Effects of two modalities of noninvasive ventilation on breathing pattern of very low birth weight preterm infants immediately after extubation: a quasi-experimental study

AIM

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of two modalities of noninvasive ventilation, continuous positive airway pressure-CPAP and non-synchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation-nsNIPPV, on breathing pattern of very low birth weight preterm infants immediately after extubation.

METHODS

It was conducted a quasi-experimental study at a public university hospital. Infants with gestacional age ≤32 weeks and birth weight ≤1,500 g were randomized into the sequences, prior extubation: CPAP - nsNIPPV (1) or nsNIPPV - CPAP (2). Each preterm infant was studied for a period of 60 min in each ventilatory mode. Respiratory inductive plethysmography was used to assess breathing pattern. Inferential analysis was performed by repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman test.

RESULTS

Eleven preterm infants were studied and a total of 7,564 respiratory cycles were analyzed. No significant differences were observed in any of the comparisons made for any of the breathing pattern variables (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference on breathing pattern between CPAP and nsNIPPV of preterm infants after extubation.

The Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Related Hypertension

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease, with approximately 3-7% of men and 2-5% of women worldwide suffering from symptomatic OSA. If OSA is left untreated, hypoxia, microarousals and increased chemoreceptor stimulation can lead to complications like hypertension (HT). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for OSA, and it works by generating airway patency, which will counteract the apnea or hypopnea. More than one billion people in the world suffer from HT, and the usual treatment is pharmacological with antihypertensive medication (AHM). The focus of this review will be to investigate whether the CPAP therapy for OSA affects HT.

Asian accreditation of sleep medicine physicians and technologists: practice guidelines by the Asian Society of Sleep Medicine

Due to the rapid growth in sleep medicine's professional content, several countries have recognized sleep medicine as an independent specialty. The practice of sleep medicine and the demand for this service in Asian countries are expanding. At this point of growth, the accreditation of sleep medicine specialists is paramount to patient care and the training of physicians and technologists. The Asian Society of Sleep Medicine (ASSM) mandated a taskforce committee for the accreditation of sleep medicine practice. This taskforce developed Asian accreditation practice guidelines for sleep medicine physicians and technologists. This paper presents the newly approved Asian accreditation practice guidelines for sleep medicine physicians and technologists by the ASSM.

Mood, sleepiness, and weight gain after three years on CPAP therapy for sleep apnoea

Background: The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) keeps on rising. Daytime sleepiness resulting from fragmented sleep is the prime symptom, and obesity the major risk factor for OSAS. Quality of life with OSAS is often affected by depressive symptoms and anxiety. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy reduces daytime sleepiness, but the results on the effect on mood, physical activity, and weight are controversial especially on long-term therapy. Purpose of this study was to evaluate these factors and predictors of weight gain during long-term CPAP therapy.

Methods: Consecutive patients (n = 223), referred to sleep study with suspected OSAS, were enrolled. Patients underwent a cardiorespiratory polygraphy at baseline and a battery of questionnaires was completed, both at baseline, and after three years of follow-up. Total of 149 (67%; M 65, F 84) patients completed the follow-up. Of the 149 patients, 76 (51.0%; M 32, F 44) used CPAP.

Results: In this study, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and sleepiness were alleviated during CPAP therapy. However, therapy did not have an influence on cravings of different food categories, or exercise habits and exercise duration. From the various factors studied, solely higher adherence to CPAP therapy was associated with weight gain.

Conclusions: This research provides further evidence that long-term CPAP therapy in patients with OSAS not only decreases sleepiness and improves sleep quality but could also alleviate depressive symptoms and anxiety. In addition, our study reinforces that CPAP therapy alone is not sufficient for weight management in patients with OSAS. Regardless of comprehensive battery of questionnaires, we were unable to establish markers predicting weight gain during therapy. We advise on life-style counselling and weight management program to all patients with obesity on CPAP therapy.

The Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation as a Novel Therapy for Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea-A Literature Review

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that affects all age groups and is associated with many co-morbid diseases (especially cardiovascular diseases). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard for treating OSA. However, adherence to PAP therapy has been a major challenge with an estimated adherence between 20% and 80%. Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are a good alternative option if used in the appropriate patient. MAD are most effective in mild and moderate OSA but not severe OSA. Surgical options are invasive, not appropriate for severe OSA, and associated with pain and long healing time. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS), or upper airway stimulation (UAS), is a novel therapy in treating moderate and severe degrees of OSA in patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. We reviewed the MEDLINE (PubMed) database. The search process yielded 303 articles; 31 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included. We concluded that hypoglossal nerve stimulation is a very effective and novel alternative therapy for moderate and severe OSA in patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. Adherence to HGNS is superior to CPAP. However, more developments are needed to ensure the highest safety profile.

Benefits of continuous positive airway pressure on glycaemic control and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoea: A meta-analysis

AIM

To conduct a meta-analysis to determine the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on glycaemic control and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

METHODS

A systematic search was made of the MEDLINE, SCOPUS, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane databases, and clinicaltrials.gov, without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials on treatment of type 2 diabetes and OSA with CPAP, compared with sham CPAP or no CPAP, were reviewed. Studies were pooled to obtain standardized mean differences (SMDs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Seven trials (enrolling 691 participants) met the inclusion criteria. CPAP showed significant effects on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; SMD -0.32, 95% CI -0.60 to -0.03; P = 0.029), fasting glucose (SMD -0.39, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.02; P = 0.040), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; SMD -1.05, 95% CI -1.91 to -0.19; P = 0.016), systolic blood pressure (SMD -1.18, 95% CI -2.29 to -0.07 mm Hg; P = 0.037), and diastolic blood pressure (SMD -1.29, 95% CI -2.48 to -0.09; P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous positive airway pressure treatment significantly improved glycaemic control and insulin resistance, as shown by the decreased HbA1c levels, fasting glucose levels and HOMA-IR values in patients with type 2 diabetes and OSA.

Reliability of automatic detection of AHI during positive airway pressure treatment in obstructive sleep apnea patients: A "real-life study"

INTRODUCTION

Automatic event detection (AED) of residual apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) by ventilators is a current practice in sleep and mechanical ventilation Units but this methodology has not been validated in an unselected population of OSA patients. Aim of the present study was to assess in a "real-life" condition the reliability of AED during PAP therapy by the in-built software compared to full polysomnography during follow-up.

METHODS

We enrolled 300 OSA patients (105 F; AHI 45.3 ± 27.8) already on Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy: 53% of the patients were on CPAP while other modalities were used in the rest of the sample.

RESULTS

Overall, the built-in software identified residual obstructive AHI (AHIPAP) > 5, 10 or 15 in 18.7, 8.6 or 4.6% of patients, respectively. By using AHIPAP, 28.4% of patients were wrongly classified as "well controlled" despite a residual AHIPSG>5 (6% considering a residual AHIVENT >15); 7% of patients were classified as not controlled while AHIPSG was <5 (1.4% considering a residual AHIVENT >15). Type of ventilation, ventilator parameters, adherence to treatment and level of baseline or follow-up Epworth Sleepiness Scale score were similar between groups. The sensitivity and positive predicted values were very low. Positive likelihood ratio appears adequate only for residual AHIPAP ≥10, but negative likelihood ratio was inconclusive for all the cut-off considered.

DISCUSSION

The results of the present study suggest a more cautious approach in the follow-up of OSA patients, since a protocol based only on AED detection and symptoms assessment may not be accurate especially for AHIPAP<15.

Respiratory distress syndrome in preterm neonates in the era of precision medicine: A modern critical care-based approach

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) was recognized to be caused by primary surfactant deficiency almost 70 years ago and continuous positive airway pressure was introduced approximately 50 years ago. Since then, there have been many developments in neonatology; we know many things but others are still controversial. The more we know, the more questions arise. However, this review aims to indicate what is more needed to understand and how should be the modern approach to RDS in the era of precision medicine. The review is divided between new concepts and new tools. We will explain the interaction between steroids, CPAP and surfactant, as well as the surfactant catabolism and the diagnosis of NARDS; lung ultrasound and new tools to optimize CPAP will also be covered. How these concepts are integrated in the author's personal experience is also illustrated.

A systematic review of COVID-19 and obstructive sleep apnoea

The aims of the study were to review the rapidly emerging COVID-19 literature to determine 1) the relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and adverse COVID-19 outcomes and, 2) potential causal mechanisms 3) what effect COVID-19 has had on OSA diagnosis and 4) what effect COVID-19 has had on treatment and management of OSA during this period. PubMed was systematically searched up to 020620. Studies were included if they had examined the relationship between COVID-19 and OSA. Studies were included that were in English and had the full text available. The findings from this study suggest that many of the risk factors and co-morbidities associated for OSA which include obesity, hypertension and diabetes mellitus are associated with poor COVID-19 outcomes. There are plausible mechanisms by which OSA may independently increase one's risk of morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19 and data from the newly published CORONADO study suggests that OSA treated patients may be at increased risk of death from COVID-19. It is clear that the pandemic has had a major effect on the treatment management and diagnosis of OSA and moving forward it may be necessary to explore new diagnosis and treatment pathways for these individuals.

Efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and resistant hypertension (RH): Systematic review and meta-analysis

Approximately 70-85% of patients with resistant hypertension (RH) report obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, whether therapy with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) improves blood pressure (BP) in this population is not clear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the efficacy of CPAP in patients with OSA and RH. Two reviewers performed the literature search, risk of bias analysis, and data extraction. The pooled data were analyzed in a meta-analysis using the DerSimonian-Laird method. We calculated the mean difference (MD) in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measured at 24 h and in the daytime and nighttime. We also evaluated changes in aortic stiffness and aldosterone excretion. A total of 10 RCTs and 606 participants were included. CPAP was associated with changes in 24-h SBP (-5.06 mmHg; CI, -7.98, -2.13), 24-h DBP (-4.21 mmHg; CI, -6.5, -1.93), daytime SBP (-2.34 mmHg; CI, -6.94, +2.27), daytime DBP (-2.14 mmHg; CI, -4.96, -0.67), nighttime SBP (-4.15 mmHg; CI, -7.01, -1.29), and nighttime DBP (-1.95 mmHg; CI, -3.32, -0.57). We found no benefit for aortic stiffness, but it did lead to a mild reduction in aldosterone secretion. CPAP therapy improved BP, especially nighttime BP, in this population.

The Impact of Device Modifications and Pressure Delivery on Adherence

This article reviews the evidence to date examining whether adherence to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is affected by any device modifications to pressure delivery. To date there is no robust evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicating that any modification to standard fixed-pressure PAP makes a clinically significant difference to patient adherence to therapy. The main modifications are reviewed in this article and whether improving pressure could drive adherence, in turn improving patient outcomes, is discussed.

The prognostic value of chest X-ray in patients with COVID-19 on admission and when starting CPAP

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to explore if chest X-ray severity, assessed using a validated scoring system, predicts patient outcome on admission and when starting continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPAP) for COVID-19.

DESIGN

The study was a retrospective case-controlled study.

PARTICIPANTS

There were 163 patients with COVID-19 deemed candidates for CPAP on admission, including 58 who subsequently required CPAP.

OUTCOME MEASURES

On admission, we measured the proportion of patients meeting a composite 'negative' outcome of requiring CPAP, intubation or dying versus successful ward-based care. For those escalated to CPAP, 'negative' outcomes were intubation or death versus successful de-escalation of respiratory support.

RESULTS

Our results were stratified into tertiles, those with 'moderate' or 'severe' X-rays on admission had significantly higher odds of negative outcome versus 'mild' (odds ratio (OR) 2.32; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.121-4.803; p=0.023; and OR 3.600; 95% CI 1.681-7.708; p=0.001, respectively). This could not be demonstrated in those commencing CPAP (OR 0.976; 95% CI 0.754-1.264; p=0.856).

CONCLUSIONS

We outline a scoring system to stratify X-rays by severity and directly link this to prognosis. However, we were unable to demonstrate this association in the patients commencing CPAP.

Treatment-Emergent Central Apnea: Physiologic Mechanisms Informing Clinical Practice

The purpose of this review was to describe our management approach to patients with treatment-emergent central sleep apnea (TECSA). The emergence of central sleep apnea during positive airway pressure therapy occurs in approximately 8% of titration studies for OSA, and it has been associated with several demographic, clinical, and polysomnographic factors, as well as factors related to the titration study itself. TECSA shares similar pathophysiology with central sleep apnea. In fact, central and OSA pathophysiologic mechanisms are inextricably intertwined, with ventilatory instability and upper airway narrowing occurring in both entities. TECSA is a "dynamic" process, with spontaneous resolution with ongoing positive airway pressure therapy in most patients, persistence in some, or appearing de novo in a minority of patients. Management strategy for TECSA aims to eliminate abnormal respiratory events, stabilize sleep architecture, and improve the underlying contributing medical comorbidities. CPAP therapy remains a standard therapy for TECSA. Expectant management is appropriate given its transient nature in most cases, whereas select patients would benefit from an early switch to an alternative positive airway pressure modality. Other treatment options include supplemental oxygen and pharmacologic therapy.

Impact of CPAP treatment for a short period in moderate-to-severe OSAS patients: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is the most frequent reversible aggravating factor of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, OSAS, with physical activity very important for its control. Continuous positive air pressure during sleep is the "gold standard" treatment for OSAS.

OBJECTIVE

we aimed to investigate if the use of CPAP for a short period (7 days), would improve sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and the disposition for physical activity.

METHODS

Eighty OSAS patients were randomly assigned as follows: group I - CPAP with a steady pressure of 4 cm H₂O; group II - ideal therapeutic pressure. After filling out the questionnaires related to the studied variables (International physical activity questionnaire long-form, Epworth sleepiness scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index), patients underwent a baseline pulmonary function test and CPAP titration. After CPAP therapy for 4≥ hours a night for 7 consecutive days, patients returned and filled out new (International physical activity questionnaire long-form, Epworth sleepiness scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index) forms. New spirometry was carried out.

RESULTS

39 patients completed the study. The mean age was 52 ± 11 years old and 28 patients (71.79%) were obese. Both groups were similar for all variables studied at baseline. After CPAP use, patients of group II presented more significant improvements (p <  0.05) for sleep quality and diurnal sleepiness. Time spent with physical activities did not change. Spirometric data were at normal range at baseline. Solely the variable FEF 25%-75% was significantly enhanced (p <  0.05) in group II.

CONCLUSION

CPAP therapy for 1 week, with ideal pressure, improves daytime sleepiness and sleep quality, enhances pulmonary function, but does not change the mean time spent with physical activities.

Update on the Role of High-Flow Nasal Cannula in Infants with Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis (BR), a lower respiratory tract infection mainly caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), can be very severe. Presently, adequate nutritional support and oxygen therapy remain the only interventions recommended to treat patients with BR. For years, mild BR cases were treated with noninvasive standard oxygen therapy (SOT), i.e., with cold and poorly or totally non-humidified oxygen delivered by an ambient headbox or low-flow nasal cannula. Children with severe disease were intubated and treated with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). To improve SOT and overcome the disadvantages of IMV, new measures of noninvasive and more efficient oxygen administration have been studied. Bi-level positive air way pressure (BiPAP), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) are among them. For its simplicity, good tolerability and safety, and the good results reported in clinical studies, HFNC has become increasingly popular and is now widely used. However, consistent guidelines for initiation and discontinuation of HFNC are lacking. In this narrative review, the role of HFNC to treat infants with BR is discussed. An analysis of the literature showed that, despite its widespread use, the role of HFNC in preventing respiratory failure in children with BR is not precisely defined. It is not established whether it can offer greater benefits compared to SOT and when and in which infants it can replace CPAP or BiPAP. The analysis of the results clearly indicates the need for multicenter studies and official guidelines. In the meantime, HFNC can be considered a safe and effective method to treat children with mild to moderate BR who do not respond to SOT.

Efficacy of nasal masks versus nasal pillows masks during continuous positive airway pressure titration for patients with obstructive sleep apnea

PURPOSE

Nasal masks are usually the first choice for CPAP therapy, but patients may experience side effects. There are limited data regarding the efficacy of nasal pillows masks during CPAP titration. This study aimed to compare the polysomnography outcomes during CPAP titration while comparing two types of masks (nasal and pillows) and to assess whether or not the patient characteristics differed between mask preferences.

METHODS

In a sleep-disorders clinic, we prospectively analyzed all patients undergoing CPAP titration for three consecutive months. CPAP pressures were manually titrated. Anthropometric data (age, sex, body mass index, and neck and waist circumferences) and OSA severity were documented. Patients completed a self-administered questionnaire that measured nasal obstruction (NOSE scale). Before titration, both types of masks were presented to patients, and each of them chose the one they preferred.

RESULTS

Of 157 patients, 55% (n = 86) used nasal masks, and 45% (n = 71) used nasal pillows masks. There was no difference according to mask type chosen by age, sex, body mass index, neck and waist circumferences, and NOSE scale. Polysomnography outcomes were similar between the mask groups. The mean CPAP level was 9.4 ± 1.8 cm H₂O for nasal masks and 9.1 ± 2.0 cm H₂O for nasal pillows (p = 0.61). Residual apnea-hypopnea index was 3.0 ± 2.8 events/h for nasal mask and 3.5 ± 4.1 events/h for pillow mask (p = 0.28). Baseline AHI, body mass index, neck and waist circumferences, and residual AHI were independent predictors of a higher CPAP pressure for both groups (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Nasal pillows masks seem to be as effective as nasal masks and may be considered to be an initial choice for CPAP titration.

The effects of continuous positive airway pressure and mandibular advancement therapy on metabolic outcomes of patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have been independently associated with dyslipidemia. The results of metabolic improvement with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) have been controversial. Less evidence exists regarding this issue in mild OSA. A current treatment for mild OSA is mandibular advancement device (MAD) therapy, but its effectiveness on the metabolic profile needs to be compared with CPAP. The purpose of this study was to compare MAD vs CPAP vs no treatment on the metabolic profile during 6 and 12 months of follow-up in patients with mild OSA.

METHODS

The inclusion criteria were patients with mild OSA, both genders, ages 18 to 65 years, and body mass index (BMI) of < 35 Kg/m². Patients were randomized in 3 groups (CPAP, MAD, and control). The evaluations included physical examination, metabolic profile, and full polysomnography at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients with mild OSA were randomized in three treatment groups, with mean age (± SD) of 47 ± 9 years, 54% men, and AHI 9.5 ± 2.9 events/h. MAD and CPAP reduced AHI at 6 and 12 months compared to the control group. MAD adherence was higher than CPAP at 6 and 12 months. Despite lower adherence compared to MAD, CPAP was more effective in reducing total cholesterol over 12 months (baseline 189.3 ± 60.2 mg/dl to 173.4 ± 74.3 mg/dl) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c, baseline 112.8 ± 54.9 mg/dl to 94.5 ± 67.4 mg/dl).

CONCLUSIONS

After 1 year of treatment, CPAP was superior to MAD in reducing total cholesterol and LDL-c in patients with mild OSA.

Feasibility and Effect of Physiological-Based CPAP in Preterm Infants at Birth

Background: Preterm infants are commonly supported with 5-8 cmH₂O CPAP. However, animal studies demonstrate that high initial CPAP levels (12-15 cmH₂O) which are then reduced (termed physiological based (PB)-CPAP), improve lung aeration without adversely affecting cardiovascular function. We investigated the feasibility of PB-CPAP and the effect in preterm infants at birth. Methods: Preterm infants (24-30 weeks gestation) were randomized to PB-CPAP or 5-8 cmH₂O CPAP for the first 10 min after birth. PB-CPAP consisted of 15 cmH₂O CPAP that was decreased when infants were stabilized (heart rate ≥100 bpm, SpO₂ ≥85%, FiO₂ ≤ 0.4, spontaneous breathing) to 8 cmH₂O with steps of ~2/3 cmH₂O/min. Primary outcomes were feasibility and SpO₂ in the first 5 min after birth. Secondary outcomes included physiological and breathing parameters and short-term neonatal outcomes. Planned enrollment was 42 infants. Results: The trial was stopped after enrolling 31 infants due to a low inclusion rate and recent changes in the local resuscitation guideline that conflict with the study protocol. Measurements were available for analysis in 28 infants (PB-CPAP n = 8, 5-8 cmH₂O n = 20). Protocol deviations in the PB-CPAP group included one infant receiving 3 inflations with 15 cmH₂O PEEP and two infants in which CPAP levels were decreased faster than described in the study protocol. In the 5-8 cmH₂O CPAP group, three infants received 4, 10, and 12 cmH₂O CPAP. During evaluations, caregivers indicated that the current PB-CPAP protocol was difficult to execute. The SpO₂ in the first 5 min after birth was not different [61 (49-70) vs. 64 (47-74), p = 0.973]. However, infants receiving PB-CPAP achieved higher heart rates [121 (111-130) vs. 97 (82-119) bpm, p = 0.016] and duration of mask ventilation was shorter [0:42 (0:34-2:22) vs. 2:58 (1:36-6:03) min, p = 0.020]. Infants in the PB-CPAP group required 6:36 (5:49-11:03) min to stabilize, compared to 9:57 (6:58-15:06) min in the 5-8 cmH2O CPAP group (p = 0.256). There were no differences in short-term outcomes. Conclusion: Stabilization of preterm infants with PB-CPAP is feasible but tailoring CPAP appeared challenging. PB-CPAP did not lead to higher SpO₂ but increased heart rate and shortened the duration of mask ventilation, which may reflect faster lung aeration.

The COVID-19 Lockdown and CPAP Adherence: The More Vulnerable Ones Less Likely to Improve Adherence?

PURPOSE

Due to the possible interplay of factors predisposing to severe COVID-19 outcomes and negative health consequences of poorly controlled OSA, adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy among OSA patients might be crucial during COVID-19 pandemics. Lockdown-related changes in CPAP adherence were investigated in CPAP users willing to participate in this study. Pre-lockdown adherence, age, gender, comorbidities and anxiety were analyzed as predictors of COVID-19 lockdown adherence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study performed at Split Sleep Medicine Center included 101 severe OSA patients (78.2% male). CPAP memory cards were assessed during 6 months of pre-lockdown and 40 days of lockdown (March/April 2020) period. A total of 81 patients in pre-lockdown met good CPAP adherence criteria (≥4 hours/night on 70% nights).

RESULTS

CPAP adherence improved during COVID-19 lockdown in the total sample of severe OSA patients. The percentage of adherent nights and CPAP usage hours per night increased during lockdown in good pre-lockdown CPAP adherers (p=0.011 and p=0.001, respectively), women (p=0.003 and p=0.001, respectively) and respondents younger than 58 years (p=0.007 and p<0.001, respectively). Out of 20/101 poor pre-lockdown CPAP adherers, 9 have shifted to good lockdown adherence. When comorbidities, BMI and anxiety were taken into account, older and male respondents were recognized as less likely to improve CPAP usage hours during lockdown (R²=9.4%; p=0.032).

CONCLUSION

The lockdown-related CPAP adherence improved in severe OSA patients, with a shift in almost half of poor pre-lockdown adherers towards good lockdown CPAP adherence. Women, younger and good pre-lockdown CPAP adherers were more adherent during lockdown. Despite being vulnerable groups for both OSA and COVID-19, no expected adherence improvements were observed in men and older patients.

Measured CPAP in a Noninvasive Pediatric Airway and Lung Model

BACKGROUND

Bronchiolitis is the most common cause of admission in children < 2 y of age in the United States. The standard of care involves supportive measures, including noninvasive interventions such as CPAP. CPAP is traditionally delivered through a full face mask; however, pediatric ICUs have been exploring the use of the RAM cannula by Neotech as a mode of CPAP delivery. The level of CPAP delivered via the RAM cannula is uncertain. We performed an in vitro study to determine the level of CPAP delivered via the RAM cannula utilizing a pediatric lung model.

METHODS

Models of 7 sizes of pediatric upper airways, produced with a 3-dimensional printer, were connected to a breathing simulator. We applied each size of RAM cannula to weight-appropriate airway and lung compliance parameters, delivering pressures of 5, 7, and 10 cm H₂O using a ventilator in the CPAP mode. Leaks of 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% were generated to emulate a complete seal, a poor fit, and open-mouth breathing. The outcome measure was the difference in CPAP, referred to as "%leak effect," measured by the lung simulator relative to the CPAP set on the ventilator.

RESULTS

We found that set CPAP of 5-10 cm H₂O generated measured CPAP ranging from 2.6 to 9.7 cm H₂O. For the set CPAP levels of 5, 7, and 10 cm H₂O, the mean %leak effect values of measured CPAP from the set CPAP were -25%, -26%, and -25.7%, respectively. For each specific cannula-airway combination, increasing the set pressure and decreasing the air leak resulted in higher levels of CPAP delivered.

CONCLUSIONS

The RAM cannula delivered varying amounts of CPAP, with a percent loss of approximately -25% depending on the level of leak in the system. With minimal leak, it is conceivable that the RAM cannula can be used to deliver clinically meaningful CPAP.

Long-Term Adherence to Positive Airway Pressure Therapy in Saudi Ambulatory Patients with Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome and Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A One-Year Follow-Up Prospective Observational Study

PURPOSE

Long-term studies assessing positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy adherence in patients with obesity hypoventilation (OHS) are limited. The aim of this study was to assess PAP therapy adherence in Arab (Saudi) patients with OHS and an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) >30/h.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of consecutive adult patients diagnosed with OHS between March 2010 and September 2019 was conducted. During the therapeutic sleep study, all OHS patients were started on continuous PAP (CPAP). Patients who failed to maintain oxygen saturation ≥88% despite the elimination of obstructive respiratory events were shifted to bi-level PAP (BPAP). Objective assessment of adherence was performed at 1, 6, and 12 months after initiating PAP therapy. We adopted the American-Thoracic-Society criteria for PAP adherence.

RESULTS

The study included 101 patients (women = 65 patients) with OHS, an AHI ≥30/h, and a mean age of 54.9 ± 12.7 years. Successful titration on CPAP was achieved in 64.4% of the patients and BPAP was required for 35.6% of the patients who failed CPAP titration. At the end of the study, 43.6% of the patients used PAP therapy in an acceptable manner. Adherence after 1 and 6 months was the only independent predictors of adherence at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

PAP adherence among Saudi patients with OHS and severe obstructive sleep apnea was relatively low. Almost two-thirds of patients tolerated CPAP titration with the elimination of respiratory events and desaturation. Early adherence to PAP therapy was the only predictor of PAP therapy adherence at the end of the study.

Positive airway pressure therapy supplied by an integrated sleep practice associated with greater adherence among pre-Medicare-aged patients with sleep-disordered breathing

STUDY OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether patient adherence to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy was significantly different between groups whose PAP machines were dispensed by a traditional durable medical equipment (DME) supplier (DME group) versus those provided directly by an integrated sleep practice (ISP group).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study that analyzed 3884 patients (ages 18-64) who were set up with a new PAP machine for sleep-disordered breathing. The channel through which PAP therapy was dispensed (DME vs ISP) was chosen as part of the natural course of treatment, making patient choice and third-party payor likely important selection factors. We analyzed whether the groups had significant differences in adherence rates and nightly usage duration after 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year of therapy.

RESULTS

The ISP group had a significantly higher rate of PAP adherence at 30 days (71% vs 66%; P = .004), 90 days (66% vs 56%; P < .00001), and 1 year (52% vs 33%; P < .00001) following initiation of PAP therapy, relative to the DME group. There was a significantly higher duration of PAP use among the ISP group at 30 days (357 vs 345 minutes; P = .002), 90 days (348 vs 319 minutes; P < .00001), and 1 year (312 vs 164 minutes; P < .00001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests improved short- and long-term PAP adherence rates among patients who received PAP therapy through an ISP. As current health care trends drive sleep medicine practices to adopt chronic care management models, further studies are needed to better understand the tradeoffs of receiving PAP through traditional DME providers.

Use of CPAP Machines in the Perioperative Setting in Ambulatory Surgical Centers

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep-related breathing disorder that is associated with significant perioperative complications. In 2012 and 2017, Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia and Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine published consensus statements for the selection of patients with OSA scheduled for ambulatory surgery. Despite these recommendations, the need for a CPAP device in the immediate postoperative period at ambulatory surgical centers remains controversial because these ambulatory patients are healthier and have fewer complications. This study aims to investigate the compliance rate with this recommendation among busy ASCs.

METHODS

We created a survey to investigate if ASCs require patients to bring their CPAP devices to the facility. The survey measured compliance rates of ASCs to SAMBA's recommended guidelines of having CPAP machines available.

RESULTS

The survey had a response rate of 60.9% encompassing 408,147 cases among 1946 providers. Of the facilities that responded, only 59.7% of them required their patients to bring their CPAP devices on the day of surgery. Out of the 67 facilities that responded, only 25.37% reported using a CPAP machine postoperatively within the past 2 years, with the highest CPAP usage at one facility being 20 times in that 2-year period.

DISCUSSION

This would mean that 40.3% of ASCs that did respond do not have access to a CPAP device on-site and may possibly lack the proper equipment needed to handle these complications. The frequency and fatality rate associated with postoperative respiratory complications requiring a CPAP device are still inconclusive, making the need for CPAP devices during perioperative management controversial. Studies further in-depth are therefore necessary to assess postoperative complications that require the use of a CPAP device to determine the urgency of ASCs implementing SAMBA's recommendations.