A retrospective study conducted by American scientists showed that using hypoglossal nerve stimulation in people with obstructive sleep apnea reduces the likelihood of developing diabetes and hypertensive disorders after two years of use. The analysis covered data from nearly 7200 people, and the results were published in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery.
Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by the collapse of the upper airways, leading to their narrowing or complete closure. This causes frequent awakenings, a decrease in blood oxygen levels, and an increase in catecholamine levels. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation is used as a second-line treatment after CPAP therapy: weak electrical stimulation enhances tongue muscle tone, preventing airway collapse.
This method is known for its ability to effectively reduce hypoxia levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and also boasts higher adherence compared to CPAP therapy. However, there was previously insufficient data on how this method affects long-term metabolic and cardiovascular risks associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
A group of researchers led by Neil Kondamuri from the University of Chicago conducted a retrospective cohort study on the link between hypoglossal nerve stimulation and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases among 7181 patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The sample included 3786 patients who received stimulation and 3395 who were supposed to receive it but did not.
The analysis demonstrated that after two years of observation, the risk of developing diabetes significantly decreased in those who used hypoglossal nerve stimulation (risk ratio was 0.19). Interestingly, during the first two years of treatment, the risk of hypertensive disorders increased (risk ratio 1.70), but after two years, this risk was halved (risk ratio 0.49). Furthermore, hypoglossal nerve stimulation had no effect on the probability of serious cardiovascular complications.
Scientists suggest a potential, albeit unproven, long-term benefit of this method for the cardiovascular system, emphasizing the need for clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness regarding the long-term consequences of obstructive sleep apnea.
In other pilot clinical trials, Judith Ford and her team from the University of California, San Francisco, found that the ketogenic diet promotes improved metabolism, reduction of clinical symptoms, and enhanced cognitive function in psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. Fifty-eight patients participated in the randomized controlled trials, of whom 28 were assigned the ketogenic diet and 30 the standard diet for one month. Forty-seven participants completed this phase, after which the ketogenic diet was offered to all groups, and 25 patients continued to adhere to it for four months. These data were published in the journal Schizophrenia Bulletin.
Uzbekistan and Moscow reached an agreement to expand cooperation in the field of healthcare following meetings of the Uzbek delegation with Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.
During the meeting, the Russian side presented unified standards for managing Moscow's healthcare system. These standards include the digitalization of medical services and the implementation of a continuous patient referral system.
At City Polyclinic No. 220, which operates under the 'My Polyclinic' standard, the Uzbek delegation familiarized itself with the organization of primary medical and sanitary care, patient flow management, digital registration, and preventive care.
At the S.P. Botkin Scientific and Clinical Multidisciplinary Center, the delegation was shown approaches to managing multidisciplinary hospitals, organizing diagnostic and surgical services, patient referral systems, and the introduction of modern medical technologies.
Visiting a children's clinical hospital, participants observed a model of specialized pediatric care that combines diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation, and subsequent medical supervision. To study the palliative system, the delegation also visited the 'House with a Beacon' children's hospice and the Moscow Multidisciplinary Palliative Care Center, where mechanisms for supporting patients and families were presented.
Specialists at the Scientific and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies demonstrated the application of artificial intelligence and remote interaction capabilities between radiologists. The delegation also visited the Interdisciplinary Training Center for Innovative Surgical Technologies, where they studied the system of practical surgeon training using simulation equipment and anatomical materials.
At the Moscow Laboratory Research Center, the delegation was shown robotic laboratory diagnostics, a three-tier laboratory network model, and a digital system for managing research data and test results. At the conclusion of the negotiations, the parties agreed to prepare a roadmap for further cooperation, including the implementation of joint pilot projects involving relevant experts.
The Minister of Health of Uzbekistan, Eldor Adilov, met with the Iranian Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Mohammadali Iskandari, to discuss prospects for deepening bilateral interaction in the field of healthcare.
During the meeting, both sides noted that cooperation between Uzbekistan and Iran has been steadily growing in recent years due to agreements reached by the leadership of the two countries. This progress was achieved through closer interaction between the ministries of health, specialized medical centers, and higher educational institutions.
Particular attention was paid to strengthening ties between leading medical institutions. Opportunities were discussed for launching joint programs in areas such as cardiothoracic surgery, transplantation, oncology, as well as providing high-tech medical care.
Participants also reviewed the potential for joint investment projects related to the production of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. At the conclusion of the negotiations, both sides expressed confidence that healthcare cooperation between Uzbekistan and Iran will reach a new level in the near future.
