The role of flow limitation as an important diagnostic tool and clinical finding in mild sleep-disordered breathing

• Main Authors: Nevin Arora, Gerard Meskill, Christian Guilleminault
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazilian Association of Sleep and Latin American Federation of Sleep Societies 2015-11-01
• Series: Sleep Science
• Subjects: Inspiratory flow limitation; Obstructive sleep apnea; Upper airway resistance syndrome; Preeclampsia; Cyclic alternating pattern
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1984006315000516
• ISSN: 1984-0063

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is defined by quantifying apneas and hypopneas along with symptoms suggesting sleep disruption. Subtler forms of sleep-disordered breathing can be missed when this criteria is used. Newer technologies allow for non-invasive detection of flow limitation, however consensus classification is needed. Subjects with flow limitation demonstrate electroencephalogram changes and clinical symptoms indicating sleep fragmentation. Flow limitation may be increased in special populations and treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been shown to improve outcomes. Titrating CPAP to eliminate flow limitation may be associated with improved clinical outcomes compared to treating apneas and hypopneas.