The effects of PAP therapy on energy metabolism in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

In this study, changes in energy metabolism before and after treatment were compared in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients who received positive airway pressure therapy.

Thirty-nine patients (22 male, 17 female) were admitted to study. Patients for PAP therapy who had moderate to severe in polysomnography were included. Values of energy metabolism were recorded during three days via metaboic holter device, before and after PAP therapy.

The mean age of the patients was 51.53 ± 11.16 year. In 15 (38.46%) of the patients BPAP, and in 24 (61.54%) of the patients CPAP treatment started. Three days after using metabolic holter device: the total daily energy consumption of the patients was found to be 482,4 ± 296.1 kcal/day before treatment and 524.5 ± 343.1 kcal/day after treatment (p<0.0001); patients' daily physical activity was 7867 ± 3319 steps/day before treatment and 12.416 ± 1451 steps/day after treatment, which was considered statistically significant (p<0001); the total daily resting period of the patients was 7.90 ± 1.36 hours/day before treatment and 7.44 ± 1.42 hours/day after treatment, considered statistically significant (p<0001); the total sleep duration of the patients was 5.50 ± 1.88 hours/day before treatment and 5.87 ± 1.20 hours/ day after treatment, considered statistically significant (p<0001).

In our study, we found that daily physical activity and energy consumption increased with PAP treatment. With PAP treatment, obesity, diabetes and hypertension can be controlled. In our study, since PAP treatment was effective with effective sleep, the immobilization time was decreased and therefore the duration of daytime physical activity was prolonged. With these effects, patients' compliance with treatment increases. In conclusion, PAP treatment should be recommended in patients with moderate and severe OSAS.