Clinical characteristics of obstructive sleep apnoea patients with residual sleepiness.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis examines the clinical characteristics of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)-treated obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients with residual excessive sleepiness (RES).

METHOD: We conducted a search for articles published from inception to 16 March 2024 in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Seven studies were included in this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis revealed that CPAP-treated OSA patients with RES were characterised by higher Epworth sleepiness scale and depression scale scores, lower body mass index (BMI) and apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) before CPAP treatment. RES patients also exhibit poorer CPAP adherence. Being female was also associated with RES.

CONCLUSION

Being female, having lower BMI and AHI, more severe daytime sleepiness and depressive symptoms before CPAP treatment, and lower CPAP adherence were characteristics of OSA patients with RES. These factors may prove helpful in identifying CPAP-treated OSA patients who may need additional treatment to minimise RES.