TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH OBSTRUCTIVE SL EEP-APNEA SYNDROME (OSAS) WITH NASAL CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE (NCPAP) .2. SIDE-EFFECTSOF NCPAP THERAPY INFLUENCE ON LONG-TERM COMPLIANCE

Background: nCPAP is a well established method for the management of O SAS. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term side effects and complications of nCPAP therapy and their influence on the patients com pliance with treatment. Patients and methods: Forty-one patients with OSAS were interviewed by questionnaire to elucidate the problems and a dverse effects of their nCPAP therapy. The patients were devided into responders and non-responders. Non-responding OSAS patients were using their nCPAP devices less then 5 hours each night by definition. Resul ts: The number of side effects and type of complication during nCPAP t herapy were the same in both the responding and non-responding groups. The most frequently reported problems were a tender region on the bri dge of the nose and discomfort associated with a dry nasal mucosa. Alt hough nCPAP treatment was initially accepted by most patients, adverse effects and other difficulties decreased patient compliance, with tim e, in many cases. Conclusions: Despite there being no difference betwe en responders and non-responders with respect to the number and severi ty of complications, it should not be presumed that these side effects do not influence long-term patient compliance with nCPAP therapy. Pat ients who suffer from symptoms of OSAS tend to accept these adverse ef fects, while those who do not feel limited by their disease are less p ersistent in their use of this treatment modality. Identification and elimination of the problems associated with the use of nCPAP equipment may increase longterm patient compliance. Close monitoring in the out patient department combined with intermittent inpatient assessment in the sleep laboratory will also help to improve acceptance of nCPAP the rapy.