Effect of antihypertensive agents on sleep apnea and ambulatory blood pressure in patients with hypertension: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypertension are common conditions that may be linked through sympathetic activation and water retention. We hypothesized that diuretics, which reduce the body water content, may be more effective than amlodipine, a blood pressure (BP)-lowering agent implicated with edema, in controlling OSA in patients with hypertension. We also aimed to compare the effects of these treatments on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, we compared the effects of chlorthalidone/amiloride 25/5 mg with amlodipine 10 mg on OSA measured by portable sleep monitor and BP measured by ABPM. The study included participants older than 40 who had moderate OSA (10-40 apneas/hour of sleep) and BP within the systolic range of 140-159 mmHg or diastolic range of 90-99 mmHg. RESULTS: The individuals in the experimental groups were comparable in age, gender, and other relevant characteristics. Neither the combination of diuretics nor amlodipine alone reduced the AHI after 8 weeks of treatment (AHI 26.3 with diuretics and 25.0 with amlodipine. P = 0.713). Both treatments significantly lowered office, 24-h, and nighttime ABP, but the two groups had no significant difference. CONCLUSION: Chlorthalidone associated with amiloride and amlodipine are ineffective in decreasing the frequency of sleep apnea episodes in patients with moderate OSA and hypertension. Both treatments have comparable effects in lowering both office and ambulatory blood pressure. The notion that treatments could offer benefits for both OSA and hypertension remains to be demonstrated. TRIAL REGISTRATION CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT01896661.

Effects of Antihypertensive Treatment on Left and Right Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain and Diastolic Parameters in Patients with Hypertension and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Randomized Clinical Trial of Chlorthalidone plus Amiloride vs. Amlodipine.

Hypertension is highly prevalent in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and fluid retention with its nighttime rostral distribution is one potential mechanism. We tested whether or not diuretics differ from amlodipine in their impact on echocardiographic parameters. Patients with moderate OSA and hypertension were randomized to receive diuretics (chlorthalidone plus amiloride) or amlodipine daily for 8 weeks. We compared their effects on left and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS and RV-GLS, respectively), on LV diastolic parameters, and on LV remodeling. In the 55 participants who had echocardiographic images feasible for strain analysis, all echocardiographic parameters were within normal ranges. After 8 weeks, the 24 h blood pressure (BP) reduction values were similar, while most echocardiographic metrics were kept unchanged, except for LV-GLS and LV mass. In conclusion, the use of diuretics or amlodipine had small and similar effects on echocardiographic parameters in patients with moderate OSA and hypertension, suggesting that they do not have important effects on mediating the interaction between OSA and hypertension.

Outcome and Feasibility after 7 Years of Therapeutic Hypothermia in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the experience with a protocol of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) in southern Brazil. STUDY DESIGN: Newborns with gestational age > 35 weeks with evidence of perinatal asphyxia plus moderate or severe encephalopathy were recruited between March 2011 and November 2017. Whole-body hypothermia for 72 hours, starting within the first 6 hours of life was used. Survivors underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG). The primary outcome was death during hospitalization and neurodevelopment assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development III (BSID III) at 12 months of age. RESULTS: A total of 72 newborns were treated (41 with moderate encephalopathy and 31 with severe encephalopathy), of whom 16 died. MRI was performed in 56 patients, and 24 presented some alterations. Fifty-three patients had an EEG: 11 normal, 20 mildly altered, 12 moderately altered, and 10 severely altered. Forty patients were evaluated through BSID III: 45% presented with some delay in neurodevelopment, 8 (20%) had motor retardation, 15 (37.5%) had language delay, and 13 (32.5%) had a delay in cognitive development. CONCLUSION: Mortality and adverse events were similar to those described in large randomized controlled trials. TH is a safe and an effective method of neurologic protection in asphyxiated newborns in a developing country when performed adequately.