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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2017 Nov 15;13(11):1327-1335.
doi: 10.5664/jcsm.6808.

A Randomized Crossover Trial Evaluating Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Versus Mandibular Advancement Device on Health Outcomes in Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Ali A El-Solh  1   2   3 , Gregory G Homish  3   4 , Guy Ditursi  1 , John Lazarus  1 , Nithin Rao  1 , David Adamo  1 , Thomas Kufel  1   2
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A Randomized Crossover Trial Evaluating Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Versus Mandibular Advancement Device on Health Outcomes in Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Ali A El-Solh et al. J Clin Sleep Med. .

Abstract

Study objectives: Despite the overall improvement in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, adherence to CPAP is far worse in veterans with PTSD compared to the general population with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, adherence, and preference of CPAP versus mandibular advancement device (MAD) and the effect of these treatments on health outcomes in veterans with PTSD.

Methods: Forty-two subjects with PTSD and newly diagnosed OSA by polysomnography were treated in a randomized, crossover trial of 12 weeks with CPAP alternating with MAD separated by a 2-week washout period. The primary outcome was the difference in titration residual apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) between CPAP and MAD. Secondary outcome measures included PTSD Checklist and health-related quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index).

Results: Analyses were limited to the 35 subjects (mean age 52.7 ± 11.6 years) who completed the trial, regardless of compliance with their assigned treatment. CPAP was more efficacious in reducing AHI and improving nocturnal oxygenation than MAD (P < .001 and P = .04, respectively). Both treatments reduced PTSD severity and ameliorated scores of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, although no differences were detected between the CPAP and MAD arms. The reported adherence to MAD was significantly higher than CPAP (P < .001), with 58% preferring MAD to CPAP.

Conclusions: Although CPAP is more efficacious than MAD at improving sleep apnea, both treatment modalities imparted comparable benefits for veterans with PTSD in relation to PTSD severity and health-related quality of life. MAD offers a viable alternative for veterans with OSA and PTSD who are nonadherent to CPAP.

Clinical trial registration: Title: A Randomized Cross Over Trial of Two Treatments for Sleep Apnea in Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT01569022; Identifier: NCT01569022.

Keywords: continuous positive airway pressure; health outcomes; mandibular advancement device; posttraumatic stress disorder; randomized crossover trial.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Study flow chart: randomization, treatment, and follow-up.
CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure, MAD = mandibular advancement device.
Figure 2
Figure 2. PTSD response to treatment with CPAP and MAD.
CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure, MAD = mandibular advancement device, PCL-M = PTSD Checklist-Military version; PTSD = posttraumatic stress disorder.
Figure 3
Figure 3. SF-36 subdomain scores at baseline and at 12-week follow-up with CPAP (A) and with MAD (B).
* = P < .05. CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure, MAD = mandibular advancement device, SF-36 = Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form.
Figure 4
Figure 4. PSQI subdomain scores at baseline and at 12-week follow-up with CPAP (A) and with MAD (B).
* = P < .05. CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure, MAD = mandibular advancement device, PSQI = Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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