Publications by authors named "C Stepnowsky"

Study Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common chronic medical condition that results in impaired daytime functioning. While the link between OSA and cardiovascular disease is important, there has been increasing recognition of the impact of OSA on daytime functioning and experience. Better insight into illness perceptions can help better understand how to initiate and maintain treatment.

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Article Synopsis
  • The Sleep Program at the VA San Diego Healthcare System analyzed data from over 8,900 home sleep apnea tests (HSAT) conducted between 2018 and 2022, observing a decrease in the severity of obstructive sleep apnea over time.
  • The mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) significantly dropped from 40.4/hour in 2004 to 24.3/hour in 2022, indicating improvements in sleep apnea cases overall, although mild cases have become more common.
  • The findings suggest a need for alternative treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, especially for patients with mild cases who may struggle with adherence to traditional CPAP therapy.
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is exceedingly common but often under-treated. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has long been considered the gold standard of OSA therapy. Limitations to CPAP therapy include adherence and availability.

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Background: Evaluation and interpretation of the literature on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) allows for consolidation and determination of the key factors important for clinical management of the adult OSA patient. Toward this goal, an international collaborative of multidisciplinary experts in sleep apnea evaluation and treatment have produced the International Consensus statement on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (ICS:OSA).

Methods: Using previously defined methodology, focal topics in OSA were assigned as literature review (LR), evidence-based review (EBR), or evidence-based review with recommendations (EBR-R) formats.

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Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder prevalent in >10% of individuals diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first-line therapy for OSA, but many do not use it enough during sleep to effectively manage OSA. The OVERLAP study compared (PC)-structured web-based peer-coaching education and support intervention versus (RC)-education and support based on limited scheduled interactions and patient-initiated contacts.

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