Introduction

Both Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and Marfan syndrome (MFS) are health conditions with implications for cardiovascular health. OSA is characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep which causes fluctuations in blood pressure and oxygen levels. These may strain the vascular system. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a device that keeps the airway open during sleep. It might reduce the strain OSA puts on the aorta and therefore lower the risks produced by OSA.

MFS weakens the body’s connective tissue, making the aorta more prone to risk for tearing and rupture. When OSA occurs in people with MFS, it may worsen stress on the aorta and increase the risk of dangerous cardiovascular complications.  

D-dimer is a substance which forms when blood clots break down in the body. High levels of D-dimer show that the body’s clotting system is active, which can help diagnose conditions, such as blood clots in the veins. 

Key Findings of the Study

• Blood pressure spikes caused by OSA are associated with higher levels of D-dimer. The study supports the idea that D-dimer may serve as a useful marker for cardiovascular stress in individuals with MFS, particularly for detecting stress caused by OSA.
• Treatment with CPAP overnight leads to lower morning D-dimer levels, indicating a reduction in cardiovascular stress.

What do these Key Findings tell us?

The findings of the research suggest that D-dimer levels can serve as a reliable indicator of cardiovascular stress in patients with MFS who also have OSA. The elevated D-dimer levels linked to OSA-induced blood pressure, shows the potential vascular damage and stress caused by OSA in individuals with MFS.

Additionally, the findings show that CPAP treatment might reduce this stress by lowering D-dimer levels, which means that CPAP may help prevent further cardiovascular damage in individuals with MFS and OSA.

Take-Home Messages:

Treating OSA with CPAP may not only help sleep-related breathing issues, but also helps prevent further associated cardiovascular risks. This could slow down the progression of aortic disease in individuals with MFS and OSA.