Adherence to upper-airway stimulation in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Introduction:

In large studies on the adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, the current standard in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), low values have been reported. Selective upper airway stimulation (sUAS) is a new therapeutic option for patients with CPAP-incompliance. The aim of this study was to analyze therapy adherence of patients with OSA to selective upper-airway stimulation.

Methods:

Patients from two German implantation centers were included. Besides the collection of demographics and parameter for the severity of OSA patients answered a questionnaire on the topics: subjective sensation of the stimulation, use of different functions, side effects and an inventory for the description of the attitude towards sUAS. The daily use of the sUAS was evaluated by analysis of the implanted pulse generator.

Results:

106 patients were included in the study. Analysis of the IPG resulted in a usage per night of 5.7 hours on average. Patients declared to use the sUAS on 6.8 nights per week. The attitude towards UAS treatment resulted in strong agreement towards the statement “UAS reduces the problems caused by my sleep apnea”. Information on side effects of the stimulation could be gathered.

Conclusion:

This investigation on the sUAS therapy in patients with OSA revealed a high adherence to the therapy. The reported adherence rates did not differ during the observation period and neither AHI, ODI nor ESS seemed to have an influence on adherence.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)