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Early objective adherence to hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy.
1Division of Sleep Medicine and Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Summary
Early adherence to hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy is excellent for most patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Younger age and prior upper airway surgery may increase difficulty with acclimatization.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Medical Devices
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition.
- Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) is an emerging therapy for OSA.
- Assessing early patient adherence to HNS is crucial for treatment success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the early adherence rates to hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy.
- To identify factors associated with difficulties in the acclimatization period of HNS therapy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of patients with moderate to severe OSA undergoing HNS implantation.
- Objective adherence data collected via device monitoring for over 30 days.
- Analysis of patient characteristics in relation to adherence and acclimatization.
Main Results:
- 79 participants showed high early adherence: 91.9% used therapy >4 hours/night in the first week, stable at 30 days.
- Average nightly use was ~7.8 hours with minimal therapy pauses.
- Difficulty with acclimatization was linked to younger age (<60 years) and prior upper airway surgery.
Conclusions:
- Early adherence to hypoglossal nerve stimulation is generally excellent, indicating a straightforward acclimatization for most patients.
- Younger patients and those with a history of upper airway surgery may require closer monitoring for acclimatization challenges.
