Reduction of C-reactive protein with surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) has an impact on C-reactive protein (CRP) level.


METHODS
Prospective study of 34 consecutive subjects undergoing surgical treatment for OSAHS. CRP levels were evaluated preoperatively and 2 months postoperatively. The most commonly performed procedure was uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) combined with radiofrequency tongue base reduction.


RESULTS
Seven patients were treated for mild OSAHS and 23 were treated for moderated/severe OSAHS; 18 of 23 patients with moderate/severe disease had relative elevation of preoperative CRP levels. Mean CRP level decreased from 0.33 mg/dL preoperatively to 0.16 mg/dL postoperatively (P=0.003). Even patients who did not achieve complete "cure" by classical polysomnography (PSG) criteria may benefit from lowered CRP levels. All patients, however did achieve reduction in apnea hypopnea index and improvement in clinical symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Levels of CRP were elevated preoperatively but decreased after surgical treatment. Therefore, OSAHS surgical treatment may be useful in reduction of CRP levels in patients who will not or cannot accept nasal-CPAP therapy.
Friedman
Michael
M
Department of Otolaryngology and Bronchoesophagology; Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60602, USA. hednnek@aol.com
Bliznikas
Darius
D
Vidyasagar
Ramakrishnan
R
Woodson
B Tucker
BT
Joseph
Ninos J
NJ
D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017286:Polysomnography; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000097:blood / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002097:C-Reactive Protein