Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation and Hypoxic Burden in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Is hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) associated with reduced hypoxic burden in patients with obstructive sleep apnea?This secondary analysis of the Stimulation Therapy for Apnea Reduction trial included 108 adults and found that HGNS was associated with a 76.6% reduced hypoxic burden and improvements in daytime sleepiness. Moreover, 9 of 18 patients (50%) classified as nonresponders per their Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) score transitioned from high to low hypoxic burden.HGNS may improve nocturnal oxygenation and daytime symptoms even when AHI response is absent, suggesting that hypoxic burden may provide complementary information to AHI in evaluating therapeutic benefit.

Corresponding Author: Ali Azarbarzin, PhD, Sleep Apnea Health Outcomes Group, Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115 (aazarbarzin@bwh.harvard.edu).

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