[Long-term follow-up of sleep apnea therapy with sustained-release theophylline administered every evening]

Sleep apnoea increases mortality and morbidity. The physiological sleep profile is disturbed and functional capacity is decreased. At present nasal CPAP breathing (continuous positive airway pressure) seems to be the best treatment method in obstructive sleep apnoea. However, this therapy is expensive, imposing a strain on the patient, and hence some patients will not tolerate it. Medical treatment of sleep apnoea with theophylline has proved effective. In 40 patients suffering from sleep apnoea, long-term treatment with sustained-release theophylline was investigated. Responders show a significant reduction of apnoeic phases and of apnoea index at the beginning and after long-term treatment. Using an individual theophylline dosage with morning theophylline concentration between 5 and 8 micrograms/ml, only few side-effects occurred. Positive effects on cardiopulmonary capacity could be detected. The Broca index does not change significantly. Sustained-release theophylline applied in the evening showed a positive effect on sleep apnoea in responders.