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Published on: December 6, 2016
Evolution of adherence and self-reported symptoms over 36 months with mandibular advancement device therapy for
Linda Sangalli1,2, Fernanda Yanez-Regonesi1, Isabel Moreno-Hay1
1Orofacial Pain Clinic, College of Dentistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
Study Objectives:
Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) constitute a feasible option for management of mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and in severe cases, when indicated. As a chronic condition, the management of OSA with MAD requires long-term patient adherence to treatment. The aim of the study was to investigate adherence to MAD therapy during a 36-month observation period in relation to changes in self-reported symptoms and objective response to therapy.
Methods:
Retrospective chart review of patients referred to the Orofacial Pain Clinic (University of Kentucky) between 2016 and 2021 for management of OSA with MAD was performed. Based on a posttreatment sleep study with MAD in situ, participants were subdivided into optimal response (> 50% reduction of baseline apnea-hypopnea index) and suboptimal response (< 50% reduction of baseline apnea-hypopnea index) groups. Outcomes included self-reported adherence to MAD use, self-reported OSA symptoms including snoring, apneic episodes, tiredness upon awakening, fatigue, and sleep quality (on a 100-mm numerical rating scale), and daytime sleepiness (0-24 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale). Intragroup and intergroup differences at different time points over a 36-month observation period were assessed with one-way and repeated-measures analysis of variance.
Results:
Of 54 participants included (46.3% female, age 64.4 ± 10.71 years), 30 (55.6%) achieved optimal response and 24 (44.4%) achieved suboptimal response. At baseline, participants with optimal response differed from those with suboptimal response in apnea-hypopnea index (P = .007), snoring (P = .026), and sleep quality (P = .042). Although fluctuating in both groups, no difference was found over time in adherence (7 nights/wk, 7 h/night) and in OSA symptoms (all P > .05).
Conclusions:
Adherence to MAD was maintained over 36 months regardless of fluctuation in self-reported OSA symptoms and effectiveness of MAD therapy.
Citation:
Sangalli L, Yanez-Regonesi F, Moreno-Hay I. Evolution of adherence and self-reported symptoms over 36 months with mandibular advancement device therapy for obstructive sleep apnea: a retrospective study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(4):487-496.
