Clinical Efficacy Evaluation of Er: YAG Laser Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome

Clinical Efficacy Evaluation of Er: YAG Laser Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) has become an important public health concern. Although numerous treatments have been used, noninvasive and convenient methods are always desirable. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Er:YAG laser on OSAHS. Fifty-four mild OSAHS patients received Er:YAG laser therapy. The snoring severity and sleep quality were measured before the treatment, immediately after the 1st, 2nd and 3rd treatments, and after 3, 6 and 12 months. The patients’ pain intensity, oropharyngeal feelings and satisfaction were recorded during the therapeutic period. We also measured the apnea hyponea index (AHI), average apnea duration and percentage of saturated oxygen (SaO%) immediately after the completion of laser therapy and 12 months of follow-up with polysomnography (PSG). After Er:YAG laser therapy, the patients’ snoring severity and sleep quality gradually improved over time compared with the pretreatment scores (P<0.05), and they were still lower than the original state until the end of the 12 months’ follow-up (P<0.05). The pain score of the patients during the treatment period was low, and the oropharyngeal feelings were evidenced by throat dryness (approximately 90%) and palatal paresthesia (12.96 ～20.37%). Additionlly, the patients showed well satisfaction with Er:YAG laser therapy. Moreover, the AHI and average apnea duration were lower after finishing the treatment and 12 months’ follow-up than those of the pretreatment groups (P<0.05). These results showed us the Er:YAG laser could effectively improve the symptoms of OSAHS, indicating it as a minimally invasive method for alleviating OSAHS.

Keywords: Er: YAG laser; Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS); Laser Therapy; Therapeutic Effect Evaluation; Follow up