The feasibility of using auto-titrating continuous positive airway pressure to treat obstructive sleep apnoea after acute tetraplegia

Abstract

Study design:A prospective cohort with acute tetraplegia.Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common within weeks of tetraplegia. This study aimed at determining the feasibility of auto-titrating continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to treat OSA after acute tetraplegia.Setting:The Victorian Spinal Cord Service, Melbourne, AustraliaMethods:Participants underwent full, portable polysomnography. Those with an apnoea hypopnoea index of more than 10 events per hour were defined as having OSA and were offered treatment with CPAP. Treatment adherence was objectively monitored, and measures of quality of life, sleepiness and functional outcomes were determined at enrolment and 3 month..