Patient Phenotyping in OSA

Abstract

Purpose of Review

OSA treatment paradigms are evolving from a "one treatment for all" philosophy to personalised therapeutic options based on anatomical and physiological phenotypes. Understanding these different phenotypes will become vital for clinicians as OSA testing and treatment become more targeted.

Recent Findings

Phenotyping of the pharynx and upper airway is vital to inform anatomical treatment options such as surgery and mandibular advancement splints. Manipulated CPAP testing allows determination of traits such as arousal threshold, muscular responsiveness and ventilatory control. Targeted therapies of each of these physiological traits have shown promise in selected patients in the research context.

Summary

Current treatment paradigms are based on anatomical therapies (CPAP, MAS, surgery); the limitations of which may be particularly evident in patients with physiological contributors to their OSA. Physiological phenotyping is an area of ongoing research into non-anatomical traits which contribute to airway obstruction.

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