The health-related quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome after surgical treatment

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study wasto explore the effects of surgical treatment on health-related quality of life in patients with moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). METHODS Forty patients with moderate and severe OSAHS received surgical treatment, and the Calgary sleep apnea quality of life index(SAQLI) questionnaires were completed before and 6 months after operation. Then health-related quality of life included daily functioning, social interactions, emotional functioning and symptoms. The total scale was the sum of the average scale of each domain. Also polysomnography was reexamined at 6 month after operation. RESULTS After surgical treatment, the apnea and hypopnea index and lowest arterial oxygen saturation was significantly changed(P 0.05). The mean score on SAQLI was 3.91±0.9 before operation, and the mean score on SAQLI increased to 4.99±1.1(P 0.05) after operation, especially the aspects of daily functioning and symptoms were improved significantly. The Epworth sleepiness scale(ESS)was improved significantly. CONCLUSION Health-related quality of life in patients with OSAHS is improved effectively after surgical treatment. Maybe ESS plus SAQLI is an economical, simple, and effective screening method for suspected patients.