Adherence to CPAP Treatment and the Risk of Recurrent Cardiovascular Events: A Meta-Analysis

Baseline lipid profile is associated with adverse outcomes in adults with coronary artery disease and obstructive sleep apnea despite lipid-lowering drugs and CPAP treatment: A secondary analysis of the RICCADSA cohort

BACKGROUND

Reducing lipid levels is essential for preventing major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in management of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The first line treatment of OSA is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), however, its impact on the association between lipid profile and MACCEs is uncertain.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of the RICCADSA cohort. In all, 224 revascularized CAD patients with OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] ≥15 events) were allocated to CPAP, 103 to no-CPAP, and 86 patients had no OSA (AHI<5/h). All patients were on lipid-lowering medication. Circulating triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (all in mg/dL) were measured at baseline and after one year. The undesired TG levels were defined as circulating TG ≥ 150 mg/dL, and undesired LDL levels were defined as ≥70 mg/dL.

RESULTS

OSA patients had higher TG and lower HDL levels than no-OSA patients whereas LDL levels were similar at baseline. There were no significant within-group differences in the CPAP group, no-CPAP group and no-OSA group regarding the lipid levels after one year. Undesired LDL levels at baseline predicted MACCEs med Hazard Ratio 2.18 (%95 CI 1.03-4.60; p = 0.04.) CONCLUSIONS: Most of the RICCADSA cohort had undesired LDL levels at baseline despite statin treatment, and CPAP had no additional lipid lowering effect after one year, suggesting that a more aggressive lipid lowering therapy as well as a more effective OSA treatment in addition to lifestyle changes should be targeted in the management of CAD patients with concomitant OSA.

DHECA score: A decision-making score to identify the need for CPAP treatment beyond the apnea-hypopnea index

PURPOSE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent condition. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the preferred treatment for a significant number of patients, but there is no established consensus among various guidelines or recommendations regarding its indication. This study reports on the level of agreement among an international Spanish-speaking group of OSA experts to create a consensus score that will facilitate the simple identification of CPAP indications for patients with OSA.

METHODS

Thirty-three sleep medicine specialists from various countries analyzed the criteria for CPAP indication in patients with OSA. The discussion was conducted virtually and asynchronously using the Delphi method. Four rounds of questions were carried out to score different aspects relating the severity of OSA to associated disorders that showed correction or improvement with CPAP use. The rounds of consultation concluded when consensus was reached on the score required for CPAP indication. Subsequently, an analysis was performed comparing the application of the score to usual clinical practice in two reference university hospitals.

RESULTS

This consensus study has led to the development of a simple and practical score for determining CPAP indication in patients with OSA. The score was tested and compared against real-world clinical practice in two reference university hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that the developed score facilitates the easy identification of patients who should receive CPAP and standardizes criteria for comparing therapeutic outcomes across different patient series with this condition.

Precision Medicine to Guide Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Beyond the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a widespread condition associated with an elevated risk of adverse outcomes. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard treatment, particularly for moderate to severe OSA. However, in many instances, CPAP compliance falls short of expectations, necessitating physicians to consider additional interventions to alleviate patient symptoms. A comprehensive understanding of OSA endotypes and phenotypes can potentially enhance the confidence in selecting the appropriate combination or intervention to improve patient care. In this review, we will discuss various interventions and medications available to enhance the treatment of patients with OSA, following a precision medicine approach.

Sleep and Cardiovascular Health

Sleep is recognized as a foundational pillar of health, essential for maintaining nearly all vital processes, and a crucial component of cardiovascular function. In recent years, there has been a paradigm shift to conceptualize sleep health as a combination of multiple domains, including duration, timing, quality, variability/regularity, habits/behaviors, and disordered sleep. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current evidence linking the multifaceted elements that contribute to healthy sleep with cardiovascular and blood pressure-related outcomes. The reviewed literature indicates a strong relationship between sleep and cardiovascular health. However, the specific pathophysiological mechanisms that bridge the various dimensions of sleep with cardiovascular outcomes remain elusive. Given the global burden of cardiovascular disease, understanding the interplay between sleep and cardiovascular health has important implications for both individual and population health. Sustained efforts to move beyond a focus on discrete domains of sleep are essential to fully understand this complex and potentially bidirectional relationship. Promoting healthy sleep patterns and optimizing the management and treatment of sleep disorders are key steps toward developing more comprehensive strategies for reducing cardiovascular risk. Integrating sleep health into routine clinical care is identified as a critical opportunity to enhance cardiovascular disease prevention and management, particularly among vulnerable and high-risk populations.

Impact of Long-Term CPAP Adherence on Recurrence After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Patients With Severe Sleep Apnea

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea represents an arrhythmia recurrence risk following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy may reduce recurrence, but individual adherence to CPAP varies, potentially leading to inconsistent results across studies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed the impact of CPAP adherence on AF recurrence after catheter ablation in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index ≥30). Of 1864 consecutive patients undergoing an index catheter ablation of AF, those with severe obstructive sleep apnea were enrolled in this study. Recurrence rates were compared between patients with and without long-term CPAP adherence (>1-year use). CPAP use was monitored via telemonitoring and outpatient follow-ups. Among 466 patients, 157 (33.7%) adhered to CPAP long-term, reducing apnea-hypopnea index from 37.7±15.3 to 3.9±3.1 (P <0.0001). While AF recurrence rates within the first year post-catheter ablation were similar between the groups, very late recurrence (beyond 1 year) was significantly lower in patients with long-term CPAP treatment than in those without (7.6% versus 21.6%, log-rank P=0.0002). Even after adjusting for potential confounders, long-term CPAP treatment was associated with a lower risk of very late recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.14-0.57]).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea at baseline, AF recurrence rates within 1-year postablation were similar regardless of CPAP adherence. However, long-term CPAP therapy was associated with a reduced AF recurrence rate in the subsequent period.

Could an external Medical Center with telemonitoring help in home positive airway pressure treatment? A pilot study

PURPOSE

Telemedicine is useful for home management of sleep disordered breathing (SDB). However, the number of patients with SDB is high and public resources are low. The aim of this pilot study, conducted by the Universities of Pisa and Palermo, was to assess whether an external Medical Center, based on telemonitoring, could help in the management of patients on home positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment.

METHODS

The management model included the following professional figures: the sleep physician, the local home care provider performing diagnostic studies and home PAP titration, and the external Medical Center monitoring PAP therapy alerts. A dedicated App allowed patients to answer questionnaires, receive alerts and contact the external Medical Center. Data on mask leakage, hours of use and efficacy were available on a web platform. Patients were evaluated with videocalls at 1, 2 and 4 months and as needed.

RESULTS

We enrolled 30 subjects, 27 patients received Continuous PAP and 3 patients received Bilevel devices. Five patients withdrew during titration and 1 during follow-up. The number of interventions for technical problems requested by patients to the external Medical Center was highly variable. During the titration phase the interventions required were 2.1 ± 2.0 (range 0-11), while during the 4-month follow-up they were 6.0 ± 4.5 (range 0-18). At the end of follow-up, 93% of patients were satisfied by the telemedicine protocol.

CONCLUSION

A model of telemedicine using an external Medical Center can help in the home management of patients with SDB during both home titration and long-term treatment. FISR2020IP_02014 Project (MUR). May 2021.

Clinical utility of limited channel sleep studies versus polysomnography for obstructive sleep apnoea

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common cause of sleep disturbance, characterised by the presence of repetitive upper airway obstruction during sleep. OSA is associated with sleepiness during the day, reduced quality of life and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. OSA can be diagnosed using several different strategies. The current reference test is fully supervised polysomnography, which is expensive and time-consuming. Other diagnostic tests, referred to as limited channel sleep studies because they include fewer parameters than polysomnography, are less resource-intensive but may also have different diagnostic performances, resulting in a difference in clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical impact (outcome on a participant level) of a strategy where treatment follows diagnostic testing (test-treatment combination) using limited channel sleep studies compared to polysomnography in people with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched two databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE) up to 11 May 2023 using search terms related to OSA and polysomnography developed by our information specialist.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials that compared any limited channel sleep studies with Level I fully supervised polysomnography in adults (aged 18 years and older) with suspected OSA. Our primary outcome was sleepiness, and our secondary outcomes were quality of life, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events and correlating risk factors, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) usage, serious adverse events, and cost-effectiveness.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Four review authors extracted data from the included trials and assessed the risk of bias. We summarised treatment effects using random-effects meta-analyses and expressed as mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) where possible. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included three trials with 1143 participants. One trial compared Level III sleep studies to a Level I fully supervised polysomnography, one trial compared Level IV sleep studies to Level I sleep studies, and one trial compared Level IV sleep studies versus Level III sleep studies versus Level I sleep studies. The follow-up of these trials ranged from four to six months. Level III sleep studies versus Level I sleep studies There is high-certainty evidence that Level III sleep studies result in little to no difference in sleepiness (MD 0.47, 95% CI -0.23 to 1.18; P = 0.19, I2 = 0%; 2 trials, 701 participants) or quality of life (SMD 0.01, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.16; P = 0.93, I2 = 0%; 2 trials, 701 participants) compared to Level I sleep studies. Level III sleep studies are also probably slightly more cost-effective (moderate-certainty evidence). There is low-certainty evidence that they may result in little to no difference in cardiovascular events and correlating risk factors, CPAP adherence (MD -0.18 hours per day, 95% CI -0.56 to 0.20; P = 0.36, I2 = 0%; 2 trials, 360 participants) or serious adverse events. Level IV sleep studies versus Level I sleep studies There is low-certainty evidence that Level IV sleep studies may not increase sleepiness compared to Level I sleep studies (MD 0.66, 95% CI -0.41 to 1.72; P = 0.23, I2 = 39%; 2 trials, 573 participants). Additionally, there is low-certainty evidence that they may result in little to no difference in cardiovascular events and correlating risk factors. For quality of life, CPAP adherence, serious adverse events and cost-effectiveness, the evidence is very uncertain. None of the included trials reported on all-cause mortality.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Level III sleep studies may result in little to no difference in clinical outcomes when compared to Level 1 sleep studies in people with suspected OSA. Level IV sleep studies may not increase sleepiness and may result in little to no difference in cardiovascular events and correlating risk factors compared to Level I sleep studies; the evidence was too uncertain to make statements for other outcomes. Overall, the body of evidence was limited, therefore more trials making this comparison are necessary, as are trials with a longer follow-up duration.

Positive airway pressure therapy and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in people with obstructive sleep apnoea: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and confounder-adjusted, non-randomised controlled studies

BACKGROUND

Data regarding the effect of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) on all-cause mortality are inconsistent. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to test the hypothesis that PAP therapy is associated with reduced all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in people with OSA.

METHODS

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, from database inception to Aug 22, 2023 (updated Sept 9, 2024), with no language or geographical restrictions. Reference lists of eligible studies and recent conference abstracts (2022-23) were also reviewed. We included outpatient studies (randomised controlled trials [RCTs] or confounder-adjusted, non-randomised controlled studies [NRCSs]) assessing the incidence of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, or both in adults (aged ≥18 years) with OSA who were treated versus not treated with PAP; other study types and studies that evaluated only PAP adherence were excluded. Abstracts of all retrieved publications were independently screened by two of three researchers (BS, SRB, and KCW), with disagreements resolved by adjudication from another researcher (SHM). The AutoLit feature of the Nested Knowledge platform was used for the review and data-extraction phases. We analysed each log-transformed hazard ratio (HR) and SE using a linear random-effects model to estimate overall HRs and 95% CIs. To evaluate the risk of bias, we used the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for RCTs and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for NRCSs. This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023456627.

FINDINGS

Of 5484 records identified by our search, 435 were assessed for eligibility and 30 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis (ten RCTs and 20 NRCSs). These studies included 1 175 615 participants, of whom 905 224 (77%) were male and 270 391 (23%) were female (SE 1·9), with a mean age of 59·5 (SE 1·4) years and a mean follow-up of 5·1 (0·5) years. The risk of bias was low to moderate. The risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0·63, 95% CI 0·56-0·72; p<0·0001) and cardiovascular mortality (0·45, 0·29-0·72; p<0·0001) was significantly lower in the PAP group than in the no-PAP group, and the clinically relevant benefit of PAP therapy increased with use.

INTERPRETATION

Our results are consistent with a potentially beneficial effect of PAP therapy on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with OSA. Patients should be made aware of this effect of their treatment, which could result in greater acceptance of treatment initiation and greater adherence, leading to a higher likelihood of improved outcomes.

FUNDING

ResMed.

Age-related differences in symptomatic CPAP efficacy in OSA patients

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Limited data suggest a stronger association between AHI and sleepiness and a larger impact of CPAP on symptoms in younger patients. We aimed to evaluate the impact of 6 months treatment with CPAP on sleepiness and quality of life according to age in a large prospective clinical cohort of patients adherent to treatment.

METHODS

Within the multicentre IRSR Pays de la Loire Sleep Cohort, we identified PAP adherent OSA patients (mean use >4h/days at 6 months follow-up). Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to assess predictors of a change in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, SF-S6 and Pichot score (difference between score at 6-month follow-up and at inclusion).

RESULTS

In response to CPAP treatment, the ESS score significantly decreased compared to baseline by 3.9 (95% CI, 3.7,4.1) in the 3298 included patients. In the univariate analysis, the baseline values of age, BMI, AHI and ESS were associated with changes in ESS score. In the multivariate analysis, the association between age and changes in ESS score remained significant after adjustments on BMI, sex, comorbidities, CPAP adherence and AHI (Coef. [95% CI] 0.062 [0.048, 0.076], p<0.001) but not after further adjustment on baseline ESS. The impact of CPAP on fatigue and depression symptoms was stronger in younger patients and persisted after further adjustments.

CONCLUSIONS

In real-world settings, younger patients experienced a more pronounced impact of CPAP treatment on sleepiness and quality of life compared to older patients partly attributable to a lower baseline level of sleepiness in older age groups.

Effects of CPAP on Blood Pressure Parameter Across Different Severities of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Meta-Analysis

In an unselected obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) population, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) slightly lowers blood pressure (BP). The aim was to investigate the differential effects of CPAP on BP in different OSA severities. Medline was searched through December 2023 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of CPAP compared to an inactive control on office, 24 h, diurnal and nocturnal systolic and diastolic BP in OSA. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed at the study level for the different BP measures; meta-regression and subgroup analyses were used to examine the effects of OSA characteristics and CPAP use. Seventy-five RCTs (10,025 patients) were included. CPAP lowered office, 24 h, diurnal and nocturnal systolic BP (SBP) by -2.5 (95% CI -3.8 to -1.2; nRCTs = 40), -2.6 (95% CI -3.6 to -1.6; n = 29), -2.2 (95% CI -3.2 to -1.3; n = 32) and - 3.5 (95% CI -4.4 to -2.5; n = 32) mmHg, respectively. In the meta-regressions, higher 24 h and diurnal SBP and longer nocturnal CPAP use were significantly associated with greater BP reduction (all p < 0.05). In subgroup analyses, the reduction in 24 h, diurnal, and nocturnal SBP was greater in studies with an apnoea-hypopnoea index ≥ 30/h compared to mild OSA. CPAP use ≥ 5 h/night had a greater impact on lowering 24 h and nocturnal SBP (-4.2 vs. -2.1, p = 0.05, and -4.2 vs. -1.6 mmHg, p = 0.01). CPAP has the strongest BP-lowering effect on nocturnal blood pressure, which is, particularly, relevant prognostically and the effect is stronger at higher baseline BP and with CPAP use of ≥ 5 h. Study Registration: The systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered on PROSPERO: CRD42023477227.

Effect of CPAP therapy on vitamin D status in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap syndrome

PURPOSE

Vitamin D (Vit D) deficiency has been associated with both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as with their combination, known as overlap syndrome (OS). There is evidence that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may lead to an increase of Vit D levels in OSA patients. However, the effect of CPAP treatment on Vit D levels in OS patients has yet to be determined. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of one year of CPAP therapy on Vit D levels in patients with OS.

METHODS

Vit D serum levels were measured in consecutive OS patients at baseline and after one year of CPAP therapy. Compliance with CPAP therapy was assessed by the data retrieved from the CPAP device.

RESULTS

Vit D serum levels were measured in 46 OS patients (43 males). Among participants, 27 had good and 19 poor compliance with CPAP therapy. Results showed that serum Vit D levels increased after 12 months of CPAP therapy from 21.3 ± 8.4 to 23.8 ± 8.7 ng/ml (p = 0.001). Moreover, patients with good CPAP compliance demonstrated higher serum 25(OH)D levels compared to those with poor compliance (25.8 ± 7.6 versus 20.4 ± 9.6 ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, 12 months of CPAP therapy improved Vit D serum levels in OS patients, more so in compliant patients.

Six early CPAP-usage behavioural patterns determine peak CPAP adherence and permit tailored intervention, in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea

BACKGROUND

High rates of non-adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in obstructive sleep apnoea hamper good clinical outcomes. Current recommendations assumes two behaviours (adherence and non-adherence) and days 7-90 follow-up post-CPAP initiation mitigates against non-adherence.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate associations between early CPAP-usage behaviours and (1) CPAP adherence at month 3 of treatment and (2) sleep centres' treatment pathways (the procedures patients undergo that may affect barriers or facilitators of CPAP adherence).

METHODS

We conducted growth mixture modelling (GMM) on retrospective data from 1000 patients at 5 UK sleep centres. Night 1 to month 3 telemonitored CPAP-usage data were downloaded from 200 patients per centre who started CPAP in 2019 (100) or 2020 (100). Adherence was defined using accepted criteria (mean CPAP-usage ≥4 hours/night for ≥70% of nights).

RESULTS

GMM identified six distinct CPAP-usage behaviour patterns over month 1. In four (54% of patients), CPAP-usage increased or decreased, in two (remaining 46%), CPAP-usage/non-usage was consistent. 62% of the cohort were non-adherent by month 3, despite pathways following current recommendations. 98% of patients who were non-adherent by month 3 were already non-adherent by month 1. Regression analysis with a separate dataset demonstrated that early CPAP-usage behaviour explained 86% of the variance in CPAP non-adherence at month 3.

CONCLUSIONS

These data, supported by previous work, indicate that recommended day 30-90 follow-up is too late to prevent CPAP non-adherence. Determining CPAP-usage behavioural pattern in week 2 identifies risk of CPAP non-adherence at month 3 and permits the possibility of tailored interventions.

Prediction of non-responders to oral appliance treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study

PURPOSE

Several clinically available variables have been identified as predictors of non-response to oral appliance (OA) treatment, including endotypical traits such as severe upper airway collapsibility, unstable ventilatory control, and low arousal threshold. This study aimed to identify potential predictors of non-response to OA treatment in patients with OSA non-adherent to treatment with positive airway pressure.

METHODS

Patients in this study were initially treated with OAs with and without elastic bands in a crossover design. Subsequently, each patient selected their preferred treatment modality for continued therapy based on subjective preferences. The chosen OA treatment. The chosen OA treatment modality was titrated optimally based on reduction of REI. Patients not reaching > 50% reduction of REI from baseline were classified as non-responders. Statistical analyses were conducted using Student's t-test and Pearson's chi-squared test to assess differences in baseline variables between responders and non-responders, and logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate variables associated with not responding to OA treatment.

RESULTS

Overall, 63.2% (n = 36) of the patients were responders to OA treatment following titration. Smaller distance from habitual bite position to maximal retruded position (Odds ratio: 0.28, p = 0.016), positional OSA (Odds ratio: 0.94, p = 0.024) and a higher number of the endotypical OSA traits severe collapsibility, high loop gain and low arousal threshold (Odds ratio: 7.41, p = 0.038), were found to predict non-response to OA treatment.

CONCLUSION

These novel findings suggest that severe upper airway collapsibility, high loop gain and low arousal threshold, identified through clinically available variables, appear to be important predictors of non-response to OA treatment, along with short distance from habitual bite position to maximal retruded position and positional OSA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05987618 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by disordered breathing during sleep and is associated with major cardiovascular complications. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) as an important treatment for obesity and diabetes mellitus show promising therapeutic prospects in OSA. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of GLP-1RA intervention in OSA individuals.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed and Web of Science databases (published until July 1, 2024). The included studies evaluated the GLP-1RA in OSA individuals and the efficacy outcomes measured by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).

RESULTS

Six studies with a total of 1067 participants enrolled. GLP-1RA significantly decreased AHI with an estimated treatment difference of -9.48 events per hour (95% confidence interval [CI] =  -12.56 to - 6.40, I2 = 92%). The change in weight was -10.99 kg and body mass index (BMI) was -1.60 kg/m2. The mean difference in systolic blood pressure was -4.81 mmHg and in diastolic blood pressure was -0.32 mmHg. Tirzepatide significantly reduced AHI more than liraglutide with an estimated treatment difference of -21.86 events per hour (95% CI = -25.93 to -17.79) vs -5.10 events per hour (95% CI = -6.95 to -3.26). Obese individuals experienced a more significant decrease in AHI with an estimated treatment difference of -12.93 events per hour vs -4.31 events per hour. The application of continuous positive airway pressure and the duration of follow-up did not affect the therapeutic effect.

CONCLUSIONS

GLP-1RA could significantly reduce the severity of OSA, and also lead to weight loss and lower blood pressure. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to explore different GLP-1RA treatments and durations in OSA and identify participant subgroups that may benefit the most.

CLINICAL TRIAL

NA.

Home Respiratory Therapies in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Value-based Care Model in Spain

This document proposes a value-based care model to improve adherence and health outcomes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treated with CPAP. The current care model for OSA management adopts a uniform, volume-based approach for all patients, limiting personalized care and reducing service quality without providing objective outcome data. The value-based care model proposed here focuses on guiding all interventions towards improving treatment adherence, aiming to enhance health outcomes by increasing patients' quality of life and comfort with treatment. Key strategies to be implemented include education and support programs at the beginning of treatment, enhancing comfort in mask use, telemonitoring of adherence, patient involvement in the treatment progress, patient stratification based on adherence, and identifying individuals who may benefit from alternative treatments. A results-based funding model is also recommended to optimize resource allocation. Expected outcomes from these measures include a reduction in home visits and in-person consultations for stable patients, fewer non-adherent patients, more optimally treated patients, and overall improvements in treatment quality and effectiveness. Key indicators to evaluate the success of this approach include quality of life (measured through quality-of-life questionnaires), adherence levels (via telemonitoring), and CPAP comfort. Collectively, these strategies allow for a comprehensive approach, optimizing resources and ensuring personalized care that improves the experience and outcomes of OSA patients.

Survival benefit of CPAP therapy among dialysis patients with obstructive sleep apnea

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS

We observed lower risk of all-cause mortally among continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) users compared to those non-users using a large polysomnography (PSG) registry. However, the effect of CPAP on mortality risk has not been examined in dialysis patents.

METHODS

We studied 9841 patients with PSG performed from September 1990 to 2010 in Nakamura clinic, Okinawa. Among them, we found 195 dialysis patients: 16 (1.0%) dialysis patients with apnea hypopnea index (AHI) < 5/hour in 1665 subjects and 179 (2.2%) in 8176 obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. CPAP users were defined as patients who had been on CPAP for more than one month. Patients qualified and eligible for CPAP but refused were assigned as CPAP non-users. The median observation was 6.6 years. Mortality rates were compared between CPAP users and non-users using multivariate logistic analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), AHI and medical history.

RESULTS

Among OSA dialysis patients (men 127, women 37), 116 (2.6%) were CPAP users and 48 (2.3%) were CPAP non-users. The number of deaths was 52 (29 CPAP users and 23 (CPAP non-users) during follow-up. The death rate was 25.0% for CPAP users and 47.9% for non-users. CPAP users showed better survival; hazard ratio (HR) 0.47 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.27-0.81 (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Dialysis patients with OSA showed better survival rates with the use of CPAP. Screening for OSA is recommended if patients complain of sleep problems, such as insomnia, daytime sleepiness, headache, and fatigue.

Comparative efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for adults with sleep apnea: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sleep apnea is associated with cardiovascular risk, work productivity, occupational/traffic accidents, and quality-of-life (QoL); however uncertainty exists regarding optimal treatment. We performed a systematic review on the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for adults with sleep apnea.

METHOD

We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, Virtual-Health-Library and Web-of-Science through June 2023 for parallel/cross-over randomized trials on adults with sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea-index>5 events/hour). Study selection, data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment were performed in duplicate, followed by frequentist network meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 197 unique trials were included (15,931 patients; mean age 51.4 years; 78.9 % male) assessing 25 treatments. Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) (alone or combined with health behaviour modification) consistently improved more apnea-hypopnea-index or daytime sleepiness and physical/mental QoL in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients compared to all other interventions but was not always well-tolerated. Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) yielded the greatest improvement in depression, while also improving objective/subjective apnea-outcomes, and physical/mental QoL-albeit less than PAP and less for moderate/severe cases. Acupuncture, health behaviour modifications, surgical maxillomandibular advancement, minor oral surgery, oropharyngeal training, oxygen supplementation, or electrical neurostimulation might improve apnea-related outcomes, but weak evidence exists. Finally, electrical neurostimulation performed best for central sleep apnea and PAP performed best for positional OSA. Confidence in the network meta-analysis estimates was low due to non-adherence issues that was rarely directly assessed in included trials with objective measures.

CONCLUSION

PAP (alone or with co-interventions) performed best for the treatment of adult OSA patients regardless of disease severity. For patients not tolerating PAP, MADs might be a good alternative, but confer smaller improvements overall. However, adherence issues and the heterogenous response increase the complexity of OSA treatment.

Continuous positive airway pressure and mandibular advancement splints: the CHOICE multicentre, open-label randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) continues to be low with high termination rates. Alternative therapies to CPAP are needed. Our objective was to compare objective adherence to CPAP and mandibular advancement splints (MAS) and to evaluate their effectiveness, and additionally to identify treatment usage patterns and the clinical effectiveness of having both therapies.

METHODS

This multicentre, double-randomised, three-phase trial (titration/crossover/observation) was conducted at three Canadian universities. Eligible participants were treatment-naïve with mild-to-severe OSA. The primary outcome was objectively measured adherence (hours per night) during the crossover phase. Secondary outcomes included efficacy during the crossover phase; adherence during the observational phase; and patient-centred outcomes, blood pressure and side-effects during the crossover and observational phases. Duration of the crossover and observational phase was 2.5 and 6 months, respectively.

RESULTS

81 participants were enrolled in the first randomisation. 79 entered the adaptation/titration phase (mean±sd age 52.3±10.8 years; 58 males), 73 entered the crossover phase (included in the intention-to-treat analysis) and 64 completed the observational phase. Mean objective adherence over 1 month: MAS showed higher adherence than CPAP, 6.0 versus 5.3 h·night-1 (difference 0.7 (95% CI 0.3-1.2) h·night-1; p<0.001). Mean CPAP-MAS difference in efficacy: 10.4 (95% CI 7.8-13.0) events·h-1; p<0.001. During the observational phase 55% (35 out of 64) of participants chose to alternate therapies. All treatments led to substantial improvement in patient-centred outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the higher efficacy of CPAP and higher adherence to MAS, both demonstrate comparable clinical effectiveness on patient-centred outcomes. Having both CPAP and MAS can improve long-term management of OSA.

Management options for excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

INTRODUCTION

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) associated with the risk of accidents at work or while driving. OSA treatment decreases EDS, but some patients remain sleepy despite optimal control of OSA. Patients who do not tolerate or refuse OSA treatment may be symptomatically treated for EDS. Solriamfetol and pitolisant are wake-promoting agents (WPA) recently approved for use in sleepy OSA patients accepting or refusing OSA treatment.

AREAS COVERED

This narrative review provides updated information on: how to assess EDS in OSA patients, epidemiology, and management of residual EDS in treated OSA patients and the results of recent studies using new WPAs in patients accepting or refusing CPAP treatment. Literature was accessed from PubMed between 1 December 2024 and 6 January 2025.

EXPERT OPINION

The new WPAs are useful drugs with a favorable safety profile to be included as a possible therapeutic option for sleepy OSA patients. However, it is still uncertain which subgroups of patients should be treated for the symptom of EDS while maintaining a low-risk profile in terms of the consequences of OSA on health. Until such data is available, use of WPA in OSA patients should be managed by Sleep Specialists.

Comparative Efficacy of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Antihypertensive Medications in Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Related Hypertension: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) presents a significant global health concern, affecting a substantial portion of the population, particularly among young and middle-aged adults.

AIM

This review aims to assess the efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compared to antihypertensive medications in managing OSA-related hypertension.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, yielding studies published from 2000 to March 2024 that investigated CPAP, antihypertensives, or their combination therapy in OSA patients. Six definitive studies were analyzed, including two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial, one placebo-controlled trial, one open-label multicenter trial, and one longitudinal cohort study. These studies comprised 939 participants, with intervention durations ranging from four weeks to six months.

RESULTS

Analysis of CPAP monotherapy revealed variable efficacy, with some studies demonstrating significant reductions in 24-hour mean blood pressure and diastolic pressure, while others reported non-significant changes. CPAP therapy combined with antihypertensives showed additive effects, particularly in reducing office blood pressure measurements. Antihypertensive medications, such as valsartan, exhibited superior efficacy in reducing blood pressure compared to CPAP alone. Factors influencing therapy effectiveness included CPAP compliance, patient characteristics, and coexisting comorbidities. Patients with good CPAP adherence experienced greater reductions in blood pressure. The duration of exposure to OSA and the type of hypertension also impacted the therapy response.

CONCLUSION

While CPAP and antihypertensive medications offer significant benefits in managing hypertension among OSA patients, challenges such as CPAP intolerance and medication side effects exist. Personalized treatment considering individual patient factors is crucial for optimal management.

Cardiovascular effects of obstructive sleep apnoea and effects of continuous positive airway pressure therapy: evidence from different study models

Background

Cardiovascular consequences of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) have been studied over decades using different study designs. However, clinical findings from different study models on cardiovascular outcomes are sometimes contradictory.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in PubMed for randomised controlled trials, meta-analyses, population-based epidemiological studies and OSA cohort studies up to September 2023 investigating the cardiovascular effects of OSA and CPAP in adults with OSA on the following cardiovascular end-points: blood pressure, arterial hypertension, endothelial function and MACE (myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischaemic attack or cardiovascular death). The level of evidence for these outcomes was discussed on the basis of different study models.

Results and conclusions

There is high-level evidence of a causal relationship between OSA and arterial hypertension and endothelial dysfunction, as well as on higher MACE incidence among subgroups of patients with untreated OSA. The cardiovascular effects of OSA depend on the severity of OSA, symptoms, phenotype and comorbidities. The blood pressure-lowering effect of CPAP is mainly observed in uncontrolled and treatment-resistant hypertension. The MACE risk reduction in OSA depends on good long-term CPAP adherence. Younger, sleepy patients with more severe OSA, higher hypoxaemic burden and without overt cardiovascular end-organ disease may particularly benefit from CPAP treatment in terms of cardiovascular risk reduction. Randomised controlled trials of CPAP or other effective OSA treatments in primary cardiovascular prevention and in patients at highest risk are lacking.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Endophenotypes

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder with major neurocognitive and cardiometabolic consequences. It is now recognized as a heterogeneous disease with multiple different underlying mechanisms (endotypes) as well as variable clinical expression of disease (phenotypes). The importance of this variability is emphasized since one variable in isolation typically explains only a fraction of the variance in OSA occurrence. This review provides an update of what is known regarding OSA heterogeneity. The importance of OSA endotypes is discussed in the context of how mechanism might affect disease management and/or design of subsequent randomized trials. Further research is recommended to provide further validation of OSA endophenotypes and how this information may influence clinical management in the future.

Multimodal Treatment of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition linked with multiple comorbidities. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, though the gold standard for OSA treatment, often do not address the entirety of the disorder. Various treatment strategies exist to address OSA beyond CPAP, each targeting different OSA aspects. These include managing comorbid sleep disorders, anatomic considerations, endotype-directed therapy, and lifestyle interventions. These comprehensive approaches aim to improve the benefits of treatment, and reduce the complications associated with OSA.

Novel assessment of CPAP adherence data reveals distinct diurnal patterns

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Obstructive sleep apnea is a prevalent condition effectively treated by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP adherence data, routinely gathered in clinical practice, include detailed information regarding both duration and timing of use. The purpose of the present study was to develop a systematic way to measure the diurnal pattern of CPAP adherence data and to see if distinct patterns exist in a clinical cohort.

METHODS

Machine learning techniques were employed to analyze CPAP adherence data. A cohort of 200 unselected patients was assessed and a cluster analysis was subsequently performed. Application of this methodology to 17 patients with different visually noted patterns was carried out to further assess performance.

RESULTS

Each 30-day period of CPAP use for each patient was characterized by 4 variables describing the time of day of initiation and discontinuation of CPAP use, as well as the consistency of use during those times. Further analysis identified 6 distinct clusters, reflecting different timing and adherence patterns. Specifically, clusters with relatively normal timing vs delayed timing were identified. Finally, application of this methodology showed generally good performance with limitations in the ability to characterize shift worker and non-24 rhythms.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a methodology for analysis of diurnal patterns from CPAP adherence data. Furthermore, distinct timing and adherence patterns are demonstrated. The potential impact of these patterns on the beneficial effects of CPAP requires elucidation.

CITATION

Scharf MT, Androulakis IP. Novel assessment of CPAP adherence data reveals distinct diurnal patterns. J Clin Sleep Med. 2025;21(3):493-502.

Management of CPAP Follow-up by Telemonitoring in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The PROTEUS Project

Purpose

CPAP is the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but as many as 50% of patients discontinue its use, within three years. The PROTEUS project aims to enhance CPAP adherence through telemonitoring.

Patients and Methods

OSA patients undergoing CPAP treatment since July 2018, had an in-person reassessment after three months, followed by quarterly telemonitoring by providers, who intervened in cases of poor adherence (less than 4 h·night-1 or less than 70% of days), excessive mask leakage, or elevated residual apnea-hypopnea index (rAHICPAP).

Results

A total of 486 (~87%) out of 558 patients analyzed remained adherent to CPAP after five years. The average rAHICPAP was 3.95 ± 5.25 events·h-1, the average CPAP usage was 6.35 ± 1.72 hours. Elevated mask leakage occurred in 25% of patients. No significant differences were found between sexes.

Conclusion

The PROTEUS project showed promising results in supporting long-term CPAP adherence. However, further research is needed to validate its long-term impact and wider applicability in OSA management.

2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2025 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2024 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. This year's edition includes a continued focus on health equity across several key domains and enhanced global data that reflect improved methods and incorporation of ≈3000 new data sources since last year's Statistical Update.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Association of vertigo with adult obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Several studies have demonstrated a relationship between vertigo and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. This review examined the association between vertigo and OSA and investigated the effects of OSA treatment on vestibular function.

METHODS

Searches were conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Two authors independently searched the databases up to November 2023. Meta-analysis of caloric test, cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP), and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP), between adults with and without OSA was done.

RESULTS

Overall, 28 studies were identified, and most of which focused on vestibular dysfunction in the OSA group. Compared with controls, adults with OSA had an increased risk of abnormal caloric test results (odds ratio [OR] = 4.8), absence of cVEMP (OR = 7.9), absence of oVEMP (OR = 6.2), decreased n1p2 amplitude (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.78), decreased p1n1 amplitude (SMD = -0.92), decreased p1n1 interval (SMD = -2.37) in cVEMP testing and prolonged n1 latency (SMD = 0.81) and decreased p1n1 amplitude (SMD = -0.51) in oVEMP testing. Three population-based studies implied a high risk of vertigo in adult OSA, although not statistically significant (OR = 2.53, 95 % confidence interval = 0.97 to 6.61). According to 3 studies, OSA is relatively prevalent among patients with vertigo. Another 3 studies regarding OSA treatment on vestibular functions revealed inconsistent findings.

CONCLUSION

Adults with OSA exhibit abnormalities in caloric, cVEMP, and oVEMP test results, indicating impairments in the semicircular canal, saccule, and utricle.

Bidirectional interplay of sleep apnea syndrome and cardio-vascular disorders in diabetes

Although often overlooked sleep apnea has emerged as a significant public health concern. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and diabetes commonly co-exist with a vicious cycle worsening the incidence and severity of both conditions. OSA has many implications including cardiometabolic disorders and impaired cardiovascular (CV) prognosis. OSA combined with diabetes generates a cumulative effect on CV outcomes. The association of OSA with several comorbidities including CV disease and heart failure is bi-directional meaning that some of them are likely to contribute to OSA. In patients with diabetes, OSA treatment should be integrated in a holistic strategy of prevention of CV and microvascular complications. This article provides some clues to advance the understanding of the interplay between OSA and CV disorders in diabetes and to consider the role of some CV risk markers like cardiac autonomic neuropathy and artery stiffness and of novel metrics for hypoxic-related events in CV risk stratification, and offers a discussion on the effects of medical approaches including weight loss strategies, GLP1-receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. It provides a guidance to improve screening and diagnosis of OSA, and adherence to OSA treatment in patients with diabetes.

Evaluating the Benefit of Home Support Provider Services for Positive Airway Pressure Therapy in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Protocol for an Ambispective International Real-World Study

BACKGROUND

Adherence and persistence to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy are key factors for positive health outcomes. Home support providers participate in the home implementation and follow-up of PAP therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In Europe, home support provider service levels are country (or area) specific, resulting in differences in content and frequency of patient interactions. However, no robust evaluation of the impact of these differences on clinical and patient outcomes has been performed.

OBJECTIVE

The AWAIR study aims to evaluate and compare the impact of different home support provider service levels on PAP adherence and persistence in 4 European countries.

METHODS

This real-world, ambispective, cohort study-conducted in France, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal-will recruit adults with OSA who started PAP therapy between 2019 and 2023 and were followed by an Air Liquide Healthcare home support provider. Given the large number of eligible participants (around 150,000), the study will use a decentralized and digital approach. A patient video will present the study objectives and the participation process. A secure electronic solution will be used to manage patient information and consent, as well as to administer a web-based questionnaire. Retrospective data, collected during routine patient follow-up by home support providers, include the level of service and device data, notably PAP use. Prospective data collected using an electronic patient-reported outcome tool include health status, OSA-related factors, patient-reported outcomes including quality of life and symptoms, OSA and PAP literacy, patient-reported experience, and satisfaction with PAP therapy and service. Hierarchical models, adjusted for preidentified confounding factors, will be used to assess the net effect of home support provider services on PAP adherence and persistence while minimizing real-world study biases and considering the influence of country-level contextual factors. We hypothesize that higher levels of home support provider services will be positively associated with adherence and persistence to PAP therapy.

RESULTS

As of December 2024, the study has received approval in France, Portugal, and 2 regions of Spain. The study began enrollment in France in October 2024. Results are expected in the second quarter of 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

The AWAIR study has a unique design, leveraging an unprecedented number of eligible participants, decentralized technologies, and a real-world comparative methodology across multiple countries. This approach will highlight intercountry differences in terms of patient characteristics, PAP adherence, and persistence, as well as patient-reported outcomes, patient-reported experiences, and satisfaction with the home service provider. By assessing the added value of home support provider services, the results will support best practices for patient management and for decision-making by payers and authorities.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/65840.

Bridging the Gaps in Atrial Fibrillation Management in the Emergency Department

Atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently presents in emergency departments (EDs), contributing significantly to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Despite established guidelines, ED management of AF often varies, revealing important gaps in care. This review addresses specific challenges in AF management for patients in the ED, including the nuances of rate versus rhythm control, the timing of anticoagulation initiation, and patient disposition. The updated 2024 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines advocate early rhythm control for select patients while recommending rate control for others; however, uncertainties persist, particularly regarding these strategies' long-term impact on outcomes. Stroke prevention through timely anticoagulation remains crucial, though the ideal timing, especially for new-onset AF, needs further research. Additionally, ED discharge protocols and follow-up care for AF patients are often inconsistent, leaving many without proper long-term management. Integration of emerging therapies, including direct oral anticoagulants and advanced antiarrhythmic drugs, shows potential but remains uneven across EDs. Innovative multidisciplinary models, such as "AF Heart Teams" and observation units, could enhance care but face practical challenges in implementation. This review underscores the need for targeted research to refine AF management, optimize discharge protocols, and incorporate novel therapies effectively. Standardizing ED care for AF could significantly reduce stroke risk, lower readmission rates, and improve overall patient outcomes.

Sleep as a window of cardiometabolic health: The potential of digital sleep and circadian biomarkers

Digital biomarkers are quantifiable and objective indicators of a person's physiological function, behavioral state or treatment response, that can be captured using connected sensor technologies such as wearable devices and mobile apps. We envision that continuous and 24-h monitoring of the underlying physiological and behavioral processes through digital biomarkers can enhance early diagnostics, disease management, and self-care of cardiometabolic diseases. Cardiometabolic diseases, which include a combination of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, represent an emerging global health threat. The prevention potential of cardiometabolic diseases is around 80%, indicating a promising role for interventions in the lifestyle and/or the environmental context. Disruption of sleep and circadian rhythms are increasingly recognized as risk factors for cardiometabolic disease. Digital biomarkers can be used to measure around the clock, that is, day and night, to quantify not only sleep patterns but also diurnal fluctuations of certain biomarkers and processes. In this way, digital biomarkers can support the delivery of optimal timed medical care. Night-time cardiometabolic patterns, such as blood pressure dipping, are predictive of cardiometabolic health outcomes. In addition, the sleep period provides an opportunity for digital cardiometabolic health monitoring with relatively low influence of artifacts, such as physical activity and eating. Digital biomarkers that utilize sleep as a window of health can be used during daily life to enable early diagnosis of cardiometabolic diseases, facilitate remote patient monitoring, and support self-management in people with cardiometabolic diseases. This review describes the influence of sleep and circadian rhythms on cardiometabolic disease and highlights the state-of-the-art sleep and circadian digital biomarkers which could be of benefit in the prevention of cardiometabolic disease.

Calling for Action: The Need of Large-Scale Cohorts to Uncover the Cardiovascular Risk in Non-Sleepy Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Since randomized clinical trials currently do not support continuous positive airway pressure treatment of asymptomatic obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) we proposed the Obesity, Symptoms, and CARdiovascular assessment (OSCAR) algorithm to aid clinicians in the management of asymptomatic low-risk moderate-severe OSA, focusing on weight loss, symptoms and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment. Exploiting the data of the Sleep Heart Health Study we selected subjects with a body mass index (BMI) < 30 Kg/m2, no history of CVD or sleepiness and compared 552 patients with moderate-severe OSA (OSCAR(-)) to 916 individuals without OSA (No-OSA). After adjusting for age, gender, and BMI, there was no significant difference in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) between OSCAR(-) and No-OSA (1.05; 95%CI 0.81-1.37). The study suggests that low-risk moderate-severe OSA patients may not have a greater risk of MACE compared to those without OSA and highlights the need for further research on this topic.

Clinical practice guideline for the management of hypertension in China

In China, hypertension is the most common chronic non-communicable disease and the most significant risk factor for cardiovascular mortality among urban and rural residents. To standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and to improve the prevention and control level of hypertension in China, Chinese Society of Cardiology, Chinese Medical Association; Hypertension Committee of Cross-Straits Medicine Exchange Association; Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee, Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine, jointly collaborated to formulate the Clinical Practice Guideline for Hypertension Management in China. The Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to rate the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations, and the reporting items for practice guidelines in healthcare (RIGHT) were followed to establish the guideline. Detailed evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of 44 clinical questions in the field of hypertension, including essential and secondary hypertension, have been provided to guide clinical practice.

REGISTRATION

International Practice Guidelines Registry Platform, http://www.guidelines-registry.cn/ , No. IPGRP-2021CN346.

Treating sleep disordered breathing for cardiovascular outcomes: observational and randomised trial evidence

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can be treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and central sleep apnoea (CSA), in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), by peak flow-triggered adaptive servo-ventilation. Presently, there is equipoise as to whether treating SDB prevents cardiovascular events. Some propose treatment for this indication, based on observational data, while others argue against because of the lack of randomised trial evidence. This review evaluates literature concerning the cardiovascular effects of treating SDB with PAP devices in individuals with and without CVDs. Nine observational studies report significantly lower cardiovascular event rates in those treated, than in those not treated, for SDB. Conversely, 12 randomised trials in which excessive daytime sleepiness was generally an exclusion criterion showed no reduction in cardiovascular event rates. The SERVE-HF trial showed an increase in mortality with use of minute ventilation-triggered adaptive servo-ventilation for CSA in patients with HFrEF. In the ADVENT-HF trial, treating HFrEF patients with coexisting OSA or CSA using peak flow-triggered adaptive servo-ventilation was safe and improved sleep structure and heart failure-related quality of life but did not reduce all-cause mortality or cardiovascular events. More evidence is required to determine whether treating CSA in patients with HFrEF prevents cardiovascular events and improves survival. Presently, the rationale for treating SDB with PAP remains improving sleep structure and quality of life, as well as relieving excessive daytime sleepiness, but not reducing cardiovascular events.

Phenotypic Characterisation of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Acute Coronary Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Recent neutral randomised clinical trials have created clinical equipoise for treating obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) for managing cardiovascular risk. The importance of defining the links between OSA and cardiovascular disease is needed with the aim of advancing the robustness of future clinical trials. We aimed to define the clinical correlates and characterise surrogate cardiovascular markers in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and OSA.

METHOD

Overall, 66 patients diagnosed with ACS were studied. Patients underwent an unattended polysomnogram after hospital discharge (median [interquartile range] 62 [37-132] days). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Berlin, and STOP-BANG questionnaires were administered. Surrogate measures of vascular structure and function, and cardiovascular autonomic function were conducted. Pulse wave amplitude drop was derived from the pulse oximetry signals of the overnight polysomnogram.

RESULTS

OSA (apnoea-hypopnea index [AHI] ≥5) was diagnosed in 94% of patients. Moderate-to-severe OSA (AHI≥15) was observed in 68% of patients. Daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale ≥10) was reported in 17% of patients. OSA screening questionnaires were inadequate to identify moderate-to-severe OSA, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of approximately 0.64. Arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, 6.1 [5.2-6.8] vs 7.4 [6.6-8.6] m/s, p=0.002) and carotid intima-media thickness (0.8 [0.7-1.0] vs 0.9 [0.8-1.0] mm, p=0.027) was elevated in patients with moderate-to-severe OSA. After adjusting for age, sex and body mass index, these relationships were not statistically significant. No relationships were observed in other surrogate cardiovascular markers.

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of OSA in a mostly non-sleepy population with ACS was identified, highlighting a gross underdiagnosis of OSA among cardiovascular patients. The limitations of OSA screening questionnaires highlight the need for new models of OSA screening as part of cardiovascular risk management. A range of inconsistent abnormalities were observed in measures of vascular structure and function, and these appear to be largely explained by confounding factors. Further research is required to elucidate biomarkers for the presence and impact of OSA in ACS patients.

Factors predictive of extensive use of CPAP treatment in obstructive sleep apnoea

AIM

In patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the benefits of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy are increased for every additional hour of daily CPAP usage. However, the data of predictors of extensive usage is scarce, if any. Therefore, we evaluated potential predictors affecting extensive treatment usage.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we compiled an institutional cohort of consecutive patients diagnosed with who started CPAP therapy 1999-2022 and were included in a wireless telemonitoring system in May 2022 (N = 14,394). Patients using CPAP device ≥ 9 h/d were stratified into a younger (< 65 years; N = 124) and an older group (≥ 65 years; N = 131).

RESULTS

We found 255 patients (male 61%) eligible for our study, with a median age of 65 (interquartile range, IQR 55-73) years, and mean body mass index (BMI) of 36 ± 6.9 kg/m2. Median CPAP use was 10 h/d (IQR 10-11). BMI and depressive symptoms (DEPS) in the younger group were higher than in the older group (37.9 ± 7 vs. 34.6 ± 6.4 kg/m2, p < 0.001 and 11 (IQR 5-20) vs. 7 (IQR 5-14), p = 0.01, respectively). During follow-up, the BMI of the younger group increased (39.9 ± 12.5 kg/m2 vs. 37.9 ± 7 kg/m2, p = 0.009). DEPS values decreased in the younger group and became comparable between the groups. In multivariate models, the baseline BMI independently predicted extensive CPAP use among the younger age group, and the mask leak among the older group.

CONCLUSION

BMI at baseline in the younger and mask leak in the older group could be independent predictive factors for extensive use of CPAP.

Evaluation of arterial stiffness and quality of life in the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or Mandibular Advancement Appliance: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly associated with a significant reduction in the Quality of Life (QoL) and is associated with deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system. Arterial stiffness is characterized by morphofunctional changes in the arteries and its assessment can be obtained non-invasively mainly through the measurement of pulse wave velocity (PWV). Arterial stiffness has been proposed as a predictor of cardiovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To compare arterial stiffness as well as QoL in patients diagnosed with moderate to severe OSA treated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or Mandibular Advancement Appliance (MAA) therapies.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study involving 105 participants diagnosed with moderate to severe OSA categorized into three independent groups: A Non-treated Control Group and CPAP and MAA treated Groups. QoL was assessed by the Quebec Sleep Questionnaire (QSQ) and arterial stiffness was assessed noninvasively by Mobil-O-Graph.

RESULTS

The groups were homogeneous, except for the polysomnographic parameters Apnea and Hypopnea Index (AHI) (p = 0.036) and Minimum O2 saturation (p = 0.011) (evaluated to diagnose the OSA condition before treatment) and Body Mass Index (BMI) (p < 0.001). The MAA group presented higher scores in all QoL domains (p < 0.05), except Social Interactions in relation to the Control group. For the CPAP group, only Nocturnal Symptoms presented significantly higher scores compared to the control group (p = 0.39). For Arterial Stiffness, no statistical differences were observed among comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show better QoL scores in patients with OSA treated by CPAP and mainly by MAA. Differently, arterial stiffness parameters did not differ between the groups treated with CPAP and MAA and the control group.

Sleep Disturbances in Type 1 Diabetes and Mitigating Cardiovascular Risk

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in persons with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Despite control of known cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and better glycemic management, persons with T1D still face heightened CVD risk, suggesting additional contributing factors. Sleep has recently been recognized as a CV risk factor; however; the role of sleep in CVD specifically in T1D population has only started to emerge. Extensive evidence suggests that persons with T1D often encounter sleep disturbances. This review aims to comprehensively explore the relationship between sleep disturbances and CVD in T1D, proposed possible mediators including glycemic control, which has been studied more extensively, and less studied factors such as blood pressure, lipid metabolism, and weight management. Stress and self-care behaviors likely also play a role in the relationship between sleep disturbances and CVD. The evidence regarding sleep interventions in the context of T1D in mitigating these CV risk factors has recently been shown in early, small-scale studies. Sleep assessments should be a part of the standard of care in persons with T1D. Further research should focus on understanding the impact and mechanistic pathways of sleep disturbances on CV risk and developing T1D-specific sleep interventions to reduce CVD burden in this population.

The Great Controversy of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment for Cardiovascular Risk Benefit: Advancing the Science Through Expert Consensus. An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is on the rise, driven by various factors including more sensitive diagnostic criteria, increased awareness, enhanced technology through at-home testing enabling easy and cost-effective diagnosis, and a growing incidence of comorbid conditions such as obesity. Treating symptomatic patients with OSA syndrome to enhance quality of life remains a cornerstone approach. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding treatment to improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, particularly in light of overall negative results from several randomized controlled trials (RCT) indicating no benefit of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy on primary and secondary CVD events. These RCTs were limited by suboptimal PAP adherence, use of composite CVD outcomes, and limited diversity and generalizability to Sleep Clinic patients. As such, this workshop assembled clinical experts, as well as researchers in basic and translational science, epidemiology, clinical trials, and population health to discuss the current state, and future research directions to guide personalized therapeutic strategies and future research directions in OSA. There was overall consensus among workshop participants that OSA represents a heterogeneous disease with variable endotypes and phenotypes, and heterogeneous responses to treatment. Future research should prioritize employing multi-modal therapeutic approaches within innovative and adaptive trial designs, focusing on specific subgroups of OSA patients hypothesized to benefit from a CVD perspective. Future work should also be inclusive of diverse populations and consider the life-course of OSA to better comprehend treatment strategies that can address the disproportionate impact of OSA on racially minoritized groups. Further, a more holistic approach to sleep must be adopted to include broader assessments of symptoms, sleep duration, and comorbid sleep and circadian disorders. Finally, it is imperative to establish a sleep research consortium dedicated to collecting raw data and biospecimens categorized by OSA subtypes. This will facilitate mechanistic determinations, foster collaborative research, and help bolster the pipeline of early-career researchers.

Research progress on the clinical subtyping of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a common sleep-disordered breathing condition that exhibits a notable degree of heterogeneity, a feature not fully considered in current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This article reviews and analyzes research progress in the subtyping of OSAHS from multiple perspectives, including clinical feature-based subtyping, comorbidity-based subtyping, polysomnography (PSG) parameter-based subtyping, and other classification approaches. Existing studies have identified common subtypes based on clinical features and clarified the characteristics of different subgroups in comorbidity-based classifications; the rich data provided by PSG have helped optimize the classification of OSAHS; and multi-dimensional clustering has provided a more precise basis for individualized treatment. Although these studies have deepened the understanding of the heterogeneity of OSAHS, challenges such as significant differences among subtypes and insufficient evidence for alternative therapies remain. Future research should focus on identifying biomarkers and elucidating the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms to advance the development of precision treatments.

Association of positive airway pressure termination with mortality and non-fatal cardiovascular events in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The recurrence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) after positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy termination has physiological consequences that may increase cardiovascular (CV) risk. We aimed to determine whether PAP termination is associated with an increased incidence of major adverse CV events (MACE) compared with adherent PAP continuation.

METHODS

Data from the Pays de la Loire Sleep Cohort were linked to the French national health insurance database to identify incident MACE (composite outcome of mortality, stroke and cardiac diseases), and CV active drug (lipid-lowering, antihypertensive and antiplatelet drugs, beta-blockers) adherence (medication possession ratio ≥80%). The association of PAP termination with MACE was evaluated using a time-dependent survival Cox model, with adjustment for confounders including CV active drug status.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 8 years, 969 of 4188 included patients (median age 58 years, 69.6% men) experienced MACE, 1485 had terminated PAP while 2703 continued PAP with at least 4 hours/night use. 38% of patients were adherent to all CV drugs in the PAP continuation group versus 28% in the PAP termination group (p<0.0001). After adjustment for confounders, PAP termination was associated with an increased risk of MACE (HR (95% CI): 1.39 (1.20 to 1.62); p<0.0001). PAP termination was not associated with incident heart failure and coronary artery disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In this multicentre clinical-based cohort involving 4188 patients with OSA, PAP termination compared with adherent PAP continuation was associated with an increased risk of MACE. More research is needed to determine whether support programmes on PAP adherence could improve CV outcomes.

Psychological barriers to adherence to pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular risk conditions in healthcare workers

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally. This burden of disease is particularly high among healthcare workers (HCW). However, adherence to treatment of well-known cardiovascular risk conditions (CRC) still represents a challenge, even among healthcare workers (HCW). Since the identification of modifiable related factors is a prerequisite for developing effective public health interventions, the purpose of this study was to develop a predictive model for adherence to pharmacological treatment (APT) for CRC in HCW, using psychological variables related to CVD mortality, such as the type A behavior pattern, perceived stress, depression, anxiety and attitudes toward treatment adherence.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was completed by a non-probabilistic sample of 1,377 Mexican HCW from tertiary public hospitals, with a diagnosis of only one of the following CRC: ischemic heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or dyslipidemia. Sociodemographic questionnaires and self-reported measures were used to collect data: PSS-14 for perceived stress, Type A Behavior Pattern Withdrawal Scale, HADS for anxiety and depression symptoms, the Attitudes toward Medication Scale and the Therapeutics Adherence Scale for Patients with Chronic Diseases.

Results

Anxiety and depression symptoms were higher in the group with risk for non-adherence, while perceived stress and positive attitudes toward medication were higher in the group with likelihood of adherence (p ≤ 0.05). The Type A behavior pattern and sociodemographic variables did not differ between groups. In a regression model, positive attitudes toward medication and perceived stress doubled APT (OR = 2.04, CI95% = 1.39-2.97; OR = 2.02, CI95% = 1.71-2,39, respectively) whereas depression decreased its likelihood (OR = 0.61, CI95% = 0.58-0.73).

Discussion

In conclusion, psychoeducation for patients with CRC should include information on the advantages of medication for treating their condition, even if they are HCW. Promoting adaptative coping skills to handle daily stressful events, including their CRC, could reduce the level of stress that could increase their APT but also their cardiovascular risk. Moreover, our data provide evidence regarding the importance of identifying and treating depressive symptoms as part of the standard care of this population.

Effect of CPAP Treatment on Cardiovascular Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) have not demonstrated a role for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on the secondary prevention of major cardiovascular events in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. However, participants in RCTs are substantially different from real-world patients. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effect of CPAP treatment on major cardiovascular events in real-world OSA patients.

METHODS

Population-based longitudinal observational study including all OSA patients with an active CPAP prescription at the beginning of 2011 in Catalonia, Spain, that terminated CPAP treatment during 2011 and did not have CPAP prescriptions between 2012-2015; and propensity-score-matched OSA patients that continued CPAP treatment until the end of 2015 or death. Adjusted hazard ratios were used to assess the association between CPAP treatment and overall and cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular hospitalizations, or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs).

RESULTS

3638 CPAP terminators and 10,914 propensity-score-matched continuators were included (median age 67 [57-77] years, 71.4% male). During a median follow-up of 47.9 months CPAP continuators showed a lower risk of cardiovascular death than terminators (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50-0.75) after adjusting by age, sex and key comorbidities. Similar results were found for cardiovascular hospitalizations (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.76-0.99) and MACEs (HR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.75-0.95).

CONCLUSION

CPAP treatment continuation could be associated with a significantly lower risk of major cardiovascular events in real-world OSA patients. This result highlights the importance of including real-world patients in studies on OSA.

Sleep Apnea and Stroke: A Narrative Review

TOPIC IMPORTANCE

Stroke is the second-leading cause of death worldwide. OSA is an independent risk factor for stroke and is associated with multiple vascular risk factors. Poststroke OSA is prevalent and closely linked with various stroke subtypes, including cardioembolic stroke and cerebral small vessel disease. Observational studies have shown that untreated poststroke OSA is associated with an increased risk of recurrent stroke, mortality, poorer functional recovery, and longer hospitalizations.

REVIEW FINDINGS

Poststroke OSA tends to be underdiagnosed and undertreated, possibly because patients with stroke and OSA present atypically compared with the general population with OSA. Objective testing, such as the use of ambulatory sleep testing or in-laboratory polysomnography, is recommended for diagnosing OSA. The gold standard for treating OSA is CPAP therapy. Randomized controlled trials have shown that treatment of poststroke OSA using CPAP improves nonvascular outcomes such as cognition and neurologic recovery. However, findings from randomized controlled trials that have evaluated the effect of CPAP on recurrent stroke risk and mortality have been largely negative.

SUMMARY

There is a need for high-quality randomized controlled trials in poststroke OSA that may provide evidence to support the utility of CPAP (and/or other treatment modalities) in reducing recurrent vascular events and mortality. This goal may be achieved by examining treatment strategies that have yet to be trialed in poststroke OSA, tailoring interventions according to poststroke OSA endotypes and phenotypes, selecting high-risk populations, and using metrics that reflect the physiologic abnormalities that underlie the harmful effects of OSA on cardiovascular outcomes.