Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and swallowing function-a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent condition affecting millions globally.
• Swallowing dysfunction, or dysphagia, is increasingly recognized as a potential comorbidity in OSAS patients.
• Understanding the prevalence and nature of dysphagia in OSAS is crucial for comprehensive patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and qualitatively analyze existing literature on the prevalence of dysphagia in patients with OSAS.
• To detail the specific alterations in swallowing function observed in individuals with OSAS.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature searches were conducted across four databases.
• Study selection adhered to strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, with screening via Covidence.
• Seventeen studies met the criteria, and evidence levels were assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine criteria.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of dysphagia in OSAS patients varied widely, ranging from 16% to 78% across studies.
• Pharyngeal swallowing impairments, including delayed initiation and penetration/aspiration, were reported in 65% of the included studies.
• A significant portion (approximately 70%) of the studies exhibited strong methodological quality, despite variations in definitions and assessment methods.

Conclusions:

• This review highlights significant swallowing impairments in OSAS patients, but the true prevalence remains difficult to ascertain due to heterogeneity in definitions and assessment tools.
• Variability in the operational definitions of OSAS and dysphagia, along with diverse assessment methodologies, complicates precise prevalence determination.
• Clinicians managing OSAS patients are advised to utilize validated assessment tools to accurately identify and address potential swallow dysfunction.