银屑病与勃起功能障碍相关性的meta分析

目的:系统评价银屑病与勃起功能障碍(ED)的相关性。方法:计算机检索Cochrane Library、EM-base、Pub Med、OVID、Medline、维普、万方、中国知网(CNKI)、中国生物医学文献服务系统(Sino Med)数据库,搜索银屑病与ED相关的文献,检索时间为数据库建立至2016年6月。分别由两名研究人员按照纳入、排除标准提取相关数据,运用Review Manager 5.3软件对银屑病与ED的相关性,IIEF-5评分进行meta分析。结果:总共纳入6篇文献,采用固定效应模型分析,结果显示银屑病与ED[OR=1.92(95%CI 1.53~2.40)]具有相关性,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.01);随机效应模型分析其中3篇的IIEF-5评分,结果显示银屑病患者IIEF-5评分[MD=-3.11(95%CI-4.85~-1.37)]显著低于非银屑病者,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论:银屑病与ED存在相关性,银屑病患者可能具有更高的ED发生率,但仍需要更高质量的文献证实。     

根治性前列腺切除术后勃起功能障碍不同治疗方案的Meta分析

目的系统评价不同治疗方案对根治性前列腺切除术后勃起功能障碍(ED)的疗效。方法检索The CochraneLibrary、PubMed、EMbase、中国知网、维普以及万方数据库,检索时间从建库至2018年4月,纳入根治性前列腺切除术后ED不同治疗方案的临床研究,文献数据采用RevMan 5.3软件进行统计学分析,并行发表偏倚风险评估。结果共11篇随机对照研究及5篇病例对照研究纳入本项研究,累计病例2 012例。Meta分析结果显示,5型磷酸二酯酶抑制剂(PDE5-Is)对患者满意改善程度显著优于对照组[OR=1.73,95%CI(1.34,2.23),P0.01]。各亚组分析结果显示:真空负压勃起装置(VED)对患者满意度改善无显著疗效[OR=1.51,95%CI(0.76,3.00),P=0.24];阴茎海绵体药物注射前列腺素E1(PGE1)对患者满意度改善效果显著[OR=8.50,95%CI(3.09,23.42),P0.01]。偏倚分析显示纳入的研究结果无明显发表偏移。结论对于根治性前列腺切除术后ED患者,采用PDE5-Is可显著改善ED症状;而对于疗效不佳的患者,选择联合治疗是适宜之选。     

FGFR2基因rs2981582位点多态性与中国人群乳腺癌易感性关系的meta分析

目的评价FGFR2基因rs2981582位点多态性与中国人群乳腺癌易感性的相关性。方法计算机检索PubMed、Embase、Cochrane Library、中文科技期刊全文数据库、中国生物医学文献数据库、中国期刊全文数据库及万方数据库,检索有关FGFR2基因rs2981582位点的多态性与中国人群乳腺癌易感性关系的病例对照研究,检索时间为建库到2018年3月。采用Stata 12.0软件进行meta分析。结果共纳入11篇病例对照研究进行meta分析,其中病例组包括5 921例乳腺癌患者,对照组包括5 909位健康对照。meta分析结果显示,对于中国人群而言,等位基因模型[C比T:OR=1.07,95%CI为(1.01,1.14),P=0.027]、杂合子模型[CC比CT:OR=1.12,95%CI为(1.01,1.24),P=0.026]、纯合子模型[CC比TT:OR=1.19,95%CI为(1.05,1.34),P=0.005]、显性模型[CC比CT+TT:OR=1.10,95%CI为(1.00,1.21),P=0.040]及隐性模型[TT比CC+CT:OR=1.19,95%CI为(1.10,1.30),P0.001]均与乳腺癌有关。结论 FGFR2基因rs2981582位点的多态性与中国人群乳腺癌的发生相关。     

骨桥蛋白的表达与肝癌预后相关性的meta分析

目的采用meta分析的方法定量评价骨桥蛋白(OPN)的表达与肝癌预后的相关性。方法计算机检索PubMed、EMBASE、Web of science、万方数据库、中国期刊全文数据库、中文科技期刊数据库及中国生物医学文献数据库中有关OPN的表达状况与肝癌预后之间的研究,检索时间为各数据库建库到2018年10月31日。并采用STATA 12.0软件进行meta分析。结果共纳入13篇研究,共计2 171例肝癌患者。meta分析结果显示,OPN的表达水平与肝癌患者的总生存时间[HR=1.58,95%CI为(1.37,1.79),P0.001]和无疾病进展生存时间[HR=1.67,95%CI为(1.39,1.96),P0.001]均呈负相关,与OPN低表达的肝癌患者相比,高表达OPN的患者的总生存时间和无疾病进展生存时间更短。结论当前研究证据表明,OPN的高表达与肝癌不良预后密切相关。     

糖尿病勃起功能障碍患者服用PDE5抑制剂的疗效及安全性Meta分析

目的:系统评价磷酸二酯酶5(PDE5)抑制剂治疗糖尿病患者勃起功能障碍的临床疗效及安全性,为其治疗提供临床证据。方法:通过计算机检索2013年12月以前Medline、Embase、Cocbrane Library、中国学术期刊全文数据库(CNKI)、万方数据库、维普数据库(VIP)、浙江省高校数字图书馆(ZADL),并阅读检索文章及参考文献,纳入PDE5抑制剂治疗糖尿病患者勃起功能障碍的随机对照试验(RCT)。对纳入研究的方法学用Jadad量表评价,以国际勃起功能指数(IIEF-EF)、IIEF第3问题(IIEF-Q3)、IIEF第4问题(IIEF-Q4)、阴茎插入成功率(SEP-2)、完成性交成功率(SEP-3)及GAQ总体评价问卷为主要疗效评价指标。采用Review manager 5.1.0软件进行Meta分析。结果:共有13篇研究被纳入,所有纳入研究Jadad评分均为3分以上高质量试验。10篇文献IIEF-EF评分采用固定效应模型Meta分析,合并WMD=5.79,95%CI为(4.91,6.66),P0.001。6篇文献IIEF-Q3评分采用固定效应模型Meta分析,合并WMD=0.96,95%CI为(0.83,1.08),P0.001。6篇文献IIEF-Q4评分采用固定效应模型Meta分析,合并WMD=1.11,95%CI为(0.98,1.25),P0.001。2篇文献SEP-2评分采用固定效应模型Meta分析,合并WMD=20.08,95%CI为(13.76,26.04),P0.001。5篇文献SEP-3评分采用固定效应模型Meta分析,合并WMD=25.56,95%CI为(22.24,28.80),P0.001。11篇文献GAQ评分采用随机效应模型Meta分析,OR=6.20,95%CI为(3.65,10.52),P0.001。11个试验药物不良反应采用随机效应模型Meta分析,OR=7.43,95%CI为(4.11,13.44),P0.001。结论:PDE-5抑制剂能安全有效地改善男性糖尿病患者的勃起功能。     

高尿酸水平与勃起功能障碍相关性的Meta分析

目的:本研究通过Meta分析对血高尿酸(UA)水平与勃起功能障碍(ED)的相关性进行评价分析。方法:通过检索维普(VIP)、万方、中国知网(CNKI)、中国生物医学文献数据库(CBM)、PubMed、Cochrane Library等数据库收集UA与ED相关性的研究,检索时限从各个数据库建库到2018年5月31日。采用Stata 10.0对数据进行分析。结果:共纳入了6篇文献,共纳入病例2 720例,其中高UA组1 592例,对照组1 128例。结果显示高UA组ED风险明显增加(OR=2.10,95%CI:1.18~3.74,P0.05)。敏感性分析显示结果稳定,Beger’s(P0.05)和Egger’s(P0.05)检验提示纳入文献无明显发表偏倚。结论:高UA水平可能是ED的危险因素,由于本文纳入文献存在一定的异质性,因而还需要更多大样本的前瞻性研究来证实相关结论。     

MTHFR基因A1298C位点的多态性与亚洲人群乳腺癌发生关系的meta分析

目的采用meta分析的方法定量评价亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(MTHFR)基因A1298C位点的多态性与亚洲人群乳腺癌发生的相关性。方法计算机检索PubMed、EMBASE、Web of science、中国生物医学文献数据库、中文科技期刊数据库、中国期刊全文数据库和万方数据库,搜索有关MTHFR基因A1298C位点的多态性与亚洲人群乳腺癌发生关系的病例对照研究,检索时间为建库至2017年3月。采用Stata 12.0软件进行meta分析。结果共纳入19篇文献进行meta分析,共计7 454例乳腺癌患者(病例组)和8 255位健康对照者(对照组)。meta分析结果显示:2组患者的AA基因型和AC基因型频率[OR=0.97,95%CI为(0.91,1.04),P=0.374]、AC基因型及CC基因型频;率[OR=0.87,95%CI为(0.75.1.01).P=0.060]、AA基因型和CC基因型频率[OR=0.87,95%CI为(0.76.1.01).P=0.061]、AA+AC基因型和CC基因型频率[OR=0.88,95%CI为(0.76,1.01),P=0.061]及AC+CC基因型和AA基因型频率[OR=0.99,95%CI为(0.93,1.06),P=0.737]比较差异均无统汁计学意义.结论 MTHFR基因A1298C位点的多态性与亚洲人群乳腺癌的发生无关。     

腹腔镜胆囊切除术联合胆总管探查术与经内镜逆行胰胆管造影治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的meta分析

目的采用meta分析的方法比较腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)联合胆总管探查术(LCBDE)与经内镜逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的有效性和安全性。方法计算机检索PubMed、Cochrane Library、EMBASE、中国生物医学文献数据库、中文科技期刊数据库、中国期刊全文数据库及万方数据库,检索有关LC+LCBDE与LC+ERCP治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的随机对照试验(RCT),检索时间为各数据库建库到2018年10月31日。采用RevMan 5.3软件进行meta分析。结果共纳入13篇RCTs,其中LC+LCBDE组747例,LC+ERCP组761例患者。meta分析结果显示:LC+LCBDE与LC+ERCP治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石在胆总管结石清除率[RR=0.99,95%CI为(0.95,1.02),P=0.87]和术后总并发症发生率[RR=0.94,95%CI为(0.72,1.22),P=0.64]方面的差异均无统计学意义。LC+LCBDE组术后胆汁漏的发生率高于LC+ERCP组,差异有统计学意义[RR=3.87,95%CI为(2.01,7.42),P0.000 1];LC+LCBDE组术后急性胰腺炎发生率低于LC+ERCP组,差异有统计学意义[RR=0.28,95%CI为(0.14,0.55),P=0.002]。结论 LC+ERCP和LC+LCBD治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石,在结石清除率和并发症总发生率方面是相似的,LC+LCBDE组术后发生胆汁漏的风险相对较高,但是发生急性胰腺炎的风险相对较低,应根据患者病情选择适宜的治疗方式。     

腹腔镜与开腹进展期胃癌全胃切除术远期疗效的meta分析

目的:系统评价腹腔镜与开腹进展期胃癌全胃切除术的远期疗效。方法:以进展期胃癌、腹腔镜、开腹、生存率、Total gastrectomy、Advanced gastric cancer、Survival rate为检索词,检索发表于PubMed、Embase、Web of Science等英文数据库,以及万方医学网数据库、中国知网(CNKI)等中文数据库的文献,提取有关腹腔镜与开腹进展期胃癌全胃切除术进行对比研究的文献,检索时间为2013~2019年。对提取的文献按预设标准进行筛选并进行质量评价,提取两组患者远期生存与复发情况,采用RevMan 5.3软件进行meta分析。结果:共检索14篇文献,其中2篇因存在数据缺失未能入选,共纳入12篇、共计2674例患者,其中腹腔镜组970例,开腹组1704例。meta结果显示,腹腔镜组与开腹组5年总体生存率(OR=1.12,95%CI:0.91~1.36,P=0.29),3年无病生存率(OR=0.84,95%CI:0.55~1.30,P=0.44),5年无病生存率(OR=1.14,95%CI:0.91~1.41,P=0.25),复发率(OR=0.48,95%CI:0.19~1.24,P=0.13),差异均无统计学意义。结论:腹腔镜进展期胃癌全胃切除术可达到与开腹手术相当的远期疗效。     

地塞米松预防心脏手术后心房颤动的荟萃分析

目的 系统评价地塞米松预防心脏手术后心房颤动的效果.方法 采用Cochrane 系统评价的方法,计算机检索PubMed(1966-2009.11)、EMBASE(1974-2009.11)、Cochrane Library (2009年第4期)、中国生物医学文献数据库(1978-2009.11)、中国期刊全文数据库(1994-2009.11)、中文科技期刊全文数据库(1989-2009.11)等数据库.收集地塞米松预防心脏手术后心房颤动的随机对照试验,采用Cochrane Reviewer'Handbook 5.0推荐的方法评价纳入研究的质量,对符合纳入标准的研究采用RevMan 5.0软件进行荟萃分析.结果 共纳入4项研究(667例患者),荟萃分析结果显示:与安慰剂相比,地塞米松可以降低心房颤动的发生率(RR=0.6,95%CI:0.40～0.92,P=0.02),但并不能降低术后的病死率(RR=0.79,95%CI:0.28～2.22,P=0.66).结论 现有证据表明,围手术期使用地塞米松可降低患者心脏手术后心房颤动的发生率,不能降低围手术期患者的病死率.但限于纳入研究样本量少,手术种类局限,地塞米松的用药剂量、时间和次数不明确,在一定程度上降低了本系统评价结果的可靠性和全面性,期待今后的临床研究进一步验证.     

Continuous positive airway pressure reduces daytime sleepiness in mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) affects an estimated 2-4% of the middle aged population. Meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials have shown that the severe presentation of the syndrome (apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) >30/hour) is effectively treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Until recently there have been insufficient data to determine whether CPAP improves sleepiness in the larger subgroup with mild to moderate OSAS (AHI 5-30/hour). METHODS: A systematic search of Medline and a hand search identified seven randomised controlled trials where CPAP was compared with either a placebo or with conservative management in the treatment of mild to moderate OSAS (AHI 5-30/hour). All trials used the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), four used the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), and three used the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) to measure sleepiness. RESULTS: Meta-analyses indicated that CPAP significantly reduced subjective daytime sleepiness (ESS) by 1.2 points (95% CI 0.5 to 1.9, p = 0.001), improved objective daytime wakefulness (MWT) by 2.1 minutes (95% CI 0.5 to 3.7, p = 0.011), but did not affect objective daytime sleepiness (MSLT, mean benefit -0.2 minutes, 95% CI -1.0 to 0.6, p = 0.6). The two significant effects were small (effect size <0.30). CONCLUSIONS: CPAP elicits small improvements in subjective sleepiness and objective wakefulness in people with mild to moderate OSAS. However, the effects on sleepiness are of limited clinical significance.     

Erectile dysfunction in men with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a randomized study of the efficacy of sildenafil and continuous positive airway pressure

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of sildenafil and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). In all, 30 men were randomly treated for 12 weeks either with sildenafil 100 mg before intercourse (15 men) or CPAP during night time sleep (15 men). Under sildenafil, 97/180 (53.9%) of attempted intercourses were successful compared to 33/138 (23.9%) under CPAP. The mean IIEF (erectile function domain score) was 12.9 and 9.3 after sildenafil and CPAP treatment, respectively (P=0.007), compared to 7.9 and 7 at baseline. In all, 53.3% of patients were satisfied with sildenafil and 20% with CPAP for ED treatment (P=0.058). Although sildenafil was superior to CPAP, comorbidities and OSAS per se possibly resulted in a lower effectiveness of sildenafil compared to that in the general population of ED men. While about half of the patients were not satisfied even with the more effective treatment, we conclude that a combination of the two therapeutic tools or a different therapeutic mode should be studied further.     

Predictors of erectile function improvement in obstructive sleep apnea patients with long-term CPAP treatment

The long-term effect of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on erectile function was assessed in 60 patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Severity of OSAS was evaluated by respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and minimal oxygen saturation (OxiMin). Severity of erectile dysfunction (ED) was assessed with the five question International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) before and after CPAP treatment. Subjects were categorized into three groups on the basis of the change in IIEF-5 score: Group 1, no change (n=37); Group 2, improvement from 10+/-5.65 to 19.1+/-5.7, P<0.01 (n=12); Group 3, worsening from 19.9+/-4.7 to 9.5+/-7.8, P<0.01 (n=11). Group 2 had significantly higher RDI and lower OxiMin than the other groups, and was also more compliant and satisfied with CPAP. Change in IIEF-5 with CPAP treatment was negatively correlated (Pearson coefficient) with OxiMin (r=-0.374), and positively correlated with adherence to CPAP treatment (r=0.689). In conclusion, in selected patients, CPAP treatment for OSAS may by itself have a positive effect on erectile function by improving respiration during sleep. Predictors of erectile improvement include high RDI, low OxiMin, and CPAP compliance.     

Sexual functions of men with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and hypogonadism may improve upon testosterone administration: a pilot study

This study examined 72 patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), confirmed by polysomnography. Thirty-two patients were suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) assessed by IIEF-5 questionnaires and confirmed by nocturnal penile tumescence examination. Their testosterone levels were measured. Eight patients had normal testosterone levels and were treated with a PDE-5 inhibitor (vardenafil) only; after 6 months of treatment, 6 of these patients (75%) showed significant improvement in erectile function. The remaining 24 patients with OSAS, ED and hypogonadism (total testosterone <12 nmol l⁻¹), were divided into two groups based on the indication for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy: five patients received CPAP therapy (group 1) and 19 patients did not (group 2). The patients of group 2 received only a PDE-5 inhibitor (vardenafil 20 mg) for ED; and eight patients (42%) showed an improvement after 3 months of treatment. The five patients receiving CPAP therapy were treated with a combination of parenteral testosterone undecanoate and a PDE-5 inhibitor (vardenafil) and all had normal erectile function after 3 months of therapy. The results suggest positive effects of addition of testosterone to treatment with PDE-5 inhibitors in hypogonadal men with OSAS, which should be confirmed in larger controlled studies.     

Erectile dysfunction and disease-specific quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Several reports have suggested a high incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between OSAS and ED, or disease-specific quality of life (QOL) in patients with OSAS. In addition, we analyzed specific polysomnographic (PSG) parameters in predicting ED in OSAS patients. In total, 32 patients with OSAS and 27 normal controls were asked to complete the Korean versions of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (KIIEF-5) and the Calgary Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI). All patients then underwent a full-night in-laboratory PSG examination. Patients were diagnosed with OSAS if they had clinical symptoms suggestive of OSAS for at least 1 year and an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of more than 10 in PSG. Nineteen patients (59.3%) in the OSAS group showed ED, which was significantly higher than in the control group (8 patients, 29.6%, P=0.012). In addition, SAQLI scores worsened as AHI increased (r=0.327, P=0.011) and as the lowest oxygen saturation level decreased (r=0.420, P=0.001). ED was not significantly correlated with AHI (r=0.061, P=0.649); however, it was significantly correlated with the lowest oxygen saturation decreased (r=0.338, P=0.009). When the cutoff value for the lowest oxygen saturation level to predict ED was set at 77%, its positive predictive value was 88.9% (sensitivity=0.70, specificity=0.62). Thus, all male patients with OSAS should be screened for erectile dysfunction and more comprehensive consultation is needed, especially, if their lowest oxygen saturation levels are below 77%.     

持续气道正压通气对睡眠呼吸暂停综合征合并勃起功能障碍的治疗

目的 :探讨经鼻持续气道正压通气 (nCPAP)对睡眠呼吸暂停综合征 (SAS)合并勃起功能障碍 (ED)患者勃起功能的影响。　方法 :SAS合并ED患者 2 7例 ,随机分为治疗组 15例和对照组 12例 ,治疗组使用BIPAP呼吸机以nCPAP治疗 1个月 ,比较两组治疗前后睡眠呼吸暂停低通气指数 (AHI)、最低SaO2 和勃起功能国际问卷 5 (IIEF 5 )评分的变化。　结果 :两组患者治疗前AHI、最低SaO2 、勃起功能、IIEF 5评分无明显差异 ,治疗组在治疗后比治疗前、对照组均有明显改善 ,差异均有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。而对照组在治疗前后上述指标无明显变化 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论 :nCPAP可改善SAS合并ED患者的勃起功能。     

Cardiac function in obstructive sleep apnea patients following uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with severe cardiac arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities. Cor pulmonale and right-sided heart failure may ensue. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is one of several treatment modalities suggested for OSAS. Tracheotomy and CPAP treatment in adult OSAS patients and adenotonsillectomy in children with OSAS were shown to lead to improvement in some cardiac parameters. Cardiac function was prospectively evaluated in 19 OSAS patients before and after UPPP. No significant changes after surgery were noted on electrocardiographic studies. Improvement in global and regional function of both ventricles was seen in 91% of the patients. A trend toward significant elevation in left ventricular ejection fraction and a statistically significant increase in right ventricular ejection fraction were observed (45% +/- 9% to 50% +/- 7% [p = 0.007]). Our results support performance of UPPP in selected OSAS patients for relief of potentially life-threatening cardiac pathologies.     

Role of Thyroid Surgery in the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Objectives

To study the impact of thyroid surgery on obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) evaluated by the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) was studied. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the impact on the positional component of OSAS and to highlight possible predictors of improvement of OSAS after thyroidectomy.

Methods

Twenty-eight patients with OSAS are included in this monocentric study: they underwent total thyroidectomy (n = 26) or left loboisthmectomy. Postoperative assessment involves a nocturnal control polysomnography as of 60 days after surgery.

Results

The mean age at the time of surgery is 61.3 years (standard deviation ±7.3) and average body mass index is 29.6 kg/m² (±7.3). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment is introduced preoperatively in 82 % of patients. The statistical analysis shows a significant decrease of 33 % in postoperative AHI for the total population (p = 0.001), 77 % in patients under CPAP (p = 0.05), and 27 % in patients without CPAP (p = 0.02). CPAP therapy could be released in four patients. Given the limited number of subjects studied, the surgery did not impact on the positional component of the OSAS. Statistical analysis failed to link a predictive factor to AHI reduction.

Conclusions

We propose thyroid surgery as an alternative or as a complement to CPAP treatment for the patients with goitre: it allows a significant decrease in postoperative AHI, allowing adaptation of the CPAP treatment downward, or even a release in some cases. These results need to be confirmed on a larger series of patients in a prospective study with standardized criteria for polysomnography and multivariate analysis.     

Regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) during sleep apnoea treatment

BACKGROUND: Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) often display persistent cognitive dysfunction despite effective treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key mediator of memory and cognition, but its regulation in OSAS and during CPAP treatment is unknown. METHODS: Serum and plasma BDNF concentrations, BDNF secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and overnight polysomnography were evaluated in 17 men with newly diagnosed OSAS (as defined by a respiratory disturbance index of >10/hour with >70% obstructive events and corresponding daytime symptoms) and 12 healthy control men. In the patients all the parameters were monitored after 1 night and 3 months of CPAP treatment. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in baseline serum BDNF, plasma BDNF, or spontaneous BDNF secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells between untreated patients and controls. After 1 night of CPAP treatment there was a steep fall in median serum BDNF (from 18.0 ng/ml to 4.1 ng/ml) and plasma BDNF (from 58.7 pg/ml to 22.0 pg/ml) concentrations. Following 3 months of treatment BDNF concentrations did not return to baseline. In contrast, BDNF secretion was not suppressed by CPAP treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with untreated OSAS have normal serum and plasma BDNF levels. CPAP treatment is associated with a rapid decrease in serum and plasma BDNF levels which may reflect enhanced neuronal demand for BDNF in this condition.     

A randomized trial of temperature-controlled radiofrequency, continuous positive airway pressure, and placebo for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

OBJECTIVE: The study goal was to determine the effectiveness of (1) multilevel temperature-controlled radiofrequency tissue ablation (TCRFTA) or (2) continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, 2-site trial, comparing TCRFTA (n = 30) and CPAP (n = 30) with sham-placebo (n = 30) using intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: Compared with pretreatment baseline, TCRFTA improved reaction time, OSAS-specific quality of life (QOL), and subjective sleepiness (all P < 0.05). Compared with sham-placebo, TCRFTA improved QOL, airway volume, apnea index, and respiratory arousal index (all P < 0.05). TCRFTA side effects and complications were mild, temporary, and similar to sham-placebo. CPAP improved QOL and sleepiness compared with baseline and QOL when compared with sham-placebo (all P < 0.05). Significant differences were not seen between TCRFTA and CPAP outcomes. CONCLUSION: TCRFTA and CPAP each improve QOL for mild-moderate OSAS patients. TCRFTA improvements may result from changes in airway volume, apnea index, and respiratory arousal index.