Neurogenic changes in the upper airway of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Controversy persists regarding the presence and importance of hypoglossal nerve dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Objectives

We assessed quantitative parameters related to motor unit potential (MUP) morphology derived from electromyographic (EMG) signals in patients with OSA versus control subjects and hypothesized that signs of neurogenic remodeling would be present in the patients with OSA.

Methods

Participants underwent diagnostic sleep studies to obtain apnea-hypopnea indices. Muscle activity was detected with 50-mm concentric needle electrodes. The concentric needle was positioned at more than 10 independent sites per subject, after the local anatomy of the upper airway musculature was examined by ultrasonography. All activity was quantified

SUBMITTER: Saboisky JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3297112 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature