A 2-year mean follow-up of oral appliance therapy for severe obstructive sleep apnea: a cohort study

Efficacy of Oral Appliance for Mild, Moderate, and Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Oral appliances (OA) are the recommended first-line option for mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-hypopnea. However, there is a lack of evidence to compare the effectiveness of OA in different severities of OSA. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of preferred OA (tongue retention devices [TRD] and mandibular advancement device [MAD]) in different severities of OSA.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed/MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.

REVIEW METHODS

Concentrating on the efficacy of OA, 2 authors searched 3 databases up to November 10, 2022, independently and systematically, following the requirements and steps of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 42 studies with 2265 patients met the criteria for inclusion in OA. Overall, the apnea-hypopnea index improved by 48% (5.6), 67% (14.92), and 62% (32.1) in mild, moderate, and severe OSA, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed a significant difference between MAD and TRD efficacy in mild OSA (58% vs 21%). However, no significant difference was seen between MAD and TRD efficacy in moderate (67% vs 66%) and severe OSA (66% vs 51%). There was no significant difference across groups in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT).

CONCLUSION

Overall, both TRD and MAD are effective treatments for moderate and severe OSA. MAD is efficacious in mild OSA, while TRD requires further validation. Furthermore, mild-moderate and severe OSA received similar improvements in sleepiness, ODI, and LSAT. This study complements the evidence for the efficacy of OA.

Effectiveness of a Uniquely Designed Oral Appliance on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Control: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES

 Obstructive sleep apnea is an inflammatory, chronic, and evolutive disease often needing adequate treatment and follow-up. The oral appliance (OA) is an accepted alternative therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) control. Due to greater adherence, OA with mandibular advancement (OAm) is being recommended treatment for patients who refuse or do not tolerate continuous positive airway pressure. The mode of action of OAm is to promote the advancement of the mandible or tongue with a subsequent increase in the tone of the pharyngeal muscles and the permeability of the upper airway, but most OAm use conventional models as reference, analogic, or digital, dissociating dental arches of the skull structures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 A retrospective longitudinal study of 33 OSA patient treated with a different OAm, that use Camper plane as reference with skull structures for dental arches disocclusion, where polysomnographic, cephalometric measures, and subjective data from questionnaires pre- and post-treatment were assessed and correlated. Descriptive analysis, correlated Chi-square tests, and basic statistics were used. Generalized linear mixed model for repeated measure and post hoc Tukey-Kramer test compares the variables pre- and post-treatment. Shapiro-Wilk test and Pearson's correlation coefficients were used. All statistical tests were set in 5% level of significance.

RESULTS

 Regarding polysomnography data, there was a significant association between apnea hypopnea index (AHI) with oxygen saturation, arousal index (AI) and the maximum heartbeats, and sleep improvement and health risk reduction. Additionally, from cephalometric data, it was found a significant association between the tongue posture with the soft palate, hioyd-C3 and, lower and posterior airway. When both parameters are correlated, there are a significant dependent association with hyoid bone position with AHI and AI. The limitation of this study was the two-dimensional image used without provide volumetric measurements, but this limitation was reduced with the follow-up polysomnography parameters.

CONCLUSION

 In this pilot study, DIORS OAm as an uniquely designed device using Camper plane as a reference for disocclusion was effective in the control of OSA.

Shifting and reducing breathing disturbance in patients with very severe obstructive sleep apnea by modified Z-palatoplasty with one-layer closure in one-stage multilevel surgery

Very severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 60 events/h differs in several areas from OSA with other severities, including having a low-level daytime partial pressure of oxygen and residual on-CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) AHIs greater than 20/h. Patients with very severe OSA show narrow retroglossal space and confined framework, which is difficult to be enlarged via conventional Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) surgery, resulting in poor response to non-framework surgeries. Our latest report showed efficacy and efficiency for subjects undergoing modified Z-palatoplasty (ZPP) with one-layer closure in a one-stage multilevel surgery. It is unclear whether and how this procedure could help patients with very severe OSA characterized with confined framework. From Mar. 2015 to May 2018, we enrolled 12 patients with very severe OSA receiving one-stage multi-level surgery with modified ZPP with one-layer closure, CO2 laser partial tongue-base glossectomy, and bilateral septomeatoplasty. Our results show that the surgery reduced AHI from 73.8 ± 10.7 to 30.8 ± 23.2 events/h and achieved a mean AHI reduction of 58.3% (p < 0.001 against 0 reduction or no surgery). The surgery shifted components of the breathing disturbances. It reduced more apnea than hypopnea and might convert some apnea to hypopnea.

Clinical and Research Solutions to Manage Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Review

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder disease, affects millions of people. Without appropriate treatment, this disease can provoke several health-related risks including stroke and sudden death. A variety of treatments have been introduced to relieve OSA. The main present clinical treatments and undertaken research activities to improve the success rate of OSA were covered in this paper. Additionally, guidelines on choosing a suitable treatment based on scientific evidence and objective comparison were provided. This review paper specifically elaborated the clinically offered managements as well as the research activities to better treat OSA. We analyzed the methodology of each diagnostic and treatment method, the success rate, and the economic burden on the world. This review paper provided an evidence-based comparison of each treatment to guide patients and physicians, but there are some limitations that would affect the comparison result. Future research should consider the consistent follow-up period and a sufficient number of samples. With the development of implantable medical devices, hypoglossal nerve stimulation systems will be designed to be smart and miniature and one of the potential upcoming research topics. The transcutaneous electrical stimulation as a non-invasive potential treatment would be further investigated in a clinical setting. Meanwhile, no treatment can cure OSA due to the complicated etiology. To maximize the treatment success of OSA, a multidisciplinary and integrated management would be considered in the future.

A Non-Framework Multilevel Surgery May Reduce Mean Heart Rate in Patients with Very Severe Obstructive Apnea Having Confined Retroglossal Space and Framework

An elevated mean heart rate in untreated patients of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may lead to a higher risk of mortality and the development of various cardiovascular diseases. The elevation may positively relate to the severity of OSA and present in both wakefulness and sleep. A reduction in heart rate has been presented in reports of treating OSA patients with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, patients with very severe OSA may refuse use of CPAP devices and advocated surgeries, such as direct skeletal surgery or tracheostomy. It is unclear whether the non-framework multilevel surgery we reported previously can overcome the unfavorable anatomy and reduce mean heart rate, which serves as a risk factor of mortality. Here, we show that multilevel surgery reduced the mean heart rate from 68.6 to 62.7 with a mean reduction of 5.9 beats/min. The results suggest that the surgery may reduce the risk of consequences and mortality associated with an elevated mean heart rate, such as various cardiovascular diseases. We disclose these findings, along with the variations and possible risks to our future patients with very severe OSA who refuse or cannot use a CPAP device or reject direct skeletal surgery.

Randomized Trial of 2 Self-Titrated Oral Appliances for Airway Management

The effectiveness and predictability of 2 different oral appliance (OA) designs to reduce the respiratory event index (REI) in moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients requires elucidation. The primary aim of the trial was to determine if 2 widely used midline-traction and bilateral-thrust OA designs differ in effectiveness to reduce the REI within a single test population categorized by OSA severity. Moderate and severe adult OSA patients, who were previously prescribed continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) but were dissatisfied with it (n = 56), were studied by home-polygraphy in a randomized crossover trial using either midline-traction with restricted mouth opening (MR) or bilateral thrust with opening permitted (BP) design OAs. OAs were used nightly for 4 wk (T2) followed by a 1-wk washout period, then 4 wk (T4) using the alternate OA. REI and oxygen saturation (SaO₂) were primary outcomes, while predictability and efficacy comparison of the 2 OAs were secondary outcomes. Thirty-six participants had used MR and BP OAs during both 4-wk study legs. Twenty (55.6%) MR OA-using participants, 25 (69.4%) BP OA-using participants, and 16 (44.4%) participants using both OAs had significant REI reductions. Overall baseline (T0) median REI (interquartile range) of 33.7 (20.7-54.9) was reduced to 18.0 (8.5-19.4) at T2 and to 12.5 (8.2-15.9) at T4 (P < 0.001). Comparison of the 2 sequence groups' (MR-BP and BP-MR) REI showed the median differences between T0 and T2 and T4 were highly significant (P < 0.001). Regression analysis predicted about half of all users will have REIs between 8 and 16 after 2 mo. Baseline overjet measures >2.9 mm predicted greater OA advancement at T4. Mean and minimum SaO₂ did not change significantly from T0 to T2 or T4. MR and BP OA designs similarly attenuated REI in moderate and severe OSA individuals who completed the 8-wk study protocol with greater REI reduction in those with severe OSA (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03219034).

Increasing Hypopnea in Sleep Breathing Disturbance Improves Postoperative Oxygen Saturation in Patients with Very Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea

In patients of very severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with confined framework, reducing volume is difficult to achieve a postoperative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) qualifying the classical surgical success. However, a higher AHI with a larger part of hypopneas may have similar or even less severity of oxygen (O2) desaturation, compared to a lower index mostly made of apneas. Here, in 27 consecutive enrolled patients, we show that besides the improvement of mean AHI, the multilevel surgery increased hypopnea in AHI from 29.1% to 77.3%, and improves postoperative O2 saturation by reducing desaturation frequency (mean desaturation index decreased from 62.5 to 24.4 events/h) and level (mean oxyhemoglobin saturation of pulse oximetry (SpO2) desaturation cut down from 10.0 to 5.8%). The mean SpO2 improved from 92.3% to 94.7%, and the improvement was positively related to the proportion increase of hypopnea/AHI. The results suggest that the non-framework surgery could help patients with very severe OSA whose AHIs are ≥60 events/h in terms of improving postoperative O2 saturation. Due to the improvement also presented in those not qualified as classical surgical success, further studies are needed to clarify the connection between O2 desaturation and various consequences to reconsider defining a surgical success.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The Role of Gender in Prevalence, Symptoms, and Treatment Success

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of known similarities and differences between genders relative to presenting symptoms, demographics, and severity of obstructive sleep apnea. There is a relationship of risk of disease occurrence relative to stages of reproductive life of a woman, indicating that chronologic age might not be as important as timing of pregnancy and menopausal transition. The current understanding of gender differences in treatment success and compliance with oral appliance therapy is limited and requires further investigation.

Update on Oral Appliance Therapy for OSA

Purpose of Review

The majority of the adult population is affected by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to recent epidemiological research. Oral appliance (OA) therapy is increasingly recommended, particularly for patients with milder OSA. This review updates the evidence in favor of OA therapy.

Recent Findings

A high level of evidence shows that OA is effective in the treatment of OSA, but continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is more efficient. Higher adherence with OAs may compensate for this difference. Daytime sleepiness is better treated with CPAP than with OA in patients with severe OSA. In patients with milder OSA, it is unclear whether sleepiness is significantly reduced. The long-term effectiveness of OAs is uncertain because of side-effects and the risk of OSA deterioration.

Summary

OAs are effective, but their efficacy is more variable than that of CPAP. More research is needed about the mechanism of action of OA, subjective effects and long-term health outcomes.

Annual review of selected scientific literature: Report of the committee on scientific investigation of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

It is clear the contemporary dentist is confronted with a blizzard of information regarding materials and techniques from journal articles, advertisements, newsletters, the internet, and continuing education events. While some of that information is sound and helpful, much of it is misleading at best.

PURPOSE

This review identifies and discusses the most important scientific findings regarding outcomes of dental treatment to assist the practitioner in making evidence-based choices. This review was conducted to assist the busy dentist in keeping abreast of the latest scientific information regarding the clinical practice of dentistry.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Each of the authors, who are considered experts in their disciplines, was asked to peruse the scientific literature published in 2015 in their discipline and review the articles for important information that may have an impact on treatment decisions. Comments on experimental methodology, statistical evaluation, and overall validity of the conclusions are included in many of the reviews.

RESULTS

The reviews are not meant to stand alone but are intended to inform the interested reader about what has been discovered in the past year. The readers are then invited to go to the source if they wish more detail.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of the scientific literature published in 2015 is divided into 7 sections, dental materials, periodontics, prosthodontics, occlusion and temporomandibular disorders, sleep-disordered breathing, cariology, and implant dentistry.

Office management of obstructive sleep apnoea: appliances

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Oral appliances are becoming increasingly common in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). They work by advancing the mandible and opening the pharynx. There are several types of devices available for use. Many patients intolerant to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are using oral appliances for OSA.

RECENT FINDINGS

Oral appliances have been shown to improve polysomnography, quality of life and health measures associated with OSA. There is current work to better identify patients who are ideal candidates. Development of titratable devices and monitoring are optimizing usage. They have been compared with CPAP, with both showing improvement in OSA; however, CPAP remains superior overall.

SUMMARY

Oral appliances are becoming first-line therapy for mild and moderate OSA. They provide a meaningful alternative in severe OSA for patients unable to use CPAP. Device titration and usage monitoring are beginning to hone oral appliances as a therapeutic option.