American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Sep 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Arrhythmia in Atrial Fibrillation and Sleep Apnea: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Rationale: Sleep apnea (SA) is highly prevalent in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), and both conditions are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Objectives: To determine the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on AF burden. Methods: This open-label, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial included patients with paroxysmal AF and moderate to severe SA (apnea-hypopnea index ⩾15). ⋯ Seven serious adverse events (13%) occurred in the CPAP group, and two (4%) occurred in the control group. Conclusions: In patients with paroxysmal AF and SA, treatment with CPAP did not result in a statistically significant reduction in the burden of AF. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02727192).