Effect of CPAP on blood conditions in sleep apnea patients

CPAP Effect on the Polycythemia in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Phase 4 Interventional Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal · NCT06089603

This study is testing if using a CPAP machine can help improve blood conditions in people with sleep apnea and high red blood cell levels compared to standard medication.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment182 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorHospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal Academic / other
Locations1 site (Madrid, Madrid)
Trial IDNCT06089603 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on hematocrit levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and polycythemia. Participants aged 18 to 80 diagnosed with moderate to severe OSA will be randomized into two groups: one receiving CPAP treatment and the other receiving conventional pharmacological treatment. Over a 12-month period, patients will undergo regular assessments including questionnaires on sleepiness and quality of life, anthropometric measurements, and blood tests to monitor changes in hematocrit and other health parameters. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of CPAP in reducing polycythemia in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 with a diagnosis of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and polycythemia.

Not a fit: Patients with central sleep apnea, severe heart failure, or primary polycythemia are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment approach for managing polycythemia in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on the specific effects of CPAP on polycythemia, similar studies have shown positive outcomes in managing sleep apnea-related conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects from 18 to 80 years old.
* Diagnosis of polycytemia defined as hematocrit \> 49% in men and \> 48% in women. ç
* Diagnosis of moderate or severe sleep apnea, defined by an apnea-hypoapnea index \>15. - Patients able to read and understand informed consent and give their signed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Smokers or former smokers with pack-year index (IPA\>30) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosed by spirometry (FEV1/FVC post-bronchodilator below the lower limit of normal or z score \< 1.645).
* Patients with central sleep apnea or periodic breathing
* Patients with oxygen saturation \<92% or pO2\< 60 mmHg at rest during wakefulness. - Evidence of severe heart failure (LVEF\<50) or pulmonary hypertension.
* Patients with primary polyglobulia (polycythemia vera). It will be done prior to the inclusion in the study blood levels of erythropoietin (EPO) and determination of the mutation of the JAK2 V617F gene. Patients with normal or elevated EPO levels (normal limits 2.9- 25.9 mU/ml) and no JAK2 V617F gene mutation
* Patients with any active neoplasm will be included in the study. - Patients with chronic kidney disease (Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) \<60 mL/min/1.73 m2).
* Patients with any active neoplasia.- Patients with chronic kidney disease (Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) \<60 mL/min/1.73 m2).
* Need for periodic bleeding according to hematology guidelines.
* Treatment with diuretics.
* Treatment with antiplatelets or anticoagulants.
* Systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110 mmHg at the baseline visit.
* Stroke, transient ischemic attack, acute coronary syndrome or hospitalization due to worsening heart failure, in the previous 30 days .
* Professional drivers, high-risk profession or respiratory failure (according to criteria of the clinical path of diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related respiratory disorders).
* High daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale \> 16)
* Previous treatment with CPAP- Participation in another clinical trial within 30 days prior to randomization.

Where this trial is running

Madrid, Madrid

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sleep Apnea, ObstructivePolycythemia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.