Role of rhinomanometry in the prediction of therapeutic positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between nasal resistance in different posture and optimal positive airway pressure (PAP) level. Other potential factors were also assessed for possible influence on PAP pressure. METHODS: Forty- three patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were prospectively recruited in this study. Nasal resistance was assessed by active anterior rhinomanometry in a seated position and then in a supine position at pressures of 75, 150, and 300 pascal. The factors correlating with PAP pressure were analyzed, including nasal resistance and patients’ clinical data. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed that PAP pressure was correlated to nasal resistance in the supine position at 75 and 150 pascal (SupineNR75 and SupineNR150) (P = 0.019 and P = 0.004 in Spearman’s correlation coefficient analysis), but not correlated to nasal resistance in the seated position at different pressures or in the supine position at 300 pascal. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that both SupineNR150 and body mass index (BMI) significantly predicted PAP pressure (β = 0.308, p = 0.044; β = 0.727, p = 0.006). The final PAP pressure predictive model was: PAP pressure = 0.29 BMI + 2.65 SupineNR150 + 2.11. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal resistance in the supine position measured at 150 pascal may provide valuable information regarding optimal PAP pressure. Rhinomanometry should be included in the treatment algorithm of OSA patients when PAP therapy is considered.