Prognosis

No long-term follow-up studies are available to evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients with CSA following treatment except for the sub-group with congestive heart failure (CHF). CSA with a Cheyne-Stokes breathing pattern (CSA-CSB) is an independent risk factor for death or transplant in these patients. The activation of the sympathetic nervous system that occurs during apnoeic episodes is thought to be a major contributor. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure improves sleep quality, nocturnal oxygen levels, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), but does not appear to improve mortality.[22] In contrast, adaptive servo-ventilation has been associated with increased mortality rates in CHF patients with reduced ejection fraction and CSA.[22][45]​​​​​

Further longitudinal studies are needed to accurately identify the long-term impact of ASV and other forms of positive airway pressure in patients with CSA and CHF with varied LVEFs, as well as those with preserved ejection fraction.[45]​[55]​​​

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