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The potential importance of the obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSA) has been recognized only in the last few years. Epidemiological studies suggest that symptomatic OSA occurs in 1-2% of middle-aged men and in approximately half that number of women. The relation of OSA to vascular disease is uncertain and the main indication for treatment is the relief of disabling sleepiness. Two recent evidence based analyses have produced diametrically opposed conclusions on the efficacy of treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, recent controlled studies confirm the overwhelming clinical experience of benefit. Facilities for the investigation and treatment of patients with OSA in the UK are subject to severe financial constraints and the availability of CPAP treatment lags markedly behind that in other countries for which data are available.

Type

Journal article

Journal

J R Coll Physicians Lond

Publication Date

11/1998

Volume

32

Pages

540 - 544

Keywords

Age Distribution, Aged, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Positive-Pressure Respiration, Prevalence, Prognosis, Sex Distribution, Sleep Apnea Syndromes, United Kingdom