Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42043458›Full record

SynthesisSleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung2026

Impact of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in obstructive sleep apnea: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Huai Heng Loh, Waye Hann Kang, Anne Yee, Anselm Ting Su, Mei Ching Yong, Asri Said, Huai Seng Loh, Norlela Sukor

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Huai Heng LohDepartment of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. hhloh@unimas.my.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6818-469X
Waye Hann KangDepartment of Medicine, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 43000, Kajang, Malaysia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3209-7196
Anne YeeJeffrey Cheah School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 80100, Johor, Malaysia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9835-6798
Anselm Ting SuFaculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Sarawak, Malaysia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8153-3244
Mei Ching YongDepartment of Medicine, Sarawak General Hospital, 93586, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Asri SaidFaculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Sarawak, Malaysia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3008-5204
Huai Seng LohJeffrey Cheah School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 80100, Johor, Malaysia.
Norlela SukorDepartment of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. drlela@hctm.ukm.edu.my.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5434-2087

Funding

Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education FRGS/1/2021/SKK01/UNIMAS/02/1Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia FF-2022-066Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia GP-2020-K013181Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia GP-2021-K013181Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia TAP-K013181
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeWhile continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) reduces cardiovascular risk in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), its effects on renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) modulation remain controversial. This meta-analysis investigates CPAP's differential impacts on RAAS components and identifies responsive patient subgroups.

methodsSixteen studies were included in the systematic review and eight (231 patients) in the meta-analysis. Primary outcomes included plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), plasma renin activity (PRA), and angiotensin II (AngII) changes. Subgroup analyses examined age, BMI, and CPAP duration thresholds, with meta-regression assessing moderating factors.

resultsCPAP significantly reduced PAC (d + of -0.72, 95% CI -1.39 to -0.05, p = 0.036), though statistical significance was attenuated in adjusted models, and improved daytime hemodynamics: systolic BP (d + -0.81), diastolic BP (d + -1.30), and heart rate (d + -1.61). Notably, patients < 50 years showed marked PAC reduction (d + -1.12, 95% CI -1.88 to -0.35), as did those with CPAP adherence ≥ 3 months (d + -0.88, 95% CI -1.86 to 0.09). No significant changes occurred in PRA (p = 0.917), plasma renin concentration (p = 0.463), or AngII (p = 0.058) in the overall cohort. Meta-regression revealed no significant associations between age, BMI, or CPAP duration and RAAS changes (all p > 0.05).

conclusionCPAP demonstrates selective RAAS modulation – significantly lowering PAC – alongside pronounced hemodynamic benefits, even though overall renin and AngII levels did not change significantly. Younger patients (< 50 years) and those maintaining ≥ 3 months therapy show aldosterone responsiveness, suggesting duration-dependent physiological effects. These findings highlight CPAP's potential role in targeted RAAS modulation and underscore the need for personalized treatment strategies in OSA management.

Indexed as

Continuous Positive Airway PressureRenin-Angiotensin SystemSleep Apnea, ObstructiveAldosteroneAngiotensin IIHumansReninAldosteroneAngiotensin IIReninAngiotensinBlood pressureCPAPHyperaldosteronismRenin

Identifiers

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.