The effectiveness of catheter ablation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea with/without use of continuous positive airway pressure: results of a 12-month follow-up

Aim. To assess the effectiveness of catheter ablation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with moderate/severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with/without use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy (>4 hours per night).Material and methods. A total of 60 patients with paroxysmal AF and moderate/severe OSA after catheter pulmonary vein isolation were randomized into 2 groups (2:1 ratio): CPAP group (n=40) and control group (n=20). The follow-up period was 12 months and included visits after 3, 6 and 12 months. The effectiveness of catheter ablation was assessed after the 3-month blind period.Results. Freedom from arrhythmia in patients with CPAP therapy was documented in 82,9% and was significantly more common compared with the control group — 47,5% (p=0,032). Concurrent hypertension was a predictor of arrhythmia recurrence (odds ratio 24,1; 95% confidence interval 2,2-261,2).Conclusion. Treatment of OSA with CPAP therapy improves the effectiveness of catheter ablation in paroxysmal AF during a 12-month follow-up.