INTERVENTIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA IN ADULT PATIENTS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition characterized by repetitive upper airway obstruction during sleep, resulting in episodes of hypoxemia and sleep fragmentation. Interventions for the treatment of OSA aim to restore ventilation during sleep and minimize the adverse effects associated with the disease. Treatment may include behavioral options, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, oral devices, pharmacological therapies, and surgical approaches. This integrative review aimed to analyze the main therapeutic interventions available for the management of OSA in adult patients, highlighting the efficacy, clinical indications, adverse effects, and limitations of each approach. Studies that compared different treatment strategies were included, considering the severity of OSA, associated comorbidities, and patient preferences. The analysis of the results suggests that the therapeutic approach should be personalized, considering the patient's response, the presence of comorbidities, and adherence to treatment. Combined interventions, such as the use of CPAP combined with behavioral modifications, have been shown to be effective in patients with moderate to severe forms of the condition, while oral devices and surgical approaches may be indicated for milder cases or in patients with contraindications to CPAP.