Sleep medicine reviews
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Sleep medicine reviews · Jun 2015
ReviewUpper airway imaging in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children is a manifestation of sleep-disordered breathing and associated with a number of complications. Structural narrowing of the upper airway in combination with inadequate compensation for a decrease in neuromuscular tone is an important factor in the pathogenesis. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the most important predisposing factor. ⋯ There is a limited number of high quality studies of imaging predicting the effect of treatment. To avoid unnecessary risks and ineffective surgeries, it seems crucial to couple the exact individual anatomical risk factor with the most appropriate treatment. We conclude that imaging could be a non-invasive tool that could assist in selection of treatment.
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Sleep medicine reviews · Apr 2015
ReviewTo ED or not to ED--is erectile dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea related to endothelial dysfunction?
Both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and erectile dysfunction (ErectD) are highly prevalent and largely under diagnosed medical conditions. These disorders often co-exist, with about half of the male OSA population having ErectD and vice versa. OSA is strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality while ErectD has been proposed as a phenotypic marker of cardiovascular disease. ⋯ There is also strong evidence that causally links EndoD with organic ErectD. Further research should be directed at determining the value of simultaneously assessing both ErectD and OSA in patients presenting with symptoms of either condition. In both ErectD and OSA clinics, identifying both conditions could improve overall cardiovascular risk stratification whilst treatment of OSA could reduce both ErectD and cardiovascular risk.
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Exploding head syndrome is characterized by the perception of abrupt, loud noises when going to sleep or waking up. They are usually painless, but associated with fear and distress. In spite of the fact that its characteristic symptomatology was first described approximately 150 y ago, exploding head syndrome has received relatively little empirical and clinical attention. ⋯ None of these theories has yet reached dominance in the field. Next, the various methods used to assess and treat exploding head syndrome are discussed, as well as the limited outcome data. Finally, recommendations for future measure construction, treatment options, and differential diagnosis are provided.
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Sleep medicine reviews · Oct 2014
ReviewCardiovascular implications of obstructive sleep apnea associated with the presence of a patent foramen ovale.
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common congenital cardiac abnormality of the atrial septum which occurs in 25% of the population. It allows communication between the right and left atrium enabling right to left shunting of deoxygenated blood (after birth) which may be linked to strokes or transient ischemic attacks. PFO may also have an association with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). ⋯ The presence of a PFO and OSA may increase the risk of stroke. In this review, the association of PFO and OSA is described along with their implications for cardiovascular disease. The relevant literature and treatment options are discussed to elaborate on the significance of the associated pathology.
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Sleep medicine reviews · Aug 2014
Meta AnalysisAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder and sleep disordered breathing in pediatric populations: a meta-analysis.
A relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in children and adolescents has been suggested by some authors. Yet, this topic remains highly controversial in the literature. A meta-analysis was conducted in order to examine the extent of relationship between SDB and ADHD symptoms in pediatric populations and whether there are differences in ADHD symptoms pre- versus post-adenotonsillectomy in pediatric populations. ⋯ The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that ADHD symptoms are related to SDB and improve after adenotonsillectomy. Therefore, patients with ADHD symptomatology should receive SDB screening. Treatment of comorbid SDB should be considered before medicating the ADHD symptoms if present.