scholarly journals The impact of arousal state, sex, and sleep apnea on the magnitude of progressive augmentation and ventilatory long-term facilitation

2013 ◽  
Vol 114 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziauddin Syed ◽  
Ho-Sheng Lin ◽  
Jason H. Mateika
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Intermittent Hypoxia ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Apnea Hypopnea Index ◽  
Arousal State ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
End Tidal ◽  
Long Term Facilitation ◽  
The Impact

We examined the impact of arousal state, sex, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the magnitude of progressive augmentation of the hypoxic ventilatory response and ventilatory long-term facilitation (vLTF). We also examined whether exposure to intermittent hypoxia during sleep has an impact on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in individuals with OSA. Ten men and seven women with OSA, along with ten healthy men and ten healthy women, were exposed to twelve 2-min episodes of hypoxia (end-tidal Po2: 50 Torr) in the presence of sustained hypercapnia (end-tidal Pco2: 3 Torr above baseline), followed by a 30-min recovery period during wakefulness and sleep. The OSA participants completed an additional sham study during sleep. The AHI during the first hour of sleep following the intermittent hypoxia and sham protocols were compared. Progressive augmentation was only evident during wakefulness and was enhanced in the OSA participants. vLTF was evident during wakefulness and sleep. When standardized to baseline, vLTF was greater during wakefulness and was enhanced in the OSA group (men: wakefulness 1.39 ± 0.08 vs. sleep 1.14 ± 0.03; women: wakefulness 1.35 ± 0.03 vs. sleep 1.16 ± 0.05 fraction of baseline; P ≤ 0.001) compared with control (men: wakefulness 1.19 ± 0.03 vs. sleep 1.09 ± 0.03; women: wakefulness 1.26 ± 0.05 vs. sleep 1.08 ± 0.04 fraction of baseline; P ≤ 0.001). The AHI following exposure to intermittent hypoxia was increased (intermittent hypoxia 72.8 ± 7.3 vs. sham 56.5 ± 7.0 events/h; P ≤ 0.01). Sex-related differences were not observed for the primary measures. We conclude that progressive augmentation is not evident, and the magnitude of vLTF is diminished during sleep compared with wakefulness in men and women. However, when present, the phenomena are enhanced in individuals with OSA. The AHI data indicate that, under the prevailing experimental conditions, vLTF did not serve to mitigate apnea severity.

scholarly journals Intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia during sleep does not induce ventilatory long-term facilitation in healthy males

2017 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 534-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi L. Deacon ◽  
R. Doug McEvoy ◽  
Daniel L. Stadler ◽  
Peter G. Catcheside
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Intermittent Hypoxia ◽  
Arousal State ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Hypercapnic Hypoxia ◽  
Long Term Facilitation ◽  
Healthy Males ◽  
Gas Exposure

Intermittent hypoxia-induced ventilatory neuroplasticity is likely important in obstructive sleep apnea pathophysiology. Although concomitant CO2levels and arousal state critically influence neuroplastic effects of intermittent hypoxia, no studies have investigated intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia effects during sleep in humans. Thus the purpose of this study was to investigate if intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia during sleep induces neuroplasticity (ventilatory long-term facilitation and increased chemoreflex responsiveness) in humans. Twelve healthy males were exposed to intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia (24 × 30 s episodes of 3% CO2and 3.0 ± 0.2% O2) and intermittent medical air during sleep after 2 wk washout period in a randomized crossover study design. Minute ventilation, end-tidal CO2, O2saturation, breath timing, upper airway resistance, and genioglossal and diaphragm electromyograms were examined during 10 min of stable stage 2 sleep preceding gas exposure, during gas and intervening room air periods, and throughout 1 h of room air recovery. There were no significant differences between conditions across time to indicate long-term facilitation of ventilation, genioglossal or diaphragm electromyogram activity, and no change in ventilatory response from the first to last gas exposure to suggest any change in chemoreflex responsiveness. These findings contrast with previous intermittent hypoxia studies without intermittent hypercapnia and suggest that the more relevant gas disturbance stimulus of concomitant intermittent hypercapnia frequently occurring in sleep apnea influences acute neuroplastic effects of intermittent hypoxia. These findings highlight the need for further studies of intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia during sleep to clarify the role of ventilatory neuroplasticity in the pathophysiology of sleep apnea.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Both arousal state and concomitant CO2levels are known modulators of the effects of intermittent hypoxia on ventilatory neuroplasticity. This is the first study to investigate the effects of combined intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia during sleep in humans. The lack of neuroplastic effects suggests a need for further studies more closely replicating obstructive sleep apnea to determine the pathophysiological relevance of intermittent hypoxia-induced ventilatory neuroplasticity.

Long-term facilitation in obstructive sleep apnea patients during NREM sleep

2001 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 2751-2757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salah E. Aboubakr ◽  
Amy Taylor ◽  
Reason Ford ◽  
Sarosh Siddiqi ◽  
M. Safwan Badr
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Upper Airway ◽  
Flow Limitation ◽  
Inspiratory Time ◽  
Nasal Cpap ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Long Term Facilitation

Repetitive hypoxia followed by persistently increased ventilatory motor output is referred to as long-term facilitation (LTF). LTF is activated during sleep after repetitive hypoxia in snorers. We hypothesized that LTF is activated in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Eleven subjects with OSA (apnea/hypopnea index = 43.6 ± 18.7/h) were included. Every subject had a baseline polysomnographic study on the appropriate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP was retitrated to eliminate apnea/hypopnea but to maintain inspiratory flow limitation (sham night). Each subject was studied on 2 separate nights. These two studies are separated by 1 mo of optimal nasal CPAP treatment for a minimum of 4–6 h/night. The device was capable of covert pressure monitoring. During night 1 (N1), study subjects used nasal CPAP at suboptimal pressure to have significant air flow limitation (>60% breaths) without apneas/hypopneas. After stable sleep was reached, we induced brief isocapnic hypoxia [inspired O2 fraction (Fi O2 ) = 8%] (3 min) followed by 5 min of room air. This sequence was repeated 10 times. Measurements were obtained during control, hypoxia, and at 5, 20, and 40 min of recovery for ventilation, timing ( n = 11), and supraglottic pressure ( n = 6). Upper airway resistance (Rua) was calculated at peak inspiratory flow. During the recovery period, there was no change in minute ventilation (99 ± 8% of control), despite decreased Rua to 58 ± 24% of control ( P < 0.05). There was a reduction in the ratio of inspiratory time to total time for a breath (duty cycle) (0.5 to 0.45, P < 0.05) but no effect on inspiratory time. During night 2 (N2), the protocol of N1 was repeated. N2 revealed no changes compared with N1 during the recovery period. In conclusion, 1) reduced Rua in the recovery period indicates LTF of upper airway dilators; 2) lack of hyperpnea in the recovery period suggests that thoracic pump muscles do not demonstrate LTF; 3) we speculate that LTF may temporarily stabilize respiration in OSA patients after repeated apneas/hypopneas; and 4) nasal CPAP did not alter the ability of OSA patients to elicit LTF at the thoracic pump muscle.

Aerodynamics Analysis of the Impact of Nasal Surgery on Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Nasal Obstruction

ORL ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Lifeng Li ◽  
Demin Han ◽  
Hongrui Zang ◽  
Nyall R. London
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Nasal Obstruction ◽  
Upper Airway ◽  
Apnea Hypopnea Index ◽  
Nasal Surgery ◽  
Subjective Sleep Quality ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of nasal surgery on airflow characteristics in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by comparing the alterations of airflow characteristics within the nasal and palatopharyngeal cavities. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Thirty patients with OSA and nasal obstruction who underwent nasal surgery were enrolled. A pre- and postoperative 3-dimensional model was constructed, and alterations of airflow characteristics were assessed using the method of computational fluid dynamics. The other subjective and objective clinical indices were also assessed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> By comparison with the preoperative value, all postoperative subjective symptoms statistically improved (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05), while the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) changed little (<i>p</i> = 0.492); the postoperative airflow velocity and pressure in both nasal and palatopharyngeal cavities, nasal and palatopharyngeal pressure differences, and total upper airway resistance statistically decreased (all <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01). A significant difference was derived for correlation between the alteration of simulation metrics with subjective improvements (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05), except with the AHI (<i>p</i> &#x3e; 0.05). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Nasal surgery can decrease the total resistance of the upper airway and increase the nasal airflow volume and subjective sleep quality in patients with OSA and nasal obstruction. The altered airflow characteristics might contribute to the postoperative reduction of pharyngeal collapse in a subset of OSA patients.

scholarly journals Endothelial dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michał Harańczyk ◽  
Małgorzata Konieczyńska ◽  
Wojciech Płazak
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Contractile Function ◽  
Sleep Apnea Syndrome ◽  
Apnea Hypopnea Index ◽  
Endothelin 1 ◽  
Obstructive Sleep

Abstract Purpose Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of OSAS on endothelial dysfunction and thrombosis biomarkers and to evaluate the effect of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on biomarker levels. Methods NT-proBNP, sICAM-1, endothelin-1, von Willebrand factor, D-dimers, and thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) were measured in 50 patients diagnosed with moderate-to-severe OSAS. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography, and 38 months after the inclusion, 16 CPAP users and 22 non-CPAP users were reassessed. Results Sleep-related indices of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and mean SpO2 were associated with higher sICAM-1 levels (AHI < 30: 7.3 ± 4.7 vs. AHI ≥ 30: 19.5 ± 19.4 mg/ml, p = 0.04; SpO2 ≥ 90%: 11.9 ± 9.3 vs. SpO2 < 90%: 23.6 ± 25.8, p = 0.04). sICAM-1 levels were significantly higher in obese patients, particularly with BMI ≥ 40. Plasma levels of TAT were significantly correlated with the increased right ventricular size (right ventricular diameter ≤ 37 mm: 0.86 ± 0.70 vs. > 37 mm: 1.96 ± 1.20 ng/ml, p = 0.04). Endothelin-1 levels were higher in patients with decreased right ventricular function (right ventricle TDI-derived S′ ≥ 12 cm/s: 11.5 ± 10.9 vs. < 12 cm/s: 26.0 ± 13.2 pg/ml, p = 0.04). An increase in NT-proBNP was related to impaired parameters of the right ventricular contractile function. There were no correlations between long-term CPAP therapy and the levels of biomarkers. Conclusion Severe OSAS influences endothelial damage as manifested by an increase in sICAM-1 levels. Changes in right ventricular structure and function, observed mainly in patients with higher TAT and endothelin-1 levels, are also manifested by an increase in NT-proBNP levels. Long-term CPAP treatment does not seem to influence biomarkers in patients with moderate-to-severe OSAS, which may help to explain the lack of influence of CPAP on cardiovascular risk reduction.

Abstract 14965: Atrial Conduction During Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Comparison of Stacked Versus Isolated Apnea Episodes

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishan Patel ◽  
Hussain Basrawala ◽  
Pavan Reddy ◽  
Edwin Valladares ◽  
Vincent Grbach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Conduction Delay ◽  
Apnea Hypopnea Index ◽  
Peripheral Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Cardiovascular Comorbidities ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased rates of atrial fibrillation (AF). Recent randomized data suggest that traditional scoring of OSA needs to evolve to improve cardiovascular outcomes. Traditional scoring of OSA does not fully reflect pathophysiological links between OSA and AF, particularly regarding OSA-induced prolongation of p-wave duration (PWD), which is the most powerful predictor of AF occurrence. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that OSA episodes that closely follow each other (serially stacked apneas, ssOSA) exert greater effect on PWD compared to isolated OSA (iOSA) episodes. Methods: Sleeping patients (adults with mild-moderate OSA and presence of both iOSA and ssOSA, but without other cardiovascular comorbidities) undergoing diagnostic polysomnography were recorded by continuous 8-lead ECG. iOSA was defined as OSA episodes with no other episode within 30 seconds. ssOSA consisted of ≥3 consecutive apneas with inter-OSA intervals <30 seconds. PWD was defined from onset of p-wave in any ECG lead to termination in any lead (measured by digital calipers, averaged over 3 beats from first half of OSA and 3 beats from second half of OSA). Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used. Results: We analyzed 208 OSA episodes (51.0% iOSA, 49.0% ssOSA) which occurred in 12 patients (7 women; age 63.1±11.5 years; apnea hypopnea index 16.8±5.4). PWD was longer during ssOSA compared to iOSA (median 117.7ms vs 109.6ms; p<0.0001). The following variables did not differ between ssOSA and iOSA: PR interval (p=0.3139), RR interval (p=0.7531), peripheral oxygen saturation (p=0.7776). Conclusions: The impact of OSA on atrial conduction delay is exacerbated by the phenomenon of OSA stacking, which seems independent of oxygen desaturation and heart rate. Stacking of OSA episodes may be an underused and cost-efficient variable in evaluating the severity of OSA and the effectiveness of OSA treatments with the ultimate goal of reducing occurrence of AF.

scholarly journals Polysomnographic Outcomes After Observation for Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children Younger Than 3 Years

2020 ◽  
pp. 019459982095438
Author(s):  
Kathleen M. Sarber ◽  
Douglas C. von Allmen ◽  
Raisa Tikhtman ◽  
Javier Howard ◽  
Narong Simakajornboon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Apnea Hypopnea Index ◽  
Optimal Timing ◽  
Obstructive Apnea ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
The Impact

Objective Mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), particularly in young children, is often treated with observation. However, there is little evidence regarding the outcomes with this approach. Our aim was to assess the impact of observation on sleep for children aged <3 years with mild OSA. Study Design Case-control study. Setting Pediatric tertiary care center. Methods We reviewed cases of children (<3 years old) diagnosed with mild OSA (obstructive apnea-hypopnea index, 1-5 events/h) who were treated with observation between 2012 and 2017 and had at least 2 polysomnograms performed 3 to 12 months apart. Demographic data and comorbid diagnoses were collected. Results Twenty-six children met inclusion criteria; their median age was 7.2 months (95% CI, 1.2-22.8). Nine (35%) were female and 24 (92%) were White. Their median body mass index percentile was 39 (95% CI, 1-76). Comorbidities included cardiac disease (42.3%), laryngomalacia (42.3%), allergies (34.6%), reactive airway disease (23.1%), and prematurity (7.7%). The obstructive apnea-hypopnea index significantly decreased from 2.7 events/h (95% CI, 1-4.5) to 1.3 (95% CI, 0-4.5; P = .013). There was no significant improvement in median saturation nadir (baseline, 86%; P = .76) or median time with end-tidal carbon dioxide >50 mm Hg (baseline, 0 minutes; P = .34). OSA resolved in 8 patients (31%) and worsened in 1 (3.8%). Only race was a significant predictor of resolution per regression analysis; however, only 2 non-White children were included. Conclusion In our cohort, resolution of mild OSA occurred in 31% of patients treated with 3 to 12 months of observation. The presence of laryngomalacia, asthma, and allergies did not affect resolution. Larger studies are needed to better identify factors (including race) associated with persistent OSA and optimal timing of intervention for these children. Level of Evidence 4.

Long-term Results for Maxillomandibular Advancement to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 160 (4) ◽  
pp. 580-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Macario Camacho ◽  
Michael W. Noller ◽  
Michael Del Do ◽  
Justin M. Wei ◽  
Christopher J. Gouveia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Apnea Hypopnea Index ◽  
International Literature ◽  
Maxillomandibular Advancement ◽  
Obstructive Sleep

Objective To examine outcomes in the intermediate term (1 to <4 years), long term (4 to <8 years), and very long term (≥8 years) for maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) as treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Data Sources The Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, and PubMed/MEDLINE. Review Methods Three authors systematically reviewed the international literature through July 26, 2018. Results A total of 445 studies were screened, and 6 met criteria (120 patients). Thirty-one patients showed a reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from a mean 48.3 events/h (95% CI, 42.1-54.5) pre-MMA to 8.4 (95% CI 5.6, 11.2) in the intermediate term. Fifty-four patients showed a reduction in AHI from a mean 65.8 events/h (95% CI, 58.8-72.8) pre-MMA to 7.7 (95% CI 5.9, 9.5) in the long term. Thirty-five showed a reduction in AHI from a mean 53.2 events/h (95% CI 45, 61.4) pre-MMA to 23.1 (95% CI 16.3, 29.9) in the very long term. Improvement in sleepiness was maintained at all follow-up periods. Lowest oxygen saturation improvement was maintained in the long term. Conclusion The current international literature shows that patients with OSA who were treated with MMA maintained improvements in AHI, sleepiness, and lowest oxygen saturation in the long term; however, the mean AHI increased to moderate OSA in the very long term. Definitive generalizations cannot be made, and additional research providing individual patient data for the intermediate term, long term, and very long term is needed.

Polysomnography Outcomes after Supraglottoplasty in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

2019 ◽  
Vol 161 (4) ◽  
pp. 694-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bharat Bhushan ◽  
James W. Schroeder ◽  
Kathleen R. Billings ◽  
Nicholas Giancola ◽  
Dana M. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Apnea Hypopnea Index ◽  
Historical Cohort ◽  
Tertiary Care Medical Center ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveLaryngomalacia has been reported to contribute to the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children. It is unclear if surgical treatment of laryngomalacia improves polysomnography (PSG) outcomes in these patients. The objective of this study is to report the impact of supraglottoplasty on PSG parameters in children with laryngomalacia-related OSA.Study DesignRetrospective case series.SettingTertiary care medical center.Subjects and MethodsHistorical cohort study of consecutive children with laryngomalacia who underwent supraglottoplasty and who had undergone overnight PSG before and after surgery.ResultsForty-one patients were included in the final analysis: 22 (53.6%) were male, and 19 (46.3%) were female. The mean ± SEM age of patients at preoperative PSG was 1.3 ± 0.89 years (range, 0.003-2.9). In entire cohort, the mean obstructive apnea-hypopnea index score was reduced from 26.6 events/h before supraglottoplasty to 7.3 events/h after surgery ( P = .003). Respiratory disturbance index was reduced from 27.3 events/h before supraglottoplasty to 7.8 events/h after surgery ( P = .003). The percentage of REM sleep decreased from 30.1% ± 2.4 to 24.8% ± 1.3 ( P = .04). Sleep efficiency was improved ( P = .05).ConclusionOverall, supraglottoplasty significantly improved several PSG outcomes in children with laryngomalacia. However, mild to moderate OSA was still present postoperatively in most children. This suggested a multifactorial cause for OSA in this population.

scholarly journals Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Induces the Long-Term Facilitation of Genioglossus Corticomotor Activity

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Zou ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Xinshi Nie ◽  
Jian Kang
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Intermittent Hypoxia ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Upper Airway ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Long Term Facilitation

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by the repetitive collapse of the upper airway and chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) during sleep. It has been reported that CIH can increase the EMG activity of genioglossus in rats, which may be related to the neuromuscular compensation of OSA patients. This study aimed to explore whether CIH could induce the long-term facilitation (LTF) of genioglossus corticomotor activity. 16 rats were divided into the air group (n=8) and the CIH group (n=8). The CIH group was exposed to hypoxia for 4 weeks; the air group was subjected to air under identical experimental conditions in parallel. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied every ten minutes and lasted for 1 h/day on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days of air/CIH exposure. Genioglossus EMG was also recorded at the same time. Compared with the air group, the CIH group showed decreased TMS latency from 10 to 60 minutes on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days. The increased TMS amplitude lasting for 60 minutes was only observed on the 21st day. Genioglossus EMG activity increased only on the 28th day of CIH. We concluded that CIH could induce LTF of genioglossus corticomotor activity in rats.

scholarly journals Long-Term Compliance with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

2008 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 365-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norman Wolkove ◽  
Marc Baltzan ◽  
Hany Kamel ◽  
Richard Dabrusin ◽  
Mark Palayew
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ◽  
Airway Pressure ◽  
Positive Airway Pressure ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Apnea Hypopnea Index ◽  
Cpap Titration ◽  
Obstructive Sleep

BACKGROUND: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, compliance is a significant problem and has been incompletely assessed in long-term studies.OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term compliance of OSA patients with CPAP therapy.SUBJECTS: Eighty patients who had had a diagnosis of OSA at least four years previously and received a written prescription for CPAP were evaluated.METHODS: Subjects were identified by reviewing sleep laboratory records. Participants were contacted by telephone and were asked to quantitate their CPAP use (hours per night, nights per week) and to evaluate whether there had been improvement in symptoms. Those who commenced but subsequently abandoned therapy and those who never initiated treatment were questioned about their reasons for noncompliance.RESULTS: Patient demographics included mean (± SD) age (58±11 years), male sex (70 of 80 patients [88%]) and mean apnea-hypopnea index (70±44 events/h). At the time of the interview (64.0±3.7 months after diagnosis), 43 of 80 patients (54%) were still using CPAP and most reported an improvement in symptoms. Twelve of 80 patients (15%) had abandoned CPAP after using it for 10.1±15.5 months, and 25 of 80 patients (31%) had never commenced therapy after initial diagnosis and CPAP titration. Analysis of scores reflecting initial patient sleepiness revealed a significant association of this symptom with subsequent CPAP compliance.CONCLUSION: Although many patients with OSA derive subjective benefit from, and adhere to treatment with CPAP, a significant proportion of those so diagnosed either do not initiate or eventually abandon therapy. Initial experience with CPAP appears to be important, reinforcing the need for early education and support in these patients.

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