• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2017

Purpose: The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical characteristics and polysomnographic results of patients visited the Seoul National University Dental Hospital (SNUDH) and to suggest guidelines for the management of sleep disordered-breathing patients in a dental clinic. Methods: Five hundred sixty-two patients who visited the Snoring and Sleep Apnea Clinic of SNUDH were evaluated for clinical characteristics including associated comorbidities, age, gender, body mass index (BMI), neck circumference, and daytime sleepiness and among them 217 patients were performed nocturnal polysomnography for evaluating respiratory disturbance index, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen saturation levels, and sleep stages. The associations among clinical characteristics, sleep parameters, and positional and rapid eye movement (REM) dependencies of the patients were analyzed. Results: The most common co-morbidities of the patients were cardiovascular (30.2%), endocrine (10.8%), and respiratory diseases (7.9%). Age (${\beta}=0.394$), total AHI (${\beta}=0.223$), and lowest $O_2$ saturation levels (${\beta}=0.205$) were significantly associated with the number of co-morbidities in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Mean $O_2$ saturation was not significantly associated with number of co-morbidities. Non-positional OSA patients had higher BMI, longer neck circumferences, more severe AHI values, and lower mean and lowest $O_2$ saturation levels compared to positional OSA patients. Not-REM-related patients were older and had more severe AHI values compared to REM-related patients. Not-REM-related patients have longer duration of stage I sleep and shorter stage II, III, and REM sleep than REM-related patients. There were no significant differences in each sleep stage between positional and non-positional patients. Neck circumference, positional dependency, REM dependency, and percentage of supine position were significantly associated with severity of OSA. Conclusions: Age, total AHI, and lowest $O_2$ saturation level were significantly associated with the number of co-morbidities in patients with OSA. Neck circumference, positional dependency, REM dependency, and percentage of supine position were significantly associated with severity of OSA.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.47-55
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• 1996

Narcolepsy is characterized by sleep attack with excessive daytime sleepiness(EDS), cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucination. Paradoxically, narcoleptics tend to complain of frequent arousals and shallow sleep during the night time despite their excessive sleepiness. However, nocturnal sleep fragmentation in narcoleptics is relatively ignored in treatment strategies, compared with sleep attack/EDS and cataplexy. In our paper, we attempted to investigate further on the poor nocturnal sleep in narcoleptics and to discuss possible treatment interventions. Out of consecutively seen patients at Seoul National University Sleep Disorders Clinic and Division of Sleep Studies, we recruited 57 patients, clinically assessed as having sleep attack and/or EDS. Nocturnal polysomnography and multiple sleep latency test(MSLT) were done in each of the subjects. We selected 19 subjects finally diagnosed as narcolepsy(mean age $26.0{\pm}18.3$ years, 16 men and 3 women) for this study, depending on the nocturnal polysomnographic and MSLT findings as well as clinical history and symptomatology. Any subject co-morbid with other hypersomnic sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or periodic limb movements during sleep was excluded. Sleep staging was done using Rechtschaffen and Kales criteria. Sleep parameters were calculated using PSDENT program(Stanford Sleep Clinic, version 1.2) and were compared with the age-matched normal values provided in the program. In narcoleptics, compared with the normal controls, total wake time was found to be significantly increased with significantly decreased sleep efficiency(p<.01, p<.05, respectively), despite no difference of sleep period time and total sleep time between the two groups. Stage 2 sleep%(p<.05), slow wave sleep%(p<.05), and REM sleep%(p<.01) were found to be significantly decreased in narcoleptics compared with normal controls, accompanied by the significant increase of stage 1 sleep%(p<.01). Age showed negative correlation with slow wave sleep%(p<.05). The findings in the present study indicate significant fragmentation of nocturnal sleep in narcoleptics. Reduction of REM sleep% and the total number of REM sleep periods suggests the disturbance of nocturnal REM sleep distribution in narcoleptics. No significant correlations between nocturnal polysomnographic and MSLT variables in narcoleptics suggest that nocturnal sleep disturbance in narcoleptics may be dealt with, in itself, in diagnosing and managing narcolepsy. With the objective demonstration of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of nocturnal and daytime sleep in narcoleptics, we suggest that more attention be paid to the nocturnal sleep fragmentation in narcoleptics and that appropriate treatment interventions such as active drug therapy and/or circadian rhythm-oriented sleep hygiene education be applied as needed.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.49-53
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• 2007

Mitochondrial myopathy is characterized by variable clinical manifestations from mild limb weakness to fatal respiratory failure and central nervous system sequela. But it is a rare event that sleep disordered breathing become a clue of diagnosis for mitochondrial myopathy. We report a case of a 21 year-old man who was diagnosed as mitochondrial myopathy during the investigation for the possible cause of chronic hypoventilation syndrome. Before being admitted to our hospital, he was suspected as having sleep apnea syndrome in another hospital. We re-evaluated the history, physical examination, laboratoy findings and polysomnography in detail. Severe hypoxemia was noted during REM sleep on nocturnal polysomnography and the diagnosis of mitochondrial myopathy was made by muscle biopsy in rectus abdominis muscle. We treated him with bilevel positive airway pressure therapy during sleep and it could reverse the hypoxemia during REM sleep. He could be discharged with improved condition and is being well with the use of this ventilatory assistance.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.435-444
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• 2008

Purpose: Clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of various surgical treatments in snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Methods and materials: We performed surgical treatments such as radiofrequency ablation, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty(UPPP) with tonsillectomy, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with advancement genioplasty, orthognathic surgery(maxillomandibluar advancement), distraction osteogenesis device insertion. Diagnosis was performed with clinical examination, polysomnography, lateral cephalometric and computed tomography. 62(M : F = 45 : 17, mean age 41.5, mean follow-up 4 weeks) patients underwent radiofrequency ablation and 7 (M : F = 5 : 2, mean age 38.9, mean follow-up 19months)patients experienced uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with tonsillectomy. Uvulopalatophayngoplasty with advancement genioplasty was performed for 3 (M : F = 2: 1, mean age 30.2, mean follow-up 14 months)patients. The last 3(M : F = 2 : 1, mean age 21.5, mean follow-up 24 months)patients was treated with orthognathic surgery including distraction device insertion. The results was evaluated by questionnaires, polysomnography, investigation of complications. Results: Of the patients treated with radiofrequency ablation, 95% reported improvement of their symptom. 100% improvement was reported in patients treated with UPPP with tonsillectomy and UPPP with advancement genioplasty. The two of three patients who underwent orthognathic surgery showed the satisfactory of treatments. Dryness of mouth was the most common complication during short period in radiofrequency ablation and UPPP with tonsillectomy. Relapse complication was not found in any surgical treatments. Conclusion: Treatment for snoring and OSA is determined by severity degree of the physiologic derangements, predominant type of apnea and obstructive site. Accuracy diagnosis should be performed prior to treatment for satisfactory treatment result. This study demonstrates feasibility, safety and efficacy of surgical treatments in snoring and OSA.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.61-67
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• 2015

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of snoring frequency in the diagnosis and severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Methods: Patients who underwent polysomnography with one or more of the following characteristics were included: 1) sleepiness, non-restorative sleep, fatigue, or insomnia symptoms; 2) arousal due to cessation of breathing or the occurrence of gasping or choking when waking up; and 3) habitual snoring, breathing interruptions, or both, noted by a bed partner or other observer. We analyzed the differences in clinical and polysomnographic variables between patients with and without obstructive sleep apnea and investigated the associations of those variables with obstructive sleep apnea severity. Results: One hundred ninety-three patients met the inclusion criteria, and 145 of the 193 patients were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that large neck circumference (p = 0.0054) and high snoring index (p = 0.0119) were independent predictors for obstructive sleep apnea. Moreover, between the obstructive sleep apnea severity groups, there was a strong tendency of difference in body mass index (p = 0.0441) and neck circumference (p = 0.0846). However, there was no significant difference in snoring frequency according to obstructive sleep apnea severity (p = 0.4914). Conclusions: We confirmed that snoring frequency is a predictor of obstructive sleep apnea. In addition, we showed for the first time that snoring frequency is not associated with obstructive sleep apnea severity, thus it is not a valuable marker for predicting obstructive sleep apnea severity.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.89-100
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• 2019

Sleep apnea, a medical condition associated with a variety of complications, is generally monitored by standard sleep polysomnography, which is expensive and uncomfortable. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes an unconstrained wearable monitoring system with stretch-fiber sensors that integrate with the wearer's clothing. The system allows patients to undergo examinations in a familiar environment while minimizing the occurrence of skin allergies caused by adhesive tools. As smart clothing for adult males with sleep apnea, long-sleeved T-shirts embedding fibrous sensors were developed, enabling real-time monitoring of the patients' breathing rate, oxygen saturation, and airflow as sleep apnea diagnostic indicators. The gauge factor was measured as 20.3 in sample 4. The maximum breathing intake, measured during three large breaths, was 2048 ml. the oxygen saturation was measured before and during breath-holding. The oxygen saturation change was 69.45%, showing a minimum measurable oxygen saturation of 70%. After washing the garment, the gauge factor reduced only to 18.0, confirming the durability of the proposed system. The wearable sleep apnea monitoring smart clothes are readily available in the home and can measure three indicators of sleep apnea: respiration rate, breathing flow and oxygen saturation.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.52-64
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• 2023

This study aimed to examine the types and characteristics of otorhinolaryngology examinations performed by clinical laboratory technologists and to investigate the working environment and scope of work of otorhinolaryngology laboratory personnel using online questionnaires. Based on the research results, constructive policy measures for the University-Association-Society were also presented. Most of the survey respondents were in their 40s (34.1%). Females accounted for 80.2% of respondents and 30.8% of them had a career spanning 15 years or more. We found that laboratory personnel had a wide scope of work, high work stress and frequently suffered occupational diseases. We observed that, to reduce stress and increase satisfaction, an expansion of the workforce was necessary. Compared to other occupations, 72% of clinical laboratory technologists occupied more senior positions, occupational distribution depended on senior positions (P<0.001). Clinical laboratory technologists performed about 26 types of otorhinolaryngology examinations. The most frequent test performed daily was pure tone audiometry, and polysomnography took the longest test time, with an average of 8 hours. In conclusion, clinical laboratory technologists were in charge of various specialized otorhinolaryngology examinations. Considering the importance of clinical laboratory technologists in otorhinolaryngology, the University-Association-Society should put in additional effort into nurturing otorhinolaryngology examination experts.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.5-9
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• 2009

Relatively little is known about the neurobiology of insomnia, despite its wide prevalence and broad medical impact. Although much is still to be learned about the pathophysiology of the disorder, identification, systematic assessment, and appropriate treatment are clearly beneficial to patients. Recent research, using quantitative EEG, polysomnography (PSG), multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) and neuroimaging techniques, suggests that some broad areas can be identified as possible pathophysiological models. Sleep-wake homeostat model hypothesizes a failure in homeostatic regulation of sleep, an attenuated increase in sleep drive with time awake, and/or defective sensing of sleep need. Circadian clock model hypothesizes a dysfunctional circadian clock, resulting in changes in the timing of sleep-wake propensity that are incompatible with normal sleep. Intrinsic sleep-wake state mechanism model suggests that abnormal function of insomnia comprises the systems responsible for expression of the sleep states themselves. Extrinsic over-ride mechanism (stress-response) model suggests that insomnia reflects the consequences of overactivity of one of the systems considered "extrinsic" to normal sleep-wake control. Many current therapies for insomnia are based on these physiological models. Several attempts have been made to create a physiological model that would explain this disorder and could be used as a foundation for treatment. However, it appeared that no model can fully explain and clarify all aspects of insomnia. Future research should be necessary to expand our knowledge on the biological dimensions of insomnia.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.267-275
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• 2005

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by sleep-induced obstruction of the upper airway that results in cessation of airflow. Obstruction can occur at a number of points in the airway, but frequently in the oropharynx. A diagnostic evaluation includes cephalometry, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, acoustic reflection technique, polysomnography and fibroptic endoscopy. Cephalometric measurements of the patients with obstructive sleep apnea have revealed that posterior airway anatomy has strong relations with the symptoms of them. A lateral cephalogram is routinely obtained in the radiologic evaluation of sleep apnea patients. The purpose of this study is to provide a the lateral cephalometric korean norms for the diagnosis and treatment of the patients with obstructive sleep apnea by analyzing the abnormal occlusion of Korean adults.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.162-166
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• 2001

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS) is a complex sleep disorder characterized by intermittent apnea secondary to sleep-induced obstruction of the upper airway. It occurs because of an airway obstruction anywhere between the trachea and the oronasal apparatus. The hallmark of OSAS is snoring, which is caused by vibration of the tissues of the pharynx as the airway narrows. The consequences of OSAS have focused on excessive daytime sleepiness resulting from sleep fragmentation and the cardiovascular derangements producing hypertension and arrhythmias. The primary method of controlling OSAS has been surgery. The current surgical procedures used for OSAS are tracheostomy, tonsillectomy, nasal septoplasty, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, anterior mandibular osteotomy with hyoid myotomy and suspension, and maxillary, mandibular and hyoid advancement. We report a case of OSAS that was improved by genial advancement with infrahyoid myotomy and suspension. The patient was objectively documented by polysomnography, cephalometric analysis, and physical examination before the surgical procedure. The patient underwent genial advancement with infrahyoid myotomy and suspension. Patient had a good response from surgery.