Sleep apnoea syndrome--a report of 14 cases.

Abstract

Patients with sleep apnoea syndrome suffer considerable morbidity and an increased mortality. We reviewed the characteristics of 14 patients with sleep apnoea syndrome (11 males and 3 females) who were studied since 1986. All were less than or equal to 60 years of age with the majority in their 4th and 5th decade. Obesity was present in 8 patients (57%) and hypertension in 6 (43%). Overnight sleep studies showed that 11 patients had obstructive sleep apnoea, 2 had central and one had predominantly mixed sleep apnoea. Ten patients (71%) had some form of nose and/or throat pathology. Tonsillectomy seemed an effective therapeutic procedure in those with upper airway obstruction due to enlarged tonsils. Four out of 5 patients had significant symptomatic improvement post-tonsillectomy. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure was also effective in alleviating apnoeas and relieving symptoms in 4 other patients who had no obvious upper airway obstruction. A high proportion of our patients had obstructive sleep apnoea due to enlarged tonsils. Tonsillectomy offered a simple and effective therapy for such patients. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure was also effective in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea.

• Authors: T H Cheong, Y T Wang, S C Poh
• Journal: Singapore medical journal (Singapore Med J) Vol. 31 Issue 4 Pg. 350-4 (Aug 1990) ISSN: 0037-5675 [Print] India
• PMID: 2255933 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Sleep Apnea Syndromes (physiopathology, therapy)