The effect of continuous positive airway pressure on dyslipidemia in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disease associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. However, the exact causal relationship is not clear. One of the proposed mechanisms is dyslipidemia. Aim To study the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on dyslipidemia in patients with OSA. Patients and methods Forty obese patients with OSA were recruited. All patients were subjected to history taking, physical examination, and polysomnography. Fasting blood sugar, liver function, kidney function, and lipid profile were measured after fasting for 14 h. Apnea/hypopnea index and BMI were calculated. The patients then received CPAP treatment during night for 3 months. Polysomnography and laboratory parameters were remeasured after 1 and 3 months of treatment. Results The natural correlation between body weight and lipid profile is lost. Apnea/hypopnea index and high-density lipoprotein improved significantly after 1 month and more significantly after 3 months. Triglycerides were lowered after 1 month without more improvement after 3 months. Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and total-C did not change after 1 month with significant reduction after 3 months. Conclusion Treatment with CPAP improves lipid profile in patients with OSA.