Prospective Evaluation of New Metrics to Assess Cardiovascular Remodeling in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

NCT07427589 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 270

Last updated 2026-02-23

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

The goal of this prospective study is to gain insight into the endophenotypic variation in OSA, with a focus on the underlying pathophysiological traits and the cardiovascular alterations associated with the condition. To capture the variability in OSA endophenotypes, novel metrics that extend beyond the AHI will be considered, with particular attention to the sleep-apnea-specific hypoxic burden, the sleep-apnea-specific heart rate response, and pulse wave amplitude drops (PWADs). Since the impact of treatment on cardiovascular parameters remains an important point of interest, the effects of different treatment modalities on cardiovascular changes will be investigated, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), mandibular advancement devices (MADs), and hypoglossal nerve stimulation.

Conditions

Interventions

DEVICE

Continuous positive airway pressure

CPAP remains the most commonly used treatment modality and is considered as the gold standard for patients with OSA because of its high efficacy and noninvasive nature. CPAP therapy is indicated for patients with moderate to severe OSA (AHI ≥ 15/h) or for those with a lower AHI with symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness. It is effective in reducing nocturnal obstructive events by delivering continuous positive airway pressure, which functions as a pneumatic splint to keep the upper airway open and prevent pharyngeal collapse during sleep \[16\]. CPAP therapy generally improves sleep parameters, enhances blood oxygen saturation and causes disappearing of OSA-related symptoms. Although CPAP is really effective in treating OSA, many patients struggle with intolerance and long-term adherence remains a significant challenge.

DEVICE

Mandibular advancement device

Mandibular advancement device (MAD) has become a widely recognized non-invasive treatment alternative for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. It is primarily indicated for mild to moderate OSA and lately also for severe OSA patients. These MADs are worn intraorally during the night and attach to both upper and lower dental arches, protrude the lower jaw to widen and reopen the upper airway.

DEVICE

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) is a novel and unique therapeutic option for patients with moderate-to-severe OSA who cannot be treated effectively with CPAP or MAD. In contrast to traditional reconstructive procedures for OSA, which focus only on anatomical adjustments, HNS integrates a surgical implantation process with an adjustable medical device to open the upper airway through neuromodulation of the hypoglossal nerve.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University Hospital, Antwerp

    lead OTHER

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-03-31
Primary Completion
2029-12-31
Completion
2029-12-31

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07427589 on ClinicalTrials.gov