Effect of continuous positive airway pressure on proteinuria in obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in patients with renal disease, and an association between OSA and proteinuria has been proposed. However, the effect on proteinuria of OSA treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is unknown. We experienced a case of severe OSA, where proteinuria was clearly improved after CPAP initiation without any changes of medication or body weight. The remarkable reduction of repetitive apnea and hypopnea by CPAP might ameliorate proteinuria by lessening renal hypoxia and sympathetic nerve activation. This case suggests that CPAP is a promising option for OSA with proteinuria. © 2012 The Author. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.