Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator in the Active Duty Population: Military Readiness and Satisfaction.

INTRODUCTION: Because inadequate sleep impairs mission performance, the U.S. Army regards sleep as a core pillar of soldier readiness. There is an increasing incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among active duty (AD) service members, which is a disqualifying condition for initial enlistment. Moreover, a new diagnosis of OSA in the AD population often prompts a medical evaluation board, and if symptomatic OSA proves refractory to treatment, this may result in medical retirement. Hypoglossal nerve stimulator implantation (HNSI) is a newer implantable treatment option, which requires minimal ancillary equipment to function and may provide a useful treatment modality to support AD service members while maintaining readiness in appropriate candidates. Because of a perception among AD service members that HNSI results in mandatory medical discharge, we aimed to evaluate the impact of HNSI on military career progression, maintenance of deployment readiness, and patient satisfaction. METHODS: The Department of Research Programs at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center provided institutional review board approval for this project. This is a retrospective, observational study and telephonic survey of AD HNSI recipients. Military service information, demographics, surgical data, and postoperative sleep study results were collected from each patient.Additional survey questions assessed each service member's experience with the device. RESULTS: Fifteen AD service members who underwent HNSI between 2016 and 2021 were identified. Thirteen subjects completed the survey. The mean age was 44.8 years (range 33-61), and all were men. Six subjects (46%) were officers. All subjects maintained AD status following HNSI yielding 14.5 person-years of continued AD service with the implant. One subject underwent formal assessment for medical retention. One subject transferred from a combat role to a support role. Six subjects have since voluntarily separated from AD service following HNSI. These subjects spent an average of 360 (37-1,039) days on AD service. Seven subjects currently remain on AD and have served for an average of 441 (243-882) days. Two subjects deployed following HNSI. Two subjects felt that HSNI negatively affected their career. Ten subjects would recommend HSNI to other AD personnel. Following HNSI, of the eight subjects with postoperative sleep study data, five achieved surgical success defined as >50% reduction of apnea-hypopnea index and absolute apnea-hypopnea index value of <20. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoglossal nerve stimulator implantation for AD service members offers an effective treatment modality for OSA, which generally allows for the ability to maintain AD status, however: The impact on deployment readiness should be seriously considered and tailored to each service member based on their unique duties before implantation. Seventy-seven percent of HNSI patients would recommend it to other AD service members suffering from OSA.

Impact of dupilumab on medical readiness in a military population.

KEY POINTS: Military servicemembers reported high satisfaction rates of dupilumab treatment for CRSwNP. Some service members fear that dupilumab treatment may limit their career progression. Updated guidelines are needed for servicemembers to make decisions regarding dupilumab.

Social Media Use by Residents and Faculty in Otolaryngology Training Programs.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the growth of social media in healthcare, the appropriateness of online friendships between otolaryngological residents and attendings is poorly defined in the current literature. This issue is of growing importance, particularly as residency programs increasingly utilize social media as a means of connecting with and evaluating applicants due to limited in-person experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objective was to better understand the prevalence of and concerns surrounding social media use between residents and faculty. METHODS: This study sent out 2 surveys in 2017 to all United States Otolaryngology residency program directors to disperse to their residents and attendings, respectively. RESULTS: We received a response from 72 residents and 98 attendings. Our findings show that social media is commonly used by both residents and attendings, and most residents have at least 1 online friendship with an attending. Resident and attending opinions diverge on topics such as appropriateness of use, privacy settings, and professionalism. CONCLUSIONS: We call on residency programs to delineate a transparent social media policy so applicant expectations on social media are clear.

Ergonomics in Otolaryngology: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the proportion of otolaryngologists with work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (WRMD) and to review objective ergonomic data that contribute to WRMD. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the literature identified 1121 articles for initial review of which 19 (3563 participants) met criteria for qualitative discussion and eight (2192 participants) met criteria for meta-analysis. Random effects meta-analyses were used to estimate the proportion of otolaryngologists reporting WRMD. RESULTS: The overall proportion (95% confidence intervals [CI]) of general otolaryngologists reporting WRMD was 0.79 (0.66, 0.88) for any symptoms; 0.54 (0.40, 0.67) for neck symptoms; 0.33 (0.20, 0.49) for shoulder symptoms; and 0.49 (0.40, 0.59) for back symptoms. Surgeons performing primarily subspecialty cases had a lower estimated overall prevalence of WRMD versus those performing general ENT cases, however the odds ratio (OR) was not statistically significant (OR [95% confidence interval] 0.53 [0.22, 1.25]). 23%-84% of otolaryngologists underwent medical treatment for WRMD. 5%-23% took time off work and 1%-6% stopped operating completely as a result of WRMD. 23%-62.5% of otolaryngologists believed WRMD negatively impacted their quality of life. Objective measures of ergonomic posture indicate moderate to severe risk of injury during the routine clinic and surgical procedures with none found to be low risk. CONCLUSIONS: Ergonomic stressors among otolaryngologists contribute to a high rate of WRMD across all subspecialties with notable impact on productivity, longevity, and quality of life. Laryngoscope, 133:467-475, 2023.

Image-Guided Cochlear Implant Programming: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To review studies evaluating clinically implemented image-guided cochlear implant programing (IGCIP) and to determine its effect on cochlear implant (CI) performance. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched for English language publications from inception to August 1, 2021. STUDY SELECTION: Included studies prospectively compared intraindividual CI performance between an image-guided experimental map and a patient's preferred traditional map. Non-English studies, cadaveric studies, and studies where imaging did not directly inform programming were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: Seven studies were identified for review, and five reported comparable components of audiological testing and follow-up times appropriate for meta-analysis. Demographic, speech, spectral modulation, pitch accuracy, and quality-of-life survey data were collected. Aggregate data were used when individual data were unavailable. DATA SYNTHESIS: Audiological test outcomes were evaluated as standardized mean change (95% confidence interval) using random-effects meta-analysis with raw score standardization. Improvements in speech and quality-of-life measures using the IGCIP map demonstrated nominal effect sizes: consonant-nucleus-consonant words, 0.15 (-0.12 to 0.42); AzBio quiet, 0.09 (-0.05 to 0.22); AzBio +10 dB signal-noise ratio, 0.14 (-0.01 to 0.30); Bamford-Kowel-Bench sentence in noise, -0.11 (-0.35 to 0.12); Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit, -0.14 (-0.28 to 0.00); and Speech Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale, 0.13 (-0.02 to 0.28). Nevertheless, 79% of patients allowed to keep their IGCIP map opted for continued use after the investigational period. CONCLUSION: IGCIP has potential to precisely guide CI programming. Nominal effect sizes for objective outcome measures fail to reflect subjective benefits fully given discordance with the percentage of patients who prefer to maintain their IGCIP map.

The Draf III procedure: A review of indications and techniques.

The Draf Ⅲ procedure involves the creation of a common frontal sinus cavity. The most common indication for the Draf Ⅲ procedure is chronic rhinosinusitis of the frontal sinuses despite the failure of more conservative interventions such as bilateral Draf Ⅱa procedures. Primary Draf Ⅲ may be indicated in patients with a high risk of failures such as those with severe polyposis and those with a frontal sinus opening less than 4 mm on computed tomography imaging. Other indications for the Draf Ⅲ include access for tumor removal and repair of traumatic fractures of the frontal sinus. The "inside-out" Draf Ⅲ procedure is the standard approach when the frontal recess anterior-posterior diameter is wide enough for instrument access, usually larger than 4-5 mm. The "outside-in" Draf Ⅲ procedure can be done when the frontal recess is too narrow to safely accommodate instruments. Regular follow-up with debridement should be done to prevent neo-ostium stenosis.

Hazards and Management of Wire Bristle ingestions: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Inadvertently ingested grill brush bristles can lodge in various locations and lead to a variety of injuries. They can also be difficult to identify and remove. Our primary objective was to perform a systematic review of cases reported in the literature, with analysis of trends in clinical presentation and success of diagnostic modalities and treatment approaches. DATA SOURCES: Cases of reported grill brush bristle ingestion reported in PubMed, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar databases through April 30, 2021. REVIEW METHODS: Databases were searched for the following terms: ("ingestion" OR "injury" OR "barbeque" OR "BBQ" OR "grill" OR "foreign body" OR "brush" AND "wire" OR "bristle"). Data were collected on patient demographics, clinical presentation, and treatment course. Statistical analysis was performed on characteristics with low risk of confounding. RESULTS: An overall 57 studies involving 91 patients were included. Grill brush bristles presented most commonly in the upper aerodigestive tract (48/91), followed by the abdomen (26/91) and deep neck (17/91). Computed tomography was the most accurate imaging modality for initial diagnosis, identifying 92.8% of bristles. Less invasive or adjunctive techniques such as endoscopy, intraoperative imaging, or minimally invasive surgery may be useful particularly for bristles located in the head and neck given the low rate of success of transoral surgery (66.7%). CONCLUSION: Although this review of retained bristle may be biased toward complex cases, retained grill brush bristles represent an underrecognized and difficult-to-manage hazard. When cases are suspected, clinicians should obtain computed tomography imaging based on presentation and tailor management appropriately.

Implementing a Protocol to Reduce Opioid Prescriptions in Military Otolaryngology: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

INTRODUCTION: To compare pain medication refill rates for adult septoplasty and rhinoplasty patients before and after initiating a multimodal analgesic protocol for reducing opioid prescriptions (PROP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 58 adult patients were retrieved by retrospective chart review (19 septoplasties and 10 rhinoplasties before initiating PROP in September 2018 and 21 septoplasties and 8 rhinoplasties after PROP). We selected consecutive septoplasties and rhinoplasties, at which time a new discharge order set was implemented. The new order set consisted of 10 oxycodone tabs (5 mg), 100 acetaminophen tabs (325 mg), and 28 celecoxib tabs (200 mg). The primary outcome variable was the number of initial opioid prescriptions and refills filled by any provider. RESULTS: Among the septoplasties, there was a 46% decrease in total morphine milligram equivalent (MME) prescribed, from a mean of 202.0 mg in the non-PROP group (95% CI, 235.4, 174.6) to 108.6 mg in the PROP group (95% CI, 135.8, 81.4), with no difference in refill rates. Among the rhinoplasties, there was a 51% decrease in total MME prescribed, from a mean of 258.8 mg in the non-PROP group (95% CI, 333.4, 184.1) to 126.6 mg in the PROP group (95% CI, 168.1, 85.0) with no difference in refill rates. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes after PROP implementation for septoplasty and rhinoplasty at our institution suggest that opioid prescription rates can be significantly decreased to manage postoperative pain, with no difference in opioid refill rates. The results also warrant further investigation into patient pain, satisfaction, provider efficiency, and healthcare costs.

Lesser Known Uses of γ-Aminobutyric Acid Analogue Medications in Otolaryngology.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: In otolaryngology, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogues have been previously analyzed for their roles in neuropathic pain, chronic cough, tinnitus, and perioperative analgesia. The primary aim of this study is to comprehensively summarize and synthesize the existing evidence for lesser known uses of gabapentin and pregabalin in otolaryngology. STUDY DESIGN: A scoping review conducted of the available English-language literature was performed by two authors through April 1, 2021. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis criteria were followed, and a quality assessment of included studies was performed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies. RESULTS: Ten studies met inclusion criteria. Three studies found that gabapentin may reduce gastrostomy tube usage and improve swallowing function in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT). Three studies suggested that gabapentin may help reduce opiate use when used as a primary analgesic in patients with radiation-induced mucositis. One study demonstrated that pregabalin-reduced trismus severity in patients with radiotherapy-induced trismus. One study demonstrated gabapentin may be useful in patients with phonasthenia. Two studies demonstrated that GABA analogues may be a useful adjunct in patients with globus pharyngeus in the context of likely laryngeal sensory neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: The most promising potential uses for GABA analogues identified in this review are for improving swallowing, trismus, and narcotic overuse after RT. The benefit of GABA analogues for improving nonorganic voice disorders is also promising while the benefit for globus pharyngeus when possibly related to laryngeal sensory neuropathy is inconclusive. Laryngoscope, 132:954-964, 2022.

Outcomes and Complications with Topical Epinephrine in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of topical epinephrine in adults undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, and Ovid MEDLINE online databases. REVIEW METHODS: Non-case report English articles studying the effects of topical epinephrine as the topical vasoconstrictor used in adult ESS were found from the online databases through January 2019. The PRISMA literature selection process was used (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses). RESULTS: An overall 2216 articles were identified, with 9 meeting inclusion criteria involving a total of 5043 patients. All 9 studies assessed the safety of topical epinephrine, while 5 examined efficacy. Intraoperative average blood loss (ABL) ranged from 60 to 426 mL. Topical epinephrine concentrations varied from 1:1000 to 1:100,000, and 3 major complications were found for a rate of 0.06%. There were no reports of ophthalmic, orbital, or skull base injury, nor were there reports of cerebrospinal fluid leaks. A meta-analysis was performed on the 4 studies examining ABL. Estimated mean (95% CI) ABL was 119.4 mL (39.1-199.6) in the higher-concentration cohort (>1:10,000) and 372.2 mL (296.8-447.5) in the lower-concentration cohort (≤1:10,000) (P = .001). CONCLUSION: Topical epinephrine is generally safe and provides acceptable hemostasis during ESS, with higher concentrations (>1:10,000) providing improved hemostasis. Caution is advised for its use in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease or in combination with other topical or injected vasoconstrictive agents. More prospective comparative studies are necessary to determine the ideal hemostatic concentration of epinephrine in ESS.

Cautery-assisted palatal stiffening operation for obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review outcomes for cautery-assisted palatal stiffening operation (CAPSO) as a treatment for adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: Five databases (including PubMed/MEDLINE) were searched through July 12, 2017. RESULTS: Eight studies (307 patients) met criteria. Overall, CAPSO alone (80 patients) improved AHI from a mean ± standard deviation (M ± SD) of (16.8 ± 11.9) to (9.9 ± 10.9) events/h (41.1% decrease). Mixed CAPSO with/without tonsillectomy (92 patients) improved AHI from a M ± SD of (24.8 ± 12.6) to (10.6 ± 9.5) events/h (61.7% decrease). CAPSO with expansion pharyngoplasty (EP), (78 patients) improved AHI from a M ± SD of (26.3 ± 17.7) to (12.6 ± 5.8) events/h (52.1% decrease). CAPSO alone (90 patients) improved lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) by 5.4 points. Mixed CAPSO with/without tonsillectomy (77 patients) improved LSAT by 10.6 points, and CAPSO with EP (78 patients) improved LSAT by 5.2 points. Sleepiness improved (182 patients) from an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of 11.8 to 5.1, P < 0.001. Snoring reduced (120 patients) from 7.9 to 2.5 on visual analog scales (0-10 scale), P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Apnea-hypopnea index has improved by 41.0% for CAPSO alone, 61.7% for CAPSO with tonsillectomy and 52.1% for CAPSO with expansion pharyngoplasty. Additionally, lowest oxygen saturation, sleepiness and snoring have also improved after CAPSO.

Long-term Results for Maxillomandibular Advancement to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine outcomes in the intermediate term (1 to <4 years), long term (4 to <8 years), and very long term (≥8 years) for maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) as treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). DATA SOURCES: The Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, and PubMed/MEDLINE. REVIEW METHODS: Three authors systematically reviewed the international literature through July 26, 2018. RESULTS: A total of 445 studies were screened, and 6 met criteria (120 patients). Thirty-one patients showed a reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from a mean 48.3 events/h (95% CI, 42.1-54.5) pre-MMA to 8.4 (95% CI 5.6, 11.2) in the intermediate term. Fifty-four patients showed a reduction in AHI from a mean 65.8 events/h (95% CI, 58.8-72.8) pre-MMA to 7.7 (95% CI 5.9, 9.5) in the long term. Thirty-five showed a reduction in AHI from a mean 53.2 events/h (95% CI 45, 61.4) pre-MMA to 23.1 (95% CI 16.3, 29.9) in the very long term. Improvement in sleepiness was maintained at all follow-up periods. Lowest oxygen saturation improvement was maintained in the long term. CONCLUSION: The current international literature shows that patients with OSA who were treated with MMA maintained improvements in AHI, sleepiness, and lowest oxygen saturation in the long term; however, the mean AHI increased to moderate OSA in the very long term. Definitive generalizations cannot be made, and additional research providing individual patient data for the intermediate term, long term, and very long term is needed.

Thirty-five alternatives to positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea: an overview of meta-analyses.

INTRODUCTION: Positive airway pressure (PAP) devices are generally considered to be the first-line treatment of choice for most adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, there are several alternatives. It is important for patients and their sleep providers to be aware of the most up-to-date information regarding the current international literature. Areas covered: The objective is to provide an overview of the meta-analyses evaluating non-PAP treatments for OSA. Four authors searched four databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE through 30 November 2017, for meta-analyses evaluating non-PAP therapies as treatment for OSA. Thirty-five non-PAP treatments were identified and were categorized based on the following anatomical subsites: (1) nose, (2) palate and oropharynx, (3) tongue, (4) skeletal surgery and jaw repositioning, and (5) other surgical and medical interventions. Treatments identified included surgeries, drugs, behavior modifications, nonsurgical weight loss, medical devices, body positioning, and oxygen treatment. Expert commentary: The 35 treatments described vary in their effectiveness in treating OSA in adults. In general, isolated nasal treatments are the least effective, whereas treatments that bypass the upper airway, significantly open the upper airway, and/or address multiple levels of the upper airway are more effective in improving apnea-hypopnea index and lowest oxygen saturation.

Mandibular advancement for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis and mandibular advancement, collectively referred to as mandibular advancement surgeries (MAS), have been used to treat children with mandibular insufficiency and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The objective is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis for MAS as treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: Three authors searched multiple databases (including PubMed/Medline) from inception through April 25, 2018. RESULTS: 1198 studies were screened, 128 were downloaded and 37 met inclusion criteria (376 patients, mean age: 1.5 years). Meta-analysis demonstrated a reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), from a mean ± SD of 41.1 ± 35.8 to 4.5 ± 6.0 events per hour (89.1% decrease). The lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) in 211 patients increased from a mean ± SD of 76.8 ± 13.0 to 91.1 ± 8.6 (14.3 oxygen saturation point increase). Individual patient data (105 patients) demonstrated AHI surgical success in 73.4% of patients and respiratory disturbance index (RDI) surgical success in 100% of patients. AHI surgical cure was seen in 25.5% of patients and RDI surgical cure was seen in 37.5% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study's major finding is that obstructive sleep apnea has dramatically improved in pediatric patients with mandibular insufficiency when they have been treated with mandibular advancement or mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Has the Proportion of Combat-Related Amputations That Develop Heterotopic Ossification Increased?

OBJECTIVES: To determine what proportion of residual limbs formed heterotopic ossification (HO) in amputations sustained by US service members, the injury profile of these amputations, and what effect the number of limb amputations sustained has on resource utilization. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: A tertiary military medical center. PATIENTS: Four-hundred seventy-one consecutive patients with 714 combat-related amputations were treated at our institution between September 2009 and August 2014. Four-hundred thirty-nine amputations had radiographic follow-up beyond 2 months of injury and met the criteria for study inclusion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Formation and grade of HO. RESULTS: HO was present in 399 of 439 (91%) residual limbs, including 211 of 216 (98%) transfemoral amputations. Dismounted improvised explosive device blast injury resulted in HO development in 346 of 372 (93%) residual limbs compared with 36 of 44 (82%) in mounted improvised explosive device blast injury [P = 0.014; odds ratio (OR) 2.96, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25-7.04]. As the number of amputations per patient increased, so too did blood product utilization [including packed red blood cells (P < 0.001), fresh frozen plasma (P < 0.001), and platelets (P < 0.001)]; the number of days on a ventilator (P < 0.001), in the intensive care unit (P < 0.001), and in the hospital (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: HO prevalence in the traumatic amputations of war wounded has increased compared with earlier studies, which is temporally associated with higher rates of increasingly severe injuries due to dismounted blast. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Vitamin D and obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported an association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. The objective of the current study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of these studies and report the findings. PATIENTS/METHODS: Authors searched for studies (through January 1, 2017) reporting 25(OH)D serum levels in OSA patients. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was followed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies with 4937 subjects met inclusion criteria. There were 1513 controls and 3424 OSA patients. The 25(OH)D serum levels for controls and mild OSA patients were 28.16 ± 9.39 ng/mL (95% CI 27.64, 28.68) and 27.41 ± 9.42 ng/mL (95% CI 26.87, 27.95), respectively. The 25(OH)D serum levels for controls and moderate OSA patients were 28.21 ± 9.38 ng/mL (95% CI 27.70, 28.72) and 25.48 ± 10.34 ng/mL (95% CI 24.68, 26.28), respectively. The 25(OH)D serum levels for controls and severe OSA patients were 28.32 ± 9.65 ng/mL (95% CI 27.80, 28.84) and 21.88 ± 10.24 ng/mL (95% CI 21.08, 22.68), respectively. Using random effects modeling, the 25(OH)D serum levels were decreased for patients with OSA when compared to control groups (mean differences were -2.7% for mild OSA, -10.1% for moderate OSA and -17.4% for severe OSA). CONCLUSIONS: There was a relative insufficiency in serum 25(OH)D levels among OSA patients compared to control patients, which was incrementally exacerbated with increasing severity of sleep apnea. It was unclear whether a low 25(OH)D was a risk factor for OSA or if OSA was a risk factor for 25(OH)D. It was also possible that the association between 25(OH)D and OSA was due to body mass index (BMI).

Oropharyngeal and tongue exercises (myofunctional therapy) for snoring: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Oropharyngeal and tongue exercises (myofunctional therapy) have been shown to improve obstructive sleep apnea. However, to our knowledge, a systematic review has not been performed for snoring. The study objective is to perform a systematic review, with a meta-analysis, dedicated to snoring outcomes after myofunctional therapy. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE and three other databases were searched through November 25, 2017. Two authors independently searched the literature. Eligibility (1) patients: children or adults with snoring, (2) intervention: oropharyngeal and/or tongue exercises, (3) comparison: pre and post-treatment data for snoring, (4) outcomes: snoring frequency and snoring intensity, (5) study design: publications of all study designs. RESULTS: A total of 483 articles were screened, 56 were downloaded in their full text form, and nine studies reported outcomes related to snoring. There were a total of 211 patients (all adults) in these studies. The snoring intensity was reduced by 51% in 80 patients from pre-therapy to post-therapy visual analog scale values of 8.2 ± 2.1 (95% CI 7.7, 8.7) to 4.0 ± 3.7 (95% CI 3.2, 4.8). Berlin questionnaire snoring intensity reduced by 36% in 34 patients from 2.5 ± 1.0 (95% CI 2.2, 2.8) to 1.6 ± 0.8 (95% CI 1.3, 1.9). Finally, time spent snoring during sleep was reduced by 31% in 60 patients from 26.3 ± 18.7% (95% CI 21.6, 31.0) to 18.1 ± 20.5% (95% CI 12.9, 23.3) of total sleep time. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review demonstrated that myofunctional therapy has reduced snoring in adults based on both subjective questionnaires and objective sleep studies.

Mandibular advancement for adult obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with mandibular insufficiency can be predisposed to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The objective of this study was to systematically review the international literature for mandibular advancement surgeries (MAS) as treatment for adult OSA, and then to perform a meta-analysis. METHODS: Four authors searched five databases from the inception of each database through April 5, 2017. The PRISMA statement was followed. RESULTS: 972 studies were screened, 84 were downloaded, and 11 (57 patients) met criteria. In patients with mandibular insufficiency, MAS reduced apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (50 patients) from 45.9 ± 24.7 to 6.2 ± 10.4 events/h (87% decrease). The lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) (55 patients) increased from 71.9 ± 14.6% to 89.0 ± 11.0%. The AHI mean difference was -34.8 events/h [95% CI -43.9, -25.8]. The AHI standardized mean difference was -1.8 [95% CI -2.5, -1.2] (indicating a large magnitude of effect). Surgical cure was seen in 75% of those with >16 mm of mandibular advancement vs. 35% of those with <16 mm of advancement [Odds Ratio 5.5; 95% CI 1.06-28.4; Chi Square p = 0.035]. CONCLUSIONS: The current literature supports isolated mandibular advancement as an efficacious treatment modality for adult OSA in select patients with mandibular insufficiency.

Tongue surgeries for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the international literature for studies reporting outcomes for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children undergoing isolated tongue surgeries. METHODS: Two authors searched from inception through November 14, 2016 in four databases including PubMed/MEDLINE. RESULTS: 351 studies were screened. Eleven studies (116 children) met criteria. Most children were syndromic and had craniofacial disorders, co-morbidities, or other serious medical issues. Surgeries included base-of-tongue (BOT) reduction (n = 114), tongue suspension (n = 1), and hypoglossal nerve stimulation (n = 1). The pre- and post-BOT reduction surgeries decreased apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from a mean (M) and standard deviation (SD) of 16.9 ± 12.2/h to 8.7 ± 10.6/h (48.5% reduction) in 114 patients. Random effects modeling (109 patients) demonstrated a standardized mean difference for AHI of -0.78 (large magnitude of effect) [95% CI -1.06, -0.51], p value <0.00001. For BOT surgery in 53 non-syndromic children, the AHI decreased 59.2% from 14.0 ± 11.4 to 5.7 ± 6.7/h, while in 55 syndromic children, the AHI decreased 40.0% from 20.5 ± 19.1 to 12.3 ± 18.2/h. BOT reduction improved lowest oxygen saturation from M ± SD of 84.7 ± 7.4-87.9 ± 6.5% in 113 patients. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation and tongue-base suspension are limited to case reports. CONCLUSIONS: Most children undergoing tongue surgeries in the literature were syndromic and had craniofacial disorders, co-morbidities, or other serious medical issues. Children with a body mass index <25 kg/m2 and non-syndromic children have had the most improvement in AHI. The specific type of surgery must be tailored to the patient. Patients with co-morbidities should undergo treatment in centers that are equipped to provide appropriate perioperative care.