[Influence of nCPAP therapy on bradycardic arrhythmias in sleep apnea]

In 5-10% of patients with sleep apnoea, AV conduction block or sinus arrest up to several seconds can be demonstrated. We studied the effect of nCPAP treatment on apnoea-associated heart blocks. 10 consecutive patients (9 m, 1 f) between 28-56 years of age (mean value 43.4 y) were studied. The diagnosis of sleep apnoea and nocturnal heart blocks during the first visit at the outpatient department were the only selection criteria. A standard polysomnography before and during nCPAP was performed. Mean pretreatment RDI was 91/h. Repetitive II degrees and III degrees AV conduction blocks were diagnosed in 2 patients (pts) and sinus arrest of 2 to 11 s in 8 pts at the study without therapy. 89.2% of heart blocks occurred during REM-sleep. In 8 pts a complete reversal of heart blocks could be demonstrated during nCPAP. In 2 pts heart blocks persisted at a reduced number during REM-sleep, mainly during ineffective nCPAP. In 80% of our pts nCPAP leads to a complete reversal of heart blocks. The indication for pacemaker implantation must be established on an individual basis.