Nasal versus oronasal continuous positive airway pressure masks for obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot investigation of pressure requirement, residual disease, and leak

Purpose

This single-blinded, randomized, controlled pilot study aimed to investigate whether there is a difference between nasal and oronasal masks in therapeutic continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) requirement, residual disease, or leak when treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and if differences were related to measures of upper airway size.

Methods

Patients with severe OSA currently using CPAP at ??4?h/night with a nasal mask were examined (including Mallampati scale, incisal relationship, and mandibular protrusion) and then randomized to receive auto-positive airway pressure (PAP) or fixed CPAP at a manually titrated pressure for 1?week each at home, with immediate crossover. Within each week, a nasal mask and two oronasal masks were to be used for two or three nights each in random order. Data were downloaded from the device.

Results

Twelve patients completed the trial (mean ± SD AHI 59.8?±?28.6 events/h; CPAP 11.1?±?3.2?cmH₂O; BMI 37.7?±?5.0?kg/m²). During auto-PAP, the median 95th percentile pressure delivered with all masks was within 0.5?cmH₂O (p?>?0.05). During CPAP, median residual AHI was 0.61 (IQR?=?1.18) for the nasal mask, 1.70 (IQR?=?4.04) for oronasal mask 1, and 2.48 (IQR?=?3.74) for oronasal mask 2 (p?=?0.03). The 95th percentile leak was lowest with the nasal mask during both CPAP and auto-PAP (both p?Conclusions In obese OSA patients changing from a nasal to oronasal mask increased leak and residual AHI but did not affect the therapeutic pressure requirement. The findings of the current study highlight mask leak as the major difficulty in the use of oronasal masks.     

Racial disparity in adherence to positive airway pressure among US veterans

Purpose

Despite advances in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) technology, compliance with CPAP therapy remains suboptimal. Studies conducted since the advent of objective CPAP recording have noted that African Americans (AA) may use CPAP less than Whites. We sought to confirm this finding among a large sample of veterans and examine effect modifiers of the differential usage.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 233 AA and 1939 White Veterans Administration (VA) patients who had a sleep study between January 2003 and October 2006 and received CPAP therapy by the end of 2007. CPAP compliance was summarized at 2 weeks and 6 months post CPAP receipt.

Results

AAs were significantly less adherent than Whites even when controlling for age, gender, marital status, median household income for zip code, BMI, comorbidities, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity. AAs with severe OSA were 3 times more likely to use CPAP than AAs with mild/moderate OSA (p?≤?0.001); a much smaller but still statistically significant difference was seen for Whites.

Conclusions

CPAP compliance is considerably lower in AAs than in Whites, though severity of OSA modifies this association. These findings are not readily explained by differences in demographics or comorbidity.

     

The predictive value of drug-induced sleep endoscopy for CPAP titration in OSA patients

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify possible upper airway obstructions causing a higher continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration level, utilizing drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).

Methods

A total of 76 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) underwent CPAP titration and DISE. DISE findings were recorded using the VOTE classification system. Polysomnographic (PSG) data, anthropometric variables, and patterns of airway collapse during DISE were analyzed with CPAP titration levels.

Results

A significant association was found between the CPAP titration level and BMI, oxygen desaturation index (ODI), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and neck circumference (NC) (P?<?0.001, P?<?0.001, P?<?0.001, and P?<?0.001, respectively, by Spearman correlation). Patients with concentric collapse of the velum or lateral oropharyngeal collapse were associated with a significantly higher CPAP titration level (P?<?0.001 and P?=?0.043, respectively, by nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test; P?<?0.001 and P?=?0.004, respectively, by Spearman correlation). No significant association was found between the CPAP titration level and any other collapse at the tongue base or epiglottis.

Conclusions

By analyzing PSG data, anthropometric variables, and DISE results with CPAP titration levels, we can better understand possible mechanisms resulting in a higher CPAP titration level. We believe that the role of DISE can be expanded as a tool to identify the possible anatomical structures that may be corrected by oral appliance therapy or surgical intervention to improve CPAP compliance.

     

Oral appliance treatment outcome can be predicted by continuous positive airway pressure in moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea

Background

Studies show that the therapeutic CPAP pressure is associated with oral appliance (OA) treatment outcome in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. However, these studies included either CPAP adherent patients using fixed pressure devices, or partly CPAP non-adherent patients using fixed pressure or auto-adjusting (auto-CPAP) devices. In many countries, auto-CPAP is predominately used, and only those non-adherent to therapy need a change to OA. Therefore, studies examining the relationship between CPAP pressures and OA treatment outcome should focus on patients non-adherent to auto-CPAP.

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess if CPAP pressures predicted OA treatment outcome in patients non-adherent to auto-CPAP therapy.

Methods

The OA treatment responders and non-responders were defined by two success criteria ((1) AHI < 5; (2) 5 ≤ AHI < 10 and > 50% AHI reduction). Logistic regression analyses were performed for CPAP pressures and baseline variables. ROC curve analyses were used to identify CPAP pressure cutoff values, alone and combined with other explanatory variables, predicting the OA treatment outcome.

Results

Eighty-seven patients with moderate or severe OSA were included. Maximum CPAP pressures (CPAPmax) were higher in non-responders by both criteria and were, together with baseline AHI, associated with the OA treatment outcome in multivariate regression analyses. ROC curves identified an optimal CPAPmax cutoff of 12 cm H₂O, corresponding to a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.85 in predicting non-response using criterion 1. A prediction model combining CPAPmax > 12 and baseline AHI ≥ 30 had a PPV of 1.0 for non-response by both criteria.

Conclusions

Maximum CPAP pressure was a moderate predictor of OA treatment outcome, but combined with baseline AHI, the ability to identify OA non-responders was high.

     

Motile Ciliary Disorders in Chronic Airway Inflammatory Diseases: Critical Target for Interventions

Purpose of Review

Impaired mucociliary clearance has been implicated in chronic upper and lower airway inflammatory diseases (i.e., allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps and asthma). How motile ciliary disorders (impaired ciliogenesis, ciliary beating and ultrastructural defects) are implicated in chronic airway inflammatory diseases is not fully understood. Elaboration of the role of motile ciliary disorders may serve as therapeutic targets for improving mucociliary clearance, thereby complementing contemporary disease management.

Recent Findings

We have summarized the manifestations of motile ciliary disorders and addressed the underlying associations with chronic airway inflammatory diseases. A panel of established and novel diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions are outlined. Physicians should be vigilant in screening for motile ciliary disorders, particularly in patients with co-existing upper and lower airway inflammatory diseases.

Summary

Proper assessment and treatment of motile ciliary disorders may have added value to the management and prevention of chronic airway inflammatory diseases.

     

Sinus and Upper Airway Surgery in Children

Purpose of Review

Chronic sinus and upper airway disease in children is a common health problem encountered every day. Its pathophysiology is complicated which leads to different treatment options and approaches. We seek to review the current literature and evidence to surgical treatments.

Recent Findings

Medical treatment with antibiotics and topical nasal sprays continues to be the first-line treatment. Surgical interventions include adenoidectomy, balloon catheter sinuplasty (BCS), and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Each modality has proven to be safe; however, its effectiveness is widely variable.

Summary

More research with higher level of evidence is needed to help in choosing the right surgical treatment with optimal benefit.

     

Does continuous positive airway pressure reduce aldosterone levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea?

Purpose

Aldosterone is associated with the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular diseases. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for OSA, but the impact of CPAP therapy on aldosterone levels in patients with OSA remains unclear. To address this issue, a meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of CPAP therapy on serum aldosterone levels in OSA.

Methods

Two reviewers independently searched PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase, and Web of Science before March 2015. Information on characteristics of subjects, study design, and pre- and post-CPAP treatment of serum aldosterone was extracted for analysis. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated to estimate the treatment effects of CPAP therapy.

Results

A total of 5 studies involving 329 patients were pooled into this meta-analysis, including 3 observational studies and 2 randomized controlled studies. Results indicated significantly decreased aldosterone levels after CPAP therapy (SMD?=??0.236, 95 % confidence interval (CI)?=??0.45 to ?0.02, z?=?2.12, p?=?0.034).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggested that CPAP therapy was associated with a decrease in serum aldosterone in patients with OSA. Further large-scale, well-designed interventional investigations are needed to clarify this issue.

     

Association between continuous positive airway pressure and circulating omentin levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea

Purpose

Inflammation and oxidative stress play important roles in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). Omentin is expressed in visceral adipose tissue and is associated with the inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between OSAS and omentin based on a comparison of its serum levels at baseline and after 3 months of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

Methods

Ninety-six newly diagnosed OSAS patients and 31 non-apnoeic controls were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were obtained in the morning after polysomnography. Within the OSAS group, 30 patients were started on CPAP therapy and then reassessed clinically, including a blood test for serum omentin and other biochemical analysis, at 3 months.

Results

Serum omentin levels were significantly lower in the OSAS group than in the control group (27.7?±?7.6 and 42.5?±?5.2 ng/mL, P?<?0.001). In the subgroup analysis, omentin concentrations were significantly lower in patients with severe OSAS than in those with mild/moderate OSAS (P?<?0.001). Circulating omentin levels were significantly correlated with the apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI), mean SaO₂, oxygen desaturation index, and serum C-reactive protein levels. Treatment with CPAP resulted in a significant increase in circulating omentin levels after 3 months, from 22.7?±?1.4 to 41.2?±?3.3 ng/mL (P?<?0.001).

Conclusions

OSAS is associated with low serum omentin levels, and these levels can be reversed by effective CPAP treatment.

     

Relationships between MRI fat distributions and sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome in very obese patients

Purpose

Obesity is associated with both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity hypoventilation. Differences in adipose tissue distribution are thought to underlie the development of both OSA and hypoventilation. We explored the relationships between the distribution of upper airway, neck, chest, abdominal and muscle fat in very obese individuals.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study of individuals presenting to a tertiary sleep clinic or for assessment for bariatric surgery. Individuals underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of their upper airway, neck, chest, abdomen and thighs; respiratory polygraphy; 1 week of autotitrating CPAP; and morning arterial blood gas to determine carbon dioxide partial pressure and base excess.

Results

Fifty-three individuals were included, with mean age of 51.6?±?8.4 years and mean BMI of 44.3?±?7.9 kg/m²; there were 27 males (51%). Soft palate, tongue and lateral wall volumes were significantly associated with the AHI in univariable analyses (p?<?0.001). Gender was a significant confounder in these associations. No significant associations were found between MRI measures of adiposity and hypoventilation.

Conclusions

In very obese individuals, our results indicate that increased volumes of upper airway structures are associated with increased severity of OSA, as previously reported in less obese individuals. Increasingly large upper airway structures that reduce pharyngeal lumen size are likely to lead to OSA by increasing the collapsibility of the upper airway. However, we did not show any significant association between regional fat distribution and propensity for hypoventilation, in this population.

     

Basal sympathetic predominance in periodic limb movements in sleep after continuous positive airway pressure

Purpose

This study investigated the basal autonomic regulation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) showing periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) emerging after therapy with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Methods

Data of patients with OSA undergoing a first polysomnography for diagnosis and a second polysomnography for therapy with CPAP were reviewed. Patients with OSA showing PLMS on the first polysomnography were excluded. By using heart rate variability analysis, epochs without any sleep events and continuous effects from the second polysomnography were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Of 125 eligible patients, 30 with PLMS after therapy with CPAP (PLMS group) and 30 not showing PLMS on both polysomnography (non-PLMS group) were randomly selected for the analysis. No significant differences in the demographic characteristics and variables of polysomnographies were identified between the groups. Although one trend of low root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) between intervals of adjacent normal heart beats (NN intervals) in the PLMS group was observed, patients in the PLMS group had significantly low normalized high-frequency (n-HF) and high-frequency (HF) values, but high normalized low frequency (n-LF) and high ratio of LF to HF (LF/HF ratio). After adjustment for confounding variables, PLMS on the second polysomnography was significantly associated with RMSSD (β?=???6.7587, p?=?0.0338), n-LF (β?=?0.0907, p?=?0.0148), n-HF (β?=???0.0895, p?=?0.0163), log LF/HF ratio (β?=?0.4923, p?=?0.0090), and log HF (β?=???0.6134, p?=?0.0199).

Conclusions

Patients with OSA showing PLMS emerging after therapy with CPAP may have a basal sympathetic predominance with potential negative cardiovascular effects.

     

Anatomical characteristics of catathrenia (nocturnal groaning) in upper airway and orofacial structures

Background

Catathrenia is a rare sleep disorder characterized by repeated groaning in a protracted expiration preceded by a deep inspiration. This study aimed to explore whether anatomy is one of pathophysiology of catathrenia by investigating the anatomical features associated with catathrenia in the upper airway, craniofacial structures, and dental patterns.

Material and methods

Twenty-two patients with catathrenia (7 males, 15 females; age 22 to 69 years) were recruited as well as 66 patients matched by age and gender (matching proportion 1:3) with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Both groups underwent cephalograms and dental casting, and cephalometric measurements and the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index was applied. Differences between the two groups were evaluated and cephalometric measurements in catathrenia group were compared with control values of Chinese patients from previous studies.

Results

As for airway-related measurements, increased PNS-R, PNS-UPW, and H-FH and decreased SPT and TGL were found in catathrenia group compared to normal values. Such trends were found even more evident when compared with the OSAS Group. As for craniofacial parameters, values of U1/NA and U1/SN were found increased in the catathrenia group compared with normal values and values of MP/FH and Y decreased. The differences were more distinct from the OSAS Group. Increased arch lengths and upper inter-first molar widths, and decreased overbite and PAR index, were found in catathrenia group compared with the OSAS Group.

Conclusion

Catathrenia patients present with a broad upper airway, yet protrusive upper incisors and flat mandibular angles. Anatomical characteristics of catathrenia are different from those associated with OSAS, namely a wide airway, large skeleton, and good occlusion.

     

Resting energy expenditure in OSAS: the impact of a single CPAP application

Purpose

Data on the impact of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and its treatment on resting energy expenditure (REE) are currently few and conflicting. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of OSAS on REE, as measured before and after sleep, and the changes in REE after a single continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) application, for the first time in literature.

Methods

This is a nested case-control study. From the initial study population, two groups were formed, based on the results of nocturnal polysomnography: a group of male OSAS patients and a group of male, age-matched non-OSAS controls. REE was measured in both groups before and after sleep by indirect calorimetry, while patients repeated REE measurements before and after a single nasal CPAP application.

Results

Ninety-two male OSAS patients (45.3?±?12.8 years old) and 19 male non-OSAS controls (50.8?±?11.7 years old) were studied. REE/lean body mass (LBM) was higher among patients compared to controls both pre- (29.6?±?12 vs 22.9?±?7.9 kcal/kg; p?=?0.022, correspondingly) and post-sleep (26.4?±?9.6 vs 21.6?±?9 kcal/kg; p?=?0.047 correspondingly). REE/LBM decreased significantly after sleep in OSAS patients (p?=?0.002), but not in controls; this difference was most evident among patients with more severe disease and higher desaturation. A single nasal CPAP application diminished the pre-post REE/LBM difference (30.3?±?8.2 vs 28.3?±?10.3 kcal/kg; p?=?0.265), but only among responders.

Conclusions

In OSAS patients, REE values are high and vary significantly before and after sleep. A single nasal CPAP application diminishes this difference among responders, possibly through reversal of nocturnal desaturation.

     

The patient’s perioperative perspective during the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study

Purpose

This study aims to determine patients’ pre-operative and post-operative experiences relating to surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), while understanding how patients’ perceptions influence their outcome and satisfaction.

Methods

This is a phenomenological qualitative study using a semi-structured interview to evaluate patients who failed continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and underwent airway surgery. Meaningful codes from the interviews were organized into overarching themes of patient experiences. The same surgeon in a tertiary care otolaryngology practice treated all patients. All patients underwent a modified or traditional uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) between 2009 and 2013. Patients were diagnosed with OSA by polysomnogram and had failed CPAP use. Patients were interviewed regarding their experience with OSA, CPAP, and surgery. Thematic saturation was reached after 17 patients.

Results

Six themes exemplify patient’s experience of OSA and treatment: (1) OSA impacted patients personally and professionally, (2) CPAP discomfort limited its therapeutic use, (3) patients had personal motivations for undergoing surgery, (4) patient knowledge influenced their perceptions, (5) post-operative challenges exceeded patient expectations, and (6) post-operative outcomes reflected positive effect on patients.

Conclusions

Patients’ experiences prior to surgery can largely influence their perceived outcome and satisfaction. Post-operative sleep studies may not capture the full outcome of the patients’ response to surgery. This study suggests that the patient’s subjective reported outcomes should be used in conjunction with objective post-operative sleep studies.

     

Improvement in obstructive sleep apnea after a tailored behavioural sleep medicine intervention targeting healthy eating and physical activity: a randomised controlled trial

Purpose

The aim of the present single-centre randomised controlled trial was to assess the effect of a behavioural sleep medicine (BSM) intervention on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity in patients who have been referred for new treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Methods

After baseline assessment including ventilatory and anthropometric parameters, and physical activity monitoring, 86 patients who were overweight (BMI ≥?25) and had moderate-severe OSA with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥?15 were randomised into a control group (CG; CPAP and advice about weight loss) or an experimental group (ExpG; CPAP and BSM intervention targeting physical activity and eating behaviour). The BSM intervention comprised 10 individual sessions with a dietician and a physiotherapist and included behaviour change techniques such as goal setting and self-monitoring. After 6 months, a new recording of ventilatory parameters was performed without CPAP.

Results

In ExpG, 40% (n?=?14) had improved from severe to moderate or mild OSA or from moderate to mild OSA compared to 16.7% in CG (n?=?6, p?=?0.02). Further, a lower AHI and amount body fat at baseline were correlated with improvement in severity class. Being in ExpG implied a mean improvement in AHI by 9.7 and an odds ratio of 4.5 for improving in severity classification.

Conclusions

The results highlight the clinical importance of lifestyle modifications in conjunction with CPAP treatment in patients with OSA.

     

The role of drug-induced sleep endoscopy: predicting and guiding upper airway surgery for adult OSA patients

Purpose

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that can be corrected with upper airway surgery. Prior to surgery, drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is routinely used to evaluate obstruction sites and severity. Evidence suggests that the findings of DISE may relate to the final surgical outcome. Therefore, we evaluated the ability of drug-induced sleep endoscopy to predict the final effect of upper airway surgery and potentially to guide surgical treatment decision-making.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 85 adult patients with OSA (50 men with mean apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] 30?±?15 events/h) who underwent DISE followed by tonsillectomy, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), or a combination of the two. Surgery outcome was evaluated at follow-up by polysomnography. Success response to surgery was defined as a postoperative value of the AHI<?20 events/h and more than 50% postoperative reduction of AHI.

Results

Of the 85 patients evaluated, 48 (53%) were responders. DISE revealed significant differences between the two groups. Specifically, complete circumferential collapse at the velum and complete anterior-posterior collapse at the tongue base occurred at higher frequencies in nonresponders. In contrast, the presence of grade 3–4 tonsillar hypertrophy and anterior-posterior mild/partial collapse at the velum were positively associated with responders.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that DISE may help predict the final outcome of tonsillectomy, UPPP, or a combination of the two in adult patients with OSA. The use of DISE shows potential to guide treatment decisions for individual patients with OSA.

     

Depth-dependent changes of obstruction patterns under increasing sedation during drug-induced sedation endoscopy: results of a German monocentric clinical trial

Purpose

Drug-induced sedation endoscopy (DISE) and simulated snoring (SimS) can locate the site of obstruction in patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). There is clinical evidence for a change in collapsibility of the upper airway depending on the depth of sedation. So far, a dose-response relationship between sedation and collapsibility has not been demonstrated.

Methods

DISE and SimS were performed in 60 consecutive patients with SDB under monitoring of depth of sedation by BiSpectral Index® (BIS). Initially, SimS was conducted followed by DISE using bolus application of propofol. Sedation was performed up to a sedation level representing slow wave sleep (BIS = 40). The collapsibility of the upper airway was documented at decreasing sedation levels by an identical pictogram classification.

Results

For all levels and patterns of obstruction, a dose-dependent increase in the collapsibility of the upper airway was detected. A maximum collapsibility was achieved at sedation levels representing slow wave sleep. The collapsibility during SimS corresponded to light sleep stages and did not cover slow wave sleep.

Conclusion

A dose-dependent change of patterns of obstructions can be observed during DISE under BIS monitoring indicating sedation depth. The obtained patterns of obstruction during DISE and SimS should thus be interpreted with regard to the sedation depth.

     

Comorbid insomnia symptoms predict lower 6-month adherence to CPAP in US veterans with obstructive sleep apnea

Purpose

There is limited information on the association between pre-treatment insomnia symptoms and dysfunctional sleep beliefs with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence in veterans with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Our aims were to describe demographic and sleep characteristics of veterans with and without comorbid insomnia and determine whether pre-treatment insomnia symptoms and dysfunctional sleep beliefs predict CPAP use after 6 months of therapy.

Methods

Hispanic veterans attending the Miami VA sleep clinic were recruited and completed the insomnia severity index, the dysfunctional sleep belief and attitude scale (DBAS), and other questionnaires. Participants were asked to return after 7 days and 1 and 6 months to repeat questionnaires and for objective CPAP adherence download. Hierarchical regression models were performed to determine adjusted associations of pre-treatment insomnia symptoms and DBAS sub-scores on 6-month mean daily CPAP use.

Results

Fifty-three participants completed the 6-month follow-up visit with a mean CPAP use of 3.4?±?1.9 h. Veterans with comorbid insomnia had lower mean daily CPAP use (168?±?125 vs 237?±?108 min, p?=?0.04) and lower percent daily CPAP use ≥?4 h (32?±?32 vs 51?±?32%, p?=?0.05) compared to participants without insomnia. In adjusted analyses, pre-treatment insomnia symptoms (early, late, and aggregated nocturnal symptoms) and sleep dissatisfaction were predictive of lower CPAP use at 6 months. Pre-treatment dysfunctional sleep beliefs were not associated with CPAP adherence.

Conclusions

Pre-treatment nocturnal insomnia symptoms and sleep dissatisfaction predicted poorer 6- month CPAP use. Insomnia treatment preceding or concurrent with CPAP initiation may eliminate a barrier to regular use.

     

Evaluation of esophageal and airway stent placement for patients with advanced and recurrent esophageal cancer

Background

Patients with advanced esophageal cancer frequently experience dysphagia and dyspnea, and relief of such symptoms is important. We wished to clarify the efficacy of endoscopic stent placement in patients with dysphagia or dyspnea caused by advanced esophageal cancer.

Methods

A database of patients with esophageal cancer who underwent esophageal and airway stent insertion between 2005 and 2012 was analyzed retrospectively. Effects and complications of stent insertion, and survival after stent insertion, were investigated.

Results

Eighteen patients were treated by esophageal (n = 10) and/or airway (n = 9) stent placement. Marked improvements in food intake were recognized in eight patients after esophageal stenting. Marked improvements in breathing were observed in all patients after airway stenting. Dysphagia scores in the esophageal stent group as well as dyspnea grades in Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0 (CTCAE 4.0) in the airway stent group were significantly improved (p = 0.0078). In the esophageal stent group, major complications (CTCAE grade ≥3) occurred in seven of ten patients (70 %). In the airway stent group, major complications occurred in three of nine patients (33 %). Median survival of all 18 patients was 87.5 (range 13–1952) days after esophageal and/or airway stent placement.

Conclusions

Stent placement is effective for the improvement of malignant dysphasia and dyspnea caused by advanced esophageal cancer.