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Nasal obstruction and palate-tongue position on sleep-disordered breathing

Hyo Yeol Kim1, Jong In Jeong1, Hun-Jong Dhong1

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology
|December 20, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The modified Mallampati score (MMS) strongly correlates with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) severity and sleep quality, particularly in patients with nasal obstruction. This highlights MMS

Area of Science:

  • Sleep Medicine
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) affects sleep quality and is influenced by upper airway anatomy.
  • The modified Mallampati score (MMS) is a clinical tool used to assess airway structures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the modified Mallampati score (MMS) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) severity.
  • To determine if nasal obstruction influences the relationship between MMS and SDB parameters.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 275 patients suspected of SDB underwent polysomnography (PSG) and completed the MMS and a nasal obstruction questionnaire.
  • Patients were stratified into two groups based on the presence or absence of nasal obstruction.
  • Clinical variables and PSG data were analyzed to assess correlations with MMS within each group.

Main Results:

  • Significant correlations were observed between MMS and key PSG variables (apnea-hypopnea index, arousal index, deep sleep proportion) in patients with nasal obstruction.
  • These correlations were not significant for the overall cohort or for patients without nasal obstruction.
  • Nasal obstruction appears to modify the predictive value of MMS for SDB severity.

Conclusions:

  • The MMS is a valuable tool for assessing SDB severity and sleep quality, especially when nasal obstruction is present.
  • Combining MMS with a simple assessment of nasal obstruction provides more comprehensive information for SDB evaluation.
  • Further research may refine the use of MMS in clinical practice for SDB management.
Keywords:
Modified Mallampati scoreMouth breathingNasal obstructionSleep apnea syndromeSleep disordered breathing

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