Weight gain may affect mandibular advancement device therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a retrospective study.

Purpose: The aim was to analyze whether or not weight gain influences the treatment outcome of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treated with mandibular advancement devices (MAD).

Methods: As a part of a follow-up study among OSA patients treated with MAD in primary oral health care, a group of 28 patients reporting worsening of daytime or nighttime symptoms of OSA was given closer examination. Altogether, 21 subjects had a complete set of recordings and were enrolled into the study.

Results: Only three subjects had lost weight during the study period. The mean weight gain of 3.6 kg ± 7.1 kg was significant (p = 0.035). According to linear regression, weight gain was independently significantly associated with lower mean peripheral oxygen saturation 92.4 (SD 1.8 (% per hour) (p = 0.019)) and lowest oxygen saturation 80.1 (SD 7.2 (%) (p = 0.024)) scores.

Conclusions: Weight gain is detrimentally associated with MAD treatment in patients with OSA. These findings suggest that regular follow-up by an experienced dentist is advisable to assess for possible worsening of OSA. Patient support to encourage weight control may be an important adjunct to MAD treatment for OSA.