OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation during sleep on obstructive sleep apnea syndrom (OSAS).

METHOD

Sixteen patients with OSAS were studied by polysomnography during all-night sleep with and without submental transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) of the genioglossus.

RESULT

Fourteen of the 16 patients (87%) who accepted the TES were treated successfully (reduction of Al > 50%). The average apnea index showed a decrease of 29 events per hour when the TES were performed (P < 0.001). The average apnea time decreased from 22 to 7 sec (P < 0.001). The apnea time/TST decreased from 27% +/- 11% to 7% +/- 3%. The lowest SaO2 increased from 71% to 87% (P < 0.001). TES did not cause arousal. The sleep stages of SWS, and REM sleep effect (SE) increased significantly.

CONCLUSION

TES is a conservative but effective treatment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, although it failed to improve central sleep apnea.