Inequalities in the access to diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent, and positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is the primary treatment. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic and PAP treatment resources for OSA within Brazil's Unified Health System and to identify potential inequalities and gaps. METHODS: A structured survey was sent to members of the Brazilian Sleep Association and the Brazilian Association of Sleep Medicine to identify sleep laboratories providing OSA diagnosis and/or treatment within Brazil's Unified Health System. The numbers of centers, care team structure, sleep studies availability, PAP accessibility, and follow-up services were characterized in all 5 Brazilian regions. RESULTS: Forty-seven centers were identified: Midwest (n = 4), Northeast (n = 10), North (n = 3), Southeast (n = 22), and South (n = 8). Most centers (70%) provided both OSA diagnosis and treatment, mainly in capitals and/or metropolises (87%). Ten out of 27 Brazilian Federal Units lacked sleep services for OSA management, with the North having the highest proportion of states without a sleep service (71%). The annual number of diagnostic exams for OSA was 14,932, with significant heterogeneity across regions (Midwest: 240; North: 400; Northeast: 3,564; South: 4,380; Southeast: 6,348). Mean waiting times for diagnosis and treatment were 11 and 8 months, respectively. Only 46% of PAP treatments were publicly funded, making legal injunctions and out-of-pocket expenditure common practices. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed significant disparities in OSA diagnosis and treatment resources across Brazil, with the North region being particularly underserved. The findings underscore an urgent need for strategies to improve sleep care nationwide. CITATION: Drager LF, Santos RB, Pachito D, Albertini CS, Sert Kuniyoshi FH, Eckeli AL. Inequalities in the access to diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in Brazil: a cross-sectional study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(5):735-742.

Cost-Utility Analysis of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy Compared With Usual Care for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Public Health System in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to conduct a cost-utility analysis of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy compared with usual care as treatment of moderate to severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in Brazil, where decentralized policies of CPAP provision are in place. METHODS: Markov cohort model comparing CPAP therapy with usual care, that is, no specific treatment for OSA, for moderate to severe cases was used. The payer perspective from the Unified Health System, Brazil, was adopted. Effectiveness parameters and costs related to health states were informed by literature review. Resource use related to CPAP therapy was defined by specialists and costs informed by recent purchase and leasing contracts. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were generated for purchase and leasing contracts to reflect current practices. A conservative willingness-to-pay threshold was set at 1 gross domestic product per capita per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) (Brazilian reais [BRL] 40 712/QALY). Uncertainties were explored in deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the purchase modality was 8303 BRL/QALY and for leasing 45 192 BRL/QALY. Considering the adopted willingness-to-pay threshold, provision of CPAP by the purchase modality was considered cost-effective but not the leasing modality. The parameter related to the greatest uncertainty was the reduction in the risk of having a stroke attributable to CPAP. Probabilistic analysis confirmed the robustness of results. CONCLUSIONS: CPAP therapy is a cost-effective alternative compared with usual care for moderate to severe OSA for the purchase modality. These results should help underpinning the decision making related to a uniform policy of CPAP provision across the country.

REM sleep behavior disorder: update on diagnosis and management / Transtorno comportamental do sono REM: atualização no diagnóstico e manejo

Abstract REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is characterized by a loss of atonia of skeletal muscles during REM sleep, associated with acting out behaviors during dreams. Knowledge of this pathology is important to predict neurodegenerative diseases since there is a strong association of RBD with diseases caused by the deposition of alpha-synuclein in neurons (synucleinopathies), such as Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Proper diagnosis of this condition will enable the use of future neuroprotective strategies before motor and cognitive symptoms. Diagnostic assessment should begin with a detailed clinical history with the patient and bed partner or roommate and the examination of any recorded home videos. Polysomnography (PSG) is necessary to verify the loss of sleep atonia and, when documented, the behaviors during sleep. Technical recommendations for PSG acquisition and analysis are defined in the AASM Manual for the scoring of sleep and associated events, and the PSG report should describe the percentage of REM sleep epochs that meet the criteria for RWA (REM without atonia) to better distinguish patients with and without RBD. Additionally, PSG helps rule out conditions that may mimic RBD, such as obstructive sleep apnea, non-REM sleep parasomnias, nocturnal epileptic seizures, periodic limb movements, and psychiatric disorders. Treatment of RBD involves guidance on protecting the environment and avoiding injuries to the patient and bed partner/roommate. Use of medications are also reviewed in the article. The development of neuroprotective medications will be crucial for future RBD therapy.

Resumo O transtorno comportamental do sono REM (TCSREM) é caracterizado por uma perda de atonia dos músculos esqueléticos durante o sono REM, associada a comportamentos de atuação durante os sonhos. O conhecimento desse transtorno é importante como preditor de doenças neurodegenerativas, uma vez que existe uma forte associação de TCSREM com doenças causadas pela deposição de alfa-sinucleína nos neurônios, como a doença de Parkinson (DP), atrofia de múltiplos sistemas (MSA) e demência com corpos de Lewy (DLB). O diagnóstico adequado dessa condição permitirá o uso de futuras estratégias neuroprotetoras antes do aparecimento dos sintomas motores e cognitivos. A avaliação diagnóstica deve começar com uma história clínica detalhada com o paciente e acompanhante, além de exame de vídeos. A polissonografia (PSG) é necessária para verificar a perda da atonia do sono e, quando documentados, os comportamentos durante o sono. As recomendações técnicas para aquisição e análise de PSG são definidas no Manual da AASM (Scoring of sleep and associated events) e o relatório de PSG deve descrever a porcentagem de períodos de sono REM que atendem aos critérios para REM sem atonia. Além disso, a PSG ajuda a descartar condições que podem mimetizar o TCSREM, como apneia obstrutiva do sono, parassonias do sono não REM, crises epilépticas noturnas, movimentos periódicos dos membros e transtornos psiquiátricos. O tratamento do TCSREM envolve orientações sobre adaptações do ambiente para evitar lesões ao paciente e ao colega de quarto. Medicamentos utilizados são revistos no artigo, assim como o crucial desenvolvimento de medicamentos neuroprotetores.

REM sleep behavior disorder: update on diagnosis and management.

REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is characterized by a loss of atonia of skeletal muscles during REM sleep, associated with acting out behaviors during dreams. Knowledge of this pathology is important to predict neurodegenerative diseases since there is a strong association of RBD with diseases caused by the deposition of alpha-synuclein in neurons (synucleinopathies), such as Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Proper diagnosis of this condition will enable the use of future neuroprotective strategies before motor and cognitive symptoms. Diagnostic assessment should begin with a detailed clinical history with the patient and bed partner or roommate and the examination of any recorded home videos. Polysomnography (PSG) is necessary to verify the loss of sleep atonia and, when documented, the behaviors during sleep. Technical recommendations for PSG acquisition and analysis are defined in the AASM Manual for the scoring of sleep and associated events, and the PSG report should describe the percentage of REM sleep epochs that meet the criteria for RWA (REM without atonia) to better distinguish patients with and without RBD. Additionally, PSG helps rule out conditions that may mimic RBD, such as obstructive sleep apnea, non-REM sleep parasomnias, nocturnal epileptic seizures, periodic limb movements, and psychiatric disorders. Treatment of RBD involves guidance on protecting the environment and avoiding injuries to the patient and bed partner/roommate. Use of medications are also reviewed in the article. The development of neuroprotective medications will be crucial for future RBD therapy.

O transtorno comportamental do sono REM (TCSREM) é caracterizado por uma perda de atonia dos músculos esqueléticos durante o sono REM, associada a comportamentos de atuação durante os sonhos. O conhecimento desse transtorno é importante como preditor de doenças neurodegenerativas, uma vez que existe uma forte associação de TCSREM com doenças causadas pela deposição de alfa-sinucleína nos neurônios, como a doença de Parkinson (DP), atrofia de múltiplos sistemas (MSA) e demência com corpos de Lewy (DLB). O diagnóstico adequado dessa condição permitirá o uso de futuras estratégias neuroprotetoras antes do aparecimento dos sintomas motores e cognitivos. A avaliação diagnóstica deve começar com uma história clínica detalhada com o paciente e acompanhante, além de exame de vídeos. A polissonografia (PSG) é necessária para verificar a perda da atonia do sono e, quando documentados, os comportamentos durante o sono. As recomendações técnicas para aquisição e análise de PSG são definidas no Manual da AASM (Scoring of sleep and associated events) e o relatório de PSG deve descrever a porcentagem de períodos de sono REM que atendem aos critérios para REM sem atonia. Além disso, a PSG ajuda a descartar condições que podem mimetizar o TCSREM, como apneia obstrutiva do sono, parassonias do sono não REM, crises epilépticas noturnas, movimentos periódicos dos membros e transtornos psiquiátricos. O tratamento do TCSREM envolve orientações sobre adaptações do ambiente para evitar lesões ao paciente e ao colega de quarto. Medicamentos utilizados são revistos no artigo, assim como o crucial desenvolvimento de medicamentos neuroprotetores.

Impacto econômico da implementação de políticas públicas para distúrbios de sono no Brasil: uma revisão integrativa / Economic impact of the implementation of public policies for sleep disorders in Brazil: an integrative review

Objetivo: Identificar estudos sobre políticas públicas, ações de saúde e análises econômicas relacionados aos distúrbios de sono no Brasil e discutir os seus resultados para o sistema de saúde, gestores de políticas públicas e a sociedade. Métodos: Revisão integrativa da literatura nas bases de dados Lilacs (via BVS), SciELO e PubMed (via Medline), incluindo estudos publicados nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol, entre os anos de 1960-2023; foram excluídos estudos que não apresentaram a perspectiva brasileira ou aqueles cuja versão integral não estava disponível (seja gratuitamente ou na versão paga). Resultados: A busca retornou 536 resultados, dos quais apenas dois atendiam aos critérios de inclusão e mais cinco trabalhos foram incluídos manualmente, após consulta com especialistas de sono (todos abordaram apneia obstrutiva do sono, sendo: um relato sobre alteração na legislação de trânsito focada em prevenção de acidentes por sonolência excessiva; uma revisão de escopo sobre análises de custo-efetividade do tratamento da doença com uso de CPAP; dois relatos sobre linha de cuidado em um município e outros três em Secretarias Estaduais de Saúde). Conclusões: A revisão integrativa encontrou poucas evidências acerca do tema e aponta para a necessidade de futuros estudos que visem a suprir essa lacuna científica e de que seja necessário o desenvolvimento de futura linha de cuidado que amplie o acesso ao tratamento de doenças do sono no Sistema Único de Saúde.

Objective: To identify studies on public policies, health actions, and economic analyses related to sleep disorders in Brazil and discuss their results for public policy managers and society. Methods: Integrative literature review using Lilacs (via BVS), SciELO, and PubMed (via Medline) databases, including studies published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish languages, between years of 1960-2023; studies that did not present the Brazilian perspective or whose full version was not available were excluded (free or paid version). Results: The search returned 536 results, of which only two met the inclusion criteria, and five more studies were included manually after consulting sleep experts (all addressing obstructive sleep apnea, namely: a report on changes in traffic legislation focused on preventing accidents caused by excessive sleepiness; a scoping review on cost-effectiveness analysis of CPAP for sleep apnea treatment; two reports on care lines in one municipality and another three in State Secretariats). Conclusions: The integrative review found few evidences on the topic and points to the need for future studies aimed at filling this scientific gap and the development of a care line that expands access to sleep disorder treatment in Brazilian Public Health System.

Sleep characteristics and excessive daytime sleepiness in adolescents and adults: results from the birth cohorts of three Brazilian cities - RPS Consortium.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of insufficient sleep duration, long sleep latency, terminal or maintenance insomnia, subjective sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness among participants of birth cohorts conducted in three Brazilian cities, and to evaluate differences in prevalence rates within cohorts according to sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses involving adolescents and adults participating in four birth cohorts conducted in Ribeirão Preto (RP78 and RP94), Pelotas (PEL93) and São Luís (SL97/98). Sleep duration, latency, terminal or maintenance insomnia, and subjective sleep quality were obtained through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; and excessive daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Differences in the prevalence of the outcomes were analyzed in each cohort according to sociodemographic characteristics (skin color, marital status, socioeconomic status, study and working at the time of the interview) stratified by sex. RESULTS: Insufficient sleep duration was the most common outcome at the four cohorts, with higher frequency among men. Long latency was more frequently reported by young adult women in RP94 and PEL93 cohorts, and insomnia by women of the four cohorts, when compared to men of the same age. Women generally suffered more from excessive daytime sleepiness and evaluated the quality of their sleep more negatively than men. In addition to sex, being a student and working were associated with the largest number of outcomes in both sexes. CONCLUSION: Sleep disorders are more prevalent in women, reinforcing the need for greater investment in sleep health in Brazil, without disregarding gender and socioeconomic determinants.

Legal action for access to resources inefficiently made available in health care systems in Brazil: a case study on obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent chronic disease, associated with morbidity and mortality. Although effective treatment for OSA is commercially available, their provision is not guaranteed by lines of care throughout Brazil, making legal action necessary. This study aimed at presenting data related to the volume of legal proceedings regarding the access to diagnosis and treatment of OSA in Brazil. METHODS: This was a descriptive study of national scope, evaluating the period between January of 2016 and December of 2020. The number of lawsuits was analyzed according to the object of the demand (diagnosis or treatment). Projections of total expenses were carried out according to the number of lawsuits. RESULTS: We identified 1,462 legal proceedings (17.6% and 82.4% related to diagnosis and treatment, respectively). The projection of expenditure for OSA diagnosis in the public and private spheres were R$575,227 and R$188,002, respectively. The projection of expenditure for OSA treatment in the public and private spheres were R$2,656,696 and R$253,050, respectively. There was a reduction in the number of lawsuits between 2017 and 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Legal action as a strategy for accessing diagnostic and therapeutic resources related to OSA is a recurrent practice, resulting in inefficiency and inequity. The reduction in the number of lawsuits between 2017 and 2019 might be explained by the expansion of local health care policies or by barriers in the journey of patients with OSA, such as difficulties in being referred to specialized health care and low availability of diagnostic resources.

The Effect of Cannabidiol for Restless Legs Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease in Parkinson's Disease Patients with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: A Post Hoc Exploratory Analysis of Phase 2/3 Clinical Trial.

Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main nonpsychoactive components of Cannabis sativa and may represent an alternative treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease (RLS/WED) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep behavior disorder (RBD). Objective: Our purpose was a post hoc exploratory analysis to evaluate the CBD's efficacy to improve the severity of RLS/WED symptoms in patients with PD and RBD. Methods: A post hoc exploratory analysis of a phase II/III, a parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 18 patients with RLS/WED and PD plus RBD associated. Six patients were randomized to the CBD group in doses of 75-300 mg, and twelve received placebo capsules. They were followed up for 14 weeks. The primary outcome was the severity of RLS/WED by Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG). Results: CBD showed no difference in relationship to placebo for primary and secondary outcomes. Conclusion: CBD showed no reduction in the severity of RLS/WED manifestation in patients with PD and RBD.

Voxel-Based Morphometry and Relaxometry Demonstrate Macro- and Microstructural Damages in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD) is the most common SCA worldwide and comprises about 70% of SCA patients in Brazil. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences have been used to describe microstructural abnormalities in many neurodegenerative diseases and helped to reveal the excessive iron accumulation in many of these conditions. This study aimed to characterize brain changes in gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM), detected by voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and relaxometry in patients with SCA3/MJD. A group of consecutive individuals, older than 18 years of age, with symptomatic and genetically proven SCA3/MJD diagnosed, and a control group, were submitted to clinical evaluation and MRI. The images were analyzed using VBM technique and relaxometry. The global assessment of brain volume by region of interest showed a significant difference in GM between SCA3/MJD and normal controls. VBM was used to locate these volumetric changes and it revealed a noticeable difference in the GM of the cerebellum and the brainstem. The global assessment of the brain by relaxometry also showed a significant difference in the comparison of GM between SCA3/MJD and normal controls, detecting noticeable prolongation of T2 time in the medulla oblongata (p < 0.001) and in the pontine tegmentum (p = 0.009) in SCA3/MJD compared to control group. Our study suggests that SCA3/MJD affects the macrostructure of the cerebellum and brainstem and microstructure of pons and medulla oblongata GM, as already demonstrated in the pathological study.

Legal action for access to resources inefficiently made available in health care systems in Brazil: a case study on obstructive sleep apnea / Judicialização para acesso a recursos disponibilizados de forma ineficiente nos sistemas de saúde do Brasil: estudo de caso sobre apneia obstrutiva do sono

ABSTRACT Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent chronic disease, associated with morbidity and mortality. Although effective treatment for OSA is commercially available, their provision is not guaranteed by lines of care throughout Brazil, making legal action necessary. This study aimed at presenting data related to the volume of legal proceedings regarding the access to diagnosis and treatment of OSA in Brazil. Methods: This was a descriptive study of national scope, evaluating the period between January of 2016 and December of 2020. The number of lawsuits was analyzed according to the object of the demand (diagnosis or treatment). Projections of total expenses were carried out according to the number of lawsuits. Results: We identified 1,462 legal proceedings (17.6% and 82.4% related to diagnosis and treatment, respectively). The projection of expenditure for OSA diagnosis in the public and private spheres were R$575,227 and R$188,002, respectively. The projection of expenditure for OSA treatment in the public and private spheres were R$2,656,696 and R$253,050, respectively. There was a reduction in the number of lawsuits between 2017 and 2019. Conclusions: Legal action as a strategy for accessing diagnostic and therapeutic resources related to OSA is a recurrent practice, resulting in inefficiency and inequity. The reduction in the number of lawsuits between 2017 and 2019 might be explained by the expansion of local health care policies or by barriers in the journey of patients with OSA, such as difficulties in being referred to specialized health care and low availability of diagnostic resources.

RESUMO Objetivo: A apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS) é uma doença crônica altamente prevalente, associada a morbidade e mortalidade. Embora tratamentos efetivos para a AOS estejam disponíveis comercialmente, seu fornecimento não é garantido pelos fluxos de atendimento em todo o Brasil, tornando necessária a judicialização. Este estudo teve como objetivo apresentar dados referentes ao volume de processos judiciais relacionados ao acesso ao diagnóstico e tratamento da AOS no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo descritivo de abrangência nacional, avaliando o período entre janeiro de 2016 e dezembro de 2020. O número de demandas judiciais foi analisado de acordo com o objeto da demanda (diagnóstico ou tratamento). As projeções das despesas totais foram realizadas de acordo com o número de demandas judiciais. Resultados: Foram identificados 1.462 processos judiciais (17,6% e 82,4% referentes a diagnóstico e tratamento, respectivamente). A projeção dos gastos com o diagnóstico da AOS nas esferas pública e privada foi de R$ 575.227 e R$ 188.002, respectivamente. A projeção dos gastos com o tratamento da AOS nas esferas pública e privada foi de R$ 2.656.696 e R$ 253.050, respectivamente. Houve redução do número de demandas judiciais entre 2017 e 2019. Conclusões: A judicialização como estratégia de acesso a recursos diagnósticos e terapêuticos relacionados à AOS é uma prática recorrente, resultando em ineficiência e iniquidade. A redução do número de demandas judiciais entre 2017 e 2019 pode ser explicada pela expansão das políticas locais de saúde ou por barreiras na jornada dos pacientes com AOS, como dificuldades de encaminhamento para atendimento especializado e a baixa disponibilidade de recursos diagnósticos.

Sleep characteristics and excessive daytime sleepiness in adolescents and adults: results from the birth cohorts of three Brazilian cities — RPS Consortium / Características do sono e sonolência diurna excessiva em adolescentes e adultos: resultados das coortes de nascimento de três cidades brasileiras - Consórcio RPS

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the prevalence of insufficient sleep duration, long sleep latency, terminal or maintenance insomnia, subjective sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness among participants of birth cohorts conducted in three Brazilian cities, and to evaluate differences in prevalence rates within cohorts according to sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: Cross-sectional analyses involving adolescents and adults participating in four birth cohorts conducted in Ribeirão Preto (RP78 and RP94), Pelotas (PEL93) and São Luís (SL97/98). Sleep duration, latency, terminal or maintenance insomnia, and subjective sleep quality were obtained through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; and excessive daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Differences in the prevalence of the outcomes were analyzed in each cohort according to sociodemographic characteristics (skin color, marital status, socioeconomic status, study and working at the time of the interview) stratified by sex. Results: Insufficient sleep duration was the most common outcome at the four cohorts, with higher frequency among men. Long latency was more frequently reported by young adult women in RP94 and PEL93 cohorts, and insomnia by women of the four cohorts, when compared to men of the same age. Women generally suffered more from excessive daytime sleepiness and evaluated the quality of their sleep more negatively than men. In addition to sex, being a student and working were associated with the largest number of outcomes in both sexes. Conclusion: Sleep disorders are more prevalent in women, reinforcing the need for greater investment in sleep health in Brazil, without disregarding gender and socioeconomic determinants.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a prevalência de duração do sono, latência, insônia terminal, qualidade subjetiva do sono e sonolência diurna excessiva entre participantes de coortes de nascimentos realizadas em três cidades brasileiras, bem como avaliar as diferenças nas taxas de prevalência das coortes de acordo com características sociodemográficas. Métodos: Análises transversais envolvendo participantes de quatro coortes de nascimento realizadas em Ribeirão Preto (RP78 e RP94), Pelotas (PEL93) e São Luís (SL97). A duração, a latência, a insônia terminal e a qualidade subjetiva do sono foram obtidas por meio do Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh; e a sonolência diurna excessiva foi avaliada pela Escala de Sonolência de Epworth. As diferenças na prevalência dos desfechos foram analisadas em cada coorte segundo características sociodemográficas estratificadas por sexo. Resultados: A duração insuficiente do sono foi o desfecho mais comum nas quatro coortes, com maior frequência entre os homens. Latência longa foi mais frequentemente relatada por mulheres adultas jovens nas coortes RP94 e PEL93, e insônia por mulheres das quatro coortes, quando comparadas a homens da mesma idade. As mulheres geralmente sofriam mais com sonolência diurna excessiva e avaliavam a qualidade do sono de forma mais negativa do que os homens. Além do sexo, ser estudante e trabalhar estiveram associados ao maior número de desfechos em ambos os sexos. Conclusão: Os distúrbios do sono são mais prevalentes em mulheres, reforçando a necessidade de maior investimento na saúde do sono no Brasil, sem desconsiderar gênero e determinantes socioeconômicos.

Sleep quality, personal and work variables and life habits of hospital nurses. / Qualidade do sono, variáveis pessoais e laborais e hábitos de vida de enfermeiros hospitalares.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the possible associations between sleep quality, personal and work variables and the life habits of hospital nurses. METHOD: a cross-sectional, exploratory, correlational and quantitative study, carried out from October to December 2019. The data were collected with the application of a questionnaire that addressed the respondents' personal characteristics, life habits and working conditions. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Brazilian Portuguese version, was used to assess sleep quality. RESULTS: the participants were 42 professionals: 31 (73.8%) women, aged between 26 and 66 years old (mean of 40.2); 61.9% worked overtime; 26.2% had two employment contracts and 40.5% had absences from work. Sleep quality was considered good by 9.5% of the participants, poor by 64.3% and categorized as with sleep disorders by 26.2%. In the population that worked rotating shifts, this quality was identified as poor by 26.2%. The worst results were found in the age group from 30 to 39 years old and there was a statistical significance in the "living with a partner" variable. CONCLUSION: there was impairment in the nurses' sleep quality and there is a need to monitor these workers, particularly those who work in shifts, in order to provide preventive measures to mitigate the harms to their health.

Economic evaluation of CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea: a scoping review and evidence map.

PURPOSE: To synthesize findings of economic evaluations investigating cost-effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and of strategies of organization of care related to CPAP therapy. METHODS: Scoping review with searches conducted in MEDLINE, CRD, LILACS, and Embase in August 2020. Eligible studies were economic evaluations comparing CPAP to other alternative or assessing strategies of care for CPAP therapy. Results were presented narratively, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) were presented in evidence maps. RESULTS: Of 34 studies, 3 concluded that CPAP is less costly and more effective when compared to usual care. Most studies indicated that CPAP is associated with better health outcomes, but at higher prices. ICER ranged from USD 316 to 98,793 per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained (median 16,499; IQR 8267 to 33,119). One study concluded that CPAP is more costly and less effective, when treatment is applied to all patients, regardless of disease severity. Variability of ICER was mainly due to definition of population and applied time horizons. When CPAP was compared to mandibular advancement device, ICER ranged from USD 21,153 to 361,028 (median 89,671; IQR 26,829 to 295,983), which represents the investment in CPAP therapy required to obtain one extra QALY. Three studies assessed the effects of organizing CPAP therapy in primary care, which was cost-effective or cost-saving. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to usual care, CPAP is cost-effective after the second year of treatment, when indicated for moderate-to-severe OSA. CPAP therapy may be even more cost-effective by using different strategies of organization of care. These findings may inform decision making related to CPAP reimbursement in health systems. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.

Correlation between heart rate variability and polysomnography-derived scores of obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common sleep disorders and affects nearly a billion people worldwide. Furthermore, it is estimated that many patients with OSA are underdiagnosed, which contributes to the development of comorbidities, such as cardiac autonomic imbalance, leading to high cardiac risk. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive, widely used approach to evaluating neural control of the heart. This study evaluates the relationship between HRV indices and the presence and severity of OSA. We hypothesize that HRV, especially the nonlinear methods, can serve as an easy-to-collect marker for OSA early risk stratification. Polysomnography (PSG) exams of 157 patients were classified into four groups: OSA-free (N = 26), OSA-mild (N = 39), OSA-moderate (N = 37), and OSA-severe (N = 55). The electrocardiogram was extracted from the PSG recordings, and a 15-min beat-by-beat series of RR intervals were generated every hour during the first 6 h of sleep. Linear and nonlinear HRV approaches were employed to calculate 32 indices of HRV. Specifically, time- and frequency-domain, symbolic analysis, entropy measures, heart rate fragmentation, acceleration and deceleration capacities, asymmetry measures, and fractal analysis. Results with indices of sympathovagal balance provided support to reinforce previous knowledge that patients with OSA have sympathetic overactivity. Nonlinear indices showed that HRV dynamics of patients with OSA display a loss of physiologic complexity that could contribute to their higher risk of development of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, many HRV indices were found to be linked with clinical scores of PSG. Therefore, a complete set of HRV indices, especially the ones obtained by the nonlinear approaches, can bring valuable information about the presence and severity of OSA, suggesting that HRV can be helpful for in a quick diagnosis of OSA, and supporting early interventions that could potentially reduce the development of comorbidities.

Can drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) predict compliance with positive airway pressure therapy? A pilot study.

PURPOSE: Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) has been poorly explored as an examination to assess positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The present study aimed to identify by DISE possible characteristics related to low compliance with PAP therapy due to respiratory complaints. METHODS: Patients using PAP for OSA underwent DISE in two conditions: (1) baseline (without PAP) and (2) PAP (with the same mask and airway pressure used at home). We compared patients reporting low compliance to PAP due to respiratory complaints to those well-adapted to therapy. VOTE classification (assessment of velopharynx, oropharynx, tongue base, and epiglottis) and TOTAL VOTE score (the sum of VOTE scores at each anatomical site) were assessed. ROC curve analyzed the accuracy of TOTAL VOTE to predict low compliance due to persistent pharyngeal obstruction in both conditions. RESULTS: Of 19 patients enrolled, all presented multilevel pharyngeal obstruction at baseline condition, with no difference between groups at this study point. When PAP was added, the median VOTE value was higher in the epiglottis (P value=0.02) and tended to be higher at the velum and tongue base in the poorly adapted group; TOTAL VOTE score was also significantly increased in patients with low compliance (P value<0.001). ROC curve demonstrated that patients with TOTAL VOTE scored 2.5 or more during DISE with PAP presented a 4.6-fold higher risk for low compliance with PAP therapy due to pharyngeal obstruction (AUC: 0.88±0.07; P value<0.01; sensitivity: 77%; specificity: 83%). CONCLUSIONS: Adding PAP during a DISE examination may help to predict persistent pharyngeal obstruction during PAP therapy.

Qualidade do sono, variáveis pessoais e laborais e hábitos de vida de enfermeiros hospitalares / Sleep quality, personal and work variables and life habits of hospital nurses / Calidad de sueño, variables personales, laborales y estilo de vida de enfermeros de hospital

Resumo Objetivo: identificar as possíveis associações entre a qualidade do sono, as variáveis pessoais e laborais e os hábitos de vida de enfermeiros hospitalares. Método: estudo transversal, exploratório, correlacional, quantitativo, realizado no período de outubro a dezembro de 2019. Os dados foram coletados com a aplicação de um questionário que abordou as características pessoais, hábitos de vida e as condições de trabalho dos pesquisados. Para avaliação da qualidade do sono, utilizou-se a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), versão do português do Brasil. Resultados: participaram 42 profissionais, 31 (73,8%) mulheres, entre 26-66 anos (média de 40,2); 61,9% realizavam horas extras; 26,2% possuíam duplo vínculo empregatício e 40,5% tiveram ausências no trabalho. A qualidade do sono foi considerada boa por 9,5% dos participantes, má por 64,3% e com distúrbios do sono por 26,2%. Na população que realizava turnos rotativos, essa qualidade foi identificada como má por 26,2%. Os piores resultados foram encontrados na faixa etária de 30-39 anos e houve significância estatística na variável "viver com companheiro(a)". Conclusão: houve prejuízo na qualidade de sono dos enfermeiros; há a necessidade de monitoramento desses trabalhadores, particularmente dos que realizam trabalhos em turnos, com o intuito de propiciar medidas preventivas, visando mitigar os danos à sua saúde.

Abstract Objective: to identify the possible associations between sleep quality, personal and work variables and the life habits of hospital nurses. Method: a cross-sectional, exploratory, correlational and quantitative study, carried out from October to December 2019. The data were collected with the application of a questionnaire that addressed the respondents' personal characteristics, life habits and working conditions. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Brazilian Portuguese version, was used to assess sleep quality. Results: the participants were 42 professionals: 31 (73.8%) women, aged between 26 and 66 years old (mean of 40.2); 61.9% worked overtime; 26.2% had two employment contracts and 40.5% had absences from work. Sleep quality was considered good by 9.5% of the participants, poor by 64.3% and categorized as with sleep disorders by 26.2%. In the population that worked rotating shifts, this quality was identified as poor by 26.2%. The worst results were found in the age group from 30 to 39 years old and there was a statistical significance in the "living with a partner" variable. Conclusion: there was impairment in the nurses' sleep quality and there is a need to monitor these workers, particularly those who work in shifts, in order to provide preventive measures to mitigate the harms to their health.

Resumen Objetivo: identificar posibles asociaciones entre la calidad de sueño, las variables personales y laborales y los estilo de vida de los enfermeros de hospital. Método: estudio transversal, exploratorio, correlacional, cuantitativo, realizado de octubre a diciembre de 2019. Los datos fueron recolectados mediante un cuestionario que abordó las características personales, estilo de vida y condiciones de trabajo de los encuestados. Para evaluar la calidad de sueño, se utilizó el Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PCSI), versión en portugués de Brasil. Resultados: participaron 42 profesionales, 31 (73,8%) mujeres, con edad entre 26 y 66 años (media 40,2); el 61,9% trabajaba horas extras; el 26,2% tenía dos vínculos laborales y el 40,5% faltó al trabajo. La calidad de sueño fue considerada buena por el 9,5% de los participantes, mala por el 64,3% y con trastornos del sueño por el 26,2%. El 26,2% de la población que hacía turnos rotativos, calificó la calidad como mala. Los peores resultados se encontraron en la franja etaria de 30 a 39 años y hubo significación estadística en la variable "vive en pareja". Conclusión: la calidad de sueño de los enfermeros se vio afectada; es necesario monitorear a estos trabajadores, en particular a los que trabajan por turnos, a fin de implementar medidas preventivas que reduzcan los daños a su salud.

Influence of excessive daily sleeping and sleep quality on BDNF and NGF serum levels in adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neural growth factor (NGF) are widely expressed in the brain and play an important role in neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and increased neuronal connections. Previous studies have shown that reduced serum levels of these proteins are associated with disorders in human sleep. OBJECTIVE: Current study evaluates the prevalence in adolescents of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and sleep quality, and analyzes the influence of these factors on BDNF and NGF serum levels. METHODS: A cross-section population-based study was conducted with data from a Brazilian birth cohort, with a sample of five hundred and thirteen 18-19-year-old adolescents. Sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and EDS by Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Neurotrophins serum levels were measured by Luminex™ technology kits. Analysis consisted of marginal structural models which compared people who were exposed and not exposed to sleep quality and EDS. RESULTS: Poor sleep quality and EDS were detected in 62.57% and 36.35% of the sample. Adolescents with poor sleep quality and EDS had -0.39 (p-value = 0.049) and -0.51 pg/ml in NGF (p-value = 0.009). Individuals with self-reported sleep disorder had lower serum levels of NGF (Coef. -0.41, p-value = 0.045). CONCLUSION: High prevalence of EDS and low sleep quality in a population of adolescents were evidenced. Poor sleep quality and EDS were associated with lower NGF levels, whilst adolescents with self-reported sleep disorder had lower serum levels of NGF.

Cannabidiol for Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder.

BACKGROUND: REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is a common non-motor feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main non-psychoactive components of Cannabis sativa and may represent an alternative route for treating RBD. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the efficacy and safety of CBD for RBD in PD. METHODS: We conducted a phase II/III, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 33 patients with RBD and PD. Patients were randomized 1:1 to CBD in doses of 75 to 300mg or matched capsules placebo and were followed up for 14 weeks. The primary outcomes were the frequency of nights with RBD, CGI-I, and CGI-S. RESULTS: CBD showed no difference to placebo for primary outcomes. Regarding secondary outcomes, we observed a significant improvement in average sleep satisfaction from the 4th to 8th week in the CBD versus placebo group with P = 0.049 and P = 0.038, respectively. CONCLUSION: CBD, as an adjunct therapy, showed no reduction in RBD manifestations in PD patients. A transient improvement in sleep satisfaction with a dose of 300mg has been noted. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Is restless legs syndrome in Parkinson disease patients associated with any specific factor?

BACKGROUND: Restless legs syndrome or Willis-Ekbom disease is a disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations associated with the need to mobilize the lower limbs. In Parkinson disease patients, restless legs syndrome is associated with worse quality of life and excessive sleepiness. Regarding other factors, results of different studies are controversial. OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with the restless legs syndrome presence in Parkinson disease patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 88 consecutive Parkinson disease patients from the outpatient clinic for 21 months. Participants underwent a clinical interview, assessment based on standardized scales (Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Parkinson Disease Questionnaire - 39, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group rating scale), and video-polysomnography. RESULTS: Out of the 88 participants, 25 had restless legs syndrome. In the multivariate analysis, restless legs syndrome in Parkinson disease has been associated with the symptom of smell loss and quality of sleep and life. In the univariate analysis, restless legs syndrome in Parkinson disease has occurred more frequently in women with higher frequency of insomnia, constipation, and anosmia than in the group without restless legs syndrome. CONCLUSION: Restless legs syndrome is a prevalent condition in patients with Parkinson disease and is associated with specific characteristics in this group of patients.

Is restless legs syndrome in Parkinson disease patients associated with any specific factor? / A síndrome das pernas inquietas nos pacientes com doença de Parkinson está associada a algum fator específico?

ABSTRACT Background: Restless legs syndrome or Willis-Ekbom disease is a disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations associated with the need to mobilize the lower limbs. In Parkinson disease patients, restless legs syndrome is associated with worse quality of life and excessive sleepiness. Regarding other factors, results of different studies are controversial. Objective: To determine the factors associated with the restless legs syndrome presence in Parkinson disease patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 88 consecutive Parkinson disease patients from the outpatient clinic for 21 months. Participants underwent a clinical interview, assessment based on standardized scales (Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Parkinson Disease Questionnaire - 39, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group rating scale), and video-polysomnography. Results: Out of the 88 participants, 25 had restless legs syndrome. In the multivariate analysis, restless legs syndrome in Parkinson disease has been associated with the symptom of smell loss and quality of sleep and life. In the univariate analysis, restless legs syndrome in Parkinson disease has occurred more frequently in women with higher frequency of insomnia, constipation, and anosmia than in the group without restless legs syndrome. Conclusion: Restless legs syndrome is a prevalent condition in patients with Parkinson disease and is associated with specific characteristics in this group of patients.

RESUMO Introdução: A síndrome das pernas inquietas, ou doença de Willis-Ekbom, é um transtorno caracterizado por sensações de desconforto associadas à necessidade de movimentar os membros inferiores. Nos pacientes com doença de Parkinson, a síndrome das pernas inquietas está associada a uma qualidade de vida inferior e sonolência excessiva. Em relação a outros fatores, resultados de diferentes estudos mostraram resultados controversos. Objetivo: Determinar os fatores associados à presença da síndrome das pernas inquietas nos pacientes com doença de Parkinson. Métodos: Um estudo transversal foi conduzido com 88 pacientes com doença de Parkinson, consecutivos, acompanhados em ambulatório especializado, durante 21 meses. Participantes passaram por uma entrevista clínica, avaliação por meio de escalas padronizadas (Escala de Sonolência de Epworth, Questionário de Qualidade de Vida da Doença de Parkinson, Índice de Qualidade de Sono de Pittsburgh, Escala de Gravidade Internacional da Síndrome das Pernas Inquietas) e videopolissonografia. Resultados: Do total de 88 participantes, 25 tinham síndrome das pernas inquietas. Na análise multivariada, a síndrome das pernas inquietas na doença de Parkinson esteve associada à perda de olfato, assim como à qualidade de vida e ao sono. Na análise univariada, a síndrome das pernas inquietas na doença de Parkinson ocorreu mais frequentemente em mulheres, com maior frequência de insônia, constipação e anosmia, do que no grupo sem síndrome das pernas inquietas. Conclusão: A síndrome das pernas inquietas é uma condição prevalente na doença de Parkinson e está associada a características específicas neste grupo de pacientes.