Positive Airway Pressure Research Articles

Feasibility and acceptability of switching from a previous-generation to a new-generation mask for positive airway pressure therapy of sleep apnea using remote care

PurposeMask selection could affect an individual’s experience with positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, but there is very limited data on the impact of switching to a different mask once established on PAP therapy. This study investigated the patient’s experience when switching from a previous-generation PAP mask to a new-generation mask via remote care. MethodsA new-generation mask (AirFit F30i or AirFit N30i) was successfully fitted to 215 participants during video conferencing sessions. Participants completed online questionnaires on day 1, day 3, day 7, day 30 and day 90 after mask switch to collect subjective feedback and quality of life data; objective PAP device data were also downloaded. ResultsResidual apnea-hypopnea index showed statistically significant difference from baseline at day 30 (+0.2±0.9/h [p=0.026]) and day 90 (+0.2±0.8/h [p=0.006]), however unlikely to be clinically relevant. Average daily usage was significantly increased from baseline at day 30 (+0.2±1.2 h/day [p=0.010]) but not day 90 (+0.1±1.0 h/day [p=0.126]). Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ-10) score was significantly higher at day 90 (change from baseline to day 90: +0.48±2.29 [p=0.015]). Subjective ratings for comfort, seal, and usability of the new-generation mask were significantly better than the predefined acceptability level. Rates of PAP-related side effects were generally acceptable. ConclusionRemote management of mask change was associated with good outcomes in terms of objective device data and patient acceptability. This approach could be used to improve the overall therapy experience for individuals requiring a PAP therapy mask change for any reason. Clinical trial registrationhttp://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05262439).

Cardiopulmonary coupling predictors of blood pressure response to positive airway pressure therapy

The effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on reducing cardiovascular disease risk in sleep apnea subjects remains inconclusive. It is plausible that pathological respiratory chemoreflex activation (high loop gain) is a predictive signal biomarker. To determine whether narrow band (e-LFCNB%) metric derived from cardiopulmonary coupling analysis is related with blood pressure reduction after CPAP. A secondary analysis of the Apnea Positive Pressure Long-term Efficacy Study (APPLES). The elevated low frequency coupling - narrow band (e-LFCNB %) metric derived from cardiopulmonary coupling analysis detects periodic breathing (as a surrogate for high loop gain), and was estimated in baseline polysomnogram. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify the potential association between e-LFCNB% of total sleep time and the observed reduction in blood pressure following the specified treatment. A total of 388 subjects received CPAP and had e-LFCNB % measurements. At 2 months, 90/322 subjects had e-LFCNB ≥ 4% at baseline. At 6 months 137/313 subjects had e-LFCNB higher than 2% at baseline. For morning systolic blood pressure, e-LFCNB ≥ 4% [β: 2.534, standard error (SE): 1.198, p: 0.035] was positively related with the extent of systolic blood pressure reductions after 2 months CPAP treatment and e-LFCNB ≥ 2% was marginally related with systolic blood pressure decrement after 6 months (β: 2.162, SE: 1.173, p: 0.066). For the morning diastolic blood pressure, e-LFCNB ≥ 2% predicted reductions at 6 months of treatment (β: 1.883, SE: 0.888, p: 0.035). e-LFCNB % (probable high loop gain) was positively related to systolic blood pressure reduction (short-term) and diastolic blood pressure reduction (longer-term), following CPAP.

Comparison of Effects between Nasal Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure and Nasal Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation in Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Aims/Background Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) is characterized by progressive aggravation and rapid progression of respiratory distress, with a high incidence rate among premature infants. If left untreated, NRDS results in a poor prognosis. In recent years, various respiratory support modalities have received extensive attention in clinical practice. The therapeutic effect of different respiratory support modes on NRDS has gradually become the focus of clinical research. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effects of nasal bi-level positive airway pressure (nBiPAP) and nasal synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (nSIMV) on NRDS. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 157 newborns with NRDS in the Mudanjiang Medical University Affiliated Second Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023, finally including 153 cases after excluding 4 cases with missing clinical data. According to the non-invasive ventilation method, these newborns were categorized into a nBiPAP group (receiving nBiPAP treatment, n = 77) and an nSIMV group (receiving nSIMV treatment, n = 76). The blood gas indices, using time of ventilator, hospitalization time, therapeutic effects, and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. Results The PaCO2, PaO2, and pH levels in the nBiPAP group were basically consistent with those in the nSIMV group before and after treatment (p > 0.05). The use time of ventilator, hospitalization time, and therapeutic effects in the nBiPAP group were similar to those in the nSIMV group (p > 0.05). Additionally, both groups demonstrated no significant difference in the incidence of complications such as intraventricular hemorrhage, apnea, necrotizing enterocolitis, and feeding intolerance (p > 0.05). The incidence rates of ventilator-associated lung injury and neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the nBiPAP group were lower than those in the nSIMV group, with a significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusion Both nBiPAP and nSIMV have shown good effects in treating NRDS, with nBiPAP showing a significant advantage in reducing the incidence rates of complications such as ventilator-associated lung injury and neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Otolaryngological manifestations in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and continuous positive airway pressure users: A systematic review

Otolaryngological manifestations in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and continuous positive airway pressure users: A systematic review

Efficacy and safety of different noninvasive ventilation strategies for postextubation respiratory support in Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of different noninvasive ventilation (NIV) modalities as primary respiratory support following extubation in Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (NRDS).MethodsA search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Network (CNKI), Wanfang database, VIP, and Chinese Biomedical Literature databases with a search time limit of April 2024 for the year of construction, and included randomized controlled clinical trials of different modes of noninvasive respiratory support after extubation in NRDS. The primary outcome indicators were the need for re-tracheal intubation within 72 h of extubation on noninvasive ventilatory support and carbon dioxide retention (PCO2) 24 h after extubation. Secondary outcome indicators included the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), nasal injury, pneumothorax, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) or periventricular white matter softening (PVL), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and mortality rate. A systematic review and network meta-analysis of the literature was performed by two investigators who screened, extracted, and evaluated the quality of the data. A systematic review and network meta-analysis were then performed using R software.ResultsA total of 23 studies involving 2,331 neonates were analyzed. These studies examined four noninvasive respiratory modalities: continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (NCPAP), noninvasive intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), bi-level positive airway pressure ventilation (N-BiPAP), and noninvasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (NHFOV). Results indicated that NHFOV, NIPPV, and N-BiPAP were significantly more effective than NCPAP in reducing the risk of reintubation (all P < 0.05), with NHFOV being the most effective. For carbon dioxide clearance, NHFOV outperformed both NIPPV and NCPAP (P < 0.05). Regarding the reduction of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) incidence, NHFOV and NIPPV showed a significant advantage over NCPAP.ConclusionsThis network meta-analysis (NMA) suggested that NHFOV is the most effective mode of noninvasive respiratory support post-extubation, while NCPAP is the least effective. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number and quality of the studies included.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, identifier (CRD42024544886).

Feasibility and safety of weaning premature infants from nasal continuous positive airway pressure to high-flow nasal cannula: a prospective observational case study.

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) is widely used for premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). A high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) provides positive end-expiratory pressure using high-flow oxygen; however, the variability in distending pressure is a primary concern. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of a newly designed protocol for NCPAP weaning with cyclic HFNC use for premature infants. Premature infants with RDS using NCPAP support who were ready for weaning were enrolled. The weaning protocol used cyclic NCPAP with HFNC every 3h for 3 days in the neonatal intensive care unit. The heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), pulse oximetry (SpO2), transcutaneous carbon dioxide (PtcCO2), and cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) at the end of NCPAP with HFNC support were recorded once daily for 3 days. From June 2019 to April 2021, 46 premature infants (27 male, 19 female) were enrolled. The mean gestational age and birth body weight were 28.7 ± 2.6 weeks and 1181 ± 354g, respectively. No statistically significant differences in the HR, RR, SpO2, and cerebral StO2 during NCPAP weaning with HFNC were observed. However, the mean PtcCO2 with NCPAP was statistically significantly lower than that with HFNC (46.9 ± 6.0 mmHg vs. 47.9 ± 6.4 mmHg, P = 0.02). The feasibility and safety of the NCPAP weaning protocol with cyclic HFNC for premature infants are acceptable in this preliminary study. Due to the limited number of participants, further studies are required for more comprehensive analysis. This prospective observational case study was approved by the Human Experiment and Ethics Committee of our hospital (approval number: KMUHIRB-SV(I)-20180059; approval date: January 11, 2019).

Clinical impact of customised positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy interfaces versus usual care in the treatment of patients with sleep-disordered breathing (3DPiPPIn): a randomised controlled trial protocol

IntroductionSleep-disordered breathing affects 1.6 million people in the UK. The recognised treatment is positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, delivered via a generic conventional interface (mask). PAP therapy improves morbidity, mortality...

A strategic approach of the management of sleep-disordered breathing in multiple system atrophy.

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by autonomic dysfunction associated with a combination of cerebellar, parkinsonian, or pyramidal signs. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) such as stridor, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA) are common in MSA and can impact survival. Several studies have evaluated treatment modalities. However, the optimal strategy often remains unclear in these patients. This review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence on treatment of SDB in MSA. Systematic review of the current literature through combined keyword search in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and cited references: multiple system atrophy, stridor, sleep apnea syndrome, sleep-disordered breathing, Shy Drager syndrome. Twenty-nine papers were included, with a total of 681 MSA patients with SDB. Treatment modalities are: continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP); tracheostomy; tracheostomy invasive ventilation (TIV); non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV); adaptive servoventilation (ASV); vocal cord surgery; botulinum toxin injections; oral appliance therapy; cervical spinal cord stimulation; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Conflicting results on survival are found for CPAP therapy. Tracheostomy has a proven survival benefit. Most beneficial outcomes are seen with TIV. CPAP, other types of PAP and tracheostomy can adequately control symptoms of OSA. However, CPAP may exacerbate central sleep apnea. There was a lack of sufficient data regarding ASV or NPPV. Some patients exhibit a floppy epiglottis and require a different approach. In conclusion, due to the complex characteristics of SDB in MSA, an individualized and multidisciplinary approach is mandatory.

Obstructive sleep apnea in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease (non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis): what should be offered?

Objective: The frequency of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is high. The clinical course of non-IPF interstitial lung disease (ILD) can be similar to that of IPF. We sought to assess the frequency and predictors of OSA in patients with non-IPF fibrotic ILD, as well as the impact of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy on the quality of life of such patients. Methods: This was a prospective study in which non-IPF fibrotic ILD patients underwent a home sleep apnea test. The patients with and without OSA were compared, and a multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of OSA. At 3 months after initiation of PAP therapy, we evaluated the participating patients for respiratory events, nocturnal hypoxemia, and changes in quality of life. Results: Of a total of 50 patients, 50% were male, and 76% were diagnosed with OSA. The mean age was 67.8 ± 8.3 years. The patients with OSA had significantly lower TLC (p = 0.033) and awake SpO2 (p = 0.023) than did those without OSA. In the multivariate logistic regression model, SpO2 (OR = 0.46; p = 0.016) and TLC (OR = 0.95; p = 0.026) remained significantly associated with OSA risk. A total of 12 patients received PAP therapy. At 3 months after initiation of PAP therapy, 91.7% were well controlled, Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores decreased significantly (p = 0.006), and emotional well-being tended to improve (p = 0.068). PAP therapy corrected nocturnal hypoxemia in all patients. Conclusions: We found a high frequency of OSA in patients with non-IPF fibrotic ILD. A low TLC was an independent predictor of a higher risk of OSA. PAP therapy can correct nocturnal hypoxemia. There should be a low threshold for suspicion of OSA and initiation of PAP therapy in patients with non-IPF fibrotic ILD.

Abstract 4134668: Title: Mandibular advancement device versus CPAP on cardiovascular health and quality of life in OSA a pre-specified 12 months follow up of outcomes

Background: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a significant cause of hypertension. ACC/AHA Guidelines recommended screening and treatment of OSA in patients with hypertension; however, evidence comparing mandibular advancement devices (MAD) to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on cardiovascular health is lacking. We present the complete 12 months follow-up data on the comparative effectiveness of MAD versus CPAP in ambulatory BP reduction, QoL, cardiac arrhythmia, and myocardial remodelling. Method: In a randomized, non-inferiority trial (margin 1.5 mmHg), 321 participants, aged over 40, with hypertension and high cardiovascular risk were recruited. Of these, 220 participants with OSA (apnoea–hypopnea index ≥15 events/h) were randomized to either MAD or CPAP (1:1). Pre-specified secondary outcomes include: ambulatory BP, quality of life (QoL) (sleep-specific: ESS, SAQLI, FOSQ; non-sleep-specific: SF-36, EQ-5D), ambulatory ECG monitoring, and cardiac MRI. Results: A total of 89 (80.9% of 110) participants from MAD, and 91 (82.7% of 110) participants from CPAP completed 12 months follow-up. The median daily usage was 5.5 hours for MAD and 4.9 hours for CPAP. The between-group difference in 24h mean BP from baseline to 12 months was - 0.57 mmHg (95% confidence interval: (-2.53 to 1.39, non-inferiority P < 0.001). Compared with the CPAP group, MAD group demonstrated a larger reduction in all the 24h with the most pronounced differences observed in the asleep BP parameters (Table 1). Both the MAD and CPAP improved QoL (Table 2). CPAP had greater improvement in FOSQ from sleep-specific questionnaires (P=0.038), and social QoL in SF-36 from non-sleep-specificl questionnaires (P=0.013). The ambulatory ECG monitoring (MAD: 2.8 ± 1.0 days, CPAP: 2.3 ± 1.1 days) showed no between-group differences in % atrial fibrillation(P=0.209), % ventricular ectopic isolated count (P=0.790) and % supraventricular ectopic isolated count (P= 0.333). The cardiac MRI sub-study (101 participants : MAD= 45, CPAP= 56) showed CPAP had greater improvement in right ventricular stroke volume (P=0.023) and MAD had greater improvement in circumferential strain favours the MAD group (P=0.015) (Table 3). Conclusion: At 12 months , MAD was non-inferior to CPAP for reducing 24h mean arterial BP. MAD showed greater reduction in 24h BPs, especially during asleep. While both the MAD and CPAP are effective in improving QoL, CPAP is more effective in improving FOSQ and social QoL (SF-36).

Abstract 4136963: Long-term Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Cardiovascular Outcomes after Acute Myocardial Infarction in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Background: There is increasing evidence of a strong association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and ischemic heart disease. Previous studies have demonstrated OSA to be a significant predictor of incident CAD, while recent studies have confirmed individuals with OSA to have 3.9 times greater incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at one year following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than individuals without OSA. Whether treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) after AMI in OSA patients reduces MACCE is not known. This study investigated the long-term cardiovascular outcomes associated with CPAP therapy after AMI in OSA patients, and is the first study to evaluate the effect of CPAP on secondary prevention after AMI. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from 2015 to 2019 and included adults with AMI. Patients with at least moderate OSA (n=180) were followed for at least 1 year and categorized as either AMI and compliant to CPAP (54 patients) or AMI and non-compliant to CPAP (126 patients). We estimated the incidence of MACCE (early rehospitalization, re-catheterization, CABG, recurrent MI, CHF, arrhythmia, stroke, and death) in each group during follow-up from the index event. Continuous and categorical variables were analyzed for significance with Wilcoxon’s test and Fisher’s exact test respectively. Multivariate analyses were performed to adjust for confounders. Results: Most participants were male, the average age was 66 years old, and no significant demographic difference was identified between the two groups. Compared with non-compliant patients, CPAP-compliant patients exhibited significantly lower overall MACCE incidence (22.2% vs 40.5%, p=0.03) and repeat catheterization rate (1.9% vs 11.1%, p=0.04) after AMI. Conclusion: Long-term, compliant CPAP therapy, as compared with non-compliant CPAP therapy, significantly reduces recurrent cardiovascular events and provides effective secondary prevention after AMI in patients with at least moderate OSA.

Mandibular Advancement Devices in Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Its Effects on the Cardiovascular System: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular complications. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the standard treatment, hence poor adherence has prompted interest in mandibular advancement devices (MAD) as an alternative. This comprehensive review aimed to explore the effects of MAD therapy on oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial function, and its impact on the cardiovascular risk in OSA patients. Results: MAD therapy significantly reduces the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), improves serum nitric oxide (NOx) concentrations, reduces oxidative stress markers, and enhances endothelial function. Animal studies indicated that MAD reduces myocardial fibrosis and attenuates inflammatory markers. While both CPAP and MADs improve endothelial function and heart rate variability, CPAP is more effective in reducing OSA severity. Nevertheless, MAD has higher compliance, contributing to its positive impact on cardiovascular function. Moreover, CPAP and MADs have similar effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular risk. Conclusions: MAD therapy is an effective alternative to CPAP, particularly for patients with mild to moderate OSA as well as those intolerant to CPAP. It offers significant improvements in endothelial function and oxidative stress. Further studies are needed to assess MAD therapy in comprehensive OSA management.

The Great Controversy of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment for Cardiovascular Risk Benefit: Advancing the Science Through Expert Consensus. An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report.

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is on the rise, driven by various factors including more sensitive diagnostic criteria, increased awareness, enhanced technology through at-home testing enabling easy and cost-effective diagnosis, and a growing incidence of comorbid conditions such as obesity. Treating symptomatic patients with OSA syndrome to enhance quality of life remains a cornerstone approach. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding treatment to improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, particularly in light of overall negative results from several randomized controlled trials (RCT) indicating no benefit of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy on primary and secondary CVD events. These RCTs were limited by suboptimal PAP adherence, use of composite CVD outcomes, and limited diversity and generalizability to Sleep Clinic patients. As such, this workshop assembled clinical experts, as well as researchers in basic and translational science, epidemiology, clinical trials, and population health to discuss the current state, and future research directions to guide personalized therapeutic strategies and future research directions in OSA. There was overall consensus among workshop participants that OSA represents a heterogeneous disease with variable endotypes and phenotypes, and heterogeneous responses to treatment. Future research should prioritize employing multi-modal therapeutic approaches within innovative and adaptive trial designs, focusing on specific subgroups of OSA patients hypothesized to benefit from a CVD perspective. Future work should also be inclusive of diverse populations and consider the life-course of OSA to better comprehend treatment strategies that can address the disproportionate impact of OSA on racially minoritized groups. Further, a more holistic approach to sleep must be adopted to include broader assessments of symptoms, sleep duration, and comorbid sleep and circadian disorders. Finally, it is imperative to establish a sleep research consortium dedicated to collecting raw data and biospecimens categorized by OSA subtypes. This will facilitate mechanistic determinations, foster collaborative research, and help bolster the pipeline of early-career researchers.

Differential lung ventilation versus continuous positive airway pressure to improve oxygenation during one lung ventilation in thoracoscopic sympathectomy

Differential lung ventilation versus continuous positive airway pressure to improve oxygenation during one lung ventilation in thoracoscopic sympathectomy

Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment on Vascular Function in a Real-Life Cohort of Elderly Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome

Background: Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and has a detrimental effect on vascular function, in particular on arterial stiffness and endothelial function. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold-standard therapy for OSAS and its effects on arterial stiffness and endothelial function have been demonstrated in non-elderly patients. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of one year of CPAP treatment on arterial stiffness, through assessment of carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), and on endothelial function, through the reactive hyperaemia index (RHi), in a real-life cohort of elderly patients with moderate-to-severe OSAS and several comorbidities. Methods: In this nonrandomised prospective study, we enrolled 469 consecutive elderly patients affected by moderate-to-severe OSAS distributed in two groups: CPAP-treated (n = 225) and untreated patients (n = 244). Results: At one-year follow-up, in the treated group emerged an important improvement in poligraphics (AHI, ODI, TC90, mean SpO2%), laboratory (HOMA index, eGFR, hs-CRP) and vascular function parameters: cf-PWV. The stepwise multivariate linear regression demonstrated a significant correlation between the delta of the polygraph parameters and the delta of PWV and RHi. Conclusions: Our study confirmed the favourable effects of CPAP therapy in a cohort of elderly patients affected by OSAS and several comorbidities on sleep respiratory parameters and vascular function; early diagnosis and treatment with CPAP might be beneficial to delay or prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular events in these groups of patients.

Early postnatal growth failure in infants

BackgroundPostnatal growth failure (PGF), a multifactorial condition is common in preterm infants and infants born weighing <1500 g and is associated with impaired neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes. In low-resource settings, like Uganda, parenteral nutrition and breastmilk fortifier are often unavailable, and preterm infants rely solely on their mother’s expressed breastmilk, which can be inadequate. This retrospective cohort study, conducted in a level II neonatal unit in eastern Uganda, aimed to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for postnatal growth failure among infants <1500 g.MethodsThe study included infants with birthweight <1500 g, admitted within 24 h of birth, and who spent 7 or more days in the neonatal unit. Major congenital malformations or a diagnosis of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy were exclusion criteria. PGF was defined as a decrease in weight Z score between birth and discharge of more than − 1.28. Data on feeding, anthropometry, co-morbidities, and clinical measures were extracted from medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 17.0 with crude and adjusted relative risks (RR) were reported.ResultsOne hundred and four infants were recruited, including 47 (45.2%) male and 57 (54.8%) female, with a mean birth weight of 1182 g (SD 18 g, 95% CI: 1140, 1210). Almost half were small for gestational age, most were singletons (66.3%), and most were born by spontaneous vaginal delivery (82.7%). PGF was observed at discharge in 75.9% (N = 79). Clinical risk factors for PGF included: small for gestational age (cRR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.53), respiratory distress syndrome (aRR 1.30 95% CI: 1.01, 1.67), duration of bubble continuous positive airway pressure use (aRR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.66), sepsis requiring second line (aRR 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.04) and third line treatment (aRR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.20, 1.77), prolonged time to achieve full feeds (aRR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.66) and prolonged hospitalisation (aRR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.31, 2.61).ConclusionPGF was common among infants <1500 g in this hospitalised cohort who were primarily fed on their mother’s own milk. Urgent action is needed to enhance postnatal growth in this vulnerable patient group. Future research should focus on exploring multidisciplinary interventions that can improve growth outcomes in this population and understanding the long-term implications and need for care for these infants.

The acute effects of the PAP treatment on nasal mucosa in patients with OSAS

Abstract BACKGROUND. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disease in developed countries. PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is the most commonly used treatment modality, particularly in moderate to severe OSAS patients. However, several side effects make PAP treatment challenging to tolerate. This study examined the acute effects of PAP treatment on nasal functions. MATERIAL AND METHODS. This study included 32 patients who were diagnosed with severe OSAS following a PSG test and started PAP treatment. Symptom analysis was carried out with the SNOT-20 questionnaire; nasal physiological analysis was carried out with rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry tests performed before and after PAP treatment for one night and for one month. A saccharin test was carried out to assess the nasal mucociliary clearance before and after the treatment. RESULTS. A statistically significant difference between nasal symptom scores (p=0.003) and sleep quality (p=0.006) was observed in SNOT-20 questionnaire results. Total nasal resistance was significantly increased after one night’s sleep with PAP and after a one-month treatment with PAP. It was found that there was a statistically significant relation between the total nasal resistance value and PAP pressure. CONCLUSION. This study shows that PAP treatment increases nasal congestion after one night of treatment and after one month of treatment with a cumulative effect. PAP therapy positively affects sleeping quality and life quality, while negatively affecting nasal functions in the acute period.

Phenotyping Using Polysomnography Attributes Reduced Respiratory Events after CPAP Therapy to Improved Upper Airway Collapsibility.

Rationale: In patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) measured off CPAP may be decreased relative to baseline AHI preceding CPAP treatment. Semi-invasive "endo-phenotyping" sleep studies attribute this fall in AHI primarily to improved ventilatory control stability. Phenotyping Using Polysomnography (PUP) attempts to reproduce these studies using routine polysomnography (PSG). Objectives: To determine whether changes in AHI following CPAP associate primarily with changes in PUP-estimated ventilatory control stability (loop gain, LG1) or with changes in other PUP-estimated pathophysiologic mechanisms. Methods: PUP analyses were performed on existing PSGs in research participants who underwent baseline PSG, 4.4±2.2 months CPAP therapy, and CPAP withdrawal with repeat PSG on night 2 of withdrawal. Pre-CPAP PUP-estimated LG1, arousal threshold (ArTH), and upper airway collapsibility (Vpassive) and compensation (Vcomp) were compared to corresponding values during CPAP withdrawal. Mixed effects models were constructed to determine which PUP estimate best explained changes in AHI. Results: PSG data were available for 35 participants (age 47±10.8 years; 12 female; BMI 38.5±8.6 kg/m2, AHI3A 58.8±33.1 events/hr, 9 mild/moderate OSA, 26 severe OSA). Following CPAP, AHI decreased, but the change was not statistically significant. However, a significant decrease was observed in those with severe OSA (pre-CPAP 68.2 [32.6-86.3] versus CPAP withdrawal 49.0 [36.1-74.4] events/hr). Across all participants, changes in PUP estimates did not exceed test-retest agreement limits. For those with severe OSA, decrease in LG1 (0.86 [0.61-1.13] pre-CPAP versus 0.71 [0.61-0.99] on CPAP withdrawal) and increase in Vpassive (64.8 [5.4-88.4] %Veupnea pre-CPAP versus 76.4 [20.7-92.7] %Veupnea on CPAP withdrawal) exceeded test-retest agreement limits. Increased Vpassive, decreased LG1, and decreased ArTH were predictors of decreased AHI in mixed effects models. Vpassive had the greatest estimated effect on AHI. After accounting for Vpassive, additional estimates did not improve model performance. However, Vpassive and LG1 were correlated, and post hoc analyses suggest these estimates may be influenced by both upper airway collapsibility and ventilatory control. Conclusions: According to PUP physiologic estimates, decreases in AHI following several months of CPAP therapy are primarily attributable to improved upper airway collapsibility.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Cardiac Arrhythmias

A narrative review was performed, analyzing peer-reviewed articles from databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science to examine the mechanistic links between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), and cardiac arrhythmias, emphasizing intermittent hypoxia, autonomic imbalance, and intrathoracic pressure swings as key pathways. Studies, including the DREAM and CESAAR trials, consistently demonstrate that SDB patients face elevated risks: more than doubling the likelihood of overall arrhythmias (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.48–3.39), quadrupling the risk of AF (OR 4.02; 95% CI 1.03–15.74), and tripling the risk of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) with higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) values. Additionally, SDB doubles the risk of bradyarrhythmia, such as sinus pause, second and third-degree atrioventricular block, and intraventricular conduction delay (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.58–3.95). According to meta-analytical findings, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a pivotal intervention, significantly reducing AF recurrence by 42% and lowering VA incidence by 58%. Moreover, CPAP therapy diminishes sinus bradycardia and occurrences of sinus pause and may reduce the necessity for pacemaker implantation. Recognizing SDB as a modifiable risk factor for cardiac arrhythmias highlights the importance of early diagnosis and effective management, primarily through CPAP therapy, to improve cardiovascular outcomes.

A novel method for positive airway pressure delivery: pulsating airflow.

The primary objective is to determine if pulsating airflow can achieve therapeutic pharyngeal pressure levels without requiring a tight-sealing mask. A pilot study included 12 nasal-breathing adults who are currently using positive airway pressure (PAP) for therapy. Patients were awake, and pharyngeal pressures were measured using a miniature pressure probe inserted through their nares. Pulsating airflow was applied via a nasal cannula with a customized valve. The inspiratory flow rate was increased until the pharyngeal pressure matched or exceeded the participant's prescribed PAP level. The expiratory flow rate was maintained at a constant low level of continuous airflow. The study demonstrated that pulsating airflow could generate pharyngeal pressures equivalent to or higher than those achieved with PAP therapy in all participants. The peak inspiratory pressures with pulsating airflow followed an oscillatory pattern matching the pulsation frequency. The mean peak pressure increased linearly with the pulsating flow rate. Compared to a high-flow nasal cannula, pulsating airflow produced significantly higher inspiratory pharyngeal pressures, reaching nearly 20 cmH2O. Pulsating airflow could be a viable method for delivering PAP therapy to patients with respiratory or sleep disorders without needing a tight-sealing mask. Further research is required to establish whether this method can improve patient compliance with PAP therapy, assess long-term safety and efficacy, and explore the impact of varying pulsation parameters on treatment outcomes.