Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and olfactory perception: an OERP study

Publication date: Available online 10 July 2018Source: Respiratory Physiology & NeurobiologyAuthor(s): Sara Invitto, Antonio Calcagnì, Giulia Piraino, Vincenzo Ciccarese, Michela Balconi, Marina De Tommaso, Domenico Maurizio ToraldoAbstractObstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSA) is characterized by snoring associated with repeated apnea and/or obstructive hypopnea. The nasal airways of OSA patients, measured via acoustic rhinometry, are significantly narrower than healthy subjects and this narrow nasal structure can reduce olfactory function. The relationship between nasal structure and olfactory function, assessed via behavioral test results, indicates that there is a high prevalence of nasal airflow problems. Based on these assumptions, the purpose of this study was to carry out an assessment of olfactory perception in OSA patients through the Chemosensory Event-Related Potentials (CSERP), investigating the N1 component and the Late Positive Component (LPC). Twelve OSA patients, non-smokers, were recruited in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit, scored with the Epworth Sleepiness Scales, after Polygraphic Recording, Apnea Hypopnea Index and Body Mass Index evaluation. The control group consisted of 12 healthy controls, non-smokers, recruited as volunteers. Subjects, during an EEG recording, performed an oddball olfactory recognition task based on two scents: rose and eucalyptus. Main results highlighted differences in N1 and LPC between OSA and controls. OSA patients presente...
Source: Respiratory Physiology and Neurobiology - Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research