The Combination of Aroxybutynin and Atomoxetine in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (MARIPOSA): A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Rationale: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder for which the principal treatment option, continuous positive airway pressure, is often poorly tolerated. There is currently no approved pharmacotherapy for OSA. However, recent studies have demonstrated improvement in OSA with combined antimuscarinic and noradrenergic drugs. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AD109, a combination of the novel antimuscarinic agent aroxybutynin and the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine, in the treatment of OSA. Methods: Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, 4-week trial comparing AD109 2.5/75 mg, AD109 5/75 mg, atomoxetine 75 mg alone, and placebo (www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT05071612). Measurements and Main Results: Of 211 randomized patients, 181 were included in the prespecified efficacy analyses. Sleep was assessed by two baseline and two treatment polysomnograms. Apnea-hypopnea index with a 4% desaturation criterion (primary outcome) was reduced from a median (IQR) of 20.5 (12.3-27.2) to 10.8 (5.6-18.5) in the AD109 2.5/75 mg arm (-47.1%), from 19.4 (13.7-26.4) to 9.5 (6.1-19.3) in the AD109 5/75 mg arm (-42.9%; both P < 0.0001 vs. placebo), and from 19.0 (11.8-28.8) to 11.8 (5.5-21.5) with atomoxetine alone (-38.8%; P < 0.01 vs. placebo). Apnea-hypopnea index with a 4% desaturation criterion decreased from 20.1 (11.9-25.9) to 16.3 (11.1-28.9) in the placebo arm. Subjectively, there was improvement in fatigue with AD109 2.5/75 mg (P < 0.05 vs. placebo and atomoxetine). Atomoxetine taken alone decreased total sleep time (P < 0.05 vs. AD109 and placebo). The most common adverse events were dry mouth, insomnia, and urinary hesitancy. Conclusions: AD109 showed clinically meaningful improvement in OSA, suggesting that further development of the compound is warranted. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05071612).

Effectiveness of an Intervention Providing Digitally Generated Personalized Feedback and Education on Adherence to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Many people worldwide experience obstructive sleep apnea, which is associated with medical and psychological problems. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an efficacious therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, but its effect is limited by nonadherence. Studies show that personalized education and feedback can increase CPAP adherence. Moreover, tailoring the style of information to the psychological profile of a patient has been shown to enhance the impact of interventions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effect of an intervention providing digitally generated personalized education and feedback on CPAP adherence and the additional effect of tailoring the style of the education and feedback to an individual's psychological profile. METHODS: This study was a 90-day, multicenter, parallel, single-blinded, and randomized controlled trial with 3 conditions: personalized content in a tailored style (PT) in addition to usual care (UC), personalized content in a nontailored style (PN) in addition to UC, and UC. To test the effect of personalized education and feedback, the PN + PT group was compared with the UC group. To test the additional effect of tailoring the style to psychological profiles, the PN and PT groups were compared. Overall, 169 participants were recruited from 6 US sleep clinics. The primary outcome measures were adherence based on minutes of use per night and on nights of use per week. RESULTS: We found a significant positive effect of personalized education and feedback on both primary adherence outcome measures. The difference in the estimated average adherence based on minutes of use per night between the PT + PN and UC groups on day 90 was 81.3 minutes in favor of the PT + PN group (95% CI -134.00 to -29.10; P=.002). The difference in the average adherence based on nights of use per week between the PT + PN and UC groups at week 12 was 0.9 nights per week in favor of the PT + PN group (difference in odds ratio 0.39, 95% CI 0.21-0.72; P=.003). We did not find an additional effect of tailoring the style of the intervention to psychological profiles on the primary outcomes. The difference in nightly use between the PT and PN groups on day 90 (95% CI -28.20 to 96.50; P=.28) and the difference in nights of use per week between the PT and PN groups at week 12 (difference in odds ratio 0.85, 95% CI 0.51-1.43; P=.054) were both nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that personalized education and feedback can increase CPAP adherence substantially. Tailoring the style of the intervention to the psychological profiles of patients did not further increase adherence. Future research should investigate how the impact of interventions can be enhanced by catering to differences in psychological profiles. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02195531; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02195531.

Test-retest reliability of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale in clinical trial settings.

The present analysis examined the test-retest reliability of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale in participants with excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea in three clinical trials. Intraclass correlation coefficient estimates for Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores from two solriamfetol 12-week placebo-controlled trials (one narcolepsy, one obstructive sleep apnea) and one long-term open-label extension trial (narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea) were calculated using postbaseline time-point pairs for the overall population in each trial, by treatment, and by primary obstructive sleep apnea therapy adherence. In the 12-week narcolepsy trial, intraclass correlation coefficients (95% confidence intervals) were 0.83 (0.79, 0.87) for weeks 4 and 8 (n = 199), 0.87 (0.83, 0.90) for weeks 8 and 12 (n = 196), and 0.81 (0.76, 0.85) for weeks 4 and 12 (n = 196). In the 12-week obstructive sleep apnea trial, intraclass correlation coefficients (95% confidence intervals) were 0.74 (0.69, 0.78) (n = 416), 0.80 (0.76, 0.83) (n = 405), and 0.74 (0.69, 0.78) (n = 405), respectively. In the open-label extension trial, intraclass correlation coefficients (95% confidence intervals) were 0.82 (0.79, 0.85) for weeks 14 and 26/27 (n = 495), 0.85 (0.82, 0.87) for weeks 26/27 and 39/40 (n = 463), and 0.78 (0.74, 0.81) for weeks 14 and 39/40 (n = 463). Placebo/solriamfetol treatment or adherence to primary obstructive sleep apnea therapy did not affect reliability. In conclusion, across three large clinical trials of participants with narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea, Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores demonstrated a robust acceptable level of test-retest reliability in evaluating treatment response over time.

Statins and statin intensity in peripheral artery disease.

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects more than 202 million people worldwide. Several studies have shown that patients with PAD are often undertreated, and that statin utilization is suboptimal. European and American guidelines highlight statins as the first-line lipid-lowering therapy to treat patients with PAD. Our objective with this meta-analysis was to further explore the impact of statins on lower extremities PAD endpoints and examine whether statin dose (high vs. low intensity) impacts outcomes. Patients and methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA guidelines. Any study that presented a comparison of use of statins vs. no statins for PAD patients or studies comparing high vs. low intensity statins were considered to be potentially eligible. We excluded studies with only critical limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients. The Medline (PubMed) database was searched up to January 31, 2021. A random effects meta-analysis was performed. Results: In total, 39 studies and 275,670 patients were included in this meta-analysis. In total, 136,025 (49.34%) patients were on statins vs. 139,645 (50.66%) who were not on statins. Statin use was associated with a reduction in all cause-mortality by 42% (HR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.49-0.67, p<0.01) and cardiovascular death by 43% (HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.40-0.74, p<0.01). Statin use was associated with an increase in amputation-free survival by 56% (HR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.30-0.58, p<0.01). The risk of amputation and loss of patency were reduced by 35% (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.41-0.89, p<0.01) and 46% (HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.34-0.74, p<0.01), respectively. Statin use was also associated with a reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 35% (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.51-0.80, p<0.01) and myocardial infarction rates by 41% (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.33-0.86, p<0.01). Among patients treated with statins, the high-intensity treatment group was associated with a reduction in all cause-mortality by 36% (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.54-0.74, p<0.01) compared to patients treated with low intensity statins. Conclusions: Statin treatment among patients with PAD was associated with a statistically significant reduction in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, MACE, risk for amputation, or loss of patency. Higher statin dose seems to be associated with improved outcomes.

The prognostic value of initial serum lactate for survival in postcardiac arrest patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate the prognostic value of serum lactate on survival in patients postcardiac arrest. BACKGROUND: Patients who experience cardiac arrest, in- or out-of-hospital, may have a poor outcome. Initial electrocardiograms may suggest ischemia as an underlying cause and urgent referral for catheterization occurs. It remains unclear which of these patients may suffer a poor outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients at our institution taken for urgent catheterization after cardiac arrest between January 2014 and September 2018. Three hundred and eighty four patients were referred urgently to the cath lab during this period, 50 with prior arrest. RESULTS: Sixty six percent underwent coronary intervention. The mean age of the entire cohort was 57 years. Thirty four percent were female, 40% had a history of coronary artery disease, and 94% were intubated at the time of cardiac catheterization. Overall survival to discharge was 40%. Survival in patients who underwent coronary intervention compared with those who did not was similar (45.5 vs. 29.4%, p = .27). Mean lactate level in survivors versus nonsurvivors was 4.7 ± 3.8 and 9.8 ± 4.7 mmol/L, respectively (p < .05). When divided into tertiles by serum lactate (< 4.5, 4.5-9, 9 mmol/L), survival to discharge was 75, 29.4, and 17.6%, respectively (p < .05). Initial serum lactate and age were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing cardiac catheterization following cardiac arrest, routine measurement of serum lactate is a useful and available laboratory test that may help identify patients at risk for a poor outcome.

Solriamfetol for Excessive Sleepiness in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (TONES 3). A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Rationale: Primary treatment of obstructive sleep apnea can be accompanied by a persistence of excessive sleepiness despite adherence. Furthermore, effectiveness of sleep apnea treatment is limited by poor adherence. Currently available pharmacologic options for the treatment of sleepiness in this population are limited. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of solriamfetol (JZP-110), a selective dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with robust wake-promoting effects, for the treatment of excessive sleepiness in participants with obstructive sleep apnea with current or prior sleep apnea treatment. Methods: This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, 12-week trial comparing solriamfetol, 37.5, 75, 150, and 300 mg, with placebo. Measurements and Main Results: Of 476 randomized participants, 459 were included in the prespecified efficacy analyses. Coprimary endpoints (Maintenance of Wakefulness Test sleep latency and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score) were met at all solriamfetol doses (P < 0.05), with dose-dependent effects observed at Week 1 maintained over the study duration. All doses except 37.5 mg resulted in higher percentages of participants reporting improvement on Patient Global Impression of Change (key secondary endpoint; P < 0.05). Adverse events were reported in 47.9% of placebo- and 67.9% of solriamfetol-treated participants; five participants experienced serious adverse events (two [1.7%] placebo, three [0.8%] solriamfetol); none were deemed related to study drug. The most common adverse events with solriamfetol were headache (10.1%), nausea (7.9%), decreased appetite (7.6%), anxiety (7.0%), and nasopharyngitis (5.1%). Conclusions: Solriamfetol significantly increased wakefulness and reduced sleepiness in participants with obstructive sleep apnea and excessive sleepiness; most adverse events were mild or moderate in severity. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02348606) and www.eudract.ema.europa.eu (EudraCT 2014-005514-31).

Next-day residual effects of gabapentin, diphenhydramine, and triazolam on simulated driving performance in healthy volunteers: a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: Next-day residual effects of a nighttime dose of gabapentin 250 mg were evaluated on simulated driving performance in healthy participants in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter, four-period crossover study that included diphenhydramine citrate 76 mg and triazolam 0.5 mg. METHODS: At treatment visits, participants (n = 59) were dosed at ~23:30, went to bed immediately, and awakened 6.5 h postdose for evaluation. The primary endpoint was the standard deviation of lateral position for the 100-km driving scenario. Additional measures of driving, sleepiness, and cognition were included. RESULTS: Study sensitivity was established with triazolam, which demonstrated significant next-day impairment on all driving endpoints, relative to placebo (p < 0.001). Gabapentin demonstrated noninferiority to placebo on standard deviation of lateral position and speed deviation but not for lane excursions. Diphenhydramine citrate demonstrated significant impairment relative to gabapentin and placebo on speed deviation (p < 0.05). Other comparisons were either nonsignificant or statistically ineligible per planned, sequential comparisons. Secondary endpoints for sleepiness and cognitive performance were supportive of these conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these data suggest that low-dose gabapentin had no appreciable next-day effects on simulated driving performance or cognitive functioning. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Vascular Imaging Before Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): Why and How?

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become an alternative to surgical intervention for symptomatic or severe aortic valve stenosis in patients with high surgical risk. Successful TAVR requires a multimodality imaging approach for appropriate patient selection and prosthesis sizing. Here, we describe individual imaging modalities and report their respective roles in this emerging field. To date, echocardiography remains the traditional test for determining patient candidacy and prosthesis selection, but computed tomography (CT) has been taking on an increasingly important role in the evaluation of both the aortic root anatomy and aortoiliofemoral vessels as a single examination. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is useful in grading the severity of aortic stenosis and should be considered a reasonable alternative to CT for the evaluation of the aortic annulus, e.g., when the administration of contrast media is contraindicated.

Home-use servo-ventilation therapy in chronic pain patients with central sleep apnea: initial and 3-month follow-up.

PURPOSE: Opioid treatment of non-malignant chronic pain can result in hypoxemia, hypercarbia, and central sleep apnea. The aim of this study was to determine the initial efficacy of auto servo-ventilation (ASV) and after 3 months of home use. METHODS: This prospective multicenter interventional study recruited chronic pain patients prescribed ≥100 morphine equivalents for at least 4 months. PARTICIPANTS: Following full-night polysomnography (PSG) to confirm the presence of sleep-disordered breathing, patients were randomized to three additional full-night-attended PSGs with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), ASV, and servo-ventilation with an initial mandatory pressure support of 6 cm H2O (ASV manual PSmin 6). Following the PSGs, patients were sent home with EncoreAnywhere and ASV with or without mandatory pressure support. RESULTS: Based on the initial PSG studies, CPAP improved but did not normalize the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), central apnea index (CAI), or hypopnea index (HI), as all remained elevated. Clinically significant reductions were noted after just one night of ASV and ASV manual (PSmin 6). After 3 months of ASV home use, the AHI, CAI, and obstructive apnea index (OAI) were significantly reduced when compared to baseline diagnostic levels and even when compared to respiratory disturbance indices with CPAP treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Initial and home use of ASV for 3 months resulted in significantly lower AHI, CAI, and OAI. This reduction attests to the efficacy of ASV treatment in chronic pain patients on high doses of opioids.

Brain fog in central disorders of hypersomnolence: a review.

Brain fog is an undefined term describing a cluster of symptoms related to fatigue and impaired memory, attention, and concentration. Brain fog or brain fog-like symptoms have been reported in central disorders of hypersomnolence and in a range of seemingly unrelated disorders, including coronavirus disease 2019, major depressive disorder, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and celiac disease. This narrative review summarizes current evidence and proposes a consensus definition for brain fog. Brain fog is prevalent in narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia, with more than three-quarters of patients with either disorder reporting this symptom in a registry study; it has also been reported as particularly difficult to treat in idiopathic hypersomnia. Studies directly evaluating brain fog are rare; tools for evaluating this symptom cluster typically are patient reports, with few objective measures validated in any disorder. Evaluating brain fog is further complicated by confounding symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, which is a hallmark of hypersomnolence disorders. No treatments specifically address brain fog. The paucity of literature, assessment tools, and medications for brain fog highlights the need for research leading to better disambiguation and treatment. Until a clear consensus definition is established, we propose brain fog in hypersomnia disorders be defined as a cognitive dysfunction that may or may not be linked with excessive sleepiness, related to an underlying neuronal dysfunction, which reduces concentration and impairs information processing, leading to a complaint of lack of clarity of mental thinking and awareness. CITATION: Rosenberg R, Thorpy MJ, Doghramji K, Morse AM. Brain fog in central disorders of hypersomnolence: a review. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(4):643-651.

A Safety and Feasibility Single-Arm Study of a Novel Catheter Thrombectomy Device for the Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism (ENGULF).

Background: Despite advances in therapy options, pulmonary embolism (PE) continues to carry a high risk of mortality and morbidity. Currently, therapeutic options are limited with only 2 US Food and Drug Administration-cleared catheter-based embolectomy devices approved for the treatment of intermediate-risk PE. The novel Helo PE thrombectomy catheter (Endovascular Engineering, Inc) has a flexible and collapsible funnel with an internal agitator for a dual mechanism of treatment for acute PE. We sought to investigate the safety and feasibility of the novel Helo PE thrombectomy catheter in intermediate-risk PE. Methods: A prospective, single-arm feasibility study evaluating the Helo PE catheter was performed in patients presenting with intermediate-risk PE. Patients underwent preprocedural and postprocedural computed tomography angiography. Primary efficacy was the difference in preprocedural to postprocedural right ventricle/left ventricle (RV/LV) ratio. Primary and secondary safety outcomes were all-cause mortality, major life-threatening bleeding, device-related serious adverse events, pulmonary or cardiac injury, and clinical decompensation at 48 hours postprocedure and at 30 days. Results: A total of 25 patients from 8 centers were consented and included in the analysis. Preprocedural computed tomography angiography revealed an RV/LV ratio of 1.53 ± 0.27. All patients underwent a successful thrombectomy procedure. Postprocedure, the RV/LV ratio was reduced to 1.15 ± 0.18, translating into a 23.2 ± 12.81% decrease from baseline. No patients underwent adjunctive thrombolysis. Two patients had adjunctive catheter-directed embolectomy with an alternative device. Two patients had postprocedural anemia requiring transfusion but did not meet criteria for major life-threatening bleeding by VARC-2 criteria. There were no major adverse events including no deaths, major bleeding, pulmonary injury, or vascular complications at 48 hours or 30 days post procedure. Conclusions: In this multicenter first-in-human study, use of the Helo PE thrombectomy catheter was feasible and safe for the treatment of acute PE.

Does visual feedback during walking result in similar improvements in trunk control for young and older healthy adults?

BACKGROUND: Most current applications of visual feedback to improve postural control are limited to a fixed base of support and produce mixed results regarding improved postural control and transfer to functional tasks. Currently there are few options available to provide visual feedback regarding trunk motion while walking. We have developed a low cost platform to provide visual feedback of trunk motion during walking. Here we investigated whether augmented visual position feedback would reduce trunk movement variability in both young and older healthy adults. METHODS: The subjects who participated were 10 young and 10 older adults. Subjects walked on a treadmill under conditions of visual position feedback and no feedback. The visual feedback consisted of anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) position of the subject's trunk during treadmill walking. Fourier transforms of the AP and ML trunk kinematics were used to calculate power spectral densities which were integrated as frequency bins "below the gait cycle" and "gait cycle and above" for analysis purposes. RESULTS: Visual feedback reduced movement power at very low frequencies for lumbar and neck translation but not trunk angle in both age groups. At very low frequencies of body movement, older adults had equivalent levels of movement variability with feedback as young adults without feedback. Lower variability was specific to translational (not angular) trunk movement. Visual feedback did not affect any of the measured lower extremity gait pattern characteristics of either group, suggesting that changes were not invoked by a different gait pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced translational variability while walking on the treadmill reflects more precise control maintaining a central position on the treadmill. Such feedback may provide an important technique to augment rehabilitation to minimize body translation while walking. Individuals with poor balance during walking may benefit from this type of training to enhance path consistency during over-ground locomotion.

A 2023 Update on Managing Insomnia in Primary Care: Insights From an Expert Consensus Group.

Objective: To evaluate the status of management of insomnia disorder, describe gaps in current recognition and treatment, identify current guidance for optimal management, and develop up-to-date educational recommendations for primary care providers.Participants: Four insomnia experts representing primary care, psychiatry, and clinical research were selected based on clinical expertise, educational qualifications, and research experience. A patient with insomnia was also included.Consensus Process: The Insomnia Working Group met in March 2022 to review data on available therapies (including medications approved since publication of current guidelines) and share current best practices for evidence-based multimodal treatment of insomnia disorder.Conclusions: Insomnia is highly prevalent but underdiagnosed and undertreated. It is increasingly recognized as a distinct disorder, not merely a symptom arising secondary to another medical or psychiatric illness. The subtypes of sleep disturbance-reports of difficulty falling or staying asleep, insufficient sleep duration, early waking-and the presence of next-day impairment and common comorbid conditions require a targeted, individualized approach to therapy. Challenges exist in treating insomnia with commonly used on- and off-label drugs, including low-dose antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and benzodiazepine receptor agonists because of the risk of adverse effects, including impaired next-day functioning. The dual orexin receptor antagonists have a novel mechanistic target and offer an alternative pharmacologic choice. Optimal outcomes for insomnia require a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle and behavioral strategies to mitigate maladaptive thoughts and behaviors related to sleep and selection of pharmacotherapy based on individual patient complaints and characteristics.

Implications of Oxybate Dosing Regimen for Sleep, Sleep Architecture, and Disrupted Nighttime Sleep in Patients with Narcolepsy: A Commentary.

Narcolepsy is associated with disrupted nighttime sleep (DNS). Sodium oxybate (SXB; Xyrem®), administered twice nightly, is indicated for the treatment of cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in patients 7 years or older with narcolepsy. Recently, low-sodium oxybate (LXB, Xywav®; for people 7 years of age and older), which contains 92% less sodium than SXB and is dosed twice nightly, and sodium oxybate for extended release (SXB-ER; Lumryz™; for adults), which contains equal sodium to SXB and is dosed once nightly, have also been approved to treat cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy. This paper reviews the evidence regarding the overall impact of oxybate administration, and impact of different oxybate dosing regimens (once nightly, SXB-ER; twice nightly, SXB), on DNS in narcolepsy utilizing polysomnographic data from five clinical trials (three assessing SXB in adults [referred to here as SXB trials 1, 2, and 3], one assessing SXB in children [referred to as the pediatric SXB trial], and one assessing SXB-ER in adults [REST-ON]). Both once-nightly and twice-nightly oxybate regimens similarly improved symptoms of DNS. Regardless of dosing regimen, people with narcolepsy treated with oxybate experience roughly 42-53 arousals and 9-38 awakenings each night, with one of these awakenings on twice-nightly oxybate being due to the second dosing requirement in studies of SXB. Additionally, for SXB, but not SXB-ER, polysomnographic data has been analyzed by half of the night, demonstrating a greater positive impact on sleep architecture in the second half of the night, which might be related to its nonlinear pharmacokinetic profile. We conclude that while once-nightly and twice-nightly oxybate dosing regimens differ in their pharmacokinetic profiles, both improve DNS in patients with narcolepsy to a similar degree.

Narcolepsy causes daytime sleepiness and difficulty sleeping (commonly called disrupted nighttime sleep). Sodium oxybate (Xyrem^®) and low-sodium oxybate (Xywav^®, which contains 92% less sodium than sodium oxybate), are taken twice nightly in patients with narcolepsy. Sodium oxybate for extended release (Lumryz™), which contains as much sodium as sodium oxybate, is taken once per night. All three medications improve narcolepsy symptoms and have the same active ingredient. It is important to understand how well they improve nighttime sleep.This review examined results of five clinical studies looking at disrupted nighttime sleep in people with narcolepsy: three of twice-nightly sodium oxybate in adults (called SXB trials 1, 2, and 3 here), one of twice-nightly sodium oxybate in children (called the pediatric SXB trial here), and one of once-nightly sodium oxybate for extended release in adults (called REST-ON here). No studies specifically investigated disrupted nighttime sleep with twice-nightly low-sodium oxybate in people with narcolepsy. Although the trial designs for these studies were different, both twice-nightly and once-nightly oxybate medications improved sleep similarly, and neither eliminated arousals or awakenings. Certain aspects of sleep improved more during the second half of the night in SXB trials 1 and 3 compared with the first half of the night. Both once-nightly and twice-nightly oxybate medications similarly improve nighttime sleep in people with narcolepsy. Twice-nightly oxybate may be particularly helpful in improving sleep in the second half of the night.

Efficacy and safety of tonic motor activation (TOMAC) for medication-refractory restless legs syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety/tolerability of bilateral high-frequency tonic motor activation (TOMAC) in patients with medication-refractory restless legs syndrome (RLS). METHODS: RESTFUL was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial in adults with medication-refractory moderate-to-severe primary RLS. Participants were randomized 1:1 to active or sham TOMAC for a double-blind, 4-week stage 1 and all received active TOMAC during open-label, 4-week stage 2. The primary endpoint was the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement (CGI-I) responder rate at the end of stage 1. Key secondary endpoints included change to International RLS Study Group (IRLS) total score from study entry to the end of stage 1. RESULTS: A total of 133 participants were enrolled. CGI-I responder rate at the end of stage 1 was significantly greater for the active versus sham group (45% vs. 16%; Difference = 28%; 95% CI 14% to 43%; p = .00011). At the end of stage 2, CGI-I responder rate further increased to 61% for the active group. IRLS change at the end of stage 1 improved for the active versus sham group (-7.2 vs. -3.8; difference = -3.4; 95% CI -1.4 to -5.4; p = .00093). There were no severe or serious device-related adverse events (AEs). The most common AEs were mild discomfort and mild administration site irritation which resolved rapidly and reduced in prevalence over time. CONCLUSIONS: TOMAC was safe, well tolerated, and reduced symptoms of RLS in medication-refractory patients. TOMAC is a promising new treatment for this population. CLINICAL TRIAL: Noninvasive Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Medication-Refractory Primary RLS (The RESTFUL Study); clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04874155; Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier number NCT04874155.

Long-term efficacy and safety of tonic motor activation for treatment of medication-refractory restless legs syndrome: A 24-Week Open-Label Extension Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of tonic motor activation (TOMAC) for treatment of medication-refractory moderate-to-severe primary restless legs syndrome (RLS). METHODS: In the parent study (RESTFUL), adults with refractory RLS were randomized to active TOMAC or sham for 4 weeks followed by 4 weeks of open-label active TOMAC. In the extension study, earlier RESTFUL completers comprised the control group (n = 59), which was followed for 24 weeks with no TOMAC intervention, and later RESTFUL completers compromised the treatment group (n = 44), which received 24 additional weeks of open-label active TOMAC followed by no intervention for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was Clinician Global Impressions-Improvement (CGI-I) responder rate at week 24 compared to RESTFUL entry. RESULTS: CGI-I responder rate improved from 63.6% (95% CI, 49.4 to 77.9%) at RESTFUL completion to 72.7% (95% CI, 58.2 to 83.7%) at week 24 for the treatment group versus 13.6% (95% CI, 7.0 to 24.5%) at week 24 for the control group (p < 0.0001). Mean change in International RLS Rating Scale (IRLS) score improved from -7.4 (95% CI, -5.6 to -9.2) at RESTFUL completion to -11.3 points (95% CI, -8.8 to -13.9) at week 24 for the treatment group versus -5.4 (95% CI, -3.7 to -7.2) at week 24 for control group (p = 0.0001). All efficacy endpoints partially reverted during cessation of treatment. There were no grade 2 or higher device-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: TOMAC remained safe and efficacious for >24 total weeks of treatment with partial reversion of benefits upon cessation. CLINICAL TRIAL: Extension Study Evaluating NTX100 Neuromodulation System for Medication-Refractory Primary RLS; clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05196828; Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier number NCT05196828.

The overlooked vital sign: The importance of measuring sleep in drug development studies.

Sleep is rarely considered in drug development studies. Pre-existing sleep problems or changes in sleep parameters in response to therapeutics have the potential to diminish the true utility of the agent under development. Sleep is integral to human health and affects virtually every disease. We present evidence that indicates how sleep quality and quantity can be predictive of disease risk, progression, remission, and recurrence. Supporting the premise that we should conceptualize sleep as a 'vital sign' and measure sleep as an integral component in drug development. We highlight the emergence of digital health technologies that have enabled the capture of this 'vital sign' and ask the question: why is sleep still largely ignored in drug development studies?

Combination of atomoxetine with the novel antimuscarinic aroxybutynin improves mild to moderate OSA.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea is a common and serious sleep disorder for which treatment remains challenging due to lack of adherence to approved therapies. Previous pharmacological studies addressing sleep-related upper airway muscle hypotonia suggested that the combination of atomoxetine and oxybutynin is effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea. The current study is with aroxybutynin (AD109), a new enantiomerically pure form of oxybutynin with better safety profile compared to racemic oxybutynin. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Each received low-dose AD109 (37.5/2.5 mg), high-dose AD109 (75/2.5 mg), and placebo at bedtime across 3 overnight periods in a randomized order. Adverse events were collected by telephone contact with participants during each washout period. The primary endpoint was change in hypoxic burden and secondary endpoint was apnea-hypopnea index. RESULTS: Patients treated with both the high and low doses of AD109 had a statistically significant and clinically meaningful difference from placebo in hypoxic burden. Median [interquartile range] hypoxic burden for participants on placebo was 13.9[4.5-21.9] (%min)/h vs 2.3[0.1-10.5] (%min)/h for patients on the high dose (P < .001) and to 7.3[2-12.5] (%min)/h on the low dose (P < .01). Apnea-hypopnea index went from a median of 13.2[8.0-19.1] events/h on placebo reduced to 5.5[2.2 to 9.6] events/h on the high dose (P < .001) and to 7.8[4-13.7] events/h on the low dose (P < .05). AD109 demonstrated a favorable safety profile. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides additional support that a pharmacological intervention for obstructive sleep apnea, namely the combination of atomoxetine and aroxybutynin, offers promising results. Additional development of this compound and others is warranted. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: AD109 Dose Finding in Mild to Moderate OSA; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04631107; Identifier: NCT04631107. CITATION: Rosenberg R, Abaluck B, Thein S. Combination of atomoxetine with the novel antimuscarinic aroxybutynin improves mild to moderate OSA. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(12):2837-2844.

Efficacy of the triple-combination SM-1 in a 5-h phase advance transient insomnia model.

Thomas Dahl, PO Box 404, Guilford, CT 06437 USA. Email: tadahl@outlook.com. The objectives of the study were to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of SM-1 in a circadian challenge model of transient insomnia. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study utilizing a 5-h phase advance model of transient insomnia. Subjects were 85 healthy adults reporting a history of transient insomnia, with an average age of 38.9 years. Both SM-1 and placebo were administered to all subjects in a randomly assigned sequence, with at least 1 week between treatments. The primary endpoint was total sleep time determined by polysomnography. Secondary endpoints included wakefulness after sleep onset, latency to persistent sleep, number of awakenings, subjective total sleep time and subjective sleep onset latency, total sleep time by quarters of the night, subjective number of awakenings, and sleep quality. Safety endpoints included adverse events, Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, Digit Symbol Substitution Test, and predischarge evaluation (tandem gait and Romberg tests). SM-1 provided an increase of 94.4 min in total sleep time over placebo (p < 0.0001). Wakefulness after sleep onset, subjective total sleep time, subjective sleep onset latency, and total sleep time in the first quarter of the night also showed significant improvement. SM-1 was well-tolerated with both type and frequency of adverse events being comparable to placebo, and no residual sleepiness upon awakening (i.e., after 8 h). SM-1 provided a robust and statistically significant increase in total sleep time compared to placebo in a circadian model of transient insomnia, without evidence of next-day impairment.