Schlafbezogene Atmungsstörungen – Update 2021

BACKGROUND: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and other sleep disorders are very common conditions that can contribute to significant losses in quality of life, ability to work, and prognosis. OBJECTIVES: What were the new findings in sleep and respiratory medicine between November 2019 and October 2021 that significantly impact the care of patients with SDB? METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted between November 2019 and October 2021 and the most relevant articles were selected. RESULTS: The most relevant findings for the care of patients with SDB were: 1) Continuos positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy may reduce arterial blood pressure in patients with SDB, but does not reduce the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke in asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic patients with SDB. 2) After it was shown in recent years that in selected patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are effective treatment options, MADs have also been reimbursable as second-line therapy after CPAP since 2021. 3) Solriamfetol and pitolisant have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the indication of residual daytime sleepiness in patients with OSA. 4) Telemedicine techniques may be helpful in the long-term management of patients with SDB. CONCLUSIONS: The studies discussed provide relevant results for the care of patients with SDB.