PAP Therapy Lowers Pulmonary Arterial Pressure in Severe OSA

A systematic review published in the European Respiratory Journal evaluated the effect of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy on pulmonary hypertension (PH) by analyzing data from 23 studies involving 733 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Key findings Most participants had severe OSA. PAP therapy was associated with a mean reduction in pulmonary arterial pressure of 5.96 mmHg. Among patients with baseline PH, PAP therapy reduced pulmonary arterial pressure by 11.41 mmHg.

The beneficial effects of PAP therapy were comparable in patients with OSA and those with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). Takeaway messages PAP therapy may help reduce pulmonary arterial pressure in patients with severe OSA or OHS. These findings may not be applicable to patients with mild OSA. How do these findings influence your expectations for PAP therapy in patients with OSA and pulmonary…