Polysomnography (PSG) correlation in patients with moderate – severe OSAS at the time of diagnosis and after treatment with CPAP

Abstract

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common and escalating health problem related to substantial morbidity and mortality. The use of continuous positive airway (CPAP) in most cases of OSAS has been proved that improves sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and quality of life. And it can also reduce morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular diseases, as well as consumption of healthcare resources. In our sleep unit we have tried to present the polysomnography correlation of patients submitted with diagnosis of moderate- severe OSAS before and after the treatment with CPAP. Materials and methods The study is based in a descriptive retrospective design. All patients were recruited from the sleep unit at the General Hospital of Alicante (Spain) including 130 patients during the years 2007–2012, previously diagnosed of OSAS, and we have compared the polysomnography before and after the treatment with CPAP. Data were obtained from review of all clinical records, patient and spouse questionnaires completed at the time of the original consultation, sleep study results, and objective CPAP use records. Patients taking antidepressants, hypnotics or benzodiazepines, with renal failure and hemodialysis or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were excluded. Data were analyzed based on age, sex, BMC and comparative percentage of sleep phases and cycles. Results We analyzed 130 patients (104 male and 26 women), two studies per patient (at the diagnosis moment and post-treatment with CPAP; 260 PSG in total, middle age 51.3 years, 5% normal weight, 43% overweight and 50% obese. No significant difference was found between the groups; sex, age, BMI or the severity of the OSAS. Differences were found in the increase of percentage in the deep sleep state and REM sleep, specially in obese patients with severe OSAS. Conclusion The continued use of CPAP in obese patients with moderate and severe OSAS notably improves the sleep structure and therefore the quality of it. Acknowledgements Dr. Valentin Garcia and Dra. Francisca Selles. Thanks you for your help.