NeuroTalk Support Groups - Article: Mandibular Repositioning Appliance

http://content.karger.com/produktedb...file=000107071

Neuropsychobiology
Vol. 55, No. 3-4, 2007

Effects of a Mandibular Repositioning Appliance on Sleep Structure, Morning Behavior and Clinical Symptomatology in Patients with Snoring and Sleep-Disordered Breathing
A. Saletua, P. Andererb, S. Parapaticsc, C. Matthaia, M. Matejkaa, B. Saletub

Quote:

Background: Mandibular repositioning appliances (MRAs) have become an established treatment for snoring and sleep-disordered breathing - though most studies only focused on the evaluation of respiratory variables.

Methods: This single-blind, placebo-controlled case-series study investigated the effects of an individually adjustable MRA on psychopathology, macro-/microstructure of sleep, periodic leg movements, morning performance, mood/affect and psychophysiology. Fifty patients (37 males) aged 59.7 ± 10.3 years, suffering from primary snoring (7), mild (22), moderate (15) and severe apnea (6), spent 4 nights in the sleep laboratory (adaptation, placebo, drug and MRA night). The drug night is not subject of the present paper.

Results: Confirmatory statistics showed an improvement of the snoring index by 72%. Descriptively, the apnea index and the apnea-hypopnea index normalized. A clinical improvement was seen in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Zung Anxiety/Depression Scales and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The restless legs syndrome also improved. Polysomnographically, sleep stages REM and 4 as well as REM latency increased, stage 3, movement time, stage shifts and periodic leg movements decreased, as did all arousal measures. Subjectively, morning well-being, drive, affectivity and wakefulness improved. Objectively, attention, motor and reaction time performance, critical flicker frequency as well as muscular strength increased, diastolic blood pressure and the pulse rate decreased.

Conclusion: Apart from its good therapeutic effects on snoring and respiratory variables (snoring showed complete or partial response in 68%, the apnea-hypopnea index in 67% of the apnea patients), the MRA also improved psychopathology, objective and subjective sleep and awakening quality.