D J Brown1, P Kerr, M Kryger. 1. Department of Otolaryngology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Radiofrequency volumetric reduction of the palate has been advocated as a treatment for mild sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Our study examines the efficacy of this procedure on patients with mostly moderate SDB. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized, consecutive series. SETTING: St. Boniface Hospital, Sleep Disorders Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg. METHOD: Twelve patients with polysomnographically proven moderate SDB were given a total of 2400 to 3600 joules of radiofrequency energy to their soft palate over two to three treatments. Follow-up examined the effect of treatment on subjective and objective parameters including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, loudness of snoring, Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), and Arousal Index. RESULTS: Two of 12 patients had a good objective response to treatment in that their AHI dropped by more than 50% and to a value of less than 20. However, none of the patients claimed to have a satisfactory subjective response. There was a slight reduction in the mean AHI from 31.2+/-5.1 to 25.3+/-4.2 (p < .05), but no clinically significant difference was found between pre- and post-treatment groups with respect to other sleep parameters. There was no improvement in daytime sleepiness or snoring. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency tissue ablation of redundant soft palate tissues lacks clinical efficacy in patients with moderate SDB.
OBJECTIVE: Radiofrequency volumetric reduction of the palate has been advocated as a treatment for mild sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Our study examines the efficacy of this procedure on patients with mostly moderate SDB. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized, consecutive series. SETTING: St. Boniface Hospital, Sleep Disorders Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg. METHOD: Twelve patients with polysomnographically proven moderate SDB were given a total of 2400 to 3600 joules of radiofrequency energy to their soft palate over two to three treatments. Follow-up examined the effect of treatment on subjective and objective parameters including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, loudness of snoring, Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), and Arousal Index. RESULTS: Two of 12 patients had a good objective response to treatment in that their AHI dropped by more than 50% and to a value of less than 20. However, none of the patients claimed to have a satisfactory subjective response. There was a slight reduction in the mean AHI from 31.2+/-5.1 to 25.3+/-4.2 (p < .05), but no clinically significant difference was found between pre- and post-treatment groups with respect to other sleep parameters. There was no improvement in daytime sleepiness or snoring. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency tissue ablation of redundant soft palate tissues lacks clinical efficacy in patients with moderate SDB.
Authors: T Verse; R Bodlaj; R de la Chaux; A Dreher; C Heiser; M Herzog; W Hohenhorst; K Hörmann; O Kaschke; T Kühnel; N Mahl; J T Maurer; W Pirsig; K Rohde; A Sauter; M Schedler; R Siegert; A Steffen; B A Stuck Journal: HNO Date: 2009-11 Impact factor: 1.284
Authors: Karl A Franklin; Heidi Anttila; Susanna Axelsson; Thorarinn Gislason; Paula Maasilta; Kurt I Myhre; Nina Rehnqvist Journal: Sleep Date: 2009-01 Impact factor: 5.849