Sleep
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Relative efficacy of drugs for the treatment of sleepiness in narcolepsy.
A survey was conducted on 10 polysomnographic studies on the pharmacologic treatment of the sleepiness of narcolepsy. Three studies employed the MSLT and 7 employed the MWT as their polygraphic measure of sleep tendency. ⋯ The common feature among the drugs that did produce clinically significant improvements seems to be facilitatory action on central catecholaminergic transmission. Within this group of drugs, only methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine brought MWT sleep latencies to approximately 70% of normal levels.
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Comparative Study
A comparison of nine nasal continuous positive airway pressure machines in maintaining mask pressure during simulated inspiration.
Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) "splints" the airway and prevents inspiratory collapse of the upper airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Nine nasal CPAP machines were compared for their ability to maintain airway pressure at various simulated inspiratory flows. ⋯ Because machines varied in their ability to maintain a test pressure, it is recommended that the nasal CPAP machine used in the home be the same as that which was tested in the sleep laboratory. If a different machine is used, it may require adjustment to assure efficacy.