Published in:
01-03-2017 | Sleep Breathing Physiology and Disorders • Review
The effects of topical nasal steroids on continuous positive airway pressure compliance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Published in: Sleep and Breathing | Issue 1/2017
Login to get accessAbstract
Objectives
The purpose of the study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), evaluating effects of topical nasal steroids on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine use and nasal symptoms.
Search methods
Data source: A comprehensive search of Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was performed through April 2016. Manual searches and subject matter expert input were also obtained. Studies assessing effects of nasal steroids on CPAP machine use in adults, which reported quantitative outcome data of CPAP compliance, were included.
Results
Two studies (144 patients) met inclusion criteria. Both were randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCT). Pooled fixed effects analysis did not identify a statistically significant difference between both the groups for average duration of CPAP machine use per night. But there was an overall increase in the usage of 0.4 h (95 % confidence interval (CI) (−0.20, 1.00); P = 0.19) in favor of nasal steroids. Difference of percentage of nights with CPAP use was not demonstrated (mean difference 0.06, 95 % CI (−0.27, 0.39); P = 0.71). There was also no significant difference in nasal symptoms (mean difference 0.63, 95 % CI (−0.11, 1.36), P = 0.1).
Conclusion
Nasal steroids showed benefits on CPAP use, but did not reach statistical significance. Data was based on meta-analysis of RCTs of 4-week follow-up in unselected OSA patients. Future controlled studies with selected group and longer follow-up duration are needed to confirm the benefits of nasal steroid on CPAP compliance in OSA patients.