Sociodemographic and Healthcare System Barriers to PAP Alternatives for Adult OSA: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate sociodemographic and healthcare system barriers to access and utilization of alternative treatments to positive airway pressure (PAP) in the management of adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched from 2003 to 2023 for English-language studies containing original data on sociodemographic and healthcare system barriers to PAP-alternative treatments for adult OSA. REVIEW METHODS: Studies were assessed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Title and abstract screening, full-text review, and data collection were conducted by two investigators independently. RESULTS: Out of 1,615 studies screened, 13 studies met inclusion criteria and reported on a total of 1,206,115 patients who received PAP alternative treatments, including surgery (n = 9 studies), and oral appliances (OAs) (n = 3 studies). The chance of receiving a PAP-alternative treatment such as surgery was greater among patients aged 39 years or younger, had body mass index below 30 kg/m2, fewer comorbidities, private insurance, and a higher occupational and income status. The decision of individuals to receive PAP alternative treatments was influenced by increased patient education from providers, as well as improvements in daytime sleepiness and partner perception of snoring and apnea. CONCLUSION: Cumulative evidence suggests that several sociodemographic and healthcare system factors are associated with decreased use of PAP alternatives when PAP therapy fails. Investigation of interventions to eliminate these potential barriers may improve access and treatment outcomes. Laryngoscope, 134:3903-3909, 2024.

Utilización de soportes respiratorios no invasivos post extubación en pacientes adultos críticos: revisión narrativa SRNI post extubación en adultos críticos / Use of Non-Invasive Respiratory Support in Critically Ill Patients Post-Extubation: a Narrative Review NIRS Post-Extubation in Critically Ill Adults

La tasa de reintubación orotraqueal luego de la extubación se registra entre un 10 a 20%. La aplicación de soportes respiratorios no-invasivos (SRNI) posterior a la extuba-ción como cánula nasal de alto-flujo, ventilación no invasiva (dos niveles de presión) y presión positiva continua en la vía aérea demostraron ser seguras y efectivas post ex-tubación. El período pre-destete representa un momento crucial en el manejo de los pa-cientes críticos ya que el fracaso de la extubación, definido como la necesidad de reintu-bación dentro de los 2 a 7 días, demostró peores resultados al aumentar la mortalidad entre un 25-50%. Esta situación conlleva al requerimiento de ventilación mecánica prolongada, neumonía asociada a la ventilación mecánica y estancias prolongadas de internación. Por lo tanto, es esencial identificar a los pacientes que se beneficiarán utilizando SRNI post extubación.

The rate of re-intubation after extubation is recorded at 10-20%. The use of non-invasive respiratory support (NIRS) post-extubation such as high-flow nasal cannula, non-invasive ventilation (bilevel pressure) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) have been shown to be safe and effective post-extubation. The pre-weaning period represents a crucial time in the management of critically ill patients, as extubation failure, defined as the need for reintubation within 2-7 days, showed worse outcomes with mortality increasing by 25-50%. This situation leads to the requirement for prolonged mechanical ventilation, ventilator-associated pneumonia and long lengths of hospital stay. Therefore, it is essential to identify patients who will benefit from NIRS post extubation.

Characterizing Decisional Conflict in Patients Presenting to Sleep Surgery Clinic and an Exploration of Resource Limitations.

OBJECTIVES: Numerous therapies exist for adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), creating potential for patient decisional conflict (DC) that impacts treatment adherence and post-treatment regret. We evaluated the prevalence of elevated DC in OSA patients presenting for positive airway pressure (PAP) alternative therapies and identified gaps in available resources about OSA therapies. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed based on questionnaires completed by adult OSA patients presenting to an academic sleep surgery clinic from March to October 2020. Surveys examined sleep symptoms, sleep apnea treatment history, goals of therapy, and the SURE checklist, a validated 4-item DC screening scale. Additional qualitative data about OSA decision tool needs were queried with structured interviews in a smaller subset of patients. RESULTS: Among 100 respondents, 60 were open to multiple treatment options, whereas 22 were not interested in surgical treatment. Eighty-one respondents (81%) had elevated DC (SURE score < 4). High DC was not associated with CPAP history, OSA severity, or daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥ 10). Elevated DC was related to uncertainty regarding optimal treatment choice in 54% of respondents (n = 54), and lack of knowledge regarding risks and benefits of each treatment option in 71% (n = 71). Common themes identified in 9 interviewed patients suggested helpful resources should ideally compare treatment modalities and educate on surgery details, efficacy, and recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of OSA patients presenting to sleep surgery clinics have elevated decisional conflict influenced by limited knowledge about options and the risks and benefits of each therapy. There is a need for decision tools that can reduce decisional conflict and promote equitable knowledge about PAP alternative OSA treatments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:2384-2390, 2021.

Benefits of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) During Radiation Therapy: A Prospective Trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to study the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on chest anatomy and tumor motion in patients receiving radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with primary or secondary lung tumors, left-sided breast cancer, or liver metastases referred for radiation therapy were trained to breathe with a CPAP device using a face mask to a maximal pressure of 15 cm H2O. Three- and 4-dimensional computed tomography simulation was performed twice for each patient: once with free breathing (FB) and again using CPAP. Volumetric and dosimetric parameters of treatment plans were compared. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were enrolled, of whom 6 withdrew consent before simulation and 3 withdrew because of discomfort. Thus, a total of 40 patients were analyzed. Twenty-seven patients (67.5%) were treated with CPAP based on confirmation of the volumetric or dosimetric benefit of CPAP. Mean lung volume increased by 37% (P < .001). The mean augmentation was 1283 ± 1128 cm3 (CPAP vs FB; P = .0006) in patients with normal lung function tests and 719 ± 341 cm3 (P = .003) in patients with a restrictive pattern. Increased lung volume was independent of age, body mass index, sex, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking status, and heart disease. Tumor motion in the lung was decreased as reflected in a mean reduction of planning target volume by 19% (P < .001). The greatest reduction of tumor trajectory and planning target volume occurred in tumors in the lower lung, particularly in the range of up to 6 cm above the dome of the diaphragm. The mean lung dose was reduced by 15%, lung V20 by 20%, lung V5 by 11%, and heart V5 by 16% (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective trial, the use of CPAP was associated with significant volumetric and dosimetric benefits compared with FB. CPAP was safe, simple to implement, and well tolerated by most patients, and it should be studied further as a method to reduce the risk of lung and heart toxicity.

Covid-19 and gender: lower rate but same mortality of severe disease in women-an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Gender-related factors might affect vulnerability to Covid-19. The aim of this study was to describe the role of gender on clinical features and 28-day mortality in Covid-19 patients. METHODS: Observational study of Covid-19 patients hospitalized in Bergamo, Italy, during the first three weeks of the outbreak. Medical records, clinical, radiological and laboratory findings upon admission and treatment have been collected. Primary outcome was 28-day mortality since hospitalization. RESULTS: 431 consecutive adult patients were admitted. Female patients were 119 (27.6%) with a mean age of 67.0 ± 14.5 years (vs 67.8 ± 12.5 for males, p = 0.54). Previous history of myocardial infarction, vasculopathy and former smoking habits were more common for males. At the time of admission PaO2/FiO2 was similar between men and women (228 [IQR, 134-273] vs 238 mmHg [150-281], p = 0.28). Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) assistance was needed in the first 24 h more frequently in male patients (25.7% vs 13.0%; p = 0.006). Overall 28-day mortality was 26.1% in women and 38.1% in men (p = 0.018). Gender did not result an independent predictor of death once the parameters related to disease severity at presentation were included in the multivariable analysis (p = 0.898). Accordingly, the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis in female and male patients requiring CPAP or non-invasive ventilation in the first 24 h did not find a significant difference (p = 0.687). CONCLUSION: Hospitalized women are less likely to die from Covid-19; however, once severe disease occurs, the risk of dying is similar to men. Further studies are needed to better investigate the role of gender in clinical course and outcome of Covid-19.

Changes in sleepiness and 24-h blood pressure following 4 months of CPAP treatment are not mediated by ICAM-1.

OBJECTIVE: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy reduces circulating intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). ICAM-1 levels may affect the daytime sleepiness and elevated blood pressure associated with OSA. We evaluated the association of changes from baseline in ICAM-1 with changes of objective and subjective measures of sleepiness, as well as 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) measures, following 4 months of CPAP treatment. METHODS: The study sample included adults with newly diagnosed OSA. Plasma ICAM-1, 24-h ABPM, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) were obtained at baseline and following adequate CPAP treatment. The associations between changes in natural log ICAM-1 and changes in the number of lapses on PVT, ESS score, and 24-h mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were assessed using multivariate regression models, controlling for a priori baseline covariates of age, sex, BMI, race, site, smoking status, physical activity, anti-hypertensive medications, AHI, and daily hours of CPAP use. RESULTS: Among 140 adults (83% men), mean (± SD) body mass index (BMI) was 31.5 ± 4.2 kg/m2, and apnea-hyopnea index (AHI) was 36.8 ± 15.3 events/h. Sleepiness measures, although not ICAM-1 or ABPM measures, improved significantly following CPAP treatment. We observed no statistically significant associations between the change in ICAM-1 and changes in sleepiness, MAP, or other ABPM measures. CONCLUSION: Changes in ICAM-1 levels were not related to changes in sleepiness or ABPM following CPAP treatment of adults with OSA. Future work should explore whether or not other biomarkers may have a role in mediating these treatment outcomes in adults with OSA.

Risk of Alzheimer's Disease in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients With or Without Treatment: Real-World Evidence.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with or without treatment based on real-world evidence. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Patients newly diagnosed with OSA during 1997-2012 were identified using the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. Patients without OSA were randomly selected and matched in a 1:4 ratio by age, sex, urbanization level, and income. All patients were followed up until death or the end of 2013. The primary outcome was AD occurrence. RESULTS: This study included 3,978 OSA patients and 15,912 non-OSA patients. OSA was independently and significantly associated with a higher incidence of AD in an adjusted Cox proportional hazard model (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-3.56). The average period of AD detection from the time of OSA occurrence was 5.44 years (standard deviation: 2.96). Subgroup analyses revealed that the effect of OSA remained significant in patients aged ≥60 years, male subgroups, patients without CPAP or surgical treatment, and patients without pharmacological therapies. Patients with OSA who received treatment (continuous positive airway pressure or surgery) exhibited a significantly reduced risk of AD compared with those without treatment (incidence rate ratio 0.23, 95% CI, 0.06-0.98). CONCLUSION: OSA is independently associated with an increased risk of AD. Treatment for OSA reduces the AD risk in OSA patients. AD irreversibility renders OSA as a potential modifiable target for slowing or preventing the process of AD development. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV Laryngoscope, 130:2292-2298, 2020.

Correlations between oxygen and positive pressure exposure in the neonatal intensive care unit and wheezing in preterm infants without bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Oxygen exposure has been associated with increased wheezing and respiratory morbidity after discharge in extremely preterm infants and those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. More mature preterm infants with less severe disease are also at risk for pulmonary complications, including rehospitalization for respiratory illnesses and wheezing disorders. Our aim was to evaluate associations between respiratory support and morbidity in preterm infants without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. METHODS: A secondary analysis was performed on 300 infants born at 28-34 weeks gestation without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Exposure included oxygen or positive pressure, (continuous positive airway pressure or mechanical ventilation). The primary outcome was recurrent wheezing. Secondary outcomes were respiratory medications, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. RESULTS: 50% of infants who received oxygen experienced recurrent wheezing compared to 42.4% of infants who did not (OR 1.15 CI 0.72-1.85 adjusted OR 1.15 CI 0.67-1.98). 51.1% of infants who received positive pressure experienced recurrent wheezing compared to 38.1% who did not (OR 1.57 CI 0.97-2.53 adjusted OR 1.58 CI 0.90-2.77). There were no significant associations between oxygen and positive pressure exposure and any primary or secondary outcomes in the adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS: After adjustment for known risk factors the analyses showed no significant associations between oxygen and positive pressure with respiratory morbidity in this population. Further study of infants with mild disease is needed.

Semistructured Motivational Interviews of Patients and Caregivers to Improve CPAP Adherence: A Qualitative Analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aim of this qualitative analysis was to identify obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients' preferences, partner experiences, barriers and facilitators to positive airway pressure (PAP) adherence, and to assess understanding of the educational content delivered and satisfaction with the multidimensionally structured intervention. METHODS: A qualitative analysis was conducted on 28 interventional arm patients with a new diagnosis of OSA. They received a one-on-two semistructured motivational interview as the last part of a 60- to 90-minute in-person educational group intervention. The 10- to 15-minute interview with the patient and caregiver was patient-centered and focused on obtaining the personal and emotional history and providing support. We also assessed understanding of the OSA training plan, their commitment to it, and their goals for it. RESULTS: We identified four themes: OSA symptom and diagnosis, using the PAP machine, perceptions about the group visit, and factors that determine adherence to PAP. Patients experienced positive, negative, or mixed emotions during the journey from symptoms of OSA to PAP adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that patients' and caregivers' positive experiences of PAP could be enhanced by a patient-centered interaction and that it was important to explicitly address their fears and concerns to further enhance use of PAP. Not only could caregiver support play a role in improving PAP adherence but also the peer coaching session has the potential of providing a socially supportive environment in motivating adherence to PAP treatment.

Impact of SIMPLE Feeding Quality Improvement Strategies on Aerodigestive Milestones and Feeding Outcomes in BPD Infants.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Delays with enteral and oral feeding milestones among premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) can be due to provider variation or infant-dependent factors. Our objectives with this study were to compare aerodigestive milestones and length of stay in BPD infants after implementing a quality improvement program to improve feeding outcomes. METHODS: Using the Institute for Healthcare Improvement model for quality improvement, we implemented the simplified, individualized, milestone-targeted, pragmatic, longitudinal, and educational (SIMPLE) feeding strategy to enhance feeding and aerodigestive milestones among BPD infants. The key interventions addressed were as follows: (1) enteral feed initiation and advancement protocol; (2) oral feeding progression guidelines, optimization of respiratory support, feeding readiness scores, nonnutritive breastfeeding, and cue-based feeding; (3) active multidisciplinary collaboration; and (4) family-centered care. Comparisons were made between baseline (January 2009 to March 2010) and SIMPLE feeding strategy (May 2010 to December 2013) groups. Both groups included infants between 23 0/7 and 32 6/7 weeks' birth gestation, and ≤34 weeks' postmenstrual age at admission and discharge. RESULTS: The baseline group and SIMPLE feeding group included 92 patients and 187 patients, respectively. Full enteral feeding, first oral feeding, full oral feeding, and length of stay milestones were (all P < .05) achieved sooner in the SIMPLE feeding group. Although the overall prevalence of BPD in the 2 groups is similar, the incidence of moderate BPD has decreased (P < .05) and severe BPD has increased (P < .05) in the SIMPLE feeding group. CONCLUSIONS: SIMPLE feeding strategy advances postnatal maturation and acquisition of feeding milestones irrespective of the severity of BPD and impacts the length of stay, thereby lowering resource use.

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation for prevention of complications after pulmonary resection in lung cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary complications are often seen during the postoperative period following lung resection for patients with lung cancer. Some situations such as intubation, a long stay in the intensive care unit, the high cost of antibiotics and mortality may be avoided with the prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is widely used in hospitals, and is thought to reduce the number of pulmonary complications and mortality after this type of surgery. Therefore, a systematic review is needed to critically assess the benefits and harms of NIPPV for patients undergoing lung resection. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2015. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of NIPPV for preventing complications in patients following pulmonary resection for lung cancer. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS and PEDro until 21 December 2018, to identify potentially eligible trials. We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches. We searched the reference lists of relevant papers and contacted experts in the field for information about additional published and unpublished studies. We also searched the Register of Controlled Trials (www.controlled-trials.com) and ClinicalTrials.gov (clinicaltrials.gov) to identify ongoing studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered randomised or quasi-randomised clinical trials that compared NIPPV in the immediate postoperative period after pulmonary resection with no intervention or conventional respiratory therapy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors collected data and assessed trial risk of bias. Where possible, we pooled data from the individual studies using a fixed-effect model (quantitative synthesis), but where this was not possible we tabulated or presented the data in the main text (qualitative synthesis). Where substantial heterogeneity existed, we applied a random-effects model. MAIN RESULTS: Of the 190 references retrieved from the searches, 7 randomised clinical trials (RCTs) (1 identified with the new search) and 1 quasi-randomised trial fulfilled the eligibility criteria for this review, including a total of 486 patients. Five studies described quantitative measures of pulmonary complications, with pooled data showing no difference between NIPPV compared with no intervention (RR 1.03; 95% CI 0.72 to 1.47). Three studies reported intubation rates and there was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups (RR 0.55; 95% CI 0.25 to 1.20). Five studies reported measures of mortality on completion of the intervention period. There was no statistical difference between the groups for this outcome (RR 0.60; 95% CI 0.24 to 1.53). Similar results were observed in the subgroup analysis considering ventilatory mode (bi-level versus continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). No study evaluated the postoperative use of antibiotics. Two studies reported the length of intensive care unit stay and there was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups (MD -0.75; 95% CI -3.93 to 2.43). Four studies reported the length of hospital stay and there was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups (MD -0.12; 95% CI -6.15 to 5.90). None of the studies described any complications related to NIPPV. Of the seven included studies, four studies were considered as 'low risk of bias' in all domains, two studies were considered 'high risk of bias' for the allocation concealment domain, and one of these was also considered 'high risk of bias' for random sequence generation. One other study was considered 'high risk of bias' for including participants with more severe disease. The new study identified could not be included in the meta-analysis as its intervention differed from the other studies (use of pre and postoperative NIPPV in the same population). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrated that there was no additional benefit of using NIPPV in the postoperative period after pulmonary resection for all outcomes analysed (pulmonary complications, rate of intubation, mortality, postoperative consumption of antibiotics, length of intensive care unit stay, length of hospital stay and adverse effects related to NIPPV). However, the quality of evidence is 'very low', 'low' and 'moderate' since there were few studies, with small sample size and low frequency of outcomes. New well-designed and well-conducted randomised trials are needed to answer the questions of this review with greater certainty.

Postoperative Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Use and Nasal Saline Rinses After Endonasal Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Practice Pattern Survey.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic skull base surgery continues to evolve in its indications, techniques, instrumentation, and postoperative care. As surgery of the skull base will often violate dura, intraoperative and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is not uncommon and represents a potential conduit for air and bacterial contamination. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) requiring continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy undergoing skull base surgery represent a challenging group. However, there appears to be a paucity of consensus regarding the postoperative management of this patient population. The objective of this study is to examine practice patterns and expert opinion on the use of postoperative CPAP and nasal saline in patients with OSA. METHODS: A 14-item survey was generated by consensus among expert authors and distributed online to members of the North American Skull Base society and other international skull base community members. Data were analyzed for median, mean, and standard deviation variables. Subgroup analysis was completed between surgeons from different geographical locations and operative experience. SPSS22 was utilized for all complex statistical analysis and figures. RESULTS: Seventy-one responses were collected from skull base surgeons. In patients with OSA, respondents would resume patients' CPAP therapy after a mean of 10.1 days (median, 7; standard deviation [SD], 10.2), without a CSF leak. In the presence of a small CSF leak, the mean duration would increase to 14.3 days (median, 14; SD, 9.8) and to 20.7 days (median, 21; SD, 11.8) in the presence of a larger leak. A surgeon's choice to attribute the relationship between delaying the start of nasal saline and CPAP after the endoscopic skull base surgery with progressively more challenging skull base repair was found to be statistically significant ( P < .001). CONCLUSION: Saline and CPAP therapies are initiated after the endoscopic skull base surgical repairs by surgeons at an increasing temporal delay in relation to the degree and complexity of the skull base defect repaired.

Impact of PAP therapy on hospitalization rates in Medicare beneficiaries with COPD and coexisting OSA.

OBJECTIVE: Growing evidence supports that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coexisting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have poor prognosis. This association is described as overlap syndrome. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is now the preferred treatment for OSA. We hypothesized that use of PAP therapy in elderly patients with overlap syndrome would be associated with lower healthcare utilization. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from 5% national sample of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries with a diagnosis of COPD who were newly started on PAP therapy in 2011. We examined the effect of PAP therapy on emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalizations for all-cause and COPD-related conditions in the 1 year pre- and 1 year post-initiation of PAP therapy. RESULTS: In year 2011, we identified 319 patients with overlap syndrome who were new users of PAP therapy. In this cohort of patients, hospitalization rates for COPD-related conditions were significantly lower in the 1 year post-initiation of PAP therapy compared to the 1-year pre-initiation period (19.4 vs 25.4%, P value = 0.03). However, ER visits (for any cause or COPD-related conditions) and hospitalization rates for any cause did not differ significantly in the pre- and post-initiation periods. PAP therapy was more beneficial in older adults, those with higher COPD complexity, and those with three or more comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Initiation of PAP therapy in elderly patients with overlap syndrome is associated with a reduction in hospitalization for COPD-related conditions, but not for all-cause hospitalizations and ER visits.

Untreated Sleep Apnea: An Analysis of Administrative Data to Identify Risk Factors for Early Nonadherence.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Discontinuation of positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is widely reported, but research has not adequately addressed nonadherence with diagnostic testing for sleep disorders and initiation of PAP. This study sought to identify drivers of nonadherence with diagnostic sleep testing and PAP treatment initiation among patients preauthorized for these services. METHODS: This observational cohort study used preauthorization records from a sleep management program and administrative medical claims from a large commercial health insurer. Participants included adults preauthorized for sleep testing and a subset in whom OSA was diagnosed and who were preauthorized for PAP treatment. Outcome measures were nonadherence with diagnostic sleep testing and PAP treatment initiation, identified as lack of a claim for a preauthorized service within 3 months of preauthorization of that service. Risk factors for nonadherence included patient demographics, prescribing factors, signs and symptoms of OSA, comorbidities, and prior health service utilization. RESULTS: Of 51,749 patients preauthorized for diagnostic testing, 23.5% did not undergo testing. Among 19,968 patients preauthorized for PAP treatment, 11.1% did not initiate treatment. Testing and treatment ordered by primary care providers, residence outside the Midwest region, and two or fewer office visits within 6 months before preauthorization were strong predictors of nonadherence. Apnea-hypopnea index score < 30 events/h was also a strong predictor of nonadherence with treatment initiation. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds to existing knowledge about risk factors for nonadherence with sleep testing and treatment initiation following preauthorization. Health plans and providers should develop strategies to better engage patients with higher risk of nonadherence.

A comparison of the effects of invasive mechanic ventilation/surfactant therapy and non-invasive nasal-continuous positive airway pressure in preterm newborns.

AIMS: This study compared the early-term outcomes of mechanical ventilation (MV)/surfactant treatment with nasal-continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from newborns born between ≥24 and ≤32 weeks of gestation, hospitalized at our newborn intensive care unit, and diagnosed with RDS between January 2009 and February 2012 were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 193 newborns with RDS who were enrolled in the study, 113 were treated with nCPAP and 80 with MV at a level of 57.5% of nCPAP. Within the study group, 46.3% of the infants were female. The mean gestation of the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) group was 29.07 ± 1.99 weeks; that of the MV group was 28.61 ± 2.01 weeks. The birth weight was 1321.1 ± 325.4 g and 1240.3 ± 366.1 g; however, the difference between the two groups was not significant. MV was not required in 54.9% of the patients with nCPAP treatment. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) developed in 20 (18.7%) patients in the nCPAP group and 18 (24.4%) patients in the MV group; the difference was not significant (p = .351). Between 2009 and 2012, nCPAP was used at a rate of 33.9, 70.8, 68.4, and 69%. The risk factors for developing BPD were low gestation week, duration of intubation, and proven sepsis (p = .0001, p = .004, and p = .011, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Early nCPAP treatment in preterm infants (≤32 weeks of gestation) decreases both the need for MV and the use of surfactant, but without a significant effect on BPD development. (No. 2016/324).

Does nasal congestion have a role in decreased resistance to regular CPAP usage?

Nasal obstruction is known to cause resistance to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). In this paper, short- and long-term nasal congestion in OSAS patients receiving CPAP treatment were evaluated with acoustic rhinometry (AR). A total of 36 patients with moderate-to-severe OSAS, diagnosed with polysomnography were included in the study. Ten healthy subjects without OSAS constituted the control group. Pre-treatment nasal patency were measured with AR in all participants. 26 patients used the recommended CPAP treatment. Ten patients did not accept CPAP treatment. The AR test was repeated for all the subjects after 1 and 3 months except the 3rd month's measurements of the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the initial minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) measurements of OSAS patients, using or not using CPAP, and the control group (P > 0.05). However, the first month MCA measurements of patients receiving CPAP were found to be significantly decreased compared with the initial values (P < 0.001). There was no significant change in the first and third months MCA values in the control group and patients who did not use CPAP (P > 0.05). No significant difference revealed in the 3rd month MCA measurements of the patients using CPAP compared with the initial values (P > 0.05). In this study, the increased nasal congestion, which is thought to be the cause of CPAP resistance, was objectively demonstrated in OSAS patients using CPAP. In addition, the nasal congestion developing at the first month was shown to disappear over time, supporting the opinion that patient compliance in CPAP treatment is expected to increase after regular device usage.

Early application of airway pressure release ventilation may reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome.

PURPOSE: Experimental animal models of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have shown that the updated airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) methodologies may significantly improve oxygenation, maximize lung recruitment, and attenuate lung injury, without circulatory depression. This led us to hypothesize that early application of APRV in patients with ARDS would allow pulmonary function to recover faster and would reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation as compared with low tidal volume lung protective ventilation (LTV). METHODS: A total of 138 patients with ARDS who received mechanical ventilation for <48 h between May 2015 to October 2016 while in the critical care medicine unit (ICU) of the West China Hospital of Sichuan University were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive APRV (n = 71) or LTV (n = 67). The settings for APRV were: high airway pressure (Phigh) set at the last plateau airway pressure (Pplat), not to exceed 30 cmH2O) and low airway pressure ( Plow) set at 5 cmH2O; the release phase (Tlow) setting adjusted to terminate the peak expiratory flow rate to ≥ 50%; release frequency of 10-14 cycles/min. The settings for LTV were: target tidal volume of 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight; Pplat not exceeding 30 cmH2O; positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) guided by the PEEP-FiO2 table according to the ARDSnet protocol. The primary outcome was the number of days without mechanical ventilation from enrollment to day 28. The secondary endpoints included oxygenation, Pplat, respiratory system compliance, and patient outcomes. RESULTS: Compared with the LTV group, patients in the APRV group had a higher median number of ventilator-free days {19 [interquartile range (IQR) 8-22] vs. 2 (IQR 0-15); P < 0.001}. This finding was independent of the coexisting differences in chronic disease. The APRV group had a shorter stay in the ICU (P = 0.003). The ICU mortality rate was 19.7% in the APRV group versus 34.3% in the LTV group (P = 0.053) and was associated with better oxygenation and respiratory system compliance, lower Pplat, and less sedation requirement during the first week following enrollment (P < 0.05, repeated-measures analysis of variance). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with LTV, early application of APRV in patients with ARDS improved oxygenation and respiratory system compliance, decreased Pplat and reduced the duration of both mechanical ventilation and ICU stay.

Ventilation in Extremely Preterm Infants and Respiratory Function at 8 Years.

BACKGROUND: Assisted ventilation for extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks of gestation) has become less invasive, but it is unclear whether such developments in care are associated with improvements in short-term or long-term lung function. We compared changes over time in the use of assisted ventilation and oxygen therapy during the newborn period and in lung function at 8 years of age in children whose birth was extremely premature. METHODS: We conducted longitudinal follow-up of all survivors of extremely preterm birth who were born in Victoria, Australia, in three periods - the years 1991 and 1992 (225 infants), 1997 (151 infants), and 2005 (170 infants). Perinatal data were collected prospectively, including data on the duration and type of assisted ventilation provided, the duration of oxygen therapy, and oxygen requirements at 36 weeks of age. Expiratory airflow was measured at 8 years of age, and values were converted to z scores for age, height, ethnic group, and sex. RESULTS: The duration of assisted ventilation rose substantially over time, with a large increase in the duration of nasal continuous positive airway pressure. Despite the increase in the use of less invasive ventilation over time, the duration of oxygen therapy and the rate of oxygen dependence at 36 weeks rose, and airflows at 8 years of age were worse in 2005 than in earlier periods. For instance, for 2005 versus 1991-1992, the mean difference in the z scores for the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity was -0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.07 to -0.44; P<0.001), and for 2005 versus 1997 the mean difference was -0.53 (95% CI, -0.86 to -0.19; P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Despite substantial increases in the use of less invasive ventilation after birth, there was no significant decline in oxygen dependence at 36 weeks and no significant improvement in lung function in childhood over time. (Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program.).

Educational video to improve CPAP use in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea at risk for poor adherence: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Suboptimal adherence to CPAP limits its clinical effectiveness in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Although rigorous behavioural interventions improve CPAP adherence, their labour-intensive nature has limited widespread implementation. Moreover, these interventions have not been tested in patients at risk of poor CPAP adherence. Our objective was to determine whether an educational video will improve CPAP adherence in patients at risk of poor CPAP adherence. METHODS: Patients referred by clinicians without sleep medicine expertise to an urban sleep laboratory that serves predominantly minority population were randomised to view an educational video about OSA and CPAP therapy before the polysomnogram, or to usual care. The primary outcome was CPAP adherence during the first 30 days of therapy. Secondary outcomes were show rates to sleep clinic (attended appointment) and 30-day CPAP adherence after the sleep clinic visit date. RESULTS: A total of 212 patients met the eligibility criteria and were randomised to video education (n=99) or to usual care (n=113). There were no differences in CPAP adherence at 30 days (3.3, 95% CI 2.8 to 3.8 hours/day video education; vs 3.5, 95% CI 3.1 to 4.0 hours/day usual care; p=0.44) or during the 30 days after sleep clinic visit. Sleep clinic show rate was 54% in the video education group and 59% in the usual care group (p=0.41). CPAP adherence, however, significantly worsened in patients who did not show up to the sleep clinic. CONCLUSIONS: In patients at risk for poor CPAP adherence, an educational video did not improve CPAP adherence or show rates to sleep clinic compared with usual care. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02553694.

Neonatal outcomes based on mode and intensity of delivery room resuscitation.

OBJECTIVE: To examine outcomes of neonates based on the mode and intensity of resuscitation received in the delivery room (DR). STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of 439 infants with birth weight ⩽1500 g receiving DR resuscitation at two hospital centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. RESULTS: Of 439 infants, 22 (5%) received routine care, 188 (43%) received noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (PPV) and 229 (52%) received endotracheal tube (ETT) intubation in the DR. Adjusted odds for respiratory distress syndrome was associated with lower rates in infants requiring lower intensity of DR resuscitation (P<0.001). Noninvasive PPV vs ETT was associated with decreased odds of developing intraventricular hemorrhage and retinopathy of prematurity (P<0.05). Routine vs noninvasive PPV or ETT had decreased odds of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Decreased intensity of DR resuscitation was associated with a decreased risk of specific morbidities.