CPAP not effective in sleep apnea in elderly population
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). But researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine have found this treatment may not be as effective in patients older than 80.
The study was recently published in the journal Sleep Medicine.
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that causes people to stop breathing repeatedly through the night. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart trouble and even depression or anxiety. CPAP machines treat sleep apnea by delivering a stream of air into a person's airway through a mask and tube, preventing the airway from collapsing and allowing the person to breathe continuously through sleep. Previous studies have shown that CPAP treatment can significantly reduce sleepiness and depression and guard against high blood pressure.
In this study, researchers studied 369 participants over the age of 70 with OSA and assigned roughly half to receive CPAP therapy for three months. Researchers used several metrics to compare both groups, including a subjective measure of a patient's sleepiness, the effect of CPAP on sleep-related quality of life, the effect on anxiety and depression and impact on blood pressure levels. They further subdivided the results by those older and younger than 80.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S138994572100558X?via=ihub
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.