Sleep Apnea syndrome

Malin Skomedal

edited by

Julius Loges,

1. Definition

Sleep Apnea syndrome is a sleep disorder characterized by Apneic-Hyponeic periods lasting over 10 seconds which occur repeatedly < 10x/hour or 30x/night.

2. Classification

2.1. Central Apnea (5%)

Idiopathic apnea. The brain is prevented from signaling the muscles to breath, normally due to instability in the respiratory tract.

2.2 Obstructive Apnea (95%)

Caused by decreased tone of the pharynx and the soft palate (airway obstruction, maintained central drive, enhanced thoracic movements).

3. Risk factors

Constitutional features (e.g. short neck, large tongue)
Higher age
Increased body weight
Alcohol, narcotics before sleeping
Exhaustion

4. Diagnosis

Polysomnography (PSG) is a comprehensive sleep study used to diagnose sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. It monitors multiple physiological parameters during sleep to assess sleep stages and detect abnormalities.

EG (Electroencephalogram)
EOG (Electrooculogram)
EMG (Electromyogram)
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Respiratory Channels:
- Airflow
- Effort Belts
Pulse Oximetry
Snoring Detection
Body Position

5. Consequences

Decreased pO2
- Pulmonary hypertension –> Cor Pulmonale chronicum –> Right ventricular failure
- Increased erythropoietin –> polyglobulia, higher blood viscosity –> Increase in blood pressure
Increased pCO2
- Cerebral vasoconstriction –> Increased intracranial pressure –> Increased heart rate with bradycardia, Cushing reflex
- CO2 sensitivity decrease
Respiratory Acidosis
- Heart failure
- Pulmonary Edema
Sleep Fragmentation

6. Treatment

PAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
ASV (Adaptive Servo-Ventilation)
Oxygen Therapy
Oral Appliances

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Specialty

Pathophysiology

Keywords

Last edit:

2024-12-26 19:15:27

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