Subjective efficacy of nasal CPAP therapy in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: a prospective controlled study

The response to nasal continuous positive airways pressure (nCPAP) of a nid e variety of symptoms recognized to be associated with obstructive sleep ap noea syndrome (OSAS) was examined. Fifty-six consecutive patients with OSAS, confirmed by polysomnography (mea n (SD) apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) 49.6 (22.6) events.h(-1) Epworth score 15.4 (5.0)), were asked to complete paired symptom evaluation questionnaire s, before treatment and again after 4 months of nCPAP. The response rate wa s 80%. A control group of 21 consecutive OSAS patients of similar age, body mass index (BMI), AHI and Epworth score to the treated group but managed w ith conservative measures, completed the same questionnaires on two occasio ns, 4 months apart. The nCPAP-treated group showed significant reductions (Wilcoxon matched pai rs test) in the symptoms of daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, heartburn, nocturia, enuresis, headache and nocturnal sweating, whereas controls showe d no significant changes in these symptoms. There were no changes in BMI, s moking, alcohol consumption or exercise habits in either group. It was concluded that, in addition to improvements in symptoms of daytime s leepiness and restless sleep, a wide range of other symptoms may improve si gnificantly with nasal continuous positive airways pressure therapy.