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The Impact of CPAP on Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Minimally Symptomatic Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Pilot Feasibility Randomized Crossover Trial

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Abstract

Background Previous, largely uncontrolled studies demonstrated the substantial effects of continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (CPAP) on a variety of physiologic and biochemical markers known to be risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In this pilot crossover study, we assessed (1) the feasibility of using CPAP in a group of minimally symptomatic patients with OSA, assessed through patient compliance and (2) CPAP therapy’s effect on biomarkers in these patients. Methods We studied patients with minimal daytime sleepiness who were referred to the University of British Columbia’s Hospital Sleep Clinic with suspected OSA and an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) > 15 events/h. Patients were randomized to either CPAP or no therapy for 4 weeks followed by a washout of 4 weeks, and then a crossover to the other intervention. Fasting morning blood and urine, 24-h blood pressure (BP) measurements, and endothelial function (peak flow-mediated dilation to nitroglycerin-mediated dilation ratio) were assessed before and after each study intervention. Results Nine adult male and four female patients were studied. Mean (SD) age was 55 (7) years, mean AHI = 27.9/h, mean Epworth Sleepiness Score = 6.8 (11/13 had a score < 10), and mean BMI = 31.1 kg/m2. Mean compliance with CPAP therapy was 5.53 h/night. Compared to no therapy, potential improvements were observed with CPAP for urinary microalbumin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine to creatinine ratios (decreased by 3.51 mg/mmol, 1.70 nmol/mmol, and 0.95 nmol/mmol, respectively); 24-h BP (systolic decreased by 3.60 mmHg, diastolic by 0.70 mmHg); homeostasis model for insulin resistance score (decreased by 1.11); and endothelial function (increased by 7.4%). However, none of the above differences was significant (p > 0.10). Conclusion In this pilot study there were potential improvements in a variety of cardiovascular biomarkers with CPAP. CPAP compliance was reasonably good even though patients were not particularly sleepy. Accordingly, larger randomized controlled trials in this area appear feasible and warranted.

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Acknowledgments

Dr. Ayas was supported by a Michael Smith Foundation Health Research (MSFHR) Scholar Award and a Departmental Scholar Award from the University of British Columbia (UBC). This work was supported by an Infrastructure Grant (Sleep Disordered Breathing) from the MSFHR, and a research grant from the Vancouver General Hospital/UBC Hospital Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Vikram R. Comondore, Joel Fox, G. B. John Mancini, John A. Fleetham, C. Frank Ryan, Sammy Chan & Najib T. Ayas

  2. Sleep Disorders Program and Respiratory Division, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Rupi Cheema, Joel Fox, Arsalan Butt, John A. Fleetham, C. Frank Ryan & Najib T. Ayas

  3. Respiratory Medicine, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, 7th Floor, 2775 Laurel St., Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5Z 1M9

    Najib T. Ayas

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  1. Vikram R. Comondore
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  2. Rupi Cheema
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Correspondence to Najib T. Ayas.

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Comondore, V.R., Cheema, R., Fox, J. et al. The Impact of CPAP on Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Minimally Symptomatic Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Pilot Feasibility Randomized Crossover Trial. Lung 187, 17–22 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-008-9115-5

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