Citations

Abstract Introduction In-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard diagnostic test for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). WatchPAT® is a type of home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) that utilizes peripheral arterial tone (PAT) signals and other sensors to evaluate for SDB. There is an abundance of data to support the use of a PAT-based HSAT for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), though data to support its use in central sleep apnea (CSA) in the general population undergoing PSG is lacking. We therefore aimed to compare the agreement of a PAT-based HSAT and PSG in detecting central disordered breathing events in the general population undergoing PSG. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in eligible adult participants with suspected sleep apnea who were scheduled to undergo diagnostic or split-night PSG at the Center for Sleep Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, between May 2021 and October 2022. The PAT-based HSAT was applied during the night of PSG to obtain simultaneous recording. Subjects were excluded if they had chronic atrial fibrillation, permanent pacemaker, or finger deformity precluding finger probe use or if they were on alpha- antagonists or short-acting nitrates. The PAT-based HSAT data were automatically scored with the use of proprietary software, and the PSG data were manually scored by registered polysomnography technologists. All studies were reviewed by board-certified sleep medicine providers. Results A total of 147 subjects (53% female) were included in the final analysis after excluding 18 subjects due to malfunction of the PAT-based HSAT. The subjects had a mean age of 58±15 yrs and BMI of 34±9 kg/m². 95 (65%) subjects underwent split-night studies. OSA was diagnosed in 81% with a mean PSG AHI of 28±27 events per hour. CSA was diagnosed in 3% of subjects with a mean PSG AHI of 33±27 events per hour. Of the total 2120 central disordered breathing events reported by the PAT-based HSAT (mean pAHIc 3±5 events per hour), 365 (17%) correlated with central apneas and 78 (3.7%) correlated with central hypopneas found on PSG. Conclusion In our prospective study, the PAT-based HSAT demonstrated low positive predictive value in detecting central disordered breathing events when compared to PSG. Support (if any)

Summary: This article summarizes restless legs syndrome (RLS), periodic limb movements of sleep, and periodic limb movement disorder. RLS is a common sleep disorder with a prevalence of 5% to 15% in the general population. RLS can present in childhood, and incidence increases with age. RLS can be idiopathic or secondary to iron deficiency, chronic renal failure, peripheral neuropathy, and medications such as antidepressants (with higher rates for mirtazapine and venlafaxine, while bupropion may reduce symptoms at least in the short term), dopamine antagonists (neuroleptic antipsychotic agents and antinausea medications), and possibly antihistamines. Management includes pharmacologic agents (dopaminergic agents, alpha-2 delta calcium channel ligands, opioids, benzodiazepines) and nonpharmacologic therapies (iron supplementation, behavioral management). Periodic limb movements of sleep are an electrophysiologic finding commonly accompanying RLS. On the other hand, most individuals with periodic limb movements of sleep do not have RLS. The clinical significance of the movements has been argued. Periodic limb movement disorder is a distinct sleep disorder that arises in individuals without RLS and is a diagnosis of exclusion.

Abstract Study Objectives Isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) carries a high lifetime risk for phenoconversion to a defined neurodegenerative disease (NDD) including Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. We aimed to examine iRBD patient values and preferences regarding prognostic counseling. Methods One hundred thirteen iRBD patient participants enrolled in the Mayo Clinic iRBD Patient Registry were sent an email survey concerning their values and preferences concerning NDD prognostic counseling and their experiences following diagnosis with iRBD. Results Of 81 respondents (71.7% response rate), the majority were men (74.0%) with an average age of 65.7 (±9.7) years. Responses indicated a strong preference toward receiving prognostic information about possible future NDD development. 92.5% of respondents felt knowledge concerning personal NDD risk was important, while 87.6% indicated prognostic discussions were important to maintaining trust in their physician. 95.7% indicated a desire for more information, while only 4.3% desired less information regarding their NDD prognostic risk. Most respondents strongly agreed that prognostic information was important to discuss with their family and friends and inform future life planning, and most expressed interest in learning more about future neuroprotective therapies and symptomatic treatments for parkinsonism and dementia. Conclusions Most iRBD patients indicated strong preferences for disclosure of NDD prognostic risk and indicated that prognostic information was important for family discussions and future life planning. Future broader surveys and qualitative studies of clinic-based and ultimately community dwelling iRBD patients’ values and preferences are needed to guide appropriately tailored and individualized prognostic counseling approaches following iRBD diagnosis.

ABSTRACT Background Evaluation and interpretation of the literature on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) allows for consolidation and determination of the key factors important for clinical management of the adult OSA patient. Toward this goal, an international collaborative of multidisciplinary experts in sleep apnea evaluation and treatment have produced the International Consensus statement on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (ICS:OSA). Methods Using previously defined methodology, focal topics in OSA were assigned as literature review (LR), evidence‐based review (EBR), or evidence‐based review with recommendations (EBR‐R) formats. Each topic incorporated the available and relevant evidence which was summarized and graded on study quality. Each topic and section underwent iterative review and the ICS:OSA was created and reviewed by all authors for consensus. Results The ICS:OSA addresses OSA syndrome definitions, pathophysiology, epidemiology, risk factors for disease, screening methods, diagnostic testing types, multiple treatment modalities, and effects of OSA treatment on multiple OSA‐associated comorbidities. Specific focus on outcomes with positive airway pressure (PAP) and surgical treatments were evaluated. Conclusion This review of the literature consolidates the available knowledge and identifies the limitations of the current evidence on OSA. This effort aims to create a resource for OSA evidence‐based practice and identify future research needs. Knowledge gaps and research opportunities include improving the metrics of OSA disease, determining the optimal OSA screening paradigms, developing strategies for PAP adherence and longitudinal care, enhancing selection of PAP alternatives and surgery, understanding health risk outcomes, and translating evidence into individualized approaches to therapy.

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated use of telehealth, an expansion of services that required the appropriate technological infrastructure for health care facilities and in patient homes. Telehealth on the one hand has held promise for addressing health disparities perpetuated by inadequate rural access, but delivery requires extensive broadband and technologic access. That creates the possibility for new kinds of healthcare disparities. In addition, COVID-19 forced marked reduction in in-lab polysomnography (PSG), and concurrent expansion of home sleep apnea testing (HSAT). We hypothesized that the pandemic led to an increase in the overall frequency of telehealth and HSAT utilization, particularly in those who were younger, White, more educated, and from a non-local area. Methods We completed a retrospective chart review of all adult patients seen by all provider types across the Sleep Medicine practices in Mayo Clinic Rochester, Arizona, Florida, and the Mayo Clinic Health System between 1) 6/1/18—3/8/20 (Pre-COVID-19), 2) 3/9/20—4/19/20 (Early COVID-19), and 3) 4/20/20—present (Late COVID-19). We recorded the total number of PSGs and HSATs and total number of face-to-face and telehealth visits, along with the age, gender, race, educational level, and locality by zip code for patients served. These data were compared across the 3 timeframes. Results Average monthly visits changed from Pre-COVID-19, Early COVID-19, to Late COVID-19 [2194.7/m, 1416.5/m, 2690.6/m (P<0.001)]. Average monthly sleep test volumes also changed [1004.1/m, 530.5/m, 1123.4/m (P<0.001)], with a proportionate increase in HSATs across the 3 periods [34.71%, 65.37%, 53.59% (P<0.005)]. The increase in Late COVID-19 in telehealth visits occurred proportionately more in those who were younger, female, non-White, college and post-graduate educated, and from a non-local area. The increase in use of HSATs occurred proportionately more in patients who were younger, female, non-White, college and post-graduate educated, and from a local area. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic increased the use of telehealth visits and HSATs in Sleep Medicine practices across our enterprise, particularly in those who are younger and more educated, which may be due to ease of use with and access to technology. The reasons for the presence of additional disparities based upon gender, race, and locality needs further exploration. Support (If Any)

Abstract Introduction REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is characterized by disruptive, violent dream enactment behaviors (DEB), necessitating symptomatic treatment to prevent injury and reduce DEB frequency and severity. Melatonin and clonazepam are regarded as RBD therapeutic mainstays, although outcomes data remains limited. We surveyed RBD patients to determine their outcomes following melatonin, clonazepam, and melatonin-clonazepam combination therapy. Methods Mayo Clinic RBD Patient Registry participants received an electronic survey concerning treatment type(s) and dose(s), efficacy, and adverse effects. The primary outcome was treatment efficacy, determined by comparing DEB frequency/severity ratings on a visual analog scale (VAS). Adverse effects severity was assessed by Likert scales. We comparatively analyzed VAS before and after treatment and adverse effects between treatments using non-parametric statistical tests. Results Sixty-eight of 109 patients responded (62.3%; 64 had analyzable data) with a mean age of 67.7 years. Fifty-seven (85%) were men, with mean RBD symptom duration of 13.9 years. Patients receiving each treatment were: melatonin=30, clonazepam=8, and combination=12; 14 received other or no treatment. Baseline VAS ratings were similar between groups. Only melatonin (p=0.003) and combination therapy (p=0.039) improved VAS ratings; clonazepam monotherapy did not improve VAS. Only melatonin monotherapy was reported to lower VAS compared to untreated patients (p=0.02). Optimally effective mean dosages were melatonin 9.95±5.06 mg and clonazepam 0.81±0.48 mg. Patient frequencies reporting one or more moderately-severe side effect(s) were similar between melatonin (15%), clonazepam (7%), and combination therapies (9%). Twenty-five (36.8%) patients had received only one medication trial, while 41.2% required more than one medication. Of these, 15 (22.1%) tried 2 and 13 (19.1%) tried 3 or more treatments. Conclusion Melatonin therapy at an approximate mean 10 mg dosage improved patient-reported DEB frequency/severity on VAS, compared between both previous intraindividual baseline ratings and with untreated patients, while clonazepam monotherapy did not, without differential adverse effects. Clonazepam monotherapy data were limited. These data inform future prospective melatonin symptomatic therapy trials for RBD. Additionally, 41.2% required more than one RBD pharmacological treatment, suggesting a current therapeutic gap and unmet need for future development of biologically-informed, evidence-based symptomatic RBD therapeutics. Support (if any):

AbstractAs use of hypoglossal nerve stimulators has become more widespread in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, certain scenarios have dictated alterations to the previously described surgical technique. This report describes a situation in which revision of a hypoglossal nerve stimulator implant was required given the need for breast cancer surgery. It serves as the first description of the contralateral rerouting of a stimulation lead to a left‐sided impulse generator and the first description of respiratory sensing lead placement within the left second intercostal space for such a device. Laryngoscope, 131:E2409–E2412, 2021

Accurate antemortem diagnosis of parkinsonism is primarily based on clinical evaluation with limited biomarkers. We evaluated the diagnostic utility of quantitative rapid eye movement (REM) sleep without atonia analysis in the submentalis and anterior tibialis muscles in parkinsonian patients (53 synucleinopathy, 24 tauopathy). Receiver operating characteristic curves determined REM sleep without atonia cutoffs distinguishing synucleinopathies from tauopathies. Elevated submentalis muscle activity was highly sensitive (70–77%) and specific (95–100%) in distinguishing synucleinopathy from tauopathy. In contrast, anterior tibialis synucleinopathy discrimination was poor. Our results suggest that elevated submentalis REM sleep without atonia appears to be a potentially useful biomarker for presumed synucleinopathy etiologies in parkinsonism. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:969–974