Effect of auto-CPAP therapy on parameters of rhinomanometry in patients with COPD combined with OSAHS

Background: . Patients with “overlap syndrome” (COPD+OSAHS) often have structural and functional pathology of upper airways, that aggravate course of COPD and decrease their health status. Aim of study - to investigate structural and functional pathology of upper airwaysand assess the effect of auto-CPAP therapy on parameters of rhinomanometry in patients with COPD combined with OSAHS. Materials and methods: general clinical and otolaryngological examination, front active rhinomanometry(“Cardinal Health” (Germany).20 patients with COPD in combination with OSAHS (16 male and 4 female, mean age (53,7 ± 3,0) years , FEV1 – (61,6 ± 3,2) %, FEV1/FVC – (63,2 ± 3,1) %), IAH – (25,7 ± 6,4) / h. Results: The most common anato.mical peculiarities in the upper respiratory tract in studied patients were increase of lingual tonsil – in 12 ( 60.0 %) and hyperplasia of the soft palate – in 10 ( 50.0 %) patients, increasing in the soft palate uvula – in 9 ( 45.0 %), hypertrophy of the tonsils – in 6 (30.0 %) and physiological narrowing of the nasal passages – in 4 ( 20.0% ) patients. The combination of different anatomical features and pathological processes occurred in 14 (70,0 %) of 20 patients. Following the appointment of a 14-day course of auto- CPAP therapy was defined significant increase in rhinomanometry indices: total nasal flow – as during exhalation from (249,0 ± 60,6 ) ml/s to (664,0 ± 66,4) ml/s, p Conclusion: Course auto-CPAP therapy improve nasal permeability in patients with COPD combined with OSAHS.