Perioperative auto-titrated continuous positive airway pressure (APAP) treatment significantly reduced apnea hypopnea index (AHI) post-op and improved oxygen saturation in patients with moderate and severe OSA, according to Canadian researchers.

Investigators at the University of Toronto found that patients who received APAP for two to three nights before surgery and five nights after surgery had a better experience postoperatively. Of those who received the treatment, the median AHI was 3 events per hour on the third postoperative night, compared to 32 events per hour experienced by members of the control group, which received routine care. The APAP group also had better oxygenation in their postoperative nights.

“Since physician anesthesiologists function as perioperative physicians before, during and after surgery, it is important we help identify patients with OSA,” said Frances Chung, MBBS, professor, department of anesthesia, University of Toronto, Ontario. “In the preoperative clinic, we evaluate and educate patients regarding anesthesia. As airway experts, this is a great opportune time to treat patients for OSA.”