Non-dipping nocturnal blood pressure correlates with obstructive sleep apnoea severity in normotensive subjects and may reverse with therapy.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is strongly associated with systemic hypertension, but there are limited data on the relationship with blood pressure (BP) in normotensive subjects. Here, we examined the relationship of OSA with nocturnal BP in a documented diurnal normotensive cohort, explored potential intermediate pathways and assessed the effects on BP of continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) therapy.

Methods: 65 males referred for assessment of possible OSA and normotensive on 24-hour BP monitoring underwent overnight inpatient polysomnography (age 41±7 years, body mass index (BMI) 34±6 kg·m, apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) 14 (interquartile range 5-26)).

A clinical investigation into the ability of subjects with lung disease to provide breath specimens using the EvidenzerIRL evidential breath analyser in alcohol intoxicant driving in criminal justice evidence.

The EvidenzerIRL instrument has been in use as an evidential breath analyser in the application of drink driving laws in the Republic of Ireland since 2011. The result of the analysis is used as evidence in prosecutions before the Courts in per se offences of driving under the influence of alcohol as distinct from screening results at the roadside. This study aims to assist doctors, lawyers and judges in assessing drivers' failure to provide valid evidential breath specimens.

Impact of obstructive sleep apnoea on cognitive function in multiple sclerosis: A longitudinal study.

Cognitive impairment (CI) and fatigue are common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), with well-known profound effects on quality of life. Sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), are also common in MS patients. The presence of CI has previously been shown to strongly correlate with OSA diagnosed using polysomnography in MS.

A clinical investigation into the ability of subjects with a lung disease to provide breath specimens using the Dräger 6510.

In the enforcement of drink driving laws failing to provide a breath specimen for alcohol analysis at the roadside when requested by a Police Officer is an offence in many countries. Some drivers claim that a lung disease prevented their ability to be successful. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the presence of a lung disease and the ability to provide a successful breath specimen using the Dräger 6510 screening device.

Relationship between pulmonary hyperinflation and dyspnoea severity during acute exacerbations of cystic fibrosis.

Background And Objective: Acute exacerbations of cystic fibrosis (CF) occur frequently throughout the course of the disease. Dyspnoea is the most common and distressing symptom experienced by patients during these episodes. We tested the hypothesis that pulmonary hyperinflation is an important determinant of dyspnoea severity during acute exacerbations.

Invariant Natural Killer T Cell Deficiency and Functional Impairment in Sleep Apnea: Links to Cancer Comorbidity.

Study Objectives: Emerging evidence links obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with increased cancer incidence and mortality. Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells play an important role in cancer immunity. We hypothesized that patients with OSA have low number of circulating invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, which may also be functionally impaired.

Severity of obstructive sleep apnoea predicts coronary artery plaque burden: a coronary computed tomographic angiography study.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Carotid ultrasonography and retrospective, uncontrolled, coronary imaging studies have suggested an association of OSA with subclinical atherosclerosis, but there is a lack of prospective, controlled studies directly evaluating the relationship of OSA with occult coronary artery disease. We performed coronary computed tomographic angiography and inpatient-attended sleep studies on a cohort of otherwise healthy males attending our sleep laboratory, and compared coronary artery plaque volume between subjects with low and high apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) scores.

Weight Care Project: Health professionals' attitudes and ability to assess body weight status - study protocol.

Background: Health professionals working in primary care and public health have opportunities to address body weight status issues with their patients through face-to-face contact. The objectives of this all-Ireland project are: 1. to assess the attitudes, current practices/behaviours and knowledge of key health professional groups on body weight status; 2.

Effects of heated humidification and topical steroids on compliance, nasal symptoms, and quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome using nasal continuous positive airway pressure.

Background: Nasal side effects are common in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) starting on nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. We tested the hypothesis that heated humidification or nasal topical steroids improve compliance, nasal side effects and quality of life in this patient group.

Methods: 125 patients with the established diagnosis of OSAS (apnea/hypopnea index > or = 10/h), who tolerated CPAP via a nasal mask, and who had a successful CPAP titration were randomized to 4 weeks of dry CPAP, humidified CPAP or CPAP with additional topical nasal steroid application (fluticasone, GlaxoWellcome).

Effects of salmeterol on sleeping oxygen saturation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Sleep is associated with important adverse effects in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as disturbed sleep quality and gas exchange, including hypoxemia and hypercapnia. The effects of inhaled long-acting beta(2)-agonist therapy (LABA) on these disturbances are unclear.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of inhaled salmeterol on nocturnal sleeping arterial oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) and sleep quality.

Auto-adjusting versus fixed positive pressure therapy in mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea.

Study Objectives: To determine if auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) would be better tolerated on the basis of delivering a lower mean pressure in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS).

Design: Patients spent 8 weeks on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and 8 weeks on APAP in a randomized crossover design.

Setting: Respiratory Sleep Disorders Unit in a University Hospital and the patient's home.

Cardiovascular risk markers in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and correlation with obesity.

Background: High C-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine levels are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Some, but not all, previous studies have reported increased levels of CRP and homocysteine in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). A study was undertaken to investigate the levels of these factors in carefully selected patients with OSAS and matched normal controls.

Hurling alone? How social capital failed to save the Irish from cardiovascular disease in the United States.

Objectives: We performed a historical review of cardiovascular risk profiles of Irish immigrants to the United States, 1850-1970, in regard to lifestyle, socio-economic circumstances, and social capital.

Methods: We analyzed US Census data from 1850-1970, area-based social and epidemiological data from Boston, data from Ireland's National Nutrition Surveillance Centre, and literature on Irish migration.

Results: The Irish were consistently at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, a risk that related initially to material deprivation, across the life course of at least 2 generations.

Effect of social variation on the Irish diet.

Both jurisdictions of Ireland have high rates of chronic degenerative diseases, particularly of the cardiovascular system, and Irish migrants have worse health profiles, often lasting at least two generations. The influence of socio-demographic variation over the life course, and what role diet plays, has not been well researched in epidemiological terms. There is a long history of an unusual Irish diet.

Dieting patterns and related lifestyles of school-aged children in the Republic of Ireland.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify differences in food habits and lifestyle behaviours by dieting status among young people in Ireland.

Design: Cross-sectional survey. Participants responded to a self-completion questionnaire designed by researchers on the World Health Organization's collaborative study - Health Behaviour in School Aged Children.