BACKGROUND

Oxygen desaturation and reoxygenation, related to intermittent hypoxia cycles due to upper airway obstruction, are major pathophysiologic features of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and are thought to be responsible for an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is therefore considered the gold standard in the management of OSAS. Further data demonstrated a high prevalence of OSAS in patients with altered renal function despite the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that have not been clarified. This study aims to provide evidence on the reported high prevalence of endothelial dysfunction and alterations of the intrarenal hemodynamic in patients affected by OSAS. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of a CPAP therapy on these endpoints.

METHODS

Twenty patients were enrolled in a prospective study and underwent ultrasound examination to assess endothelial dysfunction, by collecting brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and intrarenal artery stiffness, pre- and post a 30-day treatment with CPAP.

RESULTS

Endothelial dysfunction and intrarenal artery stiffness significantly improved in all patients after a month of CPAP. In particular, we observed a significant reduction in the renal resistance index (RI) (p < 0.001) and systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) ratio (p < 0.001) and a significant increase of FMD (p < 0.001). The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) showed a negative correlation with Δ FMD (p < 0.05, r = -0.46). Conversely, a positive correlation exists between Δ RI and the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) (specificare la sigla) (p < 0.05, r = 0.46).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study firstly showed a significant effect of CPAP on renal perfusion and endothelial function in OSAS patients without concomitant cardiovascular comorbidities.