Reduction of C-reactive protein with surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) has an impact on C-reactive protein (CRP) level. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study of 34 consecutive subjects undergoing surgical treatment for OSAHS. CRP levels were evaluated preoperatively and 2 months postoperatively. The most commonly performed procedure was uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) combined with radiofrequency tongue base reduction. RESULTS: Seven patients were treated for mild OSAHS and 23 were treated for moderated/severe OSAHS; 18 of 23 patients with moderate/severe disease had relative elevation of preoperative CRP levels. Mean CRP level decreased from 0.33 mg/dL preoperatively to 0.16 mg/dL postoperatively (P = 0.003). Even patients who did not achieve complete cure by classical polysomnography (PSG) criteria may benefit from lowered CRP levels. All patients, however did achieve reduction in apnea hypopnea index and improvement in clinical symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Levels of CRP were elevated preoperatively but decreased after surgical treatment. Therefore, OSAHS surgical treatment may be useful in reduction of CRP levels in patients who will not or cannot accept nasal-CPAP therapy. (c) 2006 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.