Selective upper airway stimulation in older patients.

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Otolaryngology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition affecting sleep quality and overall health.
• Selective upper airway stimulation (sUAS) is an established therapy for OSA, involving hypoglossal nerve stimulation.
• The efficacy of sUAS in older adult populations requires specific investigation due to potential age-related factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of selective upper airway stimulation (sUAS) in patients aged 65 and older with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• To compare treatment outcomes, adverse events, and adherence in older adults receiving sUAS versus a younger control group.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of patients over 64 years old who received sUAS implants were studied.
• A control group of younger patients (<65 years) with matched Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and Body-Mass Index (BMI) was selected.
• Data collected included AHI, BMI, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), comorbidities, adverse events, and therapy adherence.

Main Results:

• 62 patients were included; older and younger groups showed no significant differences in AHI, BMI, or ESS at baseline.
• Despite higher comorbidities in the older group, outcomes for AHI, Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI), and ESS were similar between groups.
• No serious adverse events were reported, and surgical implantation times were comparable.

Conclusions:

• Selective upper airway stimulation (sUAS) demonstrates significant efficacy in reducing AHI, ODI, and ESS in older adults.
• Older age and increased comorbidities did not negatively impact sUAS treatment outcomes or surgical procedure.
• sUAS is a viable and effective treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea in the elderly population, with older patients showing high usage rates.