Pharyngeal Opening Pressure: Black Patients with OSA Face Greater Risk

By Trend News Line 2024-06-02 20:52:31.

Pharyngeal Opening Pressure Study Reveals Surprising Findings

A recent study presented at the SLEEP 2024 Annual Meeting in Houston, TX, has shed light on the relationship between Pharyngeal Opening Pressure (PhOP) and patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who are intolerant to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The findings, led by Thomas Chapman of Rush University Medical Center, have revealed some unexpected correlations that challenge previous assumptions.

Study Methodology and Patient Demographics

Chapman and his team conducted a retrospective analysis of 289 adult sleep surgery patients who were referred to non-CPAP alternative care for their OSA. The patients, with a mean age of 51.6 years and a mean BMI of 30.2, all had a history of OSA with an AHI >5 at baseline and CPAP intolerance. The majority of patients were male (71.1%) and identified as White (64.6%).

Key Findings and Observations

The study revealed that PhOP was not significantly correlated with BMI, AHI, or age in the patient population. However, researchers did observe a mean PhOP increase of 0.15 cm per 1-point increase in patient BMI. Additionally, PhOP was found to be 2.3-fold greater in patients who identified as Black or African American compared to White patients.

Implications of the Study

The unexpected findings of the study have important implications for the understanding and management of OSA in patients who are intolerant to CPAP therapy. The weak correlation between PhOP and BMI, as well as the significant difference in PhOP among different racial groups, highlight the complexity of upper airway collapsibility in OSA patients.

Further Research and Conclusion

The researchers concluded that further investigation is needed to fully understand the implications of the study’s findings. The study opens up new avenues for research into the relationship between PhOP and patient demographics in OSA patients. This study marks an important step in improving the treatment and management of OSA in patients who do not respond well to traditional CPAP therapy..

– pharyngeal opening pressure
– black patients with OSA.