In this study we are aiming to evaluate the use of low cost modalities
of investigation and surgery in the management of OSAS. Our study included
50 patients arranged in two age groups (25 in each group). Group
I included patients (below 12 years old) suffering OSAS due to enlargement
of adenoids and/or tons its and surgically treated by adenoidectomy
and/or tonsillectomy. Group H included patients (above 20 years old) suffering
OSAS due to narrowing at the level of velopharyngeal sphincter
and surgically treated by uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). We used.
Relatively, low cost test battery for patient assessment consisting of overnight
pulse oximetry. Forced expiratory Volume in the First secand (FEIN.
Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs) and radiological investigation. Cross sectional
area was obtained from axial CT at C2 vertebra in group IL Our results
show significant improvement in all parameters of the test battery. This
improvement is correlated with the improvement in apnea index. Also we
found the study of the cross sectional area is effective in evaluation q
OSAS patient. We can conclude that adenoidectomy and/ or tonsillectomy
in children as well as UPPP in adults is effective in management of obstructive
sleep apnea. The surgical procedures give _favorable results, especially
in the mild and moderate grades. We recommend the use of our
test battery for investigation and follow up of patients with OSAS. Further
researches are needed to increase the sensitivity and specificity of this
low cost battery. |
