[Central sleep apnoea syndrome]

Abstract

In central sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS), there is a dysfunction in central ventilatory command. Patients with central SAS can exhibit symptoms and complications linked to unstable sleep caused by apnoea and certain specific mechanisms (chronic and intermittent hypoxia). Central SAS is linked to several diseases which should be investigated before treatment. Treatment depends on underlying conditions and should focus on alleviating symptoms. Possible treatments include nocturnal non invasive ventilation and/or oxygen, and oral medications. Chronic heart failure with LVEF<45% is a contraindication to servo-assisted ventilation. Several observational French studies are currently enrolling patients to gain knowledge on disease and the impact of treatment.