Sleep Disorders

Question 1

Possible pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea.

Answer 1

CNS dysfunction leading to relaxed pharyngeal muscles (or general abnormal airway structure).

Question 2

Common congenital condition associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

Answer 2

Down Syndrome

Question 3

How is the severity of sleep apnea measured and what are the ranges for the 3 classes?

Answer 3

Apnea-Hypopnea index (AHI): apneas must last 10 seconds and be associated with a decrease in blood oxygen. Evaluates the number of sleep disruptions and oxygen DEsaturation
Mild: AHI 5-20
Moderate: AHI 20-50
Severe: AHI greater than 50

Question 4

What is Pickwickian Syndrome?

Answer 4

Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome: severely overweight people fail to breathe rapidly enough or deeply enough resulting in low O2 levels and high CO2 levels.

Question 5

When is a tonsillectomy a good option for sleep apnea Tx?

Answer 5

In younger population

Question 6

Most successful treatment for relief of obstructive sleep apnea.

Answer 6

Tracheostomy