Comorbidities, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Work Productivity Among People With Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Excessive Sleepiness: Findings From the 2016 US National Health and Wellness Survey

Real-world impact of continuous positive airway pressure on sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea in a national registry

OBJECTIVE

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) persists in some patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) despite continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. This study characterized response to CPAP and factors associated with residual EDS.

METHODS

Danish National Patient Registry data were analyzed. Patients with OSA diagnosis (1994-2016), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores and apnea-hypopnea index recorded before beginning CPAP (baseline) and after 1-13 months of CPAP use, and CPAP adherence were included. Odds ratios (OR) for residual EDS after CPAP treatment were estimated using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 1174 patients (mean age, 57 years; 75.5% male), 41.1% had baseline EDS (mild, 13.2%; moderate, 14.0%; severe, 13.9%); 58.9% did not. After CPAP treatment, follow-up mean ESS scores were normal (≤10) for all baseline EDS subgroups; however, 15.6% (n = 183) of patients had residual EDS (mild, 6.7%; moderate, 5.5%; severe, 3.4%). Odds of residual EDS were higher for patients with mild (OR, 5.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.2-8.6), moderate (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 2.7-7.4), and severe (OR, 13.0; 95% CI, 8.0-21.2) EDS at baseline compared with those with normal daytime sleepiness at baseline. Patients adherent with CPAP use were 38.2% less likely to have residual EDS compared with nonadherent patients (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.43-0.88).

CONCLUSIONS

EDS was common in this cohort of Danish patients with OSA. Baseline EDS severity predicted higher odds of residual EDS. After CPAP treatment, adherence was associated with reduced odds of residual EDS, but EDS persisted in a subgroup of patients.

Sleep Disorders and Traffic Accidents: Unveiling the Hidden Risks

BACKGROUND Numerous countries, Vietnam included, have persistently high annual rates of traffic accidents. Despite concerted government efforts to reduce the annual traffic accident rate, the toll of fatalities and consequential injuries from these accidents rises each year. Various factors contribute to these incidents, notably including alcohol consumption while driving, inadequate awareness of traffic regulations, and substandard traffic infrastructure. However, an under-recognized risk in developing nations such as Vietnam is the prevalence of sleep disorders. Conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and obesity hypoventilation syndrome, while prevalent, remain inadequately assessed and treated. These disorders represent significant yet largely unaddressed contributors to the heightened risk of traffic accidents. CASE REPORT We describe the case of a 55-year-old Vietnamese man hospitalized due to long-standing respiratory complications and profound daytime sleepiness. Over the past 2 years, the patient gained 10 kg. Consequently, he frequently experienced drowsiness, leading to 4 traffic accidents. Despite previous hospitalizations, this sleep disorder had gone undiagnosed and untreated. Diagnostic assessments confirmed concurrent obstructive sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome through polysomnography and blood gas analyses. Treatment involving non-invasive positive airway pressure therapy notably alleviated symptoms and substantially improved his quality of life within a concise 3-month period. CONCLUSIONS Obstructive sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome are contributory factors to excessive daytime somnolence, significantly increasing vulnerability to traffic accidents. Regrettably, this critical intersection remains inadequately addressed. Addressing these concerns comprehensively through dedicated research initiatives should be imperative before considering the universal issuance of driver's licenses to all road users in Vietnam.

Association of comorbid obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia with risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in sleep medicine center patients

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between comorbid obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia and major adverse cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, unstable angina, congestive heart failure, and stroke, in adults with suspected sleep disorders who underwent sleep apnea testing.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records data from patients with clinical encounters at sleep medicine centers to identify patients with comorbid obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea only, insomnia only, and patients without a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea or insomnia (i.e., controls). Obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, comorbidities, and new-onset major adverse cardiovascular events were ascertained by ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes. Multivariable adjusted Cox proportional regression models evaluated the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events over a 10-year follow-up period.

RESULTS

A total of 3951 patients, 226 controls, 2107 with obstructive sleep apnea only, 276 with insomnia only, and 1342 with comorbid obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia, were included in the analysis. Compared to controls, comorbid obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia were associated with a significantly higher risk of developing major adverse cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 3.60, 95 CI%: 2.33-5.91) in unadjusted analyses. The relationship between comorbid obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia and major adverse cardiovascular events remained after adjustment for demographic and behavioral factors, but not after further adjustment for comorbidities. The greatest risk of major adverse cardiovascular events was found among younger adults with comorbid obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia. Obstructive sleep apnea only was associated with greater risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in unadjusted analyses only (hazard ratio 2.77, 95% CI: 1.80-4.54). Insomnia only was not significantly associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbid obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia may be a high-risk group for major adverse cardiovascular events, particularly younger adults. Further research is needed to better understand the association between comorbid obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia and major adverse cardiovascular events risk.

Sex difference in the association between excessive daytime sleepiness and health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults: The Yilan study, Taiwan

OBJECTIVES

The association between excessive daytime sleepiness and health-related quality of life among older adults and at-risk individuals remains unclear. This study examined relationships between excessive daytime sleepiness and unfavorable health-related quality of life and explored the moderating effect of sex.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a community-based study of adults aged 65 years or more. Excessive daytime sleepiness was defined as a score exceeding 10 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between excessive daytime sleepiness and health-related quality of life. The moderating effect of sex was examined by testing interaction terms.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Health-related quality of life was measured using the Short Form 12 Health Survey, which includes a physical component summary and a mental component summary. Unfavorable health-related quality of life was defined as the lowest tertile of the scores for both components.

RESULTS

In total, 3788 individuals participated. After controlling for covariates, older adults with excessive daytime sleepiness did not have an unfavorable physical component summary but were more likely to have an unfavorable mental component summary (odds ratio 1.96; 95 % confidence interval 1.47-2.61). When stratified by sex, excessive daytime sleepiness was associated with a poor physical component summary in men (odds ratio 1.77, 95 % confidence interval 1.00-3.13) but not in women.

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive daytime sleepiness was associated with a poor mental component summary in both sexes; however, the association with a poor physical component summary was specific to men.

Work productivity and activity impairment in patients with narcolepsy type 1

The aim of this study was to assess work productivity and activity impairments and to explore their association with excessive daytime sleepiness, body mass index (BMI), depression, and anxiety in patients with narcolepsy type 1. We carried out a cross-sectional study in which patients with narcolepsy type 1 and matched controls for sex, age, and education were assessed for occupational features, EDS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), BMI, depression (Beck Depression Inventory), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI). Different statistical approaches were used to investigate differences between groups and correlations between WPAI scores and clinical features. The 127 patients with narcolepsy type 1 (mean age 38.2 ± 15.5, 91.3% taking drugs for narcolepsy) and 131 controls (mean age of 37.4 ± 14.3) included did not differ in terms of occupational features, except for hours worked/week (29.9 in patients vs. 34.9 in controls) and officially recognised disability (30.7% vs. 5.3%). Impairment in all WPAI scores was approximately three times greater in patients. Narcolepsy was associated with work time missed in 27.4% of patients, while 93.2% to 95.5% of them had some impairment while working or during daily activities (vs. 37.5-46.8% of controls). Correlations with WPAI scores were found for excessive daytime sleepiness only in patients, and for both depression and anxiety in patients and controls, with a stronger correlation for activity impairment in patients. These results suggest that, despite treatment, narcolepsy type 1 was associated with extensive impairment especially regarding job effectiveness and daily activities. Future studies should investigate risk factors and effects of interventions on these outcomes.

Excessive daytime sleepiness is associated with relative delta frequency power among patients with mild OSA

Background

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a cause of low quality of life among obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients. Current methods of assessing and predicting EDS are limited due to time constraints or differences in subjective experience and scoring. Electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectral densities (PSDs) have shown differences between OSA and non-OSA patients, and fatigued and non-fatigued patients. Therefore, polysomnographic EEG PSDs may be useful to assess the extent of EDS among patients with OSA.

Methods

Patients presenting to Israel Loewenstein hospital reporting daytime sleepiness who recorded mild OSA on polysomnography and undertook a multiple sleep latency test. Alpha, beta, and delta relative powers were assessed between patients categorized as non-sleepy (mean sleep latency (MSL) ≥10 min) and sleepy (MSL <10 min).

Results

139 patients (74% male) were included for analysis. 73 (53%) were categorized as sleepy (median MSL 6.5 min). There were no significant differences in demographics or polysomnographic parameters between sleepy and non-sleepy groups. In multivariate analysis, increasing relative delta frequency power was associated with increased odds of sleepiness (OR 1.025 (95% CI 1.024-1.026)), while relative alpha and beta powers were associated with decreased odds. The effect size of delta PSD on sleepiness was significantly greater than that of either alpha or beta frequencies.

Conclusion

Delta PSD during polysomnography is significantly associated with a greater degree of objective daytime sleepiness among patients with mild OSA. Further research is needed to corroborate our findings and identify the direction of potential causal correlation between delta PSD and EDS.

A real-world observational study assessing relationships between excessive daytime sleepiness and patient satisfaction in obstructive sleep apnea

OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND

To estimate prevalence and severity of excessive daytime sleepiness among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who were prescribed treatment; assess perception and satisfaction of OSA-related care; describe relationships between excessive daytime sleepiness, treatment adherence, and patient satisfaction.

PATIENTS/METHODS

A national population-based cross-sectional sample of US adults with clinician-diagnosed OSA was surveyed in January 2021 via Evidation Health's Achievement App. Patients completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, rated satisfaction with healthcare provider and overall OSA care, and reported treatment adherence. Covariates affecting excessive daytime sleepiness (average weekly sleep duration, treatment adherence, sleepiness-inducing medications, age, sex, body mass index, nasal congestion, smoking status, and comorbidities) were adjusted in multivariate regression models.

RESULTS

In 2289 participants (50.3 % women; 44.8 ± 11.1 years), EDS was highly prevalent (42 %), and was experienced by 36 % of patients with high positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy adherence. Each additional hour of nightly PAP use was associated with improved sleepiness (a 0.28-point lower Epworth score; p < 0.001). Excessive daytime sleepiness was associated with lower patient satisfaction with healthcare providers and overall care (OR [95 % CI] 0.62 [0.48-0.80] and 0.50 [0.39-0.64], respectively; p < 0.0001), whereas PAP adherence was associated with higher patient satisfaction (OR [95 % CI] 2.37 [1.64-3.43] and 2.91 [2.03-4.17]; p < 0.0001), after adjusting for confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

In a real-world population-based study of patients with OSA, excessive daytime sleepiness was highly prevalent and associated with poor patient satisfaction ratings. Better patient-centered care among patients with OSA may require interventions aimed at addressing excessive daytime sleepiness and treatment adherence.

Diagnosis and management of sleep disorders in shift workers, with patient informed solutions to improve health services research and practice

BACKGROUND

The combination of shift work and an unmanaged sleep disorder carries health and safety risks. Yet, diagnosis rates for sleep disorders are low in shift workers. The aim of this study was to understand the experience of sleep disorder diagnosis and treatment in shift workers, and consider patient informed solutions to improve access to health services.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 Australian shift workers with a diagnosed sleep disorder. Patient journey mapping and reflexive thematic analysis were used to understand diagnosis and management experiences.

RESULTS

There were highly variable experiences with diagnosis and management, often taking >5 years to seek help from a health care provider (HCP) after noticing symptoms of a sleep disorder. Three themes were constructed, including 'the cause of the problem', 'prioritising work', and '(dis)satisfaction and (dis)connection'. Extent of patient and HCP awareness of sleep disorders, and a prevailing attitude of shift work being 'the problem' impacted diagnosis, as did organisational needs (including rostering, which had both positive and negative influences on help seeking). Relationships with HCPs were important, and living on non-standard time was both a barrier and an enabler to sleep disorder care. Participants identified the need for education and awareness, prompts and easy access to screening and referral pathways, and tailored models of care.

CONCLUSION

Education and awareness initiatives for shift workers, their employers and HCPs, together with development of a model of care for shift workers with sleep disorders may address some of the unique barriers to diagnosis and management.

Long-term health outcomes for patients with obstructive sleep apnea: placing the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality report in context-a multisociety commentary

This multisociety commentary critically examines the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) final report and systematic review on long-term health outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea. The AHRQ report was commissioned by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and particularly focused on the long-term patient-centered outcomes of continuous positive airway pressure, the variability of sleep-disordered breathing metrics, and the validity of these metrics as surrogate outcomes. This commentary raises concerns regarding the AHRQ report conclusions and their potential implications for policy decisions. A major concern expressed in this commentary is that the AHRQ report inadequately acknowledges the benefits of continuous positive airway pressure for several established, long-term clinically important outcomes including excessive sleepiness, motor vehicle accidents, and blood pressure. While acknowledging the limited evidence for the long-term benefits of continuous positive airway pressure treatment, especially cardiovascular outcomes, as summarized by the AHRQ report, this commentary reviews the limitations of recent randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized controlled studies and the challenges of conducting future randomized controlled trials. A research agenda to address these challenges is proposed including study designs that may include both high quality randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized controlled studies. This commentary concludes by highlighting implications for the safety and quality of life for the millions of people living with obstructive sleep apnea if the AHRQ report alone was used by payers to limit coverage for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea while not considering the totality of available evidence.

CITATION

Patil SP, Billings ME, Bourjeily G, et al. Long-term health outcomes for patients with obstructive sleep apnea: placing the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality report in context-a multisociety commentary. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(1):135-149.

The economic cost of obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease associated with a high prevalence of costly comorbidities and accidents that add to the disease's economic impact. Although more attention has been focused on OSA in recent years, no previous systematic reviews have synthesized findings from existing studies that provide estimates of the economic cost of OSA. This study aims to summarize the findings of existing studies that provide estimates of the cost of OSA. Two bibliographic databases, PubMed and Scopus, were used to identify articles on the costs of OSA. The systematic literature review identified 5,938 publications, of which 31 met the inclusion criteria. According to the results, adjusted for inflation and converted to euros, the annual cost per patient ranged from €236 (the incremental cost of OSA) for New Zealand to €28,267 for the United States. The total annual cost per patient in Europe ranged from €1,669 to €5,186. OSA causes a significant burden on society, and OSA-related costs increase many years before the diagnosis and remain elevated for a long time after the diagnosis. Despite some well-conducted studies, the cost estimates for OSA are uncertain and specific to the context in which the study was conducted.

The multifaceted aspects of sleep and sleep-wake disorders following stroke

Sleep-wake disorders (SWD) are acknowledged risk factors for both ischemic stroke and poor cardiovascular and functional outcome after stroke. SWD are frequent following stroke, with sleep apnea (SA) being the most frequent SWD affecting more than half of stroke survivors. While sleep disturbances and SWD are frequently reported in the acute phase, they may persist in the chronic phase after an ischemic stroke. Despite the frequency and risk associated with SWD following stroke, screening for SWD remains rare in the clinical setting, due to challenges in the assessment of post-stroke SWD, uncertainty regarding the optimal timing for their diagnosis, and a lack of clear treatment guidelines (i.e., when to treat and the optimal treatment strategy). However, little evidence support the feasibility of SWD treatment even in the acute phase of stroke and its favorable effect on long-term cardiovascular and functional outcomes. Thus, sleep health recommendations and SWD treatment should be systematically embedded in secondary stroke prevention strategy. We therefore propose that the management of SWD associated with stroke should rely on a multidisciplinary approach, with an integrated diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up strategy. The challenges in the field are to improve post-stroke SWD diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, through a better appraisal of their pathophysiology and temporal evolution.

Daytime sleepiness is associated with increased coronary plaque burden among patients with obstructive sleep apnea

PURPOSE

To investigate the cross-sectional associations of daytime sleepiness with coronary plaque volume and composition in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and whether or not these associations are modified by age, gender, and obesity.

METHODS

Patients who were confirmed with OSA through respiratory polygraphy and also underwent coronary CTA at a tertiary hospital were consecutively enrolled. The interval between the sleep monitoring and coronary CTA scan was  < 3 months. Every patient completed the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) to assess daytime sleepiness, and an ESS score of ≥ 11 was recognized as excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Coronary plaque volume and composition were measured using semi-automatic software.

RESULTS

Of the 394 patients with OSA (median [IQR] age, 56.0 [49.0-64.0] years; median [IQR] body mass index, 27.9 [25.5-30.2] kg/m2; median [IQR] apnea-hypopnea index, 21.3 [11.7, 36.3] events/h), a total of 200 patients had EDS. In the overall participants, a significant dose-response relationship between ESS scores and low-attenuation plaque volume was found in the fully adjusted model (P = 0.019). Further analysis demonstrated that there was a significant interactive effect of ESS levels and obesity on coronary plaque volume (all P values for interaction analysis < 0.05). Specifically, ESS levels were associated with total plaque volume, volumes of noncalcified, low-attenuation, and calcified plaque (P = 0.008, 0.006, 0.005, and 0.043 respectively) in obese patients with OSA.

CONCLUSION

Daytime sleepiness is significantly correlated with increased coronary plaque burden among patients with OSA. Thus, clinicians should recognize that patients with OSA reporting high ESS scores, especially those with obesity, are more prone to experience adverse coronary events.

Economic Impact of Insufficient and Disturbed Sleep in the Workplace

OBJECTIVE

Insufficient and disturbed sleep are associated with significant morbidity among working-age adults. Poor sleep results in negative health outcomes and increases economic costs to employers. The current systematic review surveyed the peer-reviewed scientific literature and aggregated scientific evidence of sleep-related economic burdens borne by employers.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed to identify peer-reviewed, English language studies evaluating the economic impact of insufficient and disturbed sleep among adult employee populations. An exhaustive literature search was performed using keywords related to sleep, economics, and the workplace. Included were scientific studies (randomized controlled trials, cohort and case control studies, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies) examining specific employee populations with relevant sleep and economic outcomes. Each included study was evaluated for risk of bias and relevant data was extracted and summarized.

RESULTS

Sleep problems among employee populations are associated with worsened workplace outcomes, such as presenteeism, absenteeism, and accidents. Sleep problems also increased costs to employers, ranging from US$322 to US$1967 per employee. Interventions to improve sleep, such as the use of blue-light filtering glasses, strategic shift scheduling, and targeted interventions to treat insomnia, may improve workplace outcomes and reduce costs.

CONCLUSIONS

This review synthesizes the existing data regarding the negative impacts of insufficient and disturbed sleep on the workplace, suggesting that employers have an economic stake in their employees' sleep.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO: CRD42021224212.

Effect of different ventilation modalities on the early prognosis of patients with sleep apnea after acute ischemic stroke---protocol for a prospective, open-label and randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Sleep apnea is highly prevalent after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and has increased stroke-related mortality and morbidity. The conventional sleep apnea treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation. However, it is poorly tolerated by patients and is not used in all stroke patients. This protocol describes the impact of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy compared to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) ventilation or usual care on the early prognosis of patients with sleep apnea after AIS.

METHODS

This randomised controlled study will be conducted in the intensive care unit of the Department of Neurology at the Wuhan Union Hospital. According to the study plan, 150 patients with sleep apnea after AIS will be recruited. All patients are randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: the nasal catheter group (standard oxygen group), the HFNC group, and the nCPAP group. Patients receive different types of ventilation after admission to the group, and their tolerance while using the different ventilation is recorded. Patients will be followed up by telephone three months after discharge, and stroke recovery is recorded. The primary outcomes were 28-day mortality, the incidence of pulmonary infection and endotracheal intubation.

DISCUSSION

This study analyses different ventilation modalities for early interventions in patients with sleep apnea after AIS. We will investigate whether nCPAP and HFNC reduce early mortality and endotracheal intubation rates and improve distant neurological recovery in patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05323266; 25 March 2022).

Profile and quality of life of the adult population in good health according to the level of vitality: European NHWS cross sectional analysis

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization's definition of health highlights the importance of mental and physical wellbeing and not only disease state. However, lack of awareness on the burden of impaired vitality and its impact on the quality of life of the general healthy population prevents healthcare providers from delivering appropriate solutions and advice. This study aims to better characterize this population in Europe and identify the profile and the health reported outcomes associated with impaired vitality.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS) data collected in healthy participants aged 18-65 years from five European Union countries in 2018. Socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, comorbidities, attitudes towards healthcare systems, Patient Activation Measure, health-related quality of life outcomes (EQ-5D), and work productivity and activity impairment were analysed according to SF-12 vitality score subgroups (≥ 60, 50- < 60, 40- < 50, < 40).

RESULTS

A total of 24,295 participants were enrolled in the main analysis. Being a female, younger, having a lower income and being obese or having sleep and mental disorders was associated with an increased risk of impaired vitality. This was associated with a higher consumption of healthcare resources along with having a weak patient-physician relationship. Participants who were disengaged in the self-management of their health were 2.6 times more likely to have a low level of vitality. For participants in the lowest vitality group, odds of mobility problems increased by 3.4, impairment of usual activity by 5.8, increased of pain and discomfort by 5.6 and depression and anxiety by 10.3, compared with participants in the highest vitality group. Also, odds of presenteeism increased by 3.7, overall work impairment by 3.4 and daily activity losses by 7.1.

CONCLUSION

Evidence-based trends facilitate the identification of a healthy population with impaired vitality in real-world practice. This study highlights the actual burden of low vitality on daily life activities, particularly on mental health and reduced work productivity. Additionally, our results underline the importance of self-engagement in the management of vitality impairment and highlights the need to implement strategies to address this public health concern in the affected population (HCP-patient communication, supplements, meditation).

Moderate-to-high risk of obstructive sleep apnea with excessive daytime sleepiness is associated with postoperative neurocognitive disorders: a prospective one-year follow-up cohort study

Background

Few studies found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be related to postoperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) including postoperative delirium (POD) and cognitive decline (POCD) in the early postoperative period. However, the results are controversial and need further verification, and no research has explored the effect of OSA on the incidence of PND during the 1-year follow-up periods. Furthermore, OSA patients with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) as a severe phenotype have more significant neurocognitive impairments, but the relationship between OSA with EDS and PND within 1 year after surgery has not been studied.

Objectives

To explore the effect of moderate-to-high risk of OSA and the moderate-to-high risk of OSA with EDS on PND within 1 year after surgery.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, including 227 older patients, moderate-to-high risk of OSA (using STOP-BANG), subjective EDS (using Epworth Sleepiness Scale), and objective EDS (using Actigraphy) were selected as exposures. Key outcomes included POD during hospitalization (using Confusion Assessment Method-Severity), POCD at discharge, 1-month and 1-year after surgery (using Mini-Mental State Examination and Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-40). We applied multiple logistic regression models to estimate the effect of moderate-to-high risk of OSA and moderate-to-high risk of OSA with EDS on PND.

Results

In the multivariate analysis, moderate-to-high risk of OSA was not associated with POD during hospitalization and POCD at discharge, 1-month, and 1-year after surgery (p > 0.05). However, the moderate-to-high risk of OSA with subjective EDS was related to POCD at discharge compared to the moderate-to-high risk of OSA or normal group (no moderate-to-high risk of OSA and no EDS) (p < 0.05). In addition, moderate-to-high risk of OSA with objective EDS was associated with POCD at discharge, 1-month, and 1-year postoperatively compared to the moderate-to-high risk of OSA or normal group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Moderate-to-high risk of OSA with EDS, not moderate-to-high risk of OSA alone, was a clinically helpful predictor for POCD within 1-year after surgery and should be routinely assessed before surgery.

Solriamfetol improves chronic sleep fragmentation-induced increases in sleep propensity and ameliorates explicit memory in male mice

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent condition characterized by episodes of partial or complete breath cessation during sleep that induces sleep fragmentation (SF). One of the frequent manifestations of OSA is the presence of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) associated with cognitive deficits. Solriamfetol (SOL) and modafinil (MOD) are wake-promoting agents commonly prescribed to improve wakefulness in OSA patients with EDS. This study aimed to assess the effects of SOL and MOD in a murine model of OSA characterized by periodic SF. Male C57Bl/6J mice were exposed to either control sleep (SC) or SF (mimicking OSA) during the light period (06:00 h to 18:00 h) for 4 weeks, which consistently induces sustained excessive sleepiness during the dark phase. Both groups were then randomly assigned to receive once-daily intraperitoneal injections of SOL (200 mg/kg), MOD (200 mg/kg), or vehicle for 1 week while continuing exposures to SF or SC. Sleep/wake activity and sleep propensity were assessed during the dark phase. Novel Object Recognition test, Elevated-Plus Maze Test, and Forced Swim Test were performed before and after treatment. SOL or MOD decreased sleep propensity in SF, but only SOL induced improvements in explicit memory, while MOD exhibited increased anxiety behaviors. Chronic SF, a major hallmark of OSA, induces EDS in young adult mice that is mitigated by both SOL and MOD. SOL, but not MOD, significantly improves SF-induced cognitive deficits. Increased anxiety behaviors are apparent in MOD-treated mice. Further studies aiming to elucidate the beneficial cognitive effects of SOL are warranted.

Health-related impact of illness associated with excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

OBJECTIVES

This real-world study aimed to characterize the impact of illness of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who are adherent to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study surveyed participants in Evidation Health's Achievement app (November 2020-January 2021), a mobile consumer platform that encourages users to develop healthy habits and provides incentives to participate in research. Participants were US-resident adults who self-reported a physician diagnosis of OSA and adherence to CPAP (≥4 hours/night, ≥5 nights/week) for≥6 months. The survey included the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire-Short Version (FOSQ-10), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and questions regarding comorbidities, CPAP use, caffeine consumption, and physical activity. EDS was defined as ESS score >10. There were more female than male participants; therefore, data were reported separately for females/males.

RESULTS

In total, 476 participants (female, n = 283 [59%]; mean [SD] age, 49.7 [10.8] years; obese, 74.4%) completed the survey; 209 had EDS (mean [SD] ESS, 13.8 [2.5]) and 267 did not (mean [SD] ESS, 6.3 [2.5]). Self-reported duration of CPAP use was consistent between the EDS/no EDS cohorts, with most participants using CPAP for 7 to 9 hours/night, 7 nights/week. Participants with EDS commonly reported anxiety ([EDS/no EDS] males: 31.5%/20.0%; females: 53.7%/39.5%), depression (males: 35.6%/24.2%; females: 55.9%/44.9%), and insomnia (males: 19.2%/6.7%; females: 25.7%/12.9%) and showed impairment on the FOSQ-10 ([EDS/no EDS] males: 80.8%/35.0%; females: 91.9%/53.1%). Participants with EDS reported that sleepiness 'very often' prevented physical activity and influenced dietary choices.

CONCLUSION

EDS influences choices related to physical activity, caffeine consumption, and diet in patients who are adherent with CPAP. More research is needed to understand the association between EDS and choices of CPAP-adherent patients. Future research should explore the health-related consequences of residual EDS associated with OSA and whether they can be mitigated by improving EDS.

A Scoping Review of Sleep Apnea: Where Do We Stand?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition in which there is a recurrent collapse of the upper airway while sleeping, is a widespread disease affecting 5% to 10% people worldwide. Despite several advances in the treatment modalities for OSA, morbidity and mortality remain a concern. Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, morning headache, insomnia, hypersomnia, attention deficits, and irritability. Obese individuals, male gender, older age (65+), family history, smoking, and alcohol consumption are well recognized risk factors of OSA. This condition holds the ability to increase inflammatory cytokines, cause metabolic dysfunction, and increase the sympathetic output, all of which exacerbate OSA due to their effect on the cardiovascular system. In this review, we discuss its brief history, risk factors, complications, treatment modalities, and the role of clinicians in curbing its risk.

Optimal positive airway pressure requirement and polysomnography indices of obstructive sleep apnea severity in the Saudi population

CONTEXT

Positive airway pressure (PAP) is the first-line therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Overnight PAP titration for determining optimal PAP requirements is expensive and often inconvenient. Prediction of optimal PAP requirements from diagnostic polysomnography via mathematical equations is possible but variable across populations.

AIMS

We aimed to (1) determine the optimal PAP requirement, (2) determine differences in optimal PAP requirements across OSA severity groups, (3) determine the relationship between optimal PAP requirement and diagnostic polysomnography measurements of OSA severity, and (4) develop a pilot equation to predict the optimal PAP requirement from diagnostic polysomnography in a sample from the Saudi population.

METHODS

We analyzed records pertaining to adult OSA patients (n = 215; 63% of males) who underwent standardized diagnostic and titration polysomnography in our sleep laboratory between 2015 and 2019. Demographic, anthropometric, and clinical information were also collected for the analysis. Inferential statistics were performed for comparisons between diagnostic and titration studies and between OSA severity groups. Regression analyses were also performed to determine the potential predictors of optimal PAP requirements. Data were presented as the mean (± standard deviation) or median (25th-75th quartiles) according to normality.

RESULTS

The median optimal PAP requirement was 13 (9-17) cmH2O. The optimal PAP requirement was significantly greater for male versus female participants (14 [10-17] vs. 12 [8-16] cmH2O) and for participants with severe OSA (16 [12-20] cmH2O, n = 119) versus those with moderate (11 [8-14] cmH2O, n = 63) or mild (9 [7-12] cmH2O, n = 33) OSA. When combined, nadir oxygen saturation, oxygen desaturation index, and arousal index could be used to predict the optimal PAP requirement (R 2= 0.39, F = 34.0, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The optimal PAP requirement in the Saudi population is relatively high and directly correlated with OSA severity. Diagnostic polysomnography measurements of OSA severity predicted the optimal PAP requirement in this sample. Prospective validation is warranted.

Cortical thinning in male obstructive sleep apnoea patients with excessive daytime sleepiness

Background and purpose

Obstructive sleep apnoea is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness due to sleep fragmentation and hypoxemia, both of which can lead to abnormal brain morphology. However, the pattern of brain structural changes associated with excessive daytime sleepiness is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of excessive daytime sleepiness on cortical thickness in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

Materials and methods

61 male patients with newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea were included in the present study. Polysomnography and structural MRI were performed for each participant. Subjective daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score. Surface-based morphometric analysis was performed using Statistical Parametric Mapping 12 and Computational Anatomy 12 toolboxes to extract cortical thickness.

Results

Using the median Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, patients were divided into the non-sleepiness group and the sleepiness group. The cortical thickness was markedly thinner in the sleepiness group in the left temporal, frontal, and parietal lobe and bilateral pre- and postcentral gyri (pFWE < 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between the cortical thickness and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score. After adjusting for age, body mass index, and obstructive sleep apnoea severity, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score remained an independent factor affecting the cortical thickness of the left middle temporal lobe, transverse temporal and temporal pole.

Conclusion

Subjective daytime sleepiness is associated with decreased cortical thickness, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score may be of utility as a clinical marker of brain injury in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

Effects of solriamfetol on on-the-road driving performance in participants with excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnoea

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of solriamfetol, a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, on on-the-road driving in participants with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) associated with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

METHODS

Eligible participants were aged 21-75 years with OSA and EDS (Maintenance of Wakefulness Test mean sleep latency <30 minutes and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥10). Participants were randomised 1:1 to solriamfetol (150 mg/day [3 days], then 300 mg/day [4 days]) or placebo for 7 days, before crossover to the other treatment paradigm. On Day 7 of each period, standardised on-road driving tests occurred (2 and 6 hours postdose). Standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP) was the primary endpoint.

RESULTS

Solriamfetol significantly reduced SDLP at 2 (n = 34; least squares mean difference, -1.1 cm; 95% CI, -1.85, -0.32; p = 0.006) and 6 hours postdose (n = 32; least squares mean difference, -0.8 cm; 95% CI, -1.58, -0.03; p = 0.043). Two hours postdose, 4 placebo-treated and 1 solriamfetol-treated participants had incomplete driving tests; 6 hours postdose, 7 and 3 participants, respectively, had incomplete tests. Common treatment-emergent adverse events included headache, nausea, and insomnia.

CONCLUSIONS

Solriamfetol 300 mg/day significantly improved on-the-road driving performance in participants with EDS associated with OSA.

Quality measures for the care of adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea: 2022 update after measure maintenance

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains a highly prevalent disorder that can lead to multiple adverse outcomes when undiagnosed and/or when left untreated. There continue to be gaps and variations in the provision of care for the adult patient population with OSA, which emphasizes the importance of the measure maintenance initiative for The Quality Measures for the Care of Adult Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (originally developed in 2015). The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) convened the Quality Measures Task Force in 2018 to review the current medical literature, other existing quality measures focused on the same patient population, and any performance data or data in the medical literature that show gaps or variations in care, to inform potential revisions to the quality measure set. These revised quality measures will be implemented in the AASM Sleep Clinical Data Registry (Sleep CDR) to capture performance data and encourage continuous improvement in outcomes associated with diagnosing and managing OSA in the adult population.

CITATION

Lloyd R, Morgenthaler TI, Donald R, et al. Quality measures for the care of adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea: 2022 update after measure maintenance. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(11):2673-2680.

Understanding and approaching excessive daytime sleepiness

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a public health issue. However, it remains largely undervalued, scarcely diagnosed, and poorly supported. Variations in the definition of EDS and limitations in clinical assessment lead to difficulties in its epidemiological study, but the relevance of this symptom from a socioeconomic perspective is inarguable. EDS might be a consequence of several behavioural issues leading to insufficient or disrupted sleep, as well as a consequence of sleep disorders including sleep apnoea syndrome, circadian disorders, central hypersomnolence disorders (narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia), other medical or psychiatric conditions, or medications. Furthermore, EDS can have implications for health as it is thought to act as a risk factor for other conditions, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. Because of the heterogeneous causes of EDS and the complexity of its pathophysiology, management will largely depend on the cause, with the final aim of making treatment specific to the individual using precision medicine and personalised medicine.

Examining the impact of excessive daytime sleepiness on utility scores in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea and/or narcolepsy in five European countries

Background

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a cardinal symptom of narcolepsy and affects many patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). EDS is associated with reduced quality of life, increased accident risk, and poor workplace performance. Given the impact of EDS, the ability to predict health-related utility from sleepiness is valuable for examining the cost effectiveness of novel treatments. The aim of this study was to examine the association between EDS and EQ-5D in patients with OSA and/or narcolepsy by modelling EQ-5D utility scores from Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Europe 2016/2017 National Health and Wellness Survey, an online, general population survey, designed to represent the age and gender composition of each country’s adult population. Analyses included 2,348 patients self-reporting symptomatic and diagnosed OSA (n = 2,277), narcolepsy (n = 48), or both (n = 23). Multivariable models were used to examine ESS as a predictor of EQ-5D utility while adjusting for covariates of interest. Results were validated following the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Decision Support Unit guidelines for predictive modelling.

Results

Utility decreased as EDS severity increased (no EDS: 0.711 ± 0.251, mild: 0.685 ± 0.261, moderate: 0.643 ± 0.268, severe: 0.559 ± 0.323). Whereas participants with only OSA or only narcolepsy did not differ in utility, those with both conditions had lower scores (0.685 ± 0.266 and 0.627 ± 0.325 vs. 0.439 ± 0.340, respectively). Piecewise linear regression identified a single breakpoint at ESS score of 11.29. In the final model, for each point increase in ESS score, the corresponding decrease in EQ-5D utility was larger among patients with ESS scores ≥ 12 compared to patients with ESS scores ≤ 11 (model slopes: -0.0131 vs. -0.0026, respectively). Findings from the validation sample confirmed these results.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the impact of sleepiness on quality of life (QoL) and its negative impact irrespective of sleep condition (OSA or narcolepsy). The breakpoint identified is relatively consistent with the established ESS cutoff score ≥ 11, which demarcates pathological sleepiness. Furthermore, as EDS severity worsens (increases) on the ESS, the impact on QoL is greater.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12883-022-02827-7.

Solriamfetol Titration and AdministRaTion (START) in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Retrospective Chart Review and Hypothetical Patient Scenario

Introduction

Solriamfetol (Sunosi™), a dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is approved (USA and EU) to treat excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (37.5–150 mg/day). Real-world research on solriamfetol initiation is limited. The objective of this study was to describe dosing and titration strategies used when initiating solriamfetol and to assess whether and how patient factors affected these strategies.

Methods

This descriptive study, featuring a quantitative retrospective patient chart review and hypothetical patient scenario, enrolled US-based physicians prescribing solriamfetol for EDS associated with OSA and/or narcolepsy. Initiation of solriamfetol was classified as: (1) de novo (EDS medication-naive); (2) transition (switched/switching from existing EDS medication[s] to solriamfetol), or (3) add-on (adding solriamfetol to current EDS medication[s]). Study fielding occurred 3–19 June 2020. Data were summarized descriptively.

Results

Twenty-six physicians participated in the study, of whom 24 provided data from 50 patients with OSA (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age, 51.9 ± 9.1 years; 62% male). Mean apnea–hypopnea index at diagnosis indicated that most patients had severe OSA and 92% were adherent to positive airway pressure therapy. EDS was primarily moderate (56%) or severe (36%). Solriamfetol initiation was de novo for 44% of patients, transition for 52%, and add-on for 4%. Efficacy (including the need for better efficacy) was the primary reason for the initiation of solriamfetol as de novo (82%), transition (58%), and add-on (100%) therapy. Starting doses were predominantly 37.5 mg/day (48%) or 75 mg/day (48%); stable doses were typically 75 mg/day (56%) or 150 mg/day (40%). Most patients (64%) adjusted dosages once, reaching stable doses over a median (range) of 14 (1–74) days. Physicians considered EDS severity (32% of patients) when titrating, but more commonly no specific patient factors caused them to alter their titration (44% of patients). Physicians abruptly discontinued wake-promoting agents (WPAs; 17/18, 94%) and stimulants (6/9, 67%) for transitioning patients. The hypothetical patient scenario showed that physicians discontinuing prior WPAs commonly considered the current dose (23%) and potential adverse events (15%). Most patients (96%) were stable on solriamfetol at data collection.

Conclusions

In a real-world study, most physicians initiated solriamfetol at 37.5 or 75 mg/day and titrated to 75 or 150 mg/day for patients with EDS associated with OSA, adjusted dosages once, and abruptly discontinued prior WPAs. At data collection, most patients remained on solriamfetol.

Graphical abstract

Effect of Two Interventional Strategies on Improving Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Adherence in Existing COPD and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients: The O2VERLAP Study

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder prevalent in >10% of individuals diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first-line therapy for OSA, but many do not use it enough during sleep to effectively manage OSA. The O₂VERLAP study compared proactive care (PC)-structured web-based peer-coaching education and support intervention versus reactive care (RC)-education and support based on limited scheduled interactions and patient-initiated contacts.

METHODS

Participants were primarily recruited from patient communities (COPD, OSA, and the National Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Network [PCORnet]) through electronic methods. Inclusion criteria: ≥40 years old, diagnosis of both COPD and OSA, and currently using CPAP. Participants were then randomly assigned to either the PC or RC group, with outcomes assessed at baseline and 6 and 12 weeks. The primary study outcome was CPAP adherence (hours of use/night) and secondary outcomes were daytime functioning, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness. Changes in outcomes over time were examined using random effects models.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 332 participants of which 294 were randomized. While groups differed significantly in CPAP adherence at baseline (PC: 6.1±3.1, RC: 7.3±2.4 hours/night; P<0.001), there were no significant differences in change of primary and secondary outcomes at either 6 or 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

In this group of patients with both COPD and OSA on CPAP therapy, no difference was found between the provision of PC and RC. The study did find unexpectedly high baseline CPAP adherence levels, which suggests that any improvement from the intervention would have been very small and difficult to detect.

The relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea and erectile dysfunction: An underdiagnosed link? A prospective cross-sectional study

This cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of erectile dysfunction in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. We enrolled 133 male patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea. Ear, nose and throat evaluation, laboratory tests, body mass index, Epworth sleepiness scale, 5‐international index of erectile function, overnight ambulatory polygraphy and drug‐induced sleep endoscopy patterns were assessed. Eighty patients reported obstructive sleep apnoea. 60% (n = 48) reported erectile dysfunction. Statistically significant correlations were found between 5‐International Index of Erectile Function and age, hypertension, diabetes, Epworth sleepiness scale, apnoea‐hypopnea index score, O₂ saturation‐nadir, and oxygen desaturation index. Age, diabetes and O₂ saturation‐nadir were independent predictors of erectile function. Epworth sleepiness scale, apnoea‐hypopnea index score, O₂ saturation‐nadir, oxygen desaturation index and albumin were higher compared to patients without erectile dysfunction. No statistically significant differences were reported for drug‐induced sleep endoscopy patterns and erectile dysfunction. Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea were at significant risk of having erectile dysfunction. Males with obstructive sleep apnoea should be investigated for erectile dysfunction.

Konsensus-Statement der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Schlafmedizin (ÖGSM/ASRA) zum Management der residualen exzessiven Tagesschläfrigkeit (rETS) bei obstruktiver Schlafapnoe

Hintergrund

Sechs bis zehn Prozent aller Patienten mit einer obstruktiven Schlafapnoe leiden trotz adäquater nächtlicher Überdrucktherapie oder einer effektiven Alternativtherapie an einer residualen exzessiven Tagesschläfrigkeit (rETS). Die Differentialdiagnose der rETS stellt im klinischen Alltag eine interdisziplinäre Herausforderung dar.

Fragestellung

Entwicklung eines übersichtlichen Leitfadens für die Erkennung, die differentialdiagnostischen Abwägungen und die Möglichkeiten der weiterführenden Behandlung der rETS in der klinischen Praxis.

Material und Methode

MeSH-Analyse basierte Recherche und interdisziplinäre Abstimmung von Fachvertreter:innen der Inneren Medizin und Pneumologie, Neurologie sowie Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie.

Ergebnisse

SPAIN-Checkliste zur systematischen differentialdiagnostischen Exploration der rETS mit den Parametern: S chlafverhalten, P sychische Ursachen, A namnese der Medikation, I nternistische Ursachen und N eurologische Ursachen.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die rETS sollte als behandlungswürdiges Symptom erkannt werden. Sie verlangt nach einer interdisziplinären Abklärung und der individuellen Abstimmung der Behandlung auf die Bedürfnisse der Betroffenen.

What are the respiratory health research priorities in Alberta, Canada? A stakeholder consultation

OBJECTIVE

The Respiratory Health Strategic Clinical Network (RHSCN) was launched to facilitate respiratory and sleep health through implementation of innovative, patient-centred, evidence-informed coordinated services in Alberta. In collaboration with project partners, the RHSCN aimed to determine the respiratory research priorities for Alberta.

DESIGN

The four phases of this research prioritisation project were (1) identifying research questions from stakeholders, (2) determining which research questions had been answered in existing literature, (3) prioritising unanswered questions and (4) finalising the priorities through an inperson workshop.

SETTING

The study occurred in Alberta, Canada over a 2-year period beginning in March 2017.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 448 patients, clinicians and other stakeholders consented to participate in the survey.

RESULTS

A total of 595 possible questions were submitted, with 343 unique questions identified. Of the questions, 94 were out of scope, 155 answered by existing literature and 10 were combined with others, while 83 were determined to be unanswered in the literature. Stakeholders were surveyed again to prioritise the remaining 83 questions and they were reviewed by the project's Steering Committee (clinicians and patients). At the inperson workshop, the Steering Committee identified 17 research topics as priority areas for respiratory and sleep research in Alberta.

CONCLUSION

A stakeholder-led research prioritisation process identified optimal clinical management/follow-up, equitable access to services, and management of social, psychological and mental health issues related to respiratory/sleep health as priority research areas.

The association between sleep disorders on employment and income among adults in the United States

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between sleep disorders, employment status, and income among US adults aged 18-64 years.

METHODS

The 2018-2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey medical conditions file was queried for adults aged 18-64 years with a diagnosis of a sleep disorder (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, code G47.x) and linked to the household dataset. Comparisons in rates of wage, supplemental, and social security income as well as mean wage income were made between those with and without sleep disorders. Multivariate analyses, adjusting for demographics and comorbidities, were conducted.

RESULTS

A sleep disorder was diagnosed in 4.4% ± 0.2% of the study population (approximately 8.8 ± 0.4 million adults aged 18-64 years in the United States; mean age 46.9 years, 55.8% female). Adults with sleep disorders were less likely to have wage income from employment (adjusted odds ratio 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.4-0.6, P < .001) and more likely to have Supplemental Security (1.8, 1.4-2.4, P < .001) and Social Security income (2.0, 1.6-2.4, P < .001) compared with those without sleep disorders. Among wage-earning adults, those with sleep disorders had $2,496 less mean annual wage income compared with those without a sleep disorder ($20,445 vs $22,941, P = .007), adjusting for demographics and comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

There are significantly higher indirect costs associated with sleep disorders. This study specifically demonstrates lower employment rates, lower wages, and higher welfare income utilization among those with sleep disorders despite using a very conservative estimate of sleep disorder prevalence.

CITATION

Huyett P, Bhattacharyya N. The association between sleep disorders, employment, and income among adults in the United States. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(8):1967-1972.

Incidence and duration of common early-onset adverse events in randomized controlled trials of solriamfetol for treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy

STUDY OBJECTIVES

This post hoc analysis characterized the weekly incidence and overall duration of common early-onset, treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) during solriamfetol treatment.

METHODS

Participants (obstructive sleep apnea [OSA], n = 474; narcolepsy, n = 236) were randomized to 12 weeks of placebo or solriamfetol 37.5 (OSA only), 75, 150, or 300 mg. For common early-onset TEAEs (those occurring in ≥ 5% of participants in any solriamfetol dose group and with a higher incidence than that observed in placebo-treated participants during week 1), the incidence of new occurrence or change in severity over time was calculated for each subsequent study week. Data were analyzed separately for each study and summarized by placebo and combined solriamfetol groups.

RESULTS

Common early-onset TEAEs (at doses ≤ 150 mg; ie, approved doses) included headache (OSA, 5.1%; narcolepsy, 8.5%), nausea (OSA, 2.5%; narcolepsy, 4.2%), decreased appetite (OSA, 4.2%; narcolepsy, 5.9%), as well as anxiety (2.1%), insomnia (1.3%), and feeling jittery (3.0%) in OSA and dry mouth (4.2%) in narcolepsy. Incidence of common early-onset TEAEs was highest at week 1 and decreased over time. In OSA at doses ≤ 150 mg, headache, nausea, and feeling jittery had median durations ≤ 8 days, whereas decreased appetite, anxiety, and insomnia had longer durations. In narcolepsy at doses ≤ 150 mg, headache and nausea had median durations ≤ 8 days, whereas decreased appetite and dry mouth had longer durations. Most TEAEs were mild to moderate in severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Common early-onset TEAEs with solriamfetol are limited in duration, with the majority subsiding during the first week of treatment.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Twelve-week Study of the Safety and Efficacy of JZP-110 in the Treatment of Excessive Sleepiness in Narcolepsy; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02348593; Identifier: NCT02348593; and Name: Twelve-week Study of the Safety and Efficacy of JZP-110 in the Treatment of Excessive Sleepiness in OSA; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02348606; Identifier: NCT02348606.

CITATION

Rosenberg R, Thorpy MJ, Dauvilliers Y, et al. Incidence and duration of common early-onset adverse events in randomized controlled trials of solriamfetol for treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(1):235-244.

Sleep apnoea and ischaemic stroke: current knowledge and future directions

Sleep apnoea, one of the most common chronic diseases, is a risk factor for ischaemic stroke, stroke recurrence, and poor functional recovery after stroke. More than half of stroke survivors present with sleep apnoea during the acute phase after stroke, with obstructive sleep apnoea being the most common subtype. Following a stroke, sleep apnoea frequency and severity might decrease over time, but moderate to severe sleep apnoea is nevertheless present in up to a third of patients in the chronic phase after an ischaemic stroke. Over the past few decades evidence suggests that treatment for sleep apnoea is feasible during the acute phase of stroke and might favourably affect recovery and long-term outcomes. Nevertheless, sleep apnoea still remains underdiagnosed and untreated in many cases, due to challenges in the detection and prediction of post-stroke sleep apnoea, uncertainty as to the optimal timing for its diagnosis, and a scarcity of clear treatment guidelines (ie, uncertainty on when to treat and the optimal treatment strategy). Moreover, the pathophysiology of sleep apnoea associated with stroke, the proportion of stroke survivors with obstructive and central sleep apnoea, and the temporal evolution of sleep apnoea subtypes following stroke remain to be clarified. To address these shortcomings, the management of sleep apnoea associated with stroke should be integrated into a multidisciplinary diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up strategy.

Indirect treatment comparison of solriamfetol, modafinil, and armodafinil for excessive daytime sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea affects 9%-22% of continuous positive airway pressure-treated patients. An indirect treatment comparison meta-analysis was performed to compare efficacy and safety of medications (solriamfetol, modafinil, and armodafinil) approved to treat excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

METHODS

Efficacy and safety measures assessed in this indirect treatment comparison included Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), 20-minute Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT20), Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI-C), Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ), and incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (any, serious, or leading to discontinuation).

RESULTS

A systematic literature review identified 6 parallel-arm, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials that randomized 1,714 total participants to placebo, solriamfetol, modafinil, or armodafinil. In this indirect treatment comparison, all comparators were associated with greater improvements than placebo on the ESS, MWT20, and CGI-C after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. Relative to comparators and placebo at 12 weeks, solriamfetol at 150 mg or 300 mg had the highest probabilities of improvement in the ESS, MWT20, and CGI-C. Modafinil (200 or 400 mg) and solriamfetol (150 or 300 mg) were associated with greater improvement on the FOSQ than placebo at 12 weeks. Less than 2% of patients using placebo or comparators experienced serious or discontinuation-related treatment-emergent adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this indirect treatment comparison show 12 weeks of treatment with solriamfetol, modafinil, and armodafinil resulted in varying levels of improvement on the ESS, MWT20, and CGI-C and similar safety risks in participants with excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

CITATION

Ronnebaum S, Bron M, Patel D, et al. Indirect treatment comparison of solriamfetol, modafinil, and armodafinil for excessive daytime sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17(12):2543-2555.

Peer-driven intervention to help patients resume CPAP therapy following discontinuation: a multicentre, randomised clinical trial with patient involvement

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is one of the most common chronic diseases. It may be associated with symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness and neurocognitive and cardiovascular complications. First line therapy for OSAS involves home continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), however, nearly half of patients do not adhere with this treatment over the long term. Cognitive-behavioural interventions that include health professionals and patient and public involvement are increasingly advocated in the fields of education and research. We hypothesise that a peer-driven intervention could help patients with OSAS to resume CPAP use after discontinuation.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We have designed a prospective, multicentre randomised, controlled trial that will be coconducted by health professionals, a home provider of CPAP and patients as experts or peers or participants. The primary aim is to evaluate the impact of a 6-month, peer-driven intervention to promote the resumption of CPAP after discontinuation. We anticipate that 20% of patients in the intervention group will reuse CPAP as compared with 6% in control group, thus, 104 patients must be included in each group. The secondary aims are (1) to evaluate the impact of the peer-driven intervention on adherence to CPAP compared with the control group (mean adherence and percentage of nights with at least 4 hours' use/night for 70% of nights); (2) to determine factors associated with resumption of CPAP; (3) to assess patient satisfaction with the peer-driven intervention at 6 months; (4) to evaluate the feasibility and the execution of the peer-driven intervention and peer satisfaction. Adult outpatients with an established diagnosis of severe OSA (Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index >30 events/hour) that have stopped using CPAP within 4-12 months after initiation will be recruited. The peers who will perform the intervention will be patients with OSAS treated with CPAP with good adherence (at least 4 hours/night, 70% of nights) and trained in motivational enhancement and cognitive-behavioural therapies. Trained peers will conduct three interviews within 6 months with participants.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval has been obtained from the French Regional Ethics Committee CPP Ouest II-Angers, (IRB 21.02.25.68606 (2021/2025)). All participants will sign written informed consent. The results will be presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals as well as public media.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04538274.

Long-term effects of solriamfetol on quality of life and work productivity in participants with excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Solriamfetol, a dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is approved in the United States and European Union for excessive daytime sleepiness in adults with narcolepsy (75-150 mg/day) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA; 37.5-150 mg/day). In 12-week studies, solriamfetol was associated with improvements in quality of life in participants with narcolepsy or OSA. These analyses evaluated the long-term effects of solriamfetol on quality of life.

METHODS

Participants with narcolepsy or OSA who completed previous solriamfetol studies were eligible. A 2-week titration was followed by a maintenance phase ≤ 50 weeks (stable doses: 75, 150, or 300 mg/day). Quality of life assessments included Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire short version, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: Specific Health Problem, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey version 2. Mean (standard deviation) changes from baseline to end of study were evaluated. Data were summarized descriptively. Adverse events were assessed.

RESULTS

Safety population comprised 643 participants (417 OSA, 226 narcolepsy). Solriamfetol improved Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire short version Total scores (mean change [standard deviation], 3.7 [3.0]) and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey version 2 Physical and Mental Component Summary scores (3.1 [6.9] and 4.3 [8.4], respectively); improvements were sustained throughout treatment. On Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: Specific Health Problem, solriamfetol reduced (improved) % presenteeism, % overall work impairment, and % activity impairment by a minimum of 25%. Common adverse events (≥ 5%): headache, nausea, nasopharyngitis, insomnia, dry mouth, anxiety, decreased appetite, and upper respiratory tract infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term solriamfetol treatment was associated with clinically meaningful, sustained improvements in functional status, work productivity, and quality of life for up to 52 weeks. Adverse events were similar between narcolepsy and OSA.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: A Long-Term Safety Study of JZP-110 in the Treatment of Excessive Sleepiness in Subjects with Narcolepsy or OSA; Identifier: NCT02348632; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02348632.

CITATION

Weaver TE, Pepin J-L, Schwab R, et al. Long-term effects of solriamfetol on quality of life and work productivity in participants with excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17(10):1995-2007.

The role of circadian rhythms in Obstructive Sleep Apnea symptoms and novel targets for treatment

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common disorder that is associated with disability, premature mortality and lost quality of life. Excessive daytime sleepiness and depressive symptoms confer a great portion of the disability and lost quality of life associated with the disorder. While showing robust rates of response and symptoms resolutions, current treatments aimed at correcting the respiratory disturbances are not universally successful and a non-negligible proportion of patients who are correctly using available therapies do not experience symptomatic relief, suggesting that mechanisms beyond the respiratory disturbances may be involved in the pathogenesis of symptoms. A growing body of literature concerning animal and human models suggests that the sleep and respiratory disturbances commonly seen in OSA, namely sleep fragmentation, partial sleep deprivation, intermittent hypoxia, can promote shifts in circadian rhythms ultimately leading to misalignment between sleep-wake rhythms and the internal clock, as well as desynchrony amongst peripheral clocks and peripheral and central clock. This manuscript reviews the current evidence in support of a circadian disturbance underlying OSA symptomatology and proposes new applications for existing chronotherapeutic interventions with the potential for improving symptoms and quality of life for those patients that do not find symptomatic relief with currently available treatments.

Residual excessive daytime sleepiness in patients treated for obstructive sleep apnea: guidance for assessment, diagnosis, and management

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) affects approximately half of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and can persist in some despite normalization of breathing, oxygenation, and sleep quality with primary OSA therapy, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). EDS is often overlooked and under discussed in the primary care setting and in the follow-up of CPAP-treated patients due to difficult assessment of such a multi-dimensional symptom. This review aims to provide suggestions for procedures that can be implemented into routine clinical practice to identify, evaluate, and manage EDS in patients treated for OSA, including how to appropriately use various self-report and objective assessments along the clinical pathway and options for pharmacotherapy. In addition, examples of when it is appropriate to refer a patient to a sleep specialist for evaluation are discussed.

The Social And Economic Cost Of Sleep Disorders

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To estimate economic cost of common sleep disorders in Australia for 2019-2020.

METHODS

Costs were estimated for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, and restless legs syndrome (RLS) using prevalence, financial, and nonfinancial data from national databases. These included: (1) financial costs associated with health care, informal care, productivity losses, non-medical accident costs, deadweight loss from taxation/welfare inefficiencies; and (2) nonfinancial costs associated with loss of well-being. They were expressed in US dollars ($).

RESULTS

Estimated overall cost of sleep disorders in Australia in 2019-2020 (population: 25.5 million) was $35.4 billion (OSA $13.1 billion; insomnia $13.3 billion, RLS $9.0 billion). Of this, the financial cost component was $10.0 billion, comprised of: health system costs $0.7 billion; productivity losses $7.7 billion; informal care $0.2 billion; other, mainly non-medical accident costs, $0.4 billion; and deadweight losses $1.0 billion. For moderate to severe OSA syndrome, insomnia unrelated to other conditions and RLS, financial costs represented $16,717, $21,982, and $16,624 per adult with the condition for the year, respectively. The nonfinancial cost was $25.4 billion.

CONCLUSIONS

The economic costs associated with sleep disorders are substantial. The financial component of $10.0 billion is equivalent to 0.73% of Australian gross domestic product. The nonfinancial cost of $25.4 billion represents 3.2% of total Australian burden of disease for the year. Health system costs of these disorders are low relative to those associated with their consequences, suggesting greater expenditure on detection, treatment and prevention is warranted.

Socioeconomic and humanistic burden of illness of excessive daytime sleepiness severity associated with obstructive sleep apnoea in the European Union 5

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Evaluate the impact of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) severity on burden of illness among adults with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in European Union 5 (EU5) countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom).

PATIENTS/METHODS

This retrospective observational study used data from the 2017 EU5 National Health and Wellness Survey, a self-administered, internet-based, non-screening survey. Respondents who self-reported both having experienced OSA in the last 12 months and having had their OSA diagnosed by a physician were considered to have OSA. Respondents completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and were consequently categorised into 4 groups: OSA-with-EDS (ESS >10) subdivided by EDS severity (mild [ESS = 11-12], moderate [ESS = 13-15], severe [ESS = 16-24]), and OSA-without-EDS (ESS ≤10). Bivariate and multivariable analyses examined group differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), work productivity and activity impairment, and health care utilisation.

RESULTS

The analysis included 2008 respondents with OSA: n = 661 (32.9%) with EDS (29.5% mild, 34.5% moderate, 36.0% severe) and n = 1347 without EDS. Compared with the OSA-without-EDS group, the OSA-with-EDS subgroups generally had higher rates of obesity, depression, and other reported comorbidities. Greater severity of EDS was associated with worse self-reported HRQoL (all domains, P < 0.001) and work productivity and activity impairment (absenteeism, P = 0.031; presenteeism, overall work impairment, and non-work activity impairment, P < 0.001), as well as increased numbers of health care provider visits (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to patients with OSA but without EDS, those with EDS had substantially higher socioeconomic and humanistic burden of disease, which was more profound among those reporting greater EDS.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Mechanisms and Clinical Management

Many patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experience excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), which can negatively affect daily functioning, cognition, mood, and other aspects of well-being. Although EDS can be reduced with primary OSA treatment, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, a significant proportion of patients continue to experience EDS despite receiving optimized therapy for OSA. This article reviews the pathophysiology and clinical evaluation and management of EDS in patients with OSA. The mechanisms underlying EDS in CPAP-treated patients remain unclear. Experimental risk factors include chronic intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation, which lead to oxidative injury and changes in neurons and brain circuit connectedness involving noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission in wake-promoting regions of the brain. In addition, neuroimaging studies have shown alterations in the brain's white matter and gray matter in patients with OSA and EDS. Clinical management of EDS begins with ruling out other potential causes of EDS and evaluating its severity. Tools to evaluate EDS include objective and self-reported assessments of sleepiness, as well as cognitive assessments. Patients who experience residual EDS despite primary OSA therapy may benefit from wake-promoting pharmacotherapy. Agents that inhibit reuptake of dopamine or of dopamine and norepinephrine (modafinil/armodafinil and solriamfetol, respectively) have demonstrated efficacy in reducing EDS and improving quality of life in patients with OSA. Additional research is needed on the effects of wake-promoting treatments on cognition in these patients and to identify individual or disorder-specific responses.

A randomized sham-controlled trial on the effect of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on gait control in severe obstructive sleep apnea patients

To determine the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), on gait control in severe OSAS patients. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, sham-controlled monocentric study in Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, France. Gait parameters were recorded under single and dual-task conditions using a visuo-verbal cognitive task (Stroop test), before and after the 8-week intervention period. Stride-time variability, a marker of gait control, was the primary study endpoint. Changes in the determinants of gait control were the main secondary outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: (NCT02345694). 24 patients [median (Q1; Q3)]: age: 59.5 (46.3; 66.8) years, 87.5% male, body mass index: 28.2 (24.7; 29.8) kg. m⁻², apnea–hypopnea index: 51.6 (35.0; 61.4) events/h were randomized to be treated by effective CPAP (n = 12) or by sham-CPAP (n = 12). A complete case analysis was performed, using a mixed linear regression model. CPAP elicited no significant improvement in stride-time variability compared to sham-CPAP. No difference was found regarding the determinants of gait control. This study is the first RCT to investigate the effects of CPAP on gait control. Eight weeks of CPAP treatment did not improve gait control in severe non-obese OSAS patients. These results substantiate the complex OSAS-neurocognitive function relationship.

Long-term study of the safety and maintenance of efficacy of solriamfetol (JZP-110) in the treatment of excessive sleepiness in participants with narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea

Study Objectives

To evaluate long-term safety and maintenance of efficacy of solriamfetol treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

Participants with narcolepsy or OSA who completed a prior solriamfetol study were eligible. A 2-week titration period was followed by a maintenance phase (up to 50 weeks). Efficacy was assessed by Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Patient and Clinical Global Impression of Change (PGI-C and CGI-C, respectively). After approximately 6 months of treatment, a subgroup entered a 2-week placebo-controlled randomized withdrawal (RW) phase. Change in ESS from beginning to end of the RW phase was the primary endpoint; PGI-C and CGI-C were secondary endpoints. Safety was assessed throughout the study.

Results

In the maintenance phase, solriamfetol-treated participants demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements on ESS, PGI-C, and CGI-C. In the RW phase, least squares mean change on ESS was 1.6 in participants continuing solriamfetol versus 5.3 in participants switched to placebo (p < .0001). For both secondary endpoints, higher percentages of participants receiving placebo were reported as worse at the end of the RW phase versus solriamfetol (p < .0001). Common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) with solriamfetol were headache, nausea, nasopharyngitis, insomnia, dry mouth, anxiety, decreased appetite, and upper respiratory tract infection; 27 (4.2%) participants experienced at least one serious TEAE, and 61 (9.5%) withdrew because of TEAEs.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated long-term maintenance of efficacy of solriamfetol under open-label and double-blind, placebo-controlled conditions. Safety profile of solriamfetol was consistent with previous 12-week studies; no new safety concerns were identified.

Trial Registration

NCT02348632

Clinically relevant effects of solriamfetol on excessive daytime sleepiness: a posthoc analysis of the magnitude of change in clinical trials in adults with narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical relevance of solriamfetol in treating excessive daytime sleepiness in participants with narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

This posthoc analysis includes data from two 12-week, randomized phase 3 studies in participants with narcolepsy or OSA treated with once-daily placebo or solriamfetol 37.5 mg (OSA only), 75 mg, 150 mg, or 300 mg. Excessive daytime sleepiness was assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) at baseline and at week 12. Cumulative distribution function plots were generated using a last-observation-carried-forward approach to determine the percentage of participants who achieved ESS scores ≤ 10, within the normal range, and the percentage who achieved a reduction (improvement) in ESS ≥ 25% relative to baseline. Safety was also assessed.

RESULTS

In narcolepsy (n = 231), 30.5%-49.2% of participants treated with solriamfetol (across doses) reported ESS scores ≤ 10 and 44.1%-62.7% achieved a ≥ 25% decrease from baseline in ESS scores at week 12, compared with 15.5% and 27.6%, respectively, of placebo recipients. In OSA (n = 459), 51.8%-73.0% of participants treated with solriamfetol (across doses) reported ESS scores ≤ 10 and 50.0%-81.9% achieved a ≥ 25% decrease from baseline in ESS scores at week 12, compared with 37.7% and 36.8%, respectively, of placebo recipients. Results were generally dose-dependent, with more responders at higher solriamfetol doses. Common treatment-emergent adverse events (≥ 5% of solriamfetol recipients in either study) were headache, nausea, decreased appetite, nasopharyngitis, dry mouth, and anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

A greater percentage of participants treated with solriamfetol achieved normal ESS scores (≤ 10) or clinically meaningful improvements on the ESS compared with those receiving placebo. The safety profile was similar between participants with narcolepsy and those with OSA.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATIONS

Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov. Names: TONES 2 and TONES 3. URLs: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02348593 and https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02348606. Identifiers: NCT02348593, NCT02348606. Registry: European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials. Names: TONES 2 and TONES 3. URL: https://www.eudract.ema.europa.eu. Identifiers: EudraCT 2014-005487-15, EudraCT 2014-005514-31.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Solriamfetol for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in OSA: An Analysis of Subgroups Adherent or Nonadherent to OSA Treatment

BACKGROUND

Solriamfetol, a dopamine-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is approved in the United States to improve wakefulness in adults with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) associated with OSA (37.5-150 mg/d).

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does solriamfetol have differential effects on EDS based on adherence to primary OSA therapy and does solriamfetol affect primary OSA therapy use?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants were randomized to 12 weeks of placebo or solriamfetol 37.5, 75, 150, or 300 mg/d (stratified by primary OSA therapy adherence). Coprimary end points were week 12 change from baseline in 40-min Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) in the modified intention-to-treat population. Primary OSA therapy use (hours per night, % nights) and safety were evaluated.

RESULTS

At baseline, 324 participants (70.6%) adhered to OSA therapy (positive airway pressure use ≥ 4 h/night on ≥ 70% nights, surgical intervention, or oral appliance use on ≥ 70% nights) and 135 participants (29.4%) did not adhere. Least squares (LS) mean differences from placebo in MWT sleep latency (minutes) in the 37.5-, 75-, 150-, and 300-mg/d groups among adherent participants were 4.8 (95% CI, 0.6-9.0), 8.4 (95% CI, 4.3-12.5), 10.2 (95% CI, 6.8-13.6), and 12.5 (95% CI, 9.0-15.9) and among nonadherent participants were 3.7 (95% CI, -2.0 to 9.4), 9.9 (95% CI, 4.4-15.4), 11.9 (95% CI, 7.5-16.3), and 13.5 (95% CI, 8.8-18.3). On ESS, LS mean differences from placebo in the 37.5-, 75-, 150-, and 300-mg/d groups among adherent participants were -2.4 (95% CI, -4.2 to -0.5), -1.3 (95% CI, -3.1 to 0.5), -4.2 (95% CI, -5.7 to -2.7), and -4.7 (95% CI, -6.1 to -3.2) and among nonadherent participants were -0.7 (95% CI, -3.5 to 2.1), -2.6 (95% CI, -5.4 to 0.1), -5.0 (95% CI, -7.2 to -2.9), and -4.6 (95% CI, -7.0 to -2.3). Common adverse events included headache, nausea, anxiety, decreased appetite, nasopharyngitis, and diarrhea. No clinically meaningful changes were seen in primary OSA therapy use with solriamfetol.

INTERPRETATION

Solriamfetol improved EDS in OSA regardless of primary OSA therapy adherence. Primary OSA therapy use was unaffected with solriamfetol.

TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT02348606; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov; EU Clinical Trials Register; No.: EudraCT2014-005514-31; URL: www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu.

Profile of Solriamfetol in the Management of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Associated with Narcolepsy or Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Focus on Patient Selection and Perspectives

Excessive sleepiness (ES) is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and narcolepsy that has severe consequences. Wake-promoting drugs and stimulants are utilized as accessory treatment in OSA to reduce propensity to sleep but they do not improve sleep-disordered breathing. Solriamfetol is a first-line therapeutic agent to combat sleepiness in OSA and narcolepsy patients that is approved both by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). For excessively sleepy adult patients with OSA despite primary treatment or narcolepsy patients without cataplexy, solriamfetol may be used as initial therapy or as replacement therapy in patients who fail treatment or experience unacceptable side effects with modafinil, armodafinil, pitolisant, or stimulants. It can also be used as add-on therapy in OSA or narcolepsy patients when ES is only partially controlled with modafinil, armodafinil, pitolisant, sodium oxybate, or stimulants. Solriamfetol is a phenylalanine derivative whose wake-promoting action may be mediated through its selective dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. This paper reviews the profile of solriamfetol in treating ES associated with OSA or narcolepsy and discusses patient selection and clinical perspectives. Mechanism of action, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and tolerability of solriamfetol are described. The Treatment of OSA and Narcolepsy Excessive Sleepiness (TONES) solriamfetol trials demonstrated the efficacy of solriamfetol in reducing propensity to sleep and maintaining wakefulness, with significant improvements in mean maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT) sleep latencies and significant reduction in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores compared to placebo. With solriamfetol, significantly higher percentages of patients showed improvement in patient's and clinician's global impression of change.