Treatment of upper airway resistance syndrome in adults: Where do we stand?

• Main Authors: Luciana B.M. de Godoy, Luciana O. Palombini, Christian Guilleminault, Dalva Poyares, Sergio Tufik, Sonia M. Togeiro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazilian Association of Sleep and Latin American Federation of Sleep Societies 2015-01-01
• Series: Sleep Science
• Subjects: Upper airway resistance syndrome; flow limitation; Treatment; Arousal; Daytime sleepiness
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1984006315000127

Objective: To evaluate the available literature regarding Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) treatment. Methods: Keywords “Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome,” “Sleep-related Breathing Disorder treatment,” “Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment” and “flow limitation and sleep” were used in main databases. Results: We found 27 articles describing UARS treatment. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been the mainstay therapy prescribed but with limited effectiveness. Studies about surgical treatments had methodological limitations. Oral appliances seem to be effective but their efficacy is not yet established. Conclusion: Randomized controlled trials with larger numbers of patients and long-term follow-up are important to establish UARS treatment options.