Sleep apnea may contribute to PE recurrence

“It is tempting to speculate that OSA and obesity may additively or synergistically lead to upregulation of procoagulant activity that may intensify the risk of PE recurrence.”

Dr Alonso-Fernández and his colleagues believe that knowing OSA is an independent risk factor for recurrent PE can help physicians better understand treatment options. CPAP use is a proven intervention for OSA, and patients with OSA may need to stay on anticoagulation therapy longer to reduce their risk for another PE.

“Given the high prevalence of OSA in patients with PE, the procoagulable state induced by the intermittent hypoxia, and the risk for PE recurrence, the potential of CPAP and/or extend oral anticoagulation to reduce PE recurrence and mortality in patients with PE and OSA clearly warrants further study,” Dr Alonso-Fernández concluded.