Understanding adherence to continuous positive airway pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea post-stroke: A prospective study based on the Andersen model.

Adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) post-stroke is often problematic, despite potential benefits. This study aimed to evaluate CPAP adherence in patients with OSA post-stroke based on the Andersen behavioral model of health services utilization. A total of 227 eligible participants were recruited from a Chinese hospital. After baseline assessment, participants were followed for 6 months to determine short-term CPAP adherence. Those with good short-term adherence were followed for an additional 6 months to explore long-term adherence and influencing factors. Short-term CPAP adherence rate was 33%. Being married or living with a partner, having an associate degree or baccalaureate degree or higher, and stronger health beliefs independently predicted short-term CPAP adherence. Only 25% of participants from the adherent group showed good long-term adherence. The factor associated with long-term CPAP adherence was participants not using alcohol. Adherence to CPAP is suboptimal among patients having OSA post-stroke. Addressing unfavorable predisposing factors and modifying health beliefs are suggested.

Sleep apnea, the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and potential benefits of continuous positive airway pressure therapy: A nationwide study.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with sleep apnea (SA) are at increased cardiovascular risk. However, little is known about the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in patients with SA. Therefore, we studied the relation between SA patients who did and did not receive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy with OHCA in the general population. METHODS: Using nationwide databases, we conducted a nested case-control study with OHCA-cases of presumed cardiac causes and age/sex/OHCA-date matched non-OHCA-controls from the general population. Conditional logistic regression models with adjustments for well-known OHCA risk factors were performed to generate odds ratio (OR) of OHCA comparing patients with SA receiving and not receiving CPAP therapy with individuals without SA. RESULTS: We identified 46,578 OHCA-cases and 232,890 matched non-OHCA-controls [mean: 71 years, 68.8% men]. Compared to subjects without SA, having SA without CPAP therapy was associated with increased odds of OHCA after controlling for relevant confounders (OR:1.20, 95%-Cl:1.06-1.36), while having SA with CPAP therapy was not associated with OHCA (OR:1.04, 95%-Cl:0.93-1.36). Regardless of CPAP therapy, age and sex did not significantly influence our findings. Our findings were confirmed in: (I) patients with neither ischemic heart disease nor heart failure (untreated SA, OR:1.24, 95%-CI:1.04-1.47; SA with CPAP, OR:1.08, 95%-CI:0.93-1.25); and (II) in patients without cardiovascular disease (untreated SA, OR:1.33, 95%-CI:1.07-1.65; SA with CPAP, OR:1.14, 95%-CI:0.94-1.39). CONCLUSION: SA not treated with CPAP was associated with OHCA, while no increased risk of OHCA was found for SA patients treated with CPAP.

Utilización de soportes respiratorios no invasivos post extubación en pacientes adultos críticos: revisión narrativa SRNI post extubación en adultos críticos / Use of Non-Invasive Respiratory Support in Critically Ill Patients Post-Extubation: a Narrative Review NIRS Post-Extubation in Critically Ill Adults

La tasa de reintubación orotraqueal luego de la extubación se registra entre un 10 a 20%. La aplicación de soportes respiratorios no-invasivos (SRNI) posterior a la extuba-ción como cánula nasal de alto-flujo, ventilación no invasiva (dos niveles de presión) y presión positiva continua en la vía aérea demostraron ser seguras y efectivas post ex-tubación. El período pre-destete representa un momento crucial en el manejo de los pa-cientes críticos ya que el fracaso de la extubación, definido como la necesidad de reintu-bación dentro de los 2 a 7 días, demostró peores resultados al aumentar la mortalidad entre un 25-50%. Esta situación conlleva al requerimiento de ventilación mecánica prolongada, neumonía asociada a la ventilación mecánica y estancias prolongadas de internación. Por lo tanto, es esencial identificar a los pacientes que se beneficiarán utilizando SRNI post extubación.

The rate of re-intubation after extubation is recorded at 10-20%. The use of non-invasive respiratory support (NIRS) post-extubation such as high-flow nasal cannula, non-invasive ventilation (bilevel pressure) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) have been shown to be safe and effective post-extubation. The pre-weaning period represents a crucial time in the management of critically ill patients, as extubation failure, defined as the need for reintubation within 2-7 days, showed worse outcomes with mortality increasing by 25-50%. This situation leads to the requirement for prolonged mechanical ventilation, ventilator-associated pneumonia and long lengths of hospital stay. Therefore, it is essential to identify patients who will benefit from NIRS post extubation.

Long-term effects on clinical event, mental health, and related outcomes of CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: We performed a systematic review of long-term health outcomes of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use in adults with obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: We updated prior systematic reviews with searches in multiple databases through January 3, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and adjusted nonrandomized comparative studies that reported prespecified long-term (mostly > 1 year) health outcomes. We assessed risk of bias, conducted meta-analyses, and evaluated strength of evidence. RESULTS: We found 38 eligible studies (16 trials, 22 observational). All conclusions were of low strength of evidence given study and data limitations. RCTs found no evidence of effect of CPAP on mortality (summary effect size [ES] 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66, 1.21); inclusion of adjusted nonrandomized comparative studies yields an association with reduced risk of death (ES 0.57; 95% CI 0.44, 0.73). RCTs found no evidence of effects of CPAP for cardiovascular death (ES 0.99; 95% CI 0.64, 1.53), stroke (ES 0.99; 95% CI 0.73, 1.35), myocardial infarction (ES 1.05; 95% CI 0.78, 1.41), incident atrial fibrillation (ES 0.89; 95% CI 0.48, 1.63), or composite cardiovascular outcomes (all statistically nonsignificant). RCTs found no evidence of effects for incident diabetes (ES 1.02; 95% CI 0.69, 1.51) or accidents (all nonsignificant) and no clinically significant effects on depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, or cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS: Whether CPAP use for obstructive sleep apnea affects long-term health outcomes remains largely unanswered. RCTs and nonrandomized comparative studies are inconsistent regarding the effect of CPAP on mortality. Current studies are underpowered, with relatively short duration follow-up and methodological limitations. CITATION: Balk EM, Adam GP, Cao W, Bhuma MR, D'Ambrosio C, Trikalinos TA. Long-term effects on clinical event, mental health, and related outcomes of CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(6):895-909.

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.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Treatable With Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in People With Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent condition in people living with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder. Its treatment with continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) can dramatically improve daytime and physical health function. People with a psychotic disorder, however, are rarely diagnosed and treated and there are no large-scale studies showing evidence of successful treatment with CPAP. Using a retrospective case-control study approach (N = 554), we examined adherence to and effectiveness of a CPAP trial in individuals with comorbid psychotic disorder and OSA (psychosis group, n = 165) referred for a CPAP trial at the West Australian Sleep Disorders Research Institute. Given that antipsychotic medication is an important confounder, we included a psychiatric (non-psychosis) comparison group taking antipsychotic medication (antipsychotic group, n = 82), as well as a nonpsychiatric control group (OSA control group, n = 307) also diagnosed with OSA and referred for CPAP. Variables included OSA symptom response, CPAP engagement, and usage at 3 months. The Psychosis group had the most severe OSA at baseline and they attended fewer clinic appointments overall. However, there were no other group differences either in CPAP adherence or treatment response. CPAP was equally effective in normalizing OSA symptoms and daytime sleepiness in all groups. CPAP usage was longer per night in the Psychosis and Antipsychotic groups, perhaps suggesting a role of sedation from antipsychotic medications. In conclusion, OSA is treatable and CPAP feasible in people with severe mental illness and antipsychotic medications are not a barrier to treatment response.

Long-term effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common cause of hypertension. Previous studies have demonstrated beneficial short-term effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on blood pressure. However, long-term antihypertensive effects of CPAP have not been properly verified. This study examined the longitudinal effect of CPAP therapy adherence on blood pressure among OSA patients. All patients diagnosed with OSA and undergoing subsequent CPAP therapy at a Kanagawa-area sleep clinic were clinically followed for 24 months to examine CPAP adherence, as well as longitudinal changes in blood pressure and body weight because it may become a confound factor for changes in blood pressure. The hours of CPAP usage were collected over the course of 30 nights prior to each follow-up visit (1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, and 24th month). The relationship between CPAP adherence and blood pressure was analyzed using mixed-effect logistic regression models. A total of 918 OSA patients were enrolled in the study. We found a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure among patients with good CPAP adherence during the 24-month follow-up period (ß = - 0.13, p = 0.03), when compared to the group with poor CPAP adherence. No significant association was found between CPAP adherence and weight loss (ß = - 0.02, p = 0.59). Long-term, good CPAP therapy adherence was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure without significant weight loss.

Protective Dressings, Injury, and Device Failure in Preterm Infants Receiving Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of a hydrocolloid nasal dressing on the incidence and severity of nasal injury and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) failure in preterm infants receiving nasal CPAP (N-CPAP). METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted over 4 months in 2019 at level 3 neonatal ICUs in two hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Eighty eligible infants were born at 32 weeks of gestation or younger and/or with a birth weight of 1,500 g or less and had received between 4 and 72 hours of CPAP. Infants were randomly assigned to two groups; the intervention group used a protective dressing, and the control group received routine care. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and nasal injury assessment score chart. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The incidence and severity of nasal injury in preterm infants undergoing N-CPAP. RESULTS: Infants in the intervention group had a significantly lower incidence and severity of nasal injury compared with the control group: 15 of 40 (37.5%) versus 37 of 40 (92.5%; P < .001). Overall, the injuries identified in this study were mostly mild and moderate, with only three severe injuries in the intervention group and five in the control group. No significant differences were detected in CPAP failure (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The studied nasal barrier dressing is a safe and convenient solution to reduce nasal injury in preterm infants receiving N-CPAP.

Randomized clinical trial comparing helmet continuous positive airway pressure (hCPAP) to facemask continuous positive airway pressure (fCPAP) for the treatment of acute respiratory failure in the emergency department.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether non-invasive ventilation (NIV) delivered by helmet continuous positive airway pressure (hCPAP) is non-inferior to facemask continuous positive airway pressure (fCPAP) in patients with acute respiratory failure in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: Non-inferiority randomized, clinical trial involving patients presenting with acute respiratory failure conducted in the ED of a local hospital. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either hCPAP or fCPAP as per the trial protocol. The primary endpoint was respiratory rate reduction. Secondary endpoints included discomfort, improvement in Dyspnea and Likert scales, heart rate reduction, arterial blood oxygenation, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), dryness of mucosa and intubation rate. RESULTS: 224 patients were included and randomized (113 patients to hCPAP, 111 to fCPAP). Both techniques reduced respiratory rate (hCPAP: from 33.56 ± 3.07 to 25.43 ± 3.11 bpm and fCPAP: from 33.46 ± 3.35 to 27.01 ± 3.19 bpm), heart rate (hCPAP: from 114.76 ± 15.5 to 96.17 ± 16.50 bpm and fCPAP: from 115.07 ± 14.13 to 101.19 ± 16.92 bpm), and improved dyspnea measured by both the Visual Analogue Scale (hCPAP: from 16.36 ± 12.13 to 83.72 ± 12.91 and fCPAP: from 16.01 ± 11.76 to 76.62 ± 13.91) and the Likert scale. Both CPAP techniques improved arterial oxygenation (PaO2 from 67.72 ± 8.06 mmHg to 166.38 ± 30.17 mmHg in hCPAP and 68.99 ± 7.68 mmHg to 184.49 ± 36.38 mmHg in fCPAP) and the PaO2:FiO2 (Partial pressure of arterial oxygen: Fraction of inspired oxygen) ratio from 113.6 ± 13.4 to 273.4 ± 49.5 in hCPAP and 115.0 ± 12.9 to 307.7 ± 60.9 in fCPAP. The intubation rate was lower with hCPAP (4.4% for hCPAP versus 18% for fCPAP, absolute difference -13.6%, p = 0.003). Discomfort and dryness of mucosa were also lower with hCPAP. CONCLUSION: In patients presenting to the ED with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema or decompensated COPD, hCPAP was non-inferior to fCPAP and resulted in greater comfort levels and lower intubation rate.

Treatment burden experienced by patients with obstructive sleep apnoea using continuous positive airway pressure therapy.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the treatment burden experienced by patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) who use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. PARTICIPANTS: 18 patients (33.3% males, mean age 59.7±11.8 years) with OSA who use CPAP therapy were interviewed. METHODS: Patients treated with CPAP for OSA at a tertiary hospital outpatient clinic in Sydney, Australia, were invited to participate in an interview in person or via phone. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the treatment burden associated with using CPAP. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using NVivo 12 qualitative analysis software. RESULTS: Four categories of OSA-specific treatment burden were identified: healthcare tasks, consequences of healthcare tasks, exacerbating and alleviating factors of treatment burden. Participants reported a significant burden associated with using CPAP, independently of how frequently they used their device. Common sources of their treatment burden included attending healthcare appointments, the financial cost of treatment, lifestyle changes, treatment-related side effects and general discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that there is a significant treatment burden associated with the use of CPAP, and that treatment non-adherence is not the only consequence of treatment burden. Other consequences include relationship burden, stigma and financial burden. It is important for physicians to identify other negative impacts of treatment burden in order to optimise the patient experience.

Characterizing Decisional Conflict in Patients Presenting to Sleep Surgery Clinic and an Exploration of Resource Limitations.

OBJECTIVES: Numerous therapies exist for adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), creating potential for patient decisional conflict (DC) that impacts treatment adherence and post-treatment regret. We evaluated the prevalence of elevated DC in OSA patients presenting for positive airway pressure (PAP) alternative therapies and identified gaps in available resources about OSA therapies. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed based on questionnaires completed by adult OSA patients presenting to an academic sleep surgery clinic from March to October 2020. Surveys examined sleep symptoms, sleep apnea treatment history, goals of therapy, and the SURE checklist, a validated 4-item DC screening scale. Additional qualitative data about OSA decision tool needs were queried with structured interviews in a smaller subset of patients. RESULTS: Among 100 respondents, 60 were open to multiple treatment options, whereas 22 were not interested in surgical treatment. Eighty-one respondents (81%) had elevated DC (SURE score < 4). High DC was not associated with CPAP history, OSA severity, or daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥ 10). Elevated DC was related to uncertainty regarding optimal treatment choice in 54% of respondents (n = 54), and lack of knowledge regarding risks and benefits of each treatment option in 71% (n = 71). Common themes identified in 9 interviewed patients suggested helpful resources should ideally compare treatment modalities and educate on surgery details, efficacy, and recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of OSA patients presenting to sleep surgery clinics have elevated decisional conflict influenced by limited knowledge about options and the risks and benefits of each therapy. There is a need for decision tools that can reduce decisional conflict and promote equitable knowledge about PAP alternative OSA treatments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:2384-2390, 2021.

Experiences with implementation of continuous positive airway pressure for neonates and infants in low-resource settings: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard of care in providing non-invasive positive pressure support to neonates in respiratory distress in high-resource settings. While safety has been demonstrated in low-resource settings, there is a lack of knowledge on the barriers and facilitators to proper implementation. OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe the barriers, facilitators, and priorities for future implementation of CPAP for neonates and infants in low-resource settings. METHODS: A systematic search (database inception to March 6, 2020) was performed on MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Global Health, and the WHO Global Index Medicus using PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Original research articles pertaining to implementation of CPAP devices in low-resource settings, provider or parent perspectives and experiences with CPAP, cost-benefit analyses, and cost-effectiveness studies were included. Inductive content analysis was conducted. FINDINGS: 1385 article were screened and 54 studies across 19 countries met inclusion criteria. Six major themes emerged: device attributes, patient experiences, parent experiences, provider experiences, barriers, and facilitators. Nasal trauma was the most commonly reported complication. Barriers included unreliable electricity and lack of bioengineering support. Facilitators included training, mentorship and empowerment of healthcare providers. Device design, supply chain infrastructure, and training models were imperative to the adoption and sustainability of CPAP. CONCLUSION: Sustainable implementation of CPAP in low resource settings requires easy-to-use devices, ready access to consumables, and holistic, user-driven training. Further research is necessary on standardizing metrics, interventions that support optimal provider performance, and conditions needed for successful long-term health system integration.

Benefits of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) During Radiation Therapy: A Prospective Trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to study the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on chest anatomy and tumor motion in patients receiving radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with primary or secondary lung tumors, left-sided breast cancer, or liver metastases referred for radiation therapy were trained to breathe with a CPAP device using a face mask to a maximal pressure of 15 cm H2O. Three- and 4-dimensional computed tomography simulation was performed twice for each patient: once with free breathing (FB) and again using CPAP. Volumetric and dosimetric parameters of treatment plans were compared. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were enrolled, of whom 6 withdrew consent before simulation and 3 withdrew because of discomfort. Thus, a total of 40 patients were analyzed. Twenty-seven patients (67.5%) were treated with CPAP based on confirmation of the volumetric or dosimetric benefit of CPAP. Mean lung volume increased by 37% (P < .001). The mean augmentation was 1283 ± 1128 cm3 (CPAP vs FB; P = .0006) in patients with normal lung function tests and 719 ± 341 cm3 (P = .003) in patients with a restrictive pattern. Increased lung volume was independent of age, body mass index, sex, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking status, and heart disease. Tumor motion in the lung was decreased as reflected in a mean reduction of planning target volume by 19% (P < .001). The greatest reduction of tumor trajectory and planning target volume occurred in tumors in the lower lung, particularly in the range of up to 6 cm above the dome of the diaphragm. The mean lung dose was reduced by 15%, lung V20 by 20%, lung V5 by 11%, and heart V5 by 16% (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective trial, the use of CPAP was associated with significant volumetric and dosimetric benefits compared with FB. CPAP was safe, simple to implement, and well tolerated by most patients, and it should be studied further as a method to reduce the risk of lung and heart toxicity.

Paediatric long term continuous positive airway pressure and noninvasive ventilation in France: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of children treated with long term continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in France. DESIGN: Cross-sectional national survey. SETTING: Paediatric CPAP/NIV teams of 28 tertiary university hospitals in France. PATIENTS: Children aged <20 years treated with CPAP/NIV since at least 3 months on June 1st, 2019. INTERVENTION: An anonymous questionnaire was filled in for every patient. RESULTS: The data of 1447 patients (60% boys), mean age 9.8 ± 5.8 years were analysed. The most frequent underlying disorders were: upper airway obstruction (46%), neuromuscular disease (28%), disorder of the central nervous system (13%), cardiorespiratory disorder (7%), and congenital bone disease (4%). Forty-five percent of the patients were treated with CPAP and 55% with NIV. Treatment was initiated electively for 92% of children, while 8% started during an acute illness. A poly(somno)graphy (P(S)G) was performed prior to treatment initiation in 26%, 36% had a P(S)G with transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring (PtcCO2), while 23% had only a pulse oximetry (SpO2) with PtcCO2 recording. The decision of CPAP/NIV initiation during an elective setting was based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in 41% of patients, SpO2 and PtcCO2 in 25% of patients, and AHI with PtcCO2 in 25% of patients. Objective adherence was excellent with a mean use of 7.6 ± 3.2 h/night. Duration of CPAP/NIV was 2.7 ± 2.9 years at the time of the survey. CONCLUSION: This survey shows the large number of children treated with long term CPAP/NIV in France with numerous children having disorders other than neuromuscular diseases.

Covid-19 and gender: lower rate but same mortality of severe disease in women-an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Gender-related factors might affect vulnerability to Covid-19. The aim of this study was to describe the role of gender on clinical features and 28-day mortality in Covid-19 patients. METHODS: Observational study of Covid-19 patients hospitalized in Bergamo, Italy, during the first three weeks of the outbreak. Medical records, clinical, radiological and laboratory findings upon admission and treatment have been collected. Primary outcome was 28-day mortality since hospitalization. RESULTS: 431 consecutive adult patients were admitted. Female patients were 119 (27.6%) with a mean age of 67.0 ± 14.5 years (vs 67.8 ± 12.5 for males, p = 0.54). Previous history of myocardial infarction, vasculopathy and former smoking habits were more common for males. At the time of admission PaO2/FiO2 was similar between men and women (228 [IQR, 134-273] vs 238 mmHg [150-281], p = 0.28). Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) assistance was needed in the first 24 h more frequently in male patients (25.7% vs 13.0%; p = 0.006). Overall 28-day mortality was 26.1% in women and 38.1% in men (p = 0.018). Gender did not result an independent predictor of death once the parameters related to disease severity at presentation were included in the multivariable analysis (p = 0.898). Accordingly, the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis in female and male patients requiring CPAP or non-invasive ventilation in the first 24 h did not find a significant difference (p = 0.687). CONCLUSION: Hospitalized women are less likely to die from Covid-19; however, once severe disease occurs, the risk of dying is similar to men. Further studies are needed to better investigate the role of gender in clinical course and outcome of Covid-19.

Salbutamol for transient tachypnea of the newborn.

BACKGROUND: Transient tachypnea of the newborn is characterized by tachypnea and signs of respiratory distress. Transient tachypnea typically appears within the first two hours of life in term and late preterm newborns. Although transient tachypnea of the newborn is usually a self-limited condition, it is associated with wheezing syndromes in late childhood. The rationale for the use of salbutamol (albuterol) for transient tachypnea of the newborn is based on studies showing that ß-agonists can accelerate the rate of alveolar fluid clearance. This review was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2020. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether salbutamol compared to placebo, no treatment or any other drugs administered to treat transient tachypnea of the newborn, is effective and safe for infants born at 34 weeks' gestational age with this diagnosis. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, 2020, Issue 4) in the Cochrane Library; PubMed (1996 to April 2020), Embase (1980 to April 2020); and CINAHL (1982 to April 2020). We applied no language restrictions. We searched the abstracts of the major congresses in the field (Perinatal Society of Australia New Zealand and Pediatric Academic Societies) from 2000 to 2020 and clinical trial registries. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials, quasi-randomized controlled trials and cluster trials comparing salbutamol versus placebo or no treatment or any other drugs administered to infants born at 34 weeks' gestational age or more and less than three days of age with transient tachypnea of the newborn. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methodology for data collection and analysis. The primary outcomes considered in this review were duration of oxygen therapy, need for continuous positive airway pressure and need for mechanical ventilation. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: Seven trials, which included 498 infants, met the inclusion criteria. All trials compared a nebulized dose of salbutamol with normal saline. Four studies used one single dose of salbutamol; in two studies, three to four doses were provided; in one study, additional doses were administered if needed. The certainty of the evidence was low for duration of hospital stay and very low for the other outcomes. Among the primary outcomes of this review, four trials (338 infants) reported the duration of oxygen therapy, (mean difference (MD) -19.24 hours, 95% confidence interval (CI) -23.76 to -14.72); one trial (46 infants) reported the need for continuous positive airway pressure (risk ratio (RR) 0.73, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.39; risk difference (RD) -0.15, 95% CI -0.45 to 0.16), and three trials (254 infants) reported the need for mechanical ventilation (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.13 to 2.86; RD -0.01, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.03). Both duration of hospital stay (4 trials; 338 infants) and duration of respiratory support (2 trials, 228 infants) were shorter in the salbutamol group (MD -1.48, 95% CI -1.8 to -1.16; MD -9.24, 95% CI -14.24 to -4.23, respectively). One trial (80 infants) reported duration of mechanical ventilation and pneumothorax but data could not be extracted due to the reporting of these outcomes (type of units of effect measure and unclear number of events, respectively). Five trials are ongoing. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There was limited evidence to establish the benefits and harms of salbutamol in the management of transient tachypnea of the newborn. We are uncertain whether salbutamol administration reduces the duration of oxygen therapy, duration of tachypnea, need for continuous positive airway pressure and for mechanical ventilation. Salbutamol may slightly reduce hospital stay. Five trials are ongoing. Given the limited and low certainty of the evidence available, we could not determine whether salbutamol was safe or effective for the treatment of transient tachypnea of the newborn.

Fluid restriction in the management of transient tachypnea of the newborn.

BACKGROUND: Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is caused by delayed clearance of lung fluid at birth. TTN typically appears within the first two hours of life in term and late preterm neonates and is characterized by tachypnea and signs of respiratory distress. Although it is usually a self-limited condition, admission to a neonatal unit is frequently required for monitoring and providing respiratory support. Restricting intake of fluids administered to these infants in the first days of life might improve clearance of lung liquid, thus reducing the effort required to breathe, improving respiratory distress, and potentially reducing the duration of tachypnea. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of restricted fluid therapy as compared to standard fluid therapy in decreasing the duration of oxygen administration and the need for noninvasive or invasive ventilation among neonates with TTN. SEARCH METHODS: We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2019, Issue 12), in the Cochrane Library; Ovid MEDLINE and electronic ahead of print publications, in-process & other non-indexed citations, Daily and Versions(R); and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), on December 6, 2019. We also searched clinical trial databases and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, and cluster trials on fluid restriction in term and preterm neonates with the diagnosis of TTN or delayed adaptation during the first week after birth. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: For each of the included trials, two review authors independently extracted data (e.g. number of participants, birth weight, gestational age, duration of oxygen therapy, need for continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP], need for mechanical ventilation, duration of mechanical ventilation) and assessed the risk of bias (e.g. adequacy of randomization, blinding, completeness of follow-up). The primary outcome considered in this review was the duration of supplemental oxygen therapy in hours or days. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: Four trials enrolling 317 infants met the inclusion criteria. Three trials enrolled late preterm and term infants with TTN, and the fourth trial enrolled only term infants with TTN. Infants were on various methods of respiratory support at the time of enrollment including room air, oxygen, or nasal CPAP. Infants in the fluid-restricted group received 15 to 20 mL/kg/d less fluid than those in the control group for varying durations after enrollment. Two studies had high risk of selection bias, and three out of four had high risk of performance bias. Only one study had low risk of detection bias, with two at high risk and one at unclear risk. The certainty of evidence for all outcomes was very low due to imprecision of estimates and unclear risk of bias. Two trials reported the primary duration of supplemental oxygen therapy. We are uncertain whether fluid restriction decreases or increases the duration of supplemental oxygen therapy (mean difference [MD] -12.95 hours, 95% confidence interval [CI] -32.82 to 6.92; I² = 98%; 172 infants). Similarly, there is uncertainty for various secondary outcomes including incidence of hypernatremia (serum sodium > 145 mEq/L, risk ratio [RR] 4.0, 95% CI 0.46 to 34.54; test of heterogeneity not applicable; 1 trial, 100 infants), hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 40 mg/dL, RR 1.0, 95% CI 0.15 to 6.82; test of heterogeneity not applicable; 2 trials, 164 infants), endotracheal ventilation (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.24 to 2.23; I² = 0%; 3 trials, 242 infants), need for noninvasive ventilation (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.14 to 1.17; test of heterogeneity not applicable; 2 trials, 150 infants), length of hospital stay (MD -0.92 days, 95% CI -1.53 to -0.31; test of heterogeneity not applicable; 1 trial, 80 infants), and cumulative weight loss at 72 hours of age (%) (MD 0.24, 95% CI -1.60 to 2.08; I² = 89%; 2 trials, 156 infants). We did not identify any ongoing trials; however, one trial is awaiting classification. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found limited evidence to establish the benefits and harms of fluid restriction in the management of TTN. Given the very low certainty of available evidence, it is impossible to determine whether fluid restriction is safe or effective for management of TTN. However, given the simplicity of the intervention, a well-designed trial is justified.

Changes in sleepiness and 24-h blood pressure following 4 months of CPAP treatment are not mediated by ICAM-1.

OBJECTIVE: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy reduces circulating intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). ICAM-1 levels may affect the daytime sleepiness and elevated blood pressure associated with OSA. We evaluated the association of changes from baseline in ICAM-1 with changes of objective and subjective measures of sleepiness, as well as 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) measures, following 4 months of CPAP treatment. METHODS: The study sample included adults with newly diagnosed OSA. Plasma ICAM-1, 24-h ABPM, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) were obtained at baseline and following adequate CPAP treatment. The associations between changes in natural log ICAM-1 and changes in the number of lapses on PVT, ESS score, and 24-h mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were assessed using multivariate regression models, controlling for a priori baseline covariates of age, sex, BMI, race, site, smoking status, physical activity, anti-hypertensive medications, AHI, and daily hours of CPAP use. RESULTS: Among 140 adults (83% men), mean (± SD) body mass index (BMI) was 31.5 ± 4.2 kg/m2, and apnea-hyopnea index (AHI) was 36.8 ± 15.3 events/h. Sleepiness measures, although not ICAM-1 or ABPM measures, improved significantly following CPAP treatment. We observed no statistically significant associations between the change in ICAM-1 and changes in sleepiness, MAP, or other ABPM measures. CONCLUSION: Changes in ICAM-1 levels were not related to changes in sleepiness or ABPM following CPAP treatment of adults with OSA. Future work should explore whether or not other biomarkers may have a role in mediating these treatment outcomes in adults with OSA.