A novel device (SD-101) with high accuracy for screening sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome

Background and objective:   The SD-101 is a non-restrictive, sheet-like medical device with an array of pressure sensors, to detect sleep-disordered breathing by sensing gravitational alterations in the body corresponding to respiratory movements. This study evaluated the accuracy of the SD-101 for screening sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) by comparison with polysomnography.
Methods:   Nocturnal polysomnography and SD-101 monitoring were conducted simultaneously and compared in 201 patients with suspected SAHS (suspected SAHS group) and 165 male employees of a transport company (screening group).
Results:   Polysomnography revealed an AHI of <5, 5 ≤ AHI < 15, 15 ≤ AHI < 30, 30 ≤ AHI < 60 and AHI ≥ 60 events/h in 39, 35, 38, 68 and 21 subjects in the suspected SAHS group and 103, 34, 12, 12 and four subjects in the screening group, respectively. Central SAHS and obstructive SAHS were subsequently diagnosed in 11 (5.5%) and 135 (67.2%) of subjects in the suspected SAHS group and five (3.0%) and 39 (23.6%) of subjects in the screening group, respectively. Significant correlations were apparent between AHI and the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) measured with the SD-101 in both the suspected SAHS group ( r  = 0.88) and screening group ( r  = 0.92). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed 89.5% sensitivity and 85.8% specificity in identifying SAHS, using an RDI of 14.0 events/h.
Conclusions:   These findings suggest that the SD-101 is a useful device for screening SAHS.     

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征患者血小板活化和纤溶活性的研究

目的　探讨血小板活化、凝血激活和继发纤溶亢进在阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征 (OSAHS)发生发展中的作用及经鼻持续气道正压通气 (nCPAP)对其影响。方法　选择经多导睡眠图 (PSG)确诊的OSAHS患者 5 8例为实验组 ,根据睡眠呼吸暂停低通气指数 (AHI)、最低血氧饱和度(SaO2 min)将OSAHS患者分轻、中、重组 ,并设正常对照组 2 0例 ,11例重度OSAHS患者接受nCPAP治疗为治疗组 ,用酶联免疫双抗体夹心法检测各组血浆α 颗粒膜蛋白 (GMP 14 0 )、血小板膜糖蛋白Ⅱb/Ⅲa(GPⅡb/Ⅲa)和D 二聚体 ,比较各实验组与对照组 ,治疗组治疗前后的各项指标的差异。　结果(1)中、重度OSAHS患者组血浆GMP 14 0、GPⅡb/Ⅲa和D 二聚体均显著高于对照组 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,nCPAP治疗后比治疗前明显下降 (P <0 .0 0 1) ;(2 )GMP 14 0、GPⅡb/Ⅲa和D 二聚体与AHI呈正相关 ,与最低SaO2 呈负相关 (P <0 .0 0 1)。结论　中、重度OSAHS患者存在血小板活化、凝血激活和继发纤溶亢进 ,其在OSAHS患者心脑血管栓塞性并发症高发病率中起重要作用 ,并与夜间低氧血症密切相关 ;nCPAP治疗可有效逆转上述改变。     

福州城镇男性阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征患者睾酮水平研究

目的 研究福州城镇男性阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)患者的血清睾酮水平及经鼻持续气道正压通气(nCPAP)治疗对OSAHS患者血清睾酮水平的影响.方法 182例入选者经多导睡眠监测,按年龄分25～45岁、46～65岁两层,再按睡眠呼吸紊乱严重程度进行分组:分别为正常对照组(20例、21例)、单纯性鼾症组(14例、13例)、轻度OSAHS组(21例、17例)、中度OSAHS组(19例、19例)、重度OSAHS组(18例、20例).在多导睡眠监测次晨抽取外周静脉血用电化学发光法测定血清睾酮.对比正常对照组、单纯性鼾症组、OSAHS组间睾酮水平的差异,分析睾酮水平与睡眠呼吸紊乱指数(AHI)、体质量指数(BMI)之间的相关性.开展nCPAP干预实验,对接受/未接受nCPAP治疗的中重度OSANS患者随访3个月,复查多导睡眠监测及血清睾酮指标.结果 ①正常对照组与单纯性鼾症组2组间血清睾酮差异无统计学意义(P值均＞0.05).OSAHS组血清睾酮较正常对照组及单纯性鼾症组低.②睾酮与AHI、BMI、年龄均呈负相关(r=-0.589,P＜0.01;r=-0.225;P＜0.05;r=-0.454,P＜0.01),睾酮与最低SaO2呈正相关(r=0.459,P＜0.01).③中重度OSAHS患者中,接受nCPAP治疗者随访3个月后,血清睾酮水平升高(P＜0.01).未接受nCPAP治疗者随访3个月后,血清睾酮水平无明显变化(P＞0.05).结论 ①OSAHS患者血清睾酮水平低,血清睾酮水平与AHI、BMI呈负相关.②OSAHS患者血清睾酮水平随年龄增加而降低.③nCPAP治疗可改善OSAHS患者血清睾酮水平.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the testosterone levels in Fuzhou urban male patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and impact of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) treatment. Methods Following polysomnographic examination, 182 sbjucts were assigned to 25-45years and 46-65years two groups. Each group consist of:control group(20,21 case), simple snores(14,13case), mild OSAHS(21,17case) ,moderate OSAHS(19,19 case),and severe OSAHS (18,20case). The serum level of testosterone was measured after sleep at the polysomnographic examination night. Of 76 patients with moderate or severe OSAHS, 29 patients who underwent nCPAP therapy were set as "nCPAP group" ,47 patients who did not undergo nCPAP therapy were set as "control group". 10 patients were excluded from further follow-up. The assessment protocol was then repeated after 3 months follow-up. Results ①There were no statistically significant differences of the serum level of testosterone between simple snores and control group. The serum level of testosterone was significantly lower in OSAHS patient. ② Liner regression analysis showed the serum level of testosterone was negatively correlated with AHI, BMI, year( r = -0.589, P ＜0. 01; r = -0.225, P ＜0.05; r = - 0.454, P＜0. 01), testosterone was correlated with SaO2 ( r =0.459, P ＜0.01). ③After 3 months nCPAP therapy in OSAHS patients, the serum level of testosterone was significantly increased ( P ＜ 0.01). While there were no similar changes in OSAHS patients without nCPAP therapy( P >0. 05). Conclusions ①OSAHS patients have lower level of testosterone. The serum level of testosterone was negatively correlated with AHI,BMI. ②As the age older,the serum level of testosterone lower in OSAHS patients. ③The serum level of testosterone could be improved by nCPAP therapy in OSAHS patients.     

神经肽Y与阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征所致高血压的相关性

目的 初步探讨神经肽Y(neuropeptide Y,NPY)在阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome,OSAHS)所致高血压的病理生理过程中的意义.方法 实验1.随机选择OSAHS患者31例,正常对照组30人,所有受试者均接受整夜多导睡眠图监测并于晨起前测量右上肢肱动脉血压,检测血浆NPY水平.分析两组受试者睡眠呼吸紊乱指数、平均动脉压(mean arterial pressure,MAP)与NPY浓度的关系.实验2.选择患者26例给予经鼻持续气道正压通气(nasal continuous positive airway pressure,nCPAP)治疗3个月后复查多导睡眠图、平均动脉压、血浆NPY浓度.比较治疗前后患者的呼吸暂停低通气指数(apnea-hypopnea index,AHI)、最低血氧饱和度(MinSpO2)、夜间血氧饱和度低于90%时间百分比(T-SaO2＜90%)、MAP与血浆NPY浓度的变化.结果 OSAHS患者组MAP、血浆NPY浓度较正常对照组显著升高(P＜0.01),且血浆NPY水平与MAP呈正相关(P＜0.01).经过3个月nCPAP治疗,患者MAP及血浆NPY浓度均有下降(P＜0.01).且MAP下降幅度、血浆NPY下降幅度均与AHI下降幅度呈正相关(P值分别为0.042,0.006),且MAP下降幅度与血浆NPY下降幅度亦呈正相关(P=0.034).所有实验对象NPY、MAP与AHI、T-SaO2＜90%均呈正相关,与MinSpO2呈负相关(P值均＜0.01).MAP与NPY呈正相关(P＜0.01).逐步回归方程为:NPY＝2.229×AHI-2.928×MinSpO2+1.729×MAP+279.321.结论 OSAHS可引起血浆NPY浓度的升高.NPY与OSAHS所致血压升高的发生、发展有关.有效治疗OSAHS可以预防或减缓OSAHS所致高血压的发生、发展.     

Positional sensitivity as a confounder in diagnosis of severity of obstructive sleep apnea

Purpose

The apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) is used to grade obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) into mild, moderate, and severe forms. Obstructive events are most common in the supine position. The amount of supine sleep thus influences total AHI. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of position-dependent OSA (POSA) and its relation to OSA severity classification as recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

Methods

Two hundred sixty-five subjects were recruited from primary care hypertension clinics. Whole-night respiratory recordings were performed to determine the AHI in the supine and non-supine positions, respectively. POSA was defined as supine AHI twice the non-supine AHI with supine AHI ≥5.

Results

Fifty-three percent had POSA, 22% had non-position-dependent OSA, and 25% had normal respiration. By AASM classification, 81 subjects did not have OSA, but 42% of them had some degree of obstruction when supine, and 5 subjects would have been classified as moderate–severe if they had only slept supine. Conversely, of the 53 classified as mild OSA, 30% would have changed to a more severe classification if they had exclusively slept supine.

Conclusions

POSA was common both in subjects that by AASM classification had OSA as well as those without. The severity of OSA, as defined by AASM, could be dependent on supine time in a substantial amount of subjects.     

Quantification of Circulating Cell-Free DNA in the Serum of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea–Hypopnea Syndrome

Serum cell-free DNA concentrations have been reported to increase in many acute diseases as well as in some chronic conditions such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to examine whether serum DNA concentrations were elevated in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). The effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) on serum DNA were also investigated. One hundred twenty-seven people diagnosed with OSAHS by polysomnography (PSG) were admitted into the OSAHS group, and 52 subjects without OSAHS were recruited for the control group. The OSAHS group was further divided into mild, moderate, and severe OSAHS subgroups based on their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) during sleep. Ten patients with moderate and severe OSAHS were treated with nCPAP. Serum DNA, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and malonaldehyde (MDA) concentrations were measured and were found to be significantly higher in patients with moderate and severe OSAHS groups than those in the mild OSAHS and control groups (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that serum DNA correlated positively with AHI, oxygen desaturation index (ODI), IL-6, and MDA, and negatively correlated with minimal oxygen saturation (miniSaO₂) (all p < 0.05). In stepwise multiple regression analysis, only MDA and miniSaO₂ were suggested as significant independent predictors for the serum DNA concentrations. After 6 months of nCPAP therapy, serum concentrations of DNA, IL-6, and MDA were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The increasing concentration of serum DNA in patients with OSAHS was positively correlated with disease severity. Serum DNA may become an important parameter for monitoring the severity of OSAHS and effectiveness of therapy.     

经鼻持续气道正压通气对阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征患者睡眠结构的影响

目的 评价经鼻持续气道正压通气(nCPAP)对阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)患者睡眠结构的影响.方法 87例经多导睡眠图(PSG)诊断的OSAHS患者接受nCPAP和PSG监测,分析患者nCPAP治疗前、治疗中睡眠结构和病情严重度指标的改变.结果 患者在nCPAP治疗过程中睡眠结构和病情严重度指标发生明显改善,呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)由(54.45±28.85)次/h减至(8.11±13.41)次/h(F=184.528,P<0.001).最低血氧饱和度从(64.33±14.73)%升高至(75.08±15.52)%(F=21.948,P<0.001);平均血氧饱和度自(88.19±6.80)%升高为(91.99±3.87)%(F=20.469,P<0.001).I期睡眠占睡眠总时间的比率由(22.63土20.95)%减至(18.56±16.92)%,快动眼睡眠期比率自(13.28±10.25)%升高至(16.07±9.87)%,但均无统计学意义(F=1.984,P=0.161;F=3.347,P=0.069).Ⅱ期睡眠占睡眠总时间比率由(58.84±22.87)%减至(48.67±19.57)%(F=9.947,P=0.002).Ⅲ、Ⅳ期睡眠(慢波睡眠)从(6.29±7.16)%增至(17.01±9.84)%(F=67.511,P<0.001).结论 nCPAP改善OSAHS患者AHI、血氧饱和度的同时改善睡眠结构,主要增加患者的慢波睡眠,有明显即刻效应.     

Low plasma orexin-A levels were improved by continuous positive airway pressure treatment in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

INTRODUCTION: We have previously shown that plasma levels of orexin-A, a neuropeptide with an arousal-stimulating action, were decreased in parallel with the severity of the disease in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). OBJECTIVE: To clarify the effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) treatment on plasma orexin-A levels in patients with this syndrome. METHOD: Sleep tests and blood sample collections were conducted at the sleep-related respiratory disorders clinic and the sleep laboratory of the Iwate Medical University Hospital. We studied 27 patients with OSAHS (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI], >/= 20 by polysomnography) who were treated with nCPAP for 3 to 6 months. These patients were divided into the following two groups according to the arousal index (AI): group A (n = 11), >/= 60; group B (n = 16), < 60. Plasma samples were obtained before and after the nCPAP treatment for 3 to 6 months. Plasma immunoreactive (IR)-orexin-A concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay after the extraction using cartridges. RESULTS: Plasma IR-orexin-A concentrations were inversely correlated with the AI (r = -0.807; p < 0.0001) and AHI (r = -0.661; p < 0.0001) in 27 patients before the nCPAP treatment. Mean (+/- SEM) plasma IR-orexin-A concentrations were significantly lower in group A (1.0 +/- 0.3 pmol/L) than in group B (4.6 +/- 0.4 pmol/L). Mean plasma IR-orexin-A concentrations were significantly increased after the nCPAP treatment in group A (to 3.4 +/- 1.2 pmol/L; p = 0.0069), whereas they were not significantly changed in group B. The increases in plasma IR-orexin-A concentrations after the nCPAP treatment were in parallel with the improvements in AI and Epworth sleepiness scale (a marker of severity of daytime excessive sleepiness) score in group A. CONCLUSIONS: The low plasma orexin-A levels were increased by the nCPAP treatment in patients with severe OSAHS, suggesting that orexin-A is a plasma marker that reflects the severity of OSAHS and the response to treatment.     

经鼻气道持续正压通气对OSAHS患者夜尿次数变化的影响

目的：探讨经鼻气道持续正压通气(nCPAP)对 OSAHS患者夜尿次数增多的改善作用。方法选择2014年6月至2016年5月夜尿次数增多的中重度 OSAHS 患者74例,其中中度[15次/h≤呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)<30次/h]14例、重度(30次/h≤AHI<60次/h)31例和极重度(AHI≥60次/h)29例,进行 Auto-nCPAP滴定、记录 n-CPAP滴定当晚平均压力及治疗前后夜尿次数,并对其结果进行统计学处理。结果 OSAHS 患者夜尿次数与 AHI、ESS 评分、夜间最低血氧饱和度(LSpO2)相关(r=0.728、0.435、-0.293,P 值均<0.05),且随着 AHI 增大,夜尿次数逐渐增多;nCPAP治疗后夜尿次数明显减少,3组治疗前后P值均<0.001,且当晚 nCPAP 压力与夜尿次数呈正相关(r=0.503,P<0.001),nCPAP压力<9 cmH2 O 患者夜尿次数明显比 nCPAP压力≥9 cmH2O 组少,差异有统计学意义(1.30±1.10 vs 2.56±1.50,t=-3.999,P <0.001)。结论 nCPAP能改善 OSAHS患者夜间多尿症状,其治疗压力越低患者夜尿次数越少。     

气道正压通气治疗高血压伴阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征

目的经鼻持续气道正压通气(nCPAP)治疗高血压合并阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OS-AHS)患者,以评价该疗法对血压和睡眠呼吸监测参数的影响。方法临床确诊合并OSAHS的高血压患者,随机分为治疗组和对照组,治疗组在给予常规药物(抗高血压药、抗动脉硬化药物)治疗的同时进行nCPAP治疗,对照组仅给予常规药物治疗。30天后,观察两组治疗前后血压、睡眠呼吸监测参数变化。结果高血压合并OSAHS患者共60例,治疗组和对照组各30例;治疗后治疗组的收缩压(SBP)、舒张压(DBP)、脉压(PP)、心率(HR)、睡眠呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)、最长呼吸暂停时间和最低脉搏容积血氧饱和度(SpO2min),与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);部分患者降压药物减量或停用,仅用nCPAP治疗就能维持正常血压。结论nCPAP是非药物治疗合并OSAHS高血压患者的一种安全有效方法。     

Lack of efficacy for a cervicomandibular support collar in the management of obstructive sleep apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The effect of therapy using a cervicomandibular support collar (CMSC) to manage obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was compared with standard therapy, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP). DESIGN: Subjects received treatment with CMSC or nCPAP each for 1 month in random order. The study was analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. SETTING: Tom McKendrick Sleep Laboratory, Dunedin Hospital. PARTICIPANTS:Ten adult subjects with mild-to-moderate OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI], 24 +/- 13/h slept [mean +/- SD]) completed the study. INTERVENTIONS: The CMSC was designed to prevent mandibular movement and hold the head in slight extension, thus preventing the postural changes that might contribute to OSA. Positioning of the CMSC was confirmed by an externally applied cervical range of motion (CROM) instrument and by cephalometry. Subjects were carefully instructed in the use of each device and completed a symptom diary. After 1 month, subjects underwent polysomnography with each of the allocated devices in situ, and symptom questionnaires were administered. Measurements and results:Treatment success (AHI 10/h to 相似文献   

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征患者血栓素B26-酮-前列腺素F1α和抗心磷脂抗体检测的临床研究

目的观察阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)患者血栓素B2(TXB2)、6-酮-前列腺素F1α(6-K-PGF1α)和抗心磷脂抗体(ACA)的变化及经鼻持续正压通气(nCPAP)对其影响.方法选择经多导睡眠图(PSG)确诊的OSAHS患者60例为试验组,根据睡眠呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)、最低血氧饱和度(SaO2min)将OSAHS患者分为轻、中重度组,并设正常对照组20名,19例重度OSAHS患者接受nCPAP治疗为治疗组,用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测各组TXB2、6-K-PGF1α和ACA,比较各试验组与对照组,治疗组治疗前、后的各项指标的差异. 结果 (1)中重度OSAHS组血浆TXB2显著高于对照组(P<0.01),nCPAP治疗后比治疗前明显下降(P<0.001);中重度OSAHS组血清抗心磷脂抗体IgG和IgM(ACA-IgG、ACA-IgM)显著高于对照组(P<0.01),nCPAP治疗后比治疗前明显下降(P<0.001);中重度OSAHS组血浆6-K-PGF1α显著低于对照组(P<0.01),nCPAP治疗后比治疗前明显升高(P<0.001);(2)TXB2、ACA与AHI呈正相关,与SaO2 呈负相关(P<0.001);而6-K-PGF1α与AHI呈负相关,与SaO2呈正相关(P<0.001). 结论 OSAHS患者易患血栓栓塞性疾病.TXB2、6-K-PGF1α和ACA在OSAHS患者血栓栓塞性疾病高发病率中起重要作用,并与夜间低氧血症密切相关;nCPAP治疗可有效逆转上述改变.     

Corrected QT dispersion and cardiac sympathetic function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Hypoxemia increases corrected QT dispersion (QTcD), which is the difference between the maximum and minimum QT intervals and is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the QTcD in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), and the relationship between the QTcD and (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) cardiac imaging, which reflects cardiac sympathetic activity. SETTING: A university hospital. PATIENTS: Forty-eight OSAHS patients without cardiac diseases (mean [+/- SD] age, 45.9 +/- 10.8 years; apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] 51.9 +/- 18.5 events per hour) who underwent polysomnography before treatment and on the first night of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) treatment. METHODS: Before and after nCPAP treatment was started, we measured the QTcD with computer software, before, during, and after sleep, as well as the washout rate of the MIBG administered for cardiac imaging. As a control, QTcD was also measured in the morning from 26 healthy subjects. RESULTS: Before treatment, the mean QTcD during sleep (65.0 +/- 14.6 ms) was greater than that before sleep (57.0 +/- 13.5 ms; p < 0.0001). Meanwhile, after 1 night of nCPAP therapy, the QTcD during sleep (50.6 +/- 11.4 ms) decreased from that before treatment (p < 0.0001) and was smaller than the QTcD before sleep (56.2 +/- 13.3 ms; p = 0.003). Before treatment, the QTcD during sleep correlated with the AHI (r = 0.38; p = 0.009) and the percentage of time that SaO(2) was < 90% (SaO(2) < 90% time) [r = 0.34; p = 0.018]. The QTcD did not correlate with the body mass index or the washout rate of MIBG. However, the washout rate of MIBG correlated with the AHI and the SaO(2) < 90% time. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturnal QTcD is increased in OSAHS patients but is decreased by nCPAP therapy independently of cardiac sympathetic function.     

G-substrate gene promoter SNP (−1323T>C) modifies plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride phenotype in familial hypercholesterolemia: Intra-familial association study in an eight-generation hyperlipidemic kindred

Background:   Plasma lipid and lipoprotein generally reflect the complex influences of multiple genetic loci, for instance, even familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a representative example of monogenic hyperlipidemia, often presents with phenotypic heterogeneity.
Methods:   In the course of investigating familial coronary artery disease in Utah, we studied 160 members of an eight-generation extended family of FH, to examine possible genetic modification of lipoprotein phenotype by 'modifier locus'. G-substrate (GSBS) is an endogenous substrate for cGMP-dependent protein kinase. We carried out an intrafamilial correlation analysis of modifier effect of −1323T>C substitution in the GSBS gene among 85 LDLR-mutation carriers and 75 non-carriers.
Results:   In the LDLR - mutation carriers, the plasma cholesterol levels were highest among −1323C homozygotes (mean ± SD = 454 ± 101 mg/dL), lowest among −1323T homozygotes (mean ± SD, 307 ± 72 mg/dL) and intermediate among −1323T/C heterozygotes (mean ± SD, 314 ± 62 mg/dL; P  = 0.015). Similarly, in the LDLR-mutation carriers, the plasma triglyceride levels were highest among −1323C homozygotes (mean ± SD, 371 ± 381 mg/dL), lowest among −323T homozygotes (mean ± SD, 171 ± 94 mg/dL), and intermediate among −1323T/C heterozygotes (mean ± SD, 218 ± 130 mg/dL; P  = 0.003). No such gene-interactive effect was observed among non-carriers of the LDLR-mutation.
Conclusion:   These results indicate a significant modification of the phenotype of FH with defective LDLR allele, by GSBS-1323C allele in the kindred studied.     

Analysis of risk factors for chronic hepatic encephalopathy: the role of Helicobacter pylori infection

Objective: Elevated blood ammonia is an important pathogenic factor of hepatic encephalopathy. Although colonic bacteria are considered the main source of ammonia, the stomach in subjects with urease-producing Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) is an alternative site. The objective of this study was to determine whether H. pylori is associated with this complication.
Methods: After assessing liver function and portal hypertension, 55 cirrhotics were evaluated for encephalopathy and H. pylori infection. Response to 2 weeks of amoxicillin (2 g/day) and omeprazole (40 mg/day) was then assessed in 17 (13 H. pylori -positive, four H. pylori -negative) encephalopathic subjects.
Results: H. pylori infection was more common (  67% vs 33%  ,   p = 0.004  ) among encephalopathic patients. Additional factors associated with encephalopathy included older age (  60.1 ± 1.5 vs 49.8 ± 2.4 yr  ,   p = 0.001  ), lower albumin (  3.17 ± 0.08 vs 3.69 ± 0.12 g/dl  ,   p = 0.001  ), higher total bilirubin (  2.24 ± 0.20 vs 1.53 ± 0.23 mg/dl  ,   p = 0.034  ), greater ascites score (  0.8 ± 0.1 vs 0.3 ± 0.1  ,   p = 0.01  ), greater diuretic score (  1.1 ± 0.1 vs 0.3 ± 0.1  ,   p = 0.002  ), and greater modified Child score (  6.7 ± 0.3 vs 5.1 ± 0.3  ,   p = 0.001  ). When adjusted for severity of cirrhosis and age, H. pylori continued to demonstrate a statistical association (   p = 0.039  ). After anti- H. pylori therapy, symptomatology in infected encephalopathic patients appeared to improve, whereas noninfected subjects were unaffected.
Conclusions: In cirrhotic patients, H. pylori infection is associated with hepatic encephalopathy, especially in younger patients with decompensated liver disease.     

Association of a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor gene with low bone mineral density in adult women

Background:   Osteoporosis is believed to result from the interaction among multiple environmental and genetic determinants that regulate bone-mineral density (BMD).
Methods:   To investigate a potentially predisposing genetic factor in the onset of osteoporosis, we looked for a possible association between BMD in adult Japanese women and known polymorphisms in the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor gene (LIFR).
Results:   An association analysis of chromosomes from 384 volunteer subjects revealed significant correlation between the −603T > C variant of LIFR and radial BMD ( r  = 0.11, P  = 0.032) in this test population. Comparisons of mean values of adjusted radial BMD among separate genotypic groups implied an allelic dosage effect, because homozygous carriers of T alleles of that SNP had the highest adjusted BMDs (0.403 ± 0.054 g/cm²); women homozygous for the C-allele had the lowest (0.373 ± 0.042 g/cm²), and heterozygous individuals had intermediate scores (0.394 ± 0.056 g/cm²).
Conclusion:   This polymorphism in LIFR may be an important determinant of predisposition to postmenopausal osteoporosis.     

高血压合并阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征患者NHDL-C/apoA-1水平变化研究

目的 探讨高血压合并OSAHS患者非高密度脂蛋白/载脂蛋白A1 (NHDL-C/apoA-1)比值与OSAHS严重程度的关系及经鼻持续气道正压通气(nCPAP)干预疗效研究.方法 原发性高血压(EH) +OSAHS者82例;单纯EH组79例.2组患者分别进行多导睡眠监测(PSG)、血脂水平、NHDL-C/apoA-1等检测,观察2组患者上述指标变化;依据睡眠呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)将EH+OSAHS组分为轻(28例)、中(29例)、重度(25例)组,NHDL-C/apoA-1与OSAHS严重程度(AHI)对比相关分析;以及47例中重度EH+ OSAHS患者nCPAP治疗前后NHDL-C/apoA-1变化.结果 ①与单纯EH组相比,EH+ OSAHS组中最低血氧饱和度(minimumSaO2)[(71.7±5.4)％ vs (91.4±2.5)％]、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)[(0.8±0.2) mmol/L vs (1.1±0.1)mmol/L]减低,血氧饱和度低于90％的时间占睡眠时间百分比(TST90％) [(27.3±1.5)％vs (0±0)％]、AHI[(45.4±8.6)次/h vs(2.0±0.3)次/h]、总胆固醇(TC)[(4.2±0.5) mmol/L vs (3.7±0.4)mmol/L]、甘油三酯(TG)[(2.5±0.8) mmol/L vs(2.0±0.4)mmol/L]、NHDL-C [(2.6±0.7) mmol/L vs (2.1±0.5)mmol/L]、NHDL-C/apoA-1 (3.2±1.2) vs (2.8±0.9)增高,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).②NHDL-C/apoA-1在OSAHS患者轻、中、重度3组中随着AHI指数增加,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).③EH+OSAH患者AHI与NHDL-C/apoA-1呈正相关(r=0.649,P=0.005).④中重度EH+ OSAHS患者nCPAP治疗前后NHDL-C/apoA-1 (2.8±1.1) vs (3.7±1.4)明显下降,差异有统计学意义(t =3.5,P＜0.05).结论 NHDLC/apoA-1与OSAHS 严重程度相关,nCPAP治疗前后NHDL-C/apoA-1明显改善,可能为EH合并OSAHS患者临床治疗的靶标评价和治疗靶点.     

Cardiac sympathovagal modulation evaluated by short-term heart interval variability is subtly impaired in Alzheimer's disease

Aim:   Alzheimer's disease affects several nervous structures involved with the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, the still scarce evaluation of the cardiac autonomic function in this disease is of great functional, clinical, prognostic and therapeutic relevance.
Methods:   Time- and frequency-domain variability of 5-min R-R interval series in supine and standing positions was comparatively evaluated in 22 Alzheimer's disease subjects, aged 60–87 years (mean ± standard error of the mean, 79.6 ± 1.4) with variable cognitive impairment, and 24 healthy individuals, aged 60–91 years (68.6 ± 1.6). The Student's t -test was used to compare the variability indices between the groups and logistic regression excluded the effects on these indices in the Alzheimer's group of confounding variables different from the control group (age, physical activity and caffeinated intake), at a significance level of P  ≤ 0.05.
Results:   No difference was observed between the groups ( P  = 0.12–0.72) for each time-domain mean indices and for the frequency-domain indices of overall and absolute sympathetic modulation in both positions ( P  = 0.21–0.78). Absolute parasympathetic modulation showed borderline decrease in supine position ( P  = 0.07) and was reduced in the standing ( P  = 0.05). The sympathovagal balance was altered ( P  = 0.05) toward relative parasympathetic borderline depression ( P  = 0.07) and sympathetic exacerbation ( P  = 0.04) only in the supine posture.
Conclusion:   Data indicate that Alzheimer's disease subjects with mild-to-severe cognitive dysfunction showed subtle, absolute and relative parasympathetic depression and relative sympathetic exacerbation, which may even so contribute to distinctive functional and cognitive disturbances.     

气道正压通气对阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征合并高血压患者脉压的影响

目的探讨阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征（OSAHS）合并高血压患者脉压的变化及经鼻持续气道正压通气（nCPAP）的影响。方法选择85例经多导睡眠图仪（PSG）诊断的OSAHS患者，同时随机选取15例中重度OSAHS患者进行nCPAP治疗，在PSG监测前后及期间每2小时测量其血压，计算出脉压、脉压变化幅度、平均收缩压及平均舒张压，并计算体重指数。结果41％OSAHS患者同时合并有高血压；OSAHS合并高血压组患者的呼吸紊乱指数、脉压及体重指数明显高于单纯OSAHS患者，其最低血氧饱和度以及平均血氧饱和度均低于单纯OSAHS患者；重度OSAHS患者的脉压、体重指数、平均收缩压及平均舒张压均明显大于轻、中度OSAHS患者，而轻、中OSAHS患者之间差异无显著性意义。nCPAP可提高OSAHS患者最低血氧饱和度，同时降低其呼吸紊乱指数、平均收缩压、平均舒张压及脉压。相关分析结果表明，呼吸紊乱指数与脉压（r=0．395，P〈0．01）、平均收缩压（r=0．403，P〈0．01）、平均舒张压（r=0．313，P〈0．01）呈正相关，与最低氧饱和度（r=-0．424，P〈0．01）呈负相关，与体重指数、平均氧饱和度无相关。结论脉压是OSAHS的严重程度及是否并发高血压心血管事件的预测因子；nCPAP能下调OSAHS患者脉压及血压，是缓解OSAHS病情进展的有效治疗措施。     

Trazodone for sleep disturbance after alcohol detoxification: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background:  Trazodone is a commonly prescribed off-label for sleep disturbance in alcohol-dependent patients, but its safety and efficacy for this indication is unknown.
Methods:  We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-control trial of low-dose trazodone (50 to 150 mg at bedtime) for 12 weeks among 173 alcohol detoxification patients who reported current sleep disturbance on a validated measure of sleep quality or during prior periods of abstinence. Primary outcomes were the proportion of days abstinent and drinks per drinking day over 6-months; sleep quality was also assessed.
Results:  Urn randomization balanced baseline features among the 88 subjects who received trazodone and 85 who received placebo. The trazodone group experienced less improvement in the proportion of days abstinent during administration of study medication (mean change between baseline and 3 months: −0.12; 95% CI: −0.15 to −0.09), and an increase in the number of drinks per drinking day on cessation of the study medication (mean change between baseline and 6 months, 4.6; 95% CI: 2.1 to 7.1). Trazodone was associated with improved sleep quality during its administration (mean change on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index between baseline and 3 months: −3.02; 95% CI: −3.38 to −2.67), but after it was stopped sleep quality equalized with placebo.
Conclusions:  Trazodone, despite a short-term benefit on sleep quality, might impede improvements in alcohol consumption in the postdetoxification period and lead to increased drinking when stopped. Until further studies have established benefits and safety, routine initiation of trazodone for sleep disturbance cannot be recommended with confidence during the period after detoxification from alcoholism.