Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung
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A close relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and atherosclerosis has been reported, but it is still discussed controversially whether OSA affects vascular function and structure independently. Therefore, we prospectively investigated the independent impact of OSA and its treatment on arterial stiffness. ⋯ This prospective controlled study suggests that OSA is independently associated with increased arterial stiffness. Furthermore, treatment with CPAP significantly reduced arterial stiffness. These findings extend our understanding of the recently shown cardiovascular burden in OSA and help to explain why CPAP treatment proved to ameliorate cardiovascular outcome even in patients without preexisting cardiovascular disease.
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There is an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a marker that predicts atherosclerotic complications. However, there are contradictory results about the correlation between serum hs-CRP levels and OSA severity. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the relationship between hs-CRP levels and the severity of OSA in newly diagnosed OSA patients. ⋯ Patients with OSA have elevated serum levels of hs-CRP, a marker for inflammation and an independent risk predictor for cardiovascular morbidity. The severity of OSA is responsible for the elevation of hs-CRP.
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The objectives of this study were to measure the anesthesiologists' knowledge and attitudes about OSA and assess the need for additional educational programs focusing on OSA. ⋯ The study shows that anesthesiologists lack adequate knowledge about OSA. The total correct score ratio was 62%; when they managed an OSA patient, the positive attitude score is mostly below 50%. They have low confidence about OSA patients. It is necessary to develop special training programs on OSA regularly for anesthesiologists after graduation.