RecruitingPhase 4NCT02703220

Sleep Apnea in Elderly

Pathophysiology-Guided Therapy for Sleep Apnea in the Elderly

Sponsor

VA Office of Research and Development

Enrollment

100 participants

Start Date

Jul 3, 2015

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Elderly adults Sleep Apnea

Summary

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB or sleep apnea) is very common among elderly Veterans and leads to increased morbidity and mortality in this population. The proposal aims to identity whether oxygen, finasteride and acetazolamide can be effective in reducing unstable breathing and eliminating sleep apnea in the elderly via different mechanisms. This proposal will enhance the investigators' understanding of the pathways that contribute to the development of sleep apnea in the elderly. The investigators expect that the results obtained from this study will positively impact the health of Veterans by identifying new treatment modalities for sleep apnea. A cumulative effect of the investigators' research will fulfill the long-term goal of improving the quality of life of elderly Veterans suffering from sleep apnea and its potential life-threatening complications.

Eligibility

Min Age: 60 YearsMax Age: 89 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a drug called Acetazolamide, a drug called Finasteride, and others for people with elderly adults and sleep apnea. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location. People eligible for this study include aged 60 Years to 89 Years.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

OTHERHyperoxia/oxygen

The ventilatory effects of brief hyperoxia will be assessed by analyzing control breaths on room air immediately preceding the hyperoxic exposure, and comparing with the primary end-point, nadir minute ventilation breath, immediately following the brief hyperoxic exposure

DRUGAcetazolamide

Participants with sleep apnea will ingest capsules containing either placebo or acetazolamide 500 mg twice a day for 5 days. On the final 2 consecutive nights while still on ACZ, the investigators will perform i) physiology tests and ii) in-lab follow-up PSG.

DRUGFinasteride

Elderly males with sleep apnea and adequate testosterone levels will ingest placebo vs finasteride, at 5 mg a day for 1 month (mo). After 1 mo, while still on the drug, on the final 2 consecutive nights, the investigators will perform i) physiology tests and ii) in-lab follow-up PSG. Blood tests will be performed to check sex hormone levels. A washout period of 1 month prior to cross-over to the alternate arm (placebo).