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The effects of topical nasal steroids on continuous positive airway pressure compliance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Sleep and Breathing volume 21, pages 3–8 (2017)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), evaluating effects of topical nasal steroids on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine use and nasal symptoms.

Search methods

Data source: A comprehensive search of Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was performed through April 2016. Manual searches and subject matter expert input were also obtained. Studies assessing effects of nasal steroids on CPAP machine use in adults, which reported quantitative outcome data of CPAP compliance, were included.

Results

Two studies (144 patients) met inclusion criteria. Both were randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCT). Pooled fixed effects analysis did not identify a statistically significant difference between both the groups for average duration of CPAP machine use per night. But there was an overall increase in the usage of 0.4 h (95 % confidence interval (CI) (−0.20, 1.00); P = 0.19) in favor of nasal steroids. Difference of percentage of nights with CPAP use was not demonstrated (mean difference 0.06, 95 % CI (−0.27, 0.39); P = 0.71). There was also no significant difference in nasal symptoms (mean difference 0.63, 95 % CI (−0.11, 1.36), P = 0.1).

Conclusion

Nasal steroids showed benefits on CPAP use, but did not reach statistical significance. Data was based on meta-analysis of RCTs of 4-week follow-up in unselected OSA patients. Future controlled studies with selected group and longer follow-up duration are needed to confirm the benefits of nasal steroid on CPAP compliance in OSA patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Natamon Charakorn, Prakobkiat Hirunwiwatkul & Busarakum Chaitusaney

  2. Excellence Center for Sleep Disorders, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, 1873 Rama4 Road Patumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand

    Natamon Charakorn, Prakobkiat Hirunwiwatkul, Naricha Chirakalwasan & Busarakum Chaitusaney

  3. Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Naricha Chirakalwasan

  4. Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

    Mantana Prakassajjatham

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  1. Natamon Charakorn
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  2. Prakobkiat Hirunwiwatkul
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Correspondence to Natamon Charakorn.

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Charakorn, N., Hirunwiwatkul, P., Chirakalwasan, N. et al. The effects of topical nasal steroids on continuous positive airway pressure compliance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Breath 21, 3–8 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-016-1375-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-016-1375-3

Keywords

  • Continuous positive airway pressure
  • Nasal steroid
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Sleep apnea syndromes