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), VO2max/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 VO2peak/kg, WRmax, anaerobic threshold, and oxygen pulse. All of these variables improved after LAUP that successfully ameliorated OSAS.