title: [The effect of the combined therapy on obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the effect of the combined therapy on obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and oral appliance (OA), and to evaluate the side effect of oral appliances.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty one cases with OSAHS were selected to receive radiofrequency ablation or/and to wear oral appliance according to obstructive site. Polysomnography (PSG) was used before and after 3 months of treatment to evaluate the therapeutic effect. We analyzed the lateral cephalogram and dental casts before initiating treatment and after 14 - 24 months of treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PSG studies confirmed improved breathing parameters with the combined therapy. No skeletal changes in the position of the mandible were noted, a alteration in the occlusion was found for lifelong OSAHS treatment with an OA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This combined therapy is effective for OSAHS, regular dental follow up visits are necessary when lifelong OSAHS treatment with an OA is being considered for patients with OSAHS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
authors.forename: Kailin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Yunhua
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D017286:Polysomnography; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome