Royal Philips, a major sponsor of the Sleep apnea cardiovascular endpoints (SAVE) study, which examines the impact of leading obstructive sleep apnea treatment on cardiovascular disease, has announced that the study has reached its enrolment goal of 2,500 patients, spread across seven countries and 84 hospitals and medical institutions.
Launched in 2008, the multi-centre, randomised, controlled trial examines the effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment over a two to seven year period, comparing the treatment of CPAP plus standard care with standard care alone. SAVE, the largest study of its kind, takes a global view of how obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease affect patients worldwide, a press release reports.
According to the press release, obstructive sleep apnea is a condition currently estimated to affect 100 million people worldwide. It is commonly associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. While it is known that treatment is needed for cardiovascular patients with sleep apnea, studies are just now being conducted to examine the preventative effects of treatment on the progression or development of cardiovascular disease. The Philips-sponsored SAVE study aims to determine the effects of CPAP treatment in preventing heart attack, stroke or heart failure in high-risk patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
“Philips’ support is crucial to ensuring our results are conclusive,” says Doug McEvoy, senior director, Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health, and principal investigator for the SAVE study. “As we look toward our next milestone and the completion of the study, we will continue to focus on how best to engage our patients so they are active participants in their own health and treatment. We are looking forward to what the results could mean to the millions affected with these diseases around the globe.”
“The results of this study could radically change clinical practices and approaches to both sleep apnea and cardiovascular health,” says Mark Aloia, senior director of global clinical research at Philips Healthcare. “If the results prove positive, it will be a major advancement in determining whether positive airway pressure therapy has a role in preventing cardiovascular disease and its progression in people with sleep disorder breathing.”
