Impact of Adaptive Servo-Ventilation in Heart Failure Patients

Objective: Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) as obstructive apnea, central apnea, and Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR), can be seen in patients with chronic heart failure. SRBD can influence the prognosis of heart failure. We aim to reveal sleep-related breathing disorders in heart failure patients and display the effects of adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) as a new therapeutic modality. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 32 patients with heart failure were included. One night polysomnography (PSG) was done. Results: According to the results of PSG, the SRBD ratio was 96.7%. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and ASV titrations were offered to all patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) 5. Demographics, clinical properties, symptoms, PSG findings, Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR), and echocardiography results were recorded. Before and after ASV titration, pulmonary function tests and walking tests were performed, and concentrations of transferrin and pro-BNP were recorded. In the groups according to the AHI, severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in 18 of 30 patients, four moderate OSAS, five mild OSAS, and two central sleep apnea (CSA). PSG and, CPAP, ASV titrations were done in 7 male and one female patient that obstructive apnea, central apnea, AHI, arousal, and SpO2 min values had significant improvements (p=0,001, p=0,016, p=0,001, p=0,015 and p=0,008 respectively). We determined all CSRs were eliminated with ASV. After ASV titration pro-BNP, walking distance, and FVC values changed significantly (p=0,036, p=0,018, and p=0,018 respectively). Conclusion: As a result, we determined CSR and central apneas persisted with CPAP but were eliminated with a one-night ASV application. ASV also decreased pro-BNP and increased FVC and walking distance values significantly.