Effect of treatment by laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty on cardiopulmonary exercise test in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of successful laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Twenty-five subjects with moderately severe or severe OSAS who desired LAUP were enrolled. All patients had an overnight sleep study and CPET before and 3 months after LAUP. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the success (group I) or failure (group II) of LAUP to improve their sleep apnea. RESULTS: Successful LAUP in group I was followed by improvement in right ventricular ejection fraction, maximal work rate (WRmax), VO(2)max/kg, anaerobic threshold, oxygen pulse, and a lower breathing reserve. CPET results were unchanged after LAUP in group II subjects. CONCLUSION: Patients with OSAS before LAUP had abnormal CPET as reflected by low VO(2)peak/kg, WRmax, anaerobic threshold, and oxygen pulse. All of these variables improved after LAUP that successfully ameliorated OSAS. (c) 2005 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.