Practice Focus » Sleep Medicine

A New Direction for Sleep: New OSA guidelines fuel another evidence-based medicine debate

Recent publication of practice parameters for surgery in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has set off another round of debate on the need for otolaryngologists to get involved in generating their own guidelines. Although otolaryngologists have yet to agree on whether or not the time is right for guidelines on surgical treatment for sleep apnea, consensus can be claimed regarding the need perceived by the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) to get on the evidence-based bandwagon.

Incorporating Home Sleep Studies into the Diagnostic and Treatment Armamentarium

SAN DIEGO-A change in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) policy for national carrier determination on coverage for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has created an opportunity for otolaryngologists who want to pursue incorporation of home sleep studies to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) into their practices.

Experts Debate Pediatric Airway Issues

In a recent debate-style panel, five otolaryngologists addressed topical clinical issues relating to the pediatric airway ranging from adenotonsillectomy in children with obstructive sleep symptoms, to whether cidofovir should be used as a standard treatment in children with recurrent respiratory papillomas.

Evaluation and Management of Patients After Unsuccessful Sleep Apnea Surgery

SAN DIEGO-For patients who undergo surgery for obstructive sleep apnea, failure of surgery to achieve success presents a number of challenges to otolaryngologists. First and foremost is the challenge of correctly assessing the outcome of surgery followed by the need to choose additional therapy tailored to the particular needs of each patient.

OSA: Only the Beginning of the Riddle of Daytime Sleepiness

Patients who complain of daytime sleepiness may have obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), but otolaryngologists should not assume that OSAS is the sole or even the primary cause, according to experts here at the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) annual meeting.