Titulación domiciliaria en pacientes con apnea del sueño mediante dos dispositivos de CPAP automática: mismo modo, distintos resultados / CPAP home titration with two different devices: same mode, different results

INTRODUCCIÓN: Dada la gran prevalencia de apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS) y las dificultades del cumplimiento, es necesario buscar un sistema que permita ajustar el nivel de presión de CPAP para cada paciente. Actualmente, la técnica más utilizada es emplear dispositivos de auto-CPAP capaces de analizar la respuesta del paciente y modificar la presión automáticamente, pero no se tiene en consideración las diferencias entre máquinas. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar los resultados de pruebas de titulación realizadas con dos dispositivos distintos para conocer si existían diferencias entre ellos. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo que compara los resultados de 1.130 titulaciones automáticas domiciliarias realizadas en una noche con dos dispositivos: S9 AutoSetTM (S9) y DreamStation AutoCPAP (DS). Se determinó la presión óptima por análisis visual y el cumplimiento a 12 meses. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 870 pacientes a los que se realizaron 1.130 titulaciones. Los estudios válidos con DS fueron significativamente superiores (OR= 2,5; IC 95%: 1,9 a 3,2). Además, tanto la presión de titulación visual como la automática P90-95 fueron significativamente menores con la DS que con S9 [-1,9 cm H2O (IC: -2,2 a -1,6)] y [-2,2 cm H2O (IC: -2,6 a -1,9)] respectivamente, (p< 0,001). No se objetivó impacto en el cumplimiento. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados reflejan que las CPAP automáticas no son iguales ni ofrecen los mismos resultados. Realizar una titulación con el dispositivo DS hace más probable que el estudio sea válido y se obtienen presiones más bajas. Se deberán realizar estudios específicos para conocer el porqué de las diferencias y evaluar su impacto clínico

INTRODUCTION: Due to the high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and compliance difficulties, it is necessary to find a system for adjusting the CPAP pressure level for each patient. Currently, the most widely used technique is to use auto-CPAP devices which can analyze the patient's response and automatically modify the pressure. However differences between machines are not taken into account. The aim of the study was to compare the results of titration tests carried out with two different devices to find out whether there were differences between them. METHODS: Retrospective observational study comparing the results of 1,130 home automatic titrations performed over one night with two devices: S9 AutoSetTM (S9) and DreamStation AutoCPAP (DS). Optimal pressure was determined by visual analysis and compliance at 12 months. RESULTS: 870 patients were included and 1,130 titrations were carried out. Valid studies with DS were significantly higher (OR= 2.5; 95% CI: 1.9 to 3.2). Furthermore, both visual and automatic titration pressure P90-95 were significantly lower with DS than with S9 [-1.9 cm H2O (CI: -2.2 to -1.6)] and [-2.2 cm H2O (CI: -2.6 to -1.9)] respectively, (p< 0.001). No impact on compliance was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results saw that neither automatic CPAPs are the same nor offer the same results. Performing a titration with the DS device not only makes the study more likely to be valid but also lower pressures are obtained. Specific studies should be carried out to find out the reason for the differences and evaluate their clinical impact

Effects of adenotonsillectomy on plasma inflammatory biomarkers in obese children with obstructive sleep apnea: A community-based study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) are highly prevalent and frequently overlapping conditions in children that lead to systemic inflammation, the latter being implicated in the various end-organ morbidities associated with these conditions. AIM: To examine the effects of adenotonsillectomy (T&A) on plasma levels of inflammatory markers in obese children with polysomnographically diagnosed OSA who were prospectively recruited from the community. METHODS: Obese children prospectively diagnosed with OSA, underwent T&A and a second overnight polysomnogram (PSG) after surgery. Plasma fasting morning samples obtained after each of the two PSGs were assayed for multiple inflammatory and metabolic markers including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), adiponectin, apelin C, leptin and osteocrin. RESULTS: Out of 122 potential candidates, 100 obese children with OSA completed the study with only one-third exhibiting normalization of their PSG after T&A (that is, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≤1/hour total sleep time). However, overall significant decreases in MCP-1, PAI-1, MMP-9, IL-18 and IL-6, and increases in adropin and osteocrin plasma concentrations occurred after T&A. Several of the T&A-responsive biomarkers exhibited excellent sensitivity and moderate specificity to predict residual OSA (that is, AHI⩾5/hTST). CONCLUSIONS: A defined subset of systemic inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers is reversibly altered in the context of OSA among community-based obese children, further reinforcing the concept on the interactive pro-inflammatory effects of sleep disorders such as OSA and obesity contributing to downstream end-organ morbidities.

Role of primary care in the follow-up of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea undergoing CPAP treatment: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether follow-up of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) undergoing CPAP treatment could be performed in primary care (PC) settings. DESIGN: Non-inferiority, randomised, prospective controlled study. SETTINGS: Sleep unit (SU) at the University Hospital and in 8 PC units in Lleida, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with OSA were randomised to be followed up at the SU or PC units over a 6-month period. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURED: The primary outcome was CPAP compliance at 6 months. The secondary outcomes were Epworth Sleep Scale (ESS) score, EuroQoL, patient satisfaction, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: We included 101 patients in PC ((mean±SD) apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) 50.8±22.9/h, age 56.2±11 years, 74% male) and 109 in the SU (AHI 51.4±24.4/h, age 55.8±11 years, 77% male)). The CPAP compliance was (mean (95% CI) 4.94 (4.47 to 5.5) vs 5.23 (4.79 to 5.66) h, p=0.18) in PC and SU groups, respectively. In the SU group, there were greater improvements in ESS scores (mean change 1.79, 95% CI +0.05 to +3.53, p=0.04) and patient satisfaction (-1.49, 95% CI -2.22 to -0.76); there was a significant mean difference in BMI between the groups (0.57, 95% CI +0.01 to +1.13, p=0.04). In the PC setting, there was a cost saving of 60%, with similar effectiveness, as well as a decrease in systolic blood pressure (-5.32; 95% CI -10.91 to +0.28, p=0.06). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with OSA, treatment provided in a PC setting did not result in worse CPAP compliance compared with a specialist model and was shown to be a cost-effective alternative. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical Trials NCT01918449.

Central sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES: Sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome is a well-recognized independent risk factor for stroke in middle-aged population, but controversy remains in older subjects. We examined the possible association between different respiratory parameters and risk of stroke in a prospective population-based cohort of 394 stroke-free elderly subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fully overnight polysomnography was performed at baseline. Over the 6 year follow-up period, 20 ischemic strokes occurred. Differences in stroke-free survival between subjects according to central apnea index (CAI) were assessed. RESULTS: We just observed association with incident ischemic stroke on central sleep apnea (CSA) episodes. Obstructive sleep apnea, time passed under 90% oxygen saturation, or arousal index were not associated. The event-free survival was lowest in the highest CAI group. This association was independent of any other vascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: CSA is the specific respiratory event associated with stroke in the elderly. Additionally, CSA could be a marker of silent brain ischemia, as a sign of disturbed regulation of central respiratory mechanisms, tentatively of ischemic origin.

Plasma levels of neuropeptides and metabolic hormones, and sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is related to obesity and metabolic disorders. The main clinical symptoms are excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and snoring. However, not all patients with OSA manifest EDS. Hypocretin-1, neuropeptide Y, leptin, ghrelin and adiponectin are implicated in both metabolic and sleep regulation, two conditions affected by OSA. We hypothesized that levels of these peptides may be related to EDS in OSA patients. METHODS: We included 132 patients with EDS, as defined by an Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score ≥ 13 (mean ± SD, 15.7 ± 2.3) and 132 patients without EDS as defined by an ESS score ≤ 9 (6.5 ± 1.9). All patients had an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 20 h(-1). Both groups were matched for gender (males; 83.3% vs. 85.6%), age (50.15 ± 11.2 yrs vs. 50.7 ± 9.9 yrs), body mass index (BMI) (31.8 ± 5.6 kg m(-2) vs. 32.1 ± 4.8 kg m(-2)), and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (45.5 ± 19.1 h(-1) vs. 43 ± 19.2 h(-1)). RESULTS: OSA patients with EDS showed significantly higher plasma hypocretin-1 levels (p < 0.001) and lower plasma ghrelin levels (p < 0.001) than OSA patients without EDS. There were no statistically significant differences in neuropeptide Y (p = 0.08), leptin (p = 0.07) and adiponectin (p = 0.72) between the two groups. In the multiple linear regression model ESS score was associated with plasma levels of hypocretin-1, ghrelin and total sleep time. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that EDS in patients with OSA is associated with increased circulating hypocretin-1 and decreased circulating ghrelin levels, two peptides involved in the regulation of body weight, energy balance, sympathetic tone and sleep-wake cycle. This relationship is independent of AHI and obesity (two key phenotypic features of OSA).

Early treatment of obstructive apnoea and stroke outcome: a randomised controlled trial.

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in ischaemic stroke patients followed for 2 yrs. Stroke patients with an apnoea-hypopnoea index ≥ 20 events·h⁻¹ were randomised to early nCPAP (n = 71; 3-6 days after stroke onset) or conventional treatment (n = 69). The Barthel Index, Canadian Scale, Rankin Scale and Short Form-36 were measured at baseline, and at 1, 3, 12 and 24 months. The percentage of patients with neurological improvement 1 month after stroke was significantly higher in the nCPAP group (Rankin scale 90.9 versus 56.3% (p < 0.01); Canadian scale 88.2 versus 72.7% (p < 0.05)). The mean time until the appearance of cardiovascular events was longer in the nCPAP group (14.9 versus 7.9 months; p = 0.044), although cardiovascular event-free survival after 24 months was similar in both groups. The cardiovascular mortality rate was 0% in the nCPAP group and 4.3% in the control group (p = 0.161). Early use of nCPAP seems to accelerate neurological recovery and to delay the appearance of cardiovascular events, although an improvement in patients' survival or quality of life was not shown.

¿Hacia dónde va el diagnóstico del síndrome de apneas-hipopneas durante el sueño? / New directions in the diagnosis of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

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XIV Reunión Anual de la Asociación Ibérica de Patología del Sueño. Síndrome de apneas-hipopneas del sueño, hipertensión arterial y enfermedades cardiovasculares / No disponible

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[The availability in Spanish public hospitals of resources for diagnosing and treating sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome]. / El síndrome de apneas-hipopneas durante el sueño en España. Disponibilidad de recursos para su diagnóstico y tratamiento en los hospitales del Estado español.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome is associated with an overall deterioration in the patients health and affects between 1 and 2 million people in Spain. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic resources available in Spain for dealing with this problem in terms of both infrastructure and human resources. METHODS: We selected 461 general hospitals, 457 (99.1%) of which answered a questionnaire in the course of a telephone interview. RESULTS: At the time of response, 219 hospitals (47.5%) reported performing sleep studies. Conventional polysomnography was available in 53% of those hospitals, respiratory polygraphy was used in 42%, and oximetry in 5%. In 47% of the hospitals, continuous positive airway pressure was titrated empirically in most cases; the number of patients being treated with CPAP was 109,752, that is, 269 per 100,000 population in Spain. CONCLUSIONS: The level of resources available for diagnosing and treating sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome, although improving, is clearly still inadequate. Currently, only 0.49 polysomnograph and 0.72 polygraph machines are available per 100,000 population, whereas 1 and 3 machines, respectively, are deemed necessary. Only 5% to 10% of the affected population has been diagnosed, and in 47% of the hospitals interviewed continuous positive airway pressure is not properly titrated. These results should be a clarion call to the health authorities to take the appropriate steps to address this health problem.

Estudio de la validez de un equipo de poligrafía respiratoria (BREAS SC-20) para el diagnóstico del síndrome de apneas-hipopneas durante el sueño / Validation Study of a Polygraphic Screening Device (BREAS SC20) in the Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome

OBJETIVO: Validar el polígrafo respiratorio (PR) (BREAS SC-20; Breas Medical S.L., Mölnlyke, Suecia), frente a la polisomnografía convencional (PSG), para el diagnóstico del síndrome de apneas-hipopneas durante el sueño. Para ello se diseñó un estudio de validez de dicha prueba diagnóstica en una unidad de sueño de un hospital terciario. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyó en el estudio a 70 pacientes consecutivos con sospecha clínica de síndrome de apneas-hipopneas atendidos en el laboratorio de sueño del Hospital Txagorritxu de Vitoria desde noviembre de 2001 hasta agosto de 2002. Se determinaron parámetros antropométricos, la comorbilidad y la escala de Epworth. El índice de apneas-hipopneas (IAH) por hora de sueño se determinó por PSG, y el índice de episodios respiratorios por hora de registro (IER) mediante poligrafía respiratoria. RESULTADOS: Resultaron válidos 60 estudios (un 77 por ciento de los pacientes eran varones; edad media ñ desviación estándar: 51,6 ñ 13,2; índice de masa corporal: 30,3 ñ 5; IAH: 31,0 ñ 27,6). El coeficiente de correlación intraclase fue de 0,92 entre el IAH por PSG y el IER manual. La media global de las diferencias del IAH-IER manual fue de 2,92 ñ 9,75. El área bajo la curva ROC fue, para el punto de corte de IAH >= 5, de 0,924. El mejor punto de corte para un IAH 5 fue 3,6 en el IER (sensibilidad del 98 por ciento). La poligrafía respiratoria clasificó correctamente al 90-95 por ciento de los pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: El BREAS SC-20 es un sistema válido para la identificación de pacientes con sospecha clínica de síndrome de apneas-hipopneas durante el sueño (AU)

[Validation study of a polygraphic screening device (BREAS SC20) in the diagnosis of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome]. / Estudio de validez de un equipo de poligrafía respiratoria (BREAS SC-20) para el diagnóstico del síndrome de apneas-hipopneas durante el sueño.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the BREAS SC20 (Breas Medical AB, Mölnlyke, Sweden) polygraphic screening device, comparing it with conventional polysomnography (PSG), in the diagnosis of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. A validity study of the diagnostic test was carried out at the sleep clinic of a tertiary hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy patients clinically suspected of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome and treated at the sleep laboratory of the Hospital Txagorritxu, Vitoria, Spain, from November, 2001 until August, 2002 were consecutively enrolled in the study. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and results on the Epworth sleepiness scale were recorded. The apneahypopnea index (AHI) per hour of sleep was determined by PSG; the respiratory events index (REI) per hour of screening was determined by the polygraphic screening device. RESULTS: Sixty studies were valid (77% were men; mean [SD] age: 51.6 [13.2]; body mass index: 30.3 [5]; AHI: 31.0 [27.6]). The intraclass correlation coefficient between the AHI by PSG and the manual REI was 0.92. The mean difference between the AHI and the manual REI was 2.92 (9.75). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.924 for the cut point AHI >or =5. The optimal cut point for an AHI > or = 5 was 3.6 in the REI (98% sensitivity). The respiratory screening device correctly classified 90% to 95% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The BREAS SC20 is a valid system for identifying patients clinically suspected of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.

The cost-effectiveness of nCPAP treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea.

The demand for diagnostic and therapeutic services for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) showed marked growth during the 1990s. This paper analyses the long-term cost-effectiveness of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) treatment in comparison to conventional null treatment. A Markov model was used to represent the natural history of OSAS based upon published evidence. Utility values came from a survey of OSAS patients. Data on health costs were collected from hospitals in the Basque Country, Spain. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of nCPAP treatment is <6,000 Euros per quality-adjusted life year. On disaggregated analysis, nCPAP treatment accounts for 86% of incremental costs; 84% of incremental effectiveness is attributable to improved quality of life. Treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome with nasal continuous positive airway pressure has a cost-effectiveness that is in line with that of other commonly funded treatments such as antihypertensive drugs. The key clinical benefit of nasal continuous positive airway pressure treatment is improvement in the quality of life of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. This benefit is also precisely the one for which the evidence base is strongest. The remaining uncertainties concerning the impact of nasal continuous positive airway pressure on long-term mortality have only a relatively small impact on the economics of treatment.

[Distribution of pulmonologists and chest surgeons in Spain]. / Distribución de neumólogos y cirujanos torácicos en España.

OBJECTIVE: To study the real situation of respiratory medicine specialists and chest surgeons in the Spanish health service. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Using the database of the secretary of the Spanish Society of Respiratory Medicine and Chest Surgery (SEPAR) for 1999, we gathered data on 326 Spanish hospitals. We were thus able to ascertain the level of staffing of respiratory medicine and chest surgery departments. The results were expressed as simple percentages showing distribution by age, duties and geographic area. The number of specialists per 100,000 inhabitants in each community was also calculated based on population data provided by the National Statistics Institute for 1997. RESULTS: We studied 1,786 physicians or surgeons (1,245 pneumologists, 185 surgeons and 356 from other specialties). The mean age was 41 9 years for pneumologists, 44 10 years for surgeons and 51 8 years for the others. We observed unequal distribution by geographic area, with a high of 6.66 pneumologists and 0.9 surgeons per 100,000 inhabitants in Asturias and Madrid, respectively and a low of 1.4 pneumologists per 100,000 inhabitants in Murcia and 0 surgeons in Extremadura. CONCLUSIONS: Specialist coverage by pneumologists and chest surgeons is inadequate in many provinces and communities in Spain. The professional market is not saturated, indicating that future specialists can look forward to market demand.

Distribución de neumólogos y cirujanos torácicos en España / Distribution of pulmonologists and chest surgeons in Spain

OBJETIVOS: Conocer la situación real de los especialistas en neumología y cirugía torácica en el marco de la red sanitaria pública española. SUJETOS Y MÉTODO: Teniendo en cuenta la base de datos de la Secretaría de la SEPAR del año 1999, se recopiló información de 326 hospitales españoles. Se pudo obtener, así, la composición de las plantillas de las secciones o servicios de neumología y cirugía torácica de los mismos. Los resultados se expresaron como proporciones simples en lo referente a su distribución por edades, cargos y autonomías. Además, se calcularon las tasas por 100.000 habitantes en cada comunidad (datos de población según el Instituto Nacional de Estadística del año 1997). RESULTADOS: Se evaluó un total de 1.786 médicos (1.245 neumólogos, 185 cirujanos y 356 pertenecientes a otras especialidades). La edad media fue de 41 ñ 9 años para los neumólogos, 44 ñ 10 años en el grupo de cirujanos y 51 ñ 8 años en el resto. La distribución por comunidades autónomas fue desigual, encontrándose un máximo de 6,66 neumólogos y 0,9 cirujanos/100.000 habitantes en Asturias y Madrid, respectivamente, y un mínimo de neumólogos en Murcia y de cirujanos torácicos en Extremadura (1,4 y 0/100.000 habitantes, respectivamente). CONCLUSIONES: La situación de las especialidades de neumología y cirugía torácica es deficitaria en muchas provincias y comunidades autónomas de nuestra geografía. En este sentido, el mercado profesional no está saturado, por lo que parece haber unas buenas perspectivas laborales para los futuros especialistas. (AU)

Síndrome de apneas-hipopneas durante el sueño en el niño / Apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome during children's sleep

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La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y los transtornos respiratorios durante el sueño

La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y las apneas-hipopneas durante el sueño son entidades muy prevalentes cuya morbi-mortalidad, cuando concurren en un mismo individuo, es superior a la que presentan por separado. Desconocemos la trascendencia pronóstica de las desaturaciones nocturnas en pacientes sin insuficiencia respiratoria diurna, y aún necesitamos comprender mejor el papel de algunos tratamientos como la oxígenoterapia y la ventilación mecánica no invasiva y algunos fármacos, o asociaciones de fármacos, que permitan mejorar la calidad de sueño y el intercambio de gases en estos pacientes. Estos interrogantes serán respondidos, casi con toda probabilidad, en los próximos años (AU)