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Should all sleep apnoea patients be treated? Yes
Patrick Lévy1, Jean Louis Pépin, Walter T McNicholas
1Department of Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Laboratory, PRETA Laboratory TIMC UMR CNRS 5525, University Hospital, Grenoble, France. PLevy@chu-grenoble.fr
Sleep Medicine Reviews
|January 18, 2003
Summary
Early treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is recommended. Even mild OSA can increase cardiovascular risks and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), which treatment can effectively manage.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a prevalent condition with potential for spontaneous worsening.
- Untreated OSA is linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity.
- The definition and severity rating of OSA influence treatment decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence supporting early treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea.
- To evaluate the impact of OSA on cardiovascular health and daytime sleepiness.
- To determine the benefits of OSA treatment across different severity levels.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of evidence concerning early OSA treatment.
- Analysis of the natural progression of OSA and its associated morbidities.
- Evaluation of treatment effects on excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cardiovascular risks.
Main Results:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) can occur with a low apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) and is reversible with treatment.
- Mild OSA presents a high relative risk for future hypertension.
- Treatment shows significant benefits, especially in milder OSA forms, primarily for EDS reversibility.
Conclusions:
- OSA syndromes causing EDS warrant treatment consideration.
- Cardiovascular risk, even in asymptomatic patients, supports early OSA intervention.
- Evidence collectively suggests that early treatment of OSA is advisable.