Elevated Central and Mixed Apnea Index after Upper Airway Stimulation.

Objective: Upper airway stimulation (UAS) is used to treat patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of this study is to report the incidence and potential predictors of elevated central and mixed apnea index (CMAI) after UAS.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing UAS.

Setting: Tertiary care center.

Subjects And Methods: Included patients underwent UAS for OSA at our institution between 2014 and 2018. Data collected included demographic information, implantation records, and pre- and postoperative polysomnography (PSG) results. CMAI ≥5 was considered elevated. Post hoc univariate analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with elevated CMAI.

Results: In total, 141 patients underwent UAS at our institution. This included 94 men and 47 women with a mean age of 61.2 ± 11.0 years and a mean body mass index of 29.1 ± 3.9 kg/m. Five patients had an elevated CMAI after surgery during UAS titration. Demographics, comorbid conditions, and device settings were not associated with an elevated postoperative CMAI ( > .05).

Conclusion: The occurrence of an elevated CMAI after surgery may represent treatment-emergent events. Demographics, comorbid conditions, and UAS device settings were not associated with central and mixed apneic events.

Level Of Evidence: 4.