The Journal of physiology
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The Journal of physiology · Mar 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialAcetazolamide improves loop gain but not the other physiological traits causing obstructive sleep apnoea.
There is some evidence to suggest that acetazolamide may improve obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, how acetazolamide affects the key traits causing OSA remains uncertain. We aimed to investigate the effect of acetazolamide on the traits contributing to OSA and its severity. ⋯ There was a modest correlation between the percentage reduction in LG and the percentage reduction in AHI (r =0.660, P =0.05). Our findings suggest that acetazolamide can improve OSA, probably due to reductions in the sensitivity of the ventilatory control system. Identification of patients who may benefit from reductions in LG alone or in combination with other therapies to alter the remaining traits may facilitate pharmacological resolution of OSA in the future.
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The Journal of physiology · Mar 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialEffects of acetazolamide on cerebrovascular function and breathing stability at 5050 m.
One of the many actions of the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, acetazolamide (ACZ), is to accelerate acclimatisation and reduce periodic breathing during sleep. The mechanism(s) by which ACZ may improve breathing stability, especially at high altitude, remain unclear. We tested the hypothesis that acute I. ⋯ V. ACZ elevates cerebrovascular reactivity and improves breathing stability at altitude, independent of changes in peripheral or central chemoreflex sensitivities. We speculate that Pa,CO₂-mediated elevations in cerebral perfusion and an enhanced cerebrovascular reactivity may partly account for the improved breathing stability following ACZ at high altitude.