The effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on the quality of life in patients with multiple system atrophy.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on the quality of life (QoL) in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) and their caregivers. METHODS: We reviewed the electronic medical records of patients with MSA treated with CPAP (n = 15). After CPAP treatment, we checked the patient global impression of change (PGI-C) scale for sleep complaints and QoL for six patients who continued to use CPAP. QoL was also assessed for five caregivers of these patients. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients (6 women) were included. The mean age was 63.6 ± 8.1 years old and the mean disease duration was 4.9 years. The mean duration of CPAP treatment was 22.1 ± 10.6 months and the average compliance was 90%. Three patients died during CPAP treatment, and two patients discontinued CPAP after tracheostomy. For six patients who continued to use CPAP, sleep complaints minimally improved. Five patients reported an improved QoL, and all five caregivers reported improved caregivers' QoL. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the use of CPAP has a beneficial effect on sleep complaints and QoL of patients with MSA and their caregivers.