795 Real World Challenges and Barriers for Positive Airway Pressure Therapy Use in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) increases morbidity and mortality post-stroke. However, diagnosing and treating OSA in AIS is challenging. As such, we aimed to determine the feasibility of portable monitoring (PM) for diagnosis and positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy for treatment of OSA in an inpatient stroke population. Methods We recruited inpatients with AIS from the Cleveland Clinic. Those who consented underwent PM; participants with a respiratory event (REI) ≥10 were offered auto-titrating positive airway pressure therapy (APAP). Ease-of-use questionnaires were completed. We summarized categorical variables using n(%) and continuous variables using mean±SD or median [IQR]. Results 27 participants (age 59.8±11.8, 51.9% female, 51.9% African American, BMI 33.3±11.4) enrolled. The study ended early due to Medicare contracting that forced most patients to complete stroke rehabilitation outside the Cleveland Clinic health system. 69.6% had large vessel occlusions and 52% had moderate/severity disability (Modified Rankin score ≥2). PM was attempted in 23 participants and successful in 19. Nursing and patients rated the PM device as highly easy to use. 11 of 14 patients who had an REI ≥10 consented to APAP titration, but only 5 continued APAP after discharge. Four patients who initially said APAP was easy to use noted that their stroke interfered with their APAP use at home. Conclusion This study demonstrates the challenges in the assessment and treatment of OSA in an acute ischemic stroke population, highlighting the necessity for further research into timely and feasible screening and treatment. Support (if any) ResMed