[Therapy control of theophylline evening dosage in patients with sleep-related respiratory disorders--follow-up...

We conducted a prospective study to perform classification according to responder types and follow-up during theophyllin treatment (500 mg/d) in a group of (up to now) 65 patients suffering from sleep apnoea. Changes in the apnoea index (AI) and clinical symptoms were taken as response criteria. A significant AI reduction was seen during a follow-up period of 3 months. At the last control measurement after 6 months no significant change has been detected so far. 10 patients were classified as Type I responders (improvement in initial AI 60%, over the total period at least 25%). No patient had a responder type II profile. 13 patients were nonresponders (improvement in initial AI and over the whole period not more than 25%, no improvement in the pattern of clinical symptoms). 13 patients dropped out of the trial due to non-compliance. Side effects typical of theophyllin leading to discontinuation of the treatment course occurred in 5 patients. 22 patients have not yet completed the course at the time of writing. Standardised questioning of patients showed a definite improvement in feeling tone, especially with regard to the tendency to fall asleep during the day and refreshed feeling in the morning. Nocturnal complaints occurred in only a few isolated cases. Hence, administration of theophyllin retard preparations in evening doses of 500 mg/d remains a meaningful therapeutic approach to sleep apnoea.