Mandibular advancement devices: a real alternative to CPAP therapy? Protocol for a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by interruption of breath during sleep. OSAS is related to hypertension, type II diabetes and obesity. This disease has various implications on patient’s quality of life. The gold standard for OSAS treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Due to the high level of patients that complain about CPAP therapy, mandibular advancement devices could play an important role in OSAS treatment. Objectives: The purpose of this review is to appraise scientific evidence concerning the effectiveness of Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) for OSAS treatment and look over MADs designs that are currently being used scanning for its efficacy. Data sources: Five databases will be accessed (SCOPUS, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and Wiley Online Library) and 6 keywords will be combined. Study eligibility and criteria: This systematic review will only include study’s developed with humans diagnosed with OSAS and with more than eighteen years old. English is the only language accepted. Study appraisal and synthesis methods: Studies assessment will be made by two authors (HCS and FM) and organized in three different parts: screen all articles; screen all abstracts, screen all full texts. In all phases articles that don’t have interest for this systematic review will be excluded. Two review authors (HCS and FM) will also assess the risk of bias and the quality of evidence, taking as a reference the Cochrane Collaboration’s Tool.