Wednesday, September 30, 2015

CPAP use, obstructive sleep apnea, and cardiac function

Studies have shown that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can negatively impact cardiac function, especially if the OSA is severe. And studies have shown that treating severe OSA with CPAP can improve cardiac function. However, studies have not shown clearly that treating milder cases of OSA provides significant cardiac benefit.

This study looked at patients with mild-to-moderate OSA with mild cardiac dysfunction. Patients were minimally symptomatic with regards to OSA as well. Patients were either given CPAP for 6 months or given no CPAP. Compliance with CPAP was determined based on the CPAP download. The results did not show any convincing change in cardiac function or structure after 6 months of CPAP usage. There was no dose response effect with CPAP usage either, meaning that there still was no change in cardiac function in those that used CPAP the longest per night.

The researchers concluded that CPAP use in patients with mild OSA and mild cardiac dysfunction may not be as helpful as traditional cardiac dysfunction treatments like blood pressure medications.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Obstructive sleep apnea may disrupt the blood brain barrier

The blood brain barrier is like a wall that has holes in it. It allows good substances to cross from the blood vessels into the brain. At the same time, it keeps out harmful substances like bacteria and some toxins. According to this article, researchers think that some illnesses may result from the breakdown of the blood brain barrier.

The article discusses a research study showing that untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can breakdown the blood brain barrier. The researchers think that the low oxygen levels associated with OSA are responsible for the breakdown. But the breakdown may be what causes some of the symptoms of OSA, such as memory or mood problems. The researchers also think that repairing the blood brain barrier may improve these symptoms in patients with OSA. I also wonder if treating the OSA repairs the blood brain barrier - more studies will be needed to figure that out.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Magnetic stimulation may improve nighttime bedwetting

Nighttime bedwetting, also called nocturnal enuresis, can cause family problems and embarrassment to the person suffering with it. Obviously all of us start out life as a bedwetter, but most develop nighttime control at around 5 or 6 years of age. The causes of enuresis are variable, with some cases being the result of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Treating the OSA improves the nocturnal enuresis.

This study evaluated the effect of magnetic stimulation on nocturnal enuresis. Researchers put the magnet over the subjects lower back, just above the tailbone. The magnet was turned off and on rapidly 5 times per week. The results showed significant reduction in nocturnal enuresis frequency. Sham magnetic stimulation also showed a reduction in nocturnal enuresis frequency that was almost as large as the real magnetic stimulation. However, the frequency of enuresis returned to baseline after the sham magnetic therapy was stopped. In the real magnetic stimulation group the effect persisted a month after therapy was stopped.