842 PAP Therapy in a Pandemic: Management of Severe Mixed Apnea Predominant OSA & CSA during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

IntroductionIntroduction/Background: A new protocol and standard of care was created amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic that began in 2020. Traditional split night studies fell out of favor and were replaced by solely diagnostic studies with placement on Auto-PAP therapy if treatment of sleep disordered breathing was required. Some patients, however, required a more tailored approach if diagnostic polysomnogram (PSG) was particularly concerning. Our case report describes the treatment of a patient with severe Mixed Apnea Predominant Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) with accompanying Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) using COVID-19 Precautions.Report of case(s)Case Description: A 48 year old AAM patient with a PMH of HTN, pre-diabetes, GERD, obesity and tobacco abuse initially presented to Sleep Medicine in late January 2020 with complaints of snoring, witnessed apneas, waking up gasping, excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and non-restorative sleep for many years with ESS 24 and FSS 48 on initial evaluation. Diagnostic PSG showed AHI 76.9 with O2 desaturation to 59% and demonstrated the presence of severe Mixed Apnea predominant OSA and CSA with worsening during REM sleep. Because of the severity, he underwent a PAP titration in August 2020 using the AASM COVID-19 sleep study precautions which included use of a negative pressure room. Optimal control of snoring, apneic respiratory events and oxygen desaturations was achieved at 14 cm H2O in the supine body position during REM sleep. Follow up with Sleep Medicine in October and December 2020 showed objective compliance over a 30 day period not completely at goal due to issues with mask desensitization and sleep hygiene, however the patient subjectively reported that he noticed great improvement in snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue.Conclusion: Discussion/ConclusionWith a diagnosis of Severe Mixed Apnea Predominant OSA as well as CSA noted during the study, the differential diagnosis included CHF, Chiari malformation, opioid abuse and idiopathic CSA as the cause. Despite a dangerous pandemic, appropriate therapy for certain patients must still be attained. Special protocols developed during the COVID-19 Pandemic allowed for our patient to receive adequate treatment, while ensuring the safety of all involved.Support (if any)References COVID 19: FAQs for Sleep Clinicians. AASM official website. https://aasm.org/covid-19-resources/covid-19-faq/