Central sleep apnoea syndrome caused due to chronic baclofen overdose in terminal renal insufficiency

Chronic baclofen overdose in a patient with complete renal insufficiency ca used a reversible central sleep apnoea syndrome without significantly impai red consciousness. This previously unreported complication was documented b y polysomnographic evaluation in the case described herein. In contrast to acute baclofen overdose, long-term baclofen intoxication does not show a cl ose correlation between serum level of baclofen and the degree of mental im pairment or respiratory depression. Although baclofen can be eliminated by hemodialysis, its chronic accumulation and slow clearance from the central nervous system may lead to a sleep apnoea syndrome in patients with renal f ailure.