous anaesthetic administered. However, further studies on a larger population are needed to confirm our results.

Tailoring surgical interventions to treat obstructive sleep apnoea: one size does not fit all

While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the gold standard treatment of choice in patients with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), surgery has been established as a means to improve compliance and facilitate the use of CPAP, both of which are potential pitfalls in the efficacy of this treatment modality. In a minority of cases, with obvious oropharyngeal anatomical obstruction, corrective surgery may completely alleviate the need for CPAP treatment. In this review, we summarise clinical assessment, surgical options, discuss potential new treatments, and outline the importance of investigating and addressing the multiple anatomical levels that can contribute to OSA. Research into effectiveness of these procedures is rapidly accumulating, and surgery can be an effective treatment. However, given the myriad of options available and multiple levels of anatomical pathology that can present, it is imperative that correctly selected patients are matched with the most appropriate treatment for the best outcomes.

KEY POINTS

OSA is an increasingly prevalent disorder which has significant systemic effects if left untreated.Anatomical abnormalities can be corrected surgically to good effect with a growing and robust evidence base.Drug-induced sleep endoscopy is a key tool in the otolaryngologist's armamentarium to tailor specific surgery to address specific anatomical concerns, and to facilitate appropriate patient selection.Multilevel surgical approaches are often indicated instead of a "one size fits all" model.

EDUCATIONAL AIMS

To discuss how to assess patients presenting with OSA in clinic, from an otorhinolaryngology perspective.To discuss the indications for intervention.To provide an overview of nonsurgical interventions for treating OSA, with evidence.To discuss the different surgical modalities available for treatment of OSA, with evidence.