[Effects of a breath-triggered modulation of positive airway pressure ventilation on the AHI from patients with obstructive sleep apnoea].

BACKGROUND

Positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). Especially in relation to side effects, it is not clear whether it is better to administer a constant positive pressure during the respiratory cycle or to vary it while breathing. The Flexline maybe improves patients' adherence by increasing the pressure in the early inspiration and lowering it in early expiration.

METHODS

The pressure characteristics of the Flexline were examined in healthy persons. Patients with OSAS were titrated with CPAP or with the Flexline in random order under PSG control in the sleep laboratory. The apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) per pressure level was determined.

PATIENTS

20 patients with the new diagnosis of OSAS, first time treated with CPAP (age 56.6 +/- 11.5 years, BMI 28.4 +/- 3.2 kg/m (2), AHI 44.1 +/- 18.7, SO2 min 77.7 +/- 8.4 % and ESS 8.6 +/- 5.1).

RESULTS

Constant CPAP and the mean pressure in the modus Flexline are similar. The differences in pressure between inspiration and expiration in the Flexline are dependent on the breathing frequency and the primarily chosen pressure level. Reduction of upper airway obstructions is similar with both types of therapy (AHI: CPAP: 9.1 +/- 7.4, Flexline: 9.1 +/- 7.4) without influencing sleep quality (arousal index: CPAP: 21.7 +/- 8.4, Flexline: 20.1 +/- 9.8).

CONCLUSIONS

The Flexline is equally efficient as CPAP in the treatment of OSAS.