RESUMO
OBJECTIVETo explore the curative effect and adverse reactions of a convenient expiratory positive airway pressure device(EPAPD) in treatment of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS). METHODS74 subjects with OSAHS were treated by EPAPD. Polysomnography(PSG) and Epworth sleepiness scores(ESS) were performed and evaluated before, within 1 week and after 3 months using the EPAPD. The index of PSG and ESS were compared at different time. The adverse reactions were also observed at the same time.RESULTS Compared to baseline, the AHI, LSaO2, ESS were significantly improved both within 1 week and after 3 months(AHI:F=73.62,P=0.00; LSaO2:F=12.65,P=0.00; ESS:F=61.49,P=0.00). The improvement of AHI between different OSAHS groups(divided by the severity of AHI in baseline) was significantly different(within 1 week:F=15.39,P=0.00; after 3 months:F=12.60,P=0.00). There was also significant difference between different hypoxia groups which were divided by the severity of LSaO2 in baseline(within 1 week:F=3.80,P=0.03; after 3 months:F=3.27,P=0.04). Meanwhile, the ESS was significantly improved in different sleepiness groups(divided by the ESS score in baseline) within 1 week(F=6.17,P=0.00). The device-related adverse events were reported by 44.59%(33/74). There were not serious adverse reaction happened. The major adverse reactions were throat and nose dry, nasal obstruction, and nose discomfort.CONCLUSION The EPAPD is an effective, convenient device in treating OSAHS. Meanwhile, the device related adverse reactions are slight. It may be more efficient for serious OSAHS patients than mild ones.