Long-term effects of surgical treatment on baroreflex function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: an 18-month follow-up

Objective: Depressed baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is reported in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Improvement of BRS short-term after surgical treatment is also reported. We tested the hypothesis that surgical treatment not only improves clinical outcomes, but also improves BRS after 18 months. Methods: Cardiovascular autonomic tests, polysomnography (PSG), and biochemical testing were prospectively evaluated in 54 OSA patients at three time points (preoperatively, 6 months and 18 months postoperatively) and compared with 20, age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched, healthy controls. Results: The BRS increased after surgical treatment at 18-month follow-up, with results similar to the healthy control. Additionally, average O₂, mO₂ <90% (% per night), and lowest O₂ showed an increase after surgical treatment at the 18-month follow-up. Conclusions: Besides improvement in clinical outcomes, depressed BRS in OSA patients is reversible and these patients have the potential for total recovery of baroreflex function after 18 months of treatment.