Effect of CPAP therapy on AF burden and recurrence in patients with AF and OSA
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common comorbidity in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), influencing AF burden and recurrence. This study evaluates the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on atrial fibrillation (AF) burden, recurrence and also cardiac remodelling in patients with AF and OSA undergoing catheter ablation with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The study also analyses inflammatory and vascular biomarkers to understand the systemic impact of CPAP in these patients.
The main aim is to assess whether continuous positive airway pressure therapy could reduce atrial fibrillation burden and recurrence in patients with obstructive sleep apnea undergoing pulmonary vein isolation. Additionally, the project investigate whether continuous positive airway pressure influences cardiac remodelling, including left and right atrial function and volume and left ventricular function, specifically through echocardiographic measurements of atrial strain and global longitudinal strain.
Additionally, the study investigates inflammatory markers and biomarkers related to fibrosis and endothelial dysfunction, offering insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to AF in this patient population.
The study utilises continuous rhythm monitoring to assess AF burden and recurrence, providing new insights into the management of AF in this patient population.
Related publications
- Effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on recurrence of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein isolation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (Link to publication)
- Cardiac remodelling in patients with atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnoea (Link to publication)
- Systemic markers of inflammation and immune activation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (Link to publication)
Contributions
- Effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A randomized controlled trial (abstract) (Link to publication)
- Atrial fibrillation and sleep apnea: Weak correlation between subjective and objective atrial fibrillation burden and severity
- Effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A randomized controlled trial (NCS Fallmeeting 2021)
- The A3 Study: Does CPAP Improve AF Outcomes in Sleep Apnea? (Virtual CME Broadcast, EP Connect. Session XXXVI)
- Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Atrial Remodeling in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation; a Randomized Controlled Trial (Abstract) Circulation
Researchers involved
- Tove-Elizabeth Hunt, MD/PhD-fellow, OUS
- Main supervisor: Ole-Gunnar Anfinsen, MD/PhD, OUS
- Co-supervisor: Kristina Haugaa, MD/Professor, OUS/UiO
- Co-supervisor: Lars Gullestad, MD/Professor, OUS/UiO
Collaborators
- St.Olavs Hospital, Trondheim
- ResMed