Short- and long-term continuous positive airway pressure usage in the post-stroke population with obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent in post-stroke patients and observational evidence suggests that untreated it is a harbinger of poorer outcomes in this population. Clinical trials on the impact of treatment of OSA with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) have countered difficulties with patient engagement and adherence to CPAP therapy. Real-world data on continuous positive airway pressure initiation and usage in the post-stroke population with obstructive sleep apnea is limited.

METHODS: We performed a clinical retrospective study between January 2006 and June 2015 to describe the short- and long-term CPAP usage in the post-stroke population with OSA, and to assess which patient, disease, and treatment-related factors were associated with CPAP purchase, initiation, and usage in this population.

RESULTS: Of 191 post-stroke patients' recommended CPAP therapy, post-prescription usage at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months was 58%, 53%, 48%, 45%, and 39% respectively. OSA severity-related factors, such as AHI or degree of nocturnal hypoxemia, were not significantly associated with CPAP usage. Predictors of CPAP usage at all time points were younger age, male sex, never smokers, and no history of hypertension. There were some differences in predictors of CPAP usage between early and later time periods.

CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that the long-term usage of CPAP therapy is possible with most of the attrition occurring in the first 3 months. Upfront healthcare resource allocation to CPAP initiation and usage in this population may improve longer-term usage.