Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) on High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein levels (hs-CRP) in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is associated with increased in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) which is a predictor of future cardiovascular events. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been shown to reduce this inflammation marker. Objectives: Effect of CPAP therapy in OSA patients in hs-CRP and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) at 3 and 6 months after treatment. The hs-CRP levels of the CPAP and control groups were compared at 3 and 6 months. Factors related to hs-CRP were also investigated. Methods: Prosepective study, OSA patients with Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) ≥ 15/hr at Central Chest Institute of Thailand were included in the study. The hs-CRP levels were measured at 3 and 6 months and compared between the CPAP and control groups. Results: Total 33 patients, 20 patients (60.6%) in CPAP group were analyzed from October 2013 to April 2015. Comparing CPAP with control groups, baseline hs-CRP and RDI were not significant difference. Significant decreased in ESS at 0, 3 and 6 months after treatment in CPAP group (p = 0.004). No significant difference in hs-CRP at 0, 3 and 6 months in CPAP group (p = 0.994). The hs-CRP at 0, 3 and 6 months showed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.839), (p = 0.570), (p = 0.836), respectively. Significant factor related to hs-CRP was body mass index (coefficient = 0.081, 95% CI 0.030 - 0.132, p = 0.002). Conclusion: There was a significant decrease in sleepiness but no significant difference in hs-CRP in OSA patients with CPAP therapy. A significant factor related to the hs-CRP was body mass index.