Effectiviteit en therapietrouw van de Velumount-methode bij sociaal onaanvaardbaar snurken en lichte
tot matig ernstige OSAS; resultaten van een pilotstudie
A.J.G. de Bruijn, R. van Blommestein
Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Keel-Neus-Oorheelkunde | 2010 | 16 e jaargang | nr. 2
ABSTRACT
Purpose: this prospective pilot-study was performed to investigate the effectiveness of the Velumount- method as a relatively new treatment for socially unacceptable snoring (SUS) as well as for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Also the occurrence of side effects was evaluated. Patients and methods: 29 patients (22 men and 7 women) were included after providing informed consent. All patients could be considered as heavy snorers with a snoring index ≥7. In this group of patients there were 15 subjects without OSAS (AHI moderate OSAS (15/h≥AHIment of the Velumount, level III ambulant polygraphy (PG) was done to obtain respiratory parameters. After adjustment of the Velumount, PG was performed only in the tolerance group containing those patients who were able, after a period of habituation, to wear the device comfortably during the most of the night. The Calgary Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI) was used to evaluate changes in quality of life.
Results: the tolerance group contains 22 patients. For this group the snoring index improved from an average of 8.2 (±0,8) to 2.7 (±1,9) (pthe average apnea index, hypopnea index and apnea-hyponea index improved signifi cantly (psuccessful treatment is defined as an apnea-hypopnea index respect to the index before treatment, seven out of nine patients of the tolerance group fulfi l these criteria. With the SAQLI no clinically signifi cant improvement was found in the quality of life in the tolerance group. The most frequently mentioned side effect was hypersalivation; it was found in four patients in the tolerance group. Eventually, after a mean follow-up period of 73 days (range 62-91) 20 patients indicated that they intended to continue using the Velumount. This results in a compliance ratio of 69%.
Conclusion: the Velumount-method is an effective treatment against SUS with an acceptable compli- ance. The Velumount also seems to be a promising treatment for mild to moderate OSAS. Especially in patients who are not suitable for treatment with a mandibular repositioning appliance or palatal surgery, the Velumount device could be a good alternative.
Schlussfolgerung: Die Velumount-Methode ist eine effektive Therapie gegen Schnarchen mit akzeptabler Therapietreue. Velumount scheint auch eine vielversprechende Therapie bei mildem bis mittlerem Schlafapnoe-Syndrom zu sein.