[Effect of H-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty on endothelium dependent flow-mediated dilation in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

Objective: This study evaluates the effects of H-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (H-UPPP) on endothelial function by endothelium dependent flow-mediated dilation(FMD) in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAHS).

Method: Forty-five healthy subjects and 49 patients with moderately to severe OSAHS who desired H-UPPP were prospectively enrolled. FMD was measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. All subjects participated in sleep studies. These studies were repeated 6 months after H-UPPP in patients with moderately to severe OSAHS.

Result: There was significant difference in FMD between patients with moderately to severe OSAHS and healthy subjects at baseline (6.5 +/- 2.1)% vs (11.2 +/- 3.1)% (P < 0.01). FMD increased from (6.5 +/- 2.1)% to (9.7 +/- 2.7)% 6 months after H-UPPP in patients with moderately to severe OSAHS (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: FMD is decreased in patients with moderately to severe OSAHS, H-UPPP treatment of these patients leads to improvement of FMD.