Plasma adrenomedullin and obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with hypertension. The vasorelaxing peptide adrenomedullin (ADM) may counteract effects of OSA-induced release of vasopressor substances. Methods Plasma ADM levels were measured at 9:30 , 2:00 (after 4 to 5 h of untreated OSA), and 6:00 (after 4 h of continuous positive airway pressure treatment) in 15 OSA patients and in 10 controls. Results Baseline ADM levels were similar in the OSA and control groups (28.7 ± 6.7 v27.7 ± 6.4 pg/mL, respectively), did not change overnight in either group, and were not affected by continuous positive airway pressure. Conclusions OSA does not exert any significant acute or chronic effects on plasma ADM levels.