Background

Sleep apnea (SA) is common and has prognostic significance among broad groups of patients with heart failure (HF). There are no data characterizing the presence, associations, and prognostic significance of SA among persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) with HF.

Methods

We conducted a single-center study of PLHIV with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] <50%) and analyzed the relationship of SA with 30-day HF hospital readmission rate.

Results

Our cohort included 1124 individuals admitted with HFrEF; 15% were PLHIV, and 92% were on antiretroviral therapy. SA was noted in 28% of PLHIV and 26% of uninfected controls. Compared to uninfected controls with HFrEF and SA, PLHIV with HFrEF and SA had a lower body mass index, lower LVEF, a higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), were more likely to have obstructive rather than central SA (P < .05 for all). In a multivariable model, PASP, low CD4 count, high viral load (VL), and SA parameters (apnea-hypopnea index, CPAP use and duration) were predictors of 30-day HF readmission rate. Each 1-hour increase in CPAP use was associated with a 14% decreased risk of 30-day HF readmission among PLHIV.

Conclusions

Compared to uninfected controls, PLHIV were more likely to have obstructive SA than central SA. Apnea severity, low CD4 count, high VL, and cocaine use were positively associated with 30-day HF hospital readmission rate, whereas CPAP use and increased duration of CPAP use conferred protection.