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Abstract The aim of this study was to build and validate an artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm to predict sleep using data from a portable monitor (Biologix system) consisting of a high-resolution oximeter with built-in accelerometer plus smartphone application with snoring recording and cloud analysis. A total of 268 patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were submitted to standard polysomnography (PSG) with simultaneous Biologix (age: $$56\pm 11$$ 56 ± 11 years; body mass index: $$30.9\pm 4.6$$ 30.9 ± 4.6 $$\hbox {kg/m}^{2}$$ kg/m 2 , apnea-hypopnea index [AHI]: $$35\pm 30$$ 35 ± 30 events/h). Biologix channels were input features for construction an ANN model to predict sleep. A k-fold cross-validation method (k=10) was applied, ensuring that all sleep studies (N=268; 246,265 epochs) were included in both training and testing across all iterations. The final ANN model, evaluated as the mean performance across all folds, resulted in a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 91.5%, 71.0% and 86.1%, respectively, for detecting sleep. As compared to the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) from Biologix without sleep prediction, the bias (mean difference) between PSG-AHI and Biologix-ODI with sleep prediction (Biologix-Sleep-ODI) decreased significantly (3.40 vs. 1.02 events/h, p

Introduction This consensus aimed to develop a structured document presenting the role of sleep-focused Speech-Language-Hearing (SPH) Sciences (SPHS). The recommendations were based on the expertise of specialists and on evidence in the literature, aiming to guide the coverage of this area and the consequent improvement in the quality of the professionals' approach.

Abstract Insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are common sleep disorders and frequently coexist (COMISA). Arousals from sleep may be a common link explaining the frequent comorbidity of both disorders. Respiratory arousal threshold (AT) is a physiologic measurement of the level of respiratory effort to trigger an arousal from sleep. The impact of COMISA on AT is not known. We hypothesized that a low AT is more common among COMISA than among patients with OSA without insomnia. Participants referred for OSA diagnosis underwent a type 3 sleep study and answered the insomnia severity index (ISI) questionnaire and the Epworth sleepiness scale. Participants with an ISI score ≥ 15 were defined as having insomnia. Sleep apnea was defined as an apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15 events/h. Low AT was determined using a previously validated score based on 3 polysomnography variables (AHI, nadir SpO2 and the frequency of hypopneas). OSA-only (n = 51) and COMISA (n = 52) participants had similar age (61[52–68] vs 60[53–65] years), body-mass index (31.3[27.7–36.2] vs 32.2[29.5–38.3] kg/m2) and OSA severity (40.2[27.5–60] vs 37.55[27.9–65.2] events/h): all p = NS. OSA-only group had significantly more males than the COMISA group (58% vs 33%, p = 0.013. The proportion of participants with a low AT among OSA-only and COMISA groups was similar (29 vs 33%, p = NS). The similar proportion of low AT among COMISA and patients with OSA suggests that the respiratory arousal threshold may not be related to the increased arousability of insomnia.

BackgroundThere is a lack of non-invasive methods for monitoring the upper airway patency during sleep. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive, radiation-free tool that has been validated to monitor lung ventilation. We hypothesized that electrical impedance tomography (EIT) can be used for monitoring upper airway patency during sleep.MethodsSleep was induced in 21 subjects (14 males, age 43 ± 13 years, body mass index 32.0 ± 5.3 kg/m2) with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index: 44 ± 37 events/h, range: 1–122 events/h) using low doses of midazolam. Patients wore a nasal mask attached to a modified CPAP device, allowing variable and controlled degrees of upper airway obstruction. Confirmation of upper airway patency was obtained with direct visualization of the upper airway using nasofibroscopy (n = 6). The changes in total neck impedance and in impedance in four cranio-caudal regions of interest (ROIs) were analyzed.ResultsTotal neck impedance varied in concert with breathing cycles and peaked during expiration in all patients. Group data showed a high cross-correlation between flow and impedance curves (r = −0.817, p < 0.001). Inspiratory peak flow correlated with simultaneous neck impedance (r = 0.866, p < 0.001). There was a high correlation between total neck impedance and velopharynx area (r = 0.884, p < 0.001), and total neck impedance and oropharynx area (r = 0.891, p < 0.001).ConclusionsNeck EIT is sensitive and captures pharyngeal obstruction under various conditions. Neck EIT is a promising method for real-time monitoring of the pharynx during sleep.

Abstract Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is extremely common and has several consequences. However, most cases remain undiagnosed. One limitation is the lack of simple and validated methods for OSA diagnosis at home. The aim of this study was to validate a wireless high-resolution oximeter with a built-in accelerometer linked to a smartphone with automated cloud analysis (Biologix) that was compared with a home sleep test (HST, Apnea Link Air) performed on the same night. We recruited 670 patients out of a task force of 1013 patients with suspected OSA who were referred to our center for diagnosis. The final sample consisted of 478 patients (mean age: 56.7 ± 13.1 years, mean body mass index: 31.9 ± 6.3 kg/m2). To estimate the night-to-night OSA severity variability, 62 patients underwent HST for two consecutive nights. The HST-apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and the Biologix-oxygen desaturation index (ODI) was 25.0 ± 25.0 events/h and 24.9 ± 26.5 events/h, respectively. The area under the curve—sensibility/specificity to detect at least mild (HST-AHI > 5), moderate-to-severe (HST-AHI > 15), and severe OSA (HST-AHI > 30) were (0.983)—94.7/92.8, (0.986)—94.8/93.9, and (0.990)—95.8/94.3, respectively. The limits of agreement originating from the Bland–Altman plot and the correlation between HST-AHI and Biologix-ODI were lower than the night-to-night HST-AHI variability (25.5 and 34.5 events/h, respectively, p = 0.001). We conclude that Biologix is a simple and reliable technique for OSA diagnosis at home.

Abstract Impaired glucose metabolism reflects neuronal/synaptic dysfunction and cognitive function decline in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study investigated the extent to which exercise training (ET) improves cerebral metabolic glucose rate (CMRgl) and cognitive function in patients with OSA. Patients with moderate to severe OSA were randomly assigned to ET (3 times/week, n = 23) or no intervention (control, n = 24). Echocardiography and apolipoprotein ε4 (APOEε4) genotyping were obtained at baseline. Both groups underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing, polysomnography, cognitive tests, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-Glucose positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET) at baseline and study end. Compared with control, exercise-trained group had improved exercise capacity, decreased apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation and arousal index; increased attention/executive functioning, increased CMRgl in the right frontal lobe (P

Resumen: El sueño es fundamental para una serie de funciones corporales, incluyendo el metabolismo de radicales libres, secreción hormonal y fijación de la memoria. Existen evidencias crecientes de que la simple restricción en el número de horas de sueño puede ser perjudicial para el sistema cardiovascular. Por ejemplo, estudios de cohorte sugieren que dormir menos de 5 horas/noche puede aumentar el riesgo de desarrollar hipertensión arterial sistémica (HAS), infarto agudo del miocardio (IAM) y accidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Otro creciente foco de interés en la medicina actual son los trastornos respiratorios del sueño. En este artículo, nos enfocaremos a los trastornos respiratorios del sueño de mayor interés para el cardiólogo, el síndrome apnea obstructiva del sueño (SAOS) y la apnea central asociada a la respiración de Cheyne-Stokes. Además de extremadamente comunes, existen evidencias de que estos trastornos respiratorios del sueño, una vez presentes, pueden contribuir al desarrollo o empeoramiento de las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Summary: Sleep is essential for several physiological functions, including free radical metabolism, hormone secretion, and memory. There is growing evidence that restricting the number of hours of sleep can be harmful to the cardiovascular system. For example, cohort studies suggest that sleeping less than 5 hours/night may increase the risk of developing systemic arterial hypertension, acute myocardial infarction and strokes. Another growing focus of interest in current medicine is sleep respiratory disturbances. In this article, we will focus on the respiratory sleep disorders of greatest interest to the cardiologist, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and central Cheyne-Stokes respiration-associated apnea. In addition, there is evidence that breathing sleep disorders are extremely common and once present can contribute to the development or worsening of cardiovascular disease.

ABSTRACT Sleep is essential for the proper functioning of all individuals. Sleep-disordered breathing can occur at any age and is a common reason for medical visits. The objective of this consensus is to update knowledge about the main causes of sleep-disordered breathing in adult and pediatric populations, with an emphasis on obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is an extremely prevalent but often underdiagnosed disease. It is often accompanied by comorbidities, notably cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurocognitive disorders, which have a significant impact on quality of life and mortality rates. Therefore, to create this consensus, the Sleep-Disordered Breathing Department of the Brazilian Thoracic Association brought together 14 experts with recognized, proven experience in sleep-disordered breathing.

Abstract Background It has been previously shown that a high percentage of medical students have sleep problems that interfere with academic performance and mental health. Methods To study the impact of sleep quality, daytime somnolence, and sleep deprivation on medical students, we analyzed data from a multicenter study with medical students in Brazil (22 medical schools, 1350 randomized medical students). We applied questionnaires of daytime sleepiness, quality of sleep, quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms and perception of educational environment. Results 37.8% of medical students presented mild values of daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale - ESS) and 8.7% presented moderate/severe values. The percentage of female medical students that presented ESS values high or very high was significantly greater than male medical students (p

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of exercise training (ET) on muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and executive performance during Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT) also referred to as mental stress test. METHODS: Forty-four individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and no significant co-morbidities were randomized into 2 groups; 15 individuals completed the control period, and 18 individuals completed the ET. Mini-mental state of examination and intelligence quotient were also assessed. MSNA assessed by microneurography, heart rate by electrocardiography, blood pressure (automated oscillometric device) were measured at baseline and during 3 min of the SCWT. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) was evaluated using cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Executive performance was assessed by the total correct responses during 3 min of the SCWT. ET consisted of 3 weekly sessions of aerobic exercise, resistance exercises, and flexibility (72 sessions, achieved in 40±3.9 weeks). RESULTS: Baseline parameters were similar between groups. Heart rate, blood pressure, and MSNA responses during SCWT were similar between groups (p>0.05). The comparisons between groups showed that the changes in VO2 (4.7±0.8 vs -1.2±0.4) and apnea-hypopnea index (-7.4±3.1 vs 5.5±3.3) in the exercise-trained group were significantly greater than those observed in the control group respectively (p0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ET improves sympathetic response and executive performance during SCWT, suggesting a prominent positive impact of ET on prefrontal functioning in individuals with OSA. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT002289625.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the MORPHEOS (Morbidity in patients with uncontrolled HTN and OSA) trial, and describe the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: MORPHEOS is a multicenter (n=6) randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the blood pressure (BP) lowering effects of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or placebo (nasal strips) for 6 months in adult patients with uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients using at least one antihypertensive medication were included. Uncontrolled HTN was confirmed by at least one abnormal parameter in the 24-hour ABPM and ≥80% medication adherence evaluated by pill counting after the run-in period. OSA was defined by an apnea-hypopnea index ≥15 events/hours. The co-primary endpoints are brachial BP (office and ambulatory BP monitoring, ABPM) and central BP. Secondary outcomes include hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) to heart, aorta, eye, and kidney. We pre-specified several sub-studies from this investigation. Visits occur once a week in the first month and once a month thereafter. The programmed sample size was 176 patients but the pandemic prevented this final target. A post-hoc power analysis will be calculated from the final sample. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02270658. RESULTS: The first 100 patients are predominantly males (n=69), age: 52±10 years, body mass index: 32.7±3.9 kg/m2 with frequent co-morbidities. CONCLUSIONS: The MORPHEOS trial has a unique study design including a run-in period; pill counting, and detailed analysis of hypertension-mediated organ damage in patients with uncontrolled HTN that will allow clarification of the impact of OSA treatment with CPAP.

Background: Whether continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment can improve depression or anxiety symptoms in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients remains uncertain. Methods: Secondary analysis of the Sleep Apnea Cardiovascular Endpoints (SAVE) trial, combined with a systematic review of randomised evidence. The SAVE secondary analyses involved 2410 patients with co-existing moderate–severe OSA and established cardiovascular disease randomly allocated to CPAP treatment plus usual care or usual care alone and followed up for 3·7 (SD 1·6) years. We evaluated the effect of CPAP treatment on depression and anxiety caseness (scores ≥8 on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale depression and anxiety subscales [HADS-D and HADS-A]) for OSA patients. Findings: CPAP treatment was associated with reduced odds of depression caseness (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0·80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0·65–0·98, P = 0·031) compared to usual care in the SAVE trial and the treatment effect was greater in those with pre-existing depression symptoms. A systematic review of 20 randomised trials including 4255 participants confirmed a benefit of CPAP in reducing depression symptoms in OSA patients: the overall effect (standardised mean difference) was −0·18 (95% CI −0·24 to −0·12). No effect of CPAP treatment on anxiety caseness was found both in patients of the SAVE study (adjusted OR 0·98, 95% CI 0·78–1·24, P = 0·89) and the systematic review. Interpretation: CPAP reduces depression symptoms in patients with co-existing OSA and CVD independently of improvements in sleepiness. Keywords: Continuous positive airway pressure, Depression, Anxiety, Mood, Obstructive sleep apnoea, OSA, Cardiovascular diseases

OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common but largely underdiagnosed condition. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) obtained using a wireless high-resolution oximeter with a built-in accelerometer linked to a smartphone with automated cloud analysis, Overnight Digital Monitoring (ODM), is a reliable method for the diagnosis of OSA. METHODS: Consecutive patients referred to the sleep laboratory with suspected OSA underwent in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) and simultaneous ODM. The PSG apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was analyzed using the criteria recommended and accepted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) for the definition of hypopnea: arousal or ≥3% O2 desaturation (PSG-AHI3%) and ≥4% O2 desaturation (PSG-AHI4%), respectively. The results of PSG and ODM were compared by drawing parallels between the PSG-AHI3% and PSG-AHI4% with ODM-ODI3% and ODM-ODI4%, respectively. Bland-Altman plots, intraclass correlation, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analyses were conducted for statistical evaluation. ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT03526133. RESULTS: This study included 304 participants (men: 55%; age: 55±14 years; body mass index: 30.9±5.7 kg/m2; PSG-AHI3%: 35.3±30.1/h, ODM-ODI3%: 30.3±25.9/h). The variability in the AASM scoring bias (PSG-AHI3% vs PSG-AHI4%) was significantly higher than that for PSG-AHI3% vs ODM-ODI3% (3%) and PSG-AHI4% vs ODM-ODI4% (4%) (9.7, 5.0, and 2.9/h, respectively; p

Background: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common comorbidity in patients with cardiovascular (CV) disease. We aimed to identify specific OSA clinical phenotypes relating to risks of serious CV events and response to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. Methods: Post-hoc analyses of the Sleep Apnea Cardiovascular Endpoints (SAVE) study in participants with moderate-to-severe OSA and coronary artery disease (CAD) and/or cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) randomised to CPAP plus usual care or usual care alone. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify OSA clinical phenotypes among 2649 (out of 2687 total) patients with complete data on 19 patient-centered variables, supported by Bayesian information criteria and clinical interpretability. Cox regression models were used to evaluate risks of composite cardiac and stroke outcome events in phenotype groups. Preferential response to CPAP treatment was evaluated using interaction terms as well as the Chi-square test. Findings: LCA identified four OSA clinical phenotypes: CAD alone and with diabetes mellitus (CAD+DM), and CeVD alone and with DM (CeVD+DM), in 39%, 15%, 37% and 9% of participants, respectively. The rates of composite CV events were the highest in CAD+DM phenotype (HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.57–2.76) and for stroke were highest in CeVD+DM phenotype (HR 6.84, 95% CI 3.77–12.42). Adherence to CPAP treatment (nil or

This study aimed to explore lipoprotein metabolism in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). We studied 15 men with severe OSA [apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥30 events/hour] and 12 age-, BMI-, and waist circumference-matched volunteers without OSA (AHI

BackgroundHeart failure is associated with exercise intolerance and sleep- disordered breathing; however, studies in patients with chronic constrictive pericarditis are scarce. The purpose of our study was to assess exercise capacity and sleep in patients with chronic constrictive pericarditis (CCP) undergoing a pericardiectomy.MethodsWe studied consecutive patients scheduled for pericardiectomy due to symptomatic CCP. Were performed quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire-MLHFQ) and sleep questionnaires (Epworth, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-PSQI), serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), serum C-reactive protein, transthoracic echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise test and overnight polysomnography immediately before and six months after pericardiectomy.ResultsTwenty-five patients (76% males, age: 45.5±13.8 years, body mass index: 24.9±3.7 kg/m2, left ventricular ejection fraction: 60±6%) with CCP (76% idiopathic, 12% tuberculosis) were studied. As compared to the preoperative period, pericardiectomy resulted in reduction in BNP (143 (83.5-209.5) vs 76 (40-117.5) pg/mL, p = 0.011), improvement in VO2 peak (18.7±5.6 vs. 25.2±6.3 mL/kg/min, pConclusionPatients with symptomatic CCP showed reduced exercise capacity and sleep-disordered breathing. After pericardiectomy, there was improvement in exercise capacity and neutral effect on sleep-disordered breathing.

Abstract Background: Chagas Disease (CD) is an important cause of morbimortality due to heart failure and malignant arrhythmias worldwide, especially in Latin America. Objective: To investigate the association of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with heart remodeling and cardiac arrhythmias in patients CD. Methods: Consecutive patients with CD, aged between 30 to 65 years old were enrolled. Participants underwent clinical evaluation, sleep study, 24-hour Holter monitoring, echocardiogram and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Results: We evaluated 135 patients [age: 56 (45-62) years; 30% men; BMI: 26 ± 4 kg/m2, Chagas cardiomyopathy: 70%]. Moderate to severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index, AHI, ≥ 15 events/h) was present in 21% of the patients. OSA was not associated with arrhythmias in this population. As compared to patients with mild or no OSA, patients with moderate to severe OSA had higher frequency of hypertension (79% vs. 72% vs. 44%, p < 0.01) higher nocturnal systolic blood pressure: 119 ± 17 vs. 113 ± 13 vs. 110 ± 11 mmHg, p = 0.01; larger left atrial diameter [37 (33-42) vs. 35 (33-39) vs. 33 (30-36) mm, p < 0.01]; and a greater proportion of left ventricular dysfunction [LVEF < 50% (39% vs. 28% vs. 11%), p < 0.01], respectively. Predictor of left atrial dimension was Log10 (AHI) (b = 3.86, 95% CI: 1.91 to 5.81; p < 0.01). Predictors of ventricular dysfunction were AHI > 15 events/h (OR = 3.61, 95% CI: 1.31 - 9.98; p = 0.01), systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.10; p < 0.01) and male gender (OR = 3.24, 95% CI: 1.31 - 8.01; p = 0.01). Conclusions: OSA is independently associated with atrial and ventricular remodeling in patients with CD.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although CPAP was originally applied with a nasal mask, various interfaces are currently available. This study reviews theoretical concepts and questions the premise that all types of interfaces produce similar results. We revised the evidence in the literature about the impact that the type of CPAP interface has on the effectiveness of and adherence to OSA treatment. We searched the PubMed database using the search terms "CPAP", "mask", and "obstructive sleep apnea". Although we identified 91 studies, only 12 described the impact of the type of CPAP interface on treatment effectiveness (n = 6) or adherence (n = 6). Despite conflicting results, we found no consistent evidence that nasal pillows and oral masks alter OSA treatment effectiveness or adherence. In contrast, most studies showed that oronasal masks are less effective and are more often associated with lower adherence and higher CPAP abandonment than are nasal masks. We concluded that oronasal masks can compromise CPAP OSA treatment adherence and effectiveness. Further studies are needed in order to understand the exact mechanisms involved in this effect.

The combination of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that predictors of OSA among patients with COPD may be distinct from OSA in the general population. Therefore, we investigated associations between traditional OSA risk factors (e.g. age), and sleep questionnaires [e.g. Epworth Sleepiness Scale] in 44 patients with advanced COPD. As a second aim we proposed a pilot, simplified screening test for OSA in patients with COPD. In a prospective, observational study of patients enrolled in the UCSD Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program we collected baseline characteristics, cardiovascular events (e.g. atrial fibrillation), and sleep questionnaires [e.g. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)]. For the pilot questionnaire, a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and the presence of cardiovascular disease were used to construct the pilot screening test. Male: 59%; OSA 66%. FEV1 (mean ± SD) = 41.0±18.2% pred., FEV1/FVC = 41.5±12.7%]. Male gender, older age, and large neck circumference were not associated with OSA. Also, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the STOP-Bang questionnaire were not associated with OSA in univariate logistic regression. In contrast, BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (OR = 3.94, p = 0.04) and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (OR = 5.06, p = 0.03) were significantly associated with OSA [area under curve (AUC) = 0.74]. The pilot COPD-OSA test (OR = 5.28, p = 0.05) and STOP-Bang questionnaire (OR = 5.13, p = 0.03) were both associated with OSA in Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis. The COPD-OSA test had the best AUC (0.74), sensitivity (92%), and specificity (83%). A ten-fold cross-validation validated our results. We found that traditional OSA predictors (e.g. gender, Epworth score) did not perform well in patients with more advanced COPD. Our pilot test may be an easy to implement instrument to screen for OSA. However, a larger validation study is necessary before further clinical implementation is warranted.

OBJECTIVE: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in children, and children with DMD die prematurely because of respiratory failure. We sought to determine the efficacy and safety of yoga breathing exercises, as well as the effects of those exercises on respiratory function, in such children. METHODS: This was a prospective open-label study of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of DMD, recruited from among those followed at the neurology outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Participants were taught how to perform hatha yoga breathing exercises and were instructed to perform the exercises three times a day for 10 months. RESULTS: Of the 76 patients who entered the study, 35 dropped out and 15 were unable to perform the breathing exercises, 26 having therefore completed the study (mean age, 9.5 ± 2.3 years; body mass index, 18.2 ± 3.8 kg/m2). The yoga breathing exercises resulted in a significant increase in FVC (% of predicted: 82.3 ± 18.6% at baseline vs. 90.3 ± 22.5% at 10 months later; p = 0.02) and FEV1 (% of predicted: 83.8 ± 16.6% at baseline vs. 90.1 ± 17.4% at 10 months later; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Yoga breathing exercises can improve pulmonary function in patients with DMD.

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea is common among patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and may contribute to poor cardiovascular outcomes. However, obstructive sleep apnea is largely unrecognized in this population. We sought to identify the clinical predictors of obstructive sleep apnea among patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Consecutive patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were recruited from a tertiary University Hospital and were evaluated using validated sleep questionnaires (Berlin and Epworth) and overnight portable monitoring. Ninety patients (males, 51%; age, 46±15 years; body mass index, 26.6±4.9 kg/m2) were included, and obstructive sleep apnea (respiratory disturbance index ≥15 events/h) was present in 37 patients (41%). RESULTS: Compared with the patients without obstructive sleep apnea, patients with obstructive sleep apnea were older and had higher body mass index, larger waist circumference, larger neck circumference, and higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation. Excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth scale) was low and similar in the patients with and without obstructive sleep apnea, respectively. The only predictors of obstructive sleep apnea (using a logistic regression analysis) were age ≥45 years (odds ratio [OR], 4.46; 95% confidence interval [CI 95%], 1.47-13.54; p = 0.008) and the presence of atrial fibrillation [OR, 5.37; CI 95%, 1.43-20.12; p = 0.013]. CONCLUSION: Consistent clinical predictors of obstructive sleep apnea are lacking for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which suggests that objective sleep evaluations should be considered in this population, particularly among elderly patients with atrial fibrillation.

Objective. Violent dream content and its acting out during rapid eye movement sleep are considered distinctive for rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (RBD). This study reports first quantitative data on dreaming in a cohort of patients with treated Wilson’s disease (WD) and in patients with WD with RBD. Methods. Retrospective questionnaires on different dimensions of dreaming and a prospective two-week home dream diary with self-rating of emotions and blinded, categorical rating of content by an external judge. Results. WD patients showed a significantly lower dream word count and very few other differences in dream characteristics compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Compared to WD patients without RBD, patients with WD and RBD reported significantly higher nightmare frequencies and more dreams with violent or aggressive content retrospectively; their prospectively collected dream reports contained significantly more negative emotions and aggression. Conclusions. The reduction in dream length might reflect specific cognitive deficits in WD. The lack of differences regarding dream content might be explained by the established successful WD treatment. RBD in WD had a strong impact on dreaming. In accordance with the current definition of RBD, violent, aggressive dream content seems to be a characteristic of RBD also in WD.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to compare the objective and subjective effects of continuous positive airway pressure to the use of nasal dilator strips in patients with acromegaly and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: We studied 12 patients with acromegaly and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (male/ females = 8/4, age = 52±8 ys, body mass index = 33.5±4.6 Kg/m², apnea-hypopnea index = 38±14 events/h) who had been included in a randomized, crossover study to receive three months of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure and nasal dilator strips. All patients were evaluated at study entry and at the end of each treatment by polysomnography, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and treatment satisfaction questionnaires. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01265121 RESULTS: The apnea-hypopnea index values decreased significantly with continuous positive airway pressure treatment but did not change with the use of nasal dilator strips. All of the subjective symptoms improved with both treatments, but these improvements were significantly greater with continuous positive airway pressure than with the nasal dilator strips CONCLUSION: The use of nasal dilator strips had a much smaller effect on the severity of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with acromegaly and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in comparison to the use of continuous positive airway pressure. Moreover, the improvement in several subjective parameters without any significant objective improvement in obstructive sleep apnea resulting from the use of nasal dilator strips is compatible with a placebo effect.

FUNDAMENTO: As apneias do sono são doenças frequentes em portadores de insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Estimativas da era pré-betabloqueador (BB) apontam para uma prevalência de 45% de apneias centrais nestes pacientes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência dos BB na prevalência das apneias centrais e sua interferência na qualidade do sono e de vida de portadores de IC. MÉTODOS: 65 pacientes portadores de IC foram submetidos a polissonografia diagnóstica.Os resultados da polissonografia foram avaliados de acordo com o uso ou não de BB. No dia do exame os pacientes responderam ao questionário de Minessota para qualidade de vida com IC. Após 6 e 12 meses da data da polissonografia, houve contato telefônico com todos os pacientes, para a repetição do questionário de Minessota. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de apneia do sono (IAH > 15/h) foi de 46,1% na população total, porém a apneia central foi identificada em apenas 18,4% dos pacientes. O uso de BB, em análise multivariada, foi o único preditor de ocorrência de menor índice de apneia e hipopneia (IAH) central (p=0,002), maior saturação (p=0,02) e menor dessaturação média de oxigênio (p=0,03). Além disso, o uso de BB foi preditor de melhor qualidade de vida após 6 e 12 meses (p=0,002 e 0,001 respectivamente) e de menor número de hospitalizações nestes períodos (p=0,001 e p=0,05 respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: O uso de BB reduziu a incidência de apneia central na população total, se compararmos com os dados da literatura. Além disto, os BB melhoraram parâmetros da qualidade do sono e de vida de portadores de IC.FUNDAMENTO: Las apneas del sueño son enfermedades frecuentes en portadores de insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). Una estimación de la era pre betabloqueante (BB) señala hacia una prevalencia del 45% de apneas centrales en estos pacientes. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la influencia de los BB en la prevalencia de las apneas centrales y su interferencia en la calidad del sueño y de vida de portadores de IC. MÉTODOS: 65 pacientes portadores de IC fueron sometidos a polisonografía diagnóstica. Los resultados de la polisonografía se evaluaron según el empleo o no de BB. El día del examen, los pacientes contestaron el cuestionario de Minnesota para la calidad de vida con IC. Tras 6 y 12 meses de la fecha de la polisonografía, hubo contacto telefónico con todos los pacientes, para la repetición del cuestionario de Minnesota. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de apnea del sueño (IAH > 15/h) fue de un 46,1% en la población total, además de la apnea central se identificó en solamente un 18,4% de los pacientes. El empleo de BB, en análisis multivariado, fue el único predictor de ocurrencia de menor índice de apnea e hipopnea (IAH) central (p=0,002), mayor saturación (p=0,02) y menor desaturación promedio de oxígeno (p=0,03). Además de ello, el empleo de BB fue predictor de mejor calidad de vida tras 6 y 12 meses (p=0,002 y 0,001 respectivamente) y de menor número de hospitalizaciones en estos períodos (p=0,001 y p=0,05 respectivamente). CONCLUSIÓN: El empleo de BB reduzco la incidencia de apnea central en la población total, si lo comparamos con los datos de la literatura. Además de esto, los BB mejoran parámetros de la calidad del sueño y de vida de portadores de IC.BACKGROUND: Sleep apneas are frequent in patients with heart failure (HF). Estimate of the pre-beta blocker age (BB) point out to 45% of central apneas in these patients. OBJECTIVE: Assess the influence of BB in central apneas and their interference in the quality of sleep and life of patients with heart failure. METHODS: 65 patients with heart failure underwent diagnostic polysomnography. Polysomnography have been assessed according to the use or not of BB. On the day of examination, the patients answered the Minessota questionnaire for quality of life with HF. After 6 and 12 months from the polysomnography date, all patients were contacted by phone, in order to repeat the Minessota questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of sleep apnea (IAH > 15/h) hit 46.1% in the total population, however, central sleep apnea was identified in 18.4% of patients. The use of BB, in a multivariate analysis, was the only predictor of a minor index of central apnea and hypopnea (IAH) (p=0.002), greater saturation (p=0.02) and smaller average desaturation of oxygen (p=0.03). Additionally, the use of BB could predict a better quality of life after 6 and 12 months (p=0.002 and 0.001 respectively) and a smaller number admissions in these periods (p=0.001 and p=0.05 respectively). CONCLUSION: The use BB reduced the rate of central sleep apnea in total population, if we compare to literature data. Additionally, the BB improved parameters of quality of sleep and life of patients with heart failure.

INTRODUCTION: Having poor sleep quality is common among patients following cardiopulmonary artery bypass graft surgery. Pain, stress, anxiety and poor sleep quality may be improved by massage therapy. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated whether massage therapy is an effective technique for improving sleep quality in patients following cardiopulmonary artery bypass graft surgery. METHOD: Participants included cardiopulmonary artery bypass graft surgery patients who were randomized into a control group and a massage therapy group following discharge from the intensive care unit (Day 0), during the postoperative period. The control group and the massage therapy group comprised participants who were subjected to three nights without massage and three nights with massage therapy, respectively. The patients were evaluated on the following mornings (i.e., Day 1 to Day 3) using a visual analogue scale for pain in the chest, back and shoulders, in addition to fatigue and sleep. Participants kept a sleep diary during the study period. RESULTS: Fifty-seven cardiopulmonary artery bypass graft surgery patients were enrolled in the study during the preoperative period, 17 of whom were excluded due to postoperative complications. The remaining 40 participants (male: 67.5%, age: 61.9 years ± 8.9 years, body mass index: 27.2 kg/m² ± 3.7 kg/m²) were randomized into control (n = 20) and massage therapy (n = 20) groups. Pain in the chest, shoulders, and back decreased significantly in both groups from Day 1 to Day 3. The participants in the massage therapy group had fewer complaints of fatigue on Day 1 (p=0.006) and Day 2 (p=0.028) in addition, they reported a more effective sleep during all three days (p=0.019) when compared with the participants in the control group. CONCLUSION: Massage therapy is an effective technique for improving patient recovery from cardiopulmonary artery bypass graft surgery because it reduces fatigue and improves sleep.

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS) e verificar os fatores associados à chance de desenvolver SAOS em motoristas de caminhão. MÉTODOS: A população desse estudo constituiu-se de motoristas de caminhão de duas filiais de uma empresa transportadora (n = 209), com idade média de 38,8 anos, sendo 98,5% do sexo masculino. O índice de massa corpórea médio foi de 26,5 ± 4,4 kg/m². Os participantes responderam questionários sobre dados sociodemográficos, atividade física e SAOS. A prevalência de SAOS foi estimada por meio do Questionário de Berlim e sua associação com os fatores estudados foi verificada pela análise de regressão univariada e multivariada. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de SAOS na população foi de 11,5%. Dos 209 motoristas, 72 (34,5%) referiram dormir ao volante enquanto dirigiam ao menos uma vez e 81 (38,7%) referiram roncar durante o sono. As variáveis estatisticamente significativas associadas à SAOS foram vínculo empregatício informal (OR = 0,27; p = 0,01), índice de massa corpórea > 25 kg/m² (OR = 13,64; p = 0,01) e qualidade do sono ruim (OR = 3,00; p = 0,02). CONCLUSÕES: Apesar de a prevalência de SAOS ter sido inferior à observada em outros estudos com motoristas, essa prevalência é superior à da população em geral. Os resultados ainda sugerem que as características do trabalho, entre as quais o vínculo de trabalho, estão associadas à SAOS. Esses dados evidenciam a relevância de se levar em consideração a atividade de trabalho em estudos que investiguem fatores associados à SAOS.OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), as well as to identify factors associated with a greater risk of developing OSAS, among truck drivers. METHODS: The study population comprised 209 truck drivers (mean age, 38.8 years; 98.5% males) at two branches of a transportation company. The mean body mass index was 26.5 ± 4.4 kg/m². The participants completed questionnaires regarding sociodemographic data, physical activity and OSAS. The prevalence of OSAS was estimated using the Berlin Questionnaire, associations between OSAS and the factors studied being assessed through univariate and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of OSAS in the population was 11.5%. Of the 209 truck drivers, 72 (34.5%) reported having fallen asleep while driving and 81 (38.7%) reported snoring. The following variables were found to present statistically significant associations with OSAS: informal employment (OR = 0.27; p = 0.01); body mass index > 25 kg/m² (OR = 13.64; p = 0.01); and poor sleep quality (OR = 3.00; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of OSAS in this study was lower than that reported in other studies of truck drivers and yet higher that that observed for the general population. In addition, our results suggest that work characteristics, such as employment status, are associated with OSAS. These data show the relevance of considering work activity in studies of factors associated with OSAS.

There is controversy regarding whether obstructive sleep apnea is responsible for triggering myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias and heart rate variability in patients with coronary artery disease. OBJETIVE: The objective of this study was to identify relationships between sleep apnea, myocardial ischemia and cardiac arrhythmia in patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with stable coronary disease underwent simultaneous polysomnography and electrocardiographic Holter recording. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was defined as the number of apneas/hypopneas per hour of sleep. Patients were divided into a Control group (AHI15, n=23 pts) and an Apnea group (AHI>15, n=30 pts). A subgroup of 13 patients with an AHI>30 (Severe Apnea group) was also studied. We analyzed ischemic episodes (ST-segment depressions >1 mm, > 1 min), heart rate variability and the occurrence of arrhythmias during wakefulness and sleep. RESULTS: Baseline clinical characteristics among the groups were similar except for higher blood pressure in the Apnea groups (p

OBJECTIVES: To investigate hypoxia and sleep disordered breathing in infants with congenital heart disease. METHODS: Prospective study. In-hospital full polysomnography was performed on 14 infants with congenital heart disease, age 7 ±1 months, and in 7 normal infants, age 10 ±2 months. Congenital heart disease infants were classified as acyanotic (n=7) or cyanotic (n=7). RESULTS: Nutritional status, assessed by the Gomez classification and expressed as % weight for age, was 70 ±7, 59 ±11 and 94 ±16 in the acyanotic, cyanotic congenital heart disease and control infants, respectively (p1 event/hour. The minimum oxygen saturation was 79% (74-82), 73% (57-74) and 90% (90-91) in the acyanotic, cyanotic congenital heart disease infants and controls, respectively (p

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological studies reveal a high male prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. A possible explanation for this male predominance is the existence of anatomical differences in the upper airway between men and women. METHODS: The upper airways of 10 male and 10 female healthy volunteers were prospectively evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Anatomical pharyngeal and column cross-sectional linear measurements were made in sagittal T1 and axial T1 and T2 weighted fast spin-echo images. RESULTS: Men had significantly greater mean sagittal pharyngeal structural dimensions compared to women for all structures with the exception of the craniocaudal length of the soft palate and the thickness of the submentonian fat. In contrast, cross-sectional linear dimensions were similar in men and women with the exception of the laterolateral tongue length, which was greater in men. All mean linear measurements of the pharyngeal air column were similar in men and women at all studied levels. CONCLUSIONS: Men and women present pharyngeal air columns with similar dimensions, but in women this column is surrounded by smaller structures, which might imply a smaller effort to keep its patency. Our data suggest the existence of an anatomical protective factor in women against the upper airway collapse.INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos epidemiológicos demonstram alta prevalência da síndrome da apnéia obstrutiva do sono no sexo masculino. Uma explicação plausível para esta predominância masculina é a existência de diferenças anatômicas nas vias aéreas superiores entre homens e mulheres. MÉTODOS: As vias aéreas superiores de 10 homens e 10 mulheres, voluntários saudáveis, foram avaliados prospectivamente através do exame de ressonância magnética. Foram realizadas medidas lineares das vias aéreas superiores e das estruturas da faringe através de imagens sagitais pesadas em T1 e imagens axiais pesadas em T1 e T2 com a técnica de fast spin-echo. RESULTADOS: Os homens mostraram dimensões significativamente maiores das estruturas da faringe em relação às mulheres em todas as medidas realizadas nas imagens sagitais, com exceção do diâmetro crânio-caudal do palato mole e da espessura da gordura submentoniana. Em contraste, as imagens axiais mostraram medidas similares entre os sexos, exceto o diâmetro látero-lateral da língua que foi maior nos homens. Todas as medidas da coluna aérea das vias aéreas superiores foram semelhantes nos dois sexos. CONCLUSÕES: Embora homens e mulheres apresentem vias aéreas superiores com dimensões similares, nas mulheres as estruturas anatômicas ao seu redor são menores, sugerindo um menor esforço para manter as vias aéreas superiores patentes no sexo feminino. Nossos resultados sugerem a existência de um fator de proteção anatômico contra o colapso das vias aéreas superiores nas mulheres.

PURPOSE: To assay the effects of cyclosporin A on mucus secretion from goblet cells and on mucociliary transport in situ in rats. METHODS: Twenty-one male Wistar rats were assigned to 3 groups: control (n = 5), saline (n = 8), and cyclosporin A (n = 8). After 30 days of drug therapy, the rats were killed, and the lungs were removed from the thoracic cavity. Mucus samples were collected, and the transport rate was evaluated in vitro using a bullfrog palate model. Mucociliary transport was timed in situ by direct view of particles trapped on the mucus moving across the respiratory tract. Finally, the amount of stored mucins in the goblet cells of the respiratory epithelium was measured. RESULTS: Drug dosage measurements showed that cyclosporine blood concentration at the moment the rats were killed was 1246.57 ± 563.88 ng/mL. The in vitro transport rate was significantly lower (P < .001) in the cyclosporin A-treated group. Also, the in-situ mucociliary transport rate was decreased in all cyclosporin A-treated animals when compared to the saline group (P = .02). Mucus quantity measurements showed a significant decrease on both acid (P = .01) and neutral (P = .02) mucus production from goblet cells in the animals submitted to cyclosporin A therapy. The correlation between the percentage of total mucus and in vitro transport rate was positive and significant (r = 0.706, P < .001), as was the correlation between the percentage of total mucus and the in situ mucociliary transport rate (r = 0.688, P = .001). CONCLUSION: This study shows that cyclosporin A plays an important role in the impairment of the mucociliary clearance in rats by reducing both acid and neutral mucus production from goblet cells and causing a decrease in the mucociliary transport velocity.OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da ciclosporina A sobre a produção de muco das células caliciformes e sobre o transporte mucociliar in situ de ratos. MÉTODOS: Vinte e um ratos machos Wistar foram distribuídos em três grupos: Controle (n=5), Salina (n=8) e Ciclosporina A (n=8). Após 30 dias de terapia, os ratos foram mortos e os pulmões removidos da cavidade torácica. Amostras de muco foram coletadas e a medida da transportabilidade in vitro foi realizada através de um modelo de palato de rã. A velocidade do transporte mucociliar foi medida através da observação direta do deslocamento de partículas aderidas ao muco do epitélio ciliado brônquico. Por fim, efetuamos a quantificação das mucinas estocadas nas células caliciformes do epitélio respiratório. RESULTADOS: O valor médio da concentração sangüínea da ciclosporina no momento do sacrifício dos ratos foi de 1.246,57 ± 563,88 ng/ml. A transportabilidade do muco in vitro foi estatisticamente menor (p < 0.001) no grupo tratado com ciclosporina. Da mesma forma, houve um decréscimo na velocidade de transporte mucociliar nos animais imunossuprimidos em relação aos que receberam o placebo (p = 0.02). Houve diminuição significativa na quantidade de muco ácido (p = 0,01) e neutro (p = 0,02) produzidos pelas células caliciformes nos animais tratados com ciclosporina. A correlação entre a porcentagem de muco e a transportabilidade in vitro foi positiva e significante (r = 0.706, p < 0.001), assim como entre a porcentagem do muco e o transporte mucociliar in situ (r = 0.688, p = 0.001). CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo mostra que a ciclosporina A age no sistema mucociliar causando um sério prejuízo através da redução na produção de muco ácido e neutro pelas células caliciformes como também a diminuição da velocidade de transporte mucociliar in situ e a transportabilidade do muco in vitro.

Current literature was searched by using the MEDLINE database to find consistent evidence regarding the use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema. 18 studies demonstrating that noninvasive ventilation applied by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (bilevel-PAP) is safe, and that the two approaches have similar effects and are effective in preventing endotracheal intubation in patients with respiratory distress of cardiac origin, were found. The results support the concept that positive intrathoracic positive pressure must be seen as a nonpharmacological form of treatment of acute pulmonary edema rather than only a supportive measure.Pesquisamos a literatura atual usando a base de dados MEDLINE para encontrar evidências consistentes sobre o uso da ventilação não invasiva em pacientes com edema agudo de pulmão cardiogênico. Foram encontrados 18 estudos demonstrando que a ventilação não invasiva aplicada por CPAP ou bilevel-PAP é segura, tem efeitos similares e é efetiva em reduzir a necessidade de intubação traqueal em pacientes com desconforto respiratório de origem cardíaca. Os resultados reforçam o conceito que a pressão positiva intratorácica deve ser considerada um forma não farmacológica de tratamento do edema agudo de pulmão cardiogênico e não simplesmente uma medida de suporte.

Cheyne-Stokes respiration is a form of periodic breathing in which central apneas and hypopneas alternate with periods of hyperventilation, producing a waxing and waning pattern of tidal volume. This review focuses on the causes and consequences of Cheyne-Stokes respiration in patients with congestive heart failure, in whom the prevalence is strikingly high and ranges from 30% to 50%. Several factors have been implicated in the genesis of Cheyne-Stokes respiration, including low cardiac output and recurrent hypoxia. The key pathophysiological mechanism triggering Cheyne-Stokes respiration is hyperventilation and low arterial CO2 (PaCO2) that when below the apneic threshold triggers a central apnea. Hyperventilation is associated with pulmonary congestion, and Cheyne-Stokes respiration is more prone to occur during sleep, when the respiratory system is mainly dependent on chemical control. It is associated with recurrent dips in oxygen saturation and arousals from sleep, with oscillations in blood pressure and heart rate, sympathetic activation and increased risk of ventricular tachycardia. Cheyne-Stokes respiration is an independent marker of poor prognosis and may participate in a vicious cycle, further stressing the failing heart.A respiração de Cheyne-Stokes é uma forma de respiração periódica na qual apnéias e hipopnéias se alternam com períodos de hiperpnéias que apresentam um padrão crescendo e decrescendo de volume corrente. Esta revisão enfoca as causa e conseqüências da respiração de Cheyne- Stokes em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca congestiva na qual a prevalência é extremamente alta e varia entre 30 a 50%. Vários fatores foram implicados na gênese da respiração de Cheyne-Stokes, incluindo baixo debito cardíaco e hipoxia recorrente. Hiperventilacão e baixos níveis de CO2 arterial (PaCO2), que quando abaixo do limiar de apnéia desencadeiam apnéia central são os mecanismos fisiopatológicos chave na gênese da respiração de Cheyne-Stokes. Hiperventilação está associada com congestão pulmonar, e a respiração de Cheyne-Stokes tem uma tendência maior de ocorrer durante o sono, quando o centro respiratório é dependente principalmente do controle químico. A respiração de Cheyne-Stokes está associada a quedas recorrentes da saturação de oxigênio e ao despertar do sono, com oscilações recorrentes na freqüência cardíaca, pressão arterial, aumento da atividade simpática e risco aumentado de taquicardia ventricular. A respiração de Cheyne-Stokes é um marcador independente de mau prognostico e provavelmente participa de um ciclo vicioso que contribui para a deterioração cardíaca.

INTRODUÇÃO: Sintomas nasofaríngeos são comuns em pacientes com a síndrome da apnéia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS) em tratamento com pressão positiva contínua em vias aéreas (CPAP). No entanto, sintomas nasofaríngeos são também comuns em pacientes com SAOS antes do início do tratamento. OBJETIVO: Determinar o impacto do tratamento com CPAP nasal sobre os sintomas nasofaríngeos em pacientes com SAOS. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 35 pacientes (28 homens), com idade de 54 ±10 anos portadores de SAOS moderada a grave diagnosticada através de polissonografia. Os sintomas nasofaríngeos (espirros, coriza, prurido, obstrução, sangramento e ressecamento nasal e de garganta) foram quantificados através de questionário aplicado antes e depois de pelo menos 3 meses de tratamento com CPAP nasal. RESULTADOS: O índice de apnéia + hipopnéia foi de 50±25 eventos por hora. Ao menos um sintoma nasofaríngeo estava presente em 26 pacientes (74%) antes do tratamento. A obstrução nasal foi o sintoma mais comum, presente em 18 pacientes (51%). Dentre os pacientes inicialmente assintomáticos (n = 9), 78% apresentaram alguma reação nasofaríngea adversa com o tratamento. Em contraste, nos pacientes inicialmente sintomáticos, houve redução significativa da intensidade da obstrução, do ressecamento nasal e de garganta e do sangramento nasal após o tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: Sintomas nasofaríngeos são freqüentes em pacientes com SAOS. O uso de CPAP pode tanto desencadear sintomas nasofaríngeos em pacientes assintomáticos, como reduzir sua intensidade nos pacientes com sintomas prévios.BACKGROUND: Nasal and pharyngeal symptoms are common in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, these symptoms are common in OSA patients even before the treatment. OBJECTIVE: Determine the impact of nasal CPAP on nasal and pharyngeal symptoms in OSA patients. METHOD: Thirty-five adult patients (28 males), age 54±10 years old, with OSA diagnosed by polissonography. All patients answered to a questionnaire about the presence and quantification of sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal pruritus, obstruction and bleeding, nasal and pharyngeal dryness. The questionnaire was answered before and after at least three months of CPAP therapy. RESULTS: The apnea-hypopnea index was 50±25 events per hour. Twenty six patients (74%) presented at least one naso-pharingeal symptom before treatment. Nasal obstruction was the most common symptom, being referred by 18 patients (51%). Among the patients that were initially assymptomatic (n=9), 78% developed adverse nasal reactions to CPAP. In contrast, among the patients that presented nasal symptoms before treatment, there was a significant reduction in nasal obstruction, nasal and throat dryness scores as well as nasal bleeding after CPAP therapy. CONCLUSION: Nasal na pharyngeal symptoms are frequent in OSAS patients. CPAP therapy may originate nasal symptoms in patients previously assymptomatic, as well as reduce the intensity of these symptoms in patients that are previously symptomatic.

We evaluated the frequency of naps and features of nappers who took a nap in a Power Nap Center located in downtown area of São Paulo. Company database was retrospectively analyzed and 4.625 naps were evaluated (January–December 2014). Most naps (57%) lasted 30 min. 33% of subjects took a nap more than once a week (73% male). Progressive growth in the number of naps across the months was observed (January=110 to December=505). Results suggest that the society is sleep deprived and taking a nap during the day could be an important strategy to improve quality of life and increase productivity.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of 3 types of noninvasive respiratory support systems in the treatment of acute pulmonary edema: oxygen therapy (O2), continuous positive airway pressure, and bilevel positive pressure ventilation. METHODS: We studied prospectively 26 patients with acute pulmonary edema, who were randomized into 1 of 3 types of respiratory support groups. Age was 69±7 years. Ten patients were treated with oxygen, 9 with continuous positive airway pressure, and 7 with noninvasive bilevel positive pressure ventilation. All patients received medicamentous therapy according to the Advanced Cardiac Life Support protocol. Our primary aim was to assess the need for orotracheal intubation. We also assessed the following: heart and respiration rates, blood pressure, PaO2, PaCO2, and pH at begining, and at 10 and 60 minutes after starting the protocol. RESULTS: At 10 minutes, the patients in the bilevel positive pressure ventilation group had the highest PaO2 and the lowest respiration rates; the patients in the O2 group had the highest PaCO2 and the lowest pH (p

Objectives Since ageing is associated with a decline in pulmonary function, heart rate variability and spontaneous baroreflex, and recent studies suggest that yoga respiratory exercises may improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, we hypothesised that yoga respiratory training may improve respiratory function and cardiac autonomic modulation in healthy elderly subjects.Design 76 healthy elderly subjects were enrolled in a randomised control trial in Brazil and 29 completed the study (age 68±6 years, 34% males, body mass index 25±3 kg/m2). Subjects were randomised into a 4-month training program (2 classes/week plus home exercises) of either stretching (control, n=14) or respiratory exercises (yoga, n=15). Yoga respiratory exercises (Bhastrika) consisted of rapid forced expirations followed by inspiration through the right nostril, inspiratory apnoea with generation of intrathoracic negative pressure, and expiration through the left nostril. Pulmonary function, maximum expiratory and inspiratory pressures (PEmax and PImax, respectively), heart rate variability and blood pressure variability for spontaneous baroreflex determination were determined at baseline and after 4 months.Results Subjects in both groups had similar demographic parameters. Physiological variables did not change after 4 months in the control group. However, in the yoga group, there were significant increases in PEmax (34%, p

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is tightly linked to some components of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). However, most of the evidence evaluated individual components of the MetS or patients with a diagnosis of OSA that were referred for sleep studies due to sleep complaints. Therefore, it is not clear whether OSA exacerbates the metabolic abnormalities in a representative sample of patients with MetS.We studied 152 consecutive patients (age 48+/-9 years, body mass index 32.3+/-3.4 Kg/m2) newly diagnosed with MetS (Adult Treatment Panel III). All participants underwent standard polysomnography irrespective of sleep complaints, and laboratory measurements (glucose, lipid profile, uric acid and C-reactive protein). The prevalence of OSA (apnea-hypopnea index>or=15 events per hour of sleep) was 60.5%. Patients with OSA exhibited significantly higher levels of blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, cholesterol/HDL ratio, triglycerides/HDL ratio, uric acid and C-reactive protein than patients without OSA. OSA was independently associated with 2 MetS criteria: triglycerides: OR: 3.26 (1.47-7.21) and glucose: OR: 2.31 (1.12-4.80). OSA was also independently associated with increased cholesterol/HDL ratio: OR: 2.38 (1.08-5.24), uric acid: OR: 4.19 (1.70-10.35) and C-reactive protein: OR: 6.10 (2.64-14.11). Indices of sleep apnea severity, apnea-hypopnea index and minimum oxygen saturation, were independently associated with increased levels of triglycerides, glucose as well as cholesterol/HDL ratio, uric acid and C-reactive protein. Excessive daytime sleepiness had no effect on the metabolic and inflammatory parameters.Unrecognized OSA is common in consecutive patients with MetS. OSA may contribute to metabolic dysregulation and systemic inflammation in patients with MetS, regardless of symptoms of daytime sleepiness.

A apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS) é uma condição clínica comum na população em geral, principalmente entre os pacientes portadores de doenças cardiovasculares. Mais do que um fenômeno local de obstrução das vias aéreas superiores, a AOS traz repercussões sistêmicas que podem incluir a hipóxia intermitente, a redução abrupta da pressão intratorácica e a ocorrência de microdespertares com fragmentação do sono. Nas últimas décadas, inúmeras evidências apontam de forma consistente a AOS como um importante fator envolvido na ocorrência de doenças cardiovasculares. Particularmente, a relação entre a AOS e a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) é a que encontra um maior conjunto de evidências. Atualmente, encontram-se dados que consideram a AOS uma importante causa secundária de HAS. Mais do que isso, a AOS está independentemente associada a um pior controle pressórico, alteração do descenso noturno da pressão arterial e à presença de lesões de órgãos-alvo, tais como a hipertrofia do ventrículo esquerdo e a microalbuminúria. Estudos randomizados sugerem que o tratamento da AOS, especialmente com a pressão positiva contínua de vias aéreas superiores (CPAP), considerado o tratamento padrão para a AOS, promove redução significante da pressão arterial nas 24 horas, efeito esse mais significante no subgrupo de pacientes com HAS não controlada e nos pacientes com HAS resistente. A despeito de todas essas evidências, a AOS ainda continua sendo subdiagnosticada. O objetivo desta revisão é discutir os recentes avanços nos mecanismos fisiopatológicos, na apresentação clínica e no tratamento da AOS, e o benefício sobre a pressão arterial.La apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS) es una condición clínica común en la población en general, principalmente entre los pacientes portadores de enfermedades cardiovasculares. Más que un fenómeno local de obstrucción de las vías aéreas superiores, la AOS trae repercusiones sistémicas que pueden incluir la hipoxia intermitente, la reducción abrupta de la presión intratorácica y la ocurrencia de microdespertares con fragmentación del sueño. En las últimas décadas, innúmeras evidencias señalan de forma consistente la AOS como un importante factor envuelto en la ocurrencia de enfermedades cardiovasculares. Particularmente, la relación entre la AOS y la Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica (HAS) es la que encuentra un mayor conjunto de evidencias. Actualmente, se encuentran datos que consideran la AOS una importante causa secundaria de HAS. Más que eso, la AOS está independientemente asociada a un peor control presórico, alteración del descenso nocturno de la presión arterial y a la presencia de lesiones de órganos-blanco, tales como la hipertrofia del ventrículo izquierdo y la microalbuminuria. Estudios randomizados sugieren que el tratamiento de la AOS, especialmente con la presión positiva continua de vías aéreas superiores (CPAP), considerado el tratamiento estándar para la AOS, promueve reducción significativa de la presión arterial en las 24 horas, efecto ese más significativo en el subgrupo de pacientes con HAS no controlada y en los pacientes con HAS resistente. A despecho de todas esas evidencias, la AOS aun continúa siendo subdiagnosticada. El objetivo de esta revisión es discutir los recientes avances en los mecanismos fisiopatológicos, en la presentación clínica y en el tratamiento de la AOS, y el beneficio sobre la presión arterial.Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common clinical condition in the general population, especially among patients with cardiovascular diseases. More than just a local phenomenon of upper respiratory tract obstruction, OSA leads to systemic consequences that may include intermittent hypoxia, sudden reduction of the intrathoracic pressure, and the occurrence of micro-awakenings with sleep fragmentation. In the past decades, innumerous evidences have consistently pointed to OSA as an important factor related to the presence of cardiovascular diseases. In particular, the relationship between OSA and systemic hypertension (SH) is the one supported by the largest body of evidence. Currently, there are data suggesting that OSA is an important secondary cause of SH. More importantly, OSA is independently associated with poorer blood pressure control, changes in sleep dip, and presence of target-organ damage such as left ventricular hypertrophy and microalbuminuria. Randomized studies suggest that the management of OSA, especially with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) - which is considered the standard treatment for OSA - promotes a significant 24-hour blood pressure reduction, and this effect is more significant in the subgroup of patients with uncontrolled SH and drug-resistant SH. Despite all those evidences, OSA has still been underdiagnosed. The objective of this review is to discuss the recent advances in the pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical presentation, and treatment of OSA, as well as the benefits this treatment can bring on blood pressure.