Effect of total nasal obstruction on nocturnal oxygen saturation.

BACKGROUND: Nasal obstruction is considered a risk factor for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), although the relationship has not been established clearly. This study explores the repercussion of total nasal packing on arterial oxygen saturation during the nocturnal resting hours and its implication in SDB. METHODS: Forty patients were subjected to total nasal packing after nasal surgery or epistaxis. In all cases the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) was monitored with and without nasal packs, and the results were compared. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (92.5%) showed poorer oxygen saturation after nasal occlusion. Of these, 19 patients (47.5%) reached pathological desaturation (ODI > or = 12). Desaturation was greater among obese subjects. CONCLUSION: Total nasal packing causes significant nocturnal oxygen desaturation. This must be taken into account in the postoperative nasal packing of patients with respiratory failure, obesity, or SDB.