Qualidade do sono em pacientes com apneia obstrutiva após cinco anos de uso de CPAP

Abstract

Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome is characterized by recurrent obstruction of the upper airways during sleep. The treatment is the application of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) through a nasal mask. Although extremely effective, adherence to CPAP is variable, as the continuous flow of air in the airways can cause discomfort, and often result in discontinuation of treatment. Objective: To compare if there is improvement in the state of daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, body composition and risk for apnea after five years of CPAP use. Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal, descriptive, prospective study with follow-up of 11 patients (9 male, mean age of 63.73±9.1), with observations previous to CPAP use and after using it for five years. Daytime sleepiness (Epworth scale), sleep quality (visual scale), in addition to antopometric variables, and the Berlin scale (to verify risk of apnea) were evaluated. Data were analyzed by paired t test and the Wilcoxon test. Results: The analysis of the Epworth scale showed a decrease in the level of daytime sleepiness, as well as an improvement in the sleep quality, although anthropometric variables and the risk of apnea were similar after five years of CPAP use. Conclusions: The use of CPAP for a continuous period is an intervention that improves sleep quality and diurnal sleepiness levels and, although it does not interfere with body mass, may be an important strategy in the life of patients with sleep apnea syndrome.