CPAP for OSA after stroke improved neuro outcome, reduced cardiovascular risk

Parra et al diagnosed OSA in 140 patients hospitalized for stroke in Spain and randomized them to nasal auto-titrating CPAP or no therapy. The CPAP-treated patients had better Rankin and Canadian stroke outcome scores at all follow-up visits. They had the same rate of subsequent cardiovascular events, but events occurred at a median 15 months rather than 8, p<0.05. Cardiovascular mortality was 0% vs. 4% in controls, with a nonsignificant p=0.16. (n=140) ERJ 2011;37:1128-1136.