TITLE:
Pathophysiology and Treatment Options in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Review of the Literature
AUTHORS:
Lars Rasmusson, Armin Bidarian, Lars Sennerby, Gareth Scott
KEYWORDS:
Airway Pathophysiology; Obstructive Seep Apnoea; Review
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Clinical Medicine,
Vol.3 No.6,
November
21,
2012
ABSTRACT: Obstructive sleep apnoea, OSA, is formally defined as an apnoeahypopnoea index (AHI) of at least 5 episodes/hour (mild). Obesity, alcohol, smoking and sedatives may contribute to the development of OSA, as well as tonsilar hypertrophy and maxillary and/or mandibular retrognathia. Endocrine conditions such as hypothyroidism and acromegaly have also been reported associated with OSA. Except for excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches and irritability, OSA may lead to hypertension, heart failure, MI and stroke. Management involves reduction of predisposing factors such as obesity and alcohol. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is currently most common and best documented. Also uvulopalatopharyngeal surgery and so called phase II surgery, which means advancement of the jaw(s) with orthognatic surgical methods are used. Treatment with dental appliances is getting increasingly popular but the long term outcome remains debatable.