[Auto-CPAP treatment in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a prospective randomized study during initiation of treatment].
OBJECTIVE
The efficacy and acceptance of self-regulated continuous positive airway pressure (auto-CPAP) ventilation was compared with conventional CPAP administration in the treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.


METHODS
Using a cross-over design, under polysomnographic monitoring in a sleep laboratory, 25 patients with obstructive sleep apnoea underwent conventional CPAP or auto-CPAP treatment. Using a questionnaire, patients gave their assessment of its acceptability and efficacy after each treatment session.


RESULTS
The mean pressure during treatment was the same in the two groups (7.2 +/- 1.9 versus 7.1 +/- 1.9 mbar; no significant difference). Maximal pressure during auto-CPAP averaged 3.7 +/- 2.1 mbar higher than during conventional CPAP ventilation. The mean apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) during auto-CPAP, 4.4 +/- 4.3 mbar, during auto-CPAP was significantly higher than during conventional CPAP treatment (2.8 +/- 2.8 mbar; P = 0.044). In eight patients on auto-CPAP an AHI of 5 or less could not be reached, while an AHI of 5 or less was obtained in all but three patients under conventional CPAP. In a subgroup of 17 patients, in whom a reduction of AHI to at most 5 was achieved with both conventional and auto-CPAP, analysis of sleep pattern and of arousals was similar with the two forms of ventilation. Several patients reported that with auto-CPAP falling in sleep was more difficult and they slept less well. None of the patients preferred auto-CPAP.


CONCLUSIONS
By means of the auto-CPAP neither a pressure reduction nor an improvement in compliance could be achieved. Therapeutic effectiveness was significantly less as with conventional CPAP therapy.
Ficker
J H
JH
Abteilung Pneumologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. Joachim.Ficker@Med1.Med.Uni-Erlangen.de
Wiest
G H
GH
Lehnert
G
G
Fischer
C J
CJ
Katalinic
A
A
Hahn
E G
EG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017286:Polysomnography; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012119:Respiration; D012648:Self Care; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D012894:Sleep Stages; D012895:Sleep, REM; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires