TREATMENT OF REFRACTORY SLEEP-APNEA WITH SUPPLEMENTAL CARBON-DIOXIDE

Sleep apnea syndrome is a relatively common disorder characterized by periodic cessation of breathing during sleep because of upper airway o bstruction (obstructive sleep apnea) or by reduction of ventilatory dr ive (central sleep apnea). We report the case of a middle-aged, obese man who underwent tracheostomy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea documented by polysomnography. Although tracheostomy resulted in marked clinical improvement, relief of upper airway obstruction unmas ked severe central sleep apnea. We report the successful treatment of this patient's central sleep apnea syndrome with the use of supplement al CO2 therapy.