Metabolic Syndrome in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Continuous positive airway pressure reversed metabolic syndrome in a small proportion of patients.

In patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can induce favorable changes in components of the metabolic syndrome. To quantitate these potential benefits, researchers in India conducted a double-blind, crossover trial: 86 patients with moderate-to-severe OSA received 3 months of CPAP and 3 months of sham CPAP, assigned in random order. Most participants were overweight middle-aged men. At baseline, 87% of participants met criteria for metabolic syndrome, but none were taking antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, or antidiabetic drugs.

Reversal of metabolic syndrome occurred in 11 patients during the CPAP phase, but in only 1 patient during the sham phase. Improvements in blood pressure, fasting gluco…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose