Objectives: This study evaluates the effects of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) on serum levels of nitric oxide derivatives (NOx) and endothelial function by endothelium dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).
Study Design: Prospective study.
Subjects and Methods: Fifteen healthy subjects and 30 subjects with moderately severe to severe OSAS who desired UPPP were prospectively enrolled. FMD was measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography; serum level of NOx from peripheral blood samples was also measured. All subjects participated in sleep studies. These studies were repeated 3 months after UPPP in OSAS patients.
Results: For healthy patients, there was no difference in serum level of NOx and FMD between baseline and 3 months later. The serum levels of NOx in 14 of 30 patients with OSAS – designated surgical responders – increased from 13.9 ± 5.5 μM preoperation to 28.9 ± 8.2 μM postoperatively. FMD increased from 5.2 ± 5.0 preoperatively to 10.0 ± 4.7 postoperatively. For the 16 unresponsive patients, serum NOx and FMD remained impaired after UPPP.
Conclusion: Successful treatment of OSAS with UPPP leads to restoration of FMD and normal serum levels of NOx.
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