Impact of an oral appliance on obstructive sleep apnea severity, quality of life, and biomarkers

Objective/Hypothesis

To investigate outcomes including efficacy, quality of life, and levels of inflammatory markers of a mandibular advancement device (MAD) for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study Design

Case-control study.

Methods

Patients with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15/hr who only accepted MAD therapy (study group) or who refused any treatment (control group) were recruited. At baseline and at 6 months, polysomnography, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were assessed in both groups.

Results

At baseline, the study group (n = 30) showed a higher percentage of rapid eye movement sleep and higher CRP levels (P < .05) than the control group (n = 10). At 6 months, the MAD significantly improved AHI and lowest oxygen saturation (P < .01), non–rapid eye movement (N)1 and N3 sleep stages (P < .05), ESS score (P < .05), FOSQ total score (P < .01), interleukin 1β (P < .05), and TNF-α (P < .01) compared with the untreated group. In the overall, moderate, and severe OSA groups, 63.3%, 75%, and 50%, respectively, achieved at least good response.

Conclusions

Use of a MAD significantly improved polysomnographic parameters, quality of life, and some inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-β, and TNF-α) in a significant proportion of patients with moderate OSA and in some patients with severe OSA. Hence, a MAD may be a viable alternative therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe OSA who refuse continuous positive airway pressure.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 2017

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