Stepwise Add-on and Endotype-informed Targeted Combination Therapy to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Date
2023
Authors
Aishah, A.
Tong, B.K.Y.
Osman, A.M.
Pitcher, G.
Donegan, M.
Kwan, B.C.H.
Brown, E.
Altree, T.J.
Adams, R.
Mukherjee, S.
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Journal article
Citation
Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 2023; 20(9):1316-1325
Statement of Responsibility
Atqiya Aishah, Benjamin K. Y. Tong, Amal M. Osman, Geoffrey Pitcher, Michelle Donegan, Benjamin C. H. Kwan, Elizabeth Brown, Thomas J. Altree, Robert Adams, Sutapa Mukherjee, and Danny J. Eckert
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Abstract
Rationale: Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is an effective treatment for many people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, OSA pathogenesis is heterogeneous, and, in ∼50% of cases, OAT does not fully control OSA. Objectives: This study aimed to control OSA in individuals with an incomplete response to OAT alone by using additional targeted therapies informed by OSA endotype characterization. Methods: Twenty-three people with OSA (apnea–hypopnea index [AHI], 41 ± 19 events/h) not fully resolved (AHI, >10 events/h) with OAT alone were prospectively recruited. OSA endotypes were characterized pretherapy during a detailed physiology study night. Initially, an expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) valve and supine avoidance device therapy were added to target the impaired anatomical endotype. Those with residual OSA (AHI, >10 events/h) then received one or more nonanatomical interventions based on endotype characterization. This included O2 (4 L/min) to reduce high loop gain (unstable respiratory control) and 80/5 mg atomoxetine-oxybutynin to increase pharyngeal muscle activity. Finally, if required, OAT was combined with EPAP and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Results: Twenty participants completed the study. OSA was successfully controlled (AHI, <10 events/h) with combination therapy in all but one participant (17 of 20 without CPAP). OAT plus EPAP and supine avoidance therapy treated OSA in 10 (50%) participants. OSA was controlled in five (25%) participants with the addition of O2 therapy, one with atomoxetine-oxybutynin, and one required O2 plus atomoxetine-oxybutynin. Two participants required CPAP for their OSA, and another was CPAP intolerant. Conclusions: These novel prospective findings highlight the potential of precision medicine to inform targeted combination therapy to treat OSA.
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