Obstructive sleep apnoea--an update

Intern Med J. 2010 Feb;40(2):102-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2009.02069.x. Epub 2009 Oct 7.

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by the repetitive complete or partial collapse of the upper airway during sleep. It results in intermittent hypoxaemia and hypercapnia, cortical arousals and surges of sympathetic activity. The occurrence of OSA has also been linked to serious long-term adverse health consequences; such as hypertension, metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive deficits and motor vehicle accidents. There have been several advances in the field of particular clinical importance: (i) the development of portable monitoring as part of a simplified clinical algorithm for the diagnosis of OSA in selected patients; (ii) growing awareness of the cardio-metabolic health consequences of OSA and (iii) emerging evidence to support a range of non-continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment modalities, such as oral appliances.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / methods
  • Humans
  • Hypercapnia / diagnosis
  • Hypercapnia / etiology
  • Hypercapnia / therapy
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / complications
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / diagnosis*
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / therapy*