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BACKGROUND: Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has become the standard of care in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), 2 systematic reviews have questioned its utility. Since the publication of these reviews, several randomized controlled trials have been reported. We, therefore, performed a meta-analysis to assess the effect of CPAP on subjective and objective sleepiness. METHODS: We conducted a thorough literature search to identify all published randomized controlled trials of CPAP in patients with OSA. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the Q statistic. RESULTS: Twelve trials of CPAP in patients with OSA meeting our inclusion criteria were found. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale score was reported in 11 studies (706 patients). A meta-analysis found that CPAP reduced the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score an average of 2.94 points more than placebo (P or =30 events per hour; and mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, > or =11) had a greater decrease in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score than the other studies (4.75 vs 1.10; P<.001). Objective measures of sleepiness were reported in 8 trials (482 subjects). Continuous positive airway pressure increased sleep onset latency by 0.93 minute (P =.04) more than placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous positive airway pressure therapy significantly improves subjective and objective measures of sleepiness in patients with OSA across a diverse range of populations. Patients with more severe apnea and sleepiness seem to benefit the most.
Patel et al. (Mon,) studied this question.