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Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Patient with Cerebral Palsy
Patrick Scheffler1,2,3, Dana Eitan2, Rupali Drewek4
1Division of Otolaryngology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A.
Introduction:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common amongst patients with cerebral palsy in part due to significant hypotonia. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is a novel tool used to treat sleep apnea when there is failure with CPAP. To our knowledge, the literature has not discussed HGNS as a treatment option for severe OSA in patients with cerebral palsy.
Methods:
Case report and literature review.
Results:
A 28-year-old male with cerebral palsy, neuromuscular deformity, proximal junction kyphosis, and developmental delay presented with severe obstructive sleep apnea and was intolerant to CPAP and BiPAP. After HGNS implantation, a sleep study revealed improved ventilation and oxygenation at 2.4 V; AHI decreased from baseline of 112 to 12 events per hour with only mild intermittent snoring. The patient's family reported increased utilization compared with previous CPAP use.
Conclusion:
HGNS can be a safe and effective treatment modality for OSA in this patient population. Laryngoscope, 134:2478-2479, 2024.
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