Adherence to CPAP therapy for sleep apnea in patients aged over 70 years old

Abstract

Purpose Adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome has not been established in patients over 70 years of age, whereas several studies have reported adherence below that age. This trial was designed to address this evidence gap. Methods Consecutive senior (> 70 years) patients with OSA, mean respiratory event index (REI) 34/h, body mass index (BMI) 31 kg/m2, and junior (< 50 years) patients (REI 37/h, BMI 31 kg/m2) were included. Results At year follow-up among 72 senior patients (35 women) and 71 junior patients (17 women), there was no difference in the percentage of patients abandoning CPAP (senior 47% vs. junior 43%) or in CPAP daily use (4:53 ± 2:44 hh:min vs. 4:23 ± 3:00 hh:min). Conclusions CPAP adherence in senior patients with OSA was not poorer than that of a younger group of OSA patients. Advanced age should not be an obstacle to CPAP initiation.

Characteristics of Patients With More Than 90% Adherence to Automatic Positive Airway Pressure

“…However, the median age was significantly higher in the VGA group than in the PA group (p = 0.032) (Table 1). In a previous study, adherence to PAP use was found to be decreased in elderly patients [12], but in a recent study, it was observed that CPAP users over 70 years old did not show a decrease in adherence when compared to younger patients [13]. However, our study may have different results because the median age is more youthful than in previous studies.…”

“…In the BDI, symptoms of depression are classified as minimal (0-13), mild (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19), moderate (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28), or severe (29-63). In the BAI, anxiety is classified as minimal (zero-7), mild (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15), moderate (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25), or severe (26-63).…”