Sleep Apnea in ALS - The Impact of a Sleep Breathing Disorder in a Progressive Disease

Peclorio AS and Vineila AL

Published on: 2023-10-26

Abstract

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor disease known to be associated with respiratory sleep disturbances.

Methods: To better understand respiratory sleep disturbances in ALS patients, we conducted a study involving ALS patients who attended Pulmonology consultations over a 23-month period. Our primary goal was to characterize ALS patients with sleep apnea (SA) and distinguish them from those without SA.

Results: We identified a total of 46 patients, with 32 patients providing valid samples for our study. The medullary type of ALS was the most common clinical presentation. Notably, 75% of patients reported respiratory and sleep-related symptoms during their first consultation (n=24). SA was diagnosed in 75% of the patients and 22 out of 32 patients (69%) initiated non-invasive ventilation (NIV) treatment.

Conclusion: Our study revealed that respiratory and sleep-related symptoms, SA and nocturnal hypoventilation are common in ALS patients. Most ALS patients with SA experienced mild forms of the condition. Early diagnosis of respiratory-sleep disturbances and the timely initiation of NIV treatment are crucial to improve the quality of life and prognosis of ALS patients.