Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: Is it a route for infection in those with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
Introduction: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), with limited data about the prevalence of respiratory infections and microbial colonization in these patients. Objectives: The aim of this study...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda.
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| Series: | Sleep Science |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sleepscience.org.br/export-pdf/402/v10n1a05.pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the
standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), with limited data about the
prevalence of respiratory infections and microbial colonization in these patients.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine if CPAP use is associated with
respiratory infections and to identify the organisms that colonize or infect these
patients. Method: A retrospective, case-controlled study in patients diagnosed with OSA
was carried out. 137 patients were recruited and interviewed using a questionnaire. A
nasal swab was taken from each patient. Patients using CPAP machines had swabs taken
from masks and humidifiers. Results: 66 (48.2%) patients received CPAP treatment with
60.6% of them having a heated humidifier. 78.8% were male, with the majority using a
full face mask (63.6%). No significant difference was seen in the prevalence of
rhinosinusitis, lower respiratory tract infections and hospital admissions for pneumonia
between CPAP and non-CPAP treated patients. The presence of a humidifier did not
influence the prevalence of infections. Commensal flora was predominantly cultured from
nasal swabs from both patient groups. Coagulase Negative Staphylococci and Diphtheroids
were the main organisms cultured from masks and humidifiers respectively. Conclusions:
This study shows that the use of CPAP, choice of mask and humidifier have no significant
impact on the prevalence of infections and micro-organisms isolated. This is very
reassuring to the physician prescribing CPAP therapy and users. |
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| ISSN: | 1984-0659 1984-0063 |