Paweł Śliwiński

Effects of Renal Sympathetic Denervation on Blood Pressure, Sleep Apnea Course, and Glycemic Control in Patients With Resistant Hypertension and Sleep Apnea

Percutaneous renal sympathetic denervation by radiofrequency energy has been reported to reduce blood pressure (BP) by the reduction of renal sympathetic efferent and afferent signaling. We evaluated the effects of this procedure on BP and sleep apnea severity in patients with resistant hypertension and sleep apnea. We studied 10 patients with refractory hypertension and sleep apnea (7 men and 3 women; median age: 49.5 years) who underwent renal denervation and completed 3-month and 6-month follow-up evaluations, including polysomnography and selected blood chemistries, and BP measurements. Antihypertensive regimens were not changed during the 6 months of follow-up. Three and 6 months after the denervation, decreases in office systolic and diastolic BPs were observed (median: −34/−13 mm Hg for systolic and diastolic BPs at 6 months; both P<0.01). Significant decreases were also observed in plasma glucose concentration 2 hours after glucose administration (median: 7.0 versus 6.4 mmol/L; P=0.05) and in hemoglobin A1C level (median: 6.1% versus 5.6%; P<0.05) at 6 months, as well as a decrease in apnea-hypopnea index at 6 months after renal denervation (median: 16.3 versus 4.5 events per hour; P=0.059). In conclusion, catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation lowered BP in patients with refractory hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea, which was accompanied by improvement of sleep apnea severity. Interestingly, there are also accompanying improvements in glucose tolerance. Renal sympathetic denervation may conceivably be a potentially useful option for patients with comorbid refractory hypertension, glucose intolerance, and obstructive sleep apnea, although further studies are needed to confirm these proof-of-concept data.

Sleep structure and periodic breathing in Tibetans and Han at simulated altitude of 5000 m.

Tibetans are the oldest population living permanently at high altitude. They possess several adaptations to low oxygen pressure that improve oxygen transport. We hypothesised that native Tibetans have mechanisms allowing them to maintain a better sleep structure and oxygenation during sleep at high altitude than newcomers from lower altitudes acclimatised to living at high altitude. We studied eight healthy young Tibetans, aged 26+/-7 years, and six healthy young Han aged 30.5+/-4 years. All subjects were living on the Tibetan plateau at an altitude of around 4000 m. Investigations were performed in Xining at an altitude of 2261 m, PB=581 mmHg. Two full polysomnographies (PSG) were performed in a hypobaric chamber, one at the ambient altitude, the second during acute exposure to the simulated altitude of 5000 m (PB=405 mmHg). Both PSG were done on the same night using split night design. At 2261 m no differences in sleep structure, breathing pattern during sleep or oxygenation were found, except a higher number of arousals and awakenings in Han (P<0.002). At 5000 m Tibetans had a longer sleep time (P=0.002), shorter stage 1 non-REM sleep (P<0.001) and longer stage 2 non-REM sleep than Han (P<0.001). Tibetans showed a trend to have more periodic breathing (PB) and higher mean arterial blood saturation than Han (NS). Our data suggest that Tibetans preserved better sleep structure and arterial blood oxygenation than Han during acute exposure to the simulated altitude of 5000 m.

Independent association of obstructive sleep apnea with left ventricular geometry and systolic function in resistant hypertension: the RESIST-POL study

OBJECTIVE We investigated the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and night blood pressure (BP) on left ventricular geometry and systolic function in patients with resistant hypertension (RHTN). METHODS AND RESULTS Data from 155 patients with RHTN were analyzed. All patients underwent biochemical evaluations, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), and polysomnography. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI), relative wall thickness (RWT), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), midwall fractional shortening (mwFS) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were measured. Patients were divided into four groups based on the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and OSA: group 1: OSA(-), MS(-) [n = 42]; group 2: OSA(+), MS(-) [n = 14]; group 3: OSA(-), MS(+) [n = 46]; and group 4: OSA(+), MS(+) [n = 53]. In group 3 and 4 concentric geometry was present in 53.2% and 79.6% respectively (P = 0.004). There were no differences in LVEF between groups. Group 3 and 4 had lower mwFS as compared with group 1 (16.40 ± 1.9 and 15.38 ± 2.2 vs 17.44 ± 1.9; P < 0.049 and P < 0.0001 respectively). Group 4 had significantly lower GLS as compared with group 1 (-12.64 ± 3.3 vs -15.59 ± 4.0; P < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, factors independently associated with concentric geometry were age, nighttime SBP (OR -1.04; 95%Cl 1.019-1.082; P < 0.0001) and OSA (OR -3.97; 95%Cl 1.835-8.590; P < 0.0001). In the other multivariable analysis, factors independently associated with GLS were OSA (beta = 0.279; P = 0.001), and nighttime DBP (beta = 0.168; P = 0.048) whereas factors independently associated with mwFS were age, gender, nighttime SBP, concentric geometry, and metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS In patients with true RHTN without diabetes concentric geometry and systolic dysfunction are independently associated with moderate and severe OSA and nighttime BP levels.

Relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and markers of cardiovascular alterations in never-treated hypertensive patients

We addressed a question if there is a relationship between severity of newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and markers of cardiovascular alterations in middle-aged untreated hypertensive patients. In 121 consecutive patients with never-treated essential hypertension (mean age 35.9±10.1 years; 97 men and 24 women) evaluation of office and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurements, metabolic syndrome (MS) components and markers of alterations in cardiovascular system including left ventricular structure and function, carotid artery wall intima-media thickness (cIMT) and urinary albumin excretion (UAE) was performed. OSA was classified as mild (apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) 5–15 events h−1) or moderate-to-severe (AHI >15 events h−1). Mild and moderate-to-severe OSA were diagnosed in 30% and 20% of patients, respectively. No differences in nighttime BP levels and decline between patients with and without OSA were observed. The patients with moderate-to-severe OSA were characterized by higher cIMT (0.74±0.16 vs. 0.60±0.15 mm; P=0.001), UAE (14.5±6.9 vs. 10.0±8.0 mg 24 h−1; P=0.014), relative wall thickness (0.42±0.05 vs. 0.39±0.05; P=0.023) and by a higher degree of diastolic dysfunction (E′-wave velocity 11.4±3.2 vs. 15.5±3.8 m s−1; P<0.001) as compared with the patients without OSA. In multivariate analysis, AHI independently of BP and MS components correlated with UAE, relative wall thickness and E′-wave velocity. In the middle-aged never-treated hypertensive patients, moderate-to-severe OSA correlates with markers of cardiovascular alterations independently of BP levels and MS components.

The influence of comorbidities on mortality in sarcoidosis: a observational prospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to identify the frequency and prevalence of comorbidities in sarcoid patients and to assess their influence on overall mortality in the cohort of patients with sarcoidosis.

Obstructive sleep apnea in severe mental disorders.

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is estimated to be 3-7.5% in men and 2-3% in women. In mentally ill population it is even higher, as these patients are a high risk OSA group. The aim of the paper was a review of literature about the prevalence of sleep apnoea in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and recurrent depressive disorder.The available data show that OSA is present in 15-48% of patients with schizophrenia, 21-43% of patients with bipolar disorder and 11-18% of patients with recurrent depressive disorder. The lack of diagnosis of OSA in people with mental illnesses has multiple negative consequences. The symptoms of sleep apnoea might imitate the symptoms of mental illnesses such as negative symptoms of schizophrenia and symptoms of depression, they might as well aggravate the cognitive impairment. A number of the drugs used in mental disorders may aggravate the symptoms of OSA. OSA is as well the risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases which are a serious clinical problem in mentally ill people and contribute to shortening of their expected lifespan. From the point of view of the physicians treating OSA it is important to pay attention to the fact that co-existing depression is the most common reason for resistant daytime sleepiness in OSA patients treated effectively with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). CPAP therapy leads to significant improvement of mood. However, in schizophrenia and bipolar patients it may rarely lead to acute worsening of mental state, exacerbation of psychotic symptoms or phase shift from depression to mania.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the awareness of Polish society. Report from the public opinion survey by the Polish Respiratory Society and TNS Polska

INTRODUCTION It is assumed that signs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be found in 9.3% subjects of more than 40 years of age in general population in Poland. The aim of the presented survey was to assess knowledge of COPD in adult general population in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was performed in June 2013 in a representative sample of 1,000 persons of at least 15 years of age in Poland, using standardized direct interview. RESULTS In 2013 only 3% Polish people admitted they had ever heard of COPD and knew what the acronym meant. Further 11% persons admitted having heard the term but had no further knowledge of the subject. Thus, the total of 14% persons in general population had previously heard of COPD albeit superficially. This figure is slightly higher as compared to the study performed in 2004. The second part of the study was performed in patients with COPD. Patients perceive the disease as a limiting factor in their daily lives, including negative impact on physical activity, causing loss of physical attractiveness (more often reported by women) or hurting their image of a strong and caring person (more often reported by men). The disease demands re-evaluation of the previous lifestyle, alienates patients from other people, and generates financial burden. Half of the entire studied general population either does not have any associations concerning potential causes of COPD or report various erroneous connotations (e.g. excessive alcohol consumption as a cause of the disease). Even patients with COPD have a similar view on causes of the disease. Importantly, the study revealed that awareness of the disease in smokers does not essentially differ from that in general public. Half of the res pondents admitted having no knowledge on prevention of COPD. CONCLUSIONS There is an urgent need for widespread public education on preventive measures. Study results support the need of educating both healthy subjects and patients with COPD as to how effectively reduce the risk of developing the disease. One third of all respondents has no assumptions in this regard (i.e. explicitly declares having no knowledge at all on the subject), and more than 40% subjects have various misconceptions. Educators should therefore spread information about the disease but also correct these misconceptions.

Pulmonary artery dilation indicates severe obstructive sleep apnea in patients with resistant hypertension: the Resist-POL Study.

INTRODUCTION The effect of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on right ventricular (RV) function and pulmonary circulation parameters is unclear. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine whether newly diagnosed OSA and its severity has any impact on RV performance and echocardiographic parameters of pulmonary circulation in patients with true resistant hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 155 patients (93 men and 62 women; mean age, 47.5 ±10 years). The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), end-diastolic and end-systolic area of the right ventricle, main pulmonary artery diameter (MPAd) at diastole, acceleration time (AccT), tricuspid annular systolic velocity wave, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion were evaluated. RESULTS Patients were divided into 4 groups: without OSA (AHI <5; n = 43), with mild OSA (AHI = 5-15; n = 45), moderate OSA (AHI = 15-30; n = 27), and severe OSA (AHI >30; n = 40). There were no differences in RV systolic function between the groups. Patients with severe OSA had a wider MPAd (26.0 ±2.6 vs 23.1 ±3.7 mm; P <0.0001) and shorter AccT (114.2 ±15.7 vs 133.4 ±22.1 ms; P <0.001) in comparison with patients without OSA. The cut-off for the best predictive value of severe OSA was an MPAd of 25 mm or higher with a sensitivity of 63.6% and specificity of 78.9%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for severe OSA in relation to an MPAd of 25 mm or higher was 0.766 (95% confidence interval, 0.673-0.859; P <0.0001). Factors independently associated with an MPAd of 25 mm or higher were severe OSA and nighttime diastolic blood pressure levels. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed a relationship between pulmonary artery dilation and the presence of newly diagnosed severe OSA. Among the parameters studied, an MPAd of 25 mm or higher turned out to be the most useful parameter in identifying patients with severe OSA.

Altered plasma fibrin clot properties in hypertensive patients with obstructive sleep apnoea are improved by continuous positive airway pressure treatment

Aim: We investigated plasma fibrin clot properties in high-risk hypertensive patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and assessed the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on clot phenotype. Methods: We studied 50 hypertensive patients with clinically significant OSA (age 50.0 ± 8.8 years, 39 M, 11 F). In total, 38 hypertensive patients without OSA balanced for age, sex, blood pressure, cardiovascular risk factors, and metabolic status served as controls. Plasma fibrin clot properties, including clot permeability coefficient, clot lysis time (CLT), and turbidimetric parameters of clot formation were determined. Patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography, carotid ultrasonography, evaluation of endothelial function and calcium score index of coronary arteries, and Doppler imaging of renal arteries. Results: Compared with controls, OSA patients were characterized by more compact fibrin structure (lower median clot permeability coefficient, 6.00 vs. 7.25 10−9 cm2; P < 0.001), impaired fibrinolysis (longer median CLT, 108.00 vs. 92.50 min; P < 0.001), and by faster clot formation (shorter median lag phase, 40.50 vs. 42.50 s; P = 0.041), and higher median maximum clot absorbency indicating denser fibrin networks (0.87 vs. 0.81; P = 0.028). Clot permeability coefficient and CLT correlated with apnoea–hypopnoea index (r = −0.46; P < 0.001 and r = 0.44; P < 0.001, respectively) as well with mean (r = 0.31; P = 0.003; r = −0.36; P = 0.001, respectively) and minimal oxygen saturation (r = 0.46; P < 0.001; r = −0.49; P < 0.001, respectively). After 3 months of CPAP treatment we observed an increase in clot permeability coefficient (5.95 vs. 7.60 10−9 cm2; P = 0,001), shortened CLT (107.00 vs. 87.00; P = 0.006), a longer lag phase of fibrin formation (40.00 vs. 43.50 s; P = 0.013), and a trend toward lower maximum clot absorbency (0.86 vs. 0.81; P = 0.058). Conclusion: In hypertensive patients at high cardiovascular risk, OSA was associated with unfavourable prothrombotic fibrin clot characteristics, including hypofibrinolysis, which significantly improve as early as after 3 months of CPAP treatment.

Pilot program on distance training in spirometry testing - the technology feasibility study.

INTRODUCTION Office spirometry has been widely used in recent years by general practitioners in primary care setting, thus the need for stricter monitoring of the quality of spirometry has been recognized. MATERIAL AND METHODS A spirometry counseling network of outpatients clinics was created in Poland using portable spirometer Spirotel. The spirometry data were transferred to counseling centre once a week. The tests sent to the counseling centre were analyzed by doctors experienced in the analysis of spirometric data. In justified cases they sent their remarks concerning performed tests to the centres via e-mail. RESULTS We received 878 records of spirometry tests in total. Data transmission via the telephone was 100% effective. The quality of spirometry tests performed by outpatients clinics was variable. CONCLUSIONS The use of spirometers with data transfer for training purposes seems to be advisable. There is a need to proper face-to-face training of spirometry operators before an implementation of any telemedicine technology.