Researchers from UdL and IRBLleida conclude that the treatment for sleep apnea is effective in reducing mortality

Researchers from the Universitat de Lleida and the Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida) of the Translational research in respiratory medicine group have shown that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment with devices is effective in reducing mortality. These results were recently presented at the Congress of the American Thoracic Society, which took place May 18-23 in San Diego, California, and have been published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality due to its relationship with hypertension, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. In patients with OSA, the application of CPAP improves quality of life and moderately decreases blood pressure, mainly in patients with resistant hypertension. The results of this study show that, in addition, treatment with CPAP reduces the mortality of patients with OSA. The principal investigator of the article is the professor of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lleida and head of the Pneumology Service of the Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital in Lleida, Ferran Barbé.

The study, which has been led by IRBLleida researcher Jordi de Alcalde, has analyzed a total of 70,469 people treated with CPAP, which correspond to all patients treated with CPAP from the Catalan Health Service during the period 2012-2013. It is estimated that currently in Catalonia approximately 1% of the population uses CPAP.

CPAP devices of the respiratory tract are commonly used for the treatment of sleep apnea and work by blowing air into the airway through a masquette.