Artikel
Botulinum toxin for treatment of habitual snoring: a pilot study
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Autoren
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Thomas Kühnel
- HNO-Klinik der Universität Regensburg, Regensburg
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Wilhelm Schulte-Mattler
- Neurologie, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg
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Thomas Neumann
- HNO-Klinik der Universität Regensburg, Regensburg
| Veröffentlicht: | 22. September 2005 |
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Gliederung
Text
Snoring is a frequent condition, concerning appr. 40% of the male and 20% of the female population. Treatment of habitual snoring without impairment of the breathing pathway should comprise of minimal invasive means. Usually stiffening of vibratory tissue i.e. of the soft palate is offered. We hypothesize that active processes are involved in a subgroup of snorers. Therefore we utilized 30 MU of Dysport™ in 8 patients to paralyse half side of the soft palate for treatment of habitual snoring. Only patients who were recognized by means of electromyography to initiate snoring actively were selected for this therapy.
No severe adverse effects were observed, particularly not deterioration of respiratory parameters. Patients stated dullness of the soft palate for about one week. Snoring improved in 5 out of eight cases satisfactorily according to spouses’ interview answers: The frequency of snoring turned down to 60% of the initial value. Snoring index as calculated from polysomnography improved to 9,5% of the initial value.
We conclude that muscle activity is mandatory to initiate snoring in a subgroup of snorers. Treatment with Botulinum toxin offers an easy to perform, safe and minimal invasive therapy option.
