Effect of continuous positive airway pressure on ventricular remodeling of patients with combined diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea: a cross-sectional study and follow-on randomized clinical trial

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are independently associated with adverse left (LV) and right (RV) ventricular remodeling. However, little is known about the effect of T2DM and OSA overlap and any additional impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Methods: In this prospective study, 141 participants (Control: 28; T2DM only: 27; OSA only: 29; T2DM + OSA: 57) underwent sleep testing and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Subsequently, 53 with T2DM + OSA were randomized in a 3-month, parallel-arm, trial comparing active and sham CPAP. Measures of interest were LV and RV remodeling indices (mass/volume). Results: Groups were of similar sex; T2DM + OSA participants were older and had a higher BMI. At baseline, LV remodeling index (g/ml) was higher in T2DM + OSA (0.67 ± 0.12; 0.71 ± 0.10; 0.75 ± 0.13; 0.78 ± 0.16* respectively, p = 0.01vs. control), whereas RV remodeling index was similar (0.19 ± 0.03; 0.20 ± 0.03; 0.20 ± 0.03; 0.21 ± 0.04; p = 0.33). The difference in LV remodeling index persisted after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI (p < 0.001). The diagnoses of OSA only (b coefficient: 0.08, p = 0.04), and of OSA + T2DM (interaction term; b coefficient: 0.11, p < 0.01) were associated with adverse LV but not RV remodeling. CPAP treatment for 3 months prevented progression of adverse LV remodeling [difference: CPAP: −0.01 (−0.08, 0.08) g/ml; sham: 0.11 (−0.03, 0.17) g/ml; p = 0.03)] but not RV remodeling [difference: CPAP: 0.01 (−0.04, 0.08) g/ml; sham: 0.003 (−0.02, 0.04) g/ml; p = 0.82)]. Conclusion: The overlap of T2DM and OSA had an incremental effect on adverse LV remodeling but not RV remodeling. CPAP prevented the progression of LV but not RV remodeling.