Gastroesophageal reflux and obstructive sleep apnea

Objective: To determine the extent to which gastroesophageal reflux (GER)-i nitiated laryngeal chemoreflexes contribute to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA ). Methods. Prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial of an antireflux trea tment protocol as a means of reducing the severity of OSA. Population consi sted of 10 males aged 20 to 64 years with confirmed OSA (by overnight polys omnography) and GER (by ambulatory pH probe monitoring). Patients were trea ted with omeprazole and standard antireflux protocol for 30 days and pre- a nd posttreatment polysomnography variables were compared. Results: Mean apn ea index declined 31% (45-31, P = .04); mean respiratory disturbance index declined 25% (62-46, P = .06). Three patients (30%) are "treatment responde rs" as defined by traditional OSA treatment definitions. Conclusions: These results suggest a potential relationship between OSA and GER, the treatmen t of which may be an effective adjunctive in those with both disorders. Tre atment of GER may significantly impact OSA in select individuals.