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LAUP Reduced Patient Apnea-Hypopnea Index by 32%
Sleep; ePub 2017 Feb 15; Camacho, et al
Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) reduced apnea-hypopnea index by 32% among all patients, while the lowest oxygen saturation only changed minimally, according to a recent meta-analysis examining LAUP alone as treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Individual data demonstrated a success rate of 23%, cure rate of 8%, and worsening of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) among 44% of patients. 5 medical literature databases were searched through October 30, 2016. Researchers found:
- 23 adult studies (717 patients) reported outcomes (aged 50±9 years, body mass index: 29±4 kg/m2).
- The pre- and post-LAUP means ± standard deviations (SD) for AHI were 28±13 and 19±12 events/hour (32% reduction).
- Random effects modeling for 519 patients demonstrated an AHI mean difference of
-6.56 events/hour.
- Individual patient data analyses demonstrate a 23% success rate (≥50% reduction in AHI and >20 events/hour) and an 8% cure rate.
- Additionally, 44% of patients had worsening of their AHI after LAUP.
Camacho M, Nesbitt NB, Lambert E, et al. Laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) for obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [Published online ahead of print February 15, 2017]. Sleep. doi:10.1093/sleep/zsx004.