Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea：a meta-analysis

Mingxia Li; Hong Lin; Qianru Yang; Xiaolong Zhang; Qiong Zhou; Jiankuan Shi; Fangfang Ge

doi:10.1093/sleep/zsae280

Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea：a meta-analysis

Sleep. 2024 Nov 29:zsae280. doi: 10.1093/sleep/zsae280. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Mingxia Li¹, Hong Lin¹, Qianru Yang¹, Xiaolong Zhang¹, Qiong Zhou¹, Jiankuan Shi¹, Fangfang Ge¹

Affiliation

¹ Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital.

PMID: 39626095
DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsae280

Abstract

Study objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by disordered breathing during sleep and is associated with major cardiovascular complications. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) as an important treatment for obesity and diabetes mellitus show promising therapeutic prospect in OSA. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of GLP-1RA intervention in OSA individuals.

Methods: We searched the PubMed and Web of Science databases (published until July 1, 2024), The included studies evaluated the GLP-1RA in OSA individuals and the efficacy outcomes measured by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).

Results: Six studies with a total of 1067 participants enrolled. GLP-1RA significantly decreased AHI with an estimated treatment difference of-9.48 events per hour (95% CI, -12.56 to -6.40, I2=92%). The change in weight was -10.99kg and BMI was -1.60kg/m2. The mean difference in SBP was -4.81mmHg and in DBP was -0.32 mmHg. Tirzepatide significantly reduced AHI more than liraglutide with an estimated treatment difference of -21.86 events per hour (95% CI, -25.93 to-17.79) vs -5.10 events per hour (95% CI, -6.95 to-3.26). Obese individuals experienced a more significant decrease in AHI with an estimated treatment difference of-12.93 events per hour vs -4.31 events per hour. The application of CPAP and the duration of follow-up did not affect the therapeutic effect.

Conclusion: GLP-1RA could significantly reduce the severity of OSA, and also lead to weight loss and lower blood pressure. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to explore different GLP-1RA treatments and durations in OSA, and identify patient subgroups that may benefit the most.

Keywords: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists; Obstructive sleep apnea; meta-analysis; obesity.

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