Ion channel TRPV2 is critical in enhancing B cell activation and function.

The function of transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) cation channels governing B cell activation remains to be explored. We present evidence that TRPV2 is highly expressed in B cells and plays a crucial role in the formation of the B cell immunological synapse and B cell activation. Physiologically, TRPV2 expression level is positively correlated to influenza-specific antibody production and is low in newborns and seniors. Pathologically, a positive correlation is established between TRPV2 expression and the clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adult and child SLE patients. Correspondingly, mice with deficient TRPV2 in B cells display impaired antibody responses following immunization. Mechanistically, the pore and N-terminal domains of TRPV2 are crucial for gating cation permeation and executing mechanosensation in B cells upon antigen stimulation. These processes synergistically contribute to membrane potential depolarization and cytoskeleton remodeling within the B cell immunological synapse, fostering efficient B cell activation. Thus, TRPV2 is critical in augmenting B cell activation and function.

Clinical Analysis of Intratympanic Injection of Dexamethasone for Treating Sudden Deafness.

INTRODUCTION: A variety of causes may induce sudden deafness. However, it remains challenging to determine the exact cause in a clinic. There is no standard treatment for this disease due to its unclear etiology. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of the intratympanic injection of dexamethasone for treating sudden deafness. METHODS: A total of 154 patients with sudden deafness were retrospectively analyzed. The evaluation of sudden deafness was based on the AAO-HNS efficacy evaluative criteria. All patients were initially treated within seven days by an intravenous drip of methylprednisolone, vasodilator, and neurotrophic agents. These patients were divided into two groups: the treatment group (91 patients) and the control group (63 patients). Patients in the treatment group were given an intratympanic injection of dexamethasone, while patients in the control group were given conventional vasodilators and neurotrophic treatment. RESULTS: The effective rate in the treatment group was 47.25% (43/91 patients), and this was significantly higher than in the control group (14.29%, 9/63 patients). The adverse reactions in the treatment group included transient pain (7.69%, 7/91), but there was no vertigo in either group. There was one case of tympanic membrane perforation. CONCLUSION: The intratympanic injection of dexamethasone is a better choice for refractory sudden deafness due to its high efficacy and fewer adverse reactions.

The Lysosomal Membrane Protein Lamp2 Alleviates Lysosomal Cell Death by Promoting Autophagic Flux in Ischemic Cardiomyocytes.

Lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) has recently been recognized as an important cell death pathway in various cell types. However, studies regarding the correlation between LMP and cardiomyocyte death are scarce. Lysosomal membrane-associated protein 2 (Lamp2) is an important component of lysosomal membranes and is involved in both autophagy and LMP. In the present study, we found that the protein content of Lamp2 gradually decreased in response to oxygen, glucose and serum deprivation (OGD) treatment in vitro. To further elucidate its role in ischemic cardiomyocytes, particularly with respect to autophagy and LMP, we infected cardiomyocytes with adenovirus carrying full-length Lamp2 to restore its protein level in cells. We found that OGD treatment resulted in the occurrence of LMP and a decline in the viability of cardiomyocytes, which were remarkably reversed by Lamp2 restoration. Exogenous expression of Lamp2 also significantly alleviated the autophagic flux blockade induced by OGD treatment by promoting the trafficking of cathepsin B (Cat B) and cathepsin D (Cat D). Through drug intervention and gene regulation to alleviate and exacerbate autophagic flux blockade respectively, we found that impaired autophagic flux in response to ischemic injury contributed to the occurrence of LMP in cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, our present data suggest that Lamp2 overexpression can improve autophagic flux blockade probably by promoting the trafficking of cathepsins and consequently conferring cardiomyocyte resistance against lysosomal cell death (LCD) that is induced by ischemic injury. These results may indicate a new therapeutic target for ischemic heart damage.

Inner ear function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: Because of their high metabolic activity and low-resting oxygen tension, the organs of the inner ear are vulnerable to hypoxia, a condition that occurs repetitively in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). The present study aimed to investigate the inner ear function of patients with OSAHS. METHODS: A total of 58 patients with OSAHS (116 ears) and 20 adults without OSAHS were enrolled in the present study. The clinical features, such as air-conduction thresholds, auditory brainstem response (ABR, 11 times/s and 51 times/s stimulation rates), and distorted products otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), were evaluated and compared between these two groups. RESULTS: Air-conduction thresholds at 4 kHz and 8 kHz were higher in patients with OSAHS compared with controls (P < 0.001). At the rate of 11 times per second, biauricular wave I latencies and wave V latencies in the OSAHS group were longer than those in the control group (1.51 ± 0.13 vs. 1.33 ± 0.07 ms, P < 0.001; 5.65 ± 0.23 vs. 5.53 ± 0.23 ms, P = 0.0016). At the rate of 51 times per second, biauricular wave I latencies and wave V latencies in the OSAHS group were longer than those in the control group (1.64 ± 0.12 vs. 1.44 ± 0.06 ms, P = 0.0001; 5.92 ± 0.26 vs. 5.80 ± 0.18 ms, P = 0.0077). However, there was no significant difference in the wave I and wave V interval between these two groups (P = 0.10). DPOAE amplitude was significantly reduced in OSAHS patients, although no hearing loss was observed. CONCLUSION: High-frequency hearing loss was detected in adults with severe OSAHS, and wave I latencies and wave V latencies of ABR were prolonged.

Case analysis of temporal bone lesions with facial paralysis as main manifestation and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to discuss clinical characteristics, image manifestation and treatment methods of temporal bone lesions with facial paralysis as the main manifestation for deepening the understanding of such type of lesions and reducing erroneous and missed diagnosis. METHODS: The clinical data of 16 patients with temporal bone lesions and facial paralysis as main manifestation, who were diagnosed and treated from 2009 to 2016, were retrospectively analyzed. Among these patients, six patients had congenital petrous bone cholesteatoma (PBC), nine patients had facial nerve schwannoma, and one patient had facial nerve hemangioma. All the patients had an experience of long-term erroneous diagnosis. RESULTS: The lesions were completely excised by surgery. PBC and primary facial nerve tumors were pathologically confirmed. Facial-hypoglossal nerve anastomosis was performed on two patients. HB grade VI was recovered to HB grade V in one patient. The anastomosis failed due to severe facial nerve fibrosis in one patient. Hence, HB remained at grade VI. Postoperative recovery was good for all patients. No lesion recurrence was observed after 1-6 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: For the patients with progressive or complete facial paralysis, imaging examination should be perfected in a timely manner. Furthermore, PBC, primary facial nerve tumors and other temporal bone space-occupying lesions should be eliminated. Lesions should be timely detected and proper intervention should be conducted, in order to reduce operation difficulty and complications, and increase the opportunity of facial nerve function reconstruction.

Effects of Altered Intra-abdominal Pressure on the Upper Airway Collapsibility in a Porcine Model.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea is strongly associated with obesity, particularly abdominal obesity common in centrally obese males. Previous studies have demonstrated that intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is increased in morbid obesity, and tracheal traction forces may influence pharyngeal airway collapsibility. This study aimed to investigate that whether IAP plays a role in the mechanism of upper airway (UA) collapsibility via IAP-related caudal tracheal traction. METHODS: An abdominal wall lifting (AWL) system and graded CO2pneumoperitoneum pressure was applied to four supine, anesthetized Guizhou miniature pigs and its effects on tracheal displacement (TD) and airflow dynamics of UA were studied. Individual run data in 3 min obtained before and after AWL and obtained before and after graded pneumoperitoneum pressure were analyzed. Differences between baseline and AWL/graded pneumoperitoneum pressure data of each pig were examined using a Student's t-test or analysis of variance. RESULTS: Application of AWL resulted in decreased IAP and significant caudal TD. The average displacement amplitude was 0.44 mm (P < 0.001). There were three subjects showed increased tidal volume (TV) (P < 0.01) and peak inspiratory airflow (P < 0.01); however, the change of flow limitation inspiratory UA resistance (Rua) was not significant. Experimental increased IAP by pneumoperitoneum resulted in significant cranial TD. The average displacement amplitude was 1.07 mm (P < 0.001) when IAP was 25 cmH2O compared to baseline. There were three subjects showed reduced Rua while the TV increased (P < 0.01). There was one subject had decreased TV and elevated Rua (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased IAP significantly increased caudal TD, and elevated IAP significantly increased cranial TD. However, the mechanism of UA collapsibility appears primarily mediated by changes in lung volume rather than tracheal traction effect. TV plays an independent role in the mechanism of UA collapsibility.

Esophageal Functional Changes in Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome and Their Impact on Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) disease have a high comorbidity rate, but the potential causal relation between the two diseases remains unclear. Our objectives were to investigate the esophageal functional changes in OSAHS patients and determine whether OSAHS affects LPR by affecting esophageal functions. METHODS: Thirty-six OSAHS patients and 10 healthy controls underwent 24-h double-probed combined esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring simultaneously with polysomnography. High-resolution impedance manometry was applied to obtain a detailed evaluation of pharyngeal and esophageal motility. RESULTS: There were 13 OSAHS patients (36.1%) without LPR (OSAHS group) and 23 (63.9%) with both OSAHS and LPR (OSAHS and LPR group). Significant differences were found in the onset velocity of liquid swallows (OVL, P = 0.029) and the percent relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) during viscous swallows (P = 0.049) between the OSAHS and control groups. The percent relaxation of LES during viscous swallows was found to be negatively correlated with upright distal acid percent time (P = 0.016, R = -0.507), and OVL was found to be negatively correlated with recumbent distal acid percent time (P = 0.006, R = -0.557) in the OSAHS and LPR group. CONCLUSIONS: OSAHS patients experience esophageal functional changes, and linear correlations were found between the changed esophageal functional parameters and reflux indicators, which might be the reason that LPR showed a high comorbidity with OSAHS and why the severity of the two diseases is correlated.

Inhomogeneous neuromuscular injury of the genioglossus muscle in subjects with obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: Muscle injury exists in the upper airway in subjects with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, whether this injury is homogeneous remains unclear. The objective of this study was to measure neuromuscular changes in the anterior and posterior genioglossus muscle (GG) in subjects with OSA using motor unit potentials (MUPs). METHODS: Male subjects underwent diagnostic sleep studies to obtain apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) and lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) data. MUPs of the anterior and posterior GG were recorded. Mean values and outliers of MUP parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Seventeen subjects with severe OSA (AHI, 72.3 ± 16.7 events/h) and nine control subjects (AHI, 3.7 ± 0.4 events/h) were enrolled in this study. In the control group, the MUP values of amplitude, duration, area, area/amplitude, and size index did not differ significantly between the posterior and anterior GG. In the OSA group, these values were significantly higher in the posterior than anterior GG (amplitude: P = 0.011; duration: P = 0.007; area: P = 0.008; size index: P = 0.033). Posterior GG values were greater in the OSA group than in the control group, whereas anterior values were similar. A larger proportion of subjects with OSA had outlying values for the posterior GG than anterior GG (52.9 vs. 11.8%; P < 0.05). No significant correlation between MUP parameters and body mass index, AHI, or LSAT was observed in the OSA group. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic neuromuscular injury in subjects with OSA was more severe in the posterior than in the anterior GG.

Clinical classification and treatment of leukokeratosis of the vocal cords.

BACKGROUND: Leukokeratosis of the vocal cords is a clinical descriptive diagnosis, which includes a group of squamous intraepithelial lesions of the vocal cord mucosa. We investigated the clinical classification and treatment efficacy of leukokeratosis of the vocal cords. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical history, laryngoscopic examinations, morphological features under a surgical microscope, and pathology results of 360 cases of leukokeratosis of the vocal cords to examine correlations among treatment modalities, therapeutic effects, and clinical features. RESULTS: All cases were divided into four types based on symptoms, examination results, and treatment efficacies as follows: 21 patients had type I inflammatory leukoplakia and their vocal cord morphology and voice quality recovered after conservative therapies; 76 patients had type II frictional polyps and received CO2 laser submucosal cordectomy; 68 patients had type III sulcus vocalis and received mucosal slicing with dredging; and 195 cases had type IV simple leukokeratosis and received partial subligamental cordectomy with CO2 lasers or transmuscular cordectomy. Our treatment achieved a surgical cure rate of 90.9% (308/339), with a recurrence rate of 9.1% (31/339) and malignant transformation rate of 6.5% (22/339). All cancerous transformations occurred in type IV patients. CONCLUSION: Choosing conservative or CO2 laser surgery based on the morphological characteristics of squamous epithelial lesions of keratinized vocal cord mucosa can maximally protect voice quality, reduce complications, and improve the cure rate.

[Upper airway changes in obstructive sleep apnea suffers after H-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and H-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty combined with transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the different postoperative changes of the pharynx in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients treated with H-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (H-UPPP) combined with transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty (PA) surgery or H-UPPP alone. METHODS: The upper airway in 43 patients with OSAHS were scanned during the end of normal respiration before and after treatment. There were 17 patients undergoing H-UPPP alone, 26 patients undergoing H-UPPP combined with PA, with PSG before and after treatment. To compare the efficacy of H-UPPP with PA surgery or H-UPPP alone, upper airway characteristics were measured following each procedure in 43 patients using a quantitative 3-D CT. The 3-D CT measurement were made in lateral and anterior-posterior diameters, cross-section areas and volumes of retropalatal and retroglossal region. The changes in the structure of OSAHS patients treated with H-UPPP combined with PA surgery and H-UPPP alone were compared preoperatively and postoperatively, and the correction features that were presented in AHI and structural changes were analysed. RESULTS: The difference between H-UPPP combined with PA (n = 26) and H-UPPP (n = 17) in the changes in apnea hypopnea index (AHI) were (67.5 ± 18.9, 38.7 ± 42.0, t = 2.84, P < 0.05), hard palate lengths were (4.50 ± 3.72) mm and (0.06 ± 0.22) mm (t = 5.55, P < 0.01); anteroposterior diameters of the hard palate level were (3.5 ± 4.3) mm and (-1.7 ± 4.4) mm (t = 3.90, P < 0.01); the minimum anteroposterior diameters of retropalatal were (1.2 ± 2.2) mm and (-1.2 ± 2.3) mm (t = -3.49, P < 0.01); the minimum lateral diameters of retroglossal area were (4.9 ± 9.6) mm and (13.1 ± 9.1) mm (t = 2.80, P < 0.01) preoperatively and postoperatively. The changes in the hard palate lengths were positively correlated to the change in AHI (r = 0.407, P < 0.01), also the change in anteroposterior diameter of the hard palate level (r = 0.351, P < 0.05), the minimum anteroposterior diameter of retropalatal area (r = 0.381, P < 0.01), and the minimum cross-section area of retropalatal (r = 0.312, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: H-UPPP combined with PA offers benefit over H-UPPP alone in OSAHS patients, which may be achieved by increased retropalatal airway size. Both the anteroposterior dimensions and the cross-area size are related with the efficacy of surgery.

[Correlation between lung volume and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome in obese patients].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between the severity of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), lung volume and obesity. METHODS: The study included 60 adult male obese patients with OSAHS determined by overnight polysomnogram (PSG) using American Academy of Sleep Medicine-defined criteria. Lung volume measurements were made in maximum vital capacity (VCmax), forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), functional residual capacity (FRC) and total lung capacity (TLC). RESULTS: The aponea hypopnea index (AHI) were negatively correlated with FVC, MVV, VCmax (r were -0.533, -0.276 and -0.575, P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). But the lowest arterial oxygen saturation (LSaO2) and the mean arterial oxygen saturation (MSaO2) were positively correlated with FVC, MVV and VCmax (r were 0.299, 0.435, 0.412, and 0.344, 0.474, 0.457, P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The body mass index (BMI) were positively correlated with AHI (r = 0.728, r(2) = 0.530, P < 0.01). The FVC, MVV, VCmax, LSaO2 and MSaO2 varied inversely with BMI. FRC and TLC had no relation with AHI, LSaO2, MSaO2 and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant correlations among obesity, dynamic lung volume and OSAHS severity. This result suggests that changes in dynamic lung volume may play an important role in the pathogenesis of OSAHS in obese patients.

[Application of pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration in polysomnography].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration (PETCO2) monitoring coupling in polysomnography for patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) during sleep. METHODS: PETCO2 was sampled through a Oral-Nasal Cannula and measured using micro-stream capnometer. Capnometer was calibrated according to the manufacturer instructions and integrated into the standard polysomnographic recordings. Thirty-eight consecutive patients underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG) were synchronously monitored PETCO2. All variables were recorded continuously and transferred to a computer for analysis. RESULTS: PETCO2 numeric values and waveform were displayed in real time on the PSG epoch. The mean PETCO2 of wake, non-rapid eye movement, rapid eye movement and TST(?) were negatively correlated with apnea-hypopnea index and arousal index (r were -0.458 ∼ -0.688, P < 0.01), were positively correlated with mean arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and lowest SaO2, (r were 0.604 ∼ 0.674, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The study provides preliminary data showing that PETCO2 potentially can be used in continuous monitoring of OSAHS patients. And PETCO2 can indicate the severity of OSAHS.

Evaluation of neuromuscular activity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea using chin surface electromyography of polysomnography.

BACKGROUND: It is believed that defects in upper airway neuromuscular control play a role in sleep apnea pathogenesis. Currently, there is no simple and non-invasive method for evaluating neuromuscular activity for the purpose of screening in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. This study was designed to assess the validity of chin surface electromyography of routine polysomnography in evaluating the neuromuscular activity of obstructive sleep apnea subjects and probe the neuromuscular contribution in the pathogenesis of the condition. METHODS: The chin surface electromyography of routine polysomnography during normal breathing and obstructive apnea were quantified in 36 male patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The change of chin surface electromyography from normal breathing to obstructive apnea was expressed as the percent compensated electromyography value, where the percent compensated electromyography value = (normal breath surface electromyography - apnea surface electromyography)/normal breath surface electromyography, and the percent compensated electromyography values among subjects were compared. The relationship between sleep apnea related parameters and the percent compensated electromyography value was examined. RESULTS: The percent compensated electromyography value of the subjects varied from 1% to 90% and had a significant positive correlation with apnea hypopnea index (R(2) = 0.382, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Recording and analyzing chin surface electromyography by routine polysomnography is a valid way of screening the neuromuscular activity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The neuromuscular contribution is different among subjects with obstructive sleep apnea.

[Clinical classification and management of squamous intraepithelial lesions of the vocal cord].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the clinical classification of the squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) of vocal cord and their outcomes after different therapeutic procedures. METHODS: Three hundred and forty-three patients with the SILs of vocal cord were enrolled. Based on the history of the diseases, macroscopic appearance by video rhino aryngoscopic, stroboscopic and microlaryngoscopic examination, and pathological findings, the correlation of clinical features, treatment modalities and treatment effect of the vocal cord SILs were discussed. RESULTS: According to the morphological characteristics, 343 patients were divided into four types. TypeI, leukoplakia combined with inflammation (n = 19); type II, leukoplakia combined with polyps by friction (n = 72); type III, leukoplakia combined with sulcus vocalis (n = 64); type IV, keratosis (n = 188). Patients with type I lesions were treated by medications. The vocal cord configuration and the voice of the patients in type I returned to normal after treatment. Patients with type II, III, IV lesions were treated by CO(2) laser. Type II were treated by subepithelial cordectomy, type III by mucosa slicing with dredging, type IV by sub ligament cordectomy or trans muscular cordectomy. The cure rate of patients with type II, III, IV lesions was 90.7% (294/324) after single surgery, the recurrent rate was 9.3% (30/324). Twenty-one patients (11.2%), all in type IV, developed carcinogenesis. Eight cases were diagnosed in the first surgery and 13 cases in the second. Among the 13 cases diagnosed in the second surgery, 2 cases had partial laryngectomy for the third surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Since the squamous intraepithelial lesions of vocal cord manifested differently, conservative treatment or CO(2) laser surgery should be used. In this way, a less invasive procedure, better recovery of the voice and less complication could be expected.

Risk factors of juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in the lower respiratory tract.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP) is a relatively rare disease. It affects the larynx in most cases. Because reports on JORRP to the lower respiratory tract (LRT) are few, we investigated clinical features of patients with a history of JORRP to analyze the risk factors of this disease. METHODS: Data from 208 JORRP patients admitted to Beijing Tongren Hospital from January 2008 to December 2010 were reviewed. Gender, age at onset of symptoms, age at first surgery, duration of symptoms before the first surgical procedure, the number of surgical procedures, mean interval between surgical interventions, and the number of tracheotomies in patients with and without LRT spread of JORRP were analyzed. The data from patients with and without tracheotomy were recorded and compared. Two cases of primary tracheal papillomatosis were reviewed. RESULTS: Papillomas extension down to the LRT was observed in 46 children (22.1%). Patients with LRT papillomatosis had a shorter time from the onset of the symptoms until the first surgery, required significantly more surgical procedures, and had a shorter mean surgical interval. Tracheotomy was performed in 13/162 (8.0%) children with laryngeal papillomatosis vs. 36/46 (78.3%) children with LRT papillomatosis. After tracheotomy, 36/49 (73.5%) children developed LRT papillomatosis and 10/157 (6.4%) children who did not have a tracheotomy developed LRT papillomatosis. Patients with tracheotomy required a significantly higher number of surgical procedures. The younger the patient had a tracheotomy, the longer the duration of cannulation was. CONCLUSIONS: JORRP patients with LRT spread are prone to develop more aggressive disease. Tracheotomy resulted in a significant increase of LRT involvement.

[Evaluation of Watch PAT as a diagnosing test for patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to test the accuracy of the watch peripheral arterial tone (Watch PAT) in diagnosing the obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and its influencing factors. METHODS: Thirty five outpatients who had a chief complaining of sleep snoring were recruited to receive Watch PAT test and polysomnography (PSG) simultaneously. The results of PSG were manually analyzed by an experienced technician, while the results of Watch PAT were automatically analyzed by software. RESULTS: There was a trend that the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) of PSG was significantly higher than that of Watch PAT (P = 0.06) in the 35 patients studied, however, these two variables were significantly correlated (P < 0.001), and the correlation coefficient was as high as 0.955. A linear regression analysis which used the AHI of Watch PAT to predict the AHI of PSG also concluded same result and the equation was AHI (PSG) = 0.944 + 1.030AHI (Watch PAT), P < 0.001. The analysis which used ROC curve to test the diagnostic efficiency of Watch PAT concluded that the area under the curve could reach to 0.953 (P < 0.001), and if an AHI (Watch PAT) threshold of ≥ 8.65 was used as the cut-off point in this study, the sensitivity and specificity could reach to 92.3% and 100.0%. The absolute values of the differences (AVD) between the AHI of Watch PAT and the AHI of PSG were also calculated as a criterion for grouping the 35 patients studied, then it could be found that there was a trend that the BMI of patients who had an AVD ≥ 5 were higher than that of patients who had an AVD < 5 (P = 0.077). CONCLUSIONS: The Watch PAT is highly sensitive in the diagnosis of OSAHS, it can be used as a simple and reliable method for screening people with suspicious OSAHS. However, the accuracy of diagnosis may be relatively low in patients who have a great BMI.

[Correlation between obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the occurrence correlation between obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: Forty-three patients suspected of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease underwent combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and esophageal manometry (MII-EM), twenty-four-hour esophageal and pharyngeal pH and impedance monitoring and PSG. Subjects were grouped according to the detections. The difference of the measurement between groups were Compared. The possible relationship between the two diseases was analyzed. RESULTS: Fourteen of all the subjects can be diagnosed to have GERD (32.6%). Twenty-six can be diagnosed to have OSAHS (60.5%). There were 10 patients had OSAHS and GERD simultaneously, which took over 38.5% of the OSAHS group, and 71.4% of the GERD group. BMI (P = 0.000) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) residual pressure (P = 0.021) were significantly different among the four groups OSAHS, GERD, OSAHS and GERD, and control (non-OSAHS and non-GERD), but no linear relationship between LES residual pressure and prevalence or severity of the two diseases was found. In OSAHS group, AHI were positively correlated with the following indictors: the DeMeester score (r = 0.45), acid exposure of the distal esophagus (r = 0.491). There seems to be no Linear correlation among reflux indicators, sleep indicators, and esophageal functional indicators in GERD group. Linear correlation was not found among reflux indicators, sleep indicators, and esophageal functional indicators in OSAHS and GERD group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and the severity of GERD and OSAHS were related to each other. Reflux events may aggravate OSAHS. The two diseases may have some relationship on the esophageal function, especially on the regulation of the LES pressure.

[Overnight hemoglobin-oxygen saturation monitoring the first day following revised uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of overnight arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) the first day after upper airway reconstruction surgery in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). METHODS: One hundred and thirteen subjects with OSAHS underwent revised uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (H-UPPP), among them, 46 subjects underwent same phase transpalatal pharyngoplasty under general anesthesia. After transferred to general ward from intensive care unit the first day after operation they received an overnight hemoglobin-oxygen saturation monitoring. RESULTS: Twelve subjects (10.2%) had lower lowest SaO2 than preoperative value. ≥ 0.03 oxygen desaturation index (ODI3) decreased in an median of 36.9 [16.9; 52.2] events/hour compared with preoperative values (Z = -9.221, P < 0.001). One subjects (0.8%) had increased ODI3. No hemorrhages, cardiovascular complications or airway obstruction occurred. The subjects with any two of the following conditions (n = 51) had lower average SaO2, lowest SaO2 and higher ODI3 than the others (n = 62, Z were -3.084, -4.083 and -4.593, P < 0.001). The three subjects were: (1) BMI ≥ 27.0 kg/m(2); (2) Lowest SaO2 < 0.600; (3) AHI ≥ 60.0 events/h. CONCLUSIONS: Some OSAHS patients had a decreased LSaO2 than preoperative values the first day after operation. As part of a patient safety initiative, SaO2 monitoring for those who have high risk for hypoxemia is necessary.

Fibrovascular polyp of the hypopharynx and esophagus.

Fibrovascular polyp of the hypopharynx and esophagus, a rare, benign, intraluminal and submucosal tumor, is most commonly originated from the proximal esophagus. We discussed four cases with regurgitation, respiratory symptom or the feeling of a mass in the throat. All the patients were examined with laryngoscope under general anesthesia. A transverse cervical incision was performed in one patient and the polyps were excised under laryngoscope with CO2 laser in the other three patients. All the lesions were removed successfully. Diagnostic and therapeutic principles involved in these cases are presented and discussed. The recognition of fibrovascular polyp of the hypopharynx and esophagus as a potential cause of regurgitation is paramount. Surgical excision is recommended because of the satisfactory outcome.