Improving recovery in stroke patients with sleep apnea using PAP treatment

The Recovery in Stroke Using PAP Study

Not applicable Interventional Yale University · NCT04130503

This study is testing if using a special breathing machine can help stroke patients with sleep apnea recover better and improve their quality of life compared to standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment360 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorYale University Academic / other
Locations1 site (New Haven, Connecticut)
Trial IDNCT04130503 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial is a randomized controlled trial involving approximately 180 participants who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke and have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study aims to compare the effectiveness of positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment against usual care in improving functional recovery, stroke severity, and quality of life. Additionally, it will explore the timing of PAP initiation and gather qualitative insights from patients and caregivers about their experiences with the treatment. The study also seeks to evaluate the prognostic value of sleep study measures in stroke recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals who have had an acute ischemic stroke within the last 5 days and are diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously used prescribed PAP for OSA or have other sleep disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly enhance recovery outcomes for stroke patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in improving outcomes for stroke patients with sleep apnea using similar treatment approaches.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Having an acute ischemic stroke with brain imaging within 48 hours of symptoms onset;
* Being within 5 days of neurologic symptoms onset;
* Moderate (15 =\< overall AHI \< 30) /severe (overall AHI \>= 30) OSA, thus with an obstructive apnea-hypopnea index AHI \>= 15.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Past use of prescribed PAP for OSA;
* Suspected sleep disorder other than OSA (e.g., narcolepsy) (because such patients should be referred for a formal PSG in a sleep laboratory);
* Life expectancy is less than 6 months (e.g., hospice patients);
* Patients who require mechanical ventilation (because such patients could not participate in the intervention protocol);
* Non-English language patients (because the intervention strategy involves forming a relationship between the patient and research staff);
* Central sleep apnea with \> 50% of respiratory events classified as central apnea;
* Resting oxygen saturation \< 90%.
* Inability to provide their own informed consent. To enhance the generalizability of our study, all stroke severity will be included. However, we will exclude patients who cannot provide their own consent. This is because patients will need to participate actively in the protocol with a behavioral intervention. An assessment of the patient's competence to provide consent will be made based on published recommendations.

Where this trial is running

New Haven, Connecticut

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 Ischemic StrokeObstructive Sleep Apnea
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.