Screening for obstructive sleep apnea on the internet: randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea is underdiagnosed. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial of an online intervention to promote obstructive sleep apnea screening among members of an Internet weight-loss community. METHODS: Members of an Internet weight-loss community who have never been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or discussed the condition with their healthcare provider were randomized to intervention (online risk assessment+feedback) or control. The primary outcome was discussing obstructive sleep apnea with a healthcare provider at 12 weeks. RESULTS: Of 4700 members who were sent e-mail study announcements, 168 (97% were female, age 39.5 years [standard deviation 11.7], body mass index 30.3 [standard deviation 7.8]) were randomized to intervention (n=84) or control (n=84). Of 82 intervention subjects who completed the risk assessment, 50 (61%) were low risk and 32 (39%) were high risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Intervention subjects were more likely than control subjects to discuss obstructive sleep apnea with their healthcare provider within 12 weeks (11% [9/84] vs 2% [2/84]; P=.02; relative risk=4.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.002-20.21). The number needed to treat was 12. High-risk intervention subjects were more likely than control subjects to discuss obstructive sleep apnea with their healthcare provider (19% [6/32] vs 2% [2/84]; P=.004; relative risk=7.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.68-37.02). One high-risk intervention subject started treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. CONCLUSION: An online screening intervention is feasible and likely effective in encouraging members of an Internet weight-loss community to discuss obstructive sleep apnea with their healthcare provider

Proliferative multifocal leukoplakia better name that proliferative verrucous leukoplakia

In this letter I propose the name "Proliferative Multifocal Leukoplakia" with the goal of reducing under-diagnosis of this disease, improve the early diagnosis, try to make an early therapy and control, and prevent its malignant transformation

Cancerisation within the oral cavity: The use of 'field mapping biopsies' in clinical management

Field cancerisation within the oral cavity risks multiple primary tumour development. Whilst multi-focal disease may ultimately affect up to 24% of oral cancer patients, a particular management problem is encountered with those patients presenting with pan-oral dysplasia. In an attempt to characterise the extent of dysplasia and to quantify the risk of malignant change, examination under anaesthesia (EUA) and multiple, 'field mapping biopsies' were carried out for 16 consecutive patients presenting with pan-oral disease. Seventy lesions, predominantly homogenous leukoplakias, were biopsied primarily showing hyperkeratosis or mild dysplasia histologically. More significant dysplasia was seen to affect the faucial pillars, floor of mouth and ventral tongue. Interventional CO laser surgery was used to excise 11 severely dysplastic lesions in six patients. Field mapping appears effective in the initial identification and treatment of the most significant areas of dysplasia in patients with multi-focal precancer. Longitudinal, multi-centre trials are now required

Factors affecting carbon dioxide laser treatment for oral precancer: A patient cohort study

Background: Although the benefits of CO 2 laser surgery in oral precancer management have been evaluated, little consideration has been given to the factors which may influence treatment outcome, especially amongst patients developing recurrence or malignant transformation. Study Design: Seventy eight patients (51 males, 27 females; mean age 57.8 years) undergoing CO 2 laser excision of single, new dysplastic oral precancer lesions (OPLs) were followed up for a minimum of 2 years and the influence of clinico-pathological parameters, sociodemographic factors and the presence or absence of residual dysplasia in excision margins upon clinical outcome were examined. Results: Seventy three percent of patients were smokers and 78% consumed alcohol regularly. The majority of lesions were leukoplakias arising in the floor of mouth and ventro-lateral tongue and moderate or severe dysplasia accounted for 86% of histopathological diagnoses. Patient follow up ranged from 24 to 119 months (mean 58 months). Sixty four percent of patients were disease free at most recent clinical follow up, whilst 32% developed local recurrent dysplasia or new site dysplasia with 4% developing oral squamous cell carcinoma (but at sites distinct from their initial OPL). Excision margins were clear in 55% of cases, but 19% showed mild, 21% moderate and 5% severe dysplasia on histopathological examination. No statistically significant associations were seen between patients' age, gender, lesion appearance, site of origin, histopathological grading, presence of dysplasia in resection margins, or alcohol consumption and clinical outcome. Smokers, however, were at significantly higher risk of dysplasia recurrence compared to ex-smokers or non-smokers (P = 0.04). Conclusions: In the absence of agreed treatment protocols for OPLs, we recommend CO 2 laser surgery as an effective treatment modality offering precise lesion excision, full histopathological assessment, minimal post-operative morbidity and a 64% disease free clinical outcome. Regular patient follow up is encouraged due to the persistence of field cancerisation effects. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.Link_to_subscribed_fulltex