NCT03736382 · Wayne State University
Mild Intermittent Hypoxia and Its Multipronged Effect on Sleep Apnea
What this study is about
Mild intermittent hypoxia (IH) initiates sustained increases in chest wall and upper airway muscle activity in humans. This sustained increase is a form of respiratory plasticity known as long-term facilitation (LTF). Repeated daily exposure to mild IH that leads to the initiation of LTF of upper airway muscle activity could lead to increased stability of the upper airway.
View original scientific description
Mild intermittent hypoxia (IH) initiates sustained increases in chest wall and upper airway muscle activity in humans. This sustained increase is a form of respiratory plasticity known as long-term facilitation (LTF). Repeated daily exposure to mild IH that leads to the initiation of LTF of upper airway muscle activity could lead to increased stability of the upper airway. In line with PI's laboratory's mandate to develop innovative therapies to treat sleep apnea, this increased stability could ultimately reduce the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) required to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and improve compliance with this gold standard treatment. Improved compliance could ultimately serve to mitigate those comorbidities linked to sleep apnea. Moreover, in addition to improving CPAP compliance numerous studies indicate that mild IH has many direct beneficial effects on cardiovascular, neurocognitive and metabolic function. Thus, mild IH could serve as a multipronged therapeutic approach to treat sleep apnea. In accordance with this postulation, our proposal will determine if repeated daily exposure to mild IH serves as an adjunct therapy coupled with CPAP to mitigate associated co-morbidities via its direct effects on a variety of cardiovascular, metabolic and neurocognitive measures and indirectly by improving CPAP compliance. Modifications in autonomic (i.e. sympathetic nervous system activity) and cardiovascular (i.e. blood pressure) function will be the primary outcome measures coupled to secondary measures of metabolic and neurocognitive outcomes.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Body mass index \< 40 kg/m\^2.
- 18 to 60 years old.
- Newly diagnosed sleep apnea (i.e. apnea/hypopnea index \< 100 events per hour - average nocturnal oxygen saturation \> 85 %) that has not been treated.
- Diagnosed with prehypertension or Stage 1 hypertension as categorized by the American Heart Association
- Not pregnant.
- Normal lung function.
- Minimal alcohol consumption (i.e. no more than the equivalent of a glass of wine/day)
- A typical sleep/wake schedule (i.e. participants will not be night shift workers or have recently travelled across time zones).
- For spinal cord injured participants (Aim-2): incomplete spinal cord lesions at C3 or below and above T12 (greater than 36 mos. post-SCI) without joint contractures but with signs of voluntary ankle, knee and hip movements and the ability to ambulate at least one step without human assistance.
Exclusion criteria
- Any disease other than high blood pressure and sleep apnea.
- Medications for high blood pressure and sleep promoting supplements including melatonin
- Current effective CPAP usage (greater than 4 hours per night).
- Night Shift workers or recently traveled across time zones.
Where
- Detroit, Michigan
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 19, 2024 · Source of record for eligibility and locations