Abstract

ORTIZ NARETTO, Alvaro Emilio  and  BORSINI, Eduardo. Central Sleep Apnea and Periodic Breathing. Rev. am. med. respir. [online]. 2020, vol.20, n.2, pp.150-161. ISSN 1852-236X.

Central sleep apnea is caused by a temporary failure of the ponto-medullary center that is responsible for generating rhythmic breathing. It can be a physiological finding during the sleep-wake transition or be present for multiple causes. Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome, use of opioids and treatment with CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) are the most frequent in clinical practice, while in healthy subjects central apneas are related to high altitude during recreational exposure. This study reviews the physiopathology of central apneas, their classification, the current rules for their identification in sleep studies and a practical approach to the therapeutic options available.

Keywords : Central sleep apnea; Periodic breathing; CPAP; Adaptive servo-ventilation.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )