The Impact of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation on Secondary Health Outcomes

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder that can increase the risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is an alternative therapy for OSA in patients who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure. Understanding the impact of HGNS on blood pressure, hemoglobin A1C (A1C), and body mass index (BMI) currently remains limited. Methods: A retrospective review study of HGNS outcomes at a single practice from January 2020 to November 2022 was conducted. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were based on HGNS eligibility and postoperative titration study. Statistical analysis and data management were performed using statistical software, R (v.4.2.1; R Core Team). Paired Student’s T test, Fisher’s exact test, and McNemar’s exact test were utilized for statistical analysis. P values less than .05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Sixty-three patients were included in this study. A significant decrease in mean apnea-hypopnea index was noted following HGNS (mean change −28; P < .0001). Similar significant decreases were also seen in mean arterial pressures (mean change −8.4, P < .0001). There was a significant change in overall antihypertensive medication requirements and in requirements ≥3 medications ( P < .0005, P = .03). There was a trend toward reduction in A1C; however, there was no change in BMI or number of diabetes medications taken. Conclusions: Our results reinforce previous findings that HGNS is an effective treatment option for carefully selected patients with OSA. In addition, our findings suggest that HGNS may improve patients’ quality of life while minimizing OSA associated morbidity.