Study of CPAP Treatment Impact on COPD Exacerbations in Adults with COPD-OSA Overlap Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the combined impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD and Obstructive Sleep Apnea OSA, known as Overlap Syndrome CO-OS, which affects a significant portion of adults. Observational studies suggest that untreated OSA in CO-OS patients may worsen outcomes, including higher mortality and more frequent COPD exacerbations. However, controlled studies are needed to confirm whether treatment with continuous positive airway pressure CPAP improves these outcomes. This open-label randomized controlled trial will enroll patients with both COPD and moderate to severe OSA, confirmed by sleep testing, who will be randomly assigned to one year of CPAP treatment or no OSA treatment. Participants with mild or central apnea will be excluded. The trial will include follow-up visits at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months to monitor COPD exacerbations, cardiovascular events, mortality, and quality of life. Additional lung function and exercise tests will be performed at the start and end of the study. During the study, participants will undergo assessments including polysomnography, arterial blood gases, lung function tests, 6-minute walk tests, and questionnaires about symptoms and sleep quality. Researchers will track the number and severity of COPD exacerbations and cardiovascular events over one year. The study will analyze results for all participants and specifically for those who use CPAP for at least 4 hours per day. Safety and effectiveness will be monitored throughout the trial period.

Impact of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on the Occurrence of Acute Exacerbations of COPD in Patients With COPD-OSA Overlap Syndrome (CO-OS)