Hypoglossus Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in patients with moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) therapy is a popular treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients unable to tolerate positive airway (PAP) pressure. The aim of this study was to examine potential differences in the patients’ outcome between patients suffering from moderate and severe sleep apnea.

Within the period between 2014 and 2018 a total of 116 patients with moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, who underwent hypoglossal nerve stimulation implantation surgery. Patients were divided into two groups: patients of group 1 (n = 46) suffered from moderate OSA (AHI  < 30/h), whereas group 2 (n = 70 patients) consisted of patients with severe OSA (AHI 30/h). We provide data regarding BMI, age and sex for all these patients. All patients underwent baseline polysomnography (PSG) prior to surgery and were controlled by PSG or home sleep study on 2,3,6 and 12 after implantation. AHI reduction and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) have been examined as therapy endpoints.

Prior to therapy group 1 presented a median baseline AHI of 23,6/h±3,7/h and a median ESS of 11±4,9, while group 2 showed a median baseline AHI of 41,4/h±9,8/h and a median ESS of 11±5,5. In group 1 mean AHI could be reduced by 66 % (mean AHI 6,6/h±9,6/h) after 12 months, whereas in the group of severe OSA (group 2) AHI could be reduced by 71.5 % (median AHI 10,2/h±10,9/h) after 12 months (no significant difference, p>0,05). ESS showed a decrease of 5 points (median ESS 6±4) in moderate and 5.2 points (median ESS 6±4) in severe OSA after 12 months (no significant difference, p>0,05).

ESS and AHI reduction show no significant difference between the two groups during a follow-up time of 12 months. UAS is equally effective in patients with moderate and severe OSA regarding objective AHI and ESS reduction.

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Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020