1355 Sodium Oxybate-Associated Central Sleep Apnea in Idiopathic Hypersomnia

Abstract Introduction It is estimated that as many as 50% of patients with Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH) have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Treatment of IH and OSA becomes complex due to overlapping symptoms. We present a case of a patient with a history of OSA and IH who developed treatment-emergent Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) after initiation of low-sodium oxybate therapy while on PAP therapy. Report of case(s) A 37-year-old female with a history of IH and OSA presented for evaluation of persistent hypersomnia despite adherent CPAP use, low-sodium oxybate, and stimulant therapy. The patient was diagnosed with IH in adolescence, and hypersomnia was well-controlled with stimulant therapy. Years later, after significant weight gain, OSA was diagnosed and treated with auto-adjusting CPAP. She experienced a gradual worsening of hypersomnolence despite control of OSA on CPAP and was trialed on other stimulants, which were ineffective. The patient was subsequently started on low-sodium oxybate therapy, which moderately improved hypersomnia symptoms. After initiation of therapy, PAP-generated AHI was noted to be elevated with predominantly central apneas, which was not present on prior sleep studies or PAP reports. She completed 2 separate unsuccessful titration studies in which CPAP, BPAP, and BPAP-ST were ineffective at controlling central events. Patient is planned for ASV titration and possible reduction in low-sodium oxybate dose. Conclusion The ongoing hypersomnia and central sleep apneas may be associated with sodium oxybate and/or CPAP therapy. This poses a challenge to management as a reduction in the dose of sodium oxybate might worsen hypersomnia. Our case emphasizes the importance of evaluating the complex treatment needs of patients with IH and coexisting OSA who develop treatment-emergent central sleep apnea and persistent hypersomnia while using low-sodium oxybate and PAP therapy. Support (if any)

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
SLEEP
Published
2026-05-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsag091.1354
Primary Topic
Sleep and Wakefulness Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

1355 Sodium Oxybate-Associated Central Sleep Apnea in Idiopathic Hypersomnia

Punithavathy Vijayakumar, Troy Cisneros
SLEEP
Sleep and Wakefulness Research
article

1355 Sodium Oxybate-Associated Central Sleep Apnea in Idiopathic Hypersomnia

Punithavathy Vijayakumar, Troy Cisneros
article en

Abstract

Abstract Introduction It is estimated that as many as 50% of patients with Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH) have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Treatment of IH and OSA becomes complex due to overlapping symptoms. We present a case of a patient with a history of OSA and IH who developed treatment-emergent Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) after initiation of low-sodium oxybate therapy while on PAP therapy. Report of case(s) A 37-year-old female with a history of IH and OSA presented for evaluation of persistent hypersomnia despite adherent CPAP use, low-sodium oxybate, and stimulant therapy. The patient was diagnosed with IH in adolescence, and hypersomnia was well-controlled with stimulant therapy. Years later, after significant weight gain, OSA was diagnosed and treated with auto-adjusting CPAP. She experienced a gradual worsening of hypersomnolence despite control of OSA on CPAP and was trialed on other stimulants, which were ineffective. The patient was subsequently started on low-sodium oxybate therapy, which moderately improved hypersomnia symptoms. After initiation of therapy, PAP-generated AHI was noted to be elevated with predominantly central apneas, which was not present on prior sleep studies or PAP reports. She completed 2 separate unsuccessful titration studies in which CPAP, BPAP, and BPAP-ST were ineffective at controlling central events. Patient is planned for ASV titration and possible reduction in low-sodium oxybate dose. Conclusion The ongoing hypersomnia and central sleep apneas may be associated with sodium oxybate and/or CPAP therapy. This poses a challenge to management as a reduction in the dose of sodium oxybate might worsen hypersomnia. Our case emphasizes the importance of evaluating the complex treatment needs of patients with IH and coexisting OSA who develop treatment-emergent central sleep apnea and persistent hypersomnia while using low-sodium oxybate and PAP therapy. Support (if any)

SLEEPVol. 49(Supplement_1)
University of Michigan (US)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Sleep and Wakefulness Research
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.