Randomized crossover trial of two treatments for sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome: continuous positive airway pressure and mandibular repositioning splint

Mandibular repositioning splints (MRSs) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are used to treat the sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (SAHS). There are some data suggesting that patients with milder symptoms prefer MRS, but there are few comparative data on outcomes. Therefore, we performed a randomized crossover trial of 8 weeks of CPAP and 8 weeks of MRS treatment in consecutive new outpatients diagnosed with SAHS (apnea/hypopnea index [AHI] >or= 5/hour, and >or= 2 symptoms including sleepiness). Assessments at the end of both limbs comprised home sleep study, subjective ratings of treatment value, sleepiness, symptoms, and well-being, and objective tests of sleepiness and cognition. Forty-eight of 51 recruited patients completed the trial (12 women; age [mean +/- SD], 46 +/- 9 years; Epworth 14 +/- 4; median AHI, 22/hour; interquartile ratio [IQR], 11-43/hour). Significant (p 相似文献   

An oral hypnotic medication does not improve continuous positive airway pressure compliance in men with obstructive sleep apnea

BACKGROUND: Compliance with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly variable. Recent studies suggest that the initial experience with CPAP may determine long-term success. We hypothesized that administration of a hypnotic medication to new CPAP users would facilitate acclimation and increase usage. METHODS: Seventy-two male OSA patients referred for CPAP treatment were randomized to also receive an oral hypnotic agent (zolpidem), placebo pill, or neither (standard care) for the first 14 days of CPAP treatment. CPAP usage (effective mask pressure [hours per day]) was recorded by an internal data chip. Patient symptoms were assessed with the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and functional outcomes of sleep questionnaire (FOSQ). Treatment groups were matched for age, body mass index, and baseline ESS and FOSQ scores. Despite randomization, the standard care group had a higher apnea/hypopnea index than either the zolpidem or placebo pill groups (54.75 +/- 28.02 vs 32.61 +/- 25.12 vs 38.09 +/- 25.65, p = 0.012) [mean +/- SD]. Compared to placebo pill and standard care groups, the zolpidem group did not show greater CPAP usage in terms of total days used (zolpidem, 20.58 +/- 7.40 days; placebo pill, 17.83 +/- 9.33 days; standard care, 22.92 +/- 6.95 days; p = 0.198) or average time used per night (4.43 +/- 1.16 h vs 4.23 +/- 2.14 h vs 4.94 +/- 1.44 h, p = 0.361). All groups showed significant symptom improvements on both the ESS (p < 0.001) and FOSQ (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Administration of an oral hypnotic agent did not improve initial CPAP compliance in men with OSA.     

Clinical outcomes related to interface type in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome who are using continuous positive airway pressure

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of interface on objective compliance, patient satisfaction, adverse effects, quality of life, and residual sleep-disordered breathing in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). DESIGN: Randomized, cross-over. SETTING: Two suburban community-based hospital sleep laboratories. PATIENTS: Data were collected on 39 patients with OSAHS (mean age, 48.7 years), in whom CPAP was a novel treatment. INTERVENTIONS: Interventions were nasal pillows (Breeze; Mallinckrodt Corporation; Minneapolis, MN) and nasal mask (Contour; Respironics; Murrysville, PA). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Outcomes assessed at the completion of each 3-week treatment period were objective compliance, adverse effects, and satisfaction with CPAP (CPAP questionnaire), daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale [ESS]), quality of life (Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire [FOSQ]), sleep diary, and residual sleep-disordered breathing (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI]). Patients were randomly assigned to use the nasal pillows or the nasal mask following laboratory titration and initiated on CPAP (pressure range, 5 to 14 cm H(2)O). The percentage of days utilized favored the nasal pillows (94.1% vs 85.7%; p = 0.02), but minutes of use per night did not differ (nasal pillows, 223 min; nasal mask, 288 min). ESS scores were lower and the FOSQ total scores were higher following CPAP treatment (p < 0.001), but no differential treatment effects were noted. Fewer adverse effects, less trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep, and less air leak were reported with nasal pillows (p < 0.04). The mean +/- SD pretreatment AHI (47.1 +/- 35.1/h) was significantly lower following treatment with CPAP for both types of interface (nasal pillows, 10.2 +/- 9.8/h; nasal mask, 7.0 +/- 7.7/h; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Nasal pillows are a well-tolerated and effective interface for OSAHS patients receiving CPAP at < or = 14 cm H(2)O. Use of nasal pillows was associated with fewer adverse effects and better sleep quality during the first 3 weeks of CPAP therapy. Further investigation is needed to determine whether interface type affects long-term CPAP use.     

Comparison of conventional nighttime with automatic or manual daytime CPAP titration in unselected sleep apnea patients: study of the usefulness of daytime titration studies

Daytime CPAP titration studies with full polysomnography have been successfully performed in patients with severe sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS). The implementation of daytime studies in unselected SAHS patients could help to reduce the waiting lists for CPAP titrations. The main purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of conventional versus manual or automatic daytime CPAP titration in unselected patients with SAHS. Ninety-three consecutive patients with SAHS in whom CPAP was indicated were assigned to conventional titration or to manual or automatic (AutoSet) daytime CPAP titration, after sleep deprivation. The number of valid studies, sleep architecture, final pressure selected and mean pressure in the different sleep stages were compared. Changes in sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness score) and hours of CPAP use were assessed after 3 months of treatment. Four patients did not sleep (3 AutoSet, 1 conventional daytime groups). Sleep latency was shorter during automatic daytime titration whereas REM latency was shorter in daytime studies; the percentage of sleep stages was similar during all types of titration. CPAP requirements were significantly higher during REM sleep in conventional and manual daytime titrations while mean pressure was unchanged throughout sleep stages during AutoSet titration. CPAP pressure selected with conventional or daytime manual titration (7.5(2.2) cm H2O and 7.4(1.5) cm H2O, ns) were significantly lower (P< 0.001) than with AutoSet (9.4(1.6) cm H20. All groups showed similar decrease of sleepiness and hours of use of CPAP at 3 months of follow-up. Automatic and manual daytime PSG studies after sleep deprivation are useful for CPAP titration in unselected patients with SAHS. Pressure selected with AutoSet is significantly higher than with conventional daytime or nighttime titration, although not significant in terms of treatment compliance and symptom improvement.     

Compliance to CPAP treatment and effects of treatment on anxiety and depression in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) causes numerous pathophysiological changes and influences neuropsychological system. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard treatment of OSAS. We aimed to evaluate the compliance of patients with severe OSAS to CPAP treatment and to compare the anxiety and depression scores before and at the 6th month of the treatment. Seventeen patients receiving CPAP treatment for OSAS that continued regular follow-up were accepted to the study. A questionnaire containing questions about demographic features, OSAS symptoms and Epworth sleepiness scale, Beck anxiety scale and depression scale was filled by the patients before and after CPAP treatment. Additionally, information concerning adverse effects of and compliance to CPAP treatment was obtained after CPAP treatment. Mean age of the patients was 48.4 +/- 8.4 (32-63); 14 (82.4%) of them were male and 3 (17.6%) of them were female. Snoring, witnessed apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness symptoms, and Epworth sleepiness scale scores were significantly decreased after CPAP treatment compared with those before treatment. Mean duration of CPAP device use at night was 5.6 +/- 2.1 (2-8) hours. Nine (52.9%) of the patients were using the device regularly every night and 8 (47.1%) of the patients were using it irregularly. The most frequent adverse effect of CPAP treatment was sore mouth, followed by mask discomfort and erythema on the nose. Anxiety and depression scores of the patients were significantly decreased after CPAP treatment compared with those before the treatment. As a conclusion, OSAS patients with high anxiety and depression scores benefit from CPAP treatment.     

Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure is not effective in patients with sleep apnea but no daytime sleepiness. a randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome is defined by a pathologic number of respiratory events during sleep (the apnea-hypopnea index, defined as the number of apnea and hypopnea episodes per hour) and daytime symptoms (mostly, excessive sleepiness). In patients with the sleep apnea syndrome, treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) normalizes both the apnea-hypopnea index and diurnal symptoms. However, the effect of CPAP in persons with a pathologic apnea-hypopnea index without daytime sleepiness is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short-term effects of CPAP on quality of life, objective sleepiness, cognitive function, and arterial blood pressure in nonsleepy patients with a pathologic apnea-hypopnea index. DESIGN: Multicenter randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. SETTING: Six teaching hospitals in Spain. PATIENTS: 55 patients with an apnea-hypopnea index of 30 or greater who did not have daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score 相似文献   

睡眠呼吸暂停综合征患者持续气道正压通气治疗前后微觉醒的变化及意义

目的探讨微觉醒的发生机制、临床意义及其在睡眠呼吸障碍性疾患诊断治疗中的应用价值。方法270例打鼾者均按国际标准方法进行多导睡眠呼吸监测（PSG）,据此计算睡眠呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)、睡眠潜伏期(SL)、每小时氧减饱和度4%以上的次数(ODI4)及每小时微觉醒的次数(MAI)。其中28例患者应用持续气道正压通气(CPAP)同时复查PSG,在治疗前后均填写Epworth睡眠问卷(ESS)以评价患者嗜睡的改善程度。结果270例鼾症患者中,247例符合睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(SAHS)的诊断,其AHI、ODI4、MAI及SL平均值分别为(43±27)次/h,(44±23)次/h,(29±16)次/h,(12±17)分。AHI与MAI,ODI4与MAI均呈正相关(r均为0.38,P均<0.001)。MAI与SL显著负相关(r=-0.15,P=0.02),AHI与SL、ODI4与SL均无相关性(r分别为-0.09,-0.02,P均>0.1)。经CPAP治疗,28例患者的呼吸暂停基本消失,ODI4由(48±25)次/h降至(4±9)次/h,MAI由(27±18)次/h减至(15±9)次/h,主观(ESS)及客观(SL)评价均显示白天嗜睡改善。结论应用专门的计算机软件辅助分析SAHS患者睡眠状态下的脑电变化,可以判读最短持续时间达3秒的微觉醒。MAI可以作为白天嗜睡的重要指标,在SAHS诊断和CPAP疗效判断方面与AHI具有互补性。     

Effect of heated humidification on compliance and quality of life in patients with sleep apnea using nasal continuous positive airway pressure

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the addition of heated humidification at treatment initiation with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) would lead to better CPAP compliance and improve quality of life and subjective sleepiness in patients with sleep apnea. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: An academic sleep center located at a Veterans Affairs hospital. PATIENTS: Ninety-eight patients with obstructive sleep apnea who had not received nasal CPAP previously. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Patients received heated humidification at CPAP initiation in the treatment group. In the control group, patients could receive heated humidification only if they had upper airway symptoms that could not be treated successfully with simpler measures. Patients were followed up at 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months. Outcome measures were compliance with nasal CPAP (mean hours per night at effective pressure), quality of life as measured by the Calgary sleep apnea quality of life index, subjective sleepiness measured with the Epworth sleepiness scale, and CPAP side effects. There was no difference in CPAP compliance between groups. Quality of life and subjective sleepiness improved in both groups with nasal CPAP therapy, but there was no difference in the extent of improvement between groups. The overall CPAP side effect score was similar in both groups, but individual symptoms of dry nose and dry mouth and throat were significantly lower in the heated humidification group. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of heated humidification when nasal CPAP was instituted did not lead to better compliance, greater improvement in sleepiness, or improved quality of life, but was associated with fewer symptoms attributable to the upper airway.     

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of modafinil in the treatment of residual excessive daytime sleepiness in the sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome

Some patients with the sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) remain subjectively and objectively sleepy despite using effective continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The aim of this single center study was to determine the efficacy and safety of the novel wake-promoting medication modafinil in the treatment of CPAP-resistant daytime sleepiness. Thirty sleep apneics receiving effective CPAP therapy (objective use, 6.5 +/- 1.1 h/night) received daily single doses of 400 mg modafinil or placebo for 2 wk in a double-blind randomized crossover design. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and at the end of both 2-wk treatment periods. Treatment periods were separated by a 1-wk washout. Modafinil had no effect on sleepiness as measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale or the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (p > 0.1); however, significant improvements in alertness were found with the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (modafinil 18.3 +/- 3.9 min; placebo, 16.6 +/- 5.0 min; p < 0.02). No significant treatment-related improvements in cognitive performance or quality of life were found with modafinil (all p > 0.05). There was a significant reduction in CPAP use on modafinil compared to placebo (6.3 +/- 1 h/ night; 6.5 +/- 1, p = 0.03). This study suggests that modafinil may improve some aspects of alertness in patients with SAHS who remain sleepy during CPAP therapy, but further studies are required to assess the significance of the reduction in CPAP use.     

Constant vs auto-continuous positive airway pressure in patients with sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and a high variability in pressure requirement

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Auto-continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been reported to have no more efficacy than constant CPAP in unselected patients with sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (SAHS). The aim of this study was to evaluate patients judged to be good candidates for auto-CPAP because of a high within-night variability in pressure requirement. DESIGN: Single-blind, randomized, cross-over study (2 x 8 weeks) to compare auto-CPAP with constant CPAP. PATIENTS: Outpatients with moderate-to-severe SAHS attending the chest clinic. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were equipped at home in the auto-CPAP mode (model GK418A; Malinckrodt; Nancy, France), using a 4- to 14-cm H(2)O pressure range. Those individuals having a high within-night variability in pressure requirement, assessed at the end of a 14-day run-in period, were included in the cross-over study. Auto-CPAP was compared with constant CPAP (according to a titration night in the sleep laboratory) in terms of compliance, efficacy on apneas (assessed from the pressure monitor), and sleepiness (assessed on the Epworth sleepiness scale). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Of 90 consecutive patients with SAHS, 27 patients were selected for a within-night variability in pressure requirement exceeding a given threshold. After completion of the cross-over, 24 patients were evaluable. The median percentage of nights the machine was used was 95.5% (range, 45 to 100%) on constant CPAP, and 96.5% (range, 40 to 100%) on auto-CPAP; the median apnea index recorded by the device was 0.40/h (range, 0 to 2.40/h) on constant CPAP, and 0.45/h (range, 0 to 5.80/h) on auto-CPAP (differences not significant). The mean Epworth sleepiness score was significantly (p < 0.01) lower on auto-CPAP (5.1; SD, 2.8) than on constant CPAP (6.1; SD, 2.8). CONCLUSIONS: In patients selected for a high within-night variability in pressure requirement, auto-CPAP administered via a GK418A device was equivalent to constant CPAP based on a titration night in the sleep laboratory. Subjective ratings for sleepiness were slightly lower on auto-CPAP.     

简化醒觉维持试验对日间嗜睡的诊断价值

目的　评价简化醒觉维持 (OSLER)试验对诊断日间嗜睡的价值。方法　对 74例打鼾患者用OSLER测定其醒觉维持时间 (OSLER T) ,同时记录Epworth嗜睡评分 (ESS)。患者经过简化睡眠多导系统检查后 ,根据其血氧饱和度下降率 (diprate)的结果将其分成单纯打鼾组 (打鼾组 ,4 3例 )和阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征组 (OSAHS组 ,31例 )。OSAHS组患者接受气道持续正压通气(CPAP)治疗 ,2个月后再进行OSLER测定。结果　OSAHS组的OSLER T明显比打鼾组短 ,分别为(16 0 3± 12 2 7)min及 (2 5 70± 14 6 2 )min ,P <0 0 1。OSLER T与ESS呈显著的负相关 ,相关系数 (r)为- 0 4 5 ,P <0 0 1。 2 5例OSAHS患者接受 2个月的CPAP治疗后 ,OSLER T从治疗前的 (16 2 0± 12 98)min显著延长至 (36 38± 2 1 10 )min ,P <0 0 1。结论　对打鼾伴 (或不伴 )有OSAHS患者 ,OSLER试验是诊断其日间嗜睡情况的有价值的指标。     

Controlled, prospective trial of psychosocial function before and after continuous positive airway pressure therapy.

The aim of the study was to investigate psychosocial function before and after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, and establish the determinants and consequences of objective CPAP use. In a prospective, parallel-group study, changes in psychosocial scores were compared with conservative management or CPAP therapy for the sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS). Patient/partner couples from the top (CPAP treated, n=44) or bottom (conservatively treated, n=25) of a CPAP waiting list rated marital satisfaction (evaluation and nurturing relationship issues, communication and happiness (ENRICH), behavioural questionnaire), health/functional status (Short-Form-36 Health Survey, functional outcomes of sleep questionnaire) and sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale). Both groups' ratings at baseline were completed while on conservative therapy. Baseline variables did not differ between groups. At follow-up, all seven summary psychosocial scores were statistically better in CPAP-treated patients, effect sizes (ES) ranging from moderate (0.5 SD: marital satisfaction) to very large (>1.0 SD: patients health, functional status and sleepiness scores). Scores in conservatively-treated patients deteriorated to a small or moderate degree (ES -0.2- -0.7 SD), while those in the CPAP-treated group improved to a larger degree (0.3-1.3 SD). Baseline polysomnographical and psychosocial scores, including marital satisfaction, did not predict objective CPAP use (r<0.3). CPAP use was modestly correlated (r=0.3-0.6) with improvement in all psychosocial areas. Continuous positive airway pressure produced statistically and clinically significant psychosocial improvements, some of large magnitude, in psychosocial function. Determinants of usage were not identified, but benefits and usage were positively correlated.     

Internal consistency and validity of the Spanish version of the "Quebec Sleep Questionnaire" quality-of-life questionnaire for obstructive sleep apnea

Introduction

There is no specific health-related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaire that has been validated in Spanish for its use in patients with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS). The objective of the present study was to validate the Spanish version of the Quebec Sleep Questionnaire (QSQ).

Patients and methods

A multi-center study including a group of patients with SAHS (AHI ≥ 5) referred to the Sleep Unit. All patients completed the following questionnaires: SF-36, FOSQ, QSQ and Epworth scale. Internal consistency, construct validity, concurrent validity, predictive validity, repeatability and responsiveness to change of the QSQ (32 items in five domains: daytime sleepiness, diurnal symptoms, nocturnal symptoms, emotions, and social interactions) were assessed.

Results

A hundred twenty one patients were included in the study (mean age: 57 ± 13; mean Epworth: 9 ± 4; mean Body Mass Index (BMI): 28 ± 3 kg · m⁻² and mean AHI: 36 ± 20 hour⁻¹). The factorial analysis showed a construct of five factors with similar distribution to the original questionnaire domains. Internal consistency (Cranach's alpha between 0.78 and 0.93 for the different domains), concurrent validity (compared to SF-36, Epworth scale and FOSQ), predictive validity of SAHS severity and test-retest reliability were appropriate. The test showed good responsiveness to change in diurnal (P = .003) and nocturnal symptoms domains (P = .02).

Conclusions

The Spanish version of the QSQ is a valid HRQL measure with appropriate psychometric properties for use in patients with SAHS and is responsive to change in symptoms domains.     

Split-night versus full-night studies for sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome.

Investigation and treatment of sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) is placing increasing demands on healthcare resources. This workload may be reduced by using split-night studies instead of the standard full-nights of diagnostic polysomnography and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration. Split-night studies involve polysomnography in the first half of the night followed, if there is an abnormal frequency of apnoeas and hypopneas, by CPAP titration for the remainder of the night. The authors' database of all patients prescribed a CPAP trial 1991-1997 was used to compare long-term outcomes in all 49 (46 accepting CPAP) patients prescribed split-night studies with those in full-night patients, matched 1:2 using an apnoea/ hypopnoea index (AHI) of +/-15% and Epworth score of +/-3 units. Classical symptoms of SAHS were the main reason for the split-night studies (n=27). There were no differences between the groups in long-term CPAP use, median nightly CPAP use (split-night 6.0 h x night-1, interquartile range (IQR) 3.8-7.4, full-night; 6.2 h x night-1, IQR 3.7-7.0, p=0.9), post-treatment Epworth scores and frequency of nursing interventions/clinic visits required. The median time from referral to treatment was less for the split-night patients (13 months, IQR 11-20 months) than for full-night patients (22 months, IQR 12-34 months; p=0.003). Split-night studies, in selected patients, result in equivalent long-term continuous positive airway pressure use to full-night studies with shorter treatment times and less healthcare utilization.     

Predictive factors of quality-of-life improvement and continuous positive airway pressure use in patients with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome: study at 1 year

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To assess predictive factors of quality-of-life (QoL) improvement and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use in patients with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) after 1 year of treatment with CPAP. DESIGN: Observational, prospective cohort study. SETTING: Sleep unit in a university hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred thirty-three consecutive patients with an indication for CPAP treatment. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Nottingham health profile (NHP) questionnaire, Epworth sleepiness scale score, and objective CPAP use (time counter in the CPAP device) were assessed at baseline and after 3 months and 12 months of CPAP use. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictive factors of CPAP use and improved QoL. At 1 year, 101 patients (76%) were still using CPAP; of these, 88 patients (66%) completed all the follow-up questionnaires. QoL was lower before treatment, compared with the general population, and all dimensions of the NHP, except social isolation, improved significantly from baseline in patients regularly using CPAP, reaching levels comparable to those of the general population at 1 year. Only minimum oxyhemoglobin saturation at diagnostic polysomnography was associated with the degree of QoL improvement at 1 year. Only the NHP and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) at baseline were significantly associated with hours of CPAP use at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the general population, patients with untreated SAHS had a lower QoL, which improved to the level of the general population after 3 months of CPAP therapy and persisted at 1 year of treatment with CPAP. The only predictor of QoL improvement was minimum nocturnal oxygen saturation at baseline. Higher AHI and worse QoL at baseline were predictors of hours of CPAP use.     

A randomized controlled trial of continuous positive airway pressure in mild obstructive sleep apnea

A common clinical dilemma faced by sleep physicians is in deciding the level of severity at which patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) should be treated. There is particular uncertainty about the need for, and the effectiveness of, treatment in mild cases. To help define the role of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in mild OSA we undertook a randomized controlled cross-over trial of CPAP in patients with an apnea- hypopnea index (AHI) of 5 - 30 (mean, 12.9 +/- 6.3 SD). Twenty-four-hour blood pressure and neurobehavioral function were measured at baseline, after 8 wk of treatment with CPAP, and after 8 wk of treatment with an oral placebo tablet. Twenty-eight of 42 patients enrolled in the study completed both treatment arms. Baseline characteristics were not different between those who completed the study and those who did not complete the study. Patients used CPAP for a mean (SD) of 3.53 (2.13) h per night and the mean AHI on the night of CPAP implementation was 4.24 (2.9). Nasal CPAP improved self-reported symptoms of OSA, including snoring, restless sleep, daytime sleepiness, and irritability (in-house questionnaire), more than did placebo, but did not improve objective (Multiple Sleep Latency Test) or subjective (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) measures of daytime sleepiness. We found no benefit of CPAP over placebo in any tests of neurobehavioral function, generic SF-36 (36-item Short Form Medical Outcomes Survey) or sleep-specific (Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire) quality of life questionnaires, mood score (Profile of Moods States and Beck Depression Index), or 24-h blood pressure. However, the placebo tablet resulted in a significant improvement in a wide range of functional variables compared with baseline. This placebo effect may account for some of the treatment responses to CPAP observed previously in patients with mild OSA.     

Effects of augmented continuous positive airway pressure education and support on compliance and outcome in a Chinese population

OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of augmentation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) education and support on compliance and outcome in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). DESIGN: A randomized, controlled, parallel study of basic vs augmented CPAP education and support. SETTING: A university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 108 OSA patients randomized into basic-support (BS) and augmented-support (AS) groups. INTERVENTIONS: Patients in the BS group (n = 54) were given educational brochures on OSA and CPAP, CPAP education by nurses, CPAP acclimatization, and were reviewed by physicians and nurses at weeks 4 and 12. Patients in the AS group (n = 54) received more education, including a videotape, telephone support by nurses, and early review at weeks 1 and 2. MEASUREMENTS: Objective CPAP compliance, Calgary sleep apnea quality of life index (SAQLI), and cognitive function after 1 month and 3 months; and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) after 3 months of CPAP treatment. RESULTS: At 4 weeks, CPAP usage was 5.3 +/- 0.2 h/night (mean +/- SEM) vs 5.5 +/- 0.2 h/night in the BS and AS groups, respectively (p = 0.4). At 12 weeks, CPAP usage was 5.3 +/- 0.3 h/night vs 5.3 +/- 0.2 h/night in the two groups, respectively (p = 0.98). There was greater improvement of SAQLI at 4 weeks (p = 0.008) and at 12 weeks (p = 0.047) in the AS group. There was no significant difference between BS and AS groups in terms of improvement of ESS and cognitive function. CONCLUSION: Augmentation of CPAP education and support does not increase CPAP compliance, but leads to a greater improvement of quality of life during the reinforced period.     

Randomized placebo-controlled trial of continuous positive airway pressure on blood pressure in the sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

Arterial blood pressure rises at apnea termination, and there is increasing evidence that the sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is associated with daytime hypertension but no randomized controlled trial evidence of whether SAHS treatment reduces blood pressure exists. We, therefore, conducted a randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study of the effects of 4 wk of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or oral placebo on 24-h blood pressure in 68 patients (55 males, 13 females; median apnea-hypopnea index [AHI], 35) not receiving hypotensive medication. Ambulatory blood pressure was recorded for the last 48 h of each treatment. Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ) were also recorded. All patients were normotensive. There was a small decrease in 24-h diastolic blood pressure (placebo, 79.2 [SE 0.9] mm Hg; CPAP, 77.8 [SE 1.0] mm Hg; p = 0.04) with the greatest fall occurring between 2:00 A.M. and 9:59 A.M. The observed decrease in 24-h diastolic blood pressure was greater in two a priori groups, CPAP use > or = 3.5 h per night (81.5 [SE 1.2] mm Hg; 79.6 [SE 1.2] mm Hg; p = 0.03) and those with more than twenty 4% desaturations per hour (82.4 [SE 2.1] mm Hg; 77.4 [SE 2.1] mm Hg; p = 0.002). Systolic pressure also fell in the latter group (133.1 [SE 2.8] mm Hg; 129.1 [SE 2.1] mm Hg; p = 0.009). Desaturation frequency was the best predictor of diastolic blood pressure fall with CPAP (r = 0.38; p = 0.002). Both ESS and FOSQ domains improved. Thus, CPAP can reduce blood pressure in patients with SAHS, particularly in those with nocturnal oxygen desaturation, but the decrease is small.     

Nasal CPAP improves the quality of life and lessens the depressive symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in response to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) concerning excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), depressive state, and quality of life (QOL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We assessed for EDS using the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), for mood using The Zung self-depression scale (SDS), and for QOL using Short-Form 36 (SF-36) in 132 patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and control subjects. Patients had severe OSAS (apnea-hypopnea index, 59.4+/-23.8/h) and were more hypersomnolent and depressed, and had poorer QOL than 38 age- and gender-matched controls. RESULTS: Before treatment most QOL domains in the SF-36 were significantly associated with patients' SDS scores. With nasal CPAP, ESS and SDS scores were respectively decreased from 9.7+/-4.5 to 4.0+/-2.4 (p<0.0001) and from 49.2+/-10.4 to 45.1+/-9.6 (p<0.0005). Total SF-36 score and scores for seven of eight domains were increased significantly with treatment. Thus, nasal CPAP lessens EDS and depression, and improves QOL, in patients with severe OSAS. Further, magnitudes of changes in total SF-36 scores and in five of eight domains correlated significantly with magnitude of change in SDS score upon nasal CPAP treatment. No relationship was evident between treatment-associated score changes in SF-36 domains and ESS score change. CONCLUSION: Although patients with severe OSAS have poorer QOL than control subjects, nasal CPAP appears to improve QOL by alleviating depression.