Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Effect on Albuminuria Progression in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Sleep-Related Disorders in Patients with CKD and Kidney Transplant Recipients

Sleep disorders such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and sleep apnea (SA) are common in patients with CKD. These conditions tend to become more prevalent and more severe as kidney function deteriorates and when a patient reaches ESKD. The prevalence of insomnia in the general population ranges from 4% to 29% compared with ( 1 ) 30%-67%, ( 2 ) 39%-54%, ( 3 ) 41%-79%, and ( 4 ) 9%-49% in patients with CKD, on hemodialysis, on peritoneal dialysis (PD), or in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), respectively. RLS occurs in approximately 1%-15% of the general population compared with ( 1 ) 5%-18%, ( 2 ) 24%-33%, ( 3 ) 23%-64%, and ( 4 ) 6%-8% in patients with CKD, on hemodialysis, on PD, or in KTRs, respectively. Obstructive SA has been reported in ( 1 ) 40%-69%, ( 2 ) 25%-47%, ( 3 ) 9%-52%, and ( 4 ) 25%-30% in patients with CKD, on hemodialysis, on PD, or in KTRs, respectively. Fatigue is a complex symptom that has been reported in patients with CKD, ESKD, and in KTRs and can be associated with sleep disorders. Fatigue and sleep disorders have been associated with negative outcomes such as progression of CKD, increased risk of morbidity, mortality, and lower health-related quality of life. In this review, we highlight nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic options for treatment of these sleep disorders. Specifically, the diagnosis and evaluation, epidemiology, risk factors and associations, outcomes (such as CKD progression, morbidity, and mortality), treatment, and post-transplant outcomes for sleep disorders (insomnia, RLS, and SA) and fatigue will be discussed.

Quality of life among obstructive sleep apnoea patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of EQ-5D studies

BACKGROUND

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a chronic condition which is associated with extreme daytime sleepiness, cognitive impairment, and other comorbidities and, hence, decreased quality of life (QoL). EQ-5D is one of the most widely used preference-based measures of QoL in patients with different diseases worldwide. This study aims to review the EQ-5D utility value of OSA across primary studies and perform a meta-analysis to derive pooled utility scores for OSA.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the EQ-5D scores of OSA patients adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Studies reporting EQ-5D utility scores among adult OSA patients were systematically searched across PubMed-Medline, Scopus, and Embase. Selected studies were systematically reviewed and we have assessed the studies for their quality. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model with subgroup analysis to explore heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The search yielded 9,121 articles, of which twenty-eight studies were included in the synthesis. The pooled mean EQ-5D utility score was 0.73 (0.69 to 0.78) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.6%). The pooled EQ-5D VAS score was 67.14 (63.97 to 70.32) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 87.04%). Subgroup analyses indicated significant variability in utility scores across different countries, age groups, and disease severities. The variation of utility values for OSA was influenced by the characteristics of patients, the living environment, and the EQ-5D value set.

CONCLUSION

The synthesis revealed that the QoL is significantly lower in OSA, and the aggregated quantitative estimates of EQ-5D utility scores are essential inputs for economic evaluations.

The Effect of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Subclinical Target Organ Damage in Patients With Resistant Hypertension

INTRODUCTION

Among all patients with hypertension, those with resistant hypertension (RH) have the highest rates of subclinical organ damage (SOD). The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is high in RH patients, and it could contribute to SOD. We aimed to investigate how OSA and its treatment are related to SOD in a large cohort of RH patients.

METHODS

This is an ancillary analysis to the SARAH study, a multicentre observational cohort aiming to evaluate the impact of OSA on RH. Individuals with RH who were undergoing a sleep study and have information on at least one of the SOD variables (vascular, cardiac or renal damage) were selected. Patients were followed-up for three years.

RESULTS

In total, 503 subjects were included. The participants were predominantly male, obese, and the median (IQR) apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 15.5 (7.90-31.5)events/h. No differences in the presence of vascular or cardiac damage were observed between OSA and non-OSA patients. A lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was observed in participants with OSA than in those without OSA, with an adjusted effect of -8.69mL/min/1.73m2 (-13.59, -3.79; p value<0.001). Kidney damage was also greater in subjects with OSA, with an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 1.77 (1.09, 2.87; p value=0.02). The eGFR showed a linear dose-response relationship with OSA severity. Among patients treated with CPAP, lower eGFR values were observed in noncompliant subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

OSA could contribute to worsening renal function in patients with RH. No compliance with CPAP was associated with lower values of eGFR.

Effects of continuous positive airway pressure on renal function in adults with obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). OSA is highly prevalent among patients with CKD, suggesting a bidirectional link between the two conditions. Recent studies reported that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may benefit renal function in OSA patients; however, uncertainties regarding their effects persist. Therefore, we examined the effects of CPAP treatment on renal function in adults with OSA.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov for relevant studies from their inception until January 2024. Pooled estimates for all outcomes were calculated using a random-effects model. Primary outcome measures were the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR).

RESULTS

Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and seven non-RCTs (NRCTs) (n = 2,660) were included. Compared with the control group, the CPAP group exhibited a significantly minimal alleviation in eGFR decline in NRCT (mean difference [MD] = 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.80 to 3.11, p < 0.001), but not in RCT (MD = 1.42, 95% CI = - 0.99 to 3.82, p = 0.25). No significant associations were found between CPAP therapy and UACR (MD = - 0.05, 95% CI = - 0.41 to 0.30, p = 0.77).

CONCLUSION

Current research provides a low to moderate certainty of evidence, suggesting that CPAP therapy has little to no effect on alleviating the decline in renal function. However, further RCTs with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods are required.

Application Value of STOP-Bang Questionnaire in Predicting Abnormal Metabolites

Objective

To evaluate the application value of STOP-Bang questionnaire (SBQ) in predicting abnormal metabolites.

Methods

Totally 121 patients were included into the study and filled the questionnaires, and their clinical data were collected at the same time. These patients were grouped according to the questionnaire scores. The clinical data of patients in various groups were compared using R4.3.1 statistical software.

Results

Based on the SBQ score, the patients were divided into the following groups: low-risk group (0-2 scores), mid-risk group (3-4 scores), and high-risk group (5-8 scores). SBQ score was related to several abnormal metabolites. A higher SBQ score indicated elevated uric acid (UA), waist circumference (WC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and triacylglycerol (TG), but notably lower high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). In respect of liver function, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were both in low/mid-risk group than in high-risk group. With respect to renal function, there was a statistically significant difference in serum creatinine (SCr) (lowest in the low-risk group and highest in the high-risk group) but no such difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among the three groups. The diagnosability analysis showed that the AUROC proved the good performance of SBQ in predicting metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hyperuricemia (HUA).

Conclusion

OSA frequently co-occurs with various metabolic disorders. SBQ, a widely used tool for assessing the risk of OSA, may also be a potential tool for predicting the presence of metabolic diseases. A higher SBQ score indicates a heightened susceptibility to more abnormal metabolites, but SBQ is poor in predicting liver and renal functions. The patients with SBQ score ≥3 are suggested to pay a visit to the Endocrine Department and Sleep Disorders Center for a comprehensive evaluation of comorbid Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the management of systematic metabolism.

Bidirectional Interactions Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Chronic Kidney Disease- A Review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in India, with a prevalence estimated at 13-15%. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an emerging threat, significantly contributing to CKD development. Over 50% of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients exhibit OSA symptoms. Co-existing OSA exacerbates CKD through mechanisms such as tissue hypoxia and increased inflammatory mediators, while CKD worsens OSA due to volume overload and respiratory muscle weakening. The pathophysiology involves nocturnal hypoxia causing glomerular hypertension and subsequent renal injury. Treatment options for OSA include behavioral modifications, CPAP therapy, and surgery. CPAP therapy shows potential in improving renal parameters but requires further long-term studies. Dialysis, especially nocturnal hemodialysis, significantly reduces OSA severity and improves oxygen saturation levels. Surgical interventions, while reducing ESRD risk, carry a short-term increased risk of non-cardiovascular mortality. Recognizing and treating OSA in CKD and ESRD patients is crucial to breaking the cycle of mutual exacerbation and improving patient outcomes. This review highlights the pathophysiology and management strategies of the OSA-CKD complex.

Effect of continuous positive airway pressure on cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes abnormalities of CMRFs. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a widely used treatment for OSA. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of CPAP on CMRFs in patients with OSA.

METHODS

A search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase was conducted to find randomized controlled trials up to December 3, 2023. The quality of the studies included was evaluated using the Cochrane Bias Risk Tool 2.0, and a meta-analysis was carried out using Stata15.1 software. The effect sizes for this meta-analysis were represented as the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95 % confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 52 studies with 10,104 participants were analyzed. The results showed that CPAP significantly lowered systolic blood pressure (WMD: -2.04 mmHg; 95%CI: -3.56 to -0.51), diastolic blood pressure (WMD: -1.40 mmHg; 95%CI: -2.36 to -0.44), total cholesterol (WMD: -0.27 mmol/L; 95%CI: -0.51 to -0.04), triglycerides (WMD: -0.02 mmol/L; 95%CI: -0.03 to -0.01), and fasting blood glucose (WMD: -0.15 mmol/L; 95%CI: -0.16 to -0.13) in patients with OSA. However, there was no significant change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, waist circumference, or body mass index after CPAP.

CONCLUSION

In summary, this meta-analysis demonstrated that CPAP effectively reduced certain CMRFs in patients with OSA, offering new insights for cardiovascular disease prevention.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023456380.

The association between the amount and timing of coffee consumption with chronic kidney disease in diabetic patients

Previous studies have suggested that diabetic patients should align their food and nutrient intake with their biological metabolic rhythm. However, the optimal timing of coffee consumption to prevent the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in diabetic patients remains unknown. This study aims to examine the association between the amount and timing of coffee consumption and CKD prevalence in diabetic patients. We recruited a nationally representative sample of 8564 diabetes patients from NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) from 2003 to 2018. Coffee intake was assessed using a 24 hour dietary recall and categorized into different time periods throughout the day: dawn-to-forenoon (5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.), forenoon-to-noon (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.), noon-to-evening (12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.), and evening-to-dawn (6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.). Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between the amount and timing of coffee consumption and the prevalence of CKD in diabetic patients. After adjusting for potential confounders, diabetic patients who had the status of coffee consumption throughout the day had a lower prevalence of CKD compared to those who did not (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80-0.99). In terms of the timing of coffee consumption, diabetic patients who consumed coffee or had higher levels of coffee consumption from dawn-to-forenoon had a lower incidence risk of CKD (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77-0.98; OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70-0.98). Conversely, diabetic patients who consumed higher levels of coffee during the noon-to-evening and evening-to-dawn periods had an increased incidence risk of CKD (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.07-1.71 and OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.01-1.64, respectively). These observations remained robust across different participant subtypes. Our results indicated that diabetic patients who consumed coffee from dawn-to-forenoon had a lower risk of developing CKD, while those who consumed coffee from noon-to-evening or evening-to-dawn had an increased risk.

The effect of PAP on UACR and metabolic indexes in patients with MS and OSAHS

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of positive airway pressure (PAP) device on urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) and metabolic indexes in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

METHODS

This study is a retrospective cohort study. Grouped according to whether to use PAP treatment, there were 25 cases in the PAP group and 44 cases in the no OSAHS treatment group. The PAP group received positive airway pressure device and routine treatment of MS. The no OSAHS treatment group received routine treatment of OSAHS and MS. The treatment period is 3 months.

RESULTS

1. The PAP group demonstrated significant reductions in Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist circumference (WC), Neck circumference (NC), Visceral fat area (VFA), Fasting C peptide (FCP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and UACR compared to the no OSAHS treatment group, with significant differences (P all <0.05). Among them, the UACR in the PAP group decreased significantly (from 86.05(52.55,131.61)mg/g to 16.76(8.70,25.12)mg/g, P<0.001). 2. Linear regression analysis using the decrease in UACR values as the dependent variable demonstrated a positive linear relationship with the decrease in BMI, VFA, fasting insulin (FINS), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the decrease in VFA (B=0.537 [95% confidence interval, 0.084 to 0.989]; P = 0.021) and HOMA-IR (B=1.000 [95% confidence interval, 0.082 to 1.917]; P = 0.033) values independently correlated with decrease in UACR values.

CONCLUSIONS

PAP treatment can reduce UACR in patients with MS and OSAHS, and has the effect of improving metabolic disorders. The decrease of UACR in patients may be related to the decrease of visceral fat and the improvement of insulin resistance.

Obstructive sleep apnea: Overlooked comorbidity in patients with diabetes

In this review article, we explore the interplay between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), highlighting a significant yet often overlooked comorbidity. We delve into the pathophysiological links between OSA and diabetes, specifically how OSA exacerbates insulin resistance and disrupts glucose metabolism. The research examines the prevalence of OSA in diabetic patients and its role in worsening diabetes-related complications. Emphasizing the importance of comprehensive management, including weight control and positive airway pressure therapy, the study advocates integrated approaches to improve outcomes for patients with T2DM and OSA. This review underscores the necessity of recognizing and addressing OSA in diabetes care to ensure more effective treatment and better patient outcomes.

Long-term effects on clinical event, mental health, and related outcomes of CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review

STUDY OBJECTIVES

We performed a systematic review of long-term health outcomes of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use in adults with obstructive sleep apnea.

METHODS

We updated prior systematic reviews with searches in multiple databases through January 3, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and adjusted nonrandomized comparative studies that reported prespecified long-term (mostly > 1 year) health outcomes. We assessed risk of bias, conducted meta-analyses, and evaluated strength of evidence.

RESULTS

We found 38 eligible studies (16 trials, 22 observational). All conclusions were of low strength of evidence given study and data limitations. RCTs found no evidence of effect of CPAP on mortality (summary effect size [ES] 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66, 1.21); inclusion of adjusted nonrandomized comparative studies yields an association with reduced risk of death (ES 0.57; 95% CI 0.44, 0.73). RCTs found no evidence of effects of CPAP for cardiovascular death (ES 0.99; 95% CI 0.64, 1.53), stroke (ES 0.99; 95% CI 0.73, 1.35), myocardial infarction (ES 1.05; 95% CI 0.78, 1.41), incident atrial fibrillation (ES 0.89; 95% CI 0.48, 1.63), or composite cardiovascular outcomes (all statistically nonsignificant). RCTs found no evidence of effects for incident diabetes (ES 1.02; 95% CI 0.69, 1.51) or accidents (all nonsignificant) and no clinically significant effects on depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, or cognitive function.

CONCLUSIONS

Whether CPAP use for obstructive sleep apnea affects long-term health outcomes remains largely unanswered. RCTs and nonrandomized comparative studies are inconsistent regarding the effect of CPAP on mortality. Current studies are underpowered, with relatively short duration follow-up and methodological limitations.

CITATION

Balk EM, Adam GP, Cao W, Bhuma MR, D'Ambrosio C, Trikalinos TA. Long-term effects on clinical event, mental health, and related outcomes of CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(6):895-909.

Large variability in definitions of sleep apnea indices used in clinical studies

STUDY OBJECTIVES

We explored the variability of sleep apnea indices and definitions of obstructive sleep apnea in clinical studies of continuous positive airway pressure.

METHODS

In a systematic review of the long-term clinical effects of continuous positive airway pressure, we noted variability across studies in how sleep apnea was defined. We, thus, sought to quantify the heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Across 57 comparative studies of long-term clinical outcomes of continuous positive airway pressure, only 40% fully and explicitly reported their definitions of apnea and hypopnea. Most studies defined apnea as 100% airflow cessation, but a minority used 90% or even down to 75% thresholds. Almost half of the studies defined hypopnea as ≥ 50% airflow cessation, but the majority used 30% or even 25% thresholds. Similarly, about half of the studies used a 4% desaturation threshold to define oxygen desaturation and about half used a 3% threshold, with 2 studies using both thresholds for different purposes. Randomized trials were no more consistent or better-reported than observational studies. Studies that cited published criteria generally reported definitions that were different from the cited criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

The criteria used to define sleep apnea indices (apnea, hypopnea, and oxygen desaturation) were highly variable, even among studies stating that definitions were based on the same standard criteria. It was often difficult to discern the actual criteria used. The great variability across studies and lack of transparency about their sleep study methods hampers the interpretability and utility of the studies and calls into question whether studies are generalizable from one setting to another.

CITATION

Balk EM, Adam GP, D'Ambrosio CM. Large variability in definitions of sleep apnea indices used in clinical studies. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(3):461-468.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Effect on Progression of Retinal Disease in Patients with Sleep Apnea and Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Rationale: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with impaired glycemic control and a higher risk of vascular complications, such as diabetic retinopathy. However, the effect of apnea-hypopnea suppression on retinal disease progression is unclear. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for the reduction of retinal lesions in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and OSA. Methods: This open-label, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted between October 2016 and February 2020 at a university hospital in Spain. The date of final follow-up was March 2, 2021. Eighty-three patients with OSA and mild to moderate NPDR receiving stable treatment were randomized to receive CPAP and usual care (43 patients with 79 available eyes) or usual care alone (40 patients with 67 available eyes) for 52 weeks. The primary outcomes were the change in the percentage of eyes with retinal exudates and the number of retinal microhemorrhages from baseline to week 52. We also assessed the effects of both interventions on retinal thickness by means of optical coherence tomography, serum concentrations of glycated hemoglobin, blood pressure, lipid concentrations, sleepiness, and quality of life. Results: Fifty-two weeks of CPAP treatment was associated with reductions from baseline in the percentage of eyes with hard exudates (overall difference, -21.7%; P = 0.035) and in optical coherence tomography indices of retinal edema, including central subfield thickness and cube volume. However, in patients who met prespecified criteria for CPAP adherence, treatment was also associated with a higher number of retinal microhemorrhages at 52 weeks (intergroup adjusted difference, 6.0 [95% confidence interval, 0.6-11.5]; P = 0.029), which was directly related to prescribed pressure levels. CPAP treatment also improved glycemic control, sleepiness, and general health-related quality of life. Conclusions: In patients with OSA and NPDR, long-term CPAP treatment in addition to usual care may result in slower progression of retinal disease, although it could also induce an increase in retinal microhemorrhages. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02874313).

Adaptive responses to chronic intermittent hypoxia: contributions from the European Sleep Apnoea Database (ESADA) Cohort

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common disease in the general population, and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and several comorbidities. Obesity favours upper airway collapsibility, but other pathophysiological traits have been identified, i.e. upper airway muscle activity, modulation of the respiratory drive, and the arousal threshold. OSA causes chronic intermittent hypoxia, inflammatory activation and autonomic imbalance with diurnal and nocturnal sympathetic hyperactivity. Disentangling so many components to investigate the pathogenesis of OSA's consequences is very hard clinically. However, albeit imperfect, clinical medicine constitutes a major source of inspiration for basic research, and a mutual exchange of information is essential between clinicians and physiologists to improve our understanding of disease states. OSA is no exception, and this narrative review will summarize the results of clinical studies performed over the years by the European Sleep Apnoea Database (ESADA) Study Group, to explore the variables linked to markers of intermittent hypoxia as opposed to the traditional assessment of OSA severity based on the frequency of respiratory events during sleep (the Apnoea Hypopnoea Index). The results of the clinical studies indicate that intermittent hypoxia variables are associated with several comorbidities, although evidence of a cause-effect relationship is still missing in many cases. It is also possible that adaptive rather than maladaptive responses could be evoked by intermittent hypoxia. The intensity, duration and frequency of intermittent hypoxia episodes causing adaptive rather than maladaptive responses, and their clinical implications, deserve further investigation.