Sleep Apnea and Chronic Kidney Disease: A State-of-the-Art Review

Patients with chronic kidney disease have increased morbidity and mortality, mainly due to cardiovascular disease. Compared with the general population, patients with chronic kidney disease have an increased prevalence of both OSA and central sleep apnea, and the presence of sleep apnea in this population has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. Although OSA can lead to an increase in the rate of kidney function decline, there is also evidence that the presence of end-stage renal disease can lead to worsening of sleep apnea, indicating a bidirectional relation between sleep apnea and chronic kidney disease. The objective of this review was to describe the epidemiology of sleep apnea in chronic kidney disease, understand the pathophysiological mechanisms by which OSA can lead to progression of chronic kidney disease, and consider the role of treatment with CPAP in this regard. The review also explores the pathophysiological mechanism by which end-stage renal disease can lead to sleep apnea and considers how intensification of renal replacement therapy or extra fluid removal by ultrafiltration may attenuate the degree of sleep apnea severity in this population.