The Baveno Classification as a Predictor of CPAP Titration Pressure in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a clinical condition characterised by repeated periods of partial or full obstruction of airflow throughout sleep, with impairment of the quality of life and increased mortality with socioeconomic impacts. CPAP therapy is a simple and effective treatment option for OSAS patients. To overcome the clinical and prognostic limitations of AHI-as a sole index of OSAS-the Baveno classification was recently set out and introduced into clinical practice. This study aims to analyse the effect of the Baveno classification on the optimum CPAP titration pressure. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the records of sleep studies in two centres between 2018 and 2021 was carried out. Patients diagnosed with OSAS and recruited for CPAP titration were included. Based on the Baveno classification, the patients were categorised into four groups (A, B, C, and D). RESULTS: Consequently, 700 patients were analysed and 427 patients were included. A significant positive correlation was detected between the CPAP optimum titration pressure and OSAS severity, neck circumference, the oxygen desaturation index (ODI), mean oxygen saturation, the AHI, the BMI, and cumulative sleep time when the SpO2 was <90% (T90) on the other side (p: <0.0001). A non-significant correlation was seen between the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), symptom severity, end organ impact, and Baveno classification of the CPAP optimum titration pressure (p: 0.8, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.7, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The Baveno classification is not useful in the prediction of CPAP optimum titration pressure. However, the ODI and neck circumference were significant independent predictors of a higher CPAP titration pressure.

TO TREAT OR NOT TO TREAT, CHEYNE-STOKES RESPIRATION IN A YOUNG ADULT WITH VASCULAR ENCEPHALOPATHY.

Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is a form of sleep-disordered breathing characterised by recurrent central sleep apnoea alternating with a crescendo-decrescendo pattern of tidal volume, relatively rare observation in sleep labs. It is mainly seen in severe heart failure and stroke. We report the case of a young man with CSR after sudden onset of seizure in the context of hypertensive exacerbation leading to the diagnosis of a leukoencephalopathy, and comment on differential diagnoses, prognostic and therapeutic outcomes. The very uniqueness of this case consists in the extremely young age for developing a vascular encephalopathy in the absence of genetic diseases and without previous diagnosis of hypertension. There is no adequate explanation for the origin of vascular encephalopathy; also there is lack of evidence regarding the benefits and modality of treatment for CSR in neurologic diseases. Thus, we were forced to find the best compromise in a nocturnal oxygen therapy and follow-up.