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Pharyngometric correlations with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
Helle L Thulesius1, Hans O Thulesius, Max Jessen
1ENT Department, Central Hospital, Sweden. helle.thulesius@ltkronoberg.se
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|March 17, 2005
Summary
Pharyngeal dimensions, like free oropharynx (FOP) and uvula breadth (UB), are significant predictors of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This photographic assessment aids in diagnosing OSAS, alongside body mass index (BMI).
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Otolaryngology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent sleep disorder.
- Pharyngeal anatomical features may influence OSAS development.
- Predictive clinical markers for OSAS are valuable for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between pharyngometric dimensions and OSAS.
- To evaluate pharyngometric measurements as clinical predictors of OSAS.
- To correlate OSAS with body mass index (BMI) and cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- Pharyngometry including tonsil size, uvula breadth (UB), uvula-posterior pharyngeal wall distance, and free oropharynx (FOP) dimension via standardized photography.
- Modified Mallampati grade (MMP) assessment.
- Analysis of clinical data: BMI, height, nasal obstruction, and cardiovascular disease.
Main Results:
- Out of 96 patients, 35 had OSAS (Apnea-Hypopnea Index [AHI] ≥ 10).
- Significant predictors of AHI included BMI, FOP, UB, cardiovascular medication use, and hypertension; tonsil size showed borderline significance.
- A derived OSAS index using BMI and FOP demonstrated 82% positive and 77% negative predictive values.
Conclusions:
- Photographic assessment of pharyngeal dimensions is significantly associated with OSAS.
- Confirmed associations between OSAS, BMI, and cardiovascular morbidity.
- Pharyngometric dimensions offer potential as clinical predictors for OSAS.