A comparison of minimal cross sectional areas, nasal volumes and peak nasal inspiratory flow between patients with obstructive sleep apnea and healthy controls

Abstract

Background: The differences in nasal geometry and function between OSA patients and healthy individuals are not known. Our aim was to evaluate the differences in nasal geometry and function using acoustic rhinometry (AR) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) between an OSA population and healthy controls. Methodology: The study was designed as a prospective case-control study. Ninety-three OSA patients and 92 controls were enrolled from 2010 to 2015. The minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) and the nasal cavity volume (NCV) in two parts of the nose (MCA0-3/NCV0-3 and MCA3-5.2/NCV3-5.2) and PNIF were measured at baseline and after decongestion. Results: The mean MCA0-3 in the OSA group was 0.49 cm2; compared to 0.55 cm2 in controls. The mean NCV0-3 correspondingly was 2.51 cm3 compared to 2.73 cm3 in controls. PNIF measured 105 litres/minute in the OSA group and 117 litres/minute in the controls. Conclusions: OSA patients have a lower minimum cross-sectional area, nasal cavity volume and peak inspiratory flow compared to controls. Our study supports the view that changes in the nasal cavity may contribute to development of OSA.

Evaluation of nasal obstruction in children by acoustic rhinometry: A prospective study

“…In 2016, a study showed that adult patients with OSAS have lower MCA and NV compared to a healthy control group [23]. Our study demonstrated a significantly smaller NV in achondroplasia group compared to the control group and a negative correlation between NV and OAHI in the achondroplasia group: the lower the NV, the higher the OAHI.…”

Independent Role of Nasal Congestion in Positive Airway Pressure Compliance for OSA Treatment

“…Subjects with OSA often present with a lower minimum cross-sectional area of the nasal passage, nasal cavity volume, and peak inspiratory flow as compared with the healthy population. 23 Previous studies reported that nasal obstruction significantly correlated with increased risk of snoring, the severity of OSA, reduced sleep quality, and increased daytime sleepiness. 24,25 Patient demographic characteristics, BMI, OSA severity, and sleep-related symptoms were thought to be associated with PAP adherence.…”

“…The upper airway assessment data showed a narrower nasal meatus in the patients who were consistently noncompliant. Subjects with OSA often present with a lower minimum cross‐sectional area of the nasal passage, nasal cavity volume, and peak inspiratory flow as compared with the healthy population 23 . Previous studies reported that nasal obstruction significantly correlated with increased risk of snoring, the severity of OSA, reduced sleep quality, and increased daytime sleepiness 24,25 .…”

A reproducible and repeatable digital method for quantifying nasal and sinus airway changes following suture palatine expansion

“…In the present study, the Hyrax disyuntor appliance was used to expand the palatine suture in young patients; however, this procedure also leads to an increase of the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus airways. Moxness et al also reported that changes in the nasal cavity may contribute to development of obstructive sleep apnea [ 12 ]; however, Kim et al showed that a decrease in maxillary sinus volume can also be considered a predictive factor for obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore, the authors of this study analyzed the volume of both the nasal cavity and the maxillary sinus [ 13 ].…”