Comparison of conventional continuous positive airway pressure to continuous positive airway pressure titration performed with sleep endoscopy

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the effect and obtain a pressure value of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) under direct visualization using drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and compare the pressure values with values obtained using conventional CPAP. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, double-blinded, cohort study. METHODS: Sixteen patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) were included in the study. Each patient underwent polysomnographic evaluation. After diagnosis of OSAS, patients underwent conventional CPAP titration. Patients were then taken to the operating theatre and put under sedation, where CPAP titration with nasendoscopy was performed (DISE CPAP). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two techniques regarding pressure levels that decreased apneas in conventional CPAP and provided sufficient opening during DISE CPAP. CONCLUSIONS: Results with conventional CPAP titration and endoscopy-assisted CPAP titration showed no statistically significant difference. Endoscopy-assisted CPAP is a cheaper and less time consuming alternative to conventional CPAP and has similar results.