From the Research
The Body Mass Index (BMI) indication for Inspire therapy is a BMI of 32 or less, as patients with a BMI of 32 to 35 had 75% lower odds of responding to hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) compared to those with a BMI of 32 or less. This is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which investigated the response to HNS changes with body mass index and supine sleep 1.
Key Points
- The study found that patients with a BMI of 32 or less had a higher response rate to HNS therapy compared to those with a BMI of 32 to 35.
- The odds ratio for responding to HNS was 0.25 (95% CI, 0.07-0.94) for patients with a BMI of 32 to 35 compared to those with a BMI of 32 or less.
- The study suggests that sleep medicine clinicians should consider informing patients that higher BMI and supine sleeping position may decrease therapeutic response to HNS.
Clinical Implications
- Patients with a BMI of 32 or less may be more likely to benefit from Inspire therapy.
- Patients with a BMI of 32 to 35 may require closer monitoring and follow-up to assess their response to HNS therapy.
- Clinicians should consider BMI as a factor when selecting patients for Inspire therapy and counseling them on the potential benefits and limitations of the treatment.
Evidence Base
- The study by 1 provides the most recent and highest quality evidence on the relationship between BMI and response to HNS therapy.
- The study's findings are consistent with the idea that BMI is an important factor in determining the effectiveness of Inspire therapy.
- Further research is needed to replicate these findings and to explore the mechanisms by which BMI affects the response to HNS therapy.