Auto Fluorescence Allows Us to Detect Early Signs of Oral Cancer and Much More

This paper introduces a novel approach, using autofluorescence, to objectively examine the oral cavity for inflammation and infection. Many systemic diseases are perpetuated by microorganisms that colonize in the oral environment. They enter the cardiovascular system by enzymatic processes that open the oral mucosa to allow their entry. A majority of the microbes are anaerobes and/or facultative anaerobes. When they enter the host, they metabolize blood. Their waste by products contains iron elements within a compound called porphyrin. Porphyrin will fluoresce when exposed to certain wavelengths of light. Healthcare providers can utilize this natural occurring process to objectively see these harmful pathogens. This may indicate that the host has a Sleep Related Breathing Disorder (SRBD). Sleep apnea is a primary disorder of SRBD’s. This technology offers medical and dental fields a screening tool for a pandemic healthcare problem.

Changes in Positive Airway Pressure Use in Adults with Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional National Community-Based Survey

Purpose: To better understand: i) a positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy use during the pandemic, ii) how PAP use may relate to sleep, health, and COVID-19-related outcomes, and iii) factors associated with PAP use during the pandemic. Methods: This study is based on data collected between Apr 2020 and Jan 2021 as part of the online cross-sectional national community-based survey. The included participants were located in North America, 18 years and older, with self-reported sleep-related breathing disorder (SBD) and usage of a PAP device in the last month before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (“in the past 7 days”). Results: Of all respondents, 7.2% (41/570) stopped using PAP during the pandemic. There were no significant differences between individuals who continued and stopped using PAP in the time elapsed since the pandemic declaration, age, sex, education level, occupational status, family income, or the proportions of individuals endorsing symptoms that could be related to COVID-19. Compared to individuals who continued using PAP, those who stopped had significantly shorter sleep time, lower sleep efficiency, and poorer sleep quality. Higher stress levels and living with someone who experienced symptoms that could be attributable to COVID-19 were independently associated with stopping using PAP.Conclusions: In this survey study, we found that most individuals with SBD continued PAP therapy during the pandemic. However, even 7% of participants who stopped using PAP cannot be ignored. Identifying individuals at risk of discontinuing PAP treatment would help design targeted interventions for patients and health professionals to improve PAP use.

Changes in Positive Airway Pressure Use in Adults with Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional National Community-Based Survey

Purpose: To better understand: i) a positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy use during the pandemic, ii) how PAP use may relate to sleep, health, and COVID-19-related outcomes, and iii) factors associated with PAP use during the pandemic. Methods: This study is based on data collected between Apr 2020 and Jan 2021 as part of the online cross-sectional national community-based survey. The included participants were located in North America, 18 years and older, with self-reported sleep-related breathing disorder (SBD) and usage of a PAP device in the last month before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (“in the past 7 days”). Results: Of all respondents, 7.2% (41/570) stopped using PAP during the pandemic. There were no significant differences between individuals who continued and stopped using PAP in the time elapsed since the pandemic declaration, age, sex, education level, occupational status, family income, or the proportions of individuals endorsing symptoms that could be related to COVID-19. Compared to individuals who continued using PAP, those who stopped had significantly shorter sleep time, lower sleep efficiency, and poorer sleep quality. Higher stress levels and living with someone who experienced symptoms that could be attributable to COVID-19 were independently associated with stopping using PAP. Conclusions: In this survey study, we found that most individuals with SBD continued PAP therapy during the pandemic. However, even 7% of participants who stopped using PAP cannot be ignored. Identifying individuals at risk of discontinuing PAP treatment would help design targeted interventions for patients and health professionals to improve PAP use.

Association between sleep-related breathing disorder and depression in young adults and aged population - A survey

The aim of the study was to create awareness about depression caused by improper sleep due to breathing disorder. It also aims in creating awareness about the necessity of treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep related breathing disorders refers to abnormal respiration during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea refers to recurrent episodes of partial or complete closure of the upper airway resulting in disturbed breathing while sleeping. It reduces the quality of life. Untreated OSA leads to cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease, stroke and atrial fibrillation. It is a survey based study conducted in an online setting, done among the Chennai population. The sample size is 100 people. Sampling method used is simple random sampling. Randomisation was done to minimise bias. Internal validity was a pre tested questionnaire. External validity was Homogenisation, replication of experiment and cross verification with existing studies. Data analysis was done in SPSS software. Statistical test used was the chi-square test. Dependent variables were demographics such as age, gender. Independent variables were sleep related breathing problems and depression. From this online based survey, it was found that 97% people were aware of OSA and 99% of people were aware that untreated OSA could lead to many complications. This survey aims in creating awareness among people about sleep related breathing disorder and depression in young adults and aged population.

0894 A Two Item Questionnaire Reflecting Parental Concern As An Indicator Of The Severity Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Children

Introduction The currently available questionnaires based on parental reporting of OSA symptoms include large number of items and are not sufficient to the diagnosis and assessment of OSA severity. We aimed to evaluate a simple 2-item questionnaire regarding parental concern as a predictor of the severity of OSA in children as measured by polysomnography. Methods Prospective analysis of parental concern regarding their children referred for PSG due to suspected OSA. Parents of all study children completed the brief Parental Concern Scale (PCS) questionnaire and the validated Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire-Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder questionnaire (PSQ-SRBD). The PCS consisted of 1 question on the need for surgery and 1 question on concerns about the child’s breathing. Results Ninety-five children (mean age 4.2 ± 2.5 years, 52% males, mean body mass index z score 0.45 ± 1.8) were recruited. Twenty-three children (24%) had moderate-severe OSA and were referred for adenotonsillectomy. Significant correlations were found between the need for surgery score and the apnea-hypopnea index (r=0.22, P = .029), as well as the mean SpO2 levels (r=-0.24, P = .02). The likelihood for the diagnosis of moderate-severe OSA by PSG increased as parental ranking for the need for surgery increased (P = .003). The need for surgery score and the child’s age were the only predictors for moderate-severe OSA (P = .01 and P = .043, respectively). Conclusion Querying parents on their perception of their child’s need for surgery is a sensitive, practical, and easy-to-use tool that can help the clinician in prioritizing referral to PSG. Support