Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation
Published on: January 31, 2025
Sleep disordered breathing in isolated unilateral and bilateral diaphragmatic dysfunction
Akram Khan1, Timothy I Morgenthaler2, Kannan Ramar2
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health Science Center, Portland, OR.
Most patients with diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD) experience sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) often fails, requiring bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) for effective SDB treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- The impact of isolated diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD) on sleep disordered breathing (SDB) remains unclear.
- Optimal positive airway pressure (PAP) device selection for SDB in DD patients is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of SDB in patients with isolated unilateral or bilateral DD.
- To determine the efficacy of different PAP devices in managing SDB in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 66 patients with isolated DD undergoing polysomnography (PSG) between 1994 and 2006.
- Evaluation of SDB severity, PAP device requirements, and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- All patients exhibited significant SDB (AHI 26.6 ± 28.4).
- Continuous PAP (CPAP) succeeded in only 37.9% of patients, with the remainder needing bilevel PAP (BPAP).
- Bilateral DD patients were 6.8 times more likely to fail CPAP compared to unilateral DD patients.
Conclusions:
- The majority of patients with isolated DD require BPAP for SDB management.
- Bilateral DD is associated with a higher likelihood of CPAP failure.
- In-lab titration is recommended for PAP device selection in patients with isolated DD.
More Related Videos
07:54Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
05:51Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Impact of Mechanical Ventilation on Diaphragm Function and Patient Outcomes
Published on: November 3, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Alterations in Respiration II
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes...
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...
Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV