Obstructive sleep apnoea is associated with risk factors comprising the metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Several features of OSA syndrome suggest that it is a manifestation of the metabolic syndrome (MS). In this study, we investigated the prevalence of the MS among male Japanese patients with OSA, as well as the relationship between OSA in non-obese patients and components of the MS other than obesity (hypertension, dyslipidaemia and glucose intolerance). METHODS: The study included 416 Japanese men who were diagnosed as having OSA by polysomnography. Among these, 101 non-obese patients were selected and the severity of OSA, as well as the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and glucose intolerance, was assessed. RESULTS: The MS was associated with OSA in 218/416 patients (52.4%). A significant increase in the prevalence of the MS was associated with increased severity of OSA, as categorized according to AHI. In the non-obese patients with OSA (mean age 57.6 years, BMI 22.7 kg/m(2), AHI 34.3 events/h), hypertension, dyslipidaemia and glucose intolerance were identified in 70 (69.3%), 43 (42.6%) and 20 patients (19.8%), respectively. At least two of these factors were identified in 40 patients (39.6%). Non-obese patients with severe OSA had a significantly higher prevalence of two or more of these factors (33/59 patients, 55.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Although Asians are generally less obese than Caucasians, the prevalence of the MS was high among Japanese patients with OSA, and even among non-obese patients, OSA was associated with risk factors for the MS.

Tuberculous retropharyngeal abscess associated with spinal tuberculosis well controlled by fine-needle aspiration and anti-tuberculous chemotherapy.

We present a rare case of a tuberculous retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) associated with spinal tuberculosis (TB) (Pott's disease). A patient presented with RPA and collapse of the second cervical vertebra. Fine needle aspiration was performed through the pharynx, not only for diagnosis but also for reduction of the abscess. Tuberculous RPA was diagnosed by microbiological tests of the aspirated fluid from the abscess, which was likely to be extended from Pott's disease. Anti-TB chemotherapy after the aspiration proved effective, resulting in the resolution of the abscess. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in order to prevent life-threatening complications.

Predicting optimal continuous positive airway pressure in Japanese patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Several algorithms that predict the optimal CPAP have been developed for Caucasian patients with OSA syndrome, but these algorithms do not allow for racial differences in craniofacial anatomy. We investigated whether an equation that included data on craniofacial structure, physique and severity of OSA could more accurately predict the optimal CPAP for Japanese patients with OSA syndrome. METHODS: In 170 Japanese patients with OSA syndrome, the optimal CPAP was determined by manual titration during polysomnography. An equation predicting the optimal pressure was derived from anthropometric, polysomnographic and cephalometric data. This equation was validated in another 110 Japanese patients with OSA syndrome. RESULTS: Stepwise multiple regression analysis identified AHI, BMI, mean SaO(2) and a cephalometric parameter: the angle between a line from point B to the menton (Me) and a line from Me to the hyoid bone (H) (BMeH), as independent predictors of optimal CPAP. The following equation was constructed to predict the optimal CPAP: 27.78 + (0.041 x BMeH) + (0.141 x BMI) + (0.040 x AHI) - (0.312 x mean SaO(2)). This equation accounted for 47% of the variance in optimal pressure (R(2) = 0.47, P < 0.0001). The measured optimal pressure and the pressure calculated using this equation were very similar in the other 110 patients with OSA syndrome (9.5 +/- 3.0 and 9.2 +/- 2.1 cmH(2)O, respectively). CONCLUSION: Optimal CPAP was more accurately predicted by combining a cephalometric parameter with BMI and polysomnographic data in Japanese patients with OSA, suggesting that craniofacial structure may be important in the pathogenesis of OSA syndrome among Asians.