Continuous positive airway pressure treatment in sleep apnea: patient compliance and impact on the right heart

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is considered to be an important predisposing factor for cardiovascular diseases. The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of CPAP treatment on cardiac structure and function and to assess patient compliance over a long-term course of CPAP treatment. A total of 50 patients diagnosed with moderate-to-severe OSAS based on overnight study, without relevant concomitant diseases were enrolled. Patient compliance, along with echocardiographic and CPAP parameters, was assessed. The average time to follow-up was 38 ± 4.2 months. An increase in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (22.1 ± 4.3–25.5 ± 4.6 mm, p = 0.005) and peak early systolic tricuspid annular velocity (S’) (14 ± 3.2–17.2 ± 5.2 cm/s, p = 0.005) after CPAP treatment was noted. In patients without CPAP, no significant change in right ventricular (RV) contractility was found. There were no significant differences regarding right atrial (RA) and RV diameters, as well as tricuspid regurgitant peak gradient (TRPG) in both groups; however, a predisposition to increased RA size along with RV and tricuspid annulus diameters was revealed. The mean duration of nightly CPAP use was 3 ± 2.3 h/night in all-day analysis and 4.7 ± 2.1 h/night on days with device usage. The non-adherence rate was 57%. The use of effective CPAP therapy may lead to increased RV systolic function in patients with OSAS in long-term observation. However, long-term patient compliance is generally poor. Regardless of CPAP therapy, a gradual increase in heart size is observed.