Older adult US Medicare beneficiaries with untreated obstructive sleep apnea are heavier users of health care than matched control patients

Sleep Apnea Among Gulf War Veterans: An Examination of VA Utilization Rates, Treatment Initiation, and Health Outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among veterans is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. The present study sought to: 1) characterize the prevalence and rate of treatment of OSA among VA users and non-users and 2) examine the associations between diagnosed or probable OSA and key physical and mental health outcomes.

METHODS

Gulf-War I-era Veterans were recruited as part of a national survey assessing mental and physical health concerns, healthcare needs, and healthcare utilization. OSA diagnoses were self-reported while sleep apnea risk was assessed via the STOP-Bang. Veterans also completed questionnaires assessing overall health, pain, depression, PTSD, and psychosocial functioning.

RESULTS

1,153 veterans were included in the present analyses (Mean age = 58.81; 21.84% female). Compared to non-VA healthcare users, veterans receiving care at the VA were more likely to have been diagnosed with OSA (p < .001) and report receiving treatment for OSA (p = .005). Compared to veterans at low risk for OSA, veterans at elevated risk reported higher levels of pain (p = .001), depression (p = .02), and poorer psychosocial functioning (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

OSA diagnoses appear to be more common among VA healthcare users. Findings suggest that OSA remains underdiagnosed and associated with important physical and mental health consequences. Additional screening for OSA, especially among non-VA clinics, is warranted.

Knowledge and attitude regarding obstructive sleep apnoea among medical and dental practitioners working in North-Eastern Peninsular Malaysia: A comparative cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a temporary airflow obstruction during periods of sleep. Patients with OSA often suffer from poor work performance, compromised sleep quality, and low quality of life which may lead to a life-threatening event. Adequate knowledge and a positive attitude toward OSA among medical and dental practitioners are crucial to the initial diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the differences in knowledge and attitude toward OSA between medical and dental practitioners working in North-Eastern Peninsular Malaysia.

METHODS

A comparative cross-sectional study was performed from February 2020 to February 2021. A total of fifty-two medical practitioners and fifty-two dental practitioners working at university-based outpatient clinics, government health clinics, and oral health clinics located in Kelantan State of Malaysia participated in the study, and data were collected by the structured questionnaire including sociodemographic inquiry and OSAKA questionnaire by non-probability stratified random sampling. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare knowledge and attitude scores between the two groups.

RESULTS

The mean age of the respondents was 34.6 years. The current study shows that 92.3% of medical doctors and 96.1% of dental doctors were able to correctly answer the question "Most of the patients with OSA snore" a significant finding in our study. Only 1% of medical professionals could answer seventeen questions correctly with a median score of 11, and only 1% of dental professionals could answer sixteen questions correctly with a median score of 9. None of them could provide an accurate answer to all the knowledge questions. Medical and dental practitioners exhibited different knowledge levels on OSA (z- statistics=-4.39, U = 827.00 with p <  0.05, and effect size, r = 0.61). However, no significant differences were found in total knowledge score by gender (p-value>0.05), ethnicity (p-value>0.05), total service years (p-value>0.05), and training attended. In addition, significant differences in attitude levels between medical and dental practitioners have been observed (z-statistics=-3.42, U = 725.00 with p <  0.05, and effect size, r = 0.47). Nevertheless, no significant differences have been seen in total attitude score by ethnicity (p-value >  0.05), total service years (p-value >  0.05), attending training on OSA (p-value >  0.05), and professional status (p-value >  0.05) except gender (p-value <  0.05).

CONCLUSION

A Significant difference is evident concerning knowledge and attitude toward OSA diagnosis and management between medical and dental practitioners working in North-Eastern Peninsular Malaysia. Medical practitioners in this study recorded a higher knowledge and attitude score compared to dental practitioners.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Sleep Apnea Management: A Critical Evaluation of the Impact of Therapy on Health Care Costs

TOPIC IMPORTANCE

OSA is a widespread condition that significantly affects both health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). If left untreated, OSA can lead to accidents, decreased productivity, and medical complications, resulting in significant economic burdens including the direct costs of managing the disorder. Given the constraints on health care resources, understanding the cost-effectiveness of OSA management is crucial. A key factor in cost-effectiveness is whether OSA therapies reduce medical costs associated with OSA-related complications.

REVIEW FINDINGS

Treatments for OSA have been shown to enhance HRQoL, particularly for symptomatic patients with moderate or severe disease. Economic studies also have demonstrated that these treatments are highly cost-effective. However, although substantial empirical evidence shows that untreated OSA is associated with increased medical costs, uncertainty remains about the impact of OSA treatment on these costs. Randomized controlled trials of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy have failed to demonstrate cost reductions, but the studies have had important limitations. Observational studies suggest that PAP therapy may temper increases in costs, but only among patients who are highly adherent to treatment. However, the healthy adherer effect is an important potential source of bias in these studies.

SUMMARY

OSA management is cost-effective, although uncertainties persist regarding the therapy's impact on medical costs. Future studies should focus on reducing bias, particularly the healthy adherer effect, and addressing other confounding factors to clarify potential medical cost savings. Promising avenues to further understanding include using quasiexperimental designs, incorporating more sophisticated characterization of OSA severity and symptoms, and leveraging newer technologies (eg, big data, wearables, and artificial intelligence).

Occult, undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased health care resource utilization and costs among older adults with comorbid depression: a retrospective cohort study among Medicare beneficiaries

Obstructive sleep apnea and depression are highly comorbid among older adults, and each is associated with increased economic costs and health care resource utilization. The purpose of this study was to determine the economic burden of comorbid occult obstructive sleep apnea among a random sample of older adult Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. Among 41,500 participants with preexisting depression and meeting inclusion criteria, 4,573 (11%) had occult OSA. In fully adjusted models, beneficiaries with occult OSA were heavier users of inpatient (rate ratio: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.39, 1.67), outpatient (rate ratio: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.27), emergency department (rate ratio: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.35, 1.63), and prescription (rate ratio: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.14) services. Mean total costs were also significantly higher among beneficiaries with occult OSA ($44,390; 95% CI: $32,076, $56,703).

CITATION

Wickwire EM, Albrecht JS. Occult, undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased health care resource utilization and costs among older adults with comorbid depression: a retrospective cohort study among Medicare beneficiaries. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(5):817-819.

Depression and comorbid obstructive sleep apnea: Association between positive airway pressure adherence, occurrence of self-harm events, healthcare resource utilization, and costs

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have shown that treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy in patients with depression may improve depression symptoms and response to antidepressant therapy. We investigated the association between PAP therapy adherence, self-harm events, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and costs over 2 years in a national sample of patients with pre-existing depression and newly diagnosed comorbid OSA.

METHODS

Administrative claims data were linked to objective PAP therapy usage. Inverse probability treatment weighting was used to compare outcomes over 2 years across PAP adherence levels. The predicted numbers of emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalizations by adherence level were assessed using risk-adjusted generalized linear models.

RESULTS

37,459 patients were included. Relative to non-adherent patients, consistently adherent patients had fewer self-harm events (0.04 vs 0.05, p < 0.001) after 1 year, and significantly (all p < 0.001) fewer ER visits (0.66 vs 0.86) and all-cause hospitalizations (0.13 vs 0.17), and lower total ($11,847 vs $11,955), inpatient hospitalization ($1634 vs $2274), and ER visit ($760 vs $1006) costs per patient in the second year of PAP therapy. Consistently adherent patients showed lower risk for hospitalizations and ER visits.

LIMITATIONS

Using observational claims data, we were unable to assess clinical characteristics including sleep, sleepiness, and daytime symptoms, or important social determinants of health. We were limited in assessing care received outside of the included health plans.

CONCLUSION

Consistent adherence to PAP therapy over 2 years was associated with improved HCRU outcomes for patients with pre-existing depression newly diagnosed with comorbid OSA.

Effect of telemonitoring and as-needed patient support on positive airway pressure therapy adherence

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects patient health and public welfare. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is the preferred treatment of OSA, but therapy adherence rates remain suboptimal. Current literature demonstrates telemonitoring interventions to support improved PAP therapy adherence.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of interval telemonitoring of PAP therapy data at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment initiation in patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea with as-needed patient support and troubleshooting by telephone consultation.

METHODOLOGY

Ninety-nine participants were enrolled in this study, 50 in the control group and 49 in the intervention group. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS 28.0 software. The primary outcome of interest was 90-day PAP adherence.

RESULTS

Mean PAP adherence scores diverged at 90 days after PAP initiation, with the intervention group having a significantly higher mean score (M = 49.24, SD = 38.18) relative to the control group (M = 36.38, SD = 37.69). Likewise, continued PAP usage at 90 days after therapy initiation diverged between participant groups, with the intervention group having a significantly higher mean score (M = 89.80, SD = 30.58) relative to the control group (M = 72.00, SD = 45.36).

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention resulted in significantly higher mean PAP adherence and a greater percentage of participants demonstrating continued PAP usage at 90 days after therapy initiation but did not result in a statistically significant increase in what is considered and defined as "good PAP adherence" (adherence of ≥70%).

IMPLICATIONS

Data-triggered telemonitoring protocols offer supplementary support to patients in need and improve PAP adherence.

Positive Airway Pressure Therapy Predicts Lower Mortality and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Incidence in Medicare Beneficiaries with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Background

Obesity is associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular risk. Positive airway pressure (PAP) is the first line treatment for OSA, but evidence on its beneficial effect on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) prevention is limited. Using claims data, the effects of PAP on mortality and incidence of MACE among Medicare beneficiaries with OSA were examined.

Methods

A cohort of Medicare beneficiaries with ≥2 distinct OSA claims was defined from multi-state, state-wide, multi-year (2011-2020) Medicare fee-for-service claims data. Evidence of PAP initiation and utilization was based on PAP claims after OSA diagnosis. MACE was defined as a composite of myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, or coronary revascularization. Doubly robust Cox proportional hazards models with inverse probability of treatment weights estimated treatment effects controlling for sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Results

Among 888,835 beneficiaries with OSA (median age 73 years; 43.9% women; median follow-up 1,141 days), those with evidence of PAP initiation (32.6%) had significantly lower all-cause mortality (HR [95%CI]: 0.53 [0.52-0.54]) and MACE incidence risk (0.90 [0.89-0.91]). Higher quartiles of annual PAP claims were progressively associated with lower mortality (Q2: 0.84 [0.81-0.87], Q3: 0.76 [0.74-0.79], Q4: 0.74 [0.72-0.77]) and MACE incidence risk (Q2: 0.92 [0.89-0.95], Q3: 0.89 [0.86-0.91], Q4: 0.87 [0.85-0.90]).

Conclusion

PAP utilization was associated with lower all-cause mortality and MACE incidence among Medicare beneficiaries with OSA. Results might inform trials assessing the importance of OSA therapy towards minimizing cardiovascular risk and mortality in older adults.

Effects of combined exercise training with sleep education in older adults with obstructive sleep apnea: protocol for a randomized clinical trial

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder that affects approximately 1 billion people worldwide. Advanced age is a significant risk factor. Various treatment options have been explored to reduce the severity of OSA symptoms and physical exercise has emerged as a potential alternative therapy. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of a combined exercise program with sleep education on sleep quality and on the severity of OSA in older adults.

Methods

This is a randomized clinical trial with two parallel groups that will involve individuals of both genders aged between 60 and 79 years who have an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of more than 15 events per hour and who have not received or are currently undergoing treatment for OSA. Older adults who have engaged in regular exercise in the last six months and individuals with contraindications to exercise will be excluded. The study will assess outcomes related to OSA, including AHI, oxygen desaturation index, minimum and mean oxyhemoglobin saturation, sleep efficiency, sleep latency, and the type of respiratory events. Additionally, sleep quality-related outcomes, daytime sleepiness, physical activity, physical fitness, aerobic capacity, cognitive status, anthropometric measures, and health-related quality of life will be analyzed. Participants will be randomized to two groups: a combined exercise group (involving both resistance and aerobic training) with sleep education, and a control group that will receive only educational recommendations for managing OSA. The intervention will last 12 weeks and will consist of three sessions per week, totaling 36 exercise sessions. Sample size calculation indicates a minimum number of 36 participants.

Discussion

If the hypothesis is confirmed, this clinical trial will indicate an effective non-pharmacological intervention for treating OSA in older adults. This intervention could be used as an adjunct to existing approaches designed to improve OSA management.

Clinical trail registration

Brazil Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC), identifier RBR-9hk6pgz.

The Value of Implementing a Digital Approach in the Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Patient Pathway: A Spanish Example

Introduction

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, non-adherence is common and costly. The COVID-19 pandemic required the use of novel solutions to ensure service provision and quality of care. This retrospective analysis determined the impact and value of a digital versus standard pathway for the management of OSA in Spain.

Methods

A time-driven activity-based costing approach was applied to OSA management over 1 year using a standard or digital pathway. The standard pathway included face-to-face appointments at the time of diagnosis, then after 1-3 months and every 6 months thereafter. The digital pathway had fewer face-to-face appointments and utilised telemonitoring. A cost analysis was performed to determine the per-patient cost per healthcare professional (HCP) for a digital pathway for therapy implementation and follow-up compared with the standard pathway.

Results

Compared with the standard pathway, the digital pathway decreased the waiting list time from 18 to 2 months, the overall pathway time from 12 to 6 months, HCP cost per patient from €95 to €85, and number of hospital appointments per patient from 6 to 3.1. Furthermore, CPAP device usage improved from 5.7 to 6.3 h/night and the proportion of individuals defined as adherent increased from 79% to 91%.

Conclusions

Implementation of digital processes using available technology reduced HCP time and costs, and improved adherence to CPAP in people with OSA. Greater utilisation of a digital pathway could improve access to therapy, allow personalised patient management, and facilitate better clinical outcomes.

The economic cost of obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease associated with a high prevalence of costly comorbidities and accidents that add to the disease's economic impact. Although more attention has been focused on OSA in recent years, no previous systematic reviews have synthesized findings from existing studies that provide estimates of the economic cost of OSA. This study aims to summarize the findings of existing studies that provide estimates of the cost of OSA. Two bibliographic databases, PubMed and Scopus, were used to identify articles on the costs of OSA. The systematic literature review identified 5,938 publications, of which 31 met the inclusion criteria. According to the results, adjusted for inflation and converted to euros, the annual cost per patient ranged from €236 (the incremental cost of OSA) for New Zealand to €28,267 for the United States. The total annual cost per patient in Europe ranged from €1,669 to €5,186. OSA causes a significant burden on society, and OSA-related costs increase many years before the diagnosis and remain elevated for a long time after the diagnosis. Despite some well-conducted studies, the cost estimates for OSA are uncertain and specific to the context in which the study was conducted.

Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea increases risk of hospitalization among a racially diverse group of older adults with comorbid cardiovascular disease

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased risk for subsequent cardiovascular events, hospitalizations, and mortality. The primary objective of this study was to determine the association between undiagnosed OSA and subsequent hospitalizations among older adults with preexisting cardiovascular disease (CVD). A secondary objective was to determine the risk of 30-day hospital readmission associated with undiagnosed OSA among older adults with CVD.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of a 5% sample of Medicare administrative claims data for years 2006-2013. Beneficiaries aged 65 years and older diagnosed with CVD were included. Undiagnosed OSA was defined as the 12-month period prior to OSA diagnosis. A similar 12-month period among beneficiaries not diagnosed with OSA was used for the comparison group (no OSA). Our primary outcome was the first all-cause hospital admission. Among beneficiaries with a hospital admission, 30-day readmission was assessed for the first hospital admission only.

RESULTS

Among 142,893 beneficiaries diagnosed with CVD, 19,390 had undiagnosed OSA. Among beneficiaries with undiagnosed OSA, 9,047 (46.7%) experienced at least 1 hospitalization whereas 27,027 (21.9%) of those without OSA experienced at least 1 hospitalization. Following adjustment, undiagnosed OSA was associated with increased risk of hospitalization (odds ratio 1.82; 95% confidence interval 1.77, 1.87) relative to no OSA. Among beneficiaries with ≥ 1 hospitalization, undiagnosed OSA was associated with a smaller but significant effect in weighted models (odds ratio 1.18; 95% confidence interval 1.09, 1.27).

CONCLUSIONS

Undiagnosed OSA was associated with significantly increased risk of hospitalization and 30-day readmissions among older adults with preexisting CVD.

CITATION

Kirk J, Wickwire EM, Somers VK, Johnson DA, Albrecht JS. Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea increases risk of hospitalization among a racially diverse group of older adults with comorbid cardiovascular disease. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(7):1175-1181.

Examining changes in knowledge and practice in nurse practitioners after an online educational module on obstructive sleep apnea

AIMS

The purpose of this study is to investigate primary care nurse practitioner (NP) knowledge and knowledge retention on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) screening after an educational in-service.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of OSA is high and continues to rise amid the obesity epidemic. Approximately 75-90 % of individuals with moderate to severe OSA remain undiagnosed. Continuing education of OSA risk factors among primary care providers may increase screening rates, leading to early diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

An educational module was presented to NPs (n = 30) during a mandatory NP in-service at two sets of outpatient clinics. Knowledge was assessed with a pre-test and post-test survey consisting of 23 items. A 25-item follow-up test was administered five weeks after to assess knowledge retention.

RESULTS

An increase in total knowledge scores was demonstrated between the pre-test and post-test with a decrease in knowledge observed at follow-up. Follow-up test total mean scores remained above pre-test levels, indicating potential long-term learning.

CONCLUSIONS

While learning was demonstrated, NPs acknowledged continued barriers to screening for OSA such as time and having no OSA screening tool available in the electronic medical record (EMR).

Association Between Positive Airway Pressure Adherence and Health Care Costs Among Individuals With OSA

BACKGROUND

The impact of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy for OSA on health care costs is uncertain.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Are 3-year health care costs associated with PAP adherence in participants from the Tele-OSA clinical trial?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants with OSA and prescribed PAP in the Tele-OSA study were stratified into three PAP adherence groups based on usage patterns over 3 years: (1) high (consistently ≥ 4 h/night), (2) moderate (2-3.9 h/night or inconsistently ≥ 4 h/night), and (3) low (< 2 h/night). Using data from 3 months of the Tele-OSA trial and 33 months of posttrial follow up, average health care costs (2020 US dollars) in 6-month intervals were derived from electronic health records and analyzed using multivariable generalized linear models.

RESULTS

Of 543 participants, 25% were categorized as having high adherence, 22% were categorized as having moderate adherence, and 52% were categorized as having low adherence to PAP therapy. Average PAP use mean ± SD was 6.5 ± 1.0 h, 3.7 ± 1.2 h, and 0.5 ± 0.5 h for the high, moderate, and low adherence groups, respectively. The high adherence group had the lowest average covariate-adjusted 6-month health care costs ± SE ($3,207 ± $251) compared with the moderate ($3,638 ± $363) and low ($4,040 ± $304) adherence groups. Significant cost differences were observed between the high and low adherence groups ($832; 95% CI, $127 to $1,538); differences between moderate and low adherence were nonsignificant ($401; 95% CI, -$441 to $1,243).

INTERPRETATION

In participants with OSA, better PAP adherence was associated with significantly lower health care costs over 3 years. Findings support the importance of strategies to enhance long-term PAP adherence.

Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Floppy Eyelid Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study investigated the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) patients and evaluated the severity of OSA with FES prevalence.

METHODS

Cochrane CENTRAL, Medline, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases were searched for studies on FES patients and its association with OSA syndrome, of any design, published from January 1, 1997, to January 1, 2022. A random-effects model that weighted the studies was used when there was heterogeneity between studies ( p < 0.10) and if I 2 values were more than 50%. All p values were 2-tailed and considered statistically significant if <0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies comprising 511 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Of these, 368 were male (77.6%) and the average age was 55.10 years. The overall prevalence of OSA in FES patients was 57.1% (95% CI: 46.5-74.8%), M:F ratio was 48:1 (98% male), and 69.1% of patients received their OSA diagnosis at the time of the study. Of those with FES, tear film abnormalities were the most common ocular comorbidity (78.9%) followed by keratoconus (20.6%), glaucoma (9.8%), and lower eyelid ectropion (4.6%). Obesity was the most common systemic morbidity (43.7%) followed by hypertension (34.0%) and diabetes mellitus (17.9%).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis demonstrates OSA is a common comorbidity in the FES population. Ophthalmologists are often the first to evaluate patients with FES, and considering this coincidence, routine screens for sleep apnea symptoms in at-risk FES patients should be undertaken. Large case-control studies are required to better elucidate the exact prevalence of OSA and other morbidities in patients with FES, and to better understand the etiology of FES.

Ertugliflozin and incident obstructive sleep apnea: an analysis from the VERTIS CV trial

PURPOSE

The sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) empagliflozin may reduce the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular (CV) disease. This analysis of VERTIS CV, the CV outcome trial for the SGLT2i ertugliflozin conducted in a similar group of patients, explored the effects of ertugliflozin on reported incident OSA.

METHODS

In VERTIS CV, patients ≥ 40 years with T2D and atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD) were randomized to ertugliflozin 5 or 15 mg or placebo. The primary endpoint was the composite of major adverse CV events. This exploratory analysis evaluated the impact of ertugliflozin (5 and 15 mg pooled) on incident OSA. Patients with prevalent OSA were excluded. Incident OSA events were based on investigator-reported events using the MedDRA SMQ term "sleep apnea syndrome." A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was constructed to assess the association between ertugliflozin and incident OSA.

RESULTS

Of 8246 patients enrolled, 7697 (93.3%) were without baseline OSA (placebo, n = 2561; ertugliflozin, n = 5136; mean age 64.4 years; BMI 31.7 kg/m2; HbA1c, 8.2%; 69.2% male; 88.3% White). The OSA incidence rate was 1.44 per 1000 person-years versus 2.61 per 1000 person-years among patients treated with ertugliflozin versus placebo, respectively, corresponding to a 48% relative risk reduction (HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.28-0.96; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In VERTIS CV, ertugliflozin reduced by nearly half the incidence of OSA in patients with T2D and ASCVD. These data contribute to the literature that SGLT2is may have a significant beneficial impact on OSA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CLINICALTRIALS

gov identifier: NCT01986881.

Association between positive airway pressure therapy adherence and health care resource utilization in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes in the United States

STUDY OBJECTIVES

There is a complex interplay between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and type 2 diabetes. There are minimal data regarding the effects of treating OSA with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy on outcomes and health care resource utilization (HCRU) in patients with OSA and type 2 diabetes. We investigated the impact of PAP adherence on HCRU and costs in this population.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted with a cohort of OSA patient from a US administrative claims dataset linked to objective device data (AirView, ResMed Corp., San Diego, California). Propensity score matching was used to control for potential imbalance in baseline covariates between PAP-adherent and -nonadherent patients. Newly diagnosed patients with OSA aged ≥ 18 years with type 2 diabetes were included. PAP adherence was defined as meeting Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services compliance criteria in all 8 90-day periods over 2 years. HCRU was based on the number of all-cause doctor visits, emergency room visits, inpatient hospitalizations, and PAP equipment and supplies.

RESULTS

In years 1 and 2 of PAP therapy, HCRU was significantly lower in adherent vs nonadherent patients (number/patient for emergency room visits 0.68 ± 1.47 vs 0.99 ± 1.91 [year 1], 0.69 ± 1.43 vs 0.95 ± 1.89 [year 2]; for hospitalizations 0.16 ± 0.58 vs 0.22 ± 0.62 [year 1], 0.15 ± 0.51 vs 0.21 ± 0.74 [year 2]; all P < .001). Changes in estimated total 24-month payments were higher for nonadherent patients ($2,282, 95% confidence interval: $1,368, $3,205).

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent use of PAP therapy over 2 years was associated with decreased HCRU in patients with OSA and type 2 diabetes, strongly suggesting a role for screening and treating OSA in type 2 diabetes.

CITATION

Sterling KL, Cistulli PA, Linde-Zwirble W, et al. Association between positive airway pressure therapy adherence and health care resource utilization in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes in the United States. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(3):563-571.

Adherence to continuous positive airway pressure reduces the risk of 30-day hospital readmission among older adults with comorbid obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is underdiagnosed and undertreated among patients hospitalized with comorbid cardiovascular disease (CVD). Treatment of OSA may reduce health care utilization, but benefits of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy are related to adherence. Benefits of CPAP among hospitalized individuals with OSA and CVD have not been well studied. We evaluated the effect of CPAP adherence on 30-day hospital readmission among Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized with OSA and CVD.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥ 65 years with pre-existing CVD who were newly diagnosed with OSA between 2009 and 2013, initiated CPAP, and were hospitalized. CPAP adherence was defined as nonadherent, partially adherent, or highly adherent based on the number of machine charges (< 4, 4-12, and > 12, respectively) over 25 months of follow-up. The primary outcome was 30-day hospital readmission.

RESULTS

Among 1,301 beneficiaries meeting study criteria, the 30-day readmission rate was 10.2%. In adjusted models and compared to patients with low CPAP adherence, those with high adherence had lower odds of 30-day readmission (odds ratio 0.41; 95% confidence interval 0.24-0.70). The protective effect of high CPAP adherence on 30-day readmission was significant among beneficiaries with heart failure (odds ratio 0.50; 95% confidence interval 0.16, 0.79), but not among those with other CVD.

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationally representative sample of older adults with CVD and comorbid OSA, high CPAP adherence was associated with lower odds of 30-day readmission. These results highlight the importance of screening for and treating OSA among individuals with CVD.

CITATION

Bailey MD, Wickwire EM, Somers VK, Albrecht JS. Adherence to continuous positive airway pressure reduces the risk of 30-day hospital readmission among older adults with comorbid obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(12):2739-2744.

The Case for Early Use of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients with Comorbid Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have high rates of co-occurring type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, stroke, congestive heart failure, and accelerated atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. These conditions frequently require multiple medications, raising the risk of polypharmacy, adverse drug-drug and drug-disease interactions, decreased quality of life, and increased healthcare cost in these patients. The current review of extant literature presents evidence supporting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) as one pharmacologic intervention that provides a "one-stop shop" for OSA patients because of the multiple effects GLP-1RA has on comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases) that commonly co-occur with OSA. Examples of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists approved by the FDA for diabetes (some of which are also approved for obesity) are liraglutide, exenatide, lixisenatide, dulaglutide, semaglutide, and albiglutide. Prescribing of GLP-1RAs to address these multiple co-occurring conditions has enormous potential to reduce polypharmacy, cost, and adverse drug events, and to improve quality of life for patients living with OSA and diabetes. We thus strongly advocate for increased and early use of GLP-1RA in OSA patients with co-occurring diabetes and other cardiometabolic conditions common in OSA.

The association between sleep disorders on employment and income among adults in the United States

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between sleep disorders, employment status, and income among US adults aged 18-64 years.

METHODS

The 2018-2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey medical conditions file was queried for adults aged 18-64 years with a diagnosis of a sleep disorder (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, code G47.x) and linked to the household dataset. Comparisons in rates of wage, supplemental, and social security income as well as mean wage income were made between those with and without sleep disorders. Multivariate analyses, adjusting for demographics and comorbidities, were conducted.

RESULTS

A sleep disorder was diagnosed in 4.4% ± 0.2% of the study population (approximately 8.8 ± 0.4 million adults aged 18-64 years in the United States; mean age 46.9 years, 55.8% female). Adults with sleep disorders were less likely to have wage income from employment (adjusted odds ratio 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.4-0.6, P < .001) and more likely to have Supplemental Security (1.8, 1.4-2.4, P < .001) and Social Security income (2.0, 1.6-2.4, P < .001) compared with those without sleep disorders. Among wage-earning adults, those with sleep disorders had $2,496 less mean annual wage income compared with those without a sleep disorder ($20,445 vs $22,941, P = .007), adjusting for demographics and comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

There are significantly higher indirect costs associated with sleep disorders. This study specifically demonstrates lower employment rates, lower wages, and higher welfare income utilization among those with sleep disorders despite using a very conservative estimate of sleep disorder prevalence.

CITATION

Huyett P, Bhattacharyya N. The association between sleep disorders, employment, and income among adults in the United States. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(8):1967-1972.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Adherence and Treatment Cost in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease

Objective

To determine whether continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence reduces health care–related costs or use in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and comorbid cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Patients

A total of 23 million patients with CVD were identified in the Medicare fee-for-service database. Of the 65,198 who completed a sleep study between January 2016 and September 2018, 55,125 were diagnosed as having OSA and 1758 were identified in the 5% Medicare durable medical equipment (DME) database.

Methods

Patients with DME claims were categorized as adherent (AD, treatment evidenced ≥91 days after CPAP initiation; n=614) or nonadherent (nAD, n=242) to CPAP therapy. In addition, 9881 individuals with CVD who were not diagnosed as having OSA after sleep testing and without CPAP initiation were included as control patients. Propensity score matching balanced the groups for age, sex, and comorbidities (eg, diabetes mellitus), resulting in 241 participants per cohort. Dependent variables included total episode-of-care, inpatient, outpatient, skilled nursing, home health, and DME costs across 12 months.

Results

Total episode-of-care costs of AD participants ($6825) were lower than those of nAD ($11,312; P<.05) and control ($8102) participants. This difference (Δ) was attributable to fewer outpatient expenses (Δ$2290; P<.05) relative to the nAD group and fewer inpatient expenses (Δ$745) relative to the control group because skilled nursing costs were comparable between groups (P=.73).

Conclusion

Adherence to CPAP treatment reduces annual health care–related expenses by 40% in Medicare patients with CVD and OSA.

Electronic health record-derived outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea managed with positive airway pressure tracking systems

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) management guided by CPAP machine downloads in newly diagnosed patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using electronic health record-derived health care utilization, biometric variables, and laboratory data.

METHODS

Electronic health record data of patients seen at the University of Utah Sleep Program from 2012-2015 were reviewed to identify patients with new diagnosis of OSA in whom CPAP adherence and residual apnea-hypopnea index as measured by a positive airway pressure adherence tracking device data for ≥ 1 year were available. Biometric data, laboratory data, and system-wide charges were compared in the 1 year before and after CPAP therapy. Subgroups were divided by whether patients met tracking criteria, mean nightly usage, and OSA severity.

RESULTS

976 consecutive, newly diagnosed participants with OSA (median age 55 years, 56.6% male) met inclusion criteria. There was a mean decrease of systolic blood pressure (BP) of 1.2 mm Hg and diastolic BP of 1.0 mm Hg within a year of initiation of CPAP therapy. BP improvements in the subgroup meeting CPAP tracking targets were 1.36 mmHg (systolic) and 1.37 mmHg (diastolic). No significant change was noted in body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, or serum creatinine values within a year of starting CPAP therapy, and health care utilization increased (mean acute care visits 0.22 per year to 0.53 per year; mean charges of $3,997 per year to $8,986 per year).

CONCLUSIONS

An improvement in BP was noted within a year of CPAP therapy in newly diagnosed patients with OSA, with no difference in the magnitude of improvement between those meeting tracking system adherence targets.

CITATION

Locke BW, Neill SE, Howe HE, Crotty MC, Kim J, Sundar KM. Electronic health record-derived outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea managed with positive airway pressure tracking systems. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(3):885-894.

Active Duty Service Members, Primary Managers, and Administrators' Perspectives on a Novel Sleep Telehealth Management Platform in the U.S. Military Healthcare System

INTRODUCTION

Sleep disorders are common in the military, and there is a gross shortage of sleep specialists in the military health system. The purposes of the present study were to (1) understand perceptions and expectations surrounding sleep telehealth approaches and (2) solicit feedback to optimize and refine a proposed novel sleep telehealth management platform. To accomplish these objectives, we investigated the perceptions, expectations, and preferences of active duty service members (ADSMs) with sleep disorders, primary care managers (PCMs), and administrative stakeholders regarding sleep telehealth management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using convenience sampling, we conducted five focus groups with 26 ADSMs and 11 individual interviews with PCMs from two military treatment facilities in the U.S National Capital Region and 11 individual interviews with administrative sleep stakeholders (9 military and 2 civilian).

RESULTS

Active duty service members, PCMs, and administrative stakeholders provided insight regarding expectations for sleep telehealth as well as suggestions to optimize the novel sleep telehealth platform. In terms of outcomes, ADSMs expected sleep telehealth to improve sleep and convenience. Primary care managers expected improved sleep and other comorbidities, enhanced operational readiness, and reduced mortalities among their patients. Administrators expected increased access to care, optimized utilization of health services, realized cost savings, reduced accidents and errors, and improved military performance. In terms of the platform, for ADSMs, desired characteristics included delivery of timely clinical reports, improved patient-provider communication, and enhanced continuity of care. For PCMs and administrators,an ideal sleep telehealth solution will improve the diagnosis and triage of sleep patients, save PCM time, be easy to use, and integrate with the electronic health record system.

CONCLUSION

The proposed sleep telehealth platform appealed to nearly all participants as a significant force multiplier to enhance sleep disorder management in the military. Stakeholders offered valuable recommendations to optimize the platform to ensure its successful real-world implementation.

Effect of nocturnal hypoxemia on glycemic control among diabetic Saudi patients presenting with obstructive sleep apnea

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disease that is associated with an increased incidence of type II diabetes mellitus (DM) if left untreated. We aimed to determine the association between glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and both nocturnal hypoxemia and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) among a Saudi patients with OSA.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study that enrolled 103 adult patients diagnosed with DM and confirmed to have OSA by full night attended polysomnography between 2018 and 2021. Those who presented with acute illness, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/restrictive lung diseases causing sleep-related hypoxemia, or no available HbA1c level within 6 months before polysomnography were excluded from the study. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses between HbA1c levels and parameters of interest were tested.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven (65%) of the studied population had uncontrolled DM (HbA1c ≥7%). In univariate regression analysis, there was a significant positive association between HbA1c, and sleep time spent with an oxygen saturation below 90% (T90), female gender, and body mass index (BMI) (p<0.05) but not AHI, or associated comorbidities (p>0.05). In the multivariate analysis, HbA1c was positively associated with increasing T90 (p<0.05), and ODI (p<0.05), but not with AHI (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Nocturnal hypoxemia could be an important factor affecting glycemic control in patients with OSA suffering from DM irrespective of the severity of both diseases.

CPAP adherence is associated with reduced inpatient utilization among older adult Medicare beneficiaries with pre-existing cardiovascular disease

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To examine the impact of adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on health care utilization among a nationally representative and sample of older adults with multiple morbidities and pre-existing cardiovascular disease and subsequently diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea in the United States.

METHODS

Our data source was a random 5% sample of Medicare administrative claims data. All participants (n = 1,921) were of age ≥ 65 years, diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and obstructive sleep apnea, and subsequently began treatment with CPAP between 2009-2013. Based on the number of CPAP machine charges, individuals were categorized as low, partial, or high adherers (ie, < 4, 4-12, and > 12 CPAP charges, respectively). The impact of CPAP adherence status on health care utilization was assessed across multiple points of service, including outpatient encounters, inpatient stays, emergency department visits, and prescription fills over 24 months following CPAP initiation.

RESULTS

Significant differences in demographic and comorbid disease characteristics were observed between low adherers (n = 377), partial adherers (n = 236), and high adherers (n = 1,308). After adjusting for covariates and relative to low adherers, high adherers demonstrated reduced inpatient visits (hazard ratio 0.75; 95% confidence interval 0.57, 0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationally representative sample of older Medicare beneficiaries with multiple morbidities and relative to low adherers, high adherers demonstrated reduced inpatient utilization.

CITATION

Wickwire EM, Bailey MD, Somers VK, et al. CPAP adherence is associated with reduced inpatient utilization among older adult Medicare beneficiaries with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(1):39-45.

Proof of principle study: diagnostic accuracy of a novel algorithm for the estimation of sleep stages and disease severity in patients with sleep-disordered breathing based on actigraphy and respiratory inductance plethysmography

PURPOSE

In this proof of principle study, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the novel Nox BodySleepTM 1.0 algorithm (Nox Medical, Iceland) for the estimation of disease severity and sleep stages based on features extracted from actigraphy and respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) belts. Validation was performed against in-lab polysomnography (PSG) in patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).

METHODS

Patients received PSG according to AASM. Sleep stages were manually scored using the AASM criteria and the recording was evaluated by the novel algorithm. The results were analyzed by descriptive statistics methods (IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0).

RESULTS

We found a strong Pearson correlation (r=0.91) with a bias of 0.2/h for AHI estimation as well as a good correlation (r=0.81) and an overestimation of 14 min for total sleep time (TST). Sleep efficiency (SE) was also valued with a good Pearson correlation (r=0.73) and an overestimation of 2.1%. Wake epochs were estimated with a sensitivity of 0.65 and a specificity of 0.59 while REM and non-REM (NREM) phases were evaluated a sensitivity of 0.72 and 0.74, respectively. Specificity was 0.74 for NREM and 0.68 for REM. Additionally, a Cohen's kappa of 0.62 was found for this 3-class classification problem.

CONCLUSION

The algorithm shows a moderate diagnostic accuracy for the estimation of sleep. In addition, the algorithm determines the AHI with good agreement with the manual scoring and it shows good diagnostic accuracy in estimating wake-sleep transition. The presented algorithm seems to be an appropriate tool to increase the diagnostic accuracy of portable monitoring. The validated diagnostic algorithm promises a more appropriate and cost-effective method if integrated in out-of-center (OOC) testing of patients with suspicion for SDB.

New Paths in Respiratory Sleep Medicine: Consumer Devices, e-Health, and Digital Health Measurements

Sleep health and tracking sleep with contemporary wearables have become more popular. Sleep disorders, in particular, sleep-disordered breathing, have a higher prevalence than estimated previously. Many patients with apnea and hypopnea events suffer whereas others do not report complaints or show cardiovascular consequences. Assessment with wearables may support efforts to distinguish which type of apnea is related to aging and which to cardiovascular comorbidities. Innovative methods offer smart solutions for problems that are insufficiently addressed. Telemedical concepts help bring patients to sleep medicine expertise at an early stage. To use these methods clinically, they must be certified as medical devices.

Incremental health care utilization and expenditures for sleep disorders in the United States

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To determine the incremental increases in health care utilization and expenditures associated with sleep disorders.

METHODS

Adults with a diagnosis of a sleep disorder (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, code G47.x) within the medical conditions file of the 2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey medical conditions file were identified. This dataset was then linked to the consolidated expenditures file and comparisons in health care utilization and expenditures were made between those with and without sleep disorders. Multivariate analyses, adjusted for demographics and comorbidities, were conducted for these comparisons.

RESULTS

Overall, 5.6% ± 0.2% of the study population had been diagnosed with a sleep disorder, representing approximately 13.6 ± 0.6 million adults in the United States. Those with sleep disorders were more likely to be non-Hispanic, White, and female, with a higher proportion with public insurance and higher Charlson Comorbidity Scores. Adults with sleep disorders were found to have increased utilization of office visits (16.3 ± 0.8 vs 8.7 ± 0.3, P < .001), emergency room visits (0.52 ± 0.03 vs 0.37 ± 0.02, P < .001), and prescriptions (39.7 ± 1.2 vs 21.9 ± 0.4, P < .001) vs those without sleep disorders. The additional incremental health care expenses for those with sleep disorders were increased in all examined measures: total health care expense ($6,975 ± $800, P < .001), total office-based expenditures ($1,694 ± $277, P < .001), total prescription expenditures ($2,574 ± $364, P < .001), and total self-expenditures for prescriptions ($195 ± $32, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep disorders are associated with significantly higher rates of health care utilization and expenditures. By using the conservative prevalence estimate found in this study, the overall incremental health care costs of sleep disorders in the United States represents approximately $94.9 billion.

CITATION

Huyett P, Bhattacharyya N. Incremental health care utilization and expenditures for sleep disorders in the United States. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17(10):1981-1986.

CPAP adherence is associated with reduced risk for stroke among older adult Medicare beneficiaries with obstructive sleep apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To examine the impact of adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on risk of stroke among a nationally representative sample of older adults with obstructive sleep apnea.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study among Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥ 65 years who were newly diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and had initiated CPAP (2009-2013). Monthly indicators of CPAP adherence included charges for machines, masks, or supplies and were summed over a 25-month follow-up to create a CPAP adherence variable. Stroke was modeled as a function of CPAP adherence using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

We found that 5,757 beneficiaries met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final sample. Of these, 407 (7%) experienced stroke. After adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics, CPAP adherence was associated with a reduced risk of stroke (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.96-0.99) over 25 months, indicating a 2% reduction in risk of stroke for each month of CPAP adherence. When sensitivity analyses were performed to stratify results by time since the first CPAP charge, the protective effect remained significant for the 12- and 6-month but not the 3-month outcome models.

CONCLUSIONS

In this national analysis of older adult Medicare beneficiaries with obstructive sleep apnea, CPAP adherence was associated with significantly reduced risk of stroke.

Upper airway stimulation vs other upper airway surgical procedures for OSA: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The aim was to compare the outcomes of upper airway stimulation (Stim) and other upper airway surgical procedures (Surg) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

Data sources included PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and reference lists. Relevant articles were identified from various databases according to the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

Five articles with a total of 990 patients were included. The mean cure rates in the Stim group and the Surg group was 63% and 22%, and the mean success rates was 86% and 51% which were higher in the Stim group (p < 0.001). The apnea-hypopnea index reduction was -23.9 events/ hour (MD, 95% CI -25.53, -22.29) in the Stim group and -15.5 events/hour (MD, 95% CI -17.50, -13.45) in the Surg group which was greater in the Stim group (P < 0.001). Epworth Sleepiness Scale decreased -4.9 (MD, 95% CI -5.45, -4.32) in the Stim group and -5.1 (MD 95% CI -5.88, -4.37) in the Surg group without significant difference between the groups (P = 0.62). Oxygen saturation nadir improvement was 8.5% (MD 95% CI 7.05%, 9.92%) in the Stim group and 2.2% (MD 95% CI-0.22%, 4.58%) in the Surg group which was higher in the Stim group (P < 0.001). Hospital stay and readmission rate were lower in the Stim group. The timing of follow-up ranged from 2 to 13 months.

CONCLUSION

Upper airway stimulation provides improved objective and similar subjective outcomes compared to other upper airway surgical procedures for selected patients with moderate to severe OSA with difficulty adhering to CPAP treatment. However, further studies are essential to confirm outcomes in the long term.

Obstructive sleep apnea and fractures in children and adolescents

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To examine, among girls and boys, associations between site-specific extremity fracture and sleep apnea diagnosis or treatment.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis of claims data from 2016-2018 for children aged 2-18. Children with sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure, adenotonsillectomy, and fracture were identified using ICD10, CPT and HCPCS codes. We examined sex-stratified associations between site-specific fracture, sleep apnea and sleep apnea treatment.

RESULTS

Among 2,327,104 children, 9,547 (0.41%) had sleep apnea and nearly 61% were treated. Girls with sleep apnea, treated or untreated, had increased odds of lower, but not upper, extremity fracture compared to those without sleep apnea (treated 1.56, 95% CI 1.11, 2.21; untreated OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.09, 2.44). Only boys untreated for sleep apnea had increased odds of lower extremity fracture in comparison to those without a diagnosis of sleep apnea (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.20,2.27). Interestingly, boys treated for sleep apnea but not those untreated, in comparison to boys without sleep apnea, had different (reduced) odds of upper extremity fracture (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59, 0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

These large datasets provide evidence that both boys and girls with untreated sleep apnea have higher odds of lower extremity fractures. However, treatment for sleep apnea was associated with improved odds of lower extremity fracture only in boys. Upper extremity data were less clear. These data are cross-sectional and cannot show causality, but they suggest that treatment for sleep apnea may lower risk for extremity fractures in boys.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Positive Airway Pressure Adherence: An Integrative Review

Nonadherence with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy impedes the effectiveness of treatment and increases risk of mortality. Disparities in PAP adherence as a function of socioeconomic status (SES) are not well understood. A literature search identified 16 original publications meeting inclusion criteria that described effects of SES factors on objective PAP adherence; 69% of these articles found evidence of lower adherence as a function of SES. This integrative review provides a structured summary of the findings, highlights factors that may contribute to disparities among adult PAP users, and identifies future directions to improve equity in the management of OSA.

Summary and Update on Behavioral Interventions for Improving Adherence with Positive Airway Pressure Treatment in Adults

Continuous positive airway pressure (PAP) is still the most efficacious treatment for obstructive sleep apnea when used effectively. Since the availability of PAP 39 years ago there have been considerable technological advances, such as quieter, lighter and smaller machines with better humidification. However, adherence to treatment is still a major problem. This article reviews studies published on behavioral interventions aimed at improving the uptake and maintenance of PAP treatment (January 2016-February 2020). It discusses underlying factors in the poor uptake and discontinuation of treatment and the role of qualitative research to better understand the perspective of the patients.

CPAP adherence reduces cardiovascular risk among older adults with obstructive sleep apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To examine (1) the impact of adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on risk for cardiovascular (CVD) events among a nationally representative sample of older adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and (2) the heterogeneity of this effect across subgroups defined by race, sex, and socioeconomic status.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥ 65 years with OSA (2009-2013). Monthly indicators of CPAP adherence (charges for machines, masks, or supplies) were summed over 25 months to create a CPAP adherence variable. New CVD events (ischemic heart disease, cardiac and peripheral procedures) were modeled as a function of CPAP adherence using generalized estimating equations. Heterogeneity of the effect of CPAP on new CVD events was evaluated based on race, sex, and socioeconomic status.

RESULTS

Among 5024 beneficiaries diagnosed with OSA who initiated CPAP, 1678 (33%) demonstrated new CVD events. Following adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics, CPAP adherence was associated with reduced risk of new CVD events (hazard ratio 0.95; 95% confidence interval 0.94, 0.96) over 25 months. When analyses were stratified by time since the first CPAP charge, the protective effect remained significant for the 12- and 6-month, but not 3-month, outcome models. No significant differences were observed in the protective effect of CPAP based on race, sex, or socioeconomic status.

CONCLUSIONS

In this national study of older adult Medicare beneficiaries with OSA, CPAP adherence was associated with greatly reduced risk for CVD events. This risk reduction was consistent across race, sex, and socioeconomic subgroups.

Prevalence of Sleep Disorders and Association With Mortality: Results From the NHANES 2009-2010

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of sleep disorders in the United States and the association between sleep disorders and all-cause mortality.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis of the 2009 to 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and 2015 National Death Index (NDI) was performed. The 2009 to 2010 NHANES national household survey for adults ≥ 18 years was examined for the prevalence of sleep disorders as well as standard demographics and the presence of comorbidities (coronary artery disease [CAD], stroke, and emphysema). This dataset was linked to the 2015 NDI to associate the presence of sleep disorders with 5-year all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

The study sample had a mean age of 46.1 years old, was 48.3% male, and had an average body mass index (BMI) of 28.7 (28.4-28.9). 7.1% (6.5%-7.7%) of adults reported being diagnosed with a sleep disorder, which represents an estimated 15.9 million (13.2-18.6) patients. The estimated mortality rate for those having a sleep disorder was 9.3% (7.2%-11.9%) compared to 5.2% (4.5%-5.9%) without a sleep disorder (odds ratio 1.89, P = <.001). After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, CAD, stroke, and emphysema, having a sleep disorder remained a significant predictor of increased mortality (hazard ratio, 1.5 [1.02-2.18], P = .042).

CONCLUSION

This study reports a high prevalence of self-reported but physician-diagnosed sleep disorders; however, this likely represents an underestimate. Given the association with all-cause mortality, there is a need for increased recognition of undiagnosed sleep disorders within the United States.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2b Laryngoscope, 131:686-689, 2021.

Global burden of sleep-disordered breathing and its implications

One-seventh of the world's adult population, or approximately one billion people, are estimated to have OSA. Over the past four decades, obesity, the main risk factor for OSA, has risen in striking proportion worldwide. In the past 5 years, the WHO estimates global obesity to affect almost two billion adults. A second major risk factor for OSA is advanced age. As the prevalence of the ageing population and obesity increases, the vulnerability towards having OSA increases. In addition to these traditional OSA risk factors, studies of the global population reveal select contributing features and phenotypes, including extreme phenotypes and symptom clusters that deserve further examination. Untreated OSA is associated with significant comorbidities and mortality. These represent a tremendous threat to the individual and global health. Beyond the personal toll, the economic costs of OSA are far-reaching, affecting the individual, family and society directly and indirectly, in terms of productivity and public safety. A better understanding of the pathophysiology, individual and ethnic similarities and differences is needed to better facilitate management of this chronic disease. In some countries, measures of the OSA disease burden are sparse. As the global burden of OSA and its associated comorbidities are projected to further increase, the infrastructure to diagnose and manage OSA will need to adapt. The use of novel approaches (electronic health records and artificial intelligence) to stratify risk, diagnose and affect treatment are necessary. Together, a unified multi-disciplinary, multi-organizational, global approach will be needed to manage this disease.