[Application of upper airway pressure measurements in management of the obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the dynamic changes in the upper airway that cause the obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome by measuring the variations of upper airway pressures in the palatal segment of oropharynx and in segment of laryngopharynx.

METHOD: The two pressure sensors of the manometer: Apnea Graphs were positioned below uvula and upper esophagus. By comparing the difference between the two sites with the reference of outer atmospheric pressure and using two temperature sensors to determine the air flow through the nose and mouth, we got apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) of 21 patients of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome at the supine position and siding position and obtained the information about the site of upper airway collapse and obstruction.

RESULT: 1. The AHI was (47.83 +/- 18.05) per hour for supine position, while (35.11 +/- 18.88) per hour for lateral position in the studying group. The difference between these two groups is statistically significant (P < 0.05). 2. The apnea events were mainly caused by the collapse and obstruction of palatal segment of oropharynx which constitute 84.48% of the obstruction. The collapse at the segment of laryngopharynx was responsible for 12.58% of the obstruction.

CONCLUSION

The upper airway pressure measurements could provide direct informations about the obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. These informations help choosing appropriate operation for apneic patients.