Gastroesophageal and laryngopharyngeal reflux profiles in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome as determined by combined multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring

Association of self-reported and objective sleep disturbance with the spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux disease

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is complex. We aimed to determine the association of self-reported and objective sleep parameters with diverse manifestations of the GERD spectrum.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited 561 individuals who underwent an electrocardiogram-based cardiopulmonary coupling for OSA screening during a health check-up. All participants received the Reflux Disease Questionnaire and an upper endoscopy to determine the presence of troublesome reflux symptoms and erosive esophagitis (EE). Sleep quality was evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and sleep dysfunction was defined as a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score > 5. OSA was defined as a cardiopulmonary coupling-derived apnea-hypopnea index exceeding 15 events/h. Comparisons were made between participants on the GERD spectrum with respect to their various self-reported and objective sleep parameters.

RESULTS

Among the 277 patients with GERD (49.4%), 198 (35.3%) had EE. Patients with GERD had higher PSQI scores (6.99 ± 3.97 vs 6.07 ± 3.73, P = .005) and a higher prevalence of sleep dysfunction (60.6% vs 49.6%, P = .009). Patients with EE had a higher prevalence of OSA (42.9% vs 33.9%, P = .034). Along the GERD spectrum, symptomatic patients with EE had the highest PSQI scores and prevalence of sleep dysfunction (70.7%), while asymptomatic patients with EE had the highest prevalence of OSA (44%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate a high prevalence of sleep dysfunction among individuals with GERD. Furthermore, patients on the GERD spectrum are prone to experiencing a range of self-reported and objective sleep disturbances.

CITATION

Hu K-Y, Tseng P-H, Hsu W-C, et al. Association of self-reported and objective sleep disturbance with the spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux disease. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(6):911-920.

Association between oropharyngeal ph-monitoring, pepsin saliva concentration and degree of apnea-hypopnea index of obstructive sleep apnea

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) through oropharyngeal pH-monitoring and pepsin saliva measurements.

DESIGN

Prospective uncontrolled study.

METHODS

Patients with sleep disturbances and reflux symptoms underwent polysomnography, 24-h oropharyngeal pH-monitoring and saliva pepsin collections. The prevalence of LPR was investigated in OSA patients according to oropharyngeal pH-monitoring and pepsin measurements. A correlation analysis was performed between pH-monitoring findings, pepsin saliva levels, reflux symptom score-12 (RSS-12), reflux sign assessment (RSA), Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pichot and arousal findings.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients completed the evaluations. LPR was detected in 34/37 (92%) and 29/34 (85%) patients at the oropharyngeal-pH monitoring and pepsin test, respectively. OSA was detected in 30 patients (81%). Among them, LPR was detected in 28/30 (93%) cases. Pharyngeal reflux events mainly occurred nighttime/supine in OSA patients. Both Ryan score and supine reflux time at pH < 6.5 were significantly associated with BMI and the RSA sub- and total scores (p < 0.02). Tongue-base hypertrophy score was positively associated with the number of micro-arousals (p = 0.027); the supine percent of pH < 6.5 (p = 0.030); morning (p = 0.030) and bedtime pepsin saliva measurements (p = 0.037). The bedtime pepsin saliva level was significantly associated with Ryan Score (p = 0.047); AHI (p = 0.017) and the sleep saturation < 90% time (p = 0.040). The saliva level of the morning pepsin was associated with a shortest paradoxical sleep phase (p = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

OSA patients may have high prevalence of pharyngeal reflux events at the oropharyngeal pH-monitoring and high pepsin saliva measurements. Oropharyngeal pH-monitoring should be useful for the correlation between reflux and sleep findings in OSA patients. Future large cohort controlled studies are needed to determine the prevalence of LPR in OSA and healthy individuals.

The role of pH-impedance monitoring in swallowing disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the current evidence about the usefulness and the place of pH study in the management of patients with swallowing disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) are found in approximately 30% of patients with esophageal or oropharyngeal dysphagia. Patients with suspected GERD may benefit from gastrointestinal endoscopy and proton pump inhibitors according to guidelines. The diagnosis of LPR in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia is more controversial because there are no gold standard and diagnostic guidelines. The clinical diagnosis based on empirical therapeutic trial is a reasonable first-line strategy, but many dysphagic patients should not respond to treatment. These patients require hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (HEMII-pH), which is the most effective examination providing important information on GERD and LPR features. At the HEMII-pH, GERD patients often report upright (daytime) and supine (nighttime) liquid acid esophageal events with significant esophageal distal acid exposure time. LPR patients have more frequently upright (daytime) gaseous weakly acid or nonacid pharyngeal reflux events without distal esophageal acid exposure abnormalities in many times. The features of reflux at the HEMII-pH may indicate a personalized treatment for dysphagic patients combining proton pump inhibitors, alginate/magaldrate or gastroprokinetic in cases of esophageal dysmotility.

SUMMARY

GERD and LPR are prevalent causes of dysphagia. The large number of reflux patients who do not respond to empirical treatment makes important the awareness of otolaryngologists about pH-impedance monitoring indication, features, and interpretation.

Clinical Update Findings about pH-Impedance Monitoring Features in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Patients

Purpose: The diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is commonly based on non-specific symptoms and findings and a positive response to an empirical therapeutic trial. The therapeutic response is, however, unpredictable, and many patients need pH-impedance monitoring to confirm the diagnosis. Methods: A review of the recent literature was conducted in PubMED, Scopus, and Embase about the pH-study features of LPR patients. A summary of last evidence was proposed. Results: The awareness of otolaryngologists about indications and interpretation of pH-impedance monitoring is low. The hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (HEMII-pH) is the most reliable examination determining the type and composition of hypopharyngeal reflux events (HRE) and the LPR features. The use of HEMII-pH is important to confirm the diagnosis in selected patients because non-specificity of symptoms and findings. There are no international consensus guidelines for the LPR diagnosis at the HEMII-pH. However, most studies supported the occurrence of >1 acid/weakly acid/nonacid HRE as diagnostic threshold. HREs are more frequently gaseous, weakly/nonacid compared with reflux events of gastroesophageal reflux. HREs occurred as daytime and upright, which does not support the value of double proton pump inhibitors or bedtime alginate. Oropharyngeal pH-monitoring is another approach reporting different sensitivity and specificity outcomes from HEMII-pH. The use of Ryan score for the LPR diagnosis at the oropharyngeal pH monitoring may be controversial regarding the low consideration of alkaline HREs. Conclusions: The awareness of otolaryngologists about HEMII-pH indication, features, and interpretation is an important issue regarding the high prevalence of LPR in outpatients consulting in otolaryngology. The HEMII-pH findings may indicate a more personalized treatment considering type and occurrence time of HREs.

Analysis of effects of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease and proton pump inhibitor treatment on Eustachian tube function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the effects of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment on Eustachian tube function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

The Eustachian tube score-7 (ETS-7) was observed before and after PPI treatment in the control group, OSA only group, and OSA + LPRD group.

RESULTS

Age, sex, smoking history, and drinking history showed no differences among 3 groups (P > .05). The body mass index (BMI) in the control group was lower than that in other groups (P < .017). Before PPI treatment, the abnormality rate of ETS-7 in the OSA + LPRD group statistically differed from that in the control group and the OSA only group (P < .017). After PPI treatment, the abnormality rate of ETS-7 in the OSA + LPRD group exhibited no significant differences compared with that in the control group and the OSA only group (P > .017), and it declined remarkably compared with that before PPI treatment (75% vs 35%, χ² = 13.334, P = .001). Moreover, the multivariate analysis revealed that only LPRD had an independent correlation with the abnormality of ETS-7 (OR = 1.245, 95% CI: 1.759-6.861, P = .000).

CONCLUSION

In view of its high incidence in OSA patients, LPRD may be a considerable factor for the high incidence of abnormality rate of ETS-7 in OSA patients, and PPI therapy is of significant value in improving Eustachian tube function in OSA patients with LPRD.

Associations of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Obestatin, Leptin, and Ghrelin with Gastroesophageal Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is commonly observed in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Hormonal disorders observed in OSA may be relevant in the development of GERD. The aim of the study was to assess the correlations between ghrelin, obestatin, leptin, and the intensity of GERD in patients with OSA. The study included 58 patients hospitalized due to clinical suspicion of sleep disorders during sleep. All patients underwent a sleep study, and blood samples were collected overnight for hormonal tests. Survey data concerning symptoms of GERD, gastroscopy, and esophageal pH monitoring results were included in the study. In patients with OSA, GERD was twice as common when compared to the group without OSA. Among subjects with severe sleep apnea (AHI > 30; n = 31; 53%), we observed lower ghrelin levels, especially in the second half of the night and in the morning (p_5.00 = 0.0207; p_7.00 = 0.0344); the presence of OSA had no effect on obestatin and leptin levels. No significant differences in hormonal levels were observed between the groups depending on the diagnosis of GERD. However, correlations of ghrelin levels with the severity of esophagitis, leptin and ghrelin levels with the severity of GERD symptoms, and leptin levels with lower esophageal pH were found. GERD is more frequent among patients with OSA. In both GERD and OSA, deviations were observed in the levels of ghrelin and leptin. However, our analysis demonstrates that the relationship between OSA and GERD does not result from these disorders.

2020 Seoul Consensus on the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which gastric contents regurgitate into the esophagus or beyond, resulting in either troublesome symptoms or complications. GERD is heterogeneous in terms of varied manifestations, test findings, and treatment responsiveness. GERD diagnosis can be established with symptomatology, pathology, or physiology. Recently the Lyon consensus defined the “proven GERD” with concrete evidence for reflux, including advanced grade erosive esophagitis (Los Angeles classification grades C and or D esophagitis), long-segment Barrett’s mucosa or peptic strictures on endoscopy or distal esophageal acid exposure time > 6% on 24-hour ambulatory pH-impedance monitoring. However, some Asian researchers have different opinions on whether the same standards should be applied to the Asian population. The prevalence of GERD is increasing in Asia. The present evidence-based guidelines were developed using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. In GERD with typical symptoms, a proton pump inhibitor test can be recommended as a sensitive, cost-effective, and practical test for GERD diagnosis.

Based on a meta-analysis of 19 estimated acid-exposure time values in Asians, the reference range upper limit for esophageal acid exposure time was 3.2% (95% confidence interval, 2.7-3.9%) in the Asian countries. Esophageal manometry and novel impedance measurements, including mucosal impedance and a post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave, are promising in discrimination of GERD among different reflux phenotypes, thus increasing its diagnostic yield. We also propose a long-term strategy of evidence-based GERD treatment with proton pump inhibitors and other drugs.

Impaired Proximal Esophageal Contractility Predicts Pharyngeal Reflux in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Symptoms

OBJECTIVES

The pathophysiology of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) remains incompletely understood. Proximal esophageal motor dysfunction may impair bolus clearance, increasing the risk of pharyngeal refluxate exposure. We aimed to evaluate the association of proximal esophageal contractility with objective reflux metrics.

METHODS

We evaluated adults with LPR symptoms undergoing high-resolution manometry (HRM) and combined hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH testing at a tertiary center between March 2018 and August 2019. Routine parameters per Chicago classification were obtained on HRM. Proximal esophageal contractility was evaluated using proximal contractile integral (PCI), which quantifies contractile pressure >20 mm Hg for the region spanning the distal margin of the upper esophageal sphincter and transition zone. Univariate (Kendall correlation and Student t test) and multivariable (general linear regression and logistic regression) analyses were performed.

RESULTS

We enrolled 138 patients (66.7% women, mean age 57.1 years) in this study. Lower PCI was associated with an elevated risk of increased pharyngeal reflux (adjusted odds ratio 0.83 per 100 mm Hg-s-cm change in PCI, 95% confidence interval: 0.69-0.98), with a trend toward increased bolus exposure time and total reflux events, after multivariable adjustment. The relationship between PCI and pharyngeal reflux was strongest among participants without a primary motility disorder on HRM (adjusted odds ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.42-0.85, P interaction = 0.04). Among continuously expressed reflux parameters, lower PCI was significantly associated with more distal acid reflux events (β = -0.0094, P = 0.03) and total reflux events (β = -0.0172, P = 0.05), after adjusting for confounders.

DISCUSSION

Reduced proximal esophageal contractility as assessed by decreased PCI on HRM independently predicted increased pharyngeal reflux in patients with LPR symptoms, particularly among those without a coexisting motility disorder.

Normative Ambulatory Reflux Monitoring Metrics for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: A Systematic Review of 720 Healthy Individuals

OBJECTIVES

To review the normative data for acid, weakly acid, and nonacid proximal esophageal (PRE) and hypopharyngeal reflux (HRE) events in diagnosing laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) using ambulatory reflux monitoring.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus.

REVIEW METHODS

A literature search was conducted about the normative data for PRE and HRE on multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH), hypopharyngeal-esophageal MII-pH (HEMII-pH), or oropharyngeal pH monitoring using PICOTS (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, timing, and setting) and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statements. Outcomes reviewed included device characteristics, impedance/pH sensor placements, study duration, number/average and percentiles of PRE or HRE occurrence, and the event characteristics (pH, composition, and position).

RESULTS

Of 154 identified studies, 18 met criteria for analysis, including 720 healthy individuals. HEMII-pH, MII-pH, and oropharyngeal pH monitoring were used in 7, 6, and 5 studies, respectively. The definition and inclusion/exclusion criteria of healthy individuals varied substantially across studies, with 6 studies considering only digestive symptoms to exclude potential LPR patients. Substantial heterogeneity across studies was noted, including impedance/pH sensor placements/configurations and definitions of composition (liquid, gas, mixed) and type (acid, weakly acid, nonacid) of PRE/HRE. The 95th percentile thresholds were 10 to 73 events for PRE, 0 to 10 events for HRE on HEMII-pH, and 40 to 128 for events with pH <6.0 on oropharyngeal pH monitoring. Most HREs were nonacid and occurred upright. The mean HRE among healthy individuals was 1.

CONCLUSION

The low number of studies and the heterogeneity in inclusion criteria, definitions, and characterization of PRE and HRE limit the establishment of consensual normative criteria for LPR on ambulatory reflux monitoring. Future large multicenter studies are needed.

Non-acid reflux and sleep apnea: the importance of drug induced sleep endoscopy

BACKGROUND

We present the first case of a patient with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA), where drug induced sleep endoscopy was helpful to suspect a non-acid reflux disease and showed an improvement in a swollen epiglottis after treatment. Patient ameliorated significantly his disease only with medical therapy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 54-year-old man without significant anatomical findings with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and non-acid gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) disease whose Apnea- hypopnea index (AHI) was significantly reduced with the intake of 500 mg of sodium alginate twice a day for 6 months. Conventional digestive tests such as esophagoscopy and simple- and double-channel 24-h pH-metry suggested mild GERD. Conventional proton-pump inhibitor treatment with pantoprazole (40 mg daily) was started without any improvement in his sleep. Multichannel intraluminal 24-h impedanciometry indicated the presence of severe pathological GER of gaseous origin. The patient's AHI decreased from 25.3 at baseline to 8 after treatment with sodium alginate. A drug-induced sleep endoscopy study showed the changes before and after this treatment and was helpful for the diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, medical treatment can be a therapeutic option in some patients with OSA. Multichannel 24-h impedanciometry should be performed when nonacid GERD is suspected.

Impedance-pH monitoring profile of patients with reflux and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: A controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To study the profile of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) at the hypopharyngeal-oesophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (HEMII-pH) and to compare their reflux findings with LPR patients without OSAS.

DESIGN

Prospective controlled study.

METHODS

Patients with LPR and OSAS were prospectively recruited from August 2019 to June 2020. The profile of hypopharyngeal reflux events (HREs) of patients was studied through a breakdown of the HEMII-pH findings over the 24 hours of testing. Reflux symptom score (RSS), and gastrointestinal and HEMII-pH outcomes were compared between LPR patients and patients with LPR and OSAS. Multivariate analysis was used to study the relationship between reflux data and the following sleep outcomes: Apnea Hypopnea Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and paradoxical sleep data.

RESULTS

A total of 89 patients completed the study. There were 45 patients with LPR and 44 subjects with both OSAS and LPR. The numbers of upright and daytime HREs and the otolaryngological RSS were significantly higher in patients with LPR compared with those with OSAS and LPR. There was a significant positive association between RSS quality-of-life score and ESS (P = .001). The occurrence of HREs in the evening was associated with higher ESS (P = .015). Patients with OSAS, LPR and GERD had higher number of nocturnal HREs compared with those without GERD (P = .001).

CONCLUSION

The presence of OSAS in LPR patients is associated with less severe HEMII-pH and ear, nose and throat symptoms. There may have different OSAS patient profiles according to the occurrence of GERD.

Normal acid exposure time in esophageal pH monitoring in Asian and Western populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Esophageal acid exposure time (AET) during 24 h pH monitoring is reproducible and predictive outcomes of treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Several small Asian studies have investigated the normal range of the AET; the range may be different from that in Western populations. We evaluated its normal range in healthy Asian compared to Western subjects.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed for studies that reported pH monitoring parameters in healthy subjects. Studies that reported the AET values of healthy subjects were eligible for the analyses. The upper limit of normal of the AET was obtained from the 95th percentile of the available raw data or calculated as the mean value +2 standard deviations.

KEY RESULTS

Nineteen Asian and 49 Western studies were assessed. The estimated AET values were analyzed using a bootstrapping technique, weighted according to the sample size. The mean AET was 1.1% and 2.9% in the Asian and Western populations, respectively. The upper limit of the reference range was 3.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7-3.9%) and 8.2 (95% CI, 6.7-9.9) in the Asian and Western populations, respectively. The normal AET differed between the Asian and Western populations because the CI of the two groups did not overlap.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The upper limit of normal of the AET in healthy Asian subjects was 3.2% (95% CI, 2.7-3.9%), which was lower than that of healthy Western subjects.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Cause for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OBJECTIVES

To explore the effect of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on Eustachian tube function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to OSA and GERD: OSA+GERD group; OSA-only group; GERD-only group; and normal control group.

RESULTS

There were no differences among the 4 groups regarding age, sex, smoking history, and alcohol history (all P > .05). The patients in the OSA and OSA+GERD groups had a significantly larger body mass index than those in the control and GERD-only groups (all P < .05). The proportions of patients with abnormal ETS-7 and ETD-Q results were higher in the GERD and OSA+GERD groups compared to the control group (P < .008). There were no significant differences in ETS-7 and ETD-Q between the control and the OSA-only groups (P > .008). The multivariable analysis showed that only GERD was independently associated with abnormal ETS-7 results (odds ratio = 3.090, 95% CI: 1.332-7.169, P = .009).

CONCLUSION

Given the high concomitance rate in patients with OSA, GERD might be an important association factor of Eustachian tube dysfunction in patients with OSA.

Evaluation and Management of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease: State of the Art Review

OBJECTIVE

To review the current literature about the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature on LPR epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment was conducted. Using the PRISMA statement, 3 authors selected relevant publications to provide a critical analysis of the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

The important heterogeneity across studies in LPR diagnosis continues to make it difficult to summarize a single body of thought. Controversies persist concerning epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. No recent epidemiologic study exists regarding prevalence and incidence with the use of objective diagnostic tools. There is no survey that evaluates the prevalence of symptoms and signs on a large number of patients with confirmed LPR. Regarding diagnosis, an increasing number of authors used multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring, although there is no consensus regarding standardization of the diagnostic criteria. The efficiency of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy remains poorly demonstrated and misevaluated by incomplete clinical tools that do not take into consideration many symptoms and extralaryngeal findings. Despite the recent advances in knowledge about nonacid LPR, treatment protocols based on PPIs do not seem to have evolved.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The development of multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring and pepsin and bile salt detection should be considered for the establishment of a multiparameter diagnostic approach. LPR treatment should evolve to a more personalized regimen, including diet, PPIs, alginate, and magaldrate according to individual patient characteristics. Multicenter international studies with a standardized protocol could improve scientific knowledge about LPR.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Subclinical Interstitial Lung Disease in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

RATIONALE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been postulated to contribute to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by promoting alveolar epithelial injury via tractional forces and intermittent hypoxia.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether OSA is associated with subclinical interstitial lung disease (ILD) and with biomarkers of alveolar epithelial injury and remodeling.

METHODS

We performed cross-sectional analyses of 1,690 community-dwelling adults who underwent 15-channel in-home polysomnography and thoracic computed tomographic imaging in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. We measured the obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (oAHI) by polysomnography and high-attenuation areas (HAAs) and interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) by computed tomography. Serum matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) and surfactant protein-A (SP-A) were measured by ELISA in 99 participants. We used generalized linear models to adjust for potential confounders.

RESULTS

The mean age was 68 years, and the mean forced vital capacity was 97% predicted. The median oAHI was 8.4 events/h, and 32% had an oAHI greater than 15. After adjusting for demographics, smoking, and center, an oAHI greater than 15 was associated with a 4.0% HAA increment (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-6.8%; P = 0.003) and 35% increased odds of ILA (95% CI, 13-61%; P = 0.001). However, there was evidence that these associations varied by body mass index (BMI) (P for interaction = 0.08 and 0.04, respectively). Among those with a BMI less than 25 kg/m², an oAHI greater than 15 was associated with a 6.1% HAA increment (95% CI, 0.5-12%; P = 0.03) and 2.3-fold increased odds of ILA (95% CI, 1.3-4.1; P = 0.005). Among those with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m², an oAHI greater than 15 was associated with 1.8-fold greater odds of ILA (95% CI, 1.1-2.9; P = 0.01) but was not associated with HAA. There were no meaningful associations detected among those with a BMI of 25-30 kg/m². Greater oAHI was associated higher serum SP-A and MMP-7 levels, particularly among those with a BMI less than 25 kg/m².

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate to severe OSA is associated with subclinical ILD and with evidence of alveolar epithelial injury and extracellular matrix remodeling in community-dwelling adults, an association that is strongest among normal-weight individuals. These findings support the hypothesis that OSA might contribute to early ILD.

The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) means apnea and hypopnea caused by partial or complete obstruction of upper airway collapse during sleep. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is believed to be associated with various manifestations in the otorhinolaryngology and has been found to be an additional risk factor for OSAHS.

AIM

A meta-analysis was performed to identify the association between obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

METHODS

To identify eligible original articles, we searched a series of computerized databases, including Medline via PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CNKI with a systematic searching strategy. The characteristics of each article and pooled odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and subgroup analysis was performed to analyze the source of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

A total of 2699 patients from seven articles were included in the meta-analysis. We identified a significant relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease, with a pooled OR of 1.75 (95% CI 1.18-2.59, P < 0.05). The pooled data was calculated under the random-effects model as a significant moderate heterogeneity was found among the meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Wake-up Call to Clinicians: The Impact of Sleep Dysfunction on Gastrointestinal Health and Disease

Sleep dysfunction is an epidemic affecting a large portion of the adult population. Recent studies have linked sleep dysfunction with an upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines (eg, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1 and interleukin-6), the implications of which can have a profound impact on a variety of gastrointestinal disease. In particular, sleep dysfunction seems to accelerate disease states characterized by inflammation (eg, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia, chronic liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer). This article evaluates the complex interplay between sleep dysfunction and gastrointestinal health and disease.

Correlation between the oropharyngo-laryngoscopic findings and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea

OBJECTIVE

To correlate anatomical and functional changes of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx to the severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 66 patients of both genders, aged between 21 and 59 years old with complaints of snoring and / or apnea. All underwent full clinical evaluation, including physical examination, nasolarybgoscopy and polisonography. We classified individuals into groups by the value of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), calculated measures of association and analyzed differences by the Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests.

RESULTS

all patients with obesity type 2 had OSAS. We found a relationship between the uvula projection during nasoendoscopy and OSAS (OR: 4.9; p-value: 0.008; CI: 1.25-22.9). In addition, there was a major strength of association between the circular shape of the pharynx and the presence of moderate or severe OSAS (OR: 9.4, p-value: 0.002), although the CI was wide (1.80-53.13). The septal deviation and lower turbinate hypertrophy were the most frequent nasal alterations, however unrelated to gravity. Nasal obstruction was four times more common in patients without daytime sleepiness. The other craniofacial anatomical changes were not predictors for the occurrence of OSAS.

CONCLUSION

oral, pharyngeal and laryngeal disorders participate in the pathophysiology of OSAS. The completion of the endoscopic examination is of great value to the evaluation of these patients.

Influence of obesity on the correlation between laryngopharyngeal reflux and obstructive sleep apnea✩✩Please cite this article as: Rodrigues MM, Dibbern RS, Santos VJ, Passeri LA. Influence of obesity on the correlation between laryngopharyngeal reflux and obstructive sleep apnea. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2014;80:5-10

Introdução

A apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS) é causada por episódios recorrentes de obstrução total ou parcial da via aérea superior com duração superior a 10 segundos durante o sono. Refluxo faringolaríngeo (RFL) é uma variante da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico que afeta a laringe e a faringe.

Objetivos

Avaliar a influência da obesidade na relação entre RFL e AOS em pacientes com SAOS.

Materiais e métodos

Estudo observacional transversal retrospectivo. Foram revisados protocolos de atendimento de pacientes com AOS que incluem questionários validados para RFL como Reflux Sympton Index (RSI) e Reflux Finding Score (RSI), nasolaringofibroscopia e polissonografia.

Resultados

Cento e cinco pacientes foram divididos em grupo de obesos (39 pacientes) e não obesos (66 pacientes). Na avaliação das médias do RSI o grupo de não obesos foi semelhante entre pacientes com AOS leve (11,96) e moderada (11,43). No grupo de obesos a média do RSI foi de 6,7 em pacientes com AOS leve e de 11,53 em pacientes com AOS moderada a grave (p < 0,05).

Discussão

O subgrupo de pacientes com AOS e RFL apresenta vários fatores que promovem a inflamação da via aérea superior. Pacientes com AOS devem ser pesquisados e tratados quanto a RFL, aumentando a qualidade de vida.

Conclusão

O RFL e a AOS se correlacionam positivamente em pacientes obesos.

© 2014 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-FaciaL Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. Todos os direitos reservados.