Using PaCO2 values to grade obesity-hypoventilation syndrome severity: a retrospective study.

Background: To date, an important aspect that has still not been clarified is the assessment of OHS severity. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether grading OHS severity according to PaCO values may be useful in order to provide a more definite characterization and targeted management of patients. In this regard, baseline anthropometric and sleep polygraphic characteristics, treatment options, and follow up outcomes, were compared between OHS patients with different degree of severity (as assessed according to PaCO values).

The Prognostic Role of Obstructive Sleep Apnea at the Onset of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Background/objective: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of central and peripheral motor neurons. Some studies have found discordant data in the presence of sleep apnea in ALS patients. An obstructive component also occurs with upper airways hypotonia and muscle weakness that may result in an excessive reduction of airway lumen, leading to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Atrial flutter regression in HIV-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension after treatment with bosentan.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare condition characterized by an increase in pulmonary arterial resistance leading to right heart failure and death. Arrhythmias are a growing problem in PAH; therefore, maintenance of sinus rhythm is considered to be an important treatment aim in these patients. We described the case of a 46-year-old woman with HIV-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension  who developed atrial flutter.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Hypertension, and Their Additive Effects on Atherosclerosis.

Background and Aims. It is widely accepted that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is independently associated with atherosclerosis. Similar to OSA, hypertension (HTN) is a condition associated with atherosclerosis.

Correlation between inflammatory markers of atherosclerosis and carotid intima-media thickness in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. Systemic inflammation plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular complications in OSA patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and inflammatory markers plasma levels in OSA patients.

Polysomnograph chart view by patients: a new educational strategy to improve CPAP adherence in sleep apnea therapy.

Background: CPAP is currently the treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, but therapy adherence is poor. Many educational trials have been proposed to increase CPAP adherence. We tested the hypothesis that polysomnograph chart viewing by patients would improve CPAP adherence.

Titration effectiveness of two autoadjustable continuous positive airway pressure devices driven by different algorithms in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

Background And Objective: Nocturnal application of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the standard treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Determination of the therapeutic pressure (CPAP titration) is usually performed by a technician in the sleep laboratory during attended polysomnography. One possible alternative to manual titration is automated titration.

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale: conventional self vs physician administration.

Background: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a simple, self-administered questionnaire that provides a measurement of the subject's level of daytime sleepiness, and is widely used for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Some works undermined its accuracy. The aim of this study was to compare self-administered ESS scores to physician-administered scores in a sample of patients with suspicion of OSA.

Home unattended portable monitoring and automatic CPAP titration in patients with high risk for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by recurrent obstruction of the upper airways during sleep. The high prevalence of this disease led to proposed new strategies based on the home evaluation and management of patients.

Objective: To compare home unattended portable monitoring and automatic CPAP titration with attended in-laboratory analysis, in a sample of patients with high risk for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Recurrent pulmonary embolism due to echinococcosis secondary to hepatic surgery for hydatid cysts.

We describe the case of a 53-year-old man with recurrent pulmonary embolism due to intra-arterial cysts from Echinococcus. Both the patient's medical history and the computed tomographic (CT) scan abnormalities led to the diagnosis. The CT scan, performed during hospitalization in our ward, showed cystic masses in the left main pulmonary artery and in the descending branch of the right pulmonary artery.

Is there a correlation between OSAS duration/severity and carotid intima-media thickness?

Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a common airways disease recognized as an independent cardiovascular risk factor. It is often associated with obesity, diabetes and dyslipidemia. Its pathophysiological consequences (hypoxia, hypercapnia, micro-arousals, sympathetic hyperactivity, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and hyper-coagulability) are implicated in the development of hypertension, endothelial dysfunction and higher intima-media thickness (IMT) values, all elements known to lead to atherosclerosis.