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Biomedical subjects

C Guilleminault

Publications and source records attributed to C Guilleminault.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Developmental aspects of sleep and breathing.

The developmental aspects of sleep and breathing are rarely treated as one subject. This report attempts to link the fields of sleep research and developmental pulmonology in a comprehensive description of development and control of sleep and breathing from gestation to adulthood. Unfortunately, much of the investigation in this area is basic physiology and was done some time ago. Although this subject matter need not be updated, some of these references are older; however, this may be new information for the pulmonologist. The second part of this report details the pathophysiologic mechanisms behind the development of sleep-disordered breathing in children and adults. In fact, developmental abnormalities that occur in childhood may recrudesce in adulthood. We conclude with a discussion of the familial and genetic aspects of sleep-disordered breathing and consider the place of sudden infant death syndrome in the spectrum of these disorders.

Adult↗

Nondrug treatment trials in psychophysiologic insomnia.

BACKGROUND: Due to a variety of potential problems with long-term hypnotic use, patients and treating physicians often try to avoid drugs in the treatment of psychophysiologic insomnia and to use nondrug treatment strategies, but these treatments must bring relief within a limited amount of time to be acceptable to patients. METHOD: Thirty patients participated in the study. All had, for a minimum of 6 months, the complaint of less than 6 hours total sleep time per night in conjunction with either: (1) spending more than 30 minutes in bed before falling asleep, or (2) awakening during the night within 2 hours of sleep onset with difficulty returning to sleep. All subjects had the associated complaint of daytime impairment and none had used hypnotics for at least 3 months. Patients were randomly assigned to three parallel treatment groups: structured sleep hygiene, structured sleep hygiene with late afternoon moderate exercise, and structured sleep hygiene with early morning light therapy. Patients responded to questionnaires and filled out sleep logs. In addition, they underwent clinical evaluation, structured interviews, nocturnal monitoring, and actigraphy. The analyzed variables before and at the end of treatment were those derived from sleep logs and actigraphy. RESULTS: All subjects showed a trend toward improvement, independent of the treatment received, but only the "structured sleep hygiene with light treatment" showed statistically significant improvement at the end of the trial. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with chronic psychophysiologic insomnia may benefit from a nondrug treatment approach. Light therapy appears particularly promising.

Adult↗

Upper airway sleep-disordered breathing in women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the various clinical presentations of sleep-disordered breathing in women. DESIGN: A retrospective case-control study. SETTING: A sleep disorders clinic. PATIENTS: 334 women, aged 18 years and older, seen between 1988 and 1993, who were diagnosed with upper airway sleep-disordered breathing. Controls were 60 women with insomnia and 100 men with sleep-disordered breathing. MEASUREMENTS: Clinical, anatomic, and polygraphic information. RESULTS: The mean lag time (+/- SD) in women between the appearance of symptoms and a positive diagnosis was 9.7 +/- 3.1 years; among participants 30 to 60 years of age, the duration of untreated symptoms differed (P < 0.001) between women and men. Sleep-disordered breathing was blamed for divorce or social isolation by 40% of the case patients. Abnormal maxillomandibular features were noted in 45% of the women with disordered breathing. Dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea (which disappeared after treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure) were reported in 43% of premenopausal women compared with 13% of persons in the control group of women with insomnia. Thirty-eight women (11.4%) with upper airway sleep-disordered breathing had a respiratory disturbance index of less than 5 and were significantly younger, had a smaller neck circumference, and had a lower body mass index than women with a respiratory disturbance index of 5 or more. CONCLUSION: Physicians should revise their understanding of upper airway sleep-disordered breathing so that they notice women with certain craniofacial features, a low body mass index, a small neck circumference, and a respiratory disturbance index of less than 5. These revisions may enable more rapid diagnosis and treatment of women with sleep-disordered breathing.

Adolescent↗

Correlates of sleep latency on the multiple sleep latency test in a clinical population.

The multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) is commonly used as an objective measure of sleepiness. We retrospectively correlated MSLT scores from 147 patients with other information relating to sleepiness, namely demographic information, data from nocturnal polysomnograms (PSGs), and subjective assessments. The only variable that showed a valid and statistically significant correlation with the MSLT score was sleep latency on the PSG. The results were largely similar within subgroups focusing on (1) individuals with the ability to fall asleep on every nap, (2) subjects with abnormally short MSLT scores, (3) nap attempts that were successful, and (4) patients with particular diagnoses. We conclude that the mean sleep latency on the MSLT, in a clinical population, does not correlate well with a number of variables expected to influence sleepiness. While the validated utility of the MSLT in separating patients from normals or in identifying narcolepsy is not disputed, the accuracy of the MSLT as a measure of sleepiness appears to be limited.

Adult↗

Home nasal continuous positive airway pressure in infants with sleep-disordered breathing.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience with home nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in infants with small upper airways and abnormal breathing during sleep. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-four infants with sleep-disordered breathing and narrow upper airways, as identified by nocturnal polygraphic recording and endoscopic evaluation, were treated at home with nasal CPAP. Infants with craniofacial anomalies and trisomy 21, and infants who had been referred to us as having had "apparent life-threatening events," made up the majority of the population. Because of the rapid growth of infants, regular follow-up visits were scheduled to adjust CPAP and mask size. RESULTS: Seventy-two infants were successfully treated at home with nasal CPAP; there were two failures. Follow-up lasted from 5 months to 12 years. Compliance was not a problem, but home nasal CPAP was prescribed only for infants who lived close to our center and whose families and pediatricians were willing to support compliance. COMMENTS: Home nasal CPAP requires careful, in-laboratory titration and regular follow-up to adjust both pressure and mask size. With the support of families and pediatricians, home nasal CPAP can be an effective treatment for infants with upper airway respiratory problems during sleep. In many cases, it can provide an interim solution, enabling physicians to plan surgery at an appropriate time and giving infants time to grow before having to undergo surgical stress.

Airway Obstruction↗

Forensic sleep medicine: nocturnal wandering and violence.

Forty-one subjects between 12 and 63 years of age with a complaint of nocturnal wandering were reviewed retrospectively, and a prospective investigation of their compliance to treatment was performed. Twenty-nine of 41 subjects committed violence against themselves or others ("violent group"). Clinical investigation of their problem involved polysomnography, wake and sleep EEGs and ambulatory EEG recording in the home environment. The nocturnal wandering may have started from NREM sleep or REM sleep, and violence was observed in both of these sleep states. Arousal from sleep may have been triggered by sleep-disordered breathing or may have been related to temporal lobe abnormalities, and, in some cases, no abnormal polygraphic features were noted. Violence was always preceded by many instances of nocturnal wandering that had received little clinical attention. Temporal lobe abnormalities, a rare cause of nocturnal wandering, were present only in the "violent" group. This group also had a higher percentage of men than the "nonviolent" group. In both groups, the frequency of nocturnal wandering increased with an increase in daytime stressors. Pharmacological and psychiatric treatment approaches were beneficial in both groups.

Adolescent↗

Arousal, increased respiratory efforts, blood pressure and obstructive sleep apnoea.

The roles of hypoxaemia, of mechanical changes related to partial or complete airway obstruction and of arousals during sleep in the haemodynamic and heart rate changes seen in association with sleep-disordered breathing have been questioned. Several experiments have been performed by these authors to investigate the role of arousals and mechanical changes in the blood pressure changes associated with sleep disordered breathing. Investigation of the role of arousals. Two different populations were used in this study; one of normal, young volunteers without sleep-disordered breathing monitored at baseline (normal sleep) who were submitted to auditory stimulation during sleep, causing sleep fragmentation, and another of obstructive sleep apnoeic patients who were monitored at baseline and after nasal CPAP treatment. Before treatment and after one month of treatment while still being treated with nasal CPAP, these subjects were submitted to the same auditory stimulation and sleep fragmentation as normal controls. The studied variables were systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. In normal controls, auditory induced arousals lead to an increase in diastolic as well as systolic blood pressure. The increase was related to the type of arousal but was also noted with K complexes to a lesser degree. In OSAS patients under treatment with nasal CPAP, similar increases were noted with auditory stimulation. Compared to baseline hypoxaemia and hyperventilation periods, however, the haemodynamic increase was, at its highest, only one-third of the mean pressure monitored during the baseline, end-of-apnoea hyperventilation period with EEG arousals. Investigation of the role of nasal CPAP on blood pressure (BP) while patients had no hypoxaemia (SaO2>92%) but still showed increased respiratory efforts indicated a persistence of higher systolic and diastolic pressures than when nasal CPAP completely eliminated increased efforts. Possible long-term impact of arousals and mechanical changes. A last study was performed on patients with upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). Out of 112 patients, 6 were identified using the World Health Organization (WHO) protocol and ambulatory monitoring as having borderline high BP (140-160//90-98). Subjects were calibrated with nasal CPAP and were asked to use their equipment on a nightly basis. The CPAP machines were equipped with counters that could accurately measure the number of hours that the device was used. Patients were their own controls and were re-monitored one month later. Four subjects used their nasal CPAP at least 6 nights per week and more than 5 hours per night. One patient used his CPAP approximately 3 nights per week and more than 4 hours per night. One patient used his CPAP a total of 3 nights in the whole month. Blood pressure was unchanged in the patient who failed to use his CPAP, but was normalized in the 5 others, as were nocturnal recordings.

Journal Article↗

Sleep onset: scoring criteria in patients with sleep apnea syndrome.

It has been suggested that in patients with sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) modified scoring criteria may improve accuracy in the determination of sleep onset in the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). Scoring in 30-sec epochs according to the standard criteria requires more than 50% of the epoch asleep to score sleep latency (SL). In patients with SAS, short apneas with arousals could prevent the accurate determination of SL. This study compared three time-duration epochs (5-sec, 10-sec, 30-sec) for scoring SL in patients with SAS. Sleep onset during a single sleep latency test, the morning subsequent to a nocturnal polysomnogram, was determined by the criterion of at least 50% of the epoch asleep. Neuropsychological evaluation was performed immediately after the single sleep latency test. There was no statistically significant difference in time to fall asleep as defined by 10-sec and 30-sec epochs, but SL defined by 5-sec epochs was significantly shorter than SL defined by 10-sec and 30-sec epochs. Wilkinson Addition Test correct score correlated better with SL as defined by 30-sec epochs. The results imply that the level of sleepiness measured by 30-sec epochs may be more useful to appreciate behavior and performance.

Adult↗

The effect of electrical stimulation on obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea polygraphically documented underwent electrical stimulation treatment trials. Submental and intraoral stimulations were applied during waking and during nocturnal sleep. The stimulation was applied using a custom-designed neuromuscular electrical stimulator (EdenTec Corp) providing symmetric biphasic constant voltage pulses. Pulse duration of each phase was set to 80 microseconds based on a subjective evaluation of pulse durations from 80 to 300 microseconds to minimize sensation while generating equivalent motor responses. Pulse repetition rate was set to 50 pulses per second. Cephalometric radiographs and endoscopies were obtained with and without stimulations during waking. Most commonly, stimulations induced alpha EEG arousals. Submental subcutaneous stimulation induced good contractions of platysmal muscles but had no impact on the upper airway. Intraoral stimulation induced clear tongue muscle movements but with change of shape of the upper airway and posterior movements of the tongue. Each time a breakage of apnea was noted, it was associated with a time-linked alpha EEG arousal. The results obtained by us and others do not, at this time, give convincing support for the use of electrical stimulation using submental surface or intraoral electrodes as a viable approach for effective control of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome symptoms.

Electric Stimulation Therapy↗

Sleep and sleep-disordered breathing in commercial long-haul truck drivers.

We have performed a study assessing the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in a large US trucking company using a validated portable monitor (MESAM-4) and a validated symptom questionnaire. Three hundred eighty-eight drivers with a mean age of 36 years filled out the questionnaire. One hundred fifty-nine drivers with a mean age of 35 years spent the night at the terminal hub where they underwent monitoring for identification of sleep-disordered breathing. The drivers also had blood pressure recorded while awake, seated, and after 15 min of quiet rest. Seventy-eight percent of the drivers had an oxygen desaturation index (ODI) > or = 5 per hour of sleep; 10% had an ODI > or = 30 per hour of sleep. There was a significant difference in the body mass index (BMI) between drivers with ODI < 5 and drivers with ODI > or = 5 (25.7 +/- 6.0 kg/m2 in drivers with ODI < 5 vs 29.0 +/- 6.3 kg/m2 in drivers with ODI > or = 5, p < 0.001). Sixteen percent of all drivers tested were hypertensive. Twelve percent were unaware of their hypertension. Hypertensive drivers were significantly more overweight (p < 0.0001), slept more restlessly (p < 0.04), took more naps (p < 0.03), and woke up more frequently during the night (p < 0.005). About 20% of drivers presented symptoms indicating very regular sleep disturbances. Drivers who had been with the company for more than 1 year were more likely to present daytime fatigue, daytime tiredness, unrestorative sleep, hypertension, and higher BMI. Long-haul truck drivers have very irregular sleep/wake schedules and a high prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing. Chronic sleep/wake disruption and partial, prolonged sleep deprivation may worsen sleep-disordered breathing. This combination of problems may impact significantly on the daytime alertness of truckers.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Familial aggregates in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) was diagnosed in157 subjects based on clinical symptoms, physical evaluation, cephalometric x-ray films, and polysomnography. These index cases identified 844 living first-degree relatives. Mailings were sent to 792 (94%). The mailing consisted of two identical questionnaires, one for the family member of the index case and one to be given to a friend (not a relative) of approximately the same age. In response, we received 531 (63%) questionnaires from relatives and 198 (25%) questionnaires from age-matched nonrelated friends, which were used as a control group. A more extensive investigation was performed on first-degree relatives of the index group living in the San Francisco Bay Area or vicinity. Two hundred seventy-nine relatives (100%) were identified. One hundred sixty-six subjects (59%) as well as 69 age-matched friends (ie, 41% of the 166 relatives and 25% of the potential total group) agreed to participate in further studies. These subjects had interviews, clinical investigations, and nonattended ambulatory monitoring. Cephalometric x-ray films could be obtained on only 22 of 166 participating relatives and 6 of 69 friends. Body mass index was not a differentiating measure between relatives and friends. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated from the questionnaiare data. The report of tiredness, fatigue, and sleepiness did not distinguish family members from friends. The OR, however, progressively increases when there is a positive history of near nightly loud snoring (OR = 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-2.54) or a positive history of daytime sleepiness in conjunction with near nightly loud snoring (OR = 3.11; 95% CI = 1.94-4.99). The investigation in the Bay Area indicated that, when first-degree relatives were compared with friends, the complaint of daytime tiredness, sleepiness, or both with the presence of a high and narrow(ogival) hard palate sharply differentiated between friends and relatives (OR = 10.9, 95, CI = 5.31-22.5). An Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of 9 or greater with the presence of another symptom associated with OSAS, and a respiratory disturbance index greater than 5 (number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep > 5) gave an OR of 45.6 (95% CI = 18.8-11.0). Disproportionate craniofacial anatomy was common in familial groups with OSAS. Craniofacial familial features can be a strong indicator of risk for the development of OSAS.

Adolescent↗

Obstructive sleep apnea. Trends in therapy.

The National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research, in its report to Congress, concluded that the primary care community generally does not understand sleep disorders. Obstructive sleep apnea carries a risk of substantial morbidity and mortality. Excessive daytime sleepiness results from fragmented sleep and microarousals associated with apneic events. It causes poor work performance and increases the incidence of automobile accidents due to driving while drowsy. The commission estimates that the loss of productivity in the United States from excessive daytime sleepiness is more than $20 billion per year. Obstructive sleep apnea is strongly associated with hypertension, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea include male sex, obesity, older age, craniofacial anomalies, and familial risk. Treatment is based on documenting the disorder by polysomnography. Medical management of the syndrome includes weight loss and nasal continuous positive airway pressure. A network of follow-up and support is necessary to maintain compliance. Surgical treatment is reserved for those for whom nasal airway pressure treatment fails. A surgical protocol is presented that demonstrates efficacy equal to nasal airway pressure treatment. Primary care physicians should assume the responsibility of identifying patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea and refer them appropriately.

Humans↗

Prolonged confusion with nocturnal wandering arising from NREM and REM sleep: a case report.

A 51-year-old man with Machado-Joseph disease had a 3-year history of prolonged confusion following nightly nocturnal wandering. Polysomnography with videotape monitoring revealed 19- to 120-minute sleepwalking episodes emerging from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and occasionally from rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, followed by 22-47 minutes of prolonged confusion and disorientation. The patient also had a periodic limb movement disorder and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Excessive daytime sleepiness was evident by results from the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Multiple Sleep Latency Test. A sleep-deprived electroencephalogram (EEG) and a polysomnogram with an expanded EEG montage before and during these episodes revealed no epileptiform activity. A contrast-enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan demonstrated findings consistent only with Machado-Joseph disease. The patient improved with a combination of temazepam and carbidopa-levodopa.

Cerebellum↗

The prevalence of narcolepsy: an epidemiological study of the Finnish Twin Cohort.

We investigated the prevalence of narcolepsy using a well-defined white population previously used for epidemiological investigations: the Finnish Twin Cohort. The Cohort consists of 13,888 monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs born before 1958. There were 16,179 individuals who participated in the study, with a 77.3% response rate. The study methodology included a questionnaire covering sleep and alertness, the Ullanlinna Narcolepsy Scale (UNS), a scale specifically developed and tested for the study, telephone interviews, and finally, clinical evaluation, polygraphic recording, and HLA blood typing. Seventy-five subjects were selected for telephone interviews and laboratory evaluations based on data from both questionnaires. Five of them were strongly suspected of narcolepsy, but laboratory data identified only 3. All were dizygotic (fraternal) twins discordant for the disease with a negative family history and presence of DR2 DQw1 (i.e., DRw15 DQw6, new World Health Organization classification). The prevalence of narcolepsy in the Finnish population is 0.026% (95% confidence interval, 0.0-0.06). This prevalence is lower than that reported in studies performed without polygraphic recording and is close to that reported in 1945 in the black U.S. population. The tools developed to perform this study, the largest population study of its kind yet performed, can now be used for other population investigations.

Adult↗