ME-SOS study-Microcirculation of the Eyes in Severe OSA Syndrome
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Ocular Coherence Tomography Angiography of the Retina, the Optic Disc and Choriocapillaris in People with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome.
IRAS ID
215122
Contact name
Rupert Bourne
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research and Development
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep related breathing disorder. One of the main consequences of OSA are changes in blood vessels which are believed to contribute to the development of cardiovascular problems including heart attacks, strokes and heart failure.
Our knowledge of blood flow impairment in OSA comes mainly from studies which assessed large vessels. Little is known about the impact of OSA on small vessels (microcirculation)which are more difficult to access but generally more susceptible to systemic factors. Changes in the microcirculation may be early, and potentially, reversible markers of OSA related blood vessels damage.The microcirculation of the eyes is one of a few vascular areas which can be easily visualised and monitored over time. It is believed to be representative of the microcirculation of the brain and other organs. Thus, studying it will not only improve our understanding of the potential role of OSA in development of certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma, but will also have wider relevance.
Ocular Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT Angiography) is a novel imaging technique which allows to assess the entire microcirculation of the eyes non-invasively.
In this study we are planning to use OCT Angiography to examine ocular microcirculation in people with severe OSA and control subjects without OSA. The aim is to establish whether ocular microcirculation is impaired in OSA and whether any potential changes are reversible to treatment with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
Eligible participants will be approached in sleep clinics at Papworth Hospital and invited to attend Hinchingbrooke Hospital for a comprehensive eye examination, including OCT Angiography, before starting treatment with CPAP. This examination will be repeated after 3 months of CPAP treatment. The control subjects will undergo the same examination at baseline and after 3 months. We are planning to recruit 20 participants to each group.REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EE/0055
Date of REC Opinion
4 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion