Summary: | Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by a narrowing and collapse of the upper airway during sleep. The prevalence of OSA is reported to be 15% in males and 5% in females. The major symptoms include snoring, unrefreshing sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), lack of concentration, impaired memory, and lower quality of life. Aging, the male sex, and obesity are the main risk factors for OSA. Untreated OSA is associated with motor vehicle accidents, cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, cognitive dysfunction, and all-cause mortality. Given the range of clinical presentation, symptoms, and severity, recommending the most appropriate treatment for OSA patients can be challenging. To facilitate decision-making, CADTH conducted a health technology assessment (HTA) on the clinical effectiveness and costeffectiveness of interventions for the treatment of OSA in adults. Patient perspectives and experiences, ethical and implementation issues, and environmental factors related to therapy selection for OSA in adults were also considered in an evaluation of the appropriate use of OSA interventions
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