Sleep Study-Guided Multidisciplinary Therapy for Patients Presenting With Acute Coronary Syndrome
The aim of this randomized, open-label clinical trial is to determine the impact of Sleep Study-Guided Multidisciplinary Therapy (SGMT, i.e. continuous positive airway pressure and behavioral therapy) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the sub-acute phase of acute coronary syndrome on cardiovascular outcomes. We hypothesize that SGMT will result in a lower (1) plasma NT-pro BNP, ST2 levels and hs-CRP, (2) 10-year risk of cardiovascular mortality based on the European SCORE algorithm, and (3) cardiovascular event rate, when compared with Standard Therapy. OSA is an emerging cardiac risk factor and prognostic marker. We have reported that OSA is a prevalent and independent predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome. In this clinical trial, a continuation of my research and publication trajectory, 180 patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome will be randomly assigned to SGMT (n=90) or Standard Therapy (n=90) groups. Both groups will receive guideline-mandated treatment for acute coronary syndrome. Those assigned to SGMT will undergo a sleep study. Those found to have OSA will attend the SGMT clinic run by a multidisciplinary team. Advice on continuous positive airway pressure and behavioral therapy (weight loss, exercise, positional therapy, abstinence of alcohol and sleeping pills) will be given. The primary endpoint is plasma NT-pro BNP concentration at 6-month follow-up. The secondary endpoints are ST2, hs-CRP, 10-year risk of cardiovascular mortality based on the European SCORE algorithm which includes age, sex, smoking status, systolic blood pressure, and serum total cholesterol or total/HDL-cholesterol ratio. Adverse cardiovascular events at 3-year follow-up will be determined. In our aging population with an increasing prevalence of obesity, OSA will potentially become an increasingly important contributor to cardiovascular disease. Leveraging the collective expertise of a team of cardiologists and sleep physicians, our work will benefit society by advancing our understanding of the cardiovascular benefits of screening for and treating OSA.
Start: July 2016