We aimed to compare the effect of intensiveversusstandard interventions on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence 2 years after CPAP initiation, as well as on sleepiness, quality of life, depression, hospitalisation and death rate due to cardiovascular disease (CVD).3100 patients with newly diagnosed sleep apnoea were randomised into the standard group, with usual follow-up care, or the intensive group, with additional visits, telephone calls and education. Subjective daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale; ESS), quality of life (36-item Short Form Health Survey; SF-36) and the patient’s level of depression (Beck Depression Inventory; BDI) were recorded before and 2 years after CPAP initiation, together with CVD hospitalisations and death rate.2 years after CPAP initiation, the intensive group used CPAP significantly more than the standard group (6.9versus5.2 h per night; p<0.001). ESS, SF-36 and BDI scores were also significantly better in the intensive group. Furthermore, the standard group had significantly more deaths and hospitalisations due to CVD.CPAP usage can be improved by both intensive and standard patient support. However, the patients who received intensive CPAP support had significantly better ESS, BDI and SF-36 scores, and lower cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, suggesting that an intensive programme could be worthwhile.

Systemic inflammation is important in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) pathophysiology and its comorbidity. We aimed to assess the levels of inflammatory biomarkers in a large sample of OSA patients and to investigate any correlation between these biomarkers with clinical and polysomnographic (PSG) parameters. This was a cross-sectional study in which 2983 patients who had undergone a polysomnography for OSA diagnosis were recruited. Patients with known comorbidities were excluded. Included patients (n=1053) were grouped according to apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) as mild, moderate, and severe. Patients with AHI < 5 served as controls. Demographics, PSG data, and levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), fibrinogen, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and uric acid (UA) were measured and compared between groups. A significant difference was found between groups in hs-CRP, fibrinogen, and UA. All biomarkers were independently associated with OSA severity and gender (p<0.05). Females had increased levels of hs-CRP, fibrinogen, and ESR (p<0.001) compared to men. In contrast, UA levels were higher in men (p<0.001). Our results suggest that inflammatory markers significantly increase in patients with OSA without known comorbidities and correlate with OSA severity. These findings may have important implications regarding OSA diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, and prognosis. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov numberNCT03070769.

Study Objectives:The association of mild obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) with important clinical outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between mild OSA and systemic arter...

The aim of our study was to assess university students’ sleep quality and fatigue before and during the academic exam period and identify potential associated factors. A Web-based survey was completed by 940 students of 20 different Tertiary Institutions including demographics, sleep habits, exercise, caffeine, tobacco, alcohol use, subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index—PSQI), and fatigue (Fatigue severity scale—FSS) at the beginning of the semester and during the examination period. During the exam period, PSQI (8.9 vs. 6.1, p < 0.001) and FSS scores (36.9 vs. 32.7, p < 0.001) were significantly elevated compared to the pre-exam period. An increase in the PSQI score was associated with age (β = 0.111, p = 0.011), presence of chronic disease (β = 0.914, p = 0.006), and depressive symptoms (β = 0.459, p = 0.001). An increase in the FSS score was associated with female gender (β = 1.658, p < 0.001), age, (β = 0.198, p = 0.010), increase in smoking (β = 1.7, p = 0.029), coffee/energy drinks consumption (β = 1.988, p < 0.001), decreased levels of physical exercise (β = 1.660, p < 0.001), and depressive symptoms (β = 2.526, p < 0.001). In conclusion, our findings indicate that exam periods have a negative impact on the sleep quality and fatigue levels of university students. Potential factors were identified that could contribute to the formulation of strategies for improved sleep quality and wellness.

The aim of our study was to validate a Greek translation of the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ) for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and to explore whether this screening questionnaire could be used to help identify primary care patients at greater risk of having OSAS.

Study Objectives:Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is associated with worse mortality and clinical outcome. We aimed to assess differences between p...