Development of the optimal therapy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome associated with pulmonary hypertension patients living at high altitude

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate prevalence, clinical and functional markers of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and to develop the optimal therapy for this disease in patents living at high altitude. Methods. The study protocol included physical examination, special respiratory questionnaires, 6-min walk test, spirometry, echocardiography, capnography and polysomnography. The trial treatment included CPAP therapy, acetazolamide or combination of both. Results. A male patient, 62 years of age, with OSAS associated with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) was reported in the article according to the study protocol. The combined therapy with CPAP + acetazolamide was the most effective and resulted in improvement in the sleep quality, oxygen saturation, dyspnea, PtcCO2, hypertension, and the heart beat rate. Conclusion. The combined therapy with CPAP + acetazolamide could be considered as the optimal treatment for patients with OSAS and PAH. OSAS in patients living at high altitude requires further investigations.