Acoustical analysis of pediatric snoring: what can we learn?

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate a database of pediatric patients who underwent snoring acoustical analysis for associations between snoring measurements, demographics, and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) severity. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A database of pediatric patients who underwent home testing with a polysomnogram device (SNAP Test, Glenview, IL) that includes acoustical snoring analysis was reviewed. RESULTS: Four hundred fifty-six patients were included (mean age, 6.87 years). Four hundred twenty-nine (94.1%) patients had measurable snoring. Snoring index (events/hr) (r = 0.2073; P < 0.0001) and maximal loudness (dB) (r = 0.2218; P < 0.0001) were directly proportional to the apnea/hypopnea index. Among patients without OSAHS (apnea index <1), increasing snoring index (r = -0.2102; P < 0.0001) and volume (P < 0.005 ANOVA) were associated with increasing oximetry desaturation events. CONCLUSION: The majority of children evaluated had objective snoring. Increasing snoring index and loudness are associated with increased severity of OSAHS. In the absence of OSAHS, increasing snoring is associated with oxygen desaturations. SIGNIFICANCE: Pediatric snoring is objectively related to OSAHS severity.     

Resolution of hyperlipidemia after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND: Hyperlipidemia is an established risk factor for development of coronary artery disease. The aim of our study was to examine the changes in serum lipid profiles of morbidly obese patients complicated by hyperlipidemia, who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 95 morbidly obese patients with documented hyperlipidemia who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass. Mean duration of hyperlipidemia was 44+/- 56 months. Hyperlipidemia was defined as an elevated level of triglycerides (> 150 mg/dL) or total cholesterol (> 200 mg/dL). Changes in lipid profile of a subset of patients with subnormal levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( 130 mg/dL), and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (> 40 mg/dL) were also examined. Fasting lipid profiles were measured preoperatively and at 3-month intervals. RESULTS: There were 68 women (72%) with a mean age of 43 +/- 10 years. Mean body mass index was 47+/- 5 kg/m2. Mean percentage of excess body weight loss at 12 months postoperatively was 66%. One year after gastric bypass, mean total cholesterol levels decreased by 16%; triglyceride levels decreased by 63%; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased by 31%; very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased by 74%; total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol risk ratio decreased by 60%, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased by 39%. Also, within 1 year, 23 of 28 (82%) patients requiring lipid-lowering medications preoperatively were able to discontinue their medications. CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss after laparoscopic gastric bypass substantially improves lipid profiles in morbidly obese patients who have hyperlipidemia. Improvement in lipid profiles was observed as early as 3 months postoperatively and was sustained at 1 year. Improvement of lipid profiles after laparoscopic gastric bypass can reduce health risks associated with high levels of atherogenic lipoproteins.     

Obstructive Sleep Apnea–Hypopnea Syndrome—The Role of Bariatric and Maxillofacial Surgeries

Obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a complex disease with multifactorial etiology. It is marked by the occurrence of apnea and hypopnea events caused by repeated obstructions of the upper airways. OSAHS is strongly associated with obesity, and the prevalence of this disease in morbidly obese patients is very high. Nevertheless, not all patients with OSAHS are obese, and for this reason, there may be other anatomical predispositions to airway collapse. In obese patients, fatty deposition in the parapharyngeal region results in airway reduction and predisposes to airway collapse, worsened by neurologic loss of the normal dilator muscle tone of the neck. However, in nonobese patients, specific craniofacial characteristics such as posterior air pharyngeal space, tongue length, hyoid position, and maxillomandibular deficiencies may predispose some people to develop OSAHS. Treatment strategies for OSAHS patients vary from clinical treatment with continuous positive airway pressure, oral appliances, or medications for mild and moderate OSAHS patients, bariatric surgery for severe obese OSAHS patients to maxillomandibular advancement for obese or nonobese OSAHS patients.     

软腭菱形切除缩短术治疗阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征

目的 探讨一种治疗阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome,OSAHS)的手术方法.方法 1998年1月至2006年8月共收治OSAHS患者12例,经软腭正中菱形切除部分软腭组织短缩软腭,扩大咽腔,保留悬雍垂.结果 术后随访6个月至5年,12例中显效9例,有效2例,无效的1例行舌部分切除术后治愈,均未见食物返流和语音改变等并发症.结论 软腭菱形切除缩短术可以有效治疗OSAHS,并且减少了并发症的发生.     

Gastric bypass reduces biochemical cardiac risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, with obesity as a leading preventable risk factor for CAD. Certain biochemical markers have demonstrated strong prediction for cardiovascular events. We hypothesized that in addition to weight reduction, gastric bypass will also induce a salutary effect on the biochemical cardiac risk factors. METHODS: At a single academic institution, from 2003 to 2004, we measured the biochemical cardiac risk factors in gastric bypass patients preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. These risk factors included total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio, triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio, triglycerides, lipoprotein A, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and homocysteine. The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: The mean age of the 356 patients was 43 years; 84% were women; the mean body mass index was 47 kg/m(2); 33% were diabetic; 50% were hypertensive; 23% were taking lipid-lowering medications; and 2% had known CAD. Significant improvement occurred in the biochemical cardiac factors from preoperatively to 12 months. The beneficial changes were as follows: total cholesterol, 192 mg/dL preoperatively to 166 mg/dL at 12 months; HDL cholesterol, 46 mg/dL preoperatively to 54 mg/dL at 12 months; low-density lipoprotein, 125 mg/dL preoperatively to 88 mg/dL at 12 months; total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio, 4 preoperatively to 3 at 12 months; triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio, 3 preoperatively to 2 at 12 months; triglycerides, 133 mg/dL preoperatively to 92 mg/dL at 12 months; lipoprotein A, 14 mg/dL preoperatively to 13 mg/dL at 12 months; high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, 8 mg/L preoperatively to 1 mg/L; and homocysteine, 10 mumol/L preoperatively to 8 mumol/L at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study have shown that gastric bypass significantly improves all biochemical markers of CAD risk, particularly C-reactive protein, which had an 80% reduction. As a result, gastric bypass decreases the cardiac risk by both weight loss and advantageous alterations of biochemical cardiac risk factors.     

Combined uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and radiofrequency tongue base reduction for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we compare the objective results of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) combined with tongue base radiofrequency reduction (TBRF) with standard UPPP treatment of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective study of 277 patients who had stage I, II, or III OSAHS based on the Friedman staging system previously presented. METHODS: One hundred thirty-four patients who had treatment with UPPP only were used as a control group. This included 31 patients with stage I, 29 patients with stage II, and 74 patients with stage III OSAHS. An additional 143 patients with Stage II (n = 52) and III (n = 91) OSAHS were treated with combined UPPP and TBRF, initially and followed by additional TBRF treatments (up to 9000 J) as necessary. Subjective results were collected based on questionnaires and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score for the experimental group, but these subjective measures were not available for the control group. Objective results were compared based on the polysomnographic findings before and after surgery. RESULTS: Subjectively, the study group did extremely well. Based on objective measures of successful treatment, UPPP plus TBRF resulted in a significantly higher percentage of patients who were "cured" of OSAHS compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Stage I patients were usually successfully treated with UPPP only. However, patients allocated to stage II or III will benefit from the addition of TBRF to standard UPPP. Many UPPP-plus-TBRF patients in this study aborted further recommended TBRF treatments after subjective improvement and therefore objective results for this group, although improved in comparison to stage II and III patients treated with UPPP only, may not represent maximal potential improvement.     

牵张成骨联合正颌外科治疗成人严重小下颌畸形伴重度阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征

目的:探讨牵张成骨术联合正颌外科的方法治疗小下颌畸形患者下颌骨严重发育不足伴重度睡眠呼吸暂停综合征(OSAHS)的效果。方法:对2例继发于颞下颌关节强直的小颌畸形患者首先采用牵张成骨技术进行治疗。手术在全麻下行双侧下颌角处截骨,安置牵引器,延长下颌升支及下颌体矫正小颌畸形及OSAHS。第二期在拆除牵引器的后行正畸治疗,继而采用正颌外科方法矫正颌面畸形及咬合关系,术后进一步正畸治疗矫正咬合关系排齐牙列。结果:2例患者均顺利完成治疗。下颌骨最小牵引距离25mm,最大牵引距离30mm,牵引区成骨良好。后气道间隙由治疗前的平均3.25mm增加到11.5mm;SNB角由术前平均67°增加到术后80°,OSAHS得以治愈。联合正颌外科及正畸治疗后小颌畸形得以矫治,面型及咬合功能均获得满意的效果。术后经过2年随访,未见复发。结论:牵张成骨技术联合正颌外科治疗成人严重小颌畸形伴重度OSAHS可以获得满意的效果。不仅可有效治疗伴发的OSAHS,而且能很好地矫治小下颌畸形引起的牙颌面畸形。     

Impact of intramedullary instrumentation versus damage control for femoral fractures on immunoinflammatory parameters: prospective randomized analysis by the EPOFF Study Group

BACKGROUND: Damage control orthopedic surgery has recently been advocated for the management of femoral shaft fractures in severely injured patients because surgical procedures were found to represent a second-hit phenomenon regarding the operative burden. It has been attempted to determine the operative burden by means of proinflammatory cytokines. In this study in clinically stable patients with multiple injuries, the effects induced by different types of primary fracture stabilization on the systemic release of proinflammatory cytokines were evaluated. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, multicenter intervention study. Inclusion criteria were long bone shaft fracture of the lower extremity; age 18 to 65 years; Injury Severity Score > 16 or more than three extremity injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] score of 2 or more) in association with another injury (AIS score of 2 or more); and thoracic AIS score < 4. After informed consent, randomization for the treatment of the femoral shaft fracture was performed at admission. Groups were as follows: group I degrees FN (primary, < 24 hours) intramedullary nailing, and group DCO (DCO, I degrees ex.fix.) damage control orthopedic surgery and external fixation. In DCO patients, measurements were also performed at the time of conversion to the intramedullary procedure (DCO II degrees FN). Parameters included clinical parameters and complications (acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ failure, sepsis). From serially sampled central venous blood, the perioperative concentrations of interleukin IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8 were determined.RESULTS Thirty-five patients were included (I degrees FN, n = 17; DCO, n = 18). In I degrees FN-patients, a perioperative increase of IL-6 levels was measured (preoperatively, 55 +/- 33 pg/dL; 24 hours postoperatively, +254 +/- 55 pg/dL; p = 0.03), which was not found in subgroup DCO I degrees Ex.fix.: preoperatively, 71 +/- 42 pg/dL; 24 hours postoperatively, 68 +/- 34 pg/dL; not significant [NS] or in group DCO II degrees FN: preoperatively, 36 +/- 21 pg/dL; 24 hours postoperatively, +39 +/- 25 pg/dL; NS. Likewise, in I degrees FN patients, a perioperative increase of IL-8 levels was measured only at the 7-hour time point (preoperatively, 35 +/- 29 pg/dL; 7 hours postoperatively, 95 +/- 23 pg/dL; p < 0.05), which was not found in group DCO I degrees Ex.fix.: preoperatively, 43 +/- 38 pg/dL; 24 hours postoperatively, 69 +/- 39 pg/dL; NS or in group DCO II degrees FN: preoperatively, 25 +/- 20 pg/dL; 24 hours postoperatively, 36 +/- 29 pg/dL; NS. There were no differences in the complication rate in terms of acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, or multiple organ failure. CONCLUSION: In this prospective, randomized, multicenter study, a sustained inflammatory response was measured after primary (<24 hours) intramedullary femoral instrumentation, but not after initial external fixation or after secondary conversion to an intramedullary implant. These findings may become clinically relevant in patients at high risk of developing complications. It confirms previous studies in that damage control orthopedic surgery appears to minimize the additional surgical impact induced by acute stabilization of the femur.     

Differential diagnosis of bacterial infection and inflammatory response in kidney diseases using procalcitonin

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of bacterial infection in renal patients remains difficult. Common laboratory parameters, such as white blood cell (WBC) count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein (CRP) may be affected by the underlying disease, uremia or its extracorporeal treatment, or by immunosuppressive drugs. Procalcitonin (PCT) may be useful for the detection of systemic bacterial infections in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing renal replacement therapy, but elevated PCT concentrations have also been found in a significant number of uremic patients without signs of infection. METHODS: We tested whether measurements of PCT levels help distinguish the chronic inflammation in renal diseases from invasive bacterial infections. Serum levels of PCT were compared with the corresponding serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and WBC counts in 197 patients with different stages of renal disease: Group I) 32 patients with chronic renal failure (serum creatinine 2-6 mg/dL); group II) 31 patients with a functioning renal transplant receiving standard immunosuppressive regimens; group III) 76 clinically stable patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis (HD); group IV) 23 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) due to systemic autoimmune disease; group V) 35 patients with proven systemic bacterial infection and CRF. RESULTS: PCT levels were within the normal range (< 0.5 ng/mL) in patients with CRF and renal transplant patients without any clinical evidence of bacterial infection, regardless of the degree of renal failure and the underlying disorders. In 22 out of 76 stable HD patients, PCT levels were above the upper limit of normal, but 97% of these values were below the proposed cut-off for chronic HD patients of < 1.5 ng/mL. CRP levels were elevated in 17 of 32 patients with CRF (mean +/- SD: 0.57 +/- 0.49 mg/dL), in 10 of 31 renal transplant patients (0.41 +/- 0.55 mg/dL), in 16 of 23 patients with autoimmune disorders (2.78 +/- 3.21 mg/dL) and in 42 of 76 patients treated by HD (0.64 +/- 0.58 mg/dL). In patients with CRF and systemic bacterial infections, both PCT and CRP were markedly elevated (PCT 61.50 +/- 115.4 ng/mL, CRP 14.50 +/- 10.36 mg/dL), but in contrast to PCT, CRP values overlapped in infected and non-infected patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that PCT levels are not significantly affected by loss of renal function, immunosuppressive agents or autoimmune disorders. Thus, significantly elevated PCT concentrations offer good sensitivity and specificity for the early diagnosis of systemic bacterial infection in patients with CRF or patients with ESRD treated by HD. CRP concentrations may be useful indicators for inflammation in patients with renal diseases, but have low specificity for the diagnosis of bacterial infection.     

Metabolic bariatric surgery as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome: review of the literature and potential mechanisms

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is closely related to obesity and can cause multiple organs and systems damage. Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is presently the only long-term effective treatment and an important strategy for severely obese population, which also provides a novel therapeutic for obese patients with OSAHS, especially in patients with poor continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) adherence. To date, the resolution mechanism of OSAHS in obese patients after MBS has not been fully clarified. In addition, there is no specific metabolic bariatric surgical treatment of OSAHS guidelines. Therefore, this review provides an update on the relationship between OSAHS and MBS for highlighting the importance of weight loss strategies for obese patients with OSAHS.     

Palatal implants for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of palatal implants for treatment of mild/moderate obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Sixty-two non-obese adults with history of snoring, daytime sleepiness, and mild/moderate OSAHS, were randomized to receive palatal implants (n = 31) or placebo procedure (n = 31). Complete follow-up including quality of life (QOL, SF-36), snoring visual analog scale (VAS), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) data were obtained in 62 patients. Seven patients refused follow-up polysomnography for a total of 55 patients (29 implant and 26 placebo). RESULTS: The treatment group (change in score of -7.9 +/- 7.7) was significantly improved compared with the placebo group (change in score of 0.9 +/- 4.3) for apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) (P < 0.0001), QOL, SF-36 (P < 0.0001), snoring VAS (P < 0.0001), and ESS (P = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: Palatal implants improve AHI, QOL, snoring intensity, and daytime sleepiness for selected patients with mild/moderate OSAHS.     

主动脉夹层与阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征关系的临床研究

目的:研究主动脉夹层与阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)的关系。方法:回顾分析41例合并高血压的主动脉夹层患者的临床资料,设为主动脉夹层组,并选取41例具有年龄、性别及体质量指数相近的高血压患者作为对照组,分析OSAHS与主动脉夹层之间的关系。结果:夹层组的阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征发病率较对照组明显升高(P0.05),且夹层组合并OSAHS者睡眠呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)较对照组升高,平均Sa O2降低(P0.05)。结论:主动脉夹层的发生与睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征可能有关。     

Treatment of hypophosphatemia using a protocol based on patient weight and serum phosphorus level in a surgical intensive care unit

BACKGROUND: Hypophosphatemia may cause organ derangements in the surgical intensive care unit. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a repletion protocol for hypophosphatemia based on admission weight and phosphorus level. STUDY DESIGN: All patients who presented to an 18-bed surgical intensive care unit with a serum phosphorus level of 2.2 mg/dL or less or who received phosphorus supplementation despite having normal levels were identified. In the preintervention phase between January and June 2001, 137 patients were retrospectively identified who met these criteria. A protocol was then designed giving a single intravenous dose of phosphorus based on weight and serum phosphorus. Repletion was given with sodium or potassium phosphorus based on presupplementation levels. After protocol implementation 141 patients met these criteria between September 2001 and February 2002, and treatment and postrepletion levels were followed prospectively. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients were repleted before the intervention with adequate followup and 22 (47%) attained a normal level. Supplementation success was 53% in moderate hypophosphatemia (2.2 mg/dL or less) and 27% in severe hypophosphatemia (less than 1.5 mg/dL). After protocol implementation, 111 patients were repleted with 84 (76%) correcting to a normal level (p = 0.002 compared with retrospective patients). Success was 78% in moderate hypophosphatemia and 62% in severe hypophosphatemia. Inappropriate supplementation of normal phosphorus levels decreased from 51 to 16 patients after protocol implementation. CONCLUSIONS: A protocol based on weight and serum levels successfully treated both moderate and severe hypophosphatemia in the majority of critically ill patients. Protocol implementation also decreased unnecessary supplementation of normal phosphorus levels.     

Total parathyroidectomy versus subtotal parathyroidectomy in the treatment of tertiary hyperparathyroidism

The purposes of this study are to evaluate the merits of surgical treatment, including subtotal parathyroidectomy (SP) and total parathyroidectomy (TP), in patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism (THPT) and compare the outcome of the two surgical options. Medical records of patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for THPT were retrospectively reviewed and long-term outcomes between the two groups were compared. Fourteen out of 488 renal transplantation recipients required parathyroidectomy for THPT during a 24-year follow-up period with a median follow-up of 35.5 [interquartile range (IQR), 19.3-133.3] months. All patients had hypercalcemia, whereas 13 had varying symptoms and one was asymptomatic. Median serum calcium level decreased from 12.4 (IQR, 11.9-12.6) mg/dL preoperatively to 8.9 (IQR, 8.1-9.4) mg/dL postoperatively (P = 0.001), whereas median intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) dropped from a preoperative level of 340.5 (IQR, 247-540) pg/mL to 55.1 (IQR, 24.4-66.4) pg/mL after surgery (P = 0.018). Comparison between patients receiving TP and SP revealed no difference in incidence of recurrence or permanent complications, whereas the former had significantly lower calcium levels (P = 0.048) and higher phosphorus levels (P = 0.017) compared with the latter. Moreover, a significant reduction in calcium level was noted in TP group on long-term follow-up compared with their immediately postoperative level (8.1 vs 9.0 mg/dL, respectively, P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant decrease in SP group. We concluded that parathyroidectomy is efficient and safe in treating THPT. Because TP would increase the risk of hypocalcemia, a less radical procedure (SP) is preferred.     

牵引成骨技术在严重小颌畸形伴中重度阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征治疗中的应用

目的 探讨应用牵引成骨技术治疗严重小颌畸形伴中、重度阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome,OSAHS)的疗效。方法 采用下颌骨牵引成骨技术治疗严重小颌畸形伴中、重度OSAHS患者19例,分别于术前、后行多导睡眠监测仪监测及螺旋CT扫描,评价疗效并比较患者上气道三维结构的改变。结果 根据OSAHS疗效判定标准,19例中17例治愈,2例显效;手术后上气道各段的矢状径、矢状面积、横径和横截面积均较术前明显增加,气道容积从治疗前的(15 572.03±3 370.11) mm3变为治疗后的(21 182.69±4 533.15) mm3,变化主要发生在腭咽及舌咽,喉咽变化不明显。腭咽及舌咽区段气道各项检测指标与术前相比,差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.01或P＜0.05））。结论 下颌骨牵引成骨技术可明显扩张上气道腭咽段和舌咽段气道容积,从而有效治疗严重小颌畸形伴中、重度OSAHS。CT作为一种影像学手段,在该研究中有独到和重要的作用。     

The effect of hyoid suspension in a multilevel surgery concept for obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the outcome of the hyoid suspension as a part of a multilevel surgery protocol. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Eighty-three patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) underwent a multilevel surgical treatment because of continuous positive-airway pressure intolerance, 67 with the hyoid suspension and 16 without the hyoid suspension. All patients underwent a pre- and postoperative polysomnography in the sleep laboratory. RESULTS: The mean preoperative apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was 36.4+/-21.2 and 19.4+/-19.7 postoperatively for all patients (P<0.0001). Further statistically significant changes were found for the arousal index, the oxygen saturation, and the daytime sleepiness. No statistically significant change was found for body mass index. In the group of patients treated without the hyoid suspension, the AHI did not decrease statistically significant. After surgery, 59.7% of the subjects with the hyoid suspension were regarded as cured. CONCLUSION: Multilevel surgery including the hyoid suspension is an effective treatment in subgroup of OSA patients. EBM rating: C-4.     

Revision uvulopalatoplasty by Z-palatoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness of Z-palatoplasty (ZPP) for patients with persistent obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) after previous uvulopharyngopalatoplasty (UP3). SETTING: Prospective study of 31 subjects who sought revision surgery in university-affiliated medical center. STUDY DESIGN: In accord with Institutional Review Board approval, 40 consenting adult patients with persistent, progressive, or recurrent OSAHS of moderate/severe severity despite previous UP3 surgeries were enrolled. All patients had preoperative subjective assessment of daytime sleepiness, quality of life, and snoring level. All patients underwent revision ZPP, radiofrequency tongue-base reduction, and often repair of nasopharyngeal stenosis. Follow-up continued for 6 months. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients completed the study. No patient demonstrated clinically significant postoperative velopharyngeal incompetence after 14 weeks. No major perioperative complications occurred. Subjective improvement was achieved in all patients, and objective cure was achieved in 21 patients (67.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Z-palatoplasty is safe and effective for selected patients who have failed UP3.     

Efficacy and safety of an insulin infusion protocol in a surgical ICU

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia is associated with complications in the surgical intensive care unit. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of nurse-driven insulin infusion protocols in lowering blood glucose (BG) in critical illness. STUDY DESIGN: All patients in a 24-bed surgical intensive care unit who required i.v. insulin infusions during 3 noncontiguous 6-month periods from 2002 to 2004 were evaluated. In the preintervention phase, 71 patients received a physician-initiated insulin infusion without a developed protocol. They were compared with 95 patients who received a nurse-driven insulin infusion protocol with a target BG of 120 to 150 mg/dL and to 119 patients who received a more stringent protocol with a target BG of 80 to 110 mg/dL. RESULTS: There was a stepwise decrease in average daily BG levels, from 190 to 163 to 132 mg/dL (p < 0.001). The less stringent protocol decreased the time to achieve a BG level < 150 mg/dL from 14.1 to 7.4 hours compared with physician-driven management (p < 0.05) resulting in similar time on an insulin infusion (53 versus 48 hours). The more intensive protocol brought BG levels < 150 mg/dL in 7.2 hours and < 111 mg/dL in 13.6 hours, but increased the length of time a patient was on an insulin infusion to 77 hours. The incidence of severe hypoglycemia (BG < 40 mg/dL) was statistically similar between the groups, ranging between 1.1% and 3.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a nurse-driven protocol led to more rapid and more effective BG control in critically ill surgical patients compared with physician management. Tighter BG control can be obtained without a significant increase in hypoglycemia, although this is associated with increased time on an insulin infusion.     

Resolution of Obstructive Sleep Apnea after Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical outcome of a cohort of morbidly obese patients with documented sleep apnea who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). METHODS: 56 morbidly obese patients with documented sleep apnea by polysomnography underwent LRYGBP. There were 36 females with mean age 46 years and mean BMI 49 kg/m2. The Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) scores and the number of patients requiring the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy were recorded preoperatively and at 3-month intervals. RESULTS: The mean length of sleep apnea condition was 44 +/- 55 months. Preoperative polysomnography scores were classified as severe in 50% of patients, moderate in 30%, and mild in 20%. 29 of 56 (52%) patients required CPAP therapy preoperatively. The mean excess body weight loss was 73 +/- 3% at 12 months. The mean ESS score decreased from 13.7 preoperatively to 5.3 at 1 month postoperatively (P<0.05) and maintained below the threshold level (<7) for the entire 12 months of follow-up. Of the 29 patients requiring preoperative CPAP, only 4 (14%) patients required CPAP at 3 months postoperatively and none required CPAP at 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss associated with LRYGBP significantly improves the symptoms of sleep apnea and is effective in discontinuation in the clinical use of CPAP therapy. Improvement of obstructive sleep apnea symptoms occur as early as 1 month postoperatively.     

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征患者血清C反应蛋白、内皮素-1、肿瘤坏死因子-α水平变化及其临床意义

目的 探讨血清C反应蛋白(CRP)、内皮素-1(ET-1)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)在阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征(OSAHS)中的变化及其意义.方法 选取经多导睡眠监测系统(PSG)确诊且未经治疗并排除其他疾病的OSAHS患者60例为OSAHS组;对照组为50例PSG监测正常且排除其他疾病者.分别测定CRP、ET-1、TNF-α水平.结果 OSAHS组血清CRP、ET-1、TNF-α分别为(7.87±6.56) mg/L、(84.24±23.46) ng/L、(24.83±5.89) ng/L,均高于对照组(P＜0.05).结论 血清CRP、ET-1、TNF-α水平在OSAHS患者中均升高,表明它们均参与了OSAHS的病理生理过程,OSAHS患者存在着系统性炎症.