Evaluation the short-term effects of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty on the sleep apnea quality of life index

Objective: To evaluate the significance of the sleep apnea quality of life index(SAQLI) for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty(UPPP) and quality of life in patients with obstruction sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS).Methods: Thirty patients with OSAHS were diagnosed by PSG and treated by UPPP.SAQLI was surveyed before and after surgery.Results: Before operation,the score of SAQLI was greatly reduced and had significant statistically correlation with the apnea hypopnea index(AHI)(r=-0.54) and lowest saturation(LSaO_2)(r=0.56). After operation,the total score of SAQLI including 4 domains increased significantly (P0.001).Quality of life was improved in 86.7% cases in general.By SAQLI, we could discriminate among those with different qualities of life.Conclusion: The amelioration of quality of life in OSAHS patients is significant in the short term after UPPP.SAQLI can be a valuable measurement in clinical diagnosis and follow-up treatment.